Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Hardware, Equipment & Parts / TT Electronics / FY2020 Annual Report

TT Electronics
Annual Report 2020

TTG · LSE Consumer Cyclical
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Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2020 Annual Report · TT Electronics
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WE SOLVE ELECTRONIC 
CHALLENGES FOR A 
SUSTAINABLE WORLD 

TT Electronics plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WHAT’S 
INSIDE

Strategic report

Strategy framework 
TT at a glance 
Chairman’s statement 

1 
2 
4

Chief Executive’s 
review
• Strategic review 
• Q&A

Our strategy 
Our business model 
Key performance indicators 
Our capabilities 

8

16 
20 
22 
24

Our markets
• Market review
• Healthcare
• Aerospace and 

defence 

• Automation and 
electrification

30

Divisional review 
Chief Financial Officer's review 
Risk management 
Principal risks and uncertainties 

38 
44 
50 
52

Stakeholder 
engagement
• Customers and 

Suppliers
• Employees
• Investors
• Society

54

OUR  
PURPOSE... 

Our purpose

We solve electronic 
challenges for a 
sustainable world. 
TT engineers 
advanced electronics 
which benefit our 
planet and its people 
for future generations. 

We focus on electronics that work reliably 
in challenging and performance-critical 
environments, helping our customers bring 
advances that benefit our planet and its 
people.

We apply our principles to ourselves, in 
the way we work and how we interact with 
our communities, and through the delivery 
of innovative products and services to 
our customers. The result is long-term 
sustainable value for our customers 
and suppliers, our people, communities, 
investors… and the planet.

We achieve this through the design, 
engineering and manufacture of our power, 
connectivity and sensing capabilities. These 
provide solutions that are cleaner, smarter 
and healthier. This is achieved through 
increased fuel efficiency of aircraft, smart 
city infrastructure for reduced energy usage 
and through the provision of healthcare 
solutions which support laboratory analysis, 
healthcare diagnostics and minimally invasive 
procedures. 

Cautionary statement
This report contains forward-looking 
statements. These have been made by 
the Directors in good faith based on the 
information available to them up to the 
time of their approval of this report. The 
Directors can give no assurance that these 
expectations will prove to have been correct. 
Due to the inherent uncertainties, including 
both economic and business risk factors 
underlying such forward-looking information, 
actual results may differ materially from 
those expressed or implied by these forward-
looking statements. The Directors undertake 
no obligation to update any forward-looking 
statements whether as a result of new 
information, future events or otherwise

Cover photo
Our power, connectivity, and sensor 
technologies span the modern surgical suite 
and are used to help deliver therapy directly to 
patients. Learn more on pages 24 and 25.

Our people
• Purpose and culture
• Health and safety
• Engagement 
• Equality, diversity 

and inclusion

Our environment
• Governance
• Environmental  
priority areas

• Community

58
64

Non-financial information statement 

70

Governance and Directors’ report

Chairman’s introduction to governance 
Board of Directors and Company Secretary 
Executive Leadership Team 
Leadership and company purpose 
Composition, succession and evaluation 
Nominations Committee report 
Audit Committee report 
Directors’ remuneration report 
Remuneration Policy overview 
Remuneration at a glance 
Annual report on remuneration 
Other statutory disclosures 
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in  
respect of the Annual Report and Accounts 

72 
76 
79 
80 
84 
86 
88 
92 
97 
99 
100 
111 

113 

Financial statements

115 
124 

Independent auditor’s report to 
the members of TT Electronics plc 
Consolidated income statement 
Consolidated statement of  
125 
comprehensive income 
126 
Consolidated statement of financial position 
127 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
128 
Consolidated cash flow statement 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements  129 
182 
Company statement of financial position 
183 
Company statement of changes in equity 
184 
Notes to the Company financial statements 
Five-year record 
191 
Reconciliation of KPIs and non IFRS measures  192 

Additional information

Shareholder information 
Glossary 

199 
Inside back cover

... AND STRATEGY FRAMEWORK

Our strategy

We create sustainable value by:

Positioning ourselves  
in structural growth markets

Creating differentiated 
capabilities

Working with our customers to solve 
their toughest electronic challenges

We are exposed to megatrends which drive sustainable growth:

Cleaner 
Climate change and  
resource scarcity

Smarter 
Technological breakthrough 
and digital transformation

Healthier 
Demographics and  
social change

TT designs and manufactures solutions which:

Improve energy  
efficiency

•  Aircraft electrification
•  Electric and hybrid 
electric vehicles

Ensure accuracy

Drive automation

•  Smart energy 
infrastructure

•  Smart city 

infrastructure
•  Remote patient 

monitoring

•  Factory automation 

and productivity

Improve patient  
outcomes

•  Laboratory analysis 
•  Minimally invasive 

procedures

•  Medical diagnostics

Our strategy is advanced through our five strategic priorities:

Strategic business 
development

R&D and value 
added product  
solutions

Read more about our strategic priorities on pages 16 to 19 

Operational  
excellence

Value-enhancing 
acquisitions

Building a sustainable 
business

Our value creation is underpinned through engagement with our key stakeholders:

Customers and suppliers
We work with our customers and 
suppliers to turn ideas and design 
concepts into reality using our 
electronic engineering expertise and 
domain knowledge. 

Employees
We reward our people financially, 
while enabling their personal 
development and protecting their 
health, safety and mental wellbeing.

Communities
We manage our activities to 
minimise our impact on the 
environment and we give back to 
the communities in which we work 
and live.

Shareholders
Our strategy is designed to enable us 
to create sustainable value over the 
long-term for our shareholders.

Read more about the value we create for stakeholders in our business model on pages 20 to 21 and also see the Board’s 
relations with stakeholders on pages 54 to 57

We work with each other and our stakeholders according to our ‘TT Way’ values:

We do the right thing

We bring out the best 
in each other

We achieve more 
together

We champion 
expertise

We get the job  
done … well

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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Financial statementsGovernance and Directors' reportStrategic reportStrategic report | TT at a glance

DELIVERING SPECIALIST 
CAPABILITIES ACROSS THE GLOBE

Our divisions
Read more on pages 38 to 43

Power and Connectivity
The Power and Connectivity division 
designs and manufactures power 
application products and connectivity 
devices which enable the capture 
and wireless transfer of data. We 
collaborate with our customers 
to develop innovative solutions to 
optimise their electronic systems.

Global Manufacturing Solutions
The Global Manufacturing Solutions 
division provides manufacturing services 
and engineering solutions for our product 
divisions and to customers that often 
require a lower volume and higher mix 
of different products. We manufacture 
complex integrated product assemblies 
for our customers and provide 
engineering services including designing 
testing solutions and value-engineering.

Sensors and Specialist Components
The Sensors and Specialist Components 
division works with customers to 
develop standard and customised 
solutions including sensors and power 
management devices. Our solutions 
improve the precision, speed and 
reliability of critical aspects of our 
customers’ applications.

Revenue

Revenue

Revenue

£125.1m 2019: £138.2m

£197.5m 2019: £213.2m

£109.2m 2019: £126.8m

Change
(9)%
Adjusted operating profit1

£10.3m 2019: £16.5m

Adjusted operating margin 

8.2% 2019: 11.9%

Change
(7)%
Adjusted operating profit1,2 

£15.0m 2019: £13.5m

Adjusted operating margin

7.6% 2019: 6.3%

Change
(14)%
Adjusted operating profit1

£9.4m 2019: £15.3m

Adjusted operating margin 

8.6% 2019: 12.1%

1 See note 1c on page 129 for an explanation of alternative performance measures. 

2The results for the year ended 31 December 2019 have been restated to reflect prior year adjustments. Further details are set out in note 1h on page 133.

Our markets
Read more on pages 30 to 37 

Our target markets

25%

Healthcare

•  Advanced surgical devices
•  Imaging and direct patient care
•  Laboratory automation and 

diagnostics

22%

Aerospace and 
defence

•  Commercial and military 

aircraft

•  Space and satellite
•  Defence systems and 

vehicles

37%

Automation and electrification

•  Automation and control
•  Energy and smart devices
•  Infrastructure

TT’s other market is revenue through the distribution sales channel which accounts for 16 per cent of 2020 revenue.

2

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

You can visit us online at www.ttelectronics.com
You can also visit our Annual Report online at  
www.ttelectronics/investors/investor-highlights/reports-presentations-videos/.com

Our global reach

38%

North and Central America 
(% of Group revenue)

Employees

2,086

Primary locations

13

Total permanent headcount at 31 December 2020.

Revenue is by destination

Our capabilities
Read more on pages 24 to 29

Power 
We design and manufacture 
customised, highly efficient 
power management devices
Target markets served

23%

United Kingdom 
(% of Group revenue)

Employees

1,235

Primary locations

10

17%

Rest of Europe 
(% of Group revenue)

Employees

20

Primary locations

1

22%

Asia and Rest of World 
(% of Group revenue)

Employees

1,399

Primary locations

7

Connectivity 
We help enable the 
Internet of Things

Sensing 
We design and manufacture 
smart sensors

Target markets served

Target markets served

Healthcare

Healthcare

Healthcare

Aerospace and defence

Automation and electrification

Aerospace and defence

Automation and electrification

Automation and electrification

Manufacturing and engineering
We are a trusted global manufacturing partner

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

3

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Chairman’s statement

Since 2015 the 
Company has 
meaningfully improved 
operational execution, 
customer focus and  
re-shaped the portfolio. 
This strategy has 
increased the quality of the 
business and the focus on 
healthcare, aerospace & 
defence and automation 
& electrification markets. 
We believe our markets 
will remain highly relevant 
to customers going 
forward and some of 
the existing, favourable 
structural growth 
drivers we are seeing 
will accelerate.

Warren Tucker, Chairman

AS I COME TO THE END 
OF MY FIRST YEAR AS 
CHAIRMAN, I SEE MUCH 
TO BE OPTIMISTIC 
ABOUT ACROSS TT.

This is my first statement as Chairman of TT, having assumed the role on  
6 May 2020, at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting. This followed 
my joining the Board on 2 April 2020.

4

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

I am delighted to have the opportunity to be the 
Chairman of TT. It is an attractive business with 
really great prospects and excellent people and 
I am committed to its purpose-driven mission.

has enabled us to continue delivering 
to customer requirements, thereby 
contributing to society’s essential needs, 
including rapid-response work on 
various projects for COVID-19 solutions.

The Group has delivered a resilient 
performance in 2020, during a very 
challenging year for the global economy. 
This has had a significant impact on 
our results. As soon as the impact of 
COVID-19 on our markets was clear, 
we took decisive action to respond 
quickly and effectively to the COVID-19 
outbreak. The impacts on the business 
have been mitigated, as a result of the 
swift actions taken to control costs and 
optimise cash. Increasing order intake 
from our sustainable markets, together 
with our increased production capacity 
as employees have returned to work, is 
driving an improving performance trend 
from the second half of 2020. 

Being TT Chairman is a privilege, as 
TT is an attractive business with really 
great prospects and excellent people. 
It has differentiated technology in 
markets with structural growth drivers, 
and these have sustainability as a core 
theme. This is combined with deep 
domain knowledge and good, long-term 
customer relationships. I have been 
deeply impressed by the management 
team and the employees I have been 
fortunate to meet. 

With all that said, my first year with the 
company has meant significant Board 
attention to address the unprecedented 
challenges presented by the COVID-19 
outbreak. In particular, we have spent 
time considering how to mitigate the 
impacts of COVID-19, all the while 
prioritising the protection and wellbeing 
of our employees and communities, and 
supporting our customers. The Board 
has also overseen the Group's strong 
cost control and cash management 
activities, with a firm eye on enhancing 
TT’s growth prospects. 

I have also written to TT’s largest 
shareholders and conducted 
introductory virtual meetings to suit their 
requirements. I look forward to meeting 
our shareholders face-to-face, when 
conditions allow. 

Our COVID-19 response and trading
The Company has executed against 
its comprehensive plans to protect the 
safety and wellbeing, not just of our 
employees, but also our customers 
and partners, as well as our wider 
communities. Where necessary, and 
in compliance with local government 
requirements, vulnerable employees 
have been shielded.

Through the robust actions we have 
taken to keep employees safe, as well 
as our designated ‘essential’ business 
status across our businesses, we have 
remained largely operational through the 
year. All our sites are currently open. This 

WHAT ATTRACTED 
ME TO TT

Sustainability 
driving growth

Attractive, 
expanding markets

Global customer 
and manufacturing 
footprint

Significant 
investment 
in technology 
differentiation

A culture of pride, 
high integrity and  
a can-do attitude

Experienced, 
high-performing 
management team

Employee safety first
Protecting our teams has remained 
our highest priority across all of our 
facilities. In Hartlepool, UK wall-mounted 
thermometers have been installed. A Red 
Cross flag flies high above the Mexicali, 
Mexico site, symbolising TT’s dedication 
to safeguarding the health and safety of all 
employees through our robust COVID-19 
prevention protocols. 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Chairman’s statement continued

Strategic progress
The Company has been pursuing its 
strategy since 2015 and this has been 
a key enabler of the performance in 
2020. This strategy has increased the 
quality and resilience of the business, by 
divesting TT’s more cyclical automotive 
business, and by increasing the focus 
on attractive healthcare, aerospace & 
defence and automation & electrification 
markets. Furthermore, we believe our 
focus markets will remain highly relevant 
to customers going forward and the 
existing, favourable market drivers 
will accelerate.

We have also further advanced our 
strategy during 2020. We have made 
two high quality acquisitions in the 
year, helping us move further up the 
value chain and they bring above Group 
average margins. These acquisitions 
have been rapidly integrated. We now 
have a growing market position and 
scale in the Power Solutions segment 
in North America and the opportunity 
to achieve the same in Europe. These 
acquisitions were funded with a 
combination of debt and new equity, 
consistent with our conservative 
approach to Group leverage. We have 
also delivered good progress against 
our self-help programme, which has the 
key aims of reducing TT’s operational 

footprint and fixed cost base and 
ensuring products are manufactured 
in the right locations for optimal 
profitability and customer service. 
I make no apologies for saying once 
again: all this has been achieved in the 
context of the COVID-19 outbreak and 
the additional safety, access, travel and 
other constraints that this entailed.

The environment
The Board is aware just how important 
the environment is to all our stakeholders 
and it is mindful that we need to be 
a good custodian of the planet. TT’s 
purpose, which was first set out in 
2019, is to solve electronic challenges 
for a sustainable world. We have set 
out through this Annual Report and 
Accounts different examples of the 
ways in which we provide solutions 
and products for our customers that 
are cleaner, smarter and healthier. 

The Board is also mindful that 
focusing on TT’s own performance, 
as well as what it sells to customers, 
will also have a beneficial impact on 
the environment. Through 2020, the 
Board has overseen, both directly 
and through its People, Social, 
Environmental and Ethics Committee, 
a number of management initiatives 
to reduce our impact on the planet. 

For example, we now track carbon 
emissions (carbon dioxide tonnes 
equivalent) as a Group-level key 
performance indicator, including short-
term carbon reduction targets, and we 
have a target of being a carbon neutral 
business (scope 1 and scope 2) by 2035. 
We are also targeting reductions in the 
amount of non-recycled plastic and 
waste we produce. Further details of TT’s 
environmental initiatives and performance 
are set out on pages 64 to 69. 

Building on this momentum, the Board 
intends to undertake a specific Climate 
Risk Assessment in 2021 and we will 
report the results as appropriate in next 
year’s Annual Report.

The Board
There have been a number of changes to 
the Board in 2020. My predecessor, Neil 
Carson, stood down as Chairman on 6 
May 2020 with Stephen King leaving the 
Board on 30 September 2020 after nine 
years’ service. 

Neil and Stephen served on the Board 
as Chairman and Senior Independent 
Director respectively through a period of 
great strategic and operational progress 
for TT Electronics. We are extremely 
grateful for the leadership, direction and 

We solve electronic challenges for a 
sustainable world
Our focus on the design and manufacture 
of engineering electronics that perform 
reliably in challenging and performance 
critical environments helps our customers 
bring advances that benefit both our planet 
and its people, including offshore renewable 
energy projects.

(scope 1 & scope 2)

20%Reduction in carbon emissions 
2035

Our target to be carbon neutral 

6

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Our employees have worked tirelessly and I have 
been greatly impressed with the overall culture 
of the organisation, which is consistent with the 
principles of the ‘TT Way’.

Despite the many COVID-related 
difficulties that this has entailed, our 
employees have continued to serve 
customer needs throughout the year. 
They have an abundance of technical 
expertise, deep domain knowledge and 
good customer relationships. More 
than this, however, they have shown 
themselves to be adaptable, working 
according to the new practices and 
controls we have introduced this year 
in response to COVID-19. Alongside this, 
they have also shown dedication, hard 
work and an ability to go beyond basic 
requirements in difficult conditions to 
get tasks done well and on-time. 

TT has been an active participant in the 
fight against COVID-19, being involved 
in a range of projects through the year. 
These include vaccine refrigeration and 
ventilator products, and a COVID-19 
screening device called Virolens®. We 
have funded technology investment 
during 2020 to provide the right products 
and services to support front-line staff 
and the broader community. 

Our employees have worked tirelessly on 
these and other projects and I have been 
greatly impressed with the overall culture 
of the organisation, consistent with the 
principles of the ‘TT Way’. Employees 
have also shown great commitment 
to our communities by voluntarily 
providing critical protective equipment 
to frontline staff. There is more detail on 
this on page 69. This can-do attitude 
has impressed the Board and we offer 
our appreciation and thanks for our 
employees’ hard work and dedication 
through the year. 

insights provided through this time. They 
have left the Company a much stronger 
business and we thank them for their 
significant contributions.

In line with our succession planning, 
on 3 April 2020 Jack Boyer became 
Senior Independent Director with 
Anne Thorburn becoming Chair of 
the Audit Committee.

As a Board we take our governance 
responsibilities very seriously and 
believe these allow the Company to 
pursue its strategy with more pace 
and less risk. Our approach to our wide 
range of responsibilities is set out in the 
Chairman’s introduction to governance 
on pages 72 to 75. 

Dividend payment
Given the good recovery we are seeing 
and the positive outlook for 2021 and 
beyond, we are resuming dividends as 
planned, with the Board proposing a 
final dividend of 4.7 pence per share. 
The total cash cost of this dividend will 
be approximately £8.2 million. Payment 
of the dividend will be made on 21 May 
2021, to shareholders on the register at 
30 April 2021.

Our employees
As a Group, we could not achieve 
anything meaningful without the help 
and support of our employees. I have not 
been able to meet as many employees 
in person as I would have liked in my first 
year as Chairman, due to travel and other 
COVID-related constraints. However, I 
have made every use of technology to 
get to know as many as possible, as well 
as receiving employee feedback from the 
People, Social, Environmental and Ethics 
Committee. There is also a good level 
of Board engagement with employees 
overall, with further details of this on 
pages 54 to 55. 

We achieve more together
Demonstrating excellent teamwork, 540 
employees took just 80 minutes to piece 
together more than 50,000 stickers to create 
six pixel wall murals – each illustrating 
aspects of the TT culture during an annual 
team building event in Suzhou, China.

Looking forward
As I come towards the end of my first 
year as Chairman, I see much to be 
optimistic about across TT. The Group 
has successfully maintained and built 
on its traditional technical and domain 
strengths with investment in the business 
continuing. Solid strategic progress has 
been made and we can build on this for 
future success. The Group is positioned 
well to deliver on our growth priorities, 
based on strong technical, operational 
and customer foundations and we have 
significant bandwidth to do much more. 
When taken together, these provide 
the Board with great confidence in 
the Group’s prospects.

Warren Tucker
Chairman
9 March 2021

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Chief Executive’s review

CREATING 
SUSTAINABLE 
VALUE

Richard Tyson, Chief Executive Officer

Our purpose is to solve 
electronic challenges for 
a sustainable world. We 
design and manufacture 
solutions that enable 
a cleaner, smarter and 
healthier environment. 

Throughout the year 
we have prioritised the 
protection and safety 
of our employees, 
our customers, our 
suppliers and our wider 
communities. We have 
greatly appreciated 

how our employees 
have responded to the 
challenges presented. 
Their skill, dedication 
and hard work, which 
they have constantly 
demonstrated in uniquely 
difficult conditions, have 
resulted in them going 
above-and-beyond to 
get things done well 
and on-time.

Introduction 
Our purpose is to solve electronic 
challenges for a sustainable world. We 
design and manufacture solutions that 
enable a cleaner, smarter and healthier 

8

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

We bring out the best in each other
During uncertain times, TT’s teams continued 
to support local communities. In Mexicali, 
Mexico the “Giving Something Back” 
programme provided two bags of food to each 
employee to be shared between family and 
neighbours to support the most vulnerable.

environment. We create value through 
supplying products and services that 
support sustainability in our target 
markets of healthcare, aerospace & 
defence and automation & electrification. 

Environmental, social and governance 
("ESG") matters are central to our 
purpose. We have received an improved 
rating of ‘AA’ in the MSCI ESG Ratings 
assessment, recognising our progress 
during the year. We have worked hard to 
reduce our scope 1 and scope 2 carbon 
emissions. These have decreased by 
20% to 12,518 tonnes CO2e in 2020 
from 15,705 tonnes CO2e in 2019. This 
improvement is due to our energy 
efficiency actions and increased use 
of green electricity as well as the lower 
production volumes in the year.

We started 2020 with good trading 
momentum prior to the COVID-19 
outbreak. Although COVID-19 did impact 
trading, particularly in the second 
quarter, our performance has been 
on an improving trend in the second 
half and this has continued into early 
2021. The improving trajectory is being 
driven by increasing order intake across 
all divisions, as well as our improved 
production capacity, as employees have 
returned to work. All sites are now open 
following a few temporary closures in the 
first half of 2020. 

As a result of the longer-term impacts 
on society from the COVID-19 outbreak, 
we believe that many of the positive, 
structural trends already evident in 
our markets will accelerate. These 
include the digital transformation, 
increased automation, more demand 
for remote tracking of assets, a greater 

prevalence of connectivity and demand 
for improved healthcare. This gives us 
confidence in the strong prospects we 
see for TT.

Alongside a resilient trading 
performance, we have continued to 
execute our strategy. During the year we 
have invested £11.2 million in research 
and development ("R&D"), enhancing 
our pipeline of new products. We have 
also completed two acquisitions, Torotel, 
Inc and Covina, investing £48.7 million 
in total, including deferred consideration 
relating to a prior year acquisition. 
These acquisitions have advanced our 
power supply capabilities and market 
reach in the US. We are also on-track to 
deliver the £11-12 million of full run-rate 
benefits in 2023 from our investment 
in the self-help programme launched in 
the first half of the year. We are pleased 
with the progress made so far to deliver 
this significant programme which is an 
important component of our path to 
double-digit operating margins. 

Throughout the year we have prioritised 
the protection and safety of our 
employees, our customers, our suppliers 
and our wider communities. We have 
greatly appreciated how our employees 
have responded to the challenges 
presented. Their skill, dedication and 
hard work, which they have constantly 
demonstrated in uniquely difficult 
conditions, have resulted in them 
going above-and-beyond to get things 
done well and on-time. Their flexibility, 
responsiveness and ability to deliver has 
strengthened and deepened many of our 
customer relationships. Together with 
our critical capabilities and balance sheet 
strength, this has positioned us well for 
future work and collaborations.

Results and operations
Group revenue for the year was £431.8 
million, 9 per cent lower than the prior 
year at constant currency and 12 per 
cent lower on an organic basis. Organic 
revenue was 17 per cent lower in the 
second quarter against the comparable 
prior year period due to reduced demand 
as we shielded staff, reducing capacity. 
There were also temporary closures of a 
few sites. However, since then we have 
continued to see improving momentum 
across the business. Notably the 
recovery strengthened during the fourth 
quarter, when organic revenue was only 
5 per cent lower than the prior year. We 
have seen further improvement at the 
start of 2021

DEVELOPING 
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

Cleaner

Healthier

Cleaner and smarter

Smaller, lighter and more power efficient

Our smallest DC-DC power converter 
is lightweight, weighing less than 0.2kg. 
It is designed for use on unmanned aerial 
systems, where size, weight and power 
efficiency are critical considerations.  
Our design allowed our customer to reduce 
the overall volume and weight by around 
two-thirds in comparison to a standard 
sized transponder.

Miniature product for implantable 
applications

Our high-voltage healthcare transformer 
has been redesigned to a customer’s 
demanding requirements. We have 
successfully reduced the size of this tiny, 
implantable product to 6mm x 9mm x 10mm, 
and from six to two pieces while meeting 
enhanced performance expectations. 
Contained within an implantable cardioverter-
defibrillator, the product can help patients with 
hereditary heart disease live for decades. 

Low carbon and energy efficient technology

Our new S-2 CONNECT hub and sensor 
devices enable customers to deploy cost-
effective smart home solutions, fast. It has 
achieved early success in a UK housing 
association’s low-carbon and energy 
efficiency programme. It is helping to roll-
out remote environmental monitoring and 
preventative maintenance solutions across 
thousands of new social homes in London. 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Chief Executive’s review continued

We believe that many of the positive, structural 
trends in our markets will accelerate as a result of 
the longer-term impacts on society from COVID-19 
and this give us confidence in an exciting future 
for TT Electronics.

This recovery trend has been 
underpinned by strong order intake 
across the Group through the fourth 
quarter of the year. This has continued 
into 2021 across all divisions. Order 
intake for full year 2020 was 99 per 
cent of revenue, and for the second half 
was 103 per cent of revenue. The order 
book at the end of February 2021 is at 
record levels.

TT has continued its focus on improved 
health through life-changing technology 
where demand for improved healthcare 
continues to be driven by increasing global 
incomes and ageing populations.

In recognition of the improving trends 
we have seen through the second 
half of the year and our strong cash 
generation, early in 2021 we repaid 
the UK Government Coronavirus Job 
Retention Scheme (furlough) payments 
to the UK Government. The £1.1 million 
cost of repayment has been provided for 
in these 2020 results.

Adjusted operating profit for the year 
was £27.5 million, 27 per cent lower than 
the prior year at constant currency. The 
second half adjusted operating margin 
was 6.5 per cent, including the accrued 
cost of the furlough repayment. After 
the impact of adjusting items, including 
restructuring and acquisition and disposal 
costs, the Group’s full year statutory 
operating profit was £6.6 million.

During the year end close process, 
a 2019 non-cash timing adjustment 
was identified, associated with the 
timing of overhead recognition in one 
of our sites in Global Manufacturing 
Solutions. As a result of this adjustment 
the previously reported 2019 operating 
profit has been reduced by £1.9 million 
and 2020 operating profit is ahead of 
management's original expectations by 
a similar amount. 

We are particularly pleased with our strong 
cash performance, delivering operating 
cash conversion of 130 per cent. This was 
driven by continuing tight control over 
costs and capital expenditure. In addition, 
there was a working capital inflow of £3.6 
million, which included £4.2 million from 
a reduction in inventory. On a statutory 
basis, cash flow from operating activity 
was £28.2 million (2019: £35.9 million). Our 
strong operating cash performance helped 
us deliver increased free cash flow of £14.4 
million (2019: £9.7 million), despite the 
impact of COVID-19 on our profits.

10 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

We ended the year with net debt of £83.9 
million (2019: £69.1 million), including 
IFRS 16 lease liabilities of £15.9 million 
(2019: £17.6 million). We have a strong 
balance sheet, and this includes a 
defined benefit pension scheme fully 
funded on an actuarial basis. At 31 
December 2020 leverage was 1.6 times 
(2019: 1.0 times), within the Board’s 
target leverage range of 1-2 times. 

Our return on invested capital has 
declined to 7.7 per cent in 2020 due 
to the volume driven profit reduction 
and this will recover as business 
momentum increases. 

Our markets
We focus on creating value through 
our sustainable products in our target 
markets of healthcare, aerospace & 
defence and automation & electrification, 
where there are advanced technology 
requirements. We believe that many of 
the positive, structural trends already 
evident in our markets will accelerate as 
a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. 

In healthcare (25 per cent of Group 
revenue) growth is driven by increasing 
global incomes leading to demand for 
improved healthcare, alongside ageing 
populations and new preventative 
care technologies. In 2020 the usual 
market trends have been impacted by 
the pandemic and we have supported 
new and existing customers to provide 
products to counter the virus. Pent-up 
demand for deferred elective surgery 
and for large installations for hospital 
or life science applications are expected 
to be supportive of growth over the 
next few years. COVID-19 has also 
reinforced the need for a number of 
TT specialisms, including interventional 
healthcare devices, patient monitoring 
and laboratory equipment.

In aerospace and defence (22 per cent 
of Group revenue) growth is driven by 
increasing demand for electrification of 
platforms, which supports fuel efficiency 
and safety as well as, over the longer 
term, increasing passenger numbers. 
Currently, with less passenger-driven 
demand due to COVID-19, commercial 
aerospace production has found a new, 
lower level. Rates are now largely re-set 
and we have proactively reduced our 
cost base to match. We anticipate a 
gradual recovery in aircraft production 
over several years, as long-term growth 

During the year, we have continued to 
invest in line with our target of 5 per cent 
of product sales. Our R&D investment 
was £11.2 million (2019: £13.5 million), 
representing 4.8 per cent (2019: 5.1 per 
cent) of the aggregate revenue of our 
product businesses. 

We continue to bring a pipeline of 
exciting new products to market, 
including in areas where we have 
extended our technical capabilities 
through acquisition. Examples include:

• Following two years of development, 

we received qualification orders at our 
Minneapolis, Minnesota site (Precision 
Inc, acquired in 2018) from a healthcare 
customer for a miniature high voltage 
transformer/inductor power assembly 
for an implantable defibrillator 
programme. Initial qualification 
examples are expected to be delivered 
in the second quarter of 2021. The 
product has been developed in close 
collaboration with the customer, with 
work undertaken at the customer’s 
engineering laboratories;

• As a result of investment in a power 
supply for a ground-vehicle laser 
warning system, the product has been 
selected for a US military programme. 
This followed an initial approach from 
a long-standing customer. Deliveries 
will start in late 2021, as a result of 
successful live-fire demonstrations 
having been developed at our Covina, 
California site (acquired in January 
2020). The product is based on 
an existing, proprietary TT design 
used across a number of airborne 
applications;

• We have launched a new range of 
metal foil sensor chips which offer 
improved surge tolerance and self-
heating characteristics. These are 
intended to service the market for 
products that require control and 
monitoring of energy consumption, 
including healthcare, and automation 
and electrification applications.

During the year we were appointed 
exclusive manufacturing partner by iAbra 
for Virolens®, a rapid COVID-19 screening 
device. Evaluation trials of the product 
are continuing, and iAbra is making good 
progress with the regulatory approvals 
process. There continues to be a role for 
COVID-19 screening to complement the 
vaccination programme in the UK and 
elsewhere. Revenue to TT from the sale 
of Virolens® are dependent on potential 
end customers converting expressions 
of interest into firm orders and regulatory 
approvals in each relevant territory. 

There continues to be a wide-range of 
potential commercial outcomes hence 
no certainty as to the financial impact 
on TT. 

In addition, TT is part of the UK’s 
Project High-T Hall, alongside Rolls-
Royce, Paragraf and CSA Catapult. This 
project is intended to demonstrate how 
graphene-based Hall Effect sensors can 
operate reliably at high temperatures. 
This paves the way for more efficient 
electric engines for aerospace and other 
applications. The project, which started 
in July 2020, is expected to run for one 
year and is funded by UK Research and 
Innovation.

Read more on our capabilities on pages 24 to 29 

Creating value through 
margin enhancement
The pursuit of higher margins 
through organic and inorganic growth 
remains core to the Group’s strategy. 
Notwithstanding the short-term impact 
of COVID-19 on 2020 margins, we have 
a clear path to delivering double-digit 
operating margins with the improving 
trend expected to continue in 2021 and 
beyond. The actions we have taken 
this year bring the business closer to 
realising this, with key contributions 
expected from:

• Operational leverage from organic 

revenue growth; 

• Reductions in overheads; and 
• Inorganic expansion developing 
technology offerings and market 
positions.

Our significant self-help programme, 
which will reduce our footprint and 
fixed cost base, commenced in the first 
half of 2020. This has made very good 
progress. Initial programme benefits 
were £2 million in 2020, and these have 
helped to mitigate the slowdown in our 
end-markets. Incremental benefits of £5 
million are expected in 2021, supporting 
margin improvement. There is a clear 
path to achieving the expected full run-
rate benefits of £11-12 million in 2023. 

The programme comprises a number of 
different activities. Given the COVID-19 
related weakness in certain end-markets, 
we expanded the original programme to 
include additional headcount reductions 
across a number of sites. By the 
end of 2021 we will have also closed 
three primary operating sites, further 
improving efficiency.  

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

11

Investment at the Minneapolis, Minnesota 
facility has enabled TT to remain at the very 
forefront of healthcare product development 
creating significant opportunity for the 
business moving forward.

resumes. The defence market has been 
seen by governments as an essential 
business activity through 2020. It has 
continued to show strong growth, with 
heightened global security tensions also 
remaining a driver behind spending. 
Our ability to design and manufacture 
smaller, lighter and more efficient 
products helps our customers improve 
efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, 
positioning us well in the market.

In automation and electrification markets 
(37 per cent of Group revenue), growth is 
being driven by factors including demand 
for sustainable solutions to improve 
energy efficiency, the use of robotics to 
improve productivity and the increasing 
use of remote asset tracking. There has 
been an improving demand trend in the 
second half of the year, with orders and 
visibility increasing. The positive long-
term growth drivers in this market give 
us confidence that demand will increase 
for our power, sensing and connectivity 
solutions.

Read more on our markets on pages 30 to 37 

Creating value through 
technology investment
R&D is one of our top capital allocation 
priorities, given its critical contribution 
to the ongoing health of the business. 
Our investment in R&D is focused on 
bringing higher growth, more sustainable 
products to market. These typically 
yield higher returns and development 
is often undertaken in partnership 
with our customers. Our investment 
strategy includes leveraging acquired 
complementary capabilities targeted 
through mergers and acquisitions (M&A). 

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Chief Executive’s review continued

The acquisition of the Torotel business 
broadens TT’s power electronics capabilities 
and further expands the Company’s 
presence in the US aerospace and defence 
market. The acquisition builds on the 
recently acquired Covina, California-based 
business unit.

In addition, we are taking certain 
products end-of-life in 2021, as well 
as relocating the manufacture of other 
products within our existing footprint. 
This will enable us to serve customers 
better, as well as achieve an improved 
level of profitability. Total net headcount 
reductions of around 500 employees 
are expected on completion of the 
programme. At the end of 2020 c.70% of 
the planned headcount reductions had 
been delivered. 

We continue to anticipate total cash 
spend for the self-help programme of 
£18 million, of which £4.1 million was 
spent in 2020, including £2.5 million of 
capital expenditure. Restructuring spend 
of £1.6 million is net of the accelerated 
disposal for £3.0 million after costs, of 
our Lutterworth, UK freehold property. 
The total anticipated programme P&L 
expense remains at £24 million, with 
£12.9 million incurred in 2020. In addition 
to the cash costs, the P&L expense 
incorporates non-cash items, primarily 
asset and inventory write-downs and the 
impairment of intangibles. 

Our acquisitions also contribute to higher 
margins. The acquisitions completed 
in the year, Torotel, Inc and Covina, the 
power supply business of Excelitas 
Technologies Corp. have brought with 
them operating margins above the TT 
Group average and we have reconfirmed 
our expectations for cost synergies. 

Environmental, social and 
governance (ESG)
Not only do we develop, design, 
engineer and manufacture products 
that enable reduced environmental 
impacts, but we are also optimising 
our own operations to reduce our 
impact on the environment. 

We have set ourselves a target to be 
carbon neutral by 2035 and we are 
undertaking a range of actions to deliver 
like-for-like reductions in our annual 
emissions. In 2020 we reduced our 
scope 1 and scope 2 carbon emissions 
by 20%. In addition, we are focusing on 
reducing single-use plastics within the 
business and on reducing the amount of 
waste we send to landfill. Our continuing 
progress on ESG matters has been 
recognised externally, having received an 
improved rating of ‘AA’ in the latest MSCI 
ESG Ratings assessment.

Read more on Our environment on pages 64 to 69

Inspiring the next generation 
of engineers
Science, Technology, Engineering and 
Mathematics (STEM) skills remain critical to 
the future of our company and the industry. 
As such, TT remains actively committed in 
helping develop these skills with employees 
encouraged to participate in charitable 
and community activities to engage and 
encourage more interest in STEM subjects.

12 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Creating value from mergers 
& acquisitions
We use M&A to enhance TT’s 
technology capabilities and market 
access, consolidating within the Group 
fragmented but valuable niche areas. 
We create value by realising revenue 
synergies, including leveraging customer 
access and by optimising operations and 
the supply chain. We invest in attractive, 
growing and higher margin segments 
that the Group knows well, and where we 
have competitive advantage.

This year we have bought two power 
supply businesses, the Covina 
(California) based power supply 
business of Excelitas Technologies Corp. 
(completed January 2020) and Torotel, 
Inc (completed November 2020), based 
in Olathe, Kansas. We have rapidly and 
effectively integrated these businesses 
and we are engaged in the robust pursuit 
of synergy opportunities.

Our most recent acquisition, Torotel, is 
another particularly strong fit with the 
Group’s strategy. The acquisition has 
increased our scale and capabilities in 
the very large and attractive US defence 
market, and it has enhanced our US 
power electronics presence. Torotel has 
a track-record of strong revenue growth 
and brings opportunities to apply our 
proven operational improvement and 
integration capabilities to the business. 

Following the successful integration of 
Covina earlier in the year, the integration 
of Torotel’s systems and processes into 
TT’s Power and Connectivity division has 
also been completed. Utilising our well-
defined business integration model, this 
has integrated major business processes 
including operations, procurement, 
finance, legal, IT and human resources. 
This was completed against a backdrop 
of COVID-related travel restrictions and 
other constraints. We are proud of the 
team and our new Torotel colleagues for 
undertaking this complex task so quickly 
and in really difficult conditions.

R&D is one of our top capital allocation priorities, 
given its critical contribution to the ongoing health  
of the business.

Outlook 
We started 2020 with good 
momentum prior to the COVID-19 
outbreak which most impacted our 
trading performance in the second 
quarter. Since then our performance 
has been on a recovering trend, which 
has strengthened in the fourth quarter 
of the year. This trend has continued 
into 2021 on the back of increasing 
order intake across all divisions.

We believe that many of the positive, 
structural trends in our markets will 
accelerate as a result of the longer-term 
impacts on society from COVID-19. 
We see this in a number of areas, but 
especially in increasing demand for 
improved healthcare and an acceleration 
of digital transformation and connectivity. 
These factors, combined with the steps 
we have taken to enhance the quality of 
our businesses, our self-help programme 
and our record order book position us 
well for 2021 and give us confidence in an 
exciting future for TT.

Richard Tyson
Chief Executive Officer
9 March 2021

Our attention is now focused on creating 
value from improving operational 
performance and integrating the Torotel 
customer proposition more closely with 
our other businesses. This includes 
customer cross-selling, the integration 
of products from across the Group 
to provide higher-value customer 
offerings and leveraging our business 
development capabilities. Examples of 
the exciting opportunities we are seeing 
already are as follows:

• As a result of a Torotel customer 

introduction, TT is actively pursuing 
two significant new opportunities with 
a US defence prime;

• The newly combined TT and Torotel 
teams, are working with a customer 
on a specific opportunity to expand 
the power supply work currently 
undertaken by TT’s recently acquired 
business based at Covina, California; 

•  Utilising it as a centre of excellence, 
Torotel has been introduced to an 
existing TT customer to expand the 
magnetics we currently provide.

The Precision business (acquired in 
2018), based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, 
has also secured a thirty-month contract 
with a US defence prime for an alternator 
assembly. This order is the single largest 
in Precision’s history, with production 
from October 2020. We continue to 
work on several other new and existing 
programmes with this customer. 

We are continuing to look for opportunities 
to extend TT’s technology capabilities 
and market reach. 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

13

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Chief Executive’s Q&A

CHIEF 
EXECUTIVE’S 
Q&A

Q

Richard Tyson, Chief Executive Officer

Q.

How much do you think TT has 
changed since you became Chief 
Executive Officer in 2014?

TT today is unrecognisable from 
the business I joined in 2014. We 
have significantly repositioned TT’s 
portfolio of businesses. We sold 
the Transportation, Sensing and 
Control division in 2017 and we have 
re-invested the proceeds into high-
quality acquisitions in aerospace and 
defence, healthcare and automation 
and electrification markets. We have 
increased the rate of investment in 
technology, with a focus on capabilities 
that help solve our customers’ electronic 
challenges for a more sustainable world. 
We have established a Group culture 
of putting people first, of championing 
expertise and of getting the job done 
well. We have taken a more strategic 
approach to business development, 
encouraging collaboration and cross-
selling. We have focused on our cost 
base and we have embarked on a 
self-help programme in 2020 which 
will reduce the number of operating 
locations in the Group, making us more 
efficient, as well as reducing our carbon 

TT works with some of the world’s leading 
healthcare equipment developers and 
manufacturers where customers rely on 
an experience in high-precision and high 
reliability applications for the life-critical 
healthcare devices and equipment. Learn 
more on pages 24-25.

footprint. While the COVID-19 outbreak 
has impacted our results in 2020, the 
result of our actions between 2015 to 
the end of 2019 has been to deliver good 
organic revenue growth, a doubling in the 
Group’s operating margin and improved 
profits, all the while significantly 
enhancing the quality of the business. 
We are well-positioned to resume 
positive momentum. 

Q.

What are the drivers in your 
markets today that will underpin 
TT’s future growth?

We have re-positioned the business in 
markets with attractive, sustainable, 
structural growth characteristics. For 
example, in healthcare markets our 
specialisms include telemedicine, 
device connectivity and remote patient 
monitoring capabilities. In automation 
and electrification markets these include 
robotics, factory automation, smart 
city infrastructure and remote tracking 
of assets.

Our technology is linked to sustainability 
and we create differentiated capabilities 
working with our customers to solve 
their toughest electronic challenges. In 
particular, we are all impacted by climate 
change and resource scarcity and TT 
can offer solutions which feed into 
global ‘mega-trends’. In our aerospace 
and defence markets the proliferation 
of electronics is at the heart of fuel 
efficiency and safety. In our healthcare 
markets, we provide electronics for a 
healthier world and in our automation 
and electrification markets, we 
participate in the long-term trends 
towards lower power consumption, 
greater productivity and efficiency. 

14 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Q.

How important are environmental 
matters to TT?

We are passionate about ESG 
matters. We develop, design, engineer 
and manufacture products for our 
customers that help them reduce their 
environmental impacts and which 
also have significant, beneficial, social 
impacts for society – making our planet 
cleaner, smarter and healthier. 

We are also optimising our own 
operations to reduce their impact on the 
environment. We have included carbon 
emissions within our Group KPIs for 
the first time in 2020 and we aim to be 
carbon neutral by 2035, with like-for-like 
reductions annually. In addition, we are 
focusing on reducing single-use plastics 
within the business and on reducing the 
amount of waste we send to landfill.

Q.

How would you summarise 
TT’s performance in 2020?

We started 2020 with good momentum 
but there were COVID-19 related impacts 
in the first quarter at our Chinese 
operations and then, in the second 
quarter, at our other sites around the 
world. This had an immediate impact 
on our customers' operations as they 
faced restrictions and uncertainty, 
impacting and reducing our short-
term order intake. However, our trading 
performance has been showing an 
improving trend through the second half 
of 2020 and into 2021, with the recovery 
strengthening in the fourth quarter of 
2020. This has been driven by increasing 
order intake across all the divisions and 
good recovery in the market segments in 
which our customers operate. 

We have also continued to implement 
our strategy and ensure we position the 

We provide value-added product solutions 
for our customers. We use our industry 
expertise and focused R&D to streamline 
supply chains, increase efficiency and bring 
newer smarter products to market. Learn 
more on pages 30-31.

At TT we understand the importance of 
our impact on the environment. Our sites 
are developing cleaner energy solutions to 
reduce CO2 emissions, improving energy 
efficiency and minimising waste. Read more 
on pages 64-69.

business for success as economies 
recover. We have invested £11.2 million 
during the year in R&D, in conjunction 
with our customers, which continues to 
enhance our new business pipeline of 
opportunity. We have also completed 
two acquisitions, investing a total of 
£48.2 million. We are also on-track 
to significantly improve our overhead 
efficiency and deliver in 2023 the full 
run-rate £11-12 million benefits from 
the self-help programme we launched 
in the first half of the year and we are 
really pleased with the progress made to 
execute this significant programme. 

Q.

What do you see as the main benefits 
to TT from the November 2020 Torotel, 
Inc acquisition?

Torotel is a business we have been 
following for a while, and the acquisition 
is consistent with our strategy. It 
increases our scale in the very large and 
attractive US defence and aerospace 
markets and enhances our position 
in US power electronics. Now that 
it is part of the TT family, I am even 
more enthused about what it brings 
us and what we can do to improve 
the business. Torotel comes with 
a track-record of strong revenue 
growth and we have built on this 
by cross-selling to our respective 
customers, as well as combining 
our product offerings to move 
up the value chain. We are 

already seeing new opportunities we can 
bring to Torotel, and we can also help 
improve its probability of winning work. 
Additionally, there are clear opportunities 
for us to apply our proven operational 
improvement capabilities to Torotel, 
increasing its margin and creating 
further value. 

The acquisitions of Torotel and Covina 
extends TT’s list of blue-chip US aerospace 
and defence customers, providing access 
to sole-sourced, multi-year positions on 
major platforms. 

A

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

15

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Our strategy

OUR 
STRATEGY

We create sustainable 
value through our:

Market focus 
Positioning ourselves 
in structural growth 
markets

Product differentiation 
Creating differentiated 
capabilities

Smarter solutions 
Working with our 
customers to solve 
their toughest 
electronic challenges 

We are delivering 
against this strategy by 
focusing on delivering 
against our five 
strategic priorities:

Priority

Why this is important

Highlights in the year

Future priorities

Link to KPIs

We continue to see strategic business development as a 
key driver of future, sustainable revenue and profit growth. 
This involves cross-business and division collaboration 
and Group-wide targeting of key potential customers 
who have the ‘right fit’ for our business. Our business 
development strategy complements excellent delivery 
and customer service.

Strategic business  
development

R&D is one of our top capital allocation priorities, given its 
critical contribution to the ongoing health of the business. 

Our investment is often undertaken in partnership with our 
customers, helping our customers address climate change 
and other sustainability issues by providing products that 
are cleaner, smarter and healthier. 

Research & Development 

By investing in value-add products we are driving future 
revenue growth and enhancing our ability to move up the 
value chain, supporting an enhanced operating margin. 

Our investment strategy includes leveraging acquired 
complementary capabilities targeted through mergers and 
acquisitions. 

Aligned with our investment in innovation is the ability to 
conduct our operations efficiently, resulting in a reduced 
cost base and an enhanced operating margin. 

Operational excellence also enables us to deliver 
consistently to our customers, on time and on budget 
with appropriate levels of quality, meaning they will want 
to continue to place further orders with us.

Operational excellence

Targeted, complementary acquisitions help us to 
accelerate our strategy in terms of capability as well as 
market and customer exposure.

Our disciplined financial approach and proven ability 
to integrate acquisitions enable us to create value, 
by exceeding our cost of capital.

Value-enhancing  
acquisitions

Our acquisitions also contribute to higher margins. 
bringing with them operating margins above the 
Group average.

Sustainability is central to what we make for our 
customers – products that are cleaner, smarter and 
healthier. 

Sustainability is also central to the way we run our 
business. We seek to minimise our impact on 
the environment to the benefit of our stakeholders, 
including customers and suppliers, employees, 
communities and shareholders.

Building a sustainable  
business

•  We have navigated COVID-19 well with our performance on an 

•  Continuing focus on targeting the most 

•  Organic revenue growth

improving trend through the second half of 2020, and this trend 

attractive customer accounts

•  Adjusted operating profit margin

has continued into 2021

•  A cross-Group Business Development Council has continued to 

ensure co-ordination between divisions to optimise our effort, 

•  Develop our online and digital service 

delivery including technical support 

and virtual marketing of capabilities 

•  Adjusted EPS

•  Cash conversion

•  Return on invested capital

including targeting the most promising customers

to customers

•  There has been continuing success from our cross-selling 

•  Continue to prioritise cross-selling 

opportunities. The Global Manufacturing Solutions division has 

opportunities between our divisions 

made customer introductions to other divisions, resulting in 

and businesses

significant business wins. 

•  In particular, we will seek optimise 

•  The Covina based power supply acquisition, which was acquired in 

cross-selling opportunities from our 

January 2020, has won a significant new contract. This is as a result 

recent acquisitions, including Torotel, 

of a TT customer introduction, and happened within a few months 

Inc. with a pipeline of opportunities 

of acquisition

already being created

•  We have continued to invest in line with our target of 5 per cent of 

•  We will continue the focus around 

•  Organic revenue growth

product sales. Our R&D investment was 4.8 per cent (2019: 5.1 per 

investment in our three capabilities 

•  Adjusted operating profit margin

cent) of the aggregate revenue of our product businesses

of power solutions for aerospace and 

•  We have reassessed our investment in the context of those markets 

healthcare markets; connectivity for 

which remain most attractive in the shorter term, given demand 

the Internet of Things; and specialist 

•  Return on invested capital

•  Adjusted EPS

•  Cash conversion

•  R&D investment

pattern changes

sensing capabilities

•  We have supplemented our product design and development 

•  Our focus will continue to be on 

capability with the acquisitions of the Covina and Torotel 

sustainability and market growth 

businesses, helping us move up the value chain and enabling us to 

drivers, including electrification, 

bring together our specialist capabilities from across the Group

digitisation, automation and 

connectivity

•  We will maintain a pipeline of new 

products focused on optimising 

our market potential in higher 

growth segments driven by a more 

sustainable world

•  We quickly implemented COVID-19 specific safety protocols which, 

•  We will continue our multi-year 

•  Organic revenue growth

together with our essential business status, meant we remained 

self-help programme and bring it to a 

•  Adjusted operating profit margin

largely open and operational through the year. There was only a 

successful conclusion

limited impact on our capacity, in the face of COVID-19 and we 

•  We will progress Torotel operational 

•  Adjusted EPS

•  Cash conversion

continued delivering to customer requirements, while protecting the 

improvements, including investment 

•  Return on invested capital

safety and wellbeing of our people and the wider community, as well 

in its operations

as customers and suppliers

•  We will continue to progress our 

•  Our new, extended self-help programme commenced in the first 

Group-wide Supply Chain Council 

half of 2020 and we are making good progress, with c. 70 per cent 

activities

of planned headcount reductions completed and transfer activity 

•  Our site level Lean Practitioners and 

on schedule to support the site closure timeline. The project is 

BE Lean efficiency activities will 

on schedule to deliver the expected £11-12 million of full run-rate 

continue in 2021

benefits in 2023

•  Our ongoing BE Lean activities continue and improve our efficiency 

around specific processes at site level

•  Safety performance

•  Engagement score

•  CO2 equivalent (tonnes)

•  We acquired the Covina (California) based power supply business 

•  We will continue to drive superior 

•  Organic revenue growth

of Excelitas Technologies Corp in January 2020 for a headline 

returns from recent acquisitions

•  Adjusted operating profit margin

$17.7 million

•  We will drive value creation 

•  We also acquired Torotel, Inc, based in Olathe, Kansas, in November 

opportunities, both revenue and 

2020 for a headline $43.4 million

cost synergies 

•  We continued to look for opportunities to extend our technology 

•  We will drive cross-selling and 

•  Adjusted EPS

•  Cash conversion

•  Return on invested capital

•  CO2 equivalent (tonnes)

capabilities and market reach

other opportunities from all our 

acquisitions, which aids our efforts to 

beat the cost of capital

•  We will continue the further 

development and execution of our 

acquisition pipeline

•  We have continued to invest in the business (see in particular 

•  We will continue our multi-year self-

R&D and operational excellence above) to design and 

help programme

manufacture value-add products that help customers provide 

•  We will continue with initiatives to 

more sustainable products and services

reduce our carbon footprint in line 

•  We have continued to drive our own sustainability strategy in the 

with our pledge to be carbon neutral 

year, including setting targets for reduced CO2 emissions, actions 

by 2035

to improve our health and safety performance and enhanced 

•  We will maintain investment in 

safety procedures during the COVID-19 outbreak

•  We commenced a self-help programme which will result in the 

closure of three facilities, reducing our carbon footprint

the business, consistent with 

our target, to develop new, 

sustainable products

•  Organic revenue growth

•  Underlying operating 

profit margin

•  Underlying EPS

•  Cash conversion

•  Return on invested capital

•  Safety performance

•  Engagement score

•  R&D investment

•  CO2 equivalent (tonnes) 

16 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

We continue to see strategic business development as a 

key driver of future, sustainable revenue and profit growth. 

This involves cross-business and division collaboration 

and Group-wide targeting of key potential customers 

who have the ‘right fit’ for our business. Our business 

development strategy complements excellent delivery 

and customer service.

R&D is one of our top capital allocation priorities, given its 

critical contribution to the ongoing health of the business. 

Our investment is often undertaken in partnership with our 

customers, helping our customers address climate change 

and other sustainability issues by providing products that 

are cleaner, smarter and healthier. 

Our investment strategy includes leveraging acquired 

complementary capabilities targeted through mergers and 

acquisitions. 

Aligned with our investment in innovation is the ability to 

conduct our operations efficiently, resulting in a reduced 

cost base and an enhanced operating margin. 

Operational excellence also enables us to deliver 

consistently to our customers, on time and on budget 

with appropriate levels of quality, meaning they will want 

to continue to place further orders with us.

Targeted, complementary acquisitions help us to 

accelerate our strategy in terms of capability as well as 

market and customer exposure.

Our disciplined financial approach and proven ability 

to integrate acquisitions enable us to create value, 

by exceeding our cost of capital.

Sustainability is central to what we make for our 

customers – products that are cleaner, smarter and 

healthier. 

Sustainability is also central to the way we run our 

business. We seek to minimise our impact on 

the environment to the benefit of our stakeholders, 

including customers and suppliers, employees, 

communities and shareholders.

Strategic business  

development

Operational excellence

Building a sustainable  

business

Value-enhancing  

acquisitions

Our acquisitions also contribute to higher margins. 

bringing with them operating margins above the 

Group average.

Priority

Why this is important

Highlights in the year

Future priorities

Link to KPIs

•  We have navigated COVID-19 well with our performance on an 
improving trend through the second half of 2020, and this trend 
has continued into 2021

•  A cross-Group Business Development Council has continued to 
ensure co-ordination between divisions to optimise our effort, 
including targeting the most promising customers

•  There has been continuing success from our cross-selling 

opportunities. The Global Manufacturing Solutions division has 
made customer introductions to other divisions, resulting in 
significant business wins. 

•  The Covina based power supply acquisition, which was acquired in 

January 2020, has won a significant new contract. This is as a result 
of a TT customer introduction, and happened within a few months 
of acquisition

•  Continuing focus on targeting the most 

attractive customer accounts

•  Develop our online and digital service 
delivery including technical support 
and virtual marketing of capabilities 
to customers

•  Continue to prioritise cross-selling 

opportunities between our divisions 
and businesses

•  In particular, we will seek optimise 

cross-selling opportunities from our 
recent acquisitions, including Torotel, 
Inc. with a pipeline of opportunities 
already being created

•  Organic revenue growth
•  Adjusted operating profit margin
•  Adjusted EPS
•  Cash conversion
•  Return on invested capital

•  We have continued to invest in line with our target of 5 per cent of 
product sales. Our R&D investment was 4.8 per cent (2019: 5.1 per 
cent) of the aggregate revenue of our product businesses

•  We have reassessed our investment in the context of those markets 
which remain most attractive in the shorter term, given demand 
pattern changes

•  We will continue the focus around 

investment in our three capabilities 
of power solutions for aerospace and 
healthcare markets; connectivity for 
the Internet of Things; and specialist 
sensing capabilities

•  We have supplemented our product design and development 

•  Our focus will continue to be on 

•  Organic revenue growth
•  Adjusted operating profit margin
•  Adjusted EPS
•  Cash conversion
•  Return on invested capital
•  R&D investment

Research & Development 

By investing in value-add products we are driving future 

revenue growth and enhancing our ability to move up the 

value chain, supporting an enhanced operating margin. 

capability with the acquisitions of the Covina and Torotel 
businesses, helping us move up the value chain and enabling us to 
bring together our specialist capabilities from across the Group

•  We quickly implemented COVID-19 specific safety protocols which, 
together with our essential business status, meant we remained 
largely open and operational through the year. There was only a 
limited impact on our capacity, in the face of COVID-19 and we 
continued delivering to customer requirements, while protecting the 
safety and wellbeing of our people and the wider community, as well 
as customers and suppliers

•  Our new, extended self-help programme commenced in the first 

half of 2020 and we are making good progress, with c. 70 per cent 
of planned headcount reductions completed and transfer activity 
on schedule to support the site closure timeline. The project is 
on schedule to deliver the expected £11-12 million of full run-rate 
benefits in 2023

•  Our ongoing BE Lean activities continue and improve our efficiency 

around specific processes at site level

•  We acquired the Covina (California) based power supply business 
of Excelitas Technologies Corp in January 2020 for a headline 
$17.7 million

•  We also acquired Torotel, Inc, based in Olathe, Kansas, in November 

2020 for a headline $43.4 million

•  We continued to look for opportunities to extend our technology 

capabilities and market reach

sustainability and market growth 
drivers, including electrification, 
digitisation, automation and 
connectivity

•  We will maintain a pipeline of new 
products focused on optimising 
our market potential in higher 
growth segments driven by a more 
sustainable world

•  We will continue our multi-year 

self-help programme and bring it to a 
successful conclusion

•  We will progress Torotel operational 
improvements, including investment 
in its operations

•  We will continue to progress our 

Group-wide Supply Chain Council 
activities

•  Our site level Lean Practitioners and 
BE Lean efficiency activities will 
continue in 2021

•  We will continue to drive superior 
returns from recent acquisitions

•  We will drive value creation 

opportunities, both revenue and 
cost synergies 

•  We will drive cross-selling and 
other opportunities from all our 
acquisitions, which aids our efforts to 
beat the cost of capital

•  We will continue the further 

development and execution of our 
acquisition pipeline

•  Organic revenue growth
•  Adjusted operating profit margin
•  Adjusted EPS
•  Cash conversion
•  Return on invested capital
•  Safety performance
•  Engagement score
•  CO2 equivalent (tonnes)

•  Organic revenue growth
•  Adjusted operating profit margin
•  Adjusted EPS
•  Cash conversion
•  Return on invested capital
•  CO2 equivalent (tonnes)

•  We have continued to invest in the business (see in particular 

•  We will continue our multi-year self-

R&D and operational excellence above) to design and 
manufacture value-add products that help customers provide 
more sustainable products and services

•  We have continued to drive our own sustainability strategy in the 
year, including setting targets for reduced CO2 emissions, actions 
to improve our health and safety performance and enhanced 
safety procedures during the COVID-19 outbreak

•  We commenced a self-help programme which will result in the 

closure of three facilities, reducing our carbon footprint

help programme

•  We will continue with initiatives to 
reduce our carbon footprint in line 
with our pledge to be carbon neutral 
by 2035

•  We will maintain investment in 
the business, consistent with 
our target, to develop new, 
sustainable products

•  Organic revenue growth
•  Underlying operating 

profit margin
•  Underlying EPS
•  Cash conversion
•  Return on invested capital
•  Safety performance
•  Engagement score
•  R&D investment
•  CO2 equivalent (tonnes) 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

17

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Our strategy continued

OUR STRATEGY

IN ACTION

Research & Development
Our investment is focused on sustainable 
markets with attractive growth characteristics, 
in line with our purpose which is to enable a 
cleaner, smarter and healthier world. During 
the year, we launched the new S-2 CONNECT 
(speed-to-connect) system, which has multiple 
applications including remote monitoring 
of energy, security, temperature and home 
healthcare. Our product has won its first 
contract which is to help a customer roll-out 
an energy-efficiency programme across a 
residential housing estate. 

Strategic business development
We have continued to win new customers 
during the year, including:
•  A contract for the provision of power supplies 
and other products, as well as manufacturing 
and fulfilment services, in the healthcare 
market. This contract support a new and 
novel imaging technology

•  A multi-year contract with a new Asian 

customer to build assemblies for diagnostic 
healthcare equipment. The customer is 
seeing increased demand as a result of the 
COVID-19 outbreak.

•  A multi-year contract for a range of 

electronics manufacturing services with a 
leading provider of renewable, wind-turbine 
energy products

18 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Value-enhancing acquisitions
We acquired two power supply businesses in 2020, 
the Covina, California power supply business of 
Excelitas Technologies Corp. (completed January 
2020) and Torotel, Inc (completed November 
2020), based in Olathe, Kansas. We have rapidly 
and effectively integrated these businesses and 
we are pursuing cross-selling and other synergy 
opportunities with a good pipeline of potential 
opportunities already in place.

Our new Covina-based acquisition won, as a result 
of a cross-divisional team effort, a multi-year design 
and manufacture programme for a power converter 
on a US military aircraft. The work was won within a 
few months of TT gaining ownership.

Operational excellence
The Group’s new self-help programme 
commenced in the first half of 2020. This 
multi-year programme further consolidates our 
production activities, optimises the location of 
manufacturing of certain product lines and is 
expected to deliver £11-12 million of full run-
rate benefits in 2023.

Building a sustainable business
TT recognises that our activities have an 
environmental impact. As well as producing 
sustainable products for our customers we 
optimise our own operations to reduce their 
impact on the environment. Our goal is to be a 
carbon neutral business by 2035, with like-for-like 
annual reductions in our emissions. We are also 
committed to reducing our single-use plastics and 
the amount of waste we send to landfill.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

19

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Our business model

HOW WE  
CREATE VALUE

What differentiates TT:
TT’s differentiation arises from 
our deep domain knowledge and 
sustained investment in technology, 
allied with customer intimacy and an 
ability to deliver with flexibility

Our resources and relationships

Our key resources and relationships

Our people and culture
 – Our people are at the heart of what we do
 – They have deep experience of our chosen, 

specialist capabilities 

 – The ‘TT Way’ underpins the behaviours we encourage 

and by which we live every day, with the right culture being 
critical to our ability to deliver sustainably over time

See pages 58 to 63

Access to our customers
 – We have excellent customer credibility, often working 

together with them over many years

 – We have a model of working in partnership to solve 

electronic challenges

 – We can provide differentiated capabilities 

to our customers

See page 11

Our business development organisation
 – We have a Group-wide leadership approach through our 
Business Development Council that fosters inter-Group 
collaboration and promotes cross-selling

 – We invest in training and tools to help increase our share 

of work with the most strategic customers, as well 
as bringing on board new customers by winning key 
contracts and programmes. This is through an enhanced 
approach to selling and partnering

See pages 16 to 17

Our engineering capability
 – Through our customer intimacy, we can align our 

engineering resources to develop the right applications 
in the right markets - and at the right time

 – We are aligned to structural growth trends and achieve 

advances in technology to bring into production 
sustainable products that will benefit the planet 
and its people

 – We invest in our specialisms through product 
development, investment in our people and in 
our facilities

See pages 9 and 13

A global manufacturing footprint 
 – Our manufacturing footprint enables us to service a global 
customer base with a sustainable supply chain network

 – It gives us flexibility to switch production 

between geographies, according to capacity, 
and customer requirements

 – We are agile and flexible and focus on higher mix, 

lower volume work where there is a need for significant 
product customisation

See page 3

20 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 
AND CUSTOMER INTIMACY

 – We seek out customers who value what we do and 

where we can add-value in markets that have long-term 
structural growth dynamics driven by sustainability. We 
seek revenue streams that are multi-year and recurring

 – We develop a partnership approach with customers, 
working with them to solve their toughest electronic 
challenges

 – We look for markets and customers where we can 

establish long term relationships. We seek to be being 
'designed in', as it creates barriers to entry, as our 
components, products and engineering services are 
integral to customers’ designs

 – We foster collaboration internally, share opportunities 

and key customer account intelligence to enable 
improved probability of winning new business 
and securing future growth

MANUFACTURING  
AND DELIVERY

 – We specialise in low volume and high mix products, that 
require multiple factory set-ups; this sets us apart from 
many competitors that specialise in higher volume, lower 
mix products

 – We can serve a global customer base as we have 

facilities around the world that can cater for customers’ 
needs in different geographic locations

 – We are lowering our cost base through site consolidation, 

product optimisation and investment in operational 
excellence. This also reduces our carbon emissions over 
time, increasing the sustainability of the business

We leverage our attributes to unlock TT’s potential and solve electronic challenges for a sustainable world by providing solutions 
for our customers that are cleaner, smarter and healthier. We contribute to lighter and more environmentally friendly aircraft, with 
increased fuel efficiency. Our products support smart city infrastructure, including smart metering technology which is driving 
reduced energy usage and we help improve health with a range of solutions, including laboratory analysis, minimally invasive 
surgical procedures, healthcare diagnostics and wearable devices.

RESEARCH & 
DEVELOPMENT

 – We invest in R&D, often in partnership with customers, 

understanding this is critical to the health of our 
business as it brings new, advanced and sustainable 
products to market

 – We look for single source and designed-in development 
opportunities where we can move up the value chain

 – We operate in markets where our R&D investment 

makes a real difference, by bringing to market highly 
customised and complex products

 – The critical nature of our markets often means obtaining 

complex regulatory approvals, requiring  
know-how and experience, resulting in barriers to entry
 – We are known as being innovative and agile so we can 

bring new products to market quickly

 – We have 11 R&D centres around the world that 

are the repository of our IP and specialist product 
development skills

ENGINEERING 
CAPABILITY

 – We have deep domain knowledge in our markets: and 

years of experience solving electronic challenges
 – We have a particular skill in our ability to package 

products, to make customers’ end products 
smaller, lighter and less power consuming – which 
is key to our customers' fuel and energy saving 
products; this also aids the use of wearable and 
implantable devices in healthcare markets to 
improve health 

 – We invest in the business organically and 

inorganically so we can move up the value chain 
to engineer products, as well as components

Who are our stakeholders?

Customers and suppliers
We communicate regularly with customers and suppliers. 
For example, we undertake ‘Voice of the Customer’ feedback 
surveys to better understand our customers' views on what 
we do well and how we can improve. 

We work closely with our key suppliers both at a site level 
and globally, to make sure they understand our needs and 
requirements and ensure our supply chain is as robust, 
efficient and sustainable as possible.

We engage with key suppliers, adopting a pragmatic 
approach so that we can achieve maximum benefit for both 
parties, within a clear framework of corporate responsibility.

Employees
We put in place a suite of comprehensive controls globally 
to protect our employees and their families from COVID-19, 
learning from our early experience at our Chinese facilities.

We have been benchmarked by Best Companies as a "2 Star" 
great place to work.

We have developed an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 
strategy and Committee and ED&I business unit working 
groups to drive equality and diversity at a local level. 

Our communities
We are contributing to improving the environment by reducing 
our carbon emissions by 20% in 2020. We have baselined 
our single-use plastic and waste to landfill in the year. 
We have actions in place to reduce all of these annually on 
a like-for-like basis. 

Our global teams remain committed to giving back to 
their local communities, including participating in several 
COVID-19 support initiatives and STEM programmes 
through 2020.

Shareholders
Over the medium term the outcome of our business 
model has included organic revenue growth, an increasing 
underlying operating profit margin and good cash 
generation. This means we can invest organically and 
inorganically and generate an increasing EPS, which all helps 
to deliver an improving return on invested capital. 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

21

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Key performance indicators

OUR KEY PERFORMANCE  
INDICATORS

KPI and description

Five-year 
performance chart

Why this KPI is important

2020 progress and 
medium-term target

Financial

Organic revenue growth (%)
The percentage change in revenue 
from continuing operations in 
the current year compared to the 
prior year, excluding the effects of 
currency movements, divestments 
and acquisitions. This measures 
the like-for-like growth or decline 
of the business.

(12)%

2019: 4%

(12)%

2020

2019

2018

2017

20161

4%

6%

5%

0%

Adjusted operating profit 
margin (%)
Adjusted operating profit as 
a percentage of revenue.

6.4%

2019: 8.0%

2020

2019

2018

2017

20161

6.4%

8.0%

7.8%

6.7%

5.5%

11.7p

2019: 17.8p

2020

2019

2018

2017

20161

11.7p

17.8p

16.2p

10.9p

12.0p

Adjusted earnings  
per share (pence)
The profit for the year attributable 
to shareholders excluding items not 
included within adjusted operating 
profit divided by the weighted 
average number of shares in 
issue during the year. 

Cash conversion (%)
Adjusted operating cash flow including 
capital expenditure, divided by 
adjusted operating profit. 

130%

2019: 103%

2020

2019

2018

2017

20161

130%

103%

88%

98%

87%

Return on invested capital
Adjusted operating profit for the year 
divided by average invested capital 
for the year. Average invested capital 
excludes pensions, provisions, tax 
balances, derivative financial assets 
and liabilities, cash and borrowings. 
It is calculated at average rates taking 
into account monthly balances.

7.7%

2019: 10.8%

2020

2019

2018*

2017*

20161*

7.7%

10.8%

11.5%

10.6%

10.3%

22 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Sustainable organic revenue growth 
is an important means by which 
value can be created. It reflects a 
combination of conditions in our 
markets and our success in gaining 
market share from serving our 
customers better.

Organic revenue was 12% lower 
reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 
outbreak. There were lower volumes 
from commercial aerospace, 
automation and electrification and 
healthcare markets, although defence 
remained strong.

The adjusted operating profit margin 
is an indicator of our ability over the 
longer term to extract fair value from 
our products and services driven by a 
mixture of increasing revenue and an 
optimised cost base.

Target: 3-5% organic revenue growth 
annually over the medium term.

The adjusted operating margin was 
lower at 6.4% reflecting the impact 
of reduced sales volumes related to 
COVID-19 and associated operating 
constraints and inefficiencies. These 
were partlially offset by cost control 
and efficiency measures. 

Target: Double-digit margin by 2023.

Adjusted EPS is an important 
metric used by shareholders. It 
summarises the overall financial 
performance of the Group including 
revenue growth, operating margin, 
the cost of debt finance and the rate 
of underlying taxation.

Adjusted EPS was 11.7 pence, 
primarily reflecting the lower adjusted 
operating profit in the period.

Target: Double digit adjusted EPS 
growth annually at constant currency 
over the medium term.

Carbon dioxide equivalent 

(tonnes)3

The total amount emitted in tonnes 

for scope 1 and scope 2 (carbon 

dioxide equivalent), with further 

details on the calculation method set 

out on page 65.

20%

reduction since 2019

2020

2019

12,518

15,705

Cash conversion measures how 
effectively profit is converted into 
cash and, within this, reflects the 
management of working capital and 
capital expenditure. High levels of 
cash conversion aids investment 
in the business. It also enables the 
Group to provide increased returns for 
shareholders and supports a strong 
balance sheet. 

Cash conversion increased to 130% 
as a result of the Group’s proactive 
cash management with capital and 
development expenditure lower and 
a working capital inflow, including an 
inflow from inventory reduction.

Target: 90%+ cash conversion 
annually over the medium term.

Return on invested capital is a measure 
of how efficiently the Group is utilising 
its assets, relative to profitability, in 
generating shareholder returns.

Return on Invested Capital declined to 
7.7 per cent due to the volume driven 
profit reduction.

Target: Exceed the cost of holding 
assets with year-on-year increases.

Safety performance 

(number of three day lost-

time incidents)

The number of work-place health 

and safety incidents that resulted in 

employees, contractors or visitors 

needing to be off work for three days 

or more.

5

2019: 4

5

4

Employee engagement 

score

Results from a third-party survey, Best 

Companies Ltd, which uses a scale of 

one (low) to seven (high) against eight 

success factors. Employee feedback is 

received anonymously.

5.21

2018: 4.82

Interim pulse surveys

2020

2019

2018

2017

20161

2020

20192

2018

2017

20161

17

7

13

5.21

4.82

4.73

4.59

Data available from 2019 only.

4.8%

2019: 5.1%

2020

2019

2018

2017

20161

4.8%

5.1%

5.1%

4.6%

4.0%

Employee wellbeing lies at the heart of 

There was one more incident in 

the “TT Way". A low number of Health 

2020 compared to 2019 with the 

and Safety incidents is one measure 

total in the year at five. This in part 

of how our safety performance, 

reflected COVID-related disruption to 

which potentially impacts employees, 

established processes and working 

contractors and our communities 

practices through the year. 

generally, is succeeding relative to 

peers. It measures how well we are 

executing on our commitment to raise 

safety standards globally and is also 

linked to our operational performance.

Target: Year-on-year reduction 

in incidents, ultimately leading to 

‘zero harm’.

Employee engagement lies at the 

Our net employee engagement score 

centre of our strategy and is at the 

has increased since 2018 to 5.21, 

heart of the ‘TT Way’. Having engaged 

with the company now being judged 

employees is crucial to attracting and 

a “2 star" great place to work. This is 

maintaining the talent we need to 

an increase on the “1 star" received in 

execute our strategy.

the last survey.

Target: Survey-on-survey increase in 

the Group's engagement score over 

the medium term

We consider that the biggest impact 

A decrease of 20 per cent in emissions 

we have on the environment from our 

(carbon dioxide equivalent – tonnes) 

operations is in respect of climate 

in the year. This improvement is due 

change. We have therefore included 

to our energy efficiency actions and 

an emissions metric within our Group 

increased use of green electricity as 

KPI’s for the first time in 2020. This 

well as lower production volumes in 

will be a measure of how we optimise 

the year.

our operations over time to reduce 

this impact.

Target: Annual reductions, with the 

Group being carbon neutral by 2035.

A sustainable level of R&D 

We have continued to invest in 

investment enables us to introduce 

line with our target of 5 per cent of 

new and innovative products that 

product sales. Our R&D investment, 

allow us to increase our revenue 

in the year, represented 4.8 per cent 

and deliver on our sustainability 

of the aggregate revenue of our 

commitments to deliver cleaner, 

product businesses. We continue 

smarter and healthier products.

to bring a pipeline of exciting new 

products to market, with further 

details on page 11.

Target: Maintain R&D investment at 

around 5 per cent of revenue annually 

over the medium term.

R&D investment as  

a % of sales

R&D cash investment as a 

percentage of revenue. The metric 

excludes Global Manufacturing 

Solutions which is a manufacturing 

services business and which 

therefore has no R&D.

*  Excluding IFRS16 impacts.

1  2016 not restated for disposal of the 

transportation business.

2  No employee engagement survey was 

undertaken in 2019.

3  New KPI, consistent with TT’s 2019 

Annual Report commitment to introduce 

sustainability targets within our Key 

Performance Indicators. Numbers only 

collected from 2019.

Our measures of success are 
aligned with our strategy and 
strategic priorities.

Alternative Performance Measure. 
For further details see note 1c on page 
129. The adjusted measures used are set 
out on pages 194 to 198. 

KPI and description

Five-year 
performance chart

Why this KPI is important

2020 progress and  
medium-term target

Organic revenue growth (%)

The percentage change in revenue 

from continuing operations in 

the current year compared to the 

prior year, excluding the effects of 

currency movements, divestments 

and acquisitions. This measures 

the like-for-like growth or decline 

of the business.

(12)%

2019: 4%

(12)%

Sustainable organic revenue growth 

Organic revenue was 12% lower 

is an important means by which 

reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 

value can be created. It reflects a 

outbreak. There were lower volumes 

combination of conditions in our 

from commercial aerospace, 

markets and our success in gaining 

automation and electrification and 

market share from serving our 

healthcare markets, although defence 

customers better.

remained strong.

Target: 3-5% organic revenue growth 

annually over the medium term.

4%

6%

5%

0%

Adjusted operating profit 

margin (%)

Adjusted operating profit as 

a percentage of revenue.

6.4%

2019: 8.0%

The adjusted operating profit margin 

The adjusted operating margin was 

is an indicator of our ability over the 

lower at 6.4% reflecting the impact 

longer term to extract fair value from 

of reduced sales volumes related to 

our products and services driven by a 

COVID-19 and associated operating 

mixture of increasing revenue and an 

constraints and inefficiencies. These 

optimised cost base.

were partlially offset by cost control 

and efficiency measures. 

Target: Double-digit margin by 2023.

11.7p

2019: 17.8p

Adjusted earnings  

per share (pence)

The profit for the year attributable 

to shareholders excluding items not 

included within adjusted operating 

profit divided by the weighted 

average number of shares in 

issue during the year. 

Cash conversion (%)

Adjusted operating cash flow including 

capital expenditure, divided by 

adjusted operating profit. 

130%

2019: 103%

Cash conversion measures how 

Cash conversion increased to 130% 

effectively profit is converted into 

as a result of the Group’s proactive 

cash and, within this, reflects the 

cash management with capital and 

management of working capital and 

development expenditure lower and 

capital expenditure. High levels of 

a working capital inflow, including an 

cash conversion aids investment 

inflow from inventory reduction.

in the business. It also enables the 

Group to provide increased returns for 

shareholders and supports a strong 

balance sheet. 

Target: 90%+ cash conversion 

annually over the medium term.

Return on invested capital

Adjusted operating profit for the year 

divided by average invested capital 

for the year. Average invested capital 

excludes pensions, provisions, tax 

balances, derivative financial assets 

and liabilities, cash and borrowings. 

It is calculated at average rates taking 

into account monthly balances.

7.7%

2019: 10.8%

Return on invested capital is a measure 

Return on Invested Capital declined to 

of how efficiently the Group is utilising 

7.7 per cent due to the volume driven 

its assets, relative to profitability, in 

profit reduction.

generating shareholder returns.

Target: Exceed the cost of holding 

assets with year-on-year increases.

2020

2019

2018

2017

20161

2020

2019

2018

2017

20161

2020

2019

2018

2017

20161

2020

2019

2018

2017

20161

2020

2019

2018*

2017*

20161*

6.4%

8.0%

7.8%

6.7%

5.5%

17.8p

16.2p

11.7p

10.9p

12.0p

130%

103%

88%

98%

87%

7.7%

10.8%

11.5%

10.6%

10.3%

Non-Financial

Safety performance 
(number of three day lost-
time incidents)
The number of work-place health 
and safety incidents that resulted in 
employees, contractors or visitors 
needing to be off work for three days 
or more.

Employee engagement 
score
Results from a third-party survey, Best 
Companies Ltd, which uses a scale of 
one (low) to seven (high) against eight 
success factors. Employee feedback is 
received anonymously.

5

2019: 4

2020

2019

2018

2017

20161

5

4

5.21

2018: 4.82

17

7

13

2020

20192

2018

2017

20161

5.21

Interim pulse surveys

4.82

4.73

4.59

Adjusted EPS is an important 

Adjusted EPS was 11.7 pence, 

metric used by shareholders. It 

primarily reflecting the lower adjusted 

summarises the overall financial 

operating profit in the period.

performance of the Group including 

revenue growth, operating margin, 

the cost of debt finance and the rate 

of underlying taxation.

Target: Double digit adjusted EPS 

growth annually at constant currency 

over the medium term.

Carbon dioxide equivalent 
(tonnes)3
The total amount emitted in tonnes 
for scope 1 and scope 2 (carbon 
dioxide equivalent), with further 
details on the calculation method set 
out on page 65.

20%

reduction since 2019

2020

2019

12,518

15,705

Data available from 2019 only.

4.8%

2019: 5.1%

2020

2019

2018

2017

20161

4.8%

5.1%

5.1%

4.6%

4.0%

R&D investment as  
a % of sales
R&D cash investment as a 
percentage of revenue. The metric 
excludes Global Manufacturing 
Solutions which is a manufacturing 
services business and which 
therefore has no R&D.

*  Excluding IFRS16 impacts.

1  2016 not restated for disposal of the 

transportation business.

2  No employee engagement survey was 

undertaken in 2019.

3  New KPI, consistent with TT’s 2019 

Annual Report commitment to introduce 
sustainability targets within our Key 
Performance Indicators. Numbers only 
collected from 2019.

Employee wellbeing lies at the heart of 
the “TT Way". A low number of Health 
and Safety incidents is one measure 
of how our safety performance, 
which potentially impacts employees, 
contractors and our communities 
generally, is succeeding relative to 
peers. It measures how well we are 
executing on our commitment to raise 
safety standards globally and is also 
linked to our operational performance.

There was one more incident in 
2020 compared to 2019 with the 
total in the year at five. This in part 
reflected COVID-related disruption to 
established processes and working 
practices through the year. 

Target: Year-on-year reduction 
in incidents, ultimately leading to 
‘zero harm’.

Employee engagement lies at the 
centre of our strategy and is at the 
heart of the ‘TT Way’. Having engaged 
employees is crucial to attracting and 
maintaining the talent we need to 
execute our strategy.

Our net employee engagement score 
has increased since 2018 to 5.21, 
with the company now being judged 
a “2 star" great place to work. This is 
an increase on the “1 star" received in 
the last survey.

Target: Survey-on-survey increase in 
the Group's engagement score over 
the medium term

We consider that the biggest impact 
we have on the environment from our 
operations is in respect of climate 
change. We have therefore included 
an emissions metric within our Group 
KPI’s for the first time in 2020. This 
will be a measure of how we optimise 
our operations over time to reduce 
this impact.

A decrease of 20 per cent in emissions 
(carbon dioxide equivalent – tonnes) 
in the year. This improvement is due 
to our energy efficiency actions and 
increased use of green electricity as 
well as lower production volumes in 
the year.

Target: Annual reductions, with the 
Group being carbon neutral by 2035.

A sustainable level of R&D 
investment enables us to introduce 
new and innovative products that 
allow us to increase our revenue 
and deliver on our sustainability 
commitments to deliver cleaner, 
smarter and healthier products.

We have continued to invest in 
line with our target of 5 per cent of 
product sales. Our R&D investment, 
in the year, represented 4.8 per cent 
of the aggregate revenue of our 
product businesses. We continue 
to bring a pipeline of exciting new 
products to market, with further 
details on page 11.

Target: Maintain R&D investment at 
around 5 per cent of revenue annually 
over the medium term.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

23

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Our capabilities continued

OUR 
CAPABILITIES  
IN ACTION

We design and manufacture 
products for high-reliability 
applications where the 
proliferation of electronics 
is driving demand for our 
power, connectivity and 
sensing capabilities. 

Our products enable solutions 
that are cleaner, smarter and 
healthier – including in our 
target markets:

• Safer, more fuel-efficient 

aircraft operating in the most 
demanding conditions 

• Smart city infrastructure and 
efficient factory automation
• Advanced healthcare devices 
and diagnostic innovations

24 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Capabilities in action – Healthcare

HELPING SHAPE 
THE FUTURE OF 
HEALTHCARE

The world’s leading healthcare 
equipment innovators rely on us for 
their therapy driven, safety-critical 
electronics. Our power, connectivity, 
and sensor technologies span the 
modern surgical suite; from patient 
monitoring and therapeutic devices 
to surgical navigation and diagnostic 
equipment.

Our electronic components and 
assemblies are used in surgical 
navigation systems to help deliver 
therapy directly to patients during 
minimally invasive procedures, as 
well as in implantable devices and 
other external applications that 
require high reliability power and 
sensor-enabled communication. 

  Advanced interventional 
and surgical devices 

We design and manufacture custom electromagnetic 
components and subassemblies used in surgical 
navigation systems to help deliver therapy during minimally 
invasive procedures, as well as in implantable devices. Our 
products support:

• Surgical navigation equipment for resection and ablation
• Implantable pacemakers and defibrillators
• Neuromodulators
• Implant programmers and chargers
• Transcutaneous energy transfer systems 
• Left ventricular assist and transcranial  

magnetic systems

 Direct patient care and monitoring

 Innovative diagnostics and imaging 

The increasing global population is driving 
demand for advanced preventative and 
life-saving healthcare treatment. Our sensor 
technologies, power supplies and electronic 
subsystems can be found across many 
critical healthcare devices supporting hospital 
patients including:

• Patient monitoring equipment
• Surgical lighting
• Cardiopulmonary perfusion equipment
• Ventilators

TT provides design and manufacturing solutions 
for a range of the most innovative diagnostic and 
imaging equipment, critical to the identification, 
treatment and prevention of disease. Our specialised 
components and electronic assemblies support:

• Ultrasound, x-ray and MRI machines
• Radiotherapy equipment for cancer treatment
• Sensor-enabled diagnostic devices

4

1

3

25%of Group revenue

Our market breakdown

1– Healthcare

2– Aerospace & Defence

3– Automation & Electrification

4– Other

2

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

25

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Our capabilities continued

Capabilities in action – aerospace and defence

MISSION-
CRITICAL 
SYSTEMS FOR 
SAFE FLIGHT

From cockpit displays to fuel pumps 
and defence systems, our aircraft 
solutions enable peak performance 
and reliability under the harshest and 
most demanding conditions.

Our products provide performance, 
size, weight, and efficiency benefits 
for applications such as power 
conversion, actuation and control 
for mission-critical systems where 
our solutions support a broad 
range of military and commercial 
platforms globally.

  Precision guidance and defensive 
aids systems 

Precision guidance systems are designed to 
hit the intended target consistently thereby 
minimising collateral damage. Defensive aids 
protect military aircraft from attack by collecting 
and communicating information from a range of 
sensors to provide situational awareness and timely 
warning of threats. Our power modules, magnetics, 
and electronic assemblies are used in: 

• Laser targeting and inertial navigation systems
• Precision guided weapon power supplies
• Radar jammers

4

1

3

Our market breakdown

1– Healthcare

2– Aerospace & Defence

3– Automation & Electrification

4– Other

2

22%of Group revenue

 Engine controls and fuel systems

Engine controls and fuel systems rely 
on a range sensors, electromagnetics 
and high-power actuation technologies; 
these work together to optimise fuel 
management and engine performance 
throughout flight. We provide power 
conversion, magnetics, sensors and 
electronic assemblies for:

• Fuel systems
• Engine ice protection 
• Auxiliary power units

26 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

   Cockpit avionics and 

flight controls

Flight safety depends on command and 
control systems centred on the cockpit, 
from digital displays to flight controls 
and information management systems. 
We manufacture complete electronic 
assemblies, custom power modules 
and electronic components used in:

• Avionics display units
• Flight control power supplies
• Engine controls and landing gear

 Communication, navigation and radar systems

Aircraft communication and navigation systems 
provide the foundation for safe flight and enable 
secure, tactical data transmission across multiple 
critical functions – ranging from weather radar to 
precision navigation and early warning systems. We 
provide DC-DC power conversion, electromagnetics 
and components found within:

• Global positioning systems (GPS) 
• Radar systems
• Communications, navigation and  

identification

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

27

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statements  Factory automation and 
electrification 

We manufacture a range of specialised 
electronic components and assemblies 
found in:

• Industrial robotics and automation 

equipment 

• Power monitoring supplies
• Industrial safety and security controls
• Smart packaging and label equipment

Strategic report | Our capabilities continued

Capabilities in action – automation and electrification

ENABLING 
SMARTER CITIES 
TO IMPROVE 
LIVES 

We design and manufacture 
electronics that support 
the increased demand for 
automation and electrification. 
From clean energy and smart 
home applications to more 
efficient factory equipment and 
connected asset tracking, our 
power, connectivity, and sensor 
technologies enable innovations 
that contribute to a smarter, 
cleaner, and healthier world

4

1

3

Our market breakdown

1– Healthcare

2– Aerospace & Defence

3– Automation & Electrification

4– Other

2

37%of Group revenue

28 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

 Clean energy and smart cities 

We remain at the forefront of delivering technologies that 
meet the ever-increasing demand for cleaner energy, 
smart monitoring systems and home automation. Our 
products can be found in a range of applications including:

• Renewable energy generation and smart grid metering
• Power management and energy control systems 
• Water and wastewater measurement and monitoring
• Smart lighting, security systems and fire detection
• Secure access and safety controls

 Smart infrastructure and industrial connectivity 

Some of the world’s largest, and most advanced transportation 
systems are powered and connected by our electronic 
solutions. Our products support:

• Transportation communication systems
• Railway signalling systems and temperature control
• Asset tracking and inventory management systems
• Communication and cloud service connectivity

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

29

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Market review

ATTRACTIVE GROWTH 
ATTRACTIVE GROWTH 
OPPORTUNITIES
OPPORTUNITIES

Critical market

Trend description

Healthcare

Read more on pages 32 to 33

5-7%

Medium term 
market growth 
to 2024 (CAGR)

Aerospace and defence

Read more on pages 34 to 35

3-4%

Aerospace & defence 
market growth to 
2024 (CAGR)

Automation and electrification

Read more on pages 36 to 37

4-6%

Medium term 
market growth  
to 2024 (CAGR)

2020 has proven the importance and critical need 
globally for better technology and more efficient 
ways to serve healthcare patients. The market 
for healthcare electronics is growing strongly, 
driven by an increasing global population, higher 
numbers of older people and therefore heightened 
demand for advanced treatments. The United 
Nations forecasts that the world’s population is 
expected to increase to c.10 billion people by 2050, 
accompanied by a doubling of people over the 
age of 65(1) which will lead to increased demand 
for healthcare. In the shorter term, we believe that 
the focus on COVID-19 treatments has created 
pent up demand for deferred elective surgeries 
and equipment. In the longer term, the COVID-19 

outbreak has demonstrated the potential of 
telemedicine and will drive the need to accelerate 
capabilities through device connectivity and remote 
patient monitoring. To become more efficient, 
healthcare device manufacturers have continued to 
outsource aspects of device manufacturing. This 
market is expected to reach $98 billion by 2027 and 
have a CAGR of c.11 per cent from 2020 to 2027.(2) 
Key areas of growth within the healthcare market 
include implantable devices and interventional 
devices for critical, non-elective close-to-the-
patient procedures.

The commercial aerospace sector has had an 
unprecedented reset in 2020, due in large part 
to travel restrictions that have been put in place 
around the world to slow the spread of COVID-19. 
World air travel demand remains low and there 
remains significant near-term challenges in 
commercial aerospace, with the market expected 
to remain flat in the short term with recovery 
to 2019 levels occurring around 2024-2025. 
Pre-existing market trends are expected to 
continue with demand for more efficient, safer and 
environmentally friendly aircraft meaning increased 
need for electronic systems and applications. 
Over the longer-term the sector outlook is positive, 
driven by a growing and global middle-class 
population and a greater propensity to travel. 

The defence market is expected to continue to grow 
over the next few years with defence budgets driven 
by global instability and political uncertainty. The US 
defence budget, which is the largest in the world, is 
expected to grow to $768 billion by 2025.(1) The UK 
Government has also announced an increase in its 
budget with £16.5 billion of additional funding over 
four years. This is one of the largest increases in this 
budget since the Cold War era. 

Within this market, there are significant 
opportunities for growth arising from technology 
improvements and innovation, including 
electrification, and more efficient systems. 
Certain parts of defence budgets are priority areas 
with exposure enabling faster growth. These priority 
areas include surveillance, radar, sonar, electronic 
warfare, missiles and other applications. 

Automation and electrification markets cover 
different subsegments and had a range of 
outcomes in 2020, but overall these markets were 
significantly impacted by COVID-19. However, 
Gross Domestic Product trends in 2020 have 
gradually improved sequentially from the second 
quarter low point, providing a foundation for 
ongoing recovery in 2021. Global economic 
growth, which is a proxy for general automation 
and electrification activity, is expected to be 6.3 per 
cent in 2021, with the US growing at c.5 per cent, 
Europe at c.6 per cent, United Kingdom at c.7 per 
cent and China at  
c.8 per cent.(1) Government policies aim to sustain 
national economies and stimulate future growth. 
The economic recovery will be underpinned by a 
focus on infrastructure spending to improve the 
environment and drive sustainability. 

Automation and electrification markets are 
expected to benefit from an acceleration of existing 
technological trends including moving from 
mechanical solutions to electrical solutions and 
these will provide numerous opportunities to deliver 
more and increasingly efficient electrical systems. 
Existing trends towards automation, remote asset 
tracking and monitoring will continue and may be 
accelerated as COVID-19 has proven the need for 
increased productivity, remote access to assets and 
automation for real-time remote monitoring and 
service capabilities. The global asset tracking, smart 
home and automotive telematics markets are all 
expected to grow between 13 -16 percent over the 
medium term.(3)

30 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

$97.5bn

The healthcare device manufacturing market is 

expected to grow to $97.5bn by 2027.(2)

We have continued to work with our customers in 

During the peak of the outbreak we demonstrated 

the healthcare sector to provide highly-engineered 

our capabilities and agility by working with different 

solutions for their exacting needs. We remain 

cross-sector teams to provide urgently needed 

focused on providing solutions for the patient 

products. We have used this opportunity to 

monitoring, laboratory equipment and diagnostic 

showcase TT’s capabilities, and this has resulted 

segments of this market. The impact of COVID-19 

in further business opportunities. 

The medical implants market is expected to grow at 

a c.7 per cent CAGR from 2020 to 2025.(3)

7%

6.4%

The worldwide healthcare device manufacturing 

market is expected to grow at 6.4% CAGR to 2024.(4)

has reinforced the need for interventional devices, 

patient monitoring and laboratory equipment, 

among others, and these are all TT specialisms. 

We continue to invest in R&D to bring new and 

improved healthcare products to market. We also 

continue to look for inorganic opportunities to 

grow, following the acquisition of Power Partners 

in 2019, which specialises in providing power 

solutions for the healthcare market.

In the shorter term there has been a broad market 

focus on providing solutions to combat the 

COVID-19 outbreak.

Sources: 

Highlights

(1) United Nations World Population Prospects 2019 

(2) https://www.globenewswire.com/news-

release/2020/10/15/2109290/0/en/Medical-Device-

Contract-Manufacturing-Market-Size-to-Hit-US-97-52-

Bn-by-2027.html

(3) https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/

medical-implants-market

(4) New Venture Research – NVR Worldwide EMS Market 

– 2020 Edition

4%

We continue to provide innovative solutions and 

We have invested inorganically in aerospace and 

systems with proven high reliability characteristics 

defence in the year, completing the acquisition 

for critical customer products, who design and 

of the power supply business of the Covina-

The medium and long-term trend shows good 

manufacture commercial and military aircraft, 

based Excelitas Technologies Corp in January 

growth in commercial aerospace. Passenger traffic 

defence platforms and products, and space 

2020 and Torotel, Inc in November 2020. These 

globally is expected to double by 2039 from the highs 

programmes. Our leading-edge capabilities have 

acquisitions expand our power supply solutions 

of 2019 with an annual CAGR of 4 per cent.(2) 

helped us win new work during the year on a range 

and electro-magnetic assembly capabilities for 

of current and future US and UK fighter platforms, as 

harsh environments and give us enhanced access 

well on the Perseverance Mars 2020 Rover mission.

to the large and attractive US market. They bring 

43,110

It is expected there will be 18,350 new aircraft 

products for growing segments of the aerospace 

deliveries by 2029, and 43,110 by 2039, with 75 per 

and defence markets, and we are able to switch 

cent being single aisle aircraft. Modernisation and 

our development resources between these end-

Sources: 

replacement of old aircraft is a focus accelerated 

markets as conditions dictate.

We continue to invest organically to develop new 

by the increased need for fuel efficiency.(2), (3)

an existing blue-chip customer base and enhance 

our ability to cross-sell products and win new 

customers. 

(1) US National Defense Budget Green Book, April 2020

(2) http://www.boeing.com/commercial/market/

commercial-market-outlook/index.page

(3) Boeing Commercial Market Outlook 2020 - 2039

$768bn

The US defence budget is currently c.$705 billion in 

FY21 and is projected to grow to c.$768 billion by 2025.(1)

6.3%

€1tr

The EU recovery plan has announced a Green Deal 

worth more than €1 trillion providing a favourable 

backdrop for green industrial activity.(2)

We focus our efforts on providing solutions for a 

COVID-19 outbreak, we have continued to win 

diverse set of high-end industrial and connectivity 

new work from a variety of customers, including a 

markets, where we can provide differentiation 

producer of renewable energy for products to be 

Economic growth is expected to rebound 

strongly in 2021 with an increase in Global GDP 

of 6.3 per cent.(1)

and benefit from structural growth including the 

delivered from 2021.

provision of highly accurate sensors used for 

robotics and automation. In addition, we provide 

Sources: 

products for remote asset tracking, smart city 

applications and energy saving applications 

among others. 

Our R&D efforts are aligned to these markets, 

bringing to market during the year our innovative 

new S-2 CONNECT system which enables 

customers to deploy an ‘Internet of Things’ strategy 

quickly and cost effectively.

 While market conditions across our diverse 

industrial markets has been mixed, as a result of the

(1) Goldman Sachs Economic Outlook December 2020. 

(2) The European Commission (https://ec.europa.eu/info/

strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en)

(3) https://www.businesswire.com/news/

home/20201113005604/en/Global-Asset-Tracking-

Market-2020-to-2028---Government-Initiatives-in-

Favour-of-GPS-Tracking-Presents-Opportunities---

ResearchAndMarkets.com; 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/

smart-home-market-worth--207-88-billion-globally-

by-2027-at-13-52-cagr-verified-market-

research-301165666.html;

 
2020 has proven the importance and critical need 

outbreak has demonstrated the potential of 

globally for better technology and more efficient 

telemedicine and will drive the need to accelerate 

ways to serve healthcare patients. The market 

capabilities through device connectivity and remote 

for healthcare electronics is growing strongly, 

patient monitoring. To become more efficient, 

driven by an increasing global population, higher 

healthcare device manufacturers have continued to 

numbers of older people and therefore heightened 

outsource aspects of device manufacturing. This 

demand for advanced treatments. The United 

market is expected to reach $98 billion by 2027 and 

Nations forecasts that the world’s population is 

have a CAGR of c.11 per cent from 2020 to 2027.(2) 

expected to increase to c.10 billion people by 2050, 

Key areas of growth within the healthcare market 

accompanied by a doubling of people over the 

include implantable devices and interventional 

age of 65(1) which will lead to increased demand 

devices for critical, non-elective close-to-the-

for healthcare. In the shorter term, we believe that 

patient procedures.

the focus on COVID-19 treatments has created 

pent up demand for deferred elective surgeries 

and equipment. In the longer term, the COVID-19 

The commercial aerospace sector has had an 

The defence market is expected to continue to grow 

unprecedented reset in 2020, due in large part 

over the next few years with defence budgets driven 

to travel restrictions that have been put in place 

by global instability and political uncertainty. The US 

around the world to slow the spread of COVID-19. 

defence budget, which is the largest in the world, is 

World air travel demand remains low and there 

expected to grow to $768 billion by 2025.(1) The UK 

remains significant near-term challenges in 

Government has also announced an increase in its 

commercial aerospace, with the market expected 

budget with £16.5 billion of additional funding over 

to remain flat in the short term with recovery 

four years. This is one of the largest increases in this 

to 2019 levels occurring around 2024-2025. 

budget since the Cold War era. 

Pre-existing market trends are expected to 

continue with demand for more efficient, safer and 

environmentally friendly aircraft meaning increased 

need for electronic systems and applications. 

Over the longer-term the sector outlook is positive, 

driven by a growing and global middle-class 

population and a greater propensity to travel. 

Within this market, there are significant 

opportunities for growth arising from technology 

improvements and innovation, including 

electrification, and more efficient systems. 

Certain parts of defence budgets are priority areas 

with exposure enabling faster growth. These priority 

areas include surveillance, radar, sonar, electronic 

warfare, missiles and other applications. 

Automation and electrification markets cover 

Automation and electrification markets are 

different subsegments and had a range of 

expected to benefit from an acceleration of existing 

outcomes in 2020, but overall these markets were 

technological trends including moving from 

significantly impacted by COVID-19. However, 

mechanical solutions to electrical solutions and 

Gross Domestic Product trends in 2020 have 

these will provide numerous opportunities to deliver 

gradually improved sequentially from the second 

more and increasingly efficient electrical systems. 

quarter low point, providing a foundation for 

Existing trends towards automation, remote asset 

ongoing recovery in 2021. Global economic 

tracking and monitoring will continue and may be 

growth, which is a proxy for general automation 

accelerated as COVID-19 has proven the need for 

and electrification activity, is expected to be 6.3 per 

increased productivity, remote access to assets and 

cent in 2021, with the US growing at c.5 per cent, 

automation for real-time remote monitoring and 

Europe at c.6 per cent, United Kingdom at c.7 per 

service capabilities. The global asset tracking, smart 

cent and China at  

home and automotive telematics markets are all 

c.8 per cent.(1) Government policies aim to sustain 

expected to grow between 13 -16 percent over the 

national economies and stimulate future growth. 

medium term.(3)

The economic recovery will be underpinned by a 

focus on infrastructure spending to improve the 

environment and drive sustainability. 

Well-positioned with accelerating positive market trends due to COVID-19

Headline statistics

Our response

$97.5bn

The healthcare device manufacturing market is 
expected to grow to $97.5bn by 2027.(2)

7%

The medical implants market is expected to grow at 
a c.7 per cent CAGR from 2020 to 2025.(3)

6.4%

The worldwide healthcare device manufacturing 
market is expected to grow at 6.4% CAGR to 2024.(4)

We have continued to work with our customers in 
the healthcare sector to provide highly-engineered 
solutions for their exacting needs. We remain 
focused on providing solutions for the patient 
monitoring, laboratory equipment and diagnostic 
segments of this market. The impact of COVID-19 
has reinforced the need for interventional devices, 
patient monitoring and laboratory equipment, 
among others, and these are all TT specialisms. 

We continue to invest in R&D to bring new and 
improved healthcare products to market. We also 
continue to look for inorganic opportunities to 
grow, following the acquisition of Power Partners 
in 2019, which specialises in providing power 
solutions for the healthcare market.

In the shorter term there has been a broad market 
focus on providing solutions to combat the 
COVID-19 outbreak.

During the peak of the outbreak we demonstrated 
our capabilities and agility by working with different 
cross-sector teams to provide urgently needed 
products. We have used this opportunity to 
showcase TT’s capabilities, and this has resulted 
in further business opportunities. 

Sources: 

(1) United Nations World Population Prospects 2019 

Highlights

(2) https://www.globenewswire.com/news-

release/2020/10/15/2109290/0/en/Medical-Device-
Contract-Manufacturing-Market-Size-to-Hit-US-97-52-
Bn-by-2027.html

(3) https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/

medical-implants-market

(4) New Venture Research – NVR Worldwide EMS Market 

– 2020 Edition

4%

The medium and long-term trend shows good 
growth in commercial aerospace. Passenger traffic 
globally is expected to double by 2039 from the highs 
of 2019 with an annual CAGR of 4 per cent.(2) 

43,110

It is expected there will be 18,350 new aircraft 
deliveries by 2029, and 43,110 by 2039, with 75 per 
cent being single aisle aircraft. Modernisation and 
replacement of old aircraft is a focus accelerated 
by the increased need for fuel efficiency.(2), (3)

$768bn

The US defence budget is currently c.$705 billion in 
FY21 and is projected to grow to c.$768 billion by 2025.(1)

6.3%

Economic growth is expected to rebound 
strongly in 2021 with an increase in Global GDP 
of 6.3 per cent.(1)

€1tr

The EU recovery plan has announced a Green Deal 
worth more than €1 trillion providing a favourable 
backdrop for green industrial activity.(2)

We continue to provide innovative solutions and 
systems with proven high reliability characteristics 
for critical customer products, who design and 
manufacture commercial and military aircraft, 
defence platforms and products, and space 
programmes. Our leading-edge capabilities have 
helped us win new work during the year on a range 
of current and future US and UK fighter platforms, as 
well on the Perseverance Mars 2020 Rover mission.

We continue to invest organically to develop new 
products for growing segments of the aerospace 
and defence markets, and we are able to switch 
our development resources between these end-
markets as conditions dictate.

We have invested inorganically in aerospace and 
defence in the year, completing the acquisition 
of the power supply business of the Covina-
based Excelitas Technologies Corp in January 
2020 and Torotel, Inc in November 2020. These 
acquisitions expand our power supply solutions 
and electro-magnetic assembly capabilities for 
harsh environments and give us enhanced access 
to the large and attractive US market. They bring 
an existing blue-chip customer base and enhance 
our ability to cross-sell products and win new 
customers. 

Sources: 

(1) US National Defense Budget Green Book, April 2020

(2) http://www.boeing.com/commercial/market/
commercial-market-outlook/index.page

(3) Boeing Commercial Market Outlook 2020 - 2039

We focus our efforts on providing solutions for a 
diverse set of high-end industrial and connectivity 
markets, where we can provide differentiation 
and benefit from structural growth including the 
provision of highly accurate sensors used for 
robotics and automation. In addition, we provide 
products for remote asset tracking, smart city 
applications and energy saving applications 
among others. 

Our R&D efforts are aligned to these markets, 
bringing to market during the year our innovative 
new S-2 CONNECT system which enables 
customers to deploy an ‘Internet of Things’ strategy 
quickly and cost effectively.

 While market conditions across our diverse 
industrial markets has been mixed, as a result of the

COVID-19 outbreak, we have continued to win 
new work from a variety of customers, including a 
producer of renewable energy for products to be 
delivered from 2021.

Sources: 

(1) Goldman Sachs Economic Outlook December 2020. 

(2) The European Commission (https://ec.europa.eu/info/

strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en)

(3) https://www.businesswire.com/news/

home/20201113005604/en/Global-Asset-Tracking-
Market-2020-to-2028---Government-Initiatives-in-
Favour-of-GPS-Tracking-Presents-Opportunities---
ResearchAndMarkets.com; 
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/
smart-home-market-worth--207-88-billion-globally-
by-2027-at-13-52-cagr-verified-market-
research-301165666.html;

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Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statements 
Strategic report | Our markets

Healthcare

IMPROVING

HEALTH

32 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

1

2

3

Healthcare (Group revenue %)

1– Power and Connectivity

2– Global Manufacturing Solutions

3– Sensors and Specialist Components

25%of Group revenue

Healthcare technology is 
evolving at a rapid pace. 
Customers rely on us 
to help bring their products 
to market safely and 
quickly. Our technology 
expertise and partnership 
approach help customers 
innovate faster, optimise 
performance, and pave 
the way in medical and life 
sciences for healthier lives.

TT is a global provider of advanced 
electronic technologies, engineering 
and manufacturing solutions for high-
reliability healthcare systems for many of 
the world’s largest and most recognised 
healthcare device manufacturers.

TT has continued to expand its capabilities 
supporting “in-body” surgical devices 
including defibrillators, neuro-stimulation 
and pacemakers as well as surgical 
navigation devices

We provide design and manufacturing 
solutions for a range of diagnostic, 
surgical and direct patient care devices 
critical to the identification, treatment and 
prevention of disease. We manufacture 
laboratory and mass spectrometry 
products for leading life science 
customers that protect people and enable 
cleaner and safer environments.

Our global factories offer the highest 
quality, regulatory and traceability 
requirements that the industry demands.

During the peak of the COVID-19 
outbreak in the first half of 2020, we 
worked with different cross-sector 
teams to provide urgently needed 
products for manufacturers of life 
saving healthcare and laboratory 
equipment. Despite market and 
operational challenges created by the 
outbreak, the need for more and better 
equipment and for improved efficiency 
remains a priority around the world. In 
the shorter term, we believe that the 
focus on COVID-19 treatments has 
created pent up demand for deferred 
elective surgeries and equipment. In 
the longer term COVID-19 also has 
the potential to rapidly accelerate 
the sustained need for telemedicine, 
device connectivity and remote patient 
monitoring capabilities. The need to free 
up hospital space and facilitate quicker 
post-surgical healing continues to drive 
demand for more robotic, less invasive 
surgical procedures. These are all areas 
of TT expertise. 

Our powerful portfolio of healthcare devices 
contribute to the improved health of people 
today and in the future, creating products for 
technologies that improve outcomes.

Our 2018 acquisition of Precision 
Inc. has continued to expand our 
capabilities and customer base, with 
new product offerings that span the 
surgical suite including electrosurgical, 
interventional and surgical devices. 
Our components and assemblies are 
used in surgical navigation systems to 
help deliver therapy directly to patients 
during minimally invasive procedures, 
as well as in implantable devices and 
other external applications that require 
high reliability power and sensor-
enabled communication.

In 2020, we established new advanced 
electronics manufacturing capabilities 
in our Malaysia facility to help solve 
supply chain hurdles for key life science 
customers. This came in direct response 
to customer demand, and complements 
our existing operations in China, Europe 
and North America. 

As the healthcare market continues to 
recover, TT is well positioned to continue 
serving as a preferred solutions partner 
to healthcare manufacturers with our 
global supply chain, proven technology 
and expertise, partnering approach and 
low-cost manufacturing options.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Our markets continued

Aerospace and defence

DELIVERING

CLEAN SKIES

Experience and 
expertise in design and 
manufacturing has led to 
long-term partnerships with 
customers where product 
demands continue to 
be driven by the need 
for smaller, lighter, less 
power consuming and 
cleaner solutions.

34

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

1

3

2

Aerospace and defence (Group revenue %)

1– Power and Connectivity

2– Global Manufacturing Solutions

3– Sensors and Specialist Components

22%of Group revenue

We specialise in 
designing and 
manufacturing high-
reliability, advanced 
technologies for 
performance-critical 
applications. Our 
experience of partnering 
with industry leaders 
and developing mission-
critical product solutions 
together has helped us 
evolve into what we are 
today: a world-class 
provider of engineered 
electronics – dedicated 
to serving the aerospace 
and defence market 
with solutions that are 
smaller, cleaner and 
more efficient.

We provide solutions for high-reliability 
applications within aerospace and 
defence, where the proliferation of 
electronics is driving increased demand 
for our custom power management and 
conversion systems. 

Our products often provide performance, 
size, weight and efficiency benefits 
typically for applications such as power 
conversion, actuation and control for 
mission-critical systems. Here our 
solutions support a broad range of 
globally recognised platforms across 
air, land and sea. We have a presence on 
all major commercial aircraft platforms, 
and a strong position on major defence 
platforms, many of which are sole-
sourced. Our long-term customer 
partnerships and platform exposure 
give us good visibility and access to long 
term programmes which include the 
Airbus A220 and A320, the Boeing 737 
MAX and 787, the Lockheed Martin F-35 
and the next generation BAE Systems 
Tempest aircraft.

While the commercial aerospace industry 
has been adversely impacted by the 
pandemic, growth will return in the 
medium term supported by structural 
trends of global travel and the need for 
greater aircraft electrification. In the 
longer term, there will be continued 
technological investments including 
those in advanced air mobility and electric 
propulsion. This should reduce carbon 
emissions and make flights quieter. 

Many of our solutions are focused around 
managing power effectively and efficiently 
given the challenges customers are faced 
with within the restricted environment of an 
aircraft.

Military programmes remain critical to 
national defence around the world due to 
heightened geopolitical tensions, despite 
the impact of COVID-19. Global defence 
spending is expected to grow by about 
2.8% in 2021, crossing the $2 trillion 
mark.(1) The defence market represents 
an exciting growth opportunity for TT 
as we continue to build and expand our 
military product and capability portfolio.

In November 2020, we acquired 
Torotel, a US-based designer and 
manufacturer of high-reliability power 
and electromagnetic assemblies 
and components for aerospace and 
defence markets. This has broadened 
our power electronics capabilities and 
further expanded our presence in the 
US market, building on the recently 
acquired Covina, California-based 
business unit bought from Excelitas 
Technologies earlier in the year. 

From cockpit displays to fuel 
pumps and defence systems, our 
aircraft solutions span nose to tail 
and enable peak performance and 
reliability under the harshest and most 
demanding conditions.

.

 (1) 2021 Aerospace and Defense Industry Outlook, 

Deloitte, 2020.

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Automation and electrification

EMPOWERING
SMARTER  
SOLUTIONS

With an increased drive for automation and robotics TT’s 
custom manufacturing solutions deliver improved efficiency, 
increased speed and greater positional control. 

36 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

  
SMARTER  

1

3

2

Automation & electrification (Group revenue %)

1– Power and Connectivity

2– Global Manufacturing Solutions

3– Sensors and Specialist Components

37%of Group revenue

A range of blue-chip 
customers rely on 
us to help solve their 
toughest automation and 
electrification challenges, 
streamlining their supply 
chains, increasing their 
efficiency and bringing 
new, smart products 
to market. 

Extensive manufacturing expertise, 
engineering support and our global 
supply chain often make us a preferred 
systems solution partner for automation 
and electrification equipment 
manufacturers. Our solutions support 
applications requiring high-reliability 
and often customised technologies, with 
our notable expertise in automation and 
electrification, energy, smart devices 
and infrastructure solutions.

(1) Asset Tracking and Inventory Management Solutions 

– Global Market Trajectory & Analytics, Global Industry 
Analysts, Inc. 2020.

solutions, estimated to be c.$13.3 billion 
in 2020, is projected to reach a revised 
size of c.$30 billion by 2027, growing at a 
CAGR of 12.3 per cent.(1) Our connectivity 
products can be used in asset tracking 
applications to enable factories that 
depend on just-in-time delivery of goods 
to adapt to new operational requirements. 

Similarly, factory automation and 
robotics are being deployed at a rapid 
pace, and our high-reliability sensor 
technologies and manufacturing 
solutions enable those capabilities to 
perform efficiently and with precision.

We help our automation and 
electrification customers maximise 
the value chain through product and 
services focused on our three core 
capabilities: power, connectivity 
and sensing. Additionally, our global 
manufacturing footprint provides them 
with risk mitigation benefits and supply 
chain flexibility for customers navigating 
dynamic trade challenges and other 
supply chain obstacles as they bring 
innovative new products to market. 

Demand for our solutions is being 
driven by existing trends for increased 
factory automation, connectivity and 
smart products, with economies 
combating operational and global 
market challenges. We think the existing 
trends towards automation, remote 
asset tracking and monitoring will 
continue and may be accelerated as 
the COVID-19 outbreak has proven the 
need for increased productivity, remote 
access to assets and automation for 
real-time remote monitoring and service 
capabilities. The global market for asset 
tracking and inventory management 

TT Electronics delivers advanced solutions 
to meet the growing demand for smarter 
solutions within markets serving the Internet 
of Things (IoT), including remote asset 
tracking and preventative maintenance

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statements  
Strategic report | Divisional review

OUR 
DIVISIONS

Power and Connectivity

The Power and Connectivity division designs and manufactures power 
application products and connectivity devices which enable the capture 
and wireless transfer of data. We collaborate with our customers to 
develop innovative solutions to optimise their electronic systems.

Global Manufacturing 
Solutions

The Global Manufacturing Solutions division provides manufacturing 
services and engineering solutions for our product divisions and to 
customers that often require a lower volume and higher mix of different 
products. We manufacture complex integrated product assemblies for our 
customers and provide engineering services including designing testing 
solutions and value-engineering.

Sensors and Specialist 
Components

The Sensors and Specialist Components division works with customers to 
develop standard and customised solutions including sensors and power 
management devices. Our solutions improve the precision, speed and 
reliability of critical aspects of our customers’ applications.

38 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

POWER AND 
CONNECTIVITY

Revenue decreased 
by £13.1 million 
to £125.1 million 
(2019: £138.2 million). 
This included a 
£11.1 million aggregate 
contribution from the 
Covina power supply 
business, Torotel, Inc 
and the full-year impact 
of the Power Partners 
acquisition. 

Organic revenue was 17 per cent lower. 
Organic revenue was adversely impacted 
by lower commercial aerospace demand 
and disruption to the installation of 
connectivity products on customer sites 
due to COVID-related access constraints. 
Demand for defence-related products 
remained strong through the year.

In the first half there were also some 
operating constraints and inefficiencies 
driven by the COVID-19 outbreak, as well 
as the temporary COVID-related closure 
of the division’s manufacturing sites in 
Kuantan, Malaysia and Tunis, Tunisia. 
There has been a modest recovery in 
the second half, despite some COVID-19 
related inefficiencies remaining, including 
additional operating controls and social-
distancing measures. 

Speed to Connect from TT Electronics is 
an innovative system launched in 2020 that 
enables customers to deploy Internet of 
Things solutions fast and cost effectively. 
It is scalable, flexible, secure and ready to 
deploy quickly.

POWER AND 

CONNECTIVITY

Power and connectivity: In summary

Revenue

£125.1m

2019: £138.2m 
Change: (9)% - (9)% at constant currency

Adjusted operating profit1

£10.3m

2019: £16.5m 
Change: (38)% - (37)% at constant currency

Adjusted operating profit margin1

8.2%

2019: 11.9% 
Change: (370)bps – (370)bps at constant currency

Percentage of Group revenue

29%

2019: 29%

Organic revenue growth

(17)%

2019: 2%

Employees (year average)

1,447
17Primary locations

Target markets served

Healthcare

Aerospace and defence

Automation and electrification

1  See note 1c on page 129 for an explanation of 

alternative performance measures. Adjusting items 
are not allocated to divisions for reporting purposes. 
For further discussion of these items please refer to 
note 8 on page 146.

We make critical healthcare devices, having 
served global manufacturers in healthcare 
technologies for over 30 years.

Adjusted operating profit decreased 
by £6.2 million to £10.3 million (2019: 
£16.5 million). Included within this was 
a profit contribution of £1.3 million from 
acquisitions. The reduction in adjusted 
operating profit reflected the impact of 
lower sales volumes related to COVID-19 
and associated operating constraints 
and inefficiencies, partly offset by cost 
control and efficiency measures. The 
adjusted operating margin was 8.2 per 
cent (2019: 11.9 per cent). 

From engine controls to avionics, TT 
Electronics delivers high-reliability solutions 
to some of the most recognisable military 
aircraft in service. Pictured: DC/DC Power 
Converter

The closure of the division’s Lutterworth, 
UK site is progressing to plan and is 
expected to be completed by the end 
of 2021. The closure consolidates the 
division’s operations further within its 
existing operational footprint, with certain 
products going end-of-life during 2021. 
A headcount reduction programme, 
impacting sites where demand has fallen, 
was completed in the year. 

There have been some significant 
awards during the year, including:

• A long-term contract with a major US 

defence prime for an alternator assembly 
supporting several military programme 
variants. Production began in October 
2020 and is scheduled to complete in 
February 2023.

• Qualification orders from a leading 

healthcare device customer for a new 
miniature high voltage transformer/
inductor assembly for an implantable 
defibrillator platform. This award followed 
four years of product development, 
which has resulted in leading-edge 
performance, with production expected 
to start in the second half of 2021 and 
last for twenty years.

• Approved validation from a healthcare 

customer for a custom stator for use in a 
left ventricle assist device blood pumping 
system. An initial sample order has 
been shipped with full release expected 
in 2021, with production expected to 
continue for ten years.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

39

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsThere have been a number of significant 
new customer awards during 2020 which 
will impact future years, as follows:

• Two new multi-year contracts to build 
assemblies for mass spectrometers in 
the life sciences market.

• A multi-year contract with a new 

Asian customer to build assemblies 
for diagnostic healthcare equipment, 
with increased demand due to the 
COVID-19 outbreak.

• Multi-year contracts with two different 
European defence primes to support 
the manufacture of secure military 
communications equipment.

• The manufacture of assemblies for 
a global renewable energy supplier. 
The units will be used in offshore 
electricity substations used to transfer 
renewable energy generated to land.

In response to customer demand for an 
additional manufacturing centre in Asia, 
the division has established box-build 
capabilities on the site of the Group’s 
existing Kuantan facility. It is focused on 
supporting major healthcare customers 
by delivering complex assemblies. This 
new Malaysian manufacturing capability, 
which commenced production in the 
third quarter of 2020, has increased 
production through the remainder of the 
year and is expected to continue to grow 
in 2021. 

In addition, additional manufacturing 
has commenced for the Power and 
Connectivity division as a result of 
ongoing close collaboration and an 
increasing ability to design and manufacture 
power products, as well as components. 
This development helps make efficient 
use of TT’s global footprint.

Strategic report | Divisional review continued

GLOBAL 
MANUFACTURING 
SOLUTIONS

Revenue decreased 
by £15.7 million 
to £197.5 million 
(2019: £213.2 million) 
including an adverse 
currency effect of 
£1.1 million, with organic 
revenue 7 per cent lower. 

The organic revenue performance was 
better than the Group average and 
reflected new business previously won 
in North America, exposure to more 
resilient Asian markets and a strong 
performance in defence markets.

There has been a strong recovery 
in the second half, despite some 
ongoing operating controls and social-
distancing measures put in place in 
response to COVID-19. 

Adjusted operating profit increased 
by £1.5 million to £15.0 million 
(2019: £13.5 million). The increase 
reflected cost control measures, factory 
efficiencies and initial benefits from our 
self-help programme. This is despite 
the adverse impact on profit from 
lower revenue. As a result, the adjusted 
operating profit margin improved to 
7.6 per cent (2019: 6.3 per cent). 

A restructure of customer accounts at 
the Cardiff, UK facility was completed 
early in 2021, bringing additional focus on 
blue-chip customers with more advanced 
technology requirements. Some key 
customer accounts and product lines 
have been transferred to facilities 
elsewhere in the division, where they can 
be better and more profitably served. 

Our global footprint and engineering 
capabilities provide customers with a 
consistent manufacturing experience that 
they can rely on, no matter what. 

40 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Global Manufacturing Solutions:  
In summary

Revenue

£197.5m

2019: £213.2m 
Change: (7)% - (7)% at constant currency

Adjusted operating profit1,2

£15.0m

2019: £13.5m 
Change: 11% - 11% at constant currency

Adjusted operating profit margin1,2

7.6%

2019: 6.3% 
Change: 130ps – 120 bps at constant currency

Percentage of Group revenue

46%

2019: 45%

Organic revenue growth

(7)%

2019: 12%

Employees (year average)

1,475
6Primary locations

Target markets served

Healthcare

Aerospace and defence

Automation and electrification

1  See note 1c on page 129 for an explanation of 
alternative performance measures. Adjusting 
items are not allocated to divisions for reporting 
purposes. For further discussion of these items 
please refer to note 8 on page 146.

2  The results for the year ended 31 December 2019 

have been restated to reflect prior year 
adjustments. Further details are set out in note 1h 
on page 133.

However, there were increased resistor 
sales into healthcare markets in support 
of ventilators and defibrillators.

In the first half there were also some 
operating constraints and inefficiencies 
driven by the COVID-19 outbreak and 
the division was also impacted by the 
temporary closure of its manufacturing 
site in Barbados and two sites in 
Mexico due to COVID-related general 
lockdowns. There has been a recovery 
in the second half, despite some 
ongoing inefficiency due to COVID-
related additional operating controls 
and social-distancing measures. 

SENSORS AND 
SPECIALIST 
COMPONENTS

Revenue decreased 
by £17.6 million 
to £109.2 million 
(2019: £126.8 million). 
Organic revenue was 
14 per cent lower, with 
the division’s exposure 
to automation and 
electrification, the 
distribution sales 
channel and commercial 
aerospace markets 
primary drivers of 
reduced demand. 

TT Electronics has a proven track-record 
in meeting today’s space challenges – 
supporting some of the most prominent 
deep space exploration programmes 
from Voyager 1 & 2 to the latest Curiosity – 
Mars Rover lander in 2020.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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Adjusted operating profit decreased by 
£5.9 million to £9.4 million (2019: £15.3 
million). Operating profit reflected lower 
sales volumes and operating inefficiencies, 
partially offset by cost actions taken and 
the impact of a headcount reduction 
carried out in late 2019. The adjusted 
operating profit margin was 8.6 per 
cent (2019: 12.1 per cent). 

As part of the Group’s ongoing self-
help programme, the closure of its 
Barbados and Corpus Christi, Texas 
sites are on-track for completion in 2021. 
This reduction in footprint will result in 
some products going end-of-life. An 
additional targeted headcount reduction 
programme has been completed during 
the year.

There were a number of favourable 
developments during the year which will 
benefit the business, including:

• Space applications for the division’s 

Hall effect sensors, including on NASA’s 
Orion spacecraft, which will ultimately 
take manned space travel to Mars. In 
addition, the sensors are also being 
used in motors that control the speed 
and movement of robotic arms on the 
Perseverance Mars 2020 Rover mission.

• Contracts from three global car 

manufacturers for the power control 
unit current sense resistor on their 
hybrid-electric vehicle ranges. This new 
resistor has extremely fine tolerances, 
being the first on the market with 
the power levels needed to meet the 
required electrical load balance.
• Immediate orders for the new High 
Pulse Chip from a technology and 
innovation customer. The chip has 
been designed into a new consumer 
product, following a rapid build of 
samples after technical problems 
with a competitor product. Following 
initial orders in 2020, the customer 
has placed further orders for delivery 
in 2021.

Sensors and Specialist Components:  
In summary

Revenue

£109.2m

2019: £126.8m 
Change: (14)% - (14)% at constant currency

Adjusted operating profit1

£9.4m

2019: £15.3m 
Change: (39)% - (38)% at constant currency

Adjusted operating profit margin1

8.6%

2019: 12.1% 
Change: (350)bps – (340)bps at constant currency

Percentage of Group revenue

25%

2019: 26%

Organic revenue growth

(14)%

2019: (7)%

Employees (year average)

1,656
8Primary locations

Target markets served

Healthcare

Aerospace and defence

Automation and electrification

1  See note 1c on page 129 for an explanation of 

alternative performance measures. Adjusting items 
are not allocated to divisions for reporting purposes. 
For further discussion of these items please refer to 
note 8 on page 146.

42 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Chief Financial Officer’s review

RECOVERY WELL 
UNDERWAY WITH 
RECORD ORDER BOOK

TT has proven its 
resilience in the face of 
the COVID-19 outbreak, 
benefiting from the 
actions we have taken 
to improve the quality 
of the business, and we 
have delivered strong 
cash generation

Mark Hoad, Chief Financial Officer

Financial Headlines

Revenue

Adjusted operating profit

Operating profit 

£431.8m

2019: £478.2m
(10%)

£27.5m

2019: £38.1m
(28)%

£6.6m

2019: £16.9m
(61)%

Adjusted EPS

11.7p

2019: 17.8p
(34)%

EPS

0.8p

2019: 7.6p

Free cash flow

£14.4m 

2019: £9.7m 

Operating cash flow 

Net debt

£28.2m

2019: £35.9m

£83.9m

2019: £69.1m

Dividend

4.7p

2019: 2.1p

44 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Results for the year ended 31 December 2020

£million (unless otherwise stated)

Revenue

Operating profit

Operating profit margin

Profit before taxation

Earnings per share

Dividend per share

Return on invested capital

Cash conversion

Free cash flow1

Net debt1 

Leverage1 

Adjusted1

2019

(restated)2

478.2

38.1

8.0%

34.4

17.8p

10.8%

103%

2020

431.8

27.5

6.4%

23.8

11.7p

7.7%

130%

Change

(10)%

(28)%

Change
constant fx

(9)%

(27)%

(160)bps

(150)bps

(31)%

(34)%

(30)%

(34)%

Statutory

2019

(restated)2

478.2

16.9

3.5%

13.2

7.6p

2.1p

 2019

9.7

69.1

1.0x

2020

431.8

6.6

 1.5%

2.9

0.8p

4.7p

 2020

14.4

83.9

1.6x

1  Throughout the Annual Report we refer to a number of alternative performance measures which provide additional useful information. The Directors have adopted these measures to 

additional information on the underlying trends, performance and position of the Group with further details set out on page 129. The adjusted measures used are set out in note 8 on page 146. 

2  The results for the year end 31 December 2019 have been restated to reflect prior year adjustments. Further details are set out in note 1h on page 133.

Overview of the year
TT has proven its resilience in the face of 
the COVID-19 outbreak benefiting from 
the actions we have taken to improve 
the quality of the business, and we have 
delivered strong cash generation.

Group revenue was £431.8 million, 9 per 
cent lower than the prior year at constant 
currency and 12 per cent lower on an 
organic basis. We have seen a steady 
organic improvement trend from the 
second half of the year with organic 
revenue only 4 per cent lower than the 
prior year in the last two months of 2020.

This recovery trend has been 
underpinned by strong order intake 
across the Group through the fourth 
quarter of the year. This has continued 
into 2021 across all divisions. Order 
intake for full year 2020 was 99 per cent 
of revenue, and for the second half of 
2020 was 103 per cent of revenue. The 
order book at the end of February 2021 
is at record levels. 

In recognition of the improving trends 
we have seen through the second half of 
the year and our strong cash generation, 
early in 2021 we repaid the Coronavirus 
Job Retention Scheme (furlough) 
payments to the UK Government. The 
£1.1 million cost of repayment has been 
provided for in these 2020 results. 

Adjusted operating profit for the year 
was £27.5 million, 27 per cent lower than 
the prior year at constant currency. The 
second half adjusted operating margin 
was 6.5 per cent, including the accrued 
cost of the furlough repayment. After 
the impact of adjusting items, including 
restructuring and acquisition and disposal 
costs, the Group’s full year statutory 
operating profit was £6.6 million. 

During the year end close process, a 
prior period non-cash timing adjustment 
was identified, associated with the 
timing of overhead recognition in one 
of our sites in Global Manufacturing 
Solutions. As a result of this adjustment, 
the previously reported 2019 operating 
profits have been reduced by £1.9 million 
and the reported operating profits for 
2020 are ahead of management’s 
original expectations by a similar 
amount. The reported operating 
profits for 2020 represent the actual 
performance of the business for the 
year and no “one-off” benefit has been 
derived from this adjustment when 
comparing against restated 2019 results.

We are particularly pleased with our strong 
cash performance, delivering operating 
cash conversion of 130 per cent. This was 
driven by continuing tight control over 
costs and capital expenditure. In addition, 
there was a working capital inflow of £3.6 
million, which included £4.2 million from 
a reduction in inventory. On a statutory 
basis, cash flow from operating activity 
was £28.2 million (2019: £35.9 million). 
Our strong operating cash performance 
helped us deliver increased free cash flow 
of £14.4 million (2019: £9.7 million), despite 
the impact of COVID-19 on our profits

We have ended the year with net debt 
of £83.9 million (2019: £69.1 million), 
including IFRS 16 lease liabilities of 
£15.9 million (2019: £17.6 million). We 
have a strong balance sheet, and this 
includes a defined benefit pension 
scheme fully funded on an actuarial 
basis. At 31 December 2020 leverage 
was 1.6 times, within the Board’s target 
leverage range of 1-2 times. 

Our return on invested capital has 
declined to 7.7 per cent in 2020 due 
to the volume driven profit reduction 
and this will recover as business 
momentum increases. 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Chief Financial Officer’s review continued

• Acquisition and disposal costs 

totalled £6.4 million (2019: £8.0 million) 
and included amortisation of 
intangible assets arising on business 
combinations of £4.2 million 
(2019: £4.5 million), a £1.0 million 
credit (2019: £nil) due to the release 
of the warranty and claims provision 
relating to the Transportation business 
divestment and other acquisition and 
integration related costs of £3.2 million 
(2019: £3.5 million).

Adjusted operating profit was £27.5 
million (2019: £38.1 million) with the 
reduction a result of the COVID-19 
outbreak, with an operating margin of 6.4 
per cent (2019: 8.0 per cent). The second 
half adjusted operating margin was 6.5 
per cent, including the accrued cost of 
the furlough repayment. 

For a reconciliation between adjusted 
profit and statutory profit see note 8 on 
page 146 in the Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

Net finance cost 
The net finance cost was £3.7 million 
(2019: £3.7 million). 

Tax
The Group’s overall tax charge was 
£1.6 million (2019: £0.8 million), 
including a £2.7 million credit (2019: £4.6 
million credit) on items excluded from 
adjusted profit. The adjusted tax charge 
was £4.3 million (2019: £5.4 million), 
resulting in an effective adjusted tax rate 
of 18.1 per cent (2019: 15.7 per cent). 

Revenue
Group revenue was £431.8 million 
(2019: £478.2 million). This included 
an £11.1 million contribution from 
acquisitions and adverse currency 
translation of £1.4 million. Group 
revenue was 9 per cent lower than the 
prior year at constant currency and 
12 per cent lower on an organic basis. 
Organic revenue was 17 per cent lower 
in the second quarter against the 
comparable prior year period due to 
reduced demand and as we shielded 
staff, reducing capacity. There were 
also temporary closures of a few sites. 
However, since then we have continued 
to see improving momentum across 
the business. Notably the recovery 
strengthened during the fourth quarter, 
when organic revenue was only 5 per 
cent lower than the prior year. We have 
seen further improvement at the start 
of 2021.

Operating profit
The Group’s statutory operating 
profit was £6.6 million after a charge 
for items excluded from adjusted 
operating profit of £20.9 million 
(2019: £21.2 million) including: 
• Restructuring costs of £14.5 million 
(2019: £13.2 million) primarily related 
to the Group’s self-help programme of 
£14.8 million within which £6.3 million 
related to severance costs and 
provisions; £3.4 million to intangible 
asset write downs; £2.0 million of right 
of use asset and plant, property and 
equipment write downs; £1.6 million 
relating to stock write downs and 
£1.5 million of other costs, including 
prior year projects completed in 2020. 
Also included was a property disposal 
profit of £1.2 million (2019: £nil) and 
pension costs of £0.9 million (2019: 
£1.0 million, with £0.4 million relating 
to past service charge and £0.6 million 
relating to other pension service costs) 
primarily relating to UK pensions 
schemes having to equalise male and 
female members’ benefits in respect 
of guaranteed minimum pensions.

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share ("EPS") was 
0.8 pence (2019: 7.6 pence) being 
impacted by the reduction in operating 
profit and the adjusting items set out . 
Adjusted EPS decreased to 11.7 pence 
(2019: 17.8 pence), reflecting the lower 
adjusted operating profit in the period.

Cash generation

£million

2020

2019

Adjusted operating profit

27.5

38.1

Depreciation and 
amortisation

Impairment of intangibles

17.0

0.2

18.0

–

Net capital expenditure

(9.9)

(14.3)

Capitalised development 
expenditure

Working capital 

Other

Adjusted operating cash 
flow after capex.

Adjusted operating cash 
conversion 

Net interest and tax

Lease payments 

Restructuring, acquisition 
and disposal related costs1,2

Retirement benefit schemes 

Free cash flow

Dividends 

Lease payments

Equity issued

Acquisitions & disposals2

Other 

Increase in net debt 

(3.3)

3.6

0.7

(3.9)

(1.2)

2.5

35.8

39.2

130%

103%

(3.8)

(4.1)

(11.9)

(5.4)

14.4

–

4.1

20.2

(45.7)

(1.8)

(8.8)

(7.7)

(4.0)

(9.2)

(8.6)

9.7

(10.9)

4.0

0.9

(2.3)

(4.6)

(4.4)

Opening net debt

(69.1)

(63.0)

New, acquired, modified and 
surrendered leases

Borrowings acquired

FX and other

Closing net debt

(2.6)

(3.0)

(0.4)

(83.9)

(0.5)

–

(1.2)

(69.1)

1 

2 

'Restructuring, acquisition and disposal related costs' 
comprises £3.6 million of restructuring costs and £4.5 
milllion of acquisition and disposal related costs.

'Restructuring, acquisition and disposal related costs' 
excludes a £3.8 million payment for debt-like items 
which crystallised upon acquisition of Torotel and which 
has been presented within 'Acquisitions & disposals'. 
This £3.8 million is an acquisition related cost but is not 
included within the acquisitions paid in the Consolidated 
statement of cash flows on page 128.

46 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Adjusted operating cash flow was £49.0 
million (2019: £57.4 million). This was 
impacted by lower profitability, although 
this was largely mitigated by the Group’s 
proactive cash management, including 
capital and development expenditure 
lower at £13.2 million (2019: £18.2 
million). In addition, the Group generated 
a working capital inflow of £3.6 million 
(2019: £1.2 million outflow), including 
a £4.2 inflow from inventory reduction. 
This resulted in very strong adjusted 
operating cash conversion of 130 per 
cent (2019: 103 per cent). On a statutory 
basis, cash flow from operating activity 
was £28.2 million (2019: £35.9 million).

There was increased free cash flow 
of £14.4 million (2019: £9.7 million), 
net of £8.1 million of restructuring and 
acquisition related costs (2019: £9.2 
million), relating to the new self-help 
programme and acquisition costs 
associated with the Covina and Torotel 
acquisitions. Pension contribution 
payments in the period were lower at 
£5.4 million (2019: £8.6 million), with the 
prior year including a one-off payment 
of £3.4 million relating to the merger of 
the Stadium Group Retirement Benefits 
Plan (1974) pension scheme into the 
TT Group scheme.

Net accounting pension surplus

Investments in acquisitions totalled 
£48.7 million (2019: £2.3 million), 
reflecting the acquisition of Covina, 
the power supply business of Excelitas 
Technologies Corp., the acquisition of 
Torotel, Inc including, £3.0 million of debt 
acquired with Torotel, Inc and £3.8 million 
of debt like items, as well as £0.5 million 
of deferred consideration relating to a 
prior year acquisition. Partially offsetting 
this was £20.2 million (2019: £0.9 million) 
of equity issuance, which primarily 
related to the Torotel acquisition placing. 
There was no dividend payment in the 
year (2019: £10.9 million).

Dividend policy and dividend
The Board has a progressive dividend 
policy, which primarily takes into account 
adjusted earnings cover, but also sees 
beyond this to take into account other 
factors such as the expected underlying 
growth of the business, its capital and 
other investment requirements and its 
pension obligations. The Group’s balance 
sheet position and its ability to generate 
cash are also considered. 

The Board considers these factors in the 
context of the Group’s Principal Risks, 
which are set out on pages 52 to 53, 
and the overall risk profile of the Group.

The Group has increased the net accounting surplus under its defined benefit 
schemes to:

£30.5m

2019: £16.6m

The Group’s ability to pay a dividend is 
impacted by the distributable reserves 
available in the parent Company, which 
operates as a holding company, primarily 
deriving its net income from dividends 
paid by its subsidiary companies. 
At 31 December 2020, TT Electronics plc 
had sufficient distributable reserves to 
pay dividends for the foreseeable future. 
The parent Company Balance Sheet is 
set out on page 182.

Given the good recovery and the 
positive outlook for 2021 and beyond, 
dividends are being resumed as 
planned, with the Board proposing a 
final dividend of 4.7 pence per share. 
Payment of the dividend will be made 
on 21 May 2021, to shareholders on 
the register at 30 April 2021.

Pensions
The Group has one significant defined 
benefit scheme in the UK and some 
much smaller defined benefit schemes 
in the US. All the Group’s defined benefit 
schemes are closed to new members 
and to future accrual.

The total net accounting surplus 
under the Group’s defined benefit 
pension schemes was £30.5 million 
(31 December 2019: £16.6 million). 
The main driver of this was an increase 
in the fair value of assets due to 
investment performance, part of which 
relates to interest rate hedges. This 
offset an increase in the Scheme’s 
benefit obligation, mainly due to a fall in 
corporate bond yields. The surplus also 
increased due to company contributions 
paid of £5.4 million, as the deficit 
contribution plan continued, targeting 
self-sufficiency and further de-risking.

We are particularly pleased with our strong cash 
performance, delivering a full year operating cash 
conversion of 130 per cent.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

47

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Chief Financial Officer’s review continued

The Group has developed a strategy to 
manage the financial risk associated 
with these schemes as follows:

• Maintaining a long-term working 

partnership with Trustees to ensure 
strong governance of risks within the 
TT Group Scheme, which is a long-
term undertaking and is managed 
accordingly to provide security for 
members and value for money to 
the Group.

The assets and liabilities of the Group’s 
UK defined benefit schemes are 
summarised below, together with the 
Group pension surplus:

£million

Fair value of assets

Liabilities 

UK scheme (surplus)

Overseas schemes (deficit)

Total Group surplus

2020

641.2

2019

575.5

605.8

(554.3)

35.4

(4.9)

30.5

21.2

(4.6)

16.6

• A prudent investment strategy is 

pursued by seeking risk-rewarded, 
long-term returns while removing 
the majority of liability mismatching 
unrewarded risks. As such, the Group 
has in place financial hedging that 
aims to remove the majority of interest 
rate and inflation-related risk. At the 
current level there is no significant 
impact on the reported accounting 
deficit of a 10bps fall in interest rates 
(which would be otherwise a c. £10 
million increase if the hedging were not 
in place) thereby reducing volatility. This 
strategy has been in place for a number 
of years protecting the TT Group 
scheme’s position since December 
2013 when yields commenced a 
prolonged decline.

• The Group recognises that seeking 

risk rewarded returns in its investment 
strategy could lead to short-term 
funding fluctuations, dependent 
on market conditions. The Group 
considers that by maintaining a good 
relationship with the Trustee, it will be 
able to utilise flexibility in the funding 
regime to even out the impact of 
short-term market underperformance 
to enhance predictability of Group 
pension contributions. This creates a 
suitable balance between the needs 
of the TT Group Scheme, the Group 
and its members. 

Following the triennial valuation of the 
TT Group scheme as at April 2019, an 
actuarial valuation of the US defined 
benefit schemes was carried out by 
independent qualified actuaries in 2020 
using the projected unit credit method. 

Further details of the Group’s defined 
benefit schemes are in note 23 on 
page 170 of the Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

Treasury
The Group’s Treasury activities are 
managed centrally by the Group 
Treasury Function, which reports to the 
Chief Financial Officer. The Treasury 
Function operates within written policies 
and delegation levels that have been 
approved by the Board. 

Financial risk management and 
treasury policies
The Group’s main financial risks relate 
to funding and liquidity, interest rate 
fluctuations and currency exposures. 
The overall policy objective is to use 
financial instruments to manage 
financial risks arising from underlying 
business activities and therefore 
the Group does not undertake 
speculative transactions for which 
there is no underlying financial 
exposure. More details of the Group’s 
Treasury operations are set out in note 
22 on page 161 of the Consolidated 
Financial Statements. 

Funding and liquidity
The Group’s operations are funded 
through a combination of retained 
profits, equity and borrowings. 
Borrowings are generally raised at 
Group-level from a group of relationship 
banks and lent to operating subsidiaries. 
The Group maintains sufficient available 
committed borrowings to meet any 
forecasted funding requirements.

During the year the Group undertook 
an equity placing, raising £20 million, 
which partly funded the acquisition 
of Torotel, Inc.

Net debt and gearing
At 31 December 2020 the Group’s net 
debt was £83.9 million (31 December 
2019: £69.1 million), including £15.9 
million of lease liabilities (31 December 
2019: £17.6 million). 

At 31 December 2020 the Group had 
available undrawn committed and 
uncommitted facilities of £237.3 million. 
The Group’s borrowings are in the form 
of a multi-currency Revolving Credit 
Facility (RCF). The RCF matures in 
November 2023, with no short-term re-
financing risk for the Group. 

The Group's leverage is usually 
expressed in terms of its net debt/
adjusted EBITDA ratio. The Group’s main 
financial covenants in its bank facilities 
states that net debt must be below 3.0 
times adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted 
EBITDA is required to cover interest 
charges, excluding interest on pension 
schemes, by at least 4.0 times. 

Leverage ratio

The Group's year end leverage ratio of 1.6 
times is within the Group's target range 
of 1-2 times.

1.6x

48 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Under the Group’s borrowing 
agreements, the figure for net debt 
used in the calculation of the net 
debt/adjusted EBITDA gearing ratio 
calculation is translated at an average 
foreign exchange rate, with IFRS 16 lease 
liabilities and other IFRS 16 impacts 
excluded. In addition, there are other 
adjustments including the exclusion of 
certain specified items from EBITDA. 
A full year pro-forma contribution from 
acquisitions is included within EBITDA. 

On this basis, net debt/adjusted EBITDA 
was 1.6 times at 31 December 2020 
(31 December 2019: 1.0 times). Interest 
cover at 31 December 2020 was 12.6 
times (31 December 2019: 15.0 times).

Foreign currency translation
The following are the average and 
closing rates of the foreign currencies 
that have the most impact on the 
translation into sterling of the Group’s 
Income Statement and Balance Sheet:

£million

Income 
Statement 

$/£

RMB/£

Balance 
Sheet 

$/£

RMB/£

2020

2019

Average
rate

1.28

8.87

Closing
Rate

1.37

8.94

1.27

8.79

1.32

9.23

TT’s capital allocation policy is set within 
the framework of a target Group net 
debt/EBITDA gearing ratio that lies within 
a range of 1-2 times in current market 
conditions.

Foreign exchange translation exposure 
arises on the earnings of operating 
companies based in the US and 
China, with additional lesser exposures 
elsewhere in the world. 

A further summary of the Group’s 
borrowings and maturities are set out in 
note 21 on page 160 of the Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

Foreign currency transaction 
The Group’s policy is to reduce or 
eliminate, whenever practical foreign 
currency transaction risk. The Group 
hedges expected foreign currency cash 
flows to a minimum of at least 75 per cent 
of its exposure up to twelve months and 
hedges a further 50 per cent of expected 
cash flows within 12-24 months.

Further details of the Group’s hedging 
strategy and exposure at 31 December 
2020 are set out in note 22 on page 161 of 
the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest rates
The Group monitors its exposure to 
interest rates to bring greater stability 
and certainty to its borrowing costs. The 
policy is to have between 25 per cent and 
75 per cent of the Group's debt subject to 
a fixed interest rate.

Going concern 
See page 82 for the Going 
Concern statement.

Mark Hoad
Chief Financial Officer
9 March 2021

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

49

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Risk management

RISK MANAGEMENT 
FOR THE SUCCESSFUL 
DELIVERY OF OUR 
STRATEGY

Risk management
The Board of Directors is responsible for 
risk management and internal controls, 
supported by the Audit Committee 
and informed by the executive Risk 
Committee. The Board defines risk 
appetite and monitors the management 
of significant risks to ensure that the 
nature and extent of significant risks 
taken by the Group are aligned with 
overall goals and strategic objectives. 
The Risk Committee supports the Board 
and the Audit Committee in monitoring 
the exposure through regular reviews, 
including reviewing the effectiveness of 
risk management processes and controls. 
The Internal Audit function is operated 
under a directed outsource arrangement 
to enhance the levels of resource and 
expertise available to the Group in 
specific areas, with its activities under 
the direction of the Executive Leadership 
Team ("ELT"). The Internal Audit function 

assists the Risk Committee by advising 
management on improvements to the 
overall risk management framework, 
facilitating the risk review process 
and providing independent experience 
and input to the process.

Risk management processes and internal 
control procedures are established within 
business practices across all levels of 
the organisation. Risk identification, 
assessment and mitigation are performed 
both “bottom-up” with more detailed 
assessment at operational level, as well 
as through “top-down” assessment of 
strategic and market risk at the Executive 
management and Board level.

Risk management and internal controls 
provide reasonable but not absolute 
protection against risk. The Board 
acknowledges and recognises that in 
the normal course of business the Group 

Our risk management framework

Corporate level steering
“Top-down” oversight; set risk appetite; monitor significant risks; alignment with 
strategic objectives at corporate level

Board of Directors
Primary responsibility 
for risk oversight; setting 
strategic objectives and 
defining risk appetite

Audit Committee
Oversees risk 
management and 
internal control 
processes

Risk Committee
Provides framework for 
managing risks; regular 
reviews of principal risks 
and risk management 
processes

Risk and Assurance function

Divisional level steering 
and reporting
Risk identification assessment and 
implementation of risk management 
action plans and actions

Business units/site level steering 
and reporting
Implement and embed risk 
management at operational level

Operational steering and implementation
“Bottom-up” identification, assessment and mitigation of risk at operational level

50 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

is exposed to risk and that it is willing to 
accept a level of risk in managing the 
business to achieve its strategic priorities. 
Risk appetite is not static and as part 
of its risk management processes, the 
Board regularly considers its risk appetite 
in terms of the tolerance it is willing to 
accept in relation to each principal risk 
based on key risk indicators to ensure it 
continues to be aligned with the Group’s 
goals and strategy.

Risk profile
At the direction of the Board, Executive 
management has performed a robust 
assessment of the principal risks facing 
the Group, taking into account those that 
would threaten the business model, future 
performance, solvency or liquidity, as 
well as the Group’s strategic objectives. 
This process includes a “bottom-up” 
analysis of key risks at a divisional level. 
All principal risks identified by this process 
may have an impact on the Group's 
strategic objectives within the next six to 
twelve months. Executive management 
and the Risk Committee perform further 
analysis to prioritise these risks, with 
a focus on those principal elements 
posing the highest current risk to the 
achievement of the Group’s objectives 
or the ongoing viability of the business. 

Risks assessed as higher priority are 
consolidated into a Group Risk Register. 
Risks included on the register are 
monitored closely by the Board, in terms 
of both prioritisation and mitigation 
strategies. It is recognised that, whilst 
these “top risks” represent a significant 
proportion of the Group’s risk profile, 
Executive management and the Risk 
Committee continue to monitor the entire 
universe of potential risks to identify new 
or emerging threats as well as changes 
in risk exposure. 

The assessment of principal risks during 
the year has identified that while there 
have been some significant changes 
in the external environment, the Group 
has remained robust and resilient with 
mitigating activities undertaken. This is 
reflected in the table of principal risks. 
The Group has long been conscious of 
our ESG agenda which has been reported 
to the Board through our People, Social, 
Environment and Ethics Committee 
(PSEE) which is attended by the Senior 
Independent Director. Last year it was 
identified that there is an increasing 
risk that a negative perception of our 
ESG profile could impact on our ability 
to attract new talent to the business, 
build relationships with our customers, 
positively impact the communities in 

which we operate, and attract investment 
from potential shareholders. In response 
we added a new principal risk with the 
description “Sustainability, Environment, 
Health and Safety” to recognise the 
increasing risk that a negative perception 
of our ESG profile could negatively 
impact the business and reflect the focus 
on mitigating actions we have taken. 
Because of its continued importance we 
have taken the further step of splitting 
Sustainability and Environment into a 
separate risk from Health and Safety, to 
better reflect the different impact of each 
and how the Group is responding to this. 
We have set out those areas in which we 
have made progress during the year in 
the Our environment section on pages 
64 to 69, in particular relating to carbon 
emissions and the recycling of waste. 

Macroeconomic environment
While there is an acknowledgement of 
continued uncertainty around geopolitical 
and macroeconomic risk during 2020 and 
into 2021, the Group continues to take 
appropriate mitigating actions to address 
this. The changes in strategic direction 
and market focus have significantly 
improved the Group’s overall resilience 
to these external factors. 

Executive management and the Board 
do not currently anticipate any significant 
impact on the Group’s trading following 
the UK/EU Brexit trading deal, given 
that trade between the UK and the EU 
accounts for a small proportion of Group 
revenue and material purchases. We have 
however planned for potential disruption 
in the event of border related issues. 

No significant direct impact from 
increased tariffs between the US and 
China is anticipated. The businesses 
continue to talk to their customers to 
see how TT's global footprint can offer 
opportunities to mitigate customers’ 
own risks in relation to increased tariffs.

Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 outbreak has impacted 
every site across the world during the 
course of 2020. However, because of the 
swift action taken by the Group, the overall 
impact at a site level has been minimised. 
A set of COVID-secure working practices 
has been put in place at each site and TT 
has been designated a critical supplier 
by customers and governments in each 
territory in which the Group operates. 
The duration and impact of COVID-19 on 
the business continues to be uncertain, 
however the Group is well equipped to 
deal with this going into 2021. 

Viability statement and prospects
In accordance with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, the Directors have 
assessed the viability and long-term 
prospects of the Group over the period 
to December 2023, taking into account 
the Group’s current position and the 
potential impact of the principal risks 
and uncertainties set out on pages 52 
to 53 of the Strategic report. Based 
on this assessment, the Directors 
confirm that they have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group will be able 
to continue in operation and meet 
its liabilities as they fall due over the 
period to December 2023. 

TT operates in markets with structural 
growth dynamics. We engineer and 
manufacture power, sensing and 
connectivity solutions to address our 
customers’ challenges in the healthcare, 
aerospace and defence and automation 
and electrification markets. These benefit 
from the trends for improved healthcare, 
for increased aircraft fuel efficiency 
and safety, and demand for sustainable 
solutions to improve energy efficiency. By 
positioning ourselves in the right markets, 
by creating differentiated capabilities 
through our R&D investment, and by 
attracting and developing the right talent 
we have a strategy to create sustainable 
value over the long-term.

The Directors have determined that the 
period to December 2023 represents an 
appropriate period over which to provide 
the viability statement as this aligns with 
the business cycle including product 
development and order intake trends. 

The Directors have taken the view that 
it is reasonable to assume (based on 
indications of interest received from the 
Group’s existing relationship banks and 
the wider banking and debt financing 
community) that the Group will be able to 
refinance its existing facility agreements 
to at least the existing or better level 
of debt on materially equivalent terms 
in advance of the maturity date of 
November 2023.

While the Directors have no reason to 
believe the Group will not be viable over 
a longer period, the period over which the 
Directors considers it possible to form a 
reasonable expectation as to the Group’s 
longer-term viability, is the three-year 
period to 31 December 2023. This also 
aligns with the duration of the business 
plan prepared annually and reviewed 
by the Board. The Directors believe that 
this presents investors and other key 
stakeholders with a reasonable degree 

of confidence while still providing a 
longer-term perspective. 

In making this statement, the Directors 
have carried out a robust assessment 
of the principal risks facing the Group, 
including those that would threaten 
its business model, the underlying 
mitigation planning, the assessment 
of future performance, solvency and 
liquidity, and the Group’s internal controls 
environment. The Group’s modelling 
assumes a full recovery from the impact 
of the pandemic during the course of the 
viability review period.

In performing the assessment, the 
Directors have further stress tested 
the Group’s financial projections for the 
period covered by the viability statement, 
testing it for “business as usual” risks 
(such as profit growth and working 
capital variances), the combined impact 
of severe but plausible events, as well as 
a “reverse” stress-test to understand the 
conditions which could jeopardise the 
future viability of the Group. This work 
included assessing against financial 
covenants and facility headroom. 

This severe but plausible events stress 
testing included consideration of the 
potential impact of the Group’s principal 
risks and uncertainties outlined on 
pages 52 to 53. This stress testing 
specifically included the impact of the 
following principal risks: general revenue 
reductions, contractual risks, people 
and capability, supplier resilience and 
health and safety. Principal risks which 
were not specifically modelled were 
either considered not likely to have an 
impact within the viability period or their 
financial effect was covered within the 
overall downside economic risks implicit 
within the stress testing.

The Group’s wide geographical and 
sector diversification helps minimise 
the risk of serious business interruption 
or catastrophic reputational damage. 
Furthermore, the business model is 
structured so that the Group is not 
overly reliant on any single customer, 
market or geography.

While this review does not consider 
all of the risks that the Group may 
face, the Directors consider that this 
stress-testing based assessment of 
the Group’s prospects is reasonable 
in the circumstances of the inherent 
uncertainty involved.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

51

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Risk management continued

PRINCIPAL RISKS 
AND UNCERTAINTIES

General

Risk description

Potential impact

Mitigating action

Change in the year

General revenue reduction 
Reduction in demand and orders due 
to economic downturn, geopolitical 
instability or disruption to operations 
(pandemic or other business 
interruption event)

•  Decelerating sales growth affecting 

operating profit

•  Monitor the wider economic 
conditions of our markets 

•  Timely financial reporting to monitor 
performance and provide a basis for 
corrective action when required
•  Ongoing optimisation of our cost 

base and strategic moves creating a 
more resilient portfolio

•  Business continuity and crisis 

management planning

•  Management structures in place to 
enable a rapid response to changing 
circumstances

•  Divisional assessment of the impact 
of Brexit and mitigation plans put 
in place

Increased risk – market volatility and 
political uncertainty continue primarily 
due to the COVID-19 outbreak, as 
well as to a lesser extent the impact 
of Brexit and ongoing global political 
discord. However, the mitigating 
actions taken by the Group are proving 
to be robust. 

Commercial

Contractual risks 
Potential liabilities from defects in 
performance-critical products that 
often operate in extreme environments

Research and development 
Delay in new product development 
which is intended to support revenue 
growth

•  Reputational impact
•  Deterioration in customer 

relationships
•  Liability claims
•  Reduction in revenue, profitability 

and cash generation

•  Quality control procedures and 

systems in place and appropriate 
levels of insurance carried for key 
risk

•  Group guidelines on acceptable 
levels of contractual liability are 
reinforced

No change

•  Increased cost in product 

•  Close collaboration with key 

development

customers

•  Delay in achieving projected revenue
•  Inability to meet the latest 

•  Active monitoring of costs and 

No change

milestones

requirements due to a step change in 
technology

•  Target R&D more effectively
•  Implementation of standard project 

management disciplines

Operational

People and capability 
Ability to attract and retain high-quality 
and capable people

•  Loss of key personnel
•  Potential business disruption
•  Breakdown of communication and 

misalignment

No change

•  Remuneration structure designed to 

support retention

•  Succession planning processes 
embedded within the businesses
•  Campaigns to increase performance 
and development of communication 
between managers and employees 
to ensure alignment to objectives

•  Using a feedback loop utilising 

surveys, with further detail in Our 
people section on pages 58 to 63, 
to encourage regular objectives and 
performance discussions

Supplier resilience 
Potential failure of critical suppliers; 
product delivery delays; inability to 
meet customer commitments

•  Reduction in revenue, profitability 

•  Regular review of key supplier 

and cash generation

financial health and product quality
•  Monitoring of relevant commodity 

and precious metals pricing

•  Review of spend patterns to identify 

opportunities

Increased risk – continued impact of 
COVID-19 on the economic stability 
of suppliers and security of supply 
lines, combined with additional risk of 
disruption due to Brexit. 

52 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Operational continued 

Risk description

Potential impact

Mitigating action

Change in the year

•  Reputational impact, business 

•  Regular analysis of cyber security 

disruption and potential deterioration 
in customer relationships

and data management 

•  IT strategy reviewed by management 

IT systems and information 
IT security breaches or disruption, 
unauthorised access or mistaken 
disclosure of information

M&A and integration 
Realisation of financial benefit of 
acquisitions

Sustainability, climate change and 
the environment  
Our manufactured products or other 
activities or decisions of the Group 
may not be judged by our customers, 
employees, communities and 
investors as being sustainable

•  Failure to realise the expected 

benefits of an acquisition or post-
acquisition performance of the 
acquired business not meeting the 
expected financial performance 
at the time acquisition terms were 
agreed could adversely affect 
the strategic development, future 
financial results and prospects of 
the Group

•  Failure to appropriately manage 
the environmental impact of our 
operations and products.

•  Reputational impact and potential 

deterioration in our relationships with 
our stakeholders 

Health and safety 
The manufacturing industry is 
inherently dangerous. Managing the 
impact on our employees, sites and 
the environment of these risks

•  Incidents occurring due to unsafe 
manufacturing processes. Failure 
to manage the impact of these 
risks could negatively impact our 
employees, lead to regulatory fines, 
reputational damage and lost 
production.

and the Board

•  Information security policies 

updated recently

•  Investment through recruitment 
of additional IT security and ERP 
specialists

•  Processes and tools put in place to 
support cyber security certifications

•  Full financial and other due diligence 
is conducted to the extent achievable 
in the context of each M&A 
opportunity

•  A detailed business case including 
forecasts is reviewed by the Board 
for each opportunity

•  Integration risk and planning is 

reviewed and undertaken as part of 
every acquisition

•  Health, Safety and Environmental 
Council responsible for Company-
wide best practice sharing, 
monitoring and improvements and 
strategy setting

•  PSEE Committee responsible for 

reporting Group progress against the 
development and monitoring of our 
strategy and associated KPIs 
•  Continued investment in M&A, 

business development and new 
product introduction in areas where 
the solutions contribute to a more 
sustainable world (see further detail 
on page 11)

•  Health, Safety and Environmental 
Council responsible for Company-
wide best practice sharing, 
monitoring and improvements and 
strategy setting

•  Regional best practice teams 

established

•  Processes and roadmaps in place to 

minimise the risk of incidents

Reduced risk – investment and 
improvements made in this area, 
demonstrated through successful 
remote working due to COVID-19 
restrictions, have reduced the net risk 
to the Group

Reduced risk - recent acquisitions 
have been integrated successfully and 
lessons learned activities built into 
future plans

No change – see pages 64 to 69 for more 
details on the work done across the Group

Increased risk – whilst the overall 
Health and Safety risk faced by the 
Group has increased due to the impact 
of COVID-19 on working practices, 
this has been mitigated with a strong 
framework of processes and controls 
at all our sites. Underlying health and 
safety incidents remain very low

Legal

Legal and regulatory compliance 
Intentional or inadvertent non-
compliance with legislation including 
laws and regulations covering export 
control, anti-bribery and competition

•  Reputational impact
•  Civil or criminal liabilities leading 
to significant fines and penalties 
or restrictions being placed on the 
ability to trade

•  Reduction in revenue, profitability 

and cash generation

•  Cross-divisional export compliance 
group established and anti-bribery 
programme in place

•  Approach involves risk assessment, 

policy, training, review and 
monitoring

•  Whistleblower process in place 
to ensure issues can be raised, 
investigated and managed

No change

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

53

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Stakeholder engagement

HOW AND 
WHY WE 
ENGAGE

Our stakeholders are key to the long-
term sustainability of our business. 
The importance of open and meaningful 
engagement with all our stakeholders is 
fully embraced by our Board members 
and is encouraged through all levels of 
the Company. The Board has completed 
its stakeholder mapping exercise to 
identify the Company’s key stakeholders, 
to determine the Board’s engagement 
activities during the year and to review 
the information flow from senior 
management and other commercial 
teams up to the Board, and back down 
the organisational structure. 

2020 has been a challenging year where 
engagement with our stakeholders 
took on a new importance to help all 
of us respond and collaborate quickly 
and effectively in the face of the 
unprecedented challenges our working 
environments. At the same time, many 
of the usual methods of engagement 
became more and more constrained as 
the pandemic took hold. As travel and 
social contact was restricted throughout 
the year, we were challenged with finding 
innovative and effective ways of dealing 
with our stakeholders; from finding new 
ways of gauging customer feedback, 
to securing investor commitments in 
respect of the equity placing to fund the 
Torotel acquisition. 

s172 statement
Under Section 172 of the Companies 
Act 2006, Directors are required to 
promote the success of the Company 
for the benefit of our shareholders 
and, in doing so, to have regard to the 
interests of all of our other stakeholders. 
We have outlined here the key 
engagement activities carried out by the 
Board and the Company during the year. 

Where to find out more

Employees Our people 

Investors How we create value 

Environment Our environmental priorities 

Society Our community 

Long-term success 
Our strategy 
Risk management 
Viability statement 

58

20

64

69

16 
50 
51

CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS

Adapting in 2020:
• Our supply chain and business unit 
leaders across the Group increased 
their virtual activity to underpin and 
support one another to successfully 
manage issues caused by the 
COVID-19 outbreak.

• Further development of our Risk in 
the Supply Chain analytics tool led 
to quick identification of key risk 
areas in our supply chains to ensure 
our businesses and our employees 
remained protected.

• Face to face engagements with our 

supply chain partners and customers 
were moved to virtual platforms 
to ensure we maintained strong 
relationships and communications links.

• Online New Product Introduction 

webinars were set up to deal with the 
launch of new products and product 
roadmaps with online feedback 
questionnaires to help us gauge if these 
approaches met customers’ needs.
• Customer engineers attended TT-run 

online training sessions.

Our activities that affect them: 
• Research and development (“R&D”)
• Operations and production pipeline
• Safety, environmental quality control 

and reliability

• Legal and regulatory compliance
• Payment practices
• Responsible business, sustainability 

and ethics

How we have engaged:
• Attendance at customer/supplier 

meetings, trade events and 
conferences.

• Sales and engineering teams engage 
with lead customers to inform new 
product development. 

• CEO and Board regularly receive 

reports from internal lead councils on 
key customer and supplier initiatives.

• Internal reporting processes flow 

information and KPIs on health and 
safety, environmental, sustainability, 
strategy, production and financial 
performance from site level through 
the ELT to the Board.

• “Voice of the Customer” feedback 

informs our business development, 
R&D and operations approaches.
• Payment practices, and the effects 
on our suppliers, are reviewed and 
considered by the Board.

• Our global cyber security and IT 

delivery strategies to reduce the risk 
of hacking events and ensure the 
protection of customers’ confidential, 
technical information is regularly 
reviewed and developed. 

• The Board reviewed and approved the 
Group’s Modern Slavery Policy and 
Statement for 2020.

• The Board’s engagement with our sites 
gives insight into customer and supplier 
responses to key programmes and 
integration activities.

54 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

EMPLOYEES

Our activities that affect them: 
• Protecting our People/Health 

and Safety/Sustainability
• Employment, training and 

apprenticeships

• Group employment policies
• Investment in our sites
• Diversity/Inclusion
• Group strategy

How we have engaged:
• The Board typically holds at least 
one of its meetings each year at 
one of our manufacturing sites to 
enable the Directors to gain a greater 
understanding of the operations at our 
facilities and to engage directly with the 
workforce. Outside of the scheduled 
Board meetings, Directors visited 
(either physically or virtually) four sites 
during 2020.

• The Employee Engagement Survey 
was circulated worldwide and the 
results were fed back to the Board 
for consideration and discussion, 
for more information see page 62. 
Sites across the Group are working 
on actions plans to identify areas 
to further improve our engagement 
across a variety of key topics.

• Our health and safety record at our 
sites is of critical importance to the 
Board and the Directors understand 
that the health and safety tone must be 
set from the top. 

• During the year employees 

worldwide have regularly received 
communications regarding the 
Company’s operations, challenges 
and successes through both weekly 
email updates and our quarterly 
“BE TT News” magazine. 

• Site employee forums were held at 
a number of sites across our global 

locations in 2020 with key items fed 
back to the PSEE Committee where 
our nominated Non-executive Director 
(“NED”), Jack Boyer, ensures that the 
“Voice of the Employee” is considered 
in Board decision-making. 

• The Board has continued to work 

closely with the EVP HR to develop 
and progress initiatives to address 
diversity and inclusion within the 
current employee base and the future 
pipeline. We continued our programme 
of “Women in Business” forums, and 
our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy 
roadmap was approved by the Board 
and circulated to all employees.

Adapting in 2020:
• TT’s COVID-19 response plan 

facilitated a fast-paced, two-way flow 
of information from site/divisional 
management to the ELT and the Board 
to ensure that Health and Safety 
policies and processes were quickly 
communicated to our sites to keep our 
employees safe. 

• Dedicated COVID-response 

committees on each site around the 
globe, were responsible for regular 
updates to local employees on changes 
to working practices, new H&S 
processes and any other COVID-related 
changes. The Committees shared 
information on a regular basis with the 
HR and H&S functions.

NEDs virtual site visits

During 2020, the Board was not able 
to plan site visits to our international 
sites outside of the UK due to travel 
restrictions. Instead, two “virtual 
overseas site visits” were organised 
by our Board members using video 
conferencing. The aim of the site visits 
was to speak directly with members of 
the senior management team as well as 
other employees to assess the culture 
at these sites and to give an opportunity 
for employees to raise any questions or 
concerns to the NEDs. This is the first 
time that site visits have been conducted 
virtually and, while some limitations 
were identified, the NEDs felt this was a 
worthy exercise which enabled them to 
connect meaningfully with employees 
at the sites and gain valuable insights 
into the successes and challenges 
faced by our teams. Following these 
site “visits”, the nominated NED for 
employee engagement shared the 
discussions and outcomes with the 
PSEE Committee and subsequently 
the Board. These discussions revolved 
around the feedback from employees 
and improvements that could be made 
on the “virtual” engagement process to 
ensure a wide spectrum of employees 
is involved and that there are more 
opportunities for open and frank 
conversations to be had with the NEDs 
away from the site management team.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

55

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Stakeholder engagement continued

INVESTORS

Our activities that affect them: 
• Financial performance
• Governance and transparency
• Leadership 
• Reputation
• Sustainability

How we have engaged:
• The CEO and CFO meet with 

institutional investors immediately 
after publication of the full year and 
half year results, and at other times 
through the year.

• The Chairman wrote to our largest 

shareholders and also had introductory 
virtual meetings with some of them, 
more information can be found on 
page 5. See page 94 for information 
about the consultation activities carried 
out by the Chair of the Remuneration 
Committee. 

• Feedback on investor relations issues 
is reported to the Board so that all 
Directors develop an understanding 
of major shareholders’ views on the 
Company. 

• The Company’s brokers provide 

briefings to the Board on shareholder 
opinions and compile independent 
feedback from investor meetings. 

• Company presentations used at 

analyst and investor meetings, together 
with financial press releases, and other 
useful shareholder information, are 
made available on the Group’s website 
(www.ttelectronics/investors.com) 
• The Directors use the Annual General 
Meeting (“AGM”) to communicate with 
institutional and private investors. Full 
details of the 2021 AGM are given on 
page 199.

• We have increased our disclosure of a 
number of sustainability related issues 
in the Annual Report and Accounts, 

collecting data for the first time and 
setting short term and longer term 
targets for environmental improvement. 

• We participated in the annual Carbon 
Disclosure Project (“CDP”) annual 
survey, with CDP awarding a ‘C’ rating, 
denoting ‘awareness’, an improved 
score on the prior year. 

• Prior to the non pre-emptive placing 
of shares in September 2020 and in 
advance of the Torotel acquisition, 
the Directors consulted directly with a 
significant number of our shareholders 
to gauge their feedback on both 
activities.

Adapting in 2020:
• The Board ensured that investors were 
kept informed via extra trading updates 
of the impact of the pandemic on 
operations and national restrictions on 
our trading and financial performance.

• Since the first UK lockdown 

commenced, all investor engagement 
has been ‘virtual’, with live video calls 
the usual means of communication. 
This has been supplemented with 
recorded video messages by the CEO 
and CFO.

• Due to the national restrictions 

imposed in the UK during the first 
half of 2020, the Company’s AGM 
could not be held in the usual 
manner where shareholders would 
be invited to meet directly with our 
Board. Instead our AGM was held 
as a ‘closed meeting’ to respect the 
national lockdown safety measures 
in place and shareholders were 
encouraged to vote in advance of 
the meeting and submit questions 
to the Board using a dedicated 
email address.

56 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Torotel case study

In November 2020, TT acquired the 
entire issued and outstanding share 
capital of Torotel, Inc, an SEC listed 
company, for a value of $43.4 million 
(£32.9 million) as part of a competitive 
tender process. The acquisition was 
structured as a merger between 
Torotel and a specially incorporated 
TT subsidiary company, with the 
approval of Torotel’s shareholders 
being required under Missouri law as a 
condition precedent to completion. The 
transaction was part funded by an equity 
placing, which raised £20 million of the 
consideration proceeds. Given the deal 
structure, the Board and transaction 
team prioritised engagement with a wide 
variety of stakeholder groups in order 
to secure an exclusive position for TT 
as the preferred bidder for Torotel. Key 
stakeholders included (i) the Torotel 
board and senior management team, 
which ultimately recommended the 
terms of the transaction to shareholders, 
(ii) Torotel shareholders, who gave their 
approval for the transaction to proceed, 
and (iii) TT’s investor base, as part of 
the equity placing process. In the latter 
case, the Executive Directors had direct 
engagement with over twenty current 
and prospective investors on the terms 
of the transaction and the equity placing 
arrangements. As part of the overall 
transaction process, TT liaised with a 
number of UK and US regulatory bodies 
to ensure that all necessary approvals 
were secured in the context of Torotel 
being a US-based supplier to a wide 
range of customers in the Aerospace 
and Defence sector and also as part of 
the process of raising acquisition funding 
through a UK placing.

Torotel case study

Corporate Social Responsibility day – 
Kuantan, Malaysia
September 2002’s Corporate Social 
Responsibility day was dedicated to creating 
awareness of environmental issues with the 
day’s activities focused on cleaning an area 
of local beach. Despite the gloomy weather 
and rain around 400 employees and their 
families took part raising over $600 for 
several local environmental charities to help 
in supporting their efforts.

A key focus of the transaction was 
to secure Torotel’s product portfolio 
and technical capability in order to 
enhance TT’s customer offering in 
the Power Solutions sector, thereby 
deepening relationships with existing 
customers and allowing the Group to 
penetrate new customer platforms; this 
customer engagement element was 
a key component of the post-closing 
integration process. Another important 
consideration was to ensure that all 
existing Torotel employees were made 
to feel part of the expanded TT “family” 
post-completion, which was achieved by 
moving Torotel employees into TT-wide 
compensation schemes at an early 
stage of the integration programme. 
The Board played an active part in the 
transaction process, having carefully 
considered Torotel’s position in the 
US Aerospace and Defence market, 
the availability of US Government 
funded programmes and opportunities 
to enhance existing TT capabilities/
customer initiatives through the Torotel 
platform. The Torotel transaction was 
discussed on a total of seven occasions 
by the Board in 2020, with three such 
meetings being dedicated entirely to the 
Torotel acquisition process and/or the 
equity placing arrangements.

SOCIETY

Our activities that affect them: 
• Employment, training and 

apprenticeships
• Sustainability KPIs
• Pollution, waste, environmental policies
• Local operational impact
• Helping local communities
• Footprint optimisation

How we have engaged:
• Member of the Confederation of British 
Industry (“CBI”) and the Responsible 
Business Alliance. TT is committed to 
working in an ethically responsible way 
towards creating a more prosperous 
and equal society. TT participated in 
research to form part of the CBI’s new 
Goal 13 Impact Platform designed to 
accelerate climate transition by sharing 
companies' progress from across the 
UK and beyond, inspiring further climate 
commitments and action, and facilitating 
collaboration between companies.
• Regular updates to the Board from 

the HSE Council, the designated NED 
sitting on our PSEE Committee and the 
EVP HR on social, environmental and 
employee engagement themes.
• The HSE Council engages on our 

environmental impact directly with 
regulatory bodies and across all 
our TT sites to share reports with 
the Board on the Group’s progress 
against its KPI targets in relation to 
the environment, see more on page 23.
• Our PSEE objectives remained focused 
on supporting our local communities 

and charitable activities which ‘Build 
Expertise’ in science, technology, 
engineering and maths (STEM). Further 
details on the way we work with the 
communities in which we operate and 
employees’ environmental initiatives 
can be found on page 69. 

• Diversity within our industry is an 

important theme for the Board and 
gender balance is often considered 
in terms of our senior management 
pipeline, our extended workforce, the 
wider automation and electrification 
sector and educational institutions 
around the country. 

Adapting in 2020:
• Many of our sites around the world 

engaged with local healthcare 
institutions and their local communities 
to provide much needed PPE, safety 
equipment and food and hygiene kits 
where they were needed most. 
• STEM activities within our local 

communities and schools continued 
in 2020 but were adapted to virtual 
platforms where possible.

• The Board has closely monitored the 

Virolens® project which aims to provide 
a unique and highly-engineered testing 
product to help in the fight against the 
global threat of COVID-19 to societies 
around the world. 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

57

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Our people

OUR  
PEOPLE  
ARE THE
FOUNDATION 
OF OUR  
BUSINESS

Our people 
Our culture and Purpose (see inside front 
cover for more details) are at the heart of 
what makes TT Electronics a great place 
to work and great to work with. People 
are at the heart of our Purpose and 
this includes not only our employees, 
but also other stakeholders including 
customers and suppliers and our wider 
communities. We continually strive to 
ensure everyone who works for TT can 
be themselves and has the opportunity 
to do their best every day at work. Our 
people really are our greatest asset and it 
is through training and developing them 
and working together effectively we 
unlock the potential of TT.

Purpose and meaning
In 2019 we reviewed and updated our 
Purpose, and this has enabled us to 
engage with our senior management 
during 2020 and explore what it 
means to them and their teams. This 
enables us to draw on and focus our 
employees’ energy into their ways of 
working. Our local teams have long 
been committed to creating social value 
in their communities and our Purpose 
also enables us to connect with this 
and focus our activity in the same areas 
where we help our customers support 
a more sustainable world, providing 
cleaner, smarter solutions and improving 
health. “Cleaner” therefore includes our 
sustainability goals such as reducing 
our energy usage and waste to landfill, 

58 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

The “TT Way”

We do the right thing

We bring out the 
best in each other

We achieve  
more together

We champion 
expertise

We get the job 
done… well

“smarter”, encompasses our STEM 
activities, as well as providing improved 
health for our employees, which in this 
context includes diversity and inclusion, 
psychological and physical safety, as 
well as providing the appropriate tools 
and support systems that underpin 
health. In this way, we have linked our 
Purpose statement to the development 
of our internal culture and to what we do 
for our customers.

Our environment section on pages 64 
to 69 gives more details on how we are 
seeking to reduce our impact on the 
environment as well as our community 
engagement activities.

Culture and values
We believe that embedding the right 
culture in the business is critical to our 
ability to deliver sustainably over time. 
We also continue to be committed 
to the “TT Way” which underpins the 
behaviours we encourage, by which we 
live every day. All of our employees are 
measured through regular performance 
reviews on what they deliver and 
how they deliver it, with the “TT Way” 
underpinning the ‘how’. 

We believe that investments we make in 
people help them improve, also building 
loyalty and trust. Our people can do 
remarkable things, not only because they 
have a sense of belonging but a purpose 
that helps them think big, underpinned 
by our ‘TT Way’ culture and behaviours. 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

59

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statements262019: 23 

Sites with zero three day 
lost-time incidents

We invest significant resources in attracting, 
motivating and retaining the talented 
engineers, designers, administrators and 
technicians of tomorrow

Our ‘zero harm’ roadmaps are used 
to set annual improvement plans at 
each location to ensure continuous 
improvement. These are regularly 
reviewed by each site General Manager 
as well as the divisional EVP. Twenty-six 
locations had zero lost time incidents 
in 2020. Each one received a ‘zero 
harm’ certificate from the CEO in 
recognition of their commitment to 
safety management and continuous 
improvement. This is an increase on 
2019 when 23 sites achieved a ‘zero 
harm’ performance. 

Strategic report | Our people continued

Health and safety
Health and safety is extremely important 
to us and one of our Group KPIs is a key 
health and safety metric (see page 23).

As a result of COVID-19 it has been a 
challenging year, but this has resulted 
in an extraordinary response from our 
people. By learning from the experiences 
of our Chinese colleagues, who were 
impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak first, 
and by implementing COVID-19 secure 
working practices early on elsewhere, we 
were able to ensure all our employees 
remain safe and well at work. Being 
primarily considered a manufacturer 
of essential products, our employees’ 
commitment and safe working practices 
enabled us to continue manufacturing 
around the world with only limited, 
short-term exceptions. We constantly 
review these safe working practices and 
we have been sharing our experiences 
weekly to help everyone stay safe.

We have also run reinforcing campaigns 
such as ‘Hands, Space, Face … because 
I care,’ focused on embedding social 
distancing and other behavioural 
changes.

We actively promote our health and 
safety culture that is embedded in 
our “TT Way” behaviours. We work 
together to identify, remove or reduce 
hazards and risks to ensure everyone 
returns home safe and healthy, with a 
focus on preventative actions. In 2020, 
we recorded 4,155 (2019: 1,460) total 
hazards, monitoring this important 
‘leading’ safety indicator within our 
employee engagement metrics. 
This increase is a result of our focused, 
preventative safety culture programme 
aimed at raising awareness of hazards, 
education and recognising employees 
that demonstrate our ‘TT Way’ behaviours. 

We are committed to achieving a ‘zero 
harm’ workplace and, as part of our 
continuous improvement culture, we 
have invested in the development of an 
analytical safety reporting tool. From 
2021 this will provide us with additional 
transparency through the reporting of 
hazards and near misses by causation 
type. We will utilise this data to help 
focus our resources and further develop 
our safety programme.

60 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Providing PPE for the front line

Our “TT Way” principles

Mexicali Human Resources Manager 
Ivonne Rodriguez commented: 

“We are excited to partner with the 
hospital and to help support front-
line health personnel in their mission 
to combat COVID-19. Caring for our 
people and the welfare of the Mexicali 
community is what our TT values are 
all about.”

For further examples of how our 
employees have helped local 
communities in the year, see the Our 
environment section on pages 64 to 69.

Demonstrating our principles
In a demonstration of our ‘TT Way’ 
principles, a number of sites across 
the Group have been doing the right 
thing by helping local communities 
during the year in the fight against 
COVID-19.

Employees from our Mexicali, Mexico 
facility, among others around the 
Group, have been active in this regard.

The Mexicali facility has been making 
and delivering facemasks to protect 
healthcare staff who have been in 
the front-line in the fight against 
COVID-19. Staff are pictured above 
towards the end of 2020 outside 
the local general hospital with a 
consignment of donated face masks.

We are excited to partner with the hospital and to 
help support front-line health personnel in their 
mission to combat COVID-19. Caring for our people 
and the welfare of the Mexicali community is what 
our TT values are all about.

In 2020, three-day lost time incidents, 
our primary ‘lagging’ health and safety 
indicator, and Group KPI, increased 
slightly to five incidents (2019: four). 
This in part reflected COVID-related 
disruption to established processes and 
working practices through the year. To 
further support our values we developed, 
along with employee representatives and 
operations management, a global safety 
behavioural standard, which we will 
develop further during 2021.

We have continued to invest in mental 
wellbeing during 2020. As well as 
running workshops to train line 
managers about mental health, we have 
also continued to train mental health 
first aiders at a number of our facilities 
globally. Ensuring employees are able to 
express personal anxiety and concern 
during these challenging times has 
been crucial. 

In the mid-year performance review 
cycle, we introduced Wellness Action 
Plans. This tool empowers individuals 
and managers to talk about how to get 
the best out of one another at work, how 
they respond under stress and what 
support and workplace adjustments they 
might need. Workshops on using the tool 
were also run. 

Our wellbeing scores in our recent 
engagement survey (set out in the 
section on 'Engagement' below) were 
very strong and addressing wellbeing 
continues to be a key priority.

Our online, voluntary ‘Mindfulness 
Monday’ sessions have been very 
popular, creating space for our 
employees to learn mindfulness 
practices in support of wellbeing. 
Health and safety is at the heart of our 
culture and we are totally committed to 
continuously embedding and improving 
safe working practices everywhere.

BE Inspired awards
Our BE Inspired awards recognise and 
internally publicise every quarter those 
employees who have demonstrated 
“TT Way” principles, with nominations 
encouraged from across the Group. 
From these nominations a number of 
awards are made celebrating the most 
outstanding employee achievements.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

61

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Our people continued

Engagement
Our employees have been identified as a 
key stakeholder group with the Board’s 
2020 interaction with employees set 
out in the s172 statement on pages 54 
to 57 of this Annual Report and in the 
Chairman's Statement on pages 4 to 7.

• ongoing commitment to an enhanced 

Women’s Leadership Programme 
which enables internal sponsorship as 
a support to promotion;

• a flexible working policy catering for 

diverse working practices ;

• a significantly enhanced maternity 

Employee attraction, retention 
and development
Attracting, retaining and developing our 
employees is crucial to the achievement 
of our strategic objectives. 

Personal development and growth 
are important at TT. As well as 
running training programmes for 
leaders and managers, we also 
focus on maintaining robust personal 
development plans with regular, 
quality feedback to accelerate personal 
growth and build succession plans. 

We also invest heavily in functional 
development, such as building sales 
capability, including coaching and 
development programmes.

leave policy.

We are also undertaking a project to 
look at our talent acquisition practices, 
including how we remove bias from our 
descriptions and job advertisements.

53%Female employees 

Employees - full-time equivalents (average in year)

Male

Female

4

5

29

773

420

518

468

28

2

1

6

474

426

711

884

38

2,207

2,533

We ran a series of Leadership 
Development sessions in 2020, 
including on developing a winning 
mindset and leading high performing 
teams. We have also run a series of 
management workshops with sessions 
including change, loss and recovery; 
compassionate leadership; leading 
change; dealing with adversity; and 
making better decisions. We run a 
performance review process including 
regular personal interaction with line 
managers, so employees know what is 
expected of them and receive feedback 
on their performance. We recognise 
exceptional contributions from all 
employees through our Be Inspired 
awards and we publicise monthly 
recognition, as well as annual awards, 
which are aligned to the “TT Way”.

Despite the many COVID-related 
challenges during 2020, we have made 
good progress on our journey to be a 
truly great place to work.

Main Board of Directors

Executive Leadership Team (ELT)

Other senior managers (ex-ELT)

UK and Europe

USA

Mexico and Caribbean

Asia

Other

Total

Driving ED&I across the organisation
We have developed an ED&I strategy, 
Committee and business unit working 
groups to drive equality and diversity. 
In 2020, we started inclusive leadership 
training among the Senior Leadership 
Team and piloted ED&I training at our 
facilities. Training will be provided during 
2021 for all our employees. 

We have continued our Women’s 
Business Forum and we will look to run 
our Women’s Leadership Programme 
before the end of 2021. We have also 
developed revised global ED&I policies.

We are excited by how passionate many 
of our employees are about ED&I and 
there is a real opportunity to build in 2021 
on the progress we have made to date. 

At 31 December 2020 we had 4,740 
employees Group-wide, of which 47 
per cent are men and 53 per cent are 
women. This gender diversity split by 
geography and seniority is set out above: 

Our Gender Pay Gap report is also 
available for viewing at  
https://www.ttelectronics.com/
TTElectronics/media/SiteFiles/Legal%20
Documents/TTE_Gender-pay-gap-
report.

We measure our employee engagement 
using the independent ‘Best Companies’ 
survey and methodology. We undertook 
our employee survey in October 2020, 
achieving an 85 per cent response 
rate. We are delighted to have made 
significant progress in all areas since 
the late-2018 survey and received an 
overall '2 Star' rating, benchmarking 
TT Electronics alongside the very best 
global corporations in terms of employee 
engagement. A number of TT sites were 
also individually recognised as the very 
best, achieving a ‘3 Star’ rating. Given 
the impact of COVID-19 and the general 
market uncertainty, together with the 
fact that three contributing TT sites are 
in the process of closing, the results 
are a powerful demonstration of how 
employees perceive our commitment 
to engagement and how they feel about 
working at TT.

In 2020 we also worked with ‘Best 
Companies’ to deliver a more 
robust reporting and analysis of 
the survey results. Line managers 
received a personalised employee 
engagement score that enables them 
to undertake a more targeted action 
plan, aiding continued improvement 
in engagement levels.

Equality, diversity and inclusion
We are committed to ensuring all our 
employees, everywhere, get to be 
themselves at work every day. Ensuring 
our leaders and managers are inclusive 
and that everyone is treated fairly at work 
is core to our culture and strategy.

Building a diverse senior 
leadership team
We recognise our leaders' critical role 
in promoting and monitoring equality, 
diversity and inclusion (ED&I) in TT. 
This includes regularly reviewing ED&I 
metrics and investing in supporting our 
minority employee populations.

Some examples of what we have 
achieved in the year include:

• more inclusive hiring practices 

including balanced shortlists and 
diverse interview panels;

62 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Business ethics
We hold ethical standards in high regard, 
operating with integrity to a common 
standard worldwide. We do not tolerate 
corruption or bribery in any form. 
We operate systems and processes 
which counter corrupt practices, 
including an anonymous and multi-
lingual ‘whistleblower’ portal through 
which individuals can report concerns. 
Significant issues arising are reported 
to the Audit Committee, with cases 
investigated in detail and appropriate 
action taken.

Our Statement of Values and Business 
Ethics Code sets out the operating 
principles to which we adhere. Day-to-
day oversight of ethics and compliance 
related matters are undertaken by the 
PSEE Committee, which is chaired by 
the Group CEO and which includes 
the Senior Independent Director as a 
member. For any matters of particular 
concern, an Ethics Committee is 
convened to investigate, and this is 
constituted by members of the ELT.

All relevant employees are required to 
complete mandatory online training 
annually across different aspects 
of ethics including anti-bribery and 
corruption, IT and cyber security, export 
controls and information management.

Human rights and modern slavery
We are committed to upholding the human 
rights of our workers and treating them 
with dignity and respect as understood 
by the international community. Our 
Human Rights Code is contained within 
the Responsible Business Alliance Code 
of Conduct and covers permanent, 
temporary, migrant, student, contract, 
direct and indirect workers. 

We do not tolerate practices which 
contravene international standards. 
Regulatory demands vary considerably 
around the world; however, we have 
established a core structure to ensure 
that Group companies fully comply with 
legislative and regulatory requirements 
while permitting them to tailor their 
approach to local needs.

Everyone in TT is responsible for 
having due regard for human rights. 
Managers and supervisors must provide 
leadership that promotes human rights 
as an equal priority to other business 
issues. All employees are responsible 
for ensuring that their own actions do 
not impair the human rights of others 
and are encouraged to bring forward, in 
confidence, any concerns they may have 
about human rights.

TT is committed to acting ethically and 
with integrity in our business dealings. 
As part of this commitment, TT has 
adopted a zero-tolerance approach to 
modern slavery, whether in the form of 
servitude; forced, bonded, or indentured 
labour; slavery; human trafficking or 
any other activity that amounts to an 
unreasonable restriction on the free 
movement of workers. 

The Board has adopted a policy 
on modern slavery, setting out the 
standards we expect from all our 
employees, contractors, suppliers, 
distributors and other business partners. 
A copy of our modern slavery statement 
can be found on www.ttelectronics.com.

Supply chain
It is important that not only does TT 
adhere to high social standards, but we 
seek to do business only with a like-
minded supply chain. Therefore, in 2020 
we updated TT’s Corporate and Social 
Responsibilities – Supplier Expectations 
policy, which sets out TT’s required 
standards of our global supplier base 
with respect to social and environmental 
practices. In addition to supplier 
environmental standards (see page 69), 
the policy addresses a number of social 
and ethical aspects including health 
and safety, modern slavery, child labour, 
discrimination, harsh or inhumane 
treatment, equality, diversity and 
inclusion, anti-bribery, cyber security, 
living wages and working hours. We 
carry out assessments of our suppliers 
regularly to ensure compliance and we 
will not do business with suppliers who 
violate these standards. The policy can 
be found on www.ttelectronics.com.

85%Reponse rate to employee survey
2 Star

Employee engagement rating

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

63

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Our environment

OUR 
ENVIRONMENT

We help solve electronic challenges by providing solutions that are cleaner, 
smarter and healthier, which help our customers reduce their environmental 
impacts. At the same time, we also seek to optimise our own operations to 
reduce our impact on the environment.

TT recognises that our activities 
and those of our customers have an 
environmental impact. Our response is 
two-fold:

• develop, design, engineer and 
manufacture products for our 
customers that help them reduce their 
environmental impacts and which 
also have significant, beneficial, social 
impacts for society; and

• optimise our own operations to reduce 

this impact on the environment.

For more information on our products 
and how they impact society please see 
Our Markets on pages 30 to 37. 

Governance
We are committed to driving our 
sustainability agenda and we are 
organised in the following way:

• Our Health, Safety and Environmental 
Policy statement defines our goals 
and objectives

• The Board considers climate change 
and environmental risks as part of its 
overall assessment of the risks facing 
the Group

• The Board is supported according to 
the organisation chart below, and this 
sets out our Governance structure

Oversight of our environmental 
performance is provided by the PSEE 
Committee and which is chaired by 
the CEO and attended by the Senior 
Independent Director. The Committee 
drives TT’s sustainability strategy for our 
employee, community, customer and 
investor stakeholders. The Committee 
Chair reports back to the Board on the 
activities of the Committee, including the 
progress made on environmental matters. 

From 2021 we have set up a Sustainability 
Council that comprises a mix of senior 
corporate managers and representatives 
from each division. The purpose of the 
Council is to advise the PSEE Committee, 
providing a conduit to and insights from, 
the global business leadership team. The 
Council also provides technical and other 
specialist advice with respect to driving 
further sustainable improvements within 
the Group.

The ELT is chaired by the CEO and 
comprises the CFO, the divisional 
EVP’s and other senior managers. 
This body meets on a quarterly basis 
and is responsible for delivering 
against sustainability targets and other 
objectives by working with our global 
site leadership.

Board

CEO and CFO

PSEE Committee

Executive and Senior Leadership team

Sustainability Council

Site leadeship

Our environmental priority areas
We recognise that our business 
activities have significant relevance to 
the UN Sustainability Goals (UN SDG). 
Accordingly, in 2019 we completed a 
strategic workshop. This was chaired 
by the EVP HR, and included Board 
representation, as well as senior 
managers from within the businesses. 
The workshop identified those areas 
where there was greatest alignment 
with the UN SDG and where we had 
the opportunity to make the most 
difference. From an environmental 
perspective, we believe we are most 
closely aligned to Climate Change (UN 
SDG #13), as this is the single biggest 
impact we have on the environment. 
In recognition of this, we have included 
this metric within our Group KPIs for 
the first time in 2020 (see page 23) with 
our ultimate target being to become 
carbon neutral on scope 1 and scope 
2 emissions by 2035, with like-for-like 
reductions in our emissions annually.

Following further consideration of our 
environmental exposures, and in addition 
to reducing our carbon emissions, we 
are also focusing on reducing our use 
of single use plastics and on reducing 
the amount of waste we send to landfill 
every year. 

Our overall progress has been 
recognised, as we received a rating 
of ‘AA’ in the 2020 MSCI ESG Ratings 
assessment, placing TT in the leading 
companies in its sector group. MSCI 
ESG Research provides in-depth 
research, ratings and analysis of the 
environmental, social and governance-
related business practices of thousands 
of companies worldwide.

64 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

SUZHOU, 
CHINA

Our Suzhou, China site held 30 training 
sessions during its 2020 employee 
sustainability event and received 
173 energy-saving ideas from its 
employees. The site implemented eight 
projects, which were selected from the 
employee suggestions received. The 
implementation of these projects has 
had a significant impact on energy usage, 
with an estimated 15 per cent reduction 
in energy use at the site as a result.

Carbon dioxide equivalent (tonnes)

2020

2019*

Emissions from activities which 
the company owns or controls 
including the combustion of fuel 
and operation of facilities 
(Scope 1)/tCO2e

Emissions from the purchase 
of electricity, heat, steam 
and cooling for own use 
(Scope 2, location based)/tCO2e

Total gross Scope 1 & 2 
emissions/tCO2e

Revenue (£million)

Intensity ratio: tCO2e  
(gross Scope 1 & 2)/£1 million 
revenue

1,259

770

11,259

14,935

12,518

431.8

15,705

478.2

29.0

32.8

*  The Group’s 2019 carbon dioxide equivalent (tonnes) GHG 
have been restated. The restatement includes the impacts 
of a change from a decentralised to a centralised GHG 
methodology in 2020. The change is expected to improve 
the consistency and reliability of data.

Carbon emission factors for grid 
electricity are calculated according to 
the ‘market-based method.’ We have 
adopted the UK Government GHG 
emission conversion factors by relevant 
year for our centralised emission factor 
calculation for GHG equivalent carbon 
dioxide. Other greenhouse gases 
emitted as a result of the manufacturing 
process are not included within this 
figure as they are a negligible proportion 
of overall emissions. We are using an 
operational control boundary for direct 
GHG emissions. We have adopted a 
cross-sector calculation method in 
line with the GHG Protocol Corporate 
Standard, restating our 2019 disclosure 
to be consistent.

For scope 1 emissions, we include our 
total owned and leased vehicle direct 
emission impact.

The Covina, California acquisition 
was completed in January 2020 and 
its emissions have been included in 
the 2020 carbon dioxide numbers. 
The acquisition of Torotel, Inc, which 
completed in November 2020, will be 
included from 2021.

The Group’s total scope 1 & 2 carbon 
emissions have in 2020 reduced by 20% 
to 12,518 tonnes (2019: 15,705 tonnes).

In addition, we participated in the 2020 
CDP annual climate change survey. CDP 
is a not-for-profit charity that runs a 
global disclosure system for companies 
and other organisations to manage their 
environmental impacts. It awarded us an 
improved ‘C’ rating, denoting awareness 
of climate change issues. 

20% CO2 reduction 

Scope 1 & scope 2

Energy use and carbon dioxide 
emissions 
We are focused on reducing our carbon 
dioxide impact from energy use. We 
have set out the actions we are taking 
below in ‘Reducing our energy use and 
carbon emissions’. 

In 2020 we implemented a carbon 
dioxide reporting tool consistent with 
the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol 
Corporate Standard and with the 
Streamlined Energy and Carbon 
Reporting (SECR) guidelines. This 
Group-wide tool is in use at all sites 
and is important in helping us better 
measure and manage our carbon 
dioxide emissions.

We report using an intensity ratio of 
carbon dioxide emissions per £1 million 
of revenue for our global scope 1 and 2 
GHG emissions (expressed in tonnes of 
carbon dioxide equivalent). 

In 2021 we intend to identify our scope 
3 boundaries for business activities. 
We will baseline our carbon dioxide 
equivalent emissions from these 
activities and disclose them annually 
after this. 

By far the largest component of our 
energy usage is electricity. We use this 
in our facilities around the world for 
our development, design, engineering 
and production activities, as well as in 
our sales, support and management 
activities, with total emissions as follows:

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

65

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Our environment continued

The primary drivers of this 
improvement are:

• Eight UK sites moving to a green 

electric energy, UK Government backed 
scheme in October 2020.

• Capital investment projects including, 
energy efficient lighting and controls 
and installation of energy efficient 
heating/cooling systems.

• Local site energy saving projects with 

each site participating in a global 
sustainability event to identify and 
implement energy saving actions (see 
Suzhou, China case study).

• The impact of COVID-19 on our 

operations including lower production 
volumes, reduced business travel and 
increased home working for office-
based employees.

The Group’s intensity ratio of carbon 
dioxide emissions for 2020 (as defined 
above) were 29.0 tonnes (2019: 32.8 
tonnes) of carbon dioxide equivalent per 
£1 million of revenue. The intensity ratio 
declined largely due to the impact of the 
efficiency measures set out above.

Reducing our energy use and 
carbon emissions 
Our strategy is to improve our efficiency 
and productivity, and this is set out 
in more detail on pages 16 to 19. 
The actions being taken include a 
reduction in our operating footprint, in 
part comprising the closure of three 
operating sites. These closures are 
expected to occur before the end 
of 2021. This, together with other 
actions we are taking, are expected to 
contribute to a reduction in our carbon 
emissions over the coming years. 

We are committed to moving to 
sustainable energy in each country 
where there is an accessible source 
available. Eight UK sites switched to 
Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin 
(REGO) contracts from October 2020 
to take advantage of a wind generated 
electricity source. This switch to REGO 
and other green energy provision will be 
a key contributor towards our journey to 
becoming carbon neutral.

As well as a top-down approach to 
managing our carbon emissions, we 
also use a bottom-up approach. All our 
sites participated in a company-wide 
sustainability event in 2020 themed as 
‘our road to a safe and a sustainable 
world.’ The event was focused on raising 
employee awareness of sustainability 
issues and channeling their enthusiasm 
and ideas into action. Accordingly, 

Scope 1 and 2 emissions by geography, carbon dioxide equivalent (tonnes) – 2020

United
Kingdom

Rest of
Europe

North
America

Asia

–

296

9,037

–

9,333

2,827

28

28,273

–

31,128

527

72

6,591

164.9

2,107

88.8

Rest of
World

–

–

59

–

59

–

14

3.1

Total

5,563

986

48,274

2,924

57,747

1,259

11,259

431.8

2,736

660

10,905

2,908

17,209

660

2,547

100.2

–

2

–

16

18

–

-

74.8

Geographic Region

Natural gas  
(MWh)

Fuel in company owned/leased 
vehicles (MWh)

Electricity  
(non-renewable) (MWh)

Electricity (renewable) (MWh)

Total energy (MWh)

Total scope 1 emissions 
(tonnes CO2e)

Total scope 2 emissions  
(tonnes CO2e)

Revenue (£million)

Tonnes of carbon dioxide 
equivalent per £1 million of 
revenue

32.0

0

43.2

24.5

4.5

29.0

The MWh figures shown are sourced from site supplier energy invoices. 

The following facts are relevant when considering the geographic emissions split:

• The bulk of our UK sites transitioned to green electricity in October 2020, reducing our 
electricity emissions. The full year impact of this will also reduce our 2021 emissions;

• Our European operations, comprising one operating site and sales offices, are 

already almost exclusively using green energy sources;

• Our North American, Asian and Rest of the World sites do not currently use green 

energy. Where this is available, we will transition to green energy. We are also 
assessing opportunities to implement green energy infrastructure projects;

• We have fewer, larger sites in Asia, with more, smaller sites in North America. As 

part of our footprint consolidation, two sites in North America are expected to close 
before the end of 2021.

Carbon dioxide data breakdown by division (scope 1 and 2) - 2020

Power and
Connectivity

Global
Manufacturing
Solutions

Sensors and
Specialist
Components 

Corporate

Natural gas (MWh)

3,675

149

1,739

Fuel in company owned/leased vehicles 
(MWh)

Electricity (non- renewable) (MWh)

Electricity (renewable) (MWh)

Total energy (MWh)

Total scope 1 emissions (tonnes CO2e)

Total scope 2 emissions (tonnes CO2e)

Revenue (£million)

Tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per 
£1 million of revenue

133

11,022

833

15,663

703

2,570

125.1

26.2

Total

5,563

986

48,274

2,924

57,747

1,259

11,259

431.8

-

128

-

-

128

31

-

-

338

10,313

659

387

26,939

1,432

11,459

30,497

106

2,404

197.5

419

6,285

109.2

12.7

61.4

n/a

29.0

• Sensors and Specialist Components has the highest energy intensity, having the lowest 

proportion of sites using green electricity (see availability of green energy above); 

• Global Manufacturing Solutions – has the lowest energy intensity having the fewest 

sites, of which half transitioned to green energy in October 2020.

66 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

this event had a particular emphasis 
on identifying energy reduction 
opportunities, as well as enhancing 
employee engagement. We have set 
out in a case study on page 65 the work 
done at our Suzhou, China facility to 
reduce its emissions.

Each TT site has developed its own 
energy action plan using a Group-
wide Energy and Greenhouse gas 
emission (scope 1 and 2) Conservation 
Roadmap (EC/GhGR). This aids focus on 
decreasing the quantity of energy used 
and implementing energy efficiency 
initiatives. The EC/GhGR has resulted 
in a number of local initiatives including 
installing LED lighting, implementing 
light sensors in work areas and the 
implementation of optimised power 
controls for air conditioning. 

Carbon disclosure reporting
Our new global carbon tracking tool 
provides additional disclosure and 
transparency in support of our target 
of becoming a carbon neutral business 
by 2035, with like-for-like emission 
reductions annually. Consequently, 
from 2020 we are able to provide more 
detailed disclosure of our emissions 
impacts, as shown in the following table:

Global GHG emissions and 
energy use data – 2020

Natural gas (MWh)

Fuel in company vehicles (MWh)

Electricity (non-renewable) (MWh)

Electricity (renewable) (MWH)

Total energy (MWh)     

Total scope 1 emissions (tonnes CO2e) 

Total scope 2 emissions (tonnes CO2e)

2020

5,563

986

48,274

2,924

57,747 

1,259

11,259

With the 2019 data set analysis 
incomplete, comparative numbers will 
be provided from financial year 2021, 
together with explanations of variances 
and our overall progress.

Carbon data by geographic location 
(scope 1 and 2)
Our new carbon reporting tool has also 
enabled us to provide scope 1 and 2 
emissions carbon dioxide equivalent, by 
division and geographic region for the first 
time. This is set out in the tables on page 
66. Comparative numbers will be provided 
from financial year 2021 onwards.

In late 2020, we undertook a full site 
energy assessment at one of our larger 
manufacturing sites in the UK. This was 
conducted by independent experts. The 

objective was to examine the full range 
of ways in which we could reduce site 
carbon emissions. This included all 
possible energy efficiency measures 
as well as site potential to generate 
renewable energy in an economic 
way. The site assessment report, 
which has become available in the first 
quarter of 2021, is intended to set out a 
financial business case and a potential 
implementation programme for suitable 
solutions meeting our requirements. We 
intend to use this report as a template 
for other site assessments and energy 
reduction measures, which could be 
carried out within the context of our green 
energy strategy. 

Task Force on Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures 
We endorse the Task Force on Climate-
related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and 
we are currently making preparations to 
meet the detailed disclosures in line with 
its recommendations. To achieve this we 
intend to complete a gap analysis during 
2021, which will identify necessary actions 
needed and ensure the governance of 
climate-related issues are incorporated in 
employee roles and responsibilities.

The gap analysis will include an assessment 
of our climate change risk management 
process, so we can broaden our 
understanding of the actual and potential 
impacts of climate change on our business. 

We identify our environmental risk and 
impacts at an operational site level and 
this forms part of our site operational 
risk assessment and review. This risk 
assessment is reviewed at Group level and 
consolidated. Significant identified risks 
are placed on the Group environmental risk 
register. The Group register is reviewed by 
the Risk Committee and the Board on a 
regular basis.

Climate and environmental risks are 
already considered as part of our risk 
management processes and we consider 
our disclosures on governance, strategy, 
risk management, metrics and targets to 
be broadly in line with most of the TCFD 
recommendations. In 2021 the Board 
will review the materiality assessment of 
climate-related risks and opportunities and 
this will take account of the different long-
term climate-related scenarios. 

Where any climate and environmental matters 
have been identified as principal risks for TT, 
these have been set out in the section on risk 
on pages 52 to 53. Further, our non-financial 
KPIs are set out on page 23.

A description of our initial response to TCFD 
recommendations are set out below under 
the four sub-headings set out in the TCFD, 
as follows.

Governance
The PSEE Committee (see the 
Governance section on page 64) drives 
our response to all environmental 
matters, including our response to TCFD. 

Strategy 
Our strategy is focused around the 
areas where we have the greatest 
environmental impact, primarily energy 
use, with additional focus on single 
use plastics and waste management. 
Energy use, in particular electricity 
use, has been identified as one of the 
largest contributors to our emissions. 
Our target is to become carbon neutral 
on scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035, 
with like-for-like reductions annually. As 
part of this, we are switching our sites to 
green electricity tariffs - in geographies, 
where renewable tariffs are available - as 
existing energy contracts come up for 
renewal. In 2020 eight of our sites have 
switched to REGO schemes.

One of our strategic priorities is to 
reduce the carbon dioxide impact of our 
operational facilities with a focus being 
on taking sensible actions to optimise our 
operational performance and supply chain. 

We have updated our Purpose statement, 
which is to solve electronic challenges 
for a sustainable world, to align it with our 
ambition to be a carbon neutral business 
for scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035. 

We have developed a Group-wide 
Environmental Sustainability and Energy 
Management roadmap to decrease our 
impact on the environment through 
implementing energy and environmental 
initiatives. Each site conducts a detailed 
annual review to identify its priorities 
for the year ahead. This is reviewed 
regularly by the local management team 
with a quarterly review with the EVP of 
the Division. Environmental risks arising 
from these reviews are added to the site 
operational risk register. 

Risk management 
The assessment of environmental and 
sustainability risks form part of the wider 
Group risk management process as set 
out on page 50 to 51. The Risk Register is 
reviewed quarterly at divisional level with 
any new environmental risks added. The 
register is considered by the Board and 
the Risk Committee. For more details, 
see Risk Management on page 50 to 51.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

67

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Our environment continued

Metrics
We have set-out our reporting metrics 
in the section above on carbon 
disclosure reporting.

to plastic wherever possible, so we 
can transition to more sustainable, 
alternative packaging.

FAIRFORD, 
UK

61% plastic

purchased is recyclable

88% of waste

diverted from landfill

Our Fairford, UK team decided to 
respond to a UK National Health Service 
appeal for the provision of protective 
visors and masks for their staff in the 
frontline of the fight against COVID. 
TT contributed the special materials 
needed to make this equipment and, 
using the site’s 3D printer, our employees 
produced much-needed face shields. 
These were donated to local critical 
care nurses and doctors, a local primary 
school and a funeral care home.

During the pandemic, employees from 
around the Group have also offered 
much needed support to the hungry 
and homeless. Our sites donated food 
parcels, clothing and hygiene kits to local 
charities for people in need. 

Despite the focus on COVID, other sites 
around the Group have continued to 
raise cash and help out in their local 
communities for a range of good causes.

Single-use plastics 
A primary waste management focus 
is to reduce our reliance on (direct 
and indirect) single-use plastics. In 
2019, TT sites signed a “pledge on 
plastic” to reduce single-use plastics, 
which was endorsed by the Group's 
Executive leaders. As part of this pledge, 
stakeholder meetings have taken place 
and educational programmes launched 
to raise awareness of the detrimental 
effect of single-use plastics on our 
environment. 

In 2020, for the first time we measured 
the amount of single-use plastics 
purchased Group-wide. Total plastic 
purchased in the year was 234 tonnes. 
In part, as a result of the stakeholder 
work done during 2019 and 2020, 143 
tonnes (61 per cent of the total) of the 
plastic we purchased in 2020 was 
recyclable. A baseline of 91 tonnes 
(39 per cent of the total) of single-
use plastics has been established. In 
support of our reduction efforts, we have 
commenced programmes at our sites to 
replace this single-use plastics over time 
with more sustainable products. The 
bulk of our single-use plastics is used 
in packaging products for shipment to 
customers. Sites are switching over time 
to recyclable bubble wrap, pallet wrap 
and other packaging materials.

We will reduce the like-for-like weight 
of our single-use plastic annually and 
will encourage sites to seek supply 
alternatives to single-use packaging.  
We also intend to commence 
engagement with our customers in 2021 
to seek support for use of alternatives 

Waste to landfill
Our other primary waste management 
focus is to reduce the amount of waste 
we send to landfill. To aid our overall 
waste reduction efforts, we have 
baselined the amount of waste we 
send to landfill for the first time. In 2020 
we generated 1,513 tonnes of waste 
Group-wide. Of this, 1,333 tonnes (88 per 
cent of the total) is diverted away from 
landfill with a baseline of 180 tonnes 
(12 per cent of the total) sent to landfill. 
Within this, three of our operational 
sites, through ongoing waste reduction, 
efficiency and recycling efforts, already 
send zero waste to landfill.

Our sites are increasingly segregating 
their waste streams to increase the 
amount of recyclable waste including 
cardboard, paper, metal, hazardous 
waste, wood and plastic. For example, 
in our Cardiff, UK facility we have 
implemented a green waste recycling 
area where waste was previously 
coming led and sent to landfill.

Consistent with our culture of 
continuous improvement we are 
sharing best practices undertaken 
across the Group to drive our waste-
reduction efforts. We are targeting 
like-for-like reductions in the tonnage of 
waste we send to landfill annually. 

Water usage
While water usage is not considered 
our biggest impact on the environment, 
following a 2020 environmental impact 
review, we are conscious that water is a 
precious global resource and needs to 
be managed. We monitor the amount of 
water used for production and we seek 

68 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

MINNEAPOLIS, 
MINNESOTA

Our Minneapolis, Minnesota site raised 
more than $2,000 to support its local 
Community Emergency Assistance 
Programme. This gives aid to families 
in need over the Christmas period. The 
money raised was a combination of 
personal donations by employees and a 
lump-sum donation from the company.

We also fund our employees’ local STEM 
activities – with employees making 
school visits, supporting science projects 
and organising activities to encourage 
young people to take up a career in 
science- or technology-related fields. 
We supported school curriculums with 
engineering-related competitions and 
designed fun ways to demonstrate the 
importance of electronics in everyday life. 
Our STEM ambassadors in Lutterworth, 
UK continued offering their virtual support 
by taking part in mock interviews to help 
students prepare for the world of work.

Despite COVID-19 restrictions across 
many of our locations during the year, 
our teams found innovative ways to 
make a difference. Fundraising activities 
included a lockdown photo competition, 
sponsored head shaving, chilli cook-off, 
sponsored cycle rides and face mask 
making contests - all to raise funds for 
local good causes. In 2020 we raised 
just under £31,000 (2019: over £50,000) 
for local good causes through our 
fundraising initiatives. This includes 
money raised by employees and 
donations from the company.

TT has been an active participant in 
the fight against COVID-19. We have 
been involved in a range of healthcare 
projects through the year from vaccine 
refrigeration, products for ventilators, 
to Virolens®, a COVID-19 screening 
device, where we are the exclusive 
global manufacturing partner, as well 
as a supplier of a number of different 
products for the device. We have funded 
technology investment during 2020 to 
provide the right products and services 
to support front-line staff and the 
broader community. 

In addition, employees in many of our 
sites focused on directly supporting the 
fight against COVID-19. Employees in 
Bedlington, Fairford and Barnstaple in 
the UK used TT’s 3D printers to produce 
protective visors for frontline health 
workers. Lutterworth and Hartlepool 
in the UK and Cleveland in the US 
donated ‘home-made’ mask extenders 
to hospitals and care homes, while the 
Cardiff, UK team produced touch-free 
door openers. In Juarez, Mexico the team 
donated protective screens to the local 
general hospital with all our community 
donations gratefully received.

to minimise this wherever possible. We 
optimise water use by recycling waste-
water for irrigation, including establishing 
green areas where appropriate. 

Our water usage in 2020 was 130,760 
cubic metres and we will report our water 
usage annually going forward. 

Supply chain
We understand that not only do we 
have to be mindful of our impact on the 
environment and strive to improve our own 
performance year-on-year, but we must 
also work with like-minded suppliers. 

As part of this, we have published our 
Corporate and Social Responsibilities – 
Supplier Expectations Policy in 2020, to 
help embed sustainability in the supply 
chain. The document is available on 
our website, is at the foot of emails to 
suppliers and, starting in 2021, will be on 
supplier purchase orders.

The document covers a range of 
social and ethical issues, which 
we discuss in more detail on page 
63. The document also covers our 
environmental procurement practices 
including the requirement for suppliers 
to have an Environmental Policy and 
Management System, comply with 
all relevant environmental legislation 
and have environmental improvement 
plans in place. As an affiliate member of 
the Responsible Business Alliance, we 
carry out assessments of our suppliers 
regularly to ensure compliance and we 
will not do business with suppliers who 
violate these standards. The Policy can be 
found on our website www.ttelectronics.
com/global-sourcing.

Our community
We believe community issues are best 
addressed locally, wherever possible. 
Each site is encouraged to manage 
its operations and activities with due 
consideration for the wellbeing of our 
communities, whom we regard as key 
stakeholders. It is TT’s policy not to make 
political donations. 

We encourage and support our 
employees to take part in charitable 
and community activities which benefit 
the locations in which they live and 
work. Our ‘Hours for Giving’ programme 
encourages each employee to take 
five hours paid work leave per year 
to donate to local causes. This year 
staff donated just under 4,000 hours 
(2019: over 5,000 hours), with the time 
we were able to give in 2020 impacted 
by COVID-related constraints.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

69

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report | Non-financial information statement

NON-FINANCIAL 
INFORMATION 
STATEMENT

Reporting requirement

Environmental matters

Key stakeholder group 
impacted

Our approach  
and key policies

Employees, customers 
and suppliers, 
community, investors

Employees

Employees

We help solve our customers 
electronic challenges for a sustainable 
world by providing them with solutions 
that are cleaner, smarter and healthier. 
We optimise our own operations to 
reduce our impact on the environment.

We have linked our Purpose statement 
to the development of our internal 
culture and to what we do for our 
customers.

Key policies:
Statement of Values and Business 
Ethics Code.1

Health, Safety and Environmental 
Policy.

Our employees deliver our leading 
expertise in electronics and they are 
the foundation on which TT is built. 
Promoting the health and wellbeing of 
our employees lies at the heart of the 
“TT Way”.

Key policies:
The “TT Way” principles. 

Statement of Values and Business 
Ethics Code.1

Health, Safety and Environmental 
Policy. 

ED&I strategy document

Employee Grievance and 
Disciplinary Policy.

Whistleblower Policy.1

Gender Pay Gap Report 
published annually1.

Outcomes in 2020

Carbon dioxide equivalent (tonnes) 
emissions reduced by 20% to 12,518 
(2019: 15,705)2. 

Further information 

See Our environment on 
pages 64 to 69 

See Principal risks on 
pages 52 to 53

61 per cent of total plastic was used 
more than once.

88 per cent of waste generated was 
diverted from landfill.

Investment in R&D at 4.8 per cent of 
revenue in our product businesses2 
bringing new and improved products 
to market.

Five three-day lost-time health and 
safety incidents.2

See Our people on pages 
58 to 63

Rated a ‘2 Star’ great place to work 
by Best Companies Limited in its 
2020 survey.2

See Principal risks on 
pages 52 to 53

A gender balanced permanent 
workforce with 53 per cent women and 
47 per cent men at 31 December 2020.

Our new ED&I strategy is being rolled 
out with Inclusive Leadership training 
for the senior leadership team and 
piloted ED&I training at our facilities. 

Our BE Inspired recognition scheme 
had 2,754 nominations and presented 
366 awards.

Our site based Works Council and 
employee forums discuss issues 
relevant to employees.

70 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Our non-financial information statement is set out below in compliance with 
Sections 414CA and 414CB of the Companies Act 2006. It is intended to guide 
our stakeholders to where relevant non-financial information is included within 
the Strategic report. Further non-financial information can be found in the Our 
environment section of the Strategic report.

Reporting requirement

Key stakeholder group 
impacted

Our approach  
and key policies

Social matters

Employees, community As a responsible, global organisation 

we are committed to making a 
sustainable, positive impact on 
the local communities in which 
we operate.

Key policies:
Statement of Values and Business 
Ethics Code.1

Community and Charity Support, 
Our Guiding Principles.

Health, Safety and Environmental 
Policy.

We are committed to upholding the 
human rights of our workers and 
treating them with dignity and respect. 

Outcomes in 2020

Our sites donated just under 
£31,000 to local causes through our 
programme called “Giving the TT Way”

Further information 

See Our environment on 
pages 64 to 69

See Principal risks on 
pages 52 to 53 

In recognition of the improving trends 
through the second half of the year 
and our strong cash generation, we 
repaid the £1.1 million Coronavirus 
Job Retention Scheme (furlough) 
payments to the UK Government. 

Our employees donated just under 
4,000 hours of their time in TT's 
scheme called ‘hours for giving’. 
The time is given to good causes.

No human rights violations have been 
identified during 2020.

See Our environment on 
pages 64 to 69

Key policies:
Statement of Values and Business 
Ethics Code.1

We reaffirm our commitment annually 
to opposing slavery through the 
publication of our Modern Slavery 
statement.

Human Rights Code.1

Modern Slavery Statement.1

We hold ethical standards in high 
regard, with one TT standard 
worldwide. We do not tolerate 
corruption or bribery in any form.

Key policies:
Statement of Values and Business 
Ethics Code.1

Whistleblower Policy.1

Employees are required to undertake 
ethics training annually.

See Our people on pages 
58 to 63 

There is an anonymous Whistleblower 
Helpline and significant complaints are 
reported to the Board and investigated.

See Principal risks on 
pages 52 to 53

Respect for Human Rights Employees, customers 

and suppliers, 
community

Anti-corruption and anti-
bribery

Employees, customers 
and suppliers, 
community, investors

1  Document is on the TT Electronics website (www.ttelectronics.com).

2  Group KPI – see pages 22 to 23 for more information.

The table above corresponds to our key stakeholder groups set out on pages 54 to 57. These stakeholder groups are key 
to the long-term sustainability of our business and inform the Board’s engagement activities.

The Strategic report also includes a description of our business model (see pages 20 to 21), our principal risks and how we 
manage them (see pages 50 to 53) and on our KPIs, including our non-financial KPIs (see pages 22 to 23) and the reasons 
why they are important.

The 2020 Strategic report, from pages 1 to 71, has been reviewed 
and was approved by the Board of Directors on 9 March 2021.

Richard Tyson 
Chief Executive Officer 

Mark Hoad
Chief Financial Officer

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

71

Strategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportFinancial statements 
Governance | Chairman’s introduction to governance

Warren Tucker, Chairman

CHAIRMAN’S 
INTRODUCTION  
TO GOVERNANCE

KEY  
HIGHLIGHTS

Strong focus in 2020 on 
the following priorities:
 – Business resilience in the face of the 

COVID-19 outbreak.

 – Maintaining strategic direction 

(including targeted M&A); positioning 
the Group in markets where key 
drivers support demand and long-
term growth.

 – Strong focus on sustainability 

and the needs of our employees; 
evidenced by 2 star “Best Companies 
– Great Place to Work” Employee 
Engagement rating.

 – Moving the Group forward in other 
key areas including: customer mix, 
investment in site footprint/R&D, 
effective cash management and 
balance sheet strength, in each case 
whilst navigating a path through the 
COVID-19 outbreak.

My appointment to the Board in 
April 2020 coincided with a period of 
unprecedented turmoil across the world, 
as the COVID-19 outbreak took hold. 
As with most companies, the outbreak 
has put a significant strain on TT’s 
operations worldwide, with our business 
continuity plans and HR processes 
having been tested as never before.

However, despite the uncertainty created 
by these global events, we have shown 
tremendous resilience as a business 
and have withstood the crisis in a way 
which puts the Group on a firmer footing 
for the years ahead. This is shown by 
the continuing strength of both our 
core operations and the Group balance 
sheet (as described in more detail in the 
Strategic report). In addition, we have 
continued to prioritise the delivery of 
growth through targeted M&A (including 
the acquisitions of the Covina Power 
Solutions business and Torotel, Inc) as 
well as assisting in the development of 
the Virolens® COVID-19 pathogen testing 
product within an accelerated timescale. 
These achievements are testament 
to the strength of our corporate 

72 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

governance regime, through which the 
Board has been able to navigate a path 
of maintaining stability whilst remaining 
focused on delivering on our growth 
potential, for the benefit of all of our 
stakeholders. Further details of how our 
governance structures have responded in 
the face of the COVID-19 outbreak are set 
out in this section of the Annual Report. 

COVID-19 – our response
The COVID-19 outbreak has had an 
impact (to a greater or lesser degree) on 
all of our operations around the world, 
starting in China and other parts of Asia 
in early 2020, before quickly spreading 
to our UK, European and North 
American business locations. Naturally 
the responsibility for managing the 
day-to-day response to the outbreak 
(including the introduction of site-
specific Health and Safety processes, 
remote working practices and modified 
customer/supply chain activities) rested 
with local site management, supported 
by our functional teams. However, 
right from the start of the outbreak, 
a dedicated reporting structure was 
established that allowed a fast-paced, 
two-way flow of information from 
site, Divisional and HR teams, via a 
specially constituted COVID Steering 
Committee, into the ELT and ultimately 
the Board. Members of the Board met 
on a number of occasions, outside 
the regular cycle of Board meetings, 
to track key operational and financial 
metrics, including those relating to 
Health and Safety performance, site 
operability and cash management. It is 
to the credit of our staff worldwide that 
all but five of our manufacturing sites 
have remained operational throughout 
the pandemic, with periods of closure 
required to comply with local regulatory 
requirements being kept to a minimum 
in each instance. Perhaps the best 
indicator of how TT has responded 
to these unprecedented events is 
provided by our workforce, who 
were universally positive in our 2020 
Employee Engagement Survey about 
TT’s prioritisation of health & safety, 
staff communication and maintaining 
salary levels, whilst minimising site 
closures. The Board is truly indebted 
to the professionalism and responsible 
approach shown by staff throughout 
the past year, in difficult circumstances. 

Notwithstanding the challenges presented by the 
COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, I am pleased to report 
that the Board has maintained a strong focus on its 
wider governance responsibilities throughout the 
past year.

The Board
As indicated above, I joined the Board 
in April 2020 and became Chairman 
a month later following our AGM. 
Whilst the recruitment process that 
preceded my appointment followed 
a relatively conventional path, my 
induction programme (coupled with 
the initial period of engagement with 
the Board) was rather more unusual, 
with all initial meetings being held 
via videoconference and the Board 
unable to meet in person until October 
2020. Likewise, the pandemic (and the 
resulting UK Government “Stay at Home 
Measures”) meant that shareholders 
were unable to attend our 2020 AGM in 
person. Nevertheless, I am pleased to 
confirm that I have now completed an 
extensive induction programme, which 
has allowed me to engage with a number 
of shareholders, advisers and members 
of the senior management team within 
TT and other key stakeholders. I am 
particularly indebted to my predecessor, 
Neil Carson, for the significant efforts 
he made to ensure that I was as fully 
prepared as possible to take over his 
responsibilities as Chairman. On behalf 
of the Board, I would like to thank Neil 
for his leadership, direction and insights 
throughout his tenure as Chairman, which 
represented a period of great strategic 
and operational progress for TT. 

In April, we also announced that Stephen 
King would be stepping down from 
the Board in September 2020, having 
served for nine years as a Non-executive 
Director, the majority as Chair of the 
Audit Committee, but also as Senior 
Independent Director for the last four 
years. As with Neil, it was sad to see 
Stephen leave the Board given his 
significant contribution during his time 
as a Non-Executive Director. We wish 

him well for the future. As indicated 
in April, Jack Boyer was appointed 
as Stephen’s replacement as Senior 
Independent Director with effect from 
the close of the 2020 AGM and Anne 
Thorburn took over as Chair of the 
Audit Committee at the same time. 
Given the period of transition we have 
experienced in 2020, and also the 
significant progress we have made on 
gender diversity in recent years, I can 
confirm that we do not intend to recruit 
any new members to the Board at the 
present time. Similarly, having now been 
in post for almost a year, a key priority 
for me as the incoming Chairman is to 
maintain the culture of openness and 
transparency that has been engendered 
over the past few years, which allows the 
Board to maintain a keen focus on TT’s 
key strategic priorities in an environment 
of trust and freedom of expression.

Engaging with our Employees
As with most companies, the COVID-19 
outbreak has had a significant impact 
on the Board’s ability to visit TT facilities 
during 2020, although I was able to 
participate in a tour of the Rogerstone 
site in October, accompanied by the 
CEO, whilst the entire Board visited the 
Fairford site over the Autumn period. 
Both visits were particularly useful in 
terms of getting a sense of how the 
business had responded to meeting 
customer requirements and adhering to 
new health and safety standards during 
the pandemic. As part of this process, 
Non-executives attended “employee 
voice” sessions at both facilities, together 
with additional events organised 
via teleconference with Suzhou and 
Covina team members, which allowed 
the Board to take the pulse of key 
engagement issues. The outputs of 
these exercises were fed into the Board 
via our People, Social, Environmental 
and Ethics (PSEE) Committee meetings, 

of which our Senior Independent Director 
is a member, utilising the framework 
first applied in 2019 for promoting 
NED engagement on “employee voice” 
issues. The Executive Directors also 
held regular review sessions with site 
leadership throughout the pandemic, 
both virtually and in-person (wherever 
possible at UK sites), to ensure that 
employee feedback was built into TT’s 
response planning for the initial (and 
potentially future) COVID-19 outbreaks. 
Further information on our employee 
engagement framework is set out on 
page 62. I am immensely proud that 
in these challenging times, the Board 
was able to continue to the process of 
ensuring effective engagement with 
employees and senior management. 

Governance Responsibilities
Notwithstanding the challenges 
presented by the COVID-19 outbreak 
in 2020, I am pleased to report that the 
Board has maintained a strong focus 
on its wider governance responsibilities 
throughout the past year, which 
includes monitoring the delivery of the 
Group’s strategic priorities, driving our 
sustainability agenda and performance 
in key areas of TT’s operations, including: 
Health & Safety, talent management, 
site rationalisation, improved business 
development capability and operational 
efficiency, M&A execution and 
overseeing key elements of the Virolens® 
manufacturing opportunity. A review of 
strategic priorities is scheduled on every 
Board agenda and TT’s governance 
arrangements allow current activities to 
be assessed at each meeting to ensure 
alignment with Group strategy. The 
Board’s activities during the year are set 
out on page 78 and demonstrate how 
the strategic direction of the Group and 
the long-term success of the Company 
have remained at the forefront of the 
Board’s decision-making processes (see 
also the Group’s Section 172 statement 
on page 75). Whilst we have taken the 
decision not to undertake an external 
evaluation of Board performance in 
2020, there has been a continuous 
focus throughout the last financial year 
on how the Board can better support 
the business as it strives to meet its 
growth agenda, which culminated in an 
in-depth Board evaluation exercise at 
the end of the year. The outputs of this 
exercise are summarised on pages 84 
to 85 of this Annual Report. The Board 
has paid particular attention in 2020 to 
the requirements of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code (the Code) in scoping 
its future activities; our Code compliance 
statement can be found on page 74. 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

73

Financial statementsStrategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportThe Board attaches a high degree of 
importance to diversity at all levels 
across the Group and is committed 
to recruiting the best talent available, 
based on merit, and assessed against 
objective criteria of skills, knowledge, 
independence and experience; 
however, we do not advocate a forced 
approach to diversity at any level 
of the organisation. This process 
was reinforced by a strong focus 
on diversity and inclusion initiatives 
across the Group as part of the Talent 
Review exercise in 2020 (as described 
in more detail on page 87), which 
will continue to be a key priority for 
the Board in 2021. Furthermore, the 
governance structures which underpin 
key operational priorities including 
environment/sustainability and 
stakeholder engagement are set out 
on pages 64 and 54 respectively; in 
addition, we have included a detailed 
summary of the methodology by 
which we have discharged our duty to 
promote the success of the Company 
under section 172 of the Companies 
Act 2006 on page 75, which focuses in 
particular on the Board’s response to 
the COVID-19 outbreak.

Given the challenging economic 
environment experienced globally 
in 2020, driven in large part by the 
COVID-19 outbreak, I am truly humbled 
by the response provided by our 
employees across the business in 2020, 
which represents another year of delivery 
on the Group’s strategic priorities. TT 
has proved itself to be resilient in the 
face of significant operational and 
customer challenges during 2020 and 
I believe strongly that the effectiveness 
of the Board’s governance processes 
has assisted significantly in putting the 
business on a firmer footing moving 
into 2021. I see it as a key priority for me 
as Chairman to ensure that the Board 
continues to focus on the strategic 
priorities for the Group, with a view to 
positioning TT for future growth.

Governance | Chairman’s introduction to governance continued

UK Corporate Governance Code

Compliance statement
TT is committed to achieving and maintaining the highest standards of corporate 
governance. As at 31 December 2020, the Group was compliant with all of the 
relevant provisions set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 (“the Code”), 
other than provision 38 in aligning our Executive Directors’ pension payments with 
the wider workforce. The current Remuneration Policy commits to aligning the 
retirement provision of newly appointed Executive Directors to those available to 
the wider UK workforce and it has been agreed that the pensions of the existing 
Executive Directors will also be aligned by the end of 2022. The Code is available to 
view at the website of the Financial Reporting Council, www.frc.org.uk. Details and 
explanations of the application of the principles of corporate governance can be 
found as follows:.

Board leadership and Company purpose

Long-term value and sustainability

Purpose, values and strategy

Read more on page

8-13

16-19, 58-59, 80

59

56

62

54-57

81

79

83

81

 86-87

76-77

76

84-85

62, 87

 88-91

88

91

50

91

52-53

97-98

95-96

96

Culture

Shareholder engagement

Employee engagement

Other stakeholder engagement

Conflicts of interest

Division of responsibilities

Role of Chairman and CEO

Leadership structure

Non-executive directors

Composition, succession & evaluation

Appointments and succession planning

Skills, experience and knowledge

Length of service

Performance evaluation

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Audit, risk and internal control

Committee report

Integrity of financial statements

Fair, balanced and understandable

Internal controls and risk management

External Auditor

Principal and emerging risks

Remuneration

Policies and practices

Alignment with purpose, values  
and long-term sustainability

Independent judgement and discretion

74 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

 
The Board has also taken active 
steps to share its COVID-19 response 
strategy with investors, by providing 
dedicated trading updates in April and 
June (in addition to the usual half-
year results and November trading 
updates), which were supplemented 
by a number of virtual calls with 
individual investors throughout the year. 
On each such occasion, TT’s COVID 
response strategy was a key topic of 
discussion with investors. Beyond 
that, TT was approached to work with 
the UK Government on the ventilator 
manufacturing initiative during the 
early stages of the outbreak, with TT 
being identified as a key manufacturing 
partner as part of a wider consortium 
of companies. Likewise, TT has 
partnered with i-Abra to assist in the 
development of the Virolens® COVID-19 
testing product in an accelerated 
timeframe, which involved a series of 
close interactions with Government 
officials and regulatory bodies to move 
the programme from the development 
phase through to post-prototype 
manufacture, in support of COVID 
testing worldwide. The Board has 
committed significant staff, operational 
and financial resources to the Virolens® 
project, with the objective of providing 
a unique, innovative, highly engineered 
solution to the global threat to society 
arising from the COVID-19 outbreak, 
in support of getting economies 
back to work and protecting jobs and 
local supply chains in areas of high 
unemployment. See also page 69 of 
the Our environment section for further 
details of our contribution to society and 
the wider community during 2020.

Warren Tucker
Chairman
9 March 2021

S172  
STATEMENT

Under Section 172 of the Companies 
Act 2006, Directors are required to 
promote the success of the Company 
for the benefit of our shareholders, but 
also for all of our other stakeholders. 
The Board has identified who its key 
stakeholders are and has considered 
how it engages with these groups (see 
pages 54 to 57). Throughout the year, 
the Board considered how stakeholders 
are affected by key strategic decisions; 
two key priorities for the Board in 2020 
which highlight clearly how stakeholder 
views are considered in Board 
decision-making were the COVID-19 
response and the acquisition of Torotel, 
Inc. The engagement activities and 
considerations made by the Board 
relating to the acquisition of Torotel, 
Inc are explained in more detail in the 
stakeholder engagement section on 
pages 56 to 57. 

S172 - COVID-19 Response

The Board ensured the business had 
a dedicated, Group-wide COVID-19 
response plan in place in early March 
2020, following an initial assessment 
of the impact of the outbreak on TT’s 
operations in Asia. This involved the 
creation of a dedicated COVID-19 
Steering Committee, which allowed key 
financial, operational, supply chain, HR, 
Health & Safety and regulatory data 
to be tracked, on a day-by-day basis, 
through functional work-streams and 
close interaction with individual sites. 
An example of how this worked in 
practice involved TT’s China facilities 
which, under local government approval, 
were allowed to open to enable delivery 
of critical products to support the 
pandemic response. These protocols 
were turned into standard operational 
procedures and implemented across 
Europe and North America. Another 
example involved TT’s procurement 
team, which used its international 
networks to source personal protection 
equipment at a time of key shortages, 
allowing rapid deployment to those parts 
of the business with the greatest need, 
in order to maintain staff safety and 
continuity of operations. TT’s COVID-19 
response plan facilitated a fast-paced, 
two-way flow of information - both 

down into site/divisional management 
teams and up to the ELT and the Board 
– with the objective of expediting 
decision-making. The key outputs 
of this approach included the rapid 
introduction of site-specific Health and 
Safety policies and processes (including 
the early transfer of learnings from our 
China facilities), the introduction of home 
working practices (wherever possible), 
continuity of supply to customers in the 
vast majority of TT’s manufacturing 
facilities and real-time monitoring of 
supply chain activities in response to 
fast-changing customer requirements 
(particularly in managing lead times 
and demand profiles). Members of the 
Board took an active role in driving this 
process forward, with TT’s response 
to the COVID-19 outbreak being 
discussed at every scheduled Board 
meeting from March 2020 onwards. In 
addition, the CEO/CFO provided regular 
“pulse” reports and several extra Board 
meetings were convened to monitor 
progress and review scenario planning, 
to assess the potential impact on the 
Group and ensure confidence in our 
ability to continue to operate and to meet 
our banking covenants. In each case 
these meetings were held outside the 
regular reporting cycle. 

The reaction of the employee base to the 
way TT managed the COVID-19 outbreak 
is clearly demonstrated by the feedback 
from the 2020 Employee Engagement 
Survey, which highlighted in particular 
the effective health and safety plans that 
were put in place across the business, 
as well as TT’s approach of maintaining 
salary levels, minimising redundancies 
(except where absolutely necessary) 
and providing timely communication 
on key initiatives. The Board received 
similar feedback first-hand as part of the 
“employee voice” initiative conducted 
in Q4, when the views of staff in 
Suzhou, Covina, Cardiff and Fairford 
on TT’s COVID-19 response were 
fed directly into the NEDs. The Group 
provided an additional day’s holiday 
to all staff in 2020 to demonstrate 
the Board’s appreciation for keeping 
TT’s sites operational following the 
COVID-19 outbreak and employees were 
encouraged to take up their full holiday 
entitlement during the year as part of 
the Group’s wider wellbeing initiatives. 
Likewise, the need for management 
to conduct regular “check-ins” with 
individual employees was prioritised, 
rather than just simply relying on online 
engagement tools for those working 
from home. 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

75

Financial statementsStrategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportGovernance | Board of Directors and Company Secretary

A BLEND OF SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

N   R

Warren Tucker
Chairman

Joined: April 2020

Current external appointments:
•  Non-executive director and chair of 
the audit committee of Tate & Lyle 
plc (UK Listed) 

•  Trustee on the board of Magna 

Learning Partnership

Relevant skills and experience:
•  Strategy/Growth
•  M&A/Financing
•  Financial Management 
•  International Business
•  Manufacturing/Engineering
•  Operations/Supply Chain
•  Aerospace & Defence Sector
•  Investor Relations 

Past appointments:
•  Non-executive director of Reckitt 

Benckiser Group plc and the 
Foreign, Commonwealth and 
Development Office

•  Chief financial officer of Cobham plc

RI

Mark Hoad
Chief Financial Officer

Joined: 2015

Relevant skills and experience:
•  Strategy/Growth
•  Leadership/Management
•  Financial Management
•  International Business
•  Restructuring
•  Transformation
•  M&A/Financing
•  Equity and Debt Capital Markets
•  Investor Relations
•  Risk Management
•  Aerospace & Defence Sector 

Past appointments:
•  Group finance director of BBA Aviation plc

RI   P

Richard Tyson
Chief Executive Officer

Joined: 2014

Current external appointments:
•  Non-executive director of the Vitec Group plc (UK 

Listed) 

•  Governor of St Swithuns’ Independent School for 

Girls in Hampshire

Relevant skills and experience:
•  Leadership/Management
•  M&A/Integration
•  Strategy/Growth
•  Operational Excellence
•  Supply Chain
•  Manufacturing/Engineering
•  International Business
•  Product Technology
•  Risk Management
•  Aerospace & Defence Sector
•  Investor Relations

Past appointments:
•  Member of the Executive Committee and 

President of the Aerospace & Security division 
of Cobham plc

Board tenure 

Years

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Warren Tucker

Jack Boyer

Alison Wood

Anne Thorburn

Other Directors who served during the year
Neil Carson served as Chairman to the Board until 6 May 2020 when he stepped down. Stephen King was the Senior Independent Non-executive Director until 
6 May 2020 and stepped down from the Board on 30 September 2020.

Committee Key

N  Nominations Committee

R  Remuneration Committee

RI  Risk Committee

A  Audit Committee

P   People, Social, Environmental  
and Ethics ("PSEE") Committee

 Chair of the Committee

76 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

A   N   R   P

R   A   N

A   N

P   RI

Alison Wood
Independent Non-executive Director

Anne Thorburn
Independent Non-executive Director

Joined: 2016

Joined: 2019

Jack Boyer OBE
Senior Independent Non-executive 
Director

Joined: 2016

Current external appointments:
•  Non-executive director of Ricardo 

plc (UK Listed)

•  Chair of the University of Bristol
•  Member of the Board of the 
Henry Royce Institute for 
Advanced Materials

Current external appointments:
•  Non-executive director and chair 
of remuneration committee of 
Costain Group plc (UK Listed), Cairn 
Energy plc (UK Listed) and Oxford 
Instruments plc (UK Listed).

•  Non-executive director of British 

Standards Institution (BSI)

Relevant skills and experience:
•  Strategy/Growth
•  Corporate Finance and Investment
•  M&A
•  Engineering/Technology/Innovation
•  International Business
•  Manufacturing/Engineering
•  Product Technology
•  Operations/Supply Chain
•  Aerospace & Defence Sector
•  Medical Sector 

Relevant skills and experience:
•  Strategy/Growth
•  Remuneration Policy-Setting
•  M&A/Financing
•  International Business
•  Regulatory
•  Talent and Succession
•  Risk Management
•  Investor Relations
•  Aerospace & Defence Sector
•  Medical Sector

Past appointments:
•  Non-executive director of Mitie 

Group plc and Laird plc

•  Chairman of Ilika plc, AIM-listed 

Seeing Machines Limited and the 
Academies Enterprise Trust

Past appointments:
•  Global director corporate 

development & strategy for National 
Grid plc

•  Group strategic development 
director for BAE Systems plc

•  Non-executive director of Cobham 
plc, e2v technologies plc, BTG plc 
and THUS plc

Lynton Boardman
General Counsel and Company 
Secretary

Joined: 2012

Relevant skills and experience:
A qualified solicitor, Lynton has 
many years of experience as general 
counsel and company secretary in 
international companies listed on 
the London Stock Exchange. His 
expertise includes corporate law and 
governance, international operations 
and M&A. 

Past appointments:
•  Solicitor with Simmons & 

Simmons, Macfarlanes and 
Burges Salmon LLP

•  Head of Legal (Europe, Middle 
East and Africa) at Syngenta 
Crop Protection 

•  General Counsel and Company 
Secretary of QinetiQ Group plc

Current external appointments:
•  Senior independent director and 
chair of the Audit Committee of 
Diploma PLC (UK Listed)

Relevant skills and experience:
•  Strategy/Growth
•  Financial Management
•  Risk Management
•  Audit and Internal Control
•  M&A/Financing
•  International Business
•  Operations/Supply Chain
•  Medical and Industrial Sectors

Past appointments:
•  Chief financial officer of Exova 

Group plc 

•  Group finance director at British 

Polythene Industries plc

•  Non-executive director of BTG plc

Board attendance

Attendance 2020

Warren Tucker1

Richard Tyson

Mark Hoad

Jack Boyer

Alison Wood

Anne Thorburn

Neil Carson2

Stephen King3

Board

5 of 5

7 of 7

7 of 7

7 of 7

7 of 7

7 of 7

3 of 3

5 of 5

Audit
Committee

Nominations
Committee

Remuneration
Committee

–

–

–

4 of 4

4 of 4

4 of 4

–

3 of 3

2 of 2

2 of 2

–

–

4 of 4

4 of 4

4 of 4

3 of 3

3 of 3

–

–

4 of 4

4 of 4

–

2 of 2

–

1  Warren Tucker was appointed to the Board on 2 April 2020; he attended all scheduled meetings after such date.

2  Neil Carson stepped down from the Board on 6 May 2020; he attended all scheduled meetings before such date.

3   Stephen King stepped down from the Board on 30 September 2020; he attended all scheduled meetings before such date.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

77

Financial statementsStrategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportGovernance | Executive Leadership Team

BOARD ACTIVITIES

During the financial year, the Board discussed and implemented the following key actions:

Strategic business development

•  Regular updates from the Executive Directors on the impact of COVID-19 on global operations, including stakeholder feedback 
•  Review of post-COVID-19 market trends and the anticipated impact on Group operations and strategic positioning 
•  Review of BD planning activities
•  Allocation of R&D investment, linked to markets driven by sustainable, budget-focused drivers
•  Presentations from external advisers on Investor Relations and Group strategy (including performance relative to peer group)
•  Regular review of Divisional trading activities

Sustainability

•  Development of Sustainability Strategy and Goals
•  Delivery of our new Purpose Statement aligned with TT’s Sustainability Strategy and goals
•  Review of activities to optimise the TT site footprint
•  Review of actions across key ESG priority areas to embed across TT 
•  Receive regular updates on HSE performance and statistics

R&D and value added product solutions

•  Consideration of TT’s role on UK/US ventilator programmes (post COVID-19)
•  Approval of resource commitments (people, operational and financial) for the Virolens® project
•  Review of organic opportunities in Defence and Healthcare sectors

Operational excellence

•  Review of global Health & Safety response to COVID-19 outbreak (including safe working arrangements and keeping sites open)
•  Review customer response to COVID-19 and actions to protect customer and supplier relationships
•  Review of Group IT Strategy
•  Receive update on “Voice of the Employee” and “Voice of the Customer” programmes
•  Agree business case and monitor progress on the site restructuring programme

Value-enhancing acquisitions

•  Regular review and scrutiny of acquisition proposal pipeline
•  Consideration of regulatory barriers to delivery of M&A strategy in US Defence
•  Review and approval of the Torotel acquisition
•  Review and approval of placing arrangement to part-fund the Torotel acquisition
•  Review of integration actions for the Covina Power Solutions and Torotel acquisition

Organisational capabilities (people)

•  Approve COVID-19 Government support arrangements
•  Review HR organisational re-structure
•  Undertake Talent and Succession Planning activity
•  Approval of the new ED&I strategy
•  Review of "Voice of the Employee" and wider stakeholder issues through PSEE Committee
•  Lead the recruitment process for a new Chairman
•  Review the Employee Engagement Survey results and associated actions

Governance and reporting

•  Annual Report content
•  Board Evaluation exercise
•  Review of AGM documents, post-COVID meeting arrangements and results
•  Investor relations feedback and strategy review
•  Conduct conflicts of interest review
•  Modern Slavery Policy and Statement
•  Approve Group payment practices reports

Financial, risk, operational performance

•  Review of financial results (half year and full year)
•  Review of Dividend Policy and payments
•  Assess financial impact of COVID-19 (cash flow, debtors, debt profile etc)
•  Banking covenant review
•  Oversight of appointment and transition of new auditors
•  Assessment of Going Concern and Fair Balanced and Understandable analysis
•  Regular review of Risk Register and receive regular reports from Risk Committee
•  Risk analysis including emerging risk factors and risk appetite
•  Review Group’s insurance cover
•  Review and revise Strategic Growth Plan (post-COVID and beyond)
•  Planning and approval of equity placing
•  Approve 2021 Budget
•  Receive presentation by Tax & Treasury and approval of policies
•  Internal audit updates and review
•  Review of regulatory and legislative changes affecting operations

78 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Richard Tyson
Chief Executive Officer

Mark Hoad
Chief Financial Officer

Joined: 2014

Joined: 2015

Relevant skills and experience:
Full biography on page 76.

Relevant skills and experience:
Full biography on page 76.

Lynton Boardman
General Counsel and Company 
Secretary

Joined: 2012

Relevant skills and experience:
Full biography on page 77.

Operation of ELT
The Executive Leadership 
Team (“ELT”) meets on a 
monthly basis and operates 
as the principal strategic 
decision-making body for 
the Group below Board level. 
The ELT agenda covers a 
variety of strategic priorities 
across the business as part 
of its scheduled activities, 
with the Group’s response 
to the COVID-19 pandemic 
being a key area of focus 
during 2020. Standing 
items on the ELT agenda 
include: HS&E performance; 
Sustainability; People /
Organisation /Talent; 
Diversity & Inclusion; 
Ethics; Strategic Planning 
(including M&A); Group 
Financial Performance 
and Governance.

Sarah Hamilton-Hanna
EVP, Human Resources

Joined: 2019

Michael Leahan
Divisional EVP

Joined: 2017

Charlie Peppiatt
Divisional EVP

Joined: 2018

Relevant skills and experience:
Sarah brings over 16 years’ 
experience in HR across global HR, 
business transformation, talent and 
organisational development. Sarah 
was formerly Global HR lead for the 
food and beverage solutions division 
of Tate and Lyle.

Relevant skills and experience:
Michael has over 30 years’ experience 
in the aerospace and defence industry. 
Michael previously held senior 
positions at Marotta Controls, Lucas 
Aerospace and Fairchild Controls. 

Relevant skills and experience:
Charlie joined TT in 2018, following 
the acquisition of the Stadium 
Group, where he was CEO from 2013. 
Previously Charlie was VP Global 
Operations for Laird Technologies 
and has held senior roles globally

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

The division of responsibilities between the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer has been defined, formalised in writing, 
and approved by the Board:

Roles and responsibilities

Chairman

Chief Executive

Maintains responsibility for:
•  the leadership and effectiveness of the Board, and for setting its agenda; 
•  ensuring all Directors receive accurate, timely and clear information on 

Maintains responsibility for:
•  the operations of the Group; 
•  developing Group objectives and strategy, having regard to the Group’s 

financial, business and corporate matters so they can participate in Board 
decisions effectively; 

responsibilities to its shareholders, customers, employees and other stakeholders; 

•  successful implementation and achievement of strategies and objectives, as 

•  facilitating the effective contribution of NEDs; 
•  ensuring constructive relations between Executive and Non-executive Directors; 
•  ensuring effective communication with shareholders;
•  ensuring the performance of individual Directors, the Board as a whole, and its 

Committees are evaluated at least once a year.

approved by the Board;

•  managing the Group’s risk profile, including its health and safety performance; 
•  ensuring the Group’s businesses are managed in line with strategy and approved 

business plans, and complying with applicable legislation and Group policy; 

•  ensuring effective communication with shareholders; 
•  setting Group human resource policies, including management development 

and succession planning for the senior executive team.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

79

Financial statementsStrategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportGovernance | Leadership and Company purpose

LEADERSHIP AND 
COMPANY PURPOSE 

the Board monitors and reviews the 
implementation of the Company’s 
culture through processes such as our 
anonymous Whistleblower Helpline, 
where concerns raised are independently 
investigated and escalated to the 
Board for its review. During 2020, the 
Board received reports on the results 
of the 'Best Companies' Employee 
Engagement exercise, which provided 
a clear insight from staff regarding 
TT culture and adherence to the "TT 
Way" (see further detail on page 62). 
Furthermore, our Senior Independent 
Director (Jack Boyer) sits on our PSEE 
Committee and reports back to the 
Board on wider stakeholder engagement 
processes, which in 2020 included 
discussions with a range of employees 
across four of our key facilities on 
topics including TT culture and how the 
activities within their individual business 
units align with TT’s values and strategic 
priorities. To support full understanding 
of our policies and standards there 
is a programme of induction for new 
employees and regular refresher training 
through e-modules and Company 
communications. At a wider stakeholder 
level, the Board approves the Group’s 
Modern Slavery Policy and Modern 
Slavery Statement on an annual basis. 
A detailed summary of how the Board 
engages across a range of internal and 
external stakeholder groups is set out on 
pages 54 to 57 of this report.

Board; the multi-year strategic plan 
(which was accelerated in 2020 following 
the COVID-19 outbreak) is discussed in 
detail and is approved annually, based 
on the Company’s activities, its progress 
on delivering the strategic priorities and 
the significant challenges that have 
been identified both within the business 
and across the wider macro-economic 
environment. Our strategy defines what 
we do. 

The Company’s values, culture and 
behaviours drive how we execute our 
strategic vision. The “TT Way” principles, 
see page 59, set out the Company’s 
culture and values by which we expect 
our employees, from the top down, 
to conduct our business. We strive to 
always act with integrity, transparency 
and professionalism. To support the 
“TT Way”, the Company has a number of 
policies in place such as our Statement 
of Values and Business Ethics Code, 
the TT Worldwide Anti-Corruption 
and Bribery Policy and the Modern 
Slavery Policy. Alongside these policies 

The Company’s values, culture and behaviours 
drive how we execute our strategic vision. The 
“TT Way” principles set out the Company’s 
culture and values by which we expect our 
employees, from the top down, to conduct our 
business.

COMPANY 
PURPOSE, 
STRATEGY AND 
VALUES

The Board’s main roles are to provide 
leadership to the management of the 
Group, to determine and ensure the 
implementation of the Group’s strategy 
and to maintain the highest standards 
of corporate governance. Underpinning 
all of these aspects of the Board’s 
responsibilities lies the principal aim 
of ensuring the sustainable, long-term 
success of the Company. The main 
activities covered by the Board in the 
year are set out below. 

The Board understands the relationship 
between the Company’s purpose, 
strategy and values. In 2019 the Board 
reviewed the Company’s purpose 
statement – “We solve electronic 
challenges for a sustainable world. 
TT engineers advanced electronics 
which benefit our planet and its people 
for future generations. We do this by 
designing, manufacturing and working 
in a way that is cleaner, smarter and 
improves wellbeing.” The Board 
considers that this purpose statement 
continues to represent an appropriate 
reflection of the Group’s culture and 
the strategic direction for the business, 
both in the context of the post-COVID 
operating environment and in respect 
of the Group’s priorities for the future. 
Our corporate purpose is integral to 
understanding why we do what we 
do. The Company’s strategy is clearly 
defined and regularly reviewed by the 

80 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

(introduced to manage operations 
remotely in response to the COVID-19 
outbreak) on a more permanent basis. 
A key conclusion from this exercise 
is that TT’s technological solutions 
and wider product portfolio places the 
Group in a strong position to support 
its customers in meeting the long-term 
operational challenges presented by 
the pandemic. Through this process, 
the Board continues to develop a deep 
understanding of the Group’s business 
model and strategy and the strategic 
priorities that underpin the business. 

Directors
All Directors have access to the advice 
and services of the Group General 
Counsel and Company Secretary and 
are offered training to fulfil their role 
as Directors, both on appointment 
and subsequently. There is an agreed 
procedure for any individual Director to 
take independent professional advice at 
the Company’s expense if they consider 
it necessary.

In accordance with the provisions on 
conflicts of interest in the Companies 
Act 2006, the Company has put in 
place procedures for the disclosure 
and review of any conflicts, or potential 
conflicts, of interest which the Directors 
may have, and for the authorisation of 
such conflicts by the Board. In deciding 
whether to authorise a conflict or 
potential conflict, the Directors must 
have regard to their general duties 
under the Companies Act 2006. The 
authorisation of any conflict, and the 
terms of authorisation, may be reviewed 
at any time and, in accordance with best 
practice, we conduct a review of Director 
conflicts of interest annually.

LEADERSHIP

The Board
Subject to the Company’s Articles of 
Association, UK legislation and any 
directions given by special resolution, the 
Board manages the Company’s business. 
The Board has reserved certain specific 
matters to itself for decision. These 
include financial policy (including tax and 
treasury matters) and policy relating to 
acquisition and disposal.

The Board appoints its members, and 
those of its principal Committees, 
having received the recommendations 
of the Nominations Committee. It 
also reviews recommendations of the 
Board Committees and the financial 
performance and operation of the 
Group’s businesses. It regularly reviews 
the identification, evaluation and 
management of the principal risks faced 
by the Group and the effectiveness of the 
Group’s system of internal control as set 
out on pages 52 and 53.

Board and Committee meetings are 
scheduled in line with the Company’s 
financial calendar, thereby ensuring that 
the latest operating data is available 
for review and sufficient time and 
focus can be given to matters under 
consideration. During the year, there 
were seven principal Board meetings on 
scheduled dates, for which full notice 
was given. However, in response to the 
global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic 
two additional meetings were held in 
March and April this year. A further 
three meetings were held to consider 
and approve the programme of work to 
develop and scale-up production of the 
Virolens® pathogen detection device 
(in collaboration with our partner i-Abra) 
and also deal with the acquisition and 
equity placing arrangements in respect 
of the Torotel transaction. The Board 
has held two principal meetings to date 
during 2021. The NEDs meet, without the 
Executive Directors present, at the end 
of each scheduled Board meeting, as a 
standing agenda item.

As was the case for many other 
businesses in the UK, the Board faced 
sudden and unprecedented changes 
to its usual working practices from 
March of last year. Both the ELT and 
the Directors reacted quickly and 
efficiently to ensure that the Board could 
continue to meet and respond to the 
fast-changing business environment. 
The Board was already prepared with 
a fully online board portal which had 
been introduced in 2019. This, alongside 
TT’s proven online meeting software, 
allowed the Board to continue working 
and sharing information securely and 
seamlessly via online meetings from the 
moment that the UK and other countries 
were put into lockdown restrictions. In 
addition, further measures were put 
in place to increase the regularity of 
reporting on COVID-related impacts 
on the business from the Executive 
Directors to the Board. Unfortunately, 
due to the various social and business-
related restrictions put in place from 
March 2020 onwards in response to 
the pandemic, the level of face-to-face 
interaction that the Board would usually 
enjoy, through events such as board 
dinners and social events with the 
wider senior management team, was 
significantly reduced this year. 

The main events in the Board calendar 
are the approval of the half-year and 
full-year results, the Board site visit, the 
review of the multi-year strategic plan 
and the approval of the budget towards 
the end of the year. At each meeting 
during 2020 the Board discussed 
strategic issues (principally focused 
on key site rationalisation projects, 
the M&A opportunity pipeline and the 
status of integration activity on recent 
acquisitions) together with operational, 
financial, human resources, legal, 
governance and investor relations items. 
The Directors reviewed, throughout 
the year, the opportunities and risks to 
the future success of the business by 
receiving and discussing information 
from both internal and external sources 
regarding the issues affecting the 
business, the wider industry and the 
macroeconomic environment. As part of 
this process, a detailed assessment of 
the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on 
Group strategy was undertaken, which 
was facilitated by an external consultant, 
and focused in particular on the potential 
need for companies to operate in a less 
globalised world, using technologies 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

81

Financial statementsStrategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportGoing concern
The Directors have reviewed the 
budgets for 2021 and the projections 
for 2022 and 2023 developed during 
the 2020 annual strategic planning 
cycle. They have assessed the future 
funding requirements of the Group 
and compared them with the level of 
available borrowing facilities. They have 
also assessed the potential impact on 
the Group’s trading arising from: (i) Brexit 
(as further described on page 51), which 
is not anticipated to be significant in 
the context of the Group’s operations, 
and (ii) the COVID-19 outbreak (which is 
described in detail on page 51). Based 
on this, the Directors are satisfied that 
the Group has adequate resources to 
continue in operational existence for 
at least 12 months from the date of 
approval of the financial statements. 
For this reason, they continue to adopt 
the going concern basis in preparing the 
financial statements.

Relations with shareholders
The full list of engagement activities and 
our relations with shareholders during 
the year are set out on page 56.

Governance | Leadership and Company purpose continued

Each member of the Board, including 
the Senior Independent Director, has 
the right to include items on the Board 
agenda or the agenda of the Committees 
they sit on.

Rules for the appointment and 
replacement of Directors are set out in 
the Company’s Articles of Association. 
Directors are appointed by the Board on 
the recommendation of the Nominations 
Committee. Directors may also be 
appointed or removed by the Company 
by ordinary resolution at a general 
meeting of holders of ordinary shares. 
The office of a Director shall be vacated 
if his or her resignation is requested by all 
the other Directors, not being fewer than 
three in number. Further details of the 
activities of the Nominations Committee 
are set out on page 86.

There are no agreements between the 
Company and its Directors or employees 
providing for compensation for loss of 
office or employment that occurs as 
a result of a takeover bid except that 
provisions of the Company’s share 
plans may cause options and awards 
granted under such schemes to vest 
on takeover, subject to the satisfaction 
of any performance conditions. Further 
details of the Executive Directors’ service 
contracts can be found in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy. Copies of the 
Executive Directors’ service contracts 
and letters of appointment of the NEDs 
are available for inspection by any 
person at the Company’s registered 
office, during normal business hours on 
any weekday (other than public holidays) 
and at the AGM from 15 minutes before 
the start of the AGM until its conclusion.

The Group maintains Directors’ and 
Officers’ Liability insurance. The 
Directors of the Company also benefit 
from a qualifying third party indemnity 
provision in accordance with Section 
234 of the Companies Act 2006 and 
the Company’s Articles of Association. 
The Company has provided a pension 
scheme indemnity within the meaning of 
Section 235 of the Companies Act 2006 
to Directors of associated companies.

Directors’ interests
The Directors of the Company at 31 
December 2020 held interests (directly 
or through their connected persons) in 
the following numbers of the Company’s 
ordinary shares of 25 pence each on 1 
January 2020, 31 December 2020 and 8 
March 2021:

8
March
2021
Ordinary
shares

31
December
2020
Ordinary
shares

1
January
2020
Ordinary
shares

Warren Tucker

60,075

60,075

10,945

Richard Tyson

873,530 873,530

717,251

Mark Hoad

683,127

683,127 550,090

Jack Boyer

95,514

95,514

82,588

Alison Wood

–

–

–

Anne Thorburn

60,000

60,000

45,000

The interests of the Directors in the 
Company’s share options and Long-
Term Incentive Plan are shown in the 
Directors’ Remuneration report on 
page 106.

82 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership Structure
Details of TT’s Board of Directors 
are set out on pages 76 and 77 of 
this report. The chart below provides 
further information on how leadership 
at the Board level is discharged. Most 
importantly, the Board comprises a 
majority of Independent NEDs, with the 
division of responsibilities between the 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 
having been clearly articulated. The 
Board believes that its composition, the 
structure of its principal committees and 
the processes it has in place to discharge 
its primary areas of responsibility, meet 
the requirements of “Board Leadership” 
and “Composition” under the UK 
Corporate Governance Code. 

The Board has established a number 
of Committees, each with its own 
delegated authority defined in terms 
of reference. The Board reviews 
these terms periodically (the last 
occasion being in December 2020), 
and receives reports and copies of 
minutes of Committee meetings. 
The Board appoints the members of 
all principal Board Committees, having 
received the recommendations of the 
Nominations Committee. 

activities as described on page 62 
and sustainability initiatives described 
on pages 65 to 69. The designated 
NED on the PSEE Committee reports 
this information directly to the Board 
following each Committee meeting. 
The key activities covered by the PSEE 
Committee are described in more detail 
in the table below. 

Approved by the Board on 9 March 2021 
and signed on its behalf by:

A NED (Jack Boyer) has been nominated 
to be a member of the PSEE Committee 
with the purpose of receiving information 
about the Company’s engagement with 
its key stakeholders. This includes the 
outcomes of our employee engagement 

Lynton Boardman,
Group General Counsel 
& Company Secretary
9 March 2021

Audit Committee
Committee report 
on page 88

Nominations 
Committee
Committee report 
on page 86

Remuneration 
Committee
Committee report 
on page 92

Board

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Executive Leadership Team
•  Reviews business performance and agrees 
and implements any actions as necessary

•  Responsible for monitoring and driving 

delivery of the Group’s key strategic priorities
•  Acts as a forum to raise and debate significant 

operational issues

Disclosure 
Committee
•  Reviews potential 
existence of and 
manages the 
disclosure of 
inside information
•  Maintains project 

insider lists

Senior Leadership 
Team
•  Reviews and 

discusses key 
strategic and 
operational 
matters

•  Information-

sharing between 
a wider group of 
senior executives

•  Considers and 

scrutinises cross-
divisional topics

Risk Committee
•  Provides a 

framework for 
managing risks

•  Monitors risk 
appetite and 
exposure through 
regular reviews of 
principal risks
•  Reviews the 

effectiveness of 
risk management 
processes and 
controls
•  Provides an 

appropriate level 
of reporting on 
the status of risk 
management
•  Assesses wider 
emerging risks

Key

 Delegation

 Reporting

People, Social, 
Ethics & 
Environmental 
Committee
•  Health & Safety
•  Environmental
•  Human 

Resources
•  Employee 

engagement with 
the Board

•  Local 

Communities

•  Ethics

Diversity & 
Inclusion 
Committee
•  Reviews and 

develops ED&I 
policy and 
strategic priorities
•  Provides an ED&I 

framework
•  Information-

sharing across 
the business units

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

83

Financial statementsStrategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportGovernance | Composition, succession and evaluation

COMPOSITION, SUCCESSION  
AND EVALUATION
BOARD 
COMPOSITION

However, continuing the best practice 
first adopted at the 2013 AGM, all 
Directors will retire and, if eligible, 
offer themselves for re-election at 
the forthcoming AGM. This practice 
will continue in the future, to ensure 
compliance with the requirements of the 
Code. Following formal performance 

evaluation, the Board has concluded 
that the performance of each Director 
continues to be effective and to 
demonstrate commitment to the role. 
The Notice of AGM sets out details of the 
key areas of contribution made by each 
of the Directors in providing leadership to  
the Company.

During 2020, the Board comprised two 
Executive Directors (Richard Tyson 
and Mark Hoad) and between four and 
six Non-executive Directors, as the 
Board composition changed on several 
occasions during the year. In addition 
to the Executive Directors, Jack Boyer, 
Alison Wood and Anne Thorburn all 
served throughout the year. Warren 
Tucker joined the Board on 2 April 
2020 and took over as Chairman of 
the Board when Neil Carson stepped 
down at the Company’s AGM on 6 May 
2020. Jack Boyer replaced Stephen 
King as the Senior Independent Non-
executive Director on 6 May 2020 and 
Stephen King, having served on the 
Board of TT for nine years, stepped 
down from the Board on 30 September 
2020. We provide full details of each 
Director’s Board and Committee meeting 
attendance on page 77 and Directors’ 
biographies, including the Committees 
they serve on and chair, can be found  
on pages 76 and 77. 

At the time of his appointment 
as Chairman, Warren Tucker was 
considered to be independent in 
accordance with the provisions of the 
Code. All the remaining Non-executive 
Directors are also considered to be 
independent as defined by the Code.

In accordance with the Company’s Articles 
of Association, Directors must offer 
themselves for re-election at the first AGM 
held following their initial appointment, and 
every three years after that. 

BOARD AND COMMITTEE 
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION 

In accordance with the Code, the Board 
has conducted an evaluation of its 
performance and that of its principal 
committees during 2020. The Board 
considered the option of engaging  
an external facilitator to conduct its 
performance review for 2020, but 
decided to proceed with an internal 
assessment process (as in previous 
years) given the various Board-level 
changes made in 2020 (including the 

appointments of a new Chairman,  
Senior Independent Director and  
Audit Committee Chair) as well as the 
limitations of conducting an evaluation 
process remotely in the COVID 
environment, rather than in person. 
Overall, the Board concluded it had 
performed satisfactorily in 2020 and  
that each Director had performed 
effectively whilst giving due  
commitment to their role. 

Evaluation process

•  Skills matrices reviewed by each NED to assess knowledge and expertise in key areas
•  Matrices evaluated to identify any areas of weakness in the skills held by the Board 

as a whole

•  One-to-one interviews between the Chairman and Committee chairs
•  One-to-one interviews between the Chairman and all Directors

Discussion points

• Key positives for 2020 included: (i) maintaining the cadence of meetings/

communication flow; (ii) attention to strategic priorities (e.g. sustainability, stakeholder 
engagement), and (iii) the seamless transition to a new Chairman

• The Board continued to conduct its business in an honest, open, collegiate and ego-

free environment, with no topics considered “off-limits”

• Face-to-face dialogue has been missed in the lockdown environment, including 

unstructured discussions on “single-topic” items, normally reserved for Board dinners

Conclusions

• Reinstate Board dinners as soon as possible in 2021 (or find an alternative means of 
promoting “unstructured” debate) to ensure sufficient time is given to address key 
strategic topics through a variety of different lenses

• Focus on agreed Board objectives for 2021 (see table on page 85)
• Clear attention given to 2020 priorities (see table on page 85)
• Consider options for external facilitation of discussion on strategic progress and 
important stewardship priorities (including technology roadmaps, consumer 
behaviour, sustainability and cultural change)

• Consider Board composition and whether training and/or diversity initiatives are 

required to address capability gaps

84 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Conclusions of FY19 evaluation

2020 Areas of focus

2021 Board objectives

•  Excellent governance processes, with a 
common understanding of TT strategy 
and culture

•  Increase engagement between NEDs and 
Divisional/Operations teams (including 
non-ELT personnel)

•  NEDs and Executive Directors are 

engaged, constructive, open, supportive 
and challenging with each other

•  Communication between Executive and 
Non-executive Directors is open, honest 
and constructive

•  There is an environment of trust, 
transparency and mutual support

•  The Board understands the strengths 

of individual Board members and 
anticipates concerns of individuals well 
in advance

•  The Board has responded to initiatives in 
a collaborative manner and has operated 
“at pace” whenever required

•  Strong levels of engagement exist 

between Committee chairs and the 
relevant functions within TT

•  Work to embed the ESG agenda more 

•  Strong focus on strategy execution and 

fully into the TT strategy

sustainability

•  Minimise the impact of significant 

•  Alive to red flag issues and mapping key 

changes at Board and Committee level 
in 2020 (appointment of a new Board 
Chairman, Audit Chair and external 
Auditor)

initiatives to the Group risk register

•  Focus on talent, breadth, diversity and 

inclusion, and retention

•  Continue the focus on recruitment and 

succession planning 

•  Good governance to support the business 

purpose

•  Provide investors with increased 

exposure to TT’s capabilities and how 
we can combine technologies to provide 
tangible opportunities for our customers

DIRECTORS’ PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

In accordance with the Code, the 
performance of individual Directors  
was also evaluated during 2020.

For the Non-executive Directors, the 
output from a private meeting held 
between the Chairman and the Executive 
Directors formed the basis for individual 
appraisals held by the Chairman with 
each Non-executive Director. This also 
provided an opportunity to discuss any 
issues which had arisen from either their 
individual assessments or those of the 
Board and its principal Committees. 
For the Chairman’s performance, the 
other Non-executive Directors, led by 
the Senior Independent Non-executive 
Director, and with input from the Chief 
Executive Officer and Chief Financial 
Officer, met privately to discuss this,  
with the outcomes being fed back to the 
Chairman by the Senior Independent 
Director for discussion.

At the beginning of the year, we set  
each Executive Director challenging 
performance objectives, and reviewed 
progress against these as the year 
progressed. Both the Executive Directors 
take part in the Group’s performance 
management programme which, 
together with a review of progress 
against agreed goals and objectives, is 
used to assess performance and to set 
clear objectives and developmental  
plans for the following year (which  
are closely aligned with the Group’s 
strategic priorities and values). The Chief 
Executive Officer meets with the Chief 
Financial Officer at the beginning of each 
year to discuss and review performance 
against objectives. The Chairman 
conducted the performance evaluation 
of the Chief Executive Officer, taking 
account of the output from the Group’s 
performance management programme 
together with feedback provided by  
the other Non-executive Directors at  
a private meeting held to discuss this  
and any other matters which the Non-
executive Directors wished to raise.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

85

Financial statementsStrategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportGovernance | Nominations Committee Report

Warren Tucker, Chair, Nominations Committee 

 NOMINATIONS 
 COMMITTEE 
 REPORT

Membership

Warren Tucker (Chair)

Jack Boyer

Alison Wood

Anne Thorburn

Principal responsibilities
• Regularly review the structure, size and composition of the Board as a 

whole and make recommendations for any changes to the Board. 

• Review the overall leadership needs of the organisation by considering 

succession planning for Non-executive Directors (having due regard to their 
length of service), Executive Directors and members of the ELT and make 
recommendations to the Board.

• Manage the search for, and selection of, suitable candidates for the 
appointment of replacement or additional Directors and nominate 
candidates for the approval of the Board.

86

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Committee meetings in 2020
During 2020, the Committee held four 
formal meetings, two of which were 
entirely devoted to the recruitment of the 
new Chair. The Committee has held no 
meeting to date during 2021. 

2020 review
As disclosed in last year’s Annual 
Report, the Committee engaged 
external search consultants (Russell 
Reynolds) in the latter part of 2019 to 
start the recruitment process for a new 
Non-executive Chairman. There are no 
connections between TT, its Directors 
and the external search consultants 
that require disclosure in relation to 
this recruitment exercise. This was the 
Committee’s key priority for 2020, given 
the announcement of Neil Carson’s 
decision to stand down from the Board 
as some stage in 2020 as a result of 
his increasing external commitments. 
The Committee specified a number of 
key criteria as part of the recruitment 
process, which included the selection of 
a candidate with: (i) proven PLC pedigree, 
having previous experience of chairing a 
FTSE listed company; (ii) wide-ranging 
exposure to engineering/manufacturing 
operations in businesses with an 
international dimension and a strong 
innovation/technology focus; (iii) the 
ability to drive the strategic ambitions 
of the Group in areas such as portfolio 
change and M&A; (iv) a personality 
style that would align with and enhance 
the existing Board culture, whilst also 
acting as a sounding board for the CEO 
on key strategic decisions; and (v) the 
motivation to drive forward the Group’s 
change management and growth 
agenda. The Committee stressed, in 
particular, the importance of recruiting a 
new Chairman who would maintain the 
culture of openness and transparency 
that had characterised the operations 
of the Board and its Committees in 
recent years, coupled with a “low ego” 
approach to running the Board. The 
Committee considered diversity to be 
a key element of the selection process, 
which was reviewed at each stage of 
the recruitment exercise; however, no 
applications were received from female 
candidates who fulfilled the core criteria 
for the role and as a result, only male 
candidates formed part of the final 
selection round. The interview process, 
which was led by the Senior Independent 
Director, Jack Boyer, and involved 
each of the ongoing members of the 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 
(ED&I)
This year the Company has introduced 
its ED&I strategy to the workforce, 
setting out our three-step multi-year 
strategy to enable the Company to 
understand the needs of its diverse 
workforce and embed ED&I as an 
integral part of the Company’s strategy 
(see page 62 for further information). 
The Nominations Committee’s remit 
includes having regard for issues such 
as culture and diversity when reviewing 
recruitment practices and succession 
planning and the new ED&I strategy will 
assist the Committee in overseeing a 
diverse pipeline for senior management 
and Board positions. The Committee 
will receive updates on the progress 
of the initiatives launched via the new 
ED&I strategy and will monitor the 
achievement of targets set in line with 
the strategy. 

Performance evaluation
As described further on pages 84 
and 85, the Committee assessed its 
performance in 2020 by reviewing its 
activities during the year against its 
terms of reference. It concluded that 
it had performed satisfactorily and is 
structured appropriately to provide 
effective support to the Board.

Warren Tucker
Chair, Nominations Committee
9 March 2021

in the immediate future. In addition 
to succession planning activities, the 
Committee also undertook a review of 
its terms of reference during 2020. 

At all times during 2020, the Committee 
has sought to ensure that the Board of TT 
Electronics is balanced and effective, with 
diverse skills, knowledge and experience. 
The Committee attaches a high degree of 
importance to diversity at all levels across 
the Group and is committed to recruiting 
the best talent available, based on merit, 
and assessed against objective criteria 
of skills, knowledge, independence and 
experience. However, we do not advocate 
a forced approach to diversity at any level 
of the organisation. This is the rationale 
that was applied to the recruitment of a 
new Chairman in 2020 and this approach 
will continue to be applied in the future. 
Female representation on the Board now 
stands at one third, which the Committee 
believes will have a positive impact on the 
Board’s governance processes and sends 
out a strong message across the Group 
of the importance of a diverse workforce 
to the future success of the business.

Details of the number of employees, 
senior managers and Directors of each 
gender are given in the People section 
on page 62.

All Board members complete a conflicts 
of interest questionnaire and are 
required to inform the Board of any new 
or potential conflicts that may arise 
during the year. In addition, all Directors 
must obtain approval from the Board 
for any new external appointments to 
boards of listed companies to ensure 
that Directors are not overstretched in 
terms of commitments. To assist in this 
process, the Nominations Committee 
tracks and reviews the number of external 
appointments held by each Director, 
including the number of chairmanships 
and executive director roles held. This 
tracking schedule facilitates the decision-
making process when reviewing whether 
a new external appointment would lead to 
over-boarding. 

Committee, took place in the first half of 
2020 and culminated in the appointment 
of Warren Tucker to the Board in April 
2020 and his subsequent appointment 
as Chairman the following month, after 
the close of the Company’s 2020 AGM.

The Company provides all Directors 
with a comprehensive Directors' 
Induction Pack which is available at 
all times on the electronic portal used 
for Board information. The pack sets 
out all relevant information about the 
Company, including its strategy, its 
policies and processes, directors' duties 
and responsibilities, and the role of 
the Board and its Committees. Since 
Warren Tucker joined the Board in April 
2020 he has completed an extensive 
induction programme; engaging with a 
number of shareholders, advisers and 
members of the senior management 
team within TT, as well as some of the 
Group’s other key stakeholders.

Whilst this NED appointment process 
represented the main area of focus 
for the Committee in the past year, the 
Committee also evaluated the existing 
structure of the Board, together with the 
succession planning options at both 
an Executive Director and ELT level. 
The Committee’s succession planning 
activities were undertaken in conjunction 
with the Board’s annual talent review 
exercise, which identified several 
candidates across the business with the 
potential for promotion to ELT and/or 
Executive Director roles in the future. 

In relation to the existing NED structure, 
in May 2020, Jack Boyer became Senior 
Independent Director following the 
recommendation of the Committee 
and Anne Thorburn was appointed 
Chair of the Audit Committee, with 
Warren Tucker becoming Chair of 
the Nominations Committee at 
the same time. As announced in 
2019, Stephen King stepped down 
from the Board in September 2020 
having completed nine years as a 
Non-Executive Director. Following 
these changes, the Committee 
reviewed the current composition 
of the Board and concluded that TT 
Electronics had in place a group of 
highly experienced individuals with 
the skills and competencies to meet 
the strategic and operational needs of 
the business in its core markets. As a 
result, it was concluded that it would 
not be looking to recruit any new NEDs 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

87

Financial statementsStrategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportGovernance | Audit Committee report

Anne Thorburn, Chair of the Audit Committee

 AUDIT 
 COMMITTEE 
 REPORT

Membership

Anne Thorburn (Chair)

Jack Boyer

Alison Wood

Principal responsibilities
• Monitor the integrity of the financial statements and the results 

announcements of the Group.

• Recommend the appointment and remuneration of the Auditor, assess 

their effectiveness, and monitor provision of non-audit services. 
• Assess the content of the Auditor’s transparency report, concerning 
Auditor independence in providing both audit and non-audit services.
• Review the scope, performance and effectiveness of the internal audit 
and other internal control functions and the Auditor’s assessment of it.

• Review changes to accounting policies and procedures, decisions of 
judgement affecting financial reporting, compliance with accounting 
standards and with the Companies Act 2006.

• Review risk management processes, including principal risks and internal 
control findings highlighted by management or internal and external audit.

• Review the Group’s whistleblowing arrangements and procedures.

88 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Committee meetings in 2020
During 2020, the Committee held four 
scheduled meetings.

The Committee met with the 
Group’s Auditor, KPMG LLP until 
their resignation and then Deloitte 
LLP, on three occasions during 2020, 
without Executives of the Company 
being present. During the year, the 
Committee also met representatives of 
the outsourced internal control function 
once, without other Executives of the 
Company being present.

The Committee has held one meeting to 
date during 2021.

The Code requires at least one member 
of the Audit Committee to have recent 
and relevant financial experience. Anne 
Thorburn fulfils this requirement. In 
addition, Anne Thorburn, Alison Wood 
and Jack Boyer all have extensive past 
and current experience within sectors 
that are highly related to TT.

2020 review
To allow the Audit Committee to fulfil 
its duties regarding the integrity of the 
financial statements and other financial 
data, the Chief Financial Officer and 
the Group Director of Financial Control 
attend Committee meetings, presenting 
reports and providing analysis and 
explanations for queries raised. The 
external Auditor also attends, and 
presents reports on their audits. They 
address matters including an overview of 
the financial statements, key accounting 
judgements, accounting policies, audit 
differences and internal control matters. 
On occasion, at the request of the 
Committee, the Chairman and the CEO 
also attend for part of the scheduled 
Committee meetings.

The Group conducts its internal audit 
activities under a directed outsource 
arrangement, resourced by PwC 
and directed by our Group Director 
of Financial Projects and Risk. The 
Director of Financial Projects and Risk 
attends Audit Committee meetings 
to provide updates on: progress 
on the internal audit plan; findings 
and recommendations; and team 
and methodology improvements. 
The Committee also regularly 
receives updates on the Group’s risk 
management framework, to allow 
members to review principal risks and 
the effectiveness of risk management 
processes. As part of this process, the 
Committee noted the outputs of the 
internal audit reviews conducted during 

Committee activities in 2020

Financial reporting
•  Monitored and reviewed the Group’s financial 

statements and results announcements

•  Reviewed significant financial reporting and 

accounting issues 

•  Reviewed going concern and viability statements, 

including appropriate sensitivity analysis 
(particularly in the context of COVID-19)

•  Reviewed the fair, balanced and understandable 

process for the financial reports

•  Reviewed and discussed 2020 H1 and year-end 

accounting issues

•  Detailed review of ISA 540 and ISA 570 and the 

impact on Group results

Governance
•  Reviewed the Financial Reporting Council’s letter 
of 12 November 2020 in relation to 2020/2021 
Corporate Governance reporting

•  Reviewed Terms of Reference
•  Received and considered whistleblowing matters 

reported through the Group’s multi-lingual, 
anonymous Ethics and Integrity portal 
•  Undertook an internal evaluation on the 

effectiveness of the Committee

•  Considered new areas of audit disclosure under 

UK legislation/regulation and potential audit reform

Internal audit and risk and assurance
•  Received a report at each meeting on the internal 

audit and risk assurance plan 

•  Reviewed internal audit planned activity in light 

of COVID-19 restrictions

•  Agreed the remit of the internal audit 

programme of work

•  Considered the results of the 2020 internal 

audit activities

•  Reviewed and approved the 2021 internal 

audit plan

•  Conducted the annual review of the Group’s 

internal auditor

•  Reviewed systems and controls for the 

prevention of bribery and fraud

External audit
•  Discussed and approved the external audit plan 

and audit fee

•  Reviewed external auditor planned activity in 

light of COVID-19 restrictions

•  Reviewed and confirmed the independence of 
the external Auditor as part of the 2020 review 
and non-audit fees

•  Assessed the quality and effectiveness of the 
audit programme, including the performance 
of the Auditor relative to prior year

•  Oversaw the transition process leading to the 
appointment of new Auditors in May 2020

2020, which are undertaken both on a 
site-specific basis (with each principal 
TT site being reviewed at least once 
every three years) and on targeted 
functional areas, which for 2020 included 
Treasury, IT Security and Health & 
Safety. The Committee has continued 
to pay close attention in the past year 
to the progress made in developing 
the Group-wide Controls Framework 
programme and its application in driving 
business performance across TT, 
particularly in the context of the impact 
of the COVID-19 pandemic, the financial 
integration of newly acquired businesses 
and the impact of behavioural factors on 
the controls environment. The Internal 
Audit function has been particularly 
focused on ensuring the delivery of its 
2020 programme of work in the current 
COVID environment, which resulted in 
a new methodology being put in place 
for conducting audit reviews remotely 
(including through the use of specific IT 
solutions where necessary) in instances 
where the local “stay at home” measures 
have prevented physical access to TT 
facilities to conduct audit reviews in 
person. For further details of our risk 
management and internal controls 
structures see pages 50 and 51.

A key part of the Committee’s activities 
in 2020 related to overseeing the efficient 
transition of external Auditor services 
from KPMG to Deloitte, following the 
conclusion of the audit re-tender 
exercise in 2019. The 2019 audit 
programme was structured to allow 
Deloitte to shadow KPMG throughout 
the audit process, which involved both 
audit firms being in attendance at each 
meeting of the Committee through to 
the date of Deloitte’s formal appointment 
(at the conclusion of the 2020 AGM). 
This process led to an extremely smooth 
transition of responsibilities and both 
firms are to be commended for the 
professional approach they took to 
minimising any potential disruption to 
the business. As stated below, Deloitte 
had already been engaged by TT to 
conduct financial due diligence work on 
the Torotel acquisition before its formal 
appointment as Auditor and whilst (in 
an effort to maintain continuity) this 
activity continued beyond the date of its 
appointment as Auditor, no further work 
of a similar nature will be undertaken 
during Deloitte’s tenure as Auditor. 

A number of adjustments impacting prior 
periods have been recorded (full details 
are provided in note 1h to the financial 
statements). Whilst a number of these 
adjustments were revising balance sheet 

presentation and disclosures, there were 
two adjustments which the Committee 
spent more time with executive 
management and Deloitte to understand 
in detail the background and control 
implications. The first of these was a 
revised judgement in respect of pricing 
concessions given to isolated customers 
dating back to the initial application of 
IFRS 15, this was considered by the 
Committee not to have a wider control 
implication beyond the requirement for a 
detailed review of pricing arrangements 
within future contracts. The second 
was an inventory adjustment required 
to correct the absorption of overhead 
costs within closing inventory at one of 
the Group’s sites. The Committee was 
satisfied, based upon work performed by 
management, that this was an isolated 
error and is now working with Internal 
Audit to monitor controls over this 
process within future reviews.

During 2020, the ELT continued to 
conduct a detailed review of possible 
emerging risks (in consultation with the 
Internal Audit function), which were not 
currently addressed in the Group risk 
register, but could have application in 
the future to an international business 
operating in TT’s sector. The outputs 
of this analysis were discussed further 
at both the Board and Audit Committee 
level, which included a review of the risk 
appetite of the Group. 

The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak 
has been described in detail throughout 
this Annual Report and a significant part 
of the Committee’s focus during 2020 
has been to ensure that the integrity of 
the Group’s system of internal controls 
was maintained throughout the year. 
This activity first commenced during the 
approval process for the 2019 financial 
results, following the initial stages of 
the COVID-19 outbreak in Asia. There 
then followed a detailed review by the 
Committee of how both the internal 
and external audit programmes could 
function effectively in response to 
governmental “stay at home” measures 
implemented across TT’s global 
footprint and supply chain, which 
imposed limitations on physical access 
to local sites. This also resulted in a more 
rigorous review of the going concern 
assessment being undertaken at the 
half year stage, than would typically be 
the case, as the standards required of all 
companies managing their operations 
in a post-COVID environment were 
raised, involving a particular focus on 
cash management, debtor profile and 
borrowing facilities across the Group. 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

89

Financial statementsStrategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportGovernance | Audit Committee Report continued

2020 was a year of transition for the 
Audit Committee; not only with the 
appointment of new audit firm, but 
also with Anne Thorburn’s succession 
as Chair of the Committee in place of 
Stephen King. Anne was a member 
of the Committee for almost a year 
before she was appointed as Chair in 
May 2020, with the result that there 
was a significant period of handover 
and becoming acquainted with the key 
issues facing the Committee prior to 
her appointment. Of course, Anne has a 
successful track record of operating as 
CFO for several listed companies with 
a similar profile to TT (in comparable 

market sectors) and has considerable 
experience as an Audit Committee 
chair over several years on the board 
of Diploma PLC.

In addition to the usual standing agenda 
items and further matters detailed in the 
table on page 89, the Committee also 
reviewed and challenged the form and 
content of the Group’s Annual Report 
and Accounts and Financial Statements 
for the last financial year. In conducting 
its review, the Committee considered 
reports prepared by management and 
the external Auditor. These reports 
covered analyses of the judgements 

and sources of estimation uncertainty 
involved in applying the accounting 
policies as described in note 1(h) to 
the financial statements. During 2020, 
the Committee also considered and 
challenged the assumptions relating 
to goodwill, the carrying value of fixed 
assets and the level of provisions held 
on the balance sheet (as detailed above). 
In addition, as part of the Committee’s 
planning for the 2020 year-end audit 
process, a detailed assessment was 
undertaken (in conjunction with the 
external Auditor) of the FRC’s key areas 
of focus, as outlined in its letter to Audit 
Committee Chairs, CEOs and CFOs 

Significant issues considered in relation to the financial statements

The main areas of judgement and estimation are set out in the accounting policies on pages 129 to 140. The Committee received 
and reviewed reports from management and the external Auditor setting out the significant issues in relation to the 2020 financial 
statements, as outlined below. They discussed these issues with management during the year and with the external Auditor at 
the time the Committee reviewed and agreed the external Auditor’s Group audit plan; when the external Auditor reviewed the 
half-year results in July 2020; and also at the conclusion of the audit of the financial statements. The Committee is satisfied 
that the significant assumptions used for determining the value of assets and liabilities have been appropriately scrutinised and 
challenged, and are sufficiently robust.

Significant issue

Committee actions/work undertaken

Adjusted profit (see Note 8)
The Group reports non-trading income or expenditure outside of adjusted 
profit when the size, nature or function of an item or aggregation of similar 
items is such that separate presentation is relevant to an understanding of its 
financial position.

Provisions
Taxation (See Note 9)
Current tax provisions held in respect of tax risks are included within current 
tax liabilities depending on the underlying circumstances of the provision.

Goodwill and impairment Review (See Note 15)
The Committee has reviewed management’s computation of the present 
value of future cash flows from the three year plan and outer years. These 
have been compared to the carrying amounts in order to test for impairment, 
(refer to note 15 to the Group Financial Statements)

Other items 
Legal and restructuring provisions (See Note 20) 
A provision is recognised in the financial statements when the Group has a 
present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event and it is 
probable that an outflow of resources, that can be reliably measured, will be 
required to meet the obligation.

Provisions are recognised at an amount equal to management’s best estimate 
of the expenditure required to meet the Group’s liability taking into account the 
time value of money, where this is considered material. 

Going concern and viability (See Note 1d)
The Committee considered the outcome of management’s reviews of current 
and forecast net debt positions and the various financing facilities and options 
available to the Group, including the risk and potential impact of unforeseen events. 

90 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

The Committee challenged the items that were excluded from underlying profit 
and were satisfied that these were in accordance with the Group’s disclosed 
accounting policy and gave a true and fair view of the Group’s underlying 
financial position.

The Auditor explained to the Committee the work they had conducted and 
the results of their audit procedures on significant items recorded outside 
underlying profit.

Management confirmed to the Committee that the provisions recorded 
at 31 December 2020 represent its best estimate of the potential financial 
exposure faced by the Group. The Committee reviewed each significant 
provision and challenged the basis of management’s judgement and 
concurred with the estimates. 

The Auditor explained to the Committee the work they had conducted 
during the year, including how their audit procedures were focused on those 
provisions with the highest level of judgement on recognition criteria and/
or measurement. 

The Committee considers management's conclusion that no new impairment 
charges for goodwill and acquired intangibles have been required for 2020 to 
be appropriate. 

The Committee reviewed the reasonable possible change disclosure for IoT 
Solutions CGU and challenged management’s assumptions. The Committee 
confirmed both the disclosures and assumptions were appropriate.

On legal and contractual exposures, the Committee received periodic reports 
from the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary outlining the open 
legal and contractual disputes and best estimates of the expected costs 
associated with such matters. 

Management has confirmed to the Committee that the provisions recorded 
at 31 December 2020 represent its best estimate of the potential financial 
exposure faced by the Group. The Committee reviewed each significant 
provision and challenged the basis of management’s judgement and 
concurred with management’s estimates.

The Auditor explained to the Committee the work they had conducted during 
the year in this area. Further information about the specific categories of 
provisions held by the Group is set out in note 20.

The Committee reviewed the going concern and viability assessment over the 
three-year period based upon 2021 budget and the strategic plan to 2023.

The Committee confirmed that the application of the going concern basis for 
the preparation of the financial statements continued to be appropriate.

the Board. The overriding preference 
of the Committee is not to engage the 
Auditor for additional non-assurance 
services, unless there are compelling 
reasons to the contrary, such as 
capability, time or cost.

In 2020, total fees paid to Deloitte were 
£1.5 million, while non-audit service 
fees paid to Deloitte totalled £173,000 
which comprised financial due diligence 
services relating to the acquisition of 
Torotel. Further, £94,000 was paid for 
their review of the Company's interim 
results. During 2020, non-audit service 
fees paid to Deloitte represented 18 
per cent of audit service fees paid to 
them during the same period, based 
principally around the fact that Deloitte 
was instructed to conduct financial due 
diligence work on the Torotel acquisition 
before its formal appointment as Auditor. 
The Committee believes that, for these 
particular areas, Deloitte was best placed 
to provide a comprehensive and effective 
service to the Company.

Anne Thorburn
Chair, Audit Committee
9 March 2021

on corporate governance reporting, 
published in November 2020. The 
Committee also focused its attention 
on critical judgements, estimates 
and accounting policies; the viability 
statement and risk reporting; strategic 
reporting; Alternative Performance 
Measures; the impact of Brexit; and the 
Group’s pension scheme obligations/
funding requirements. 

Notwithstanding the logistical challenges 
presented by the COVID-19 restrictions, 
methodologies were adapted such that 
both internal and external audit activities 
could be fully completed and to support 
the transition to new auditors. As a result, 
the Committee concluded that it had 
discharged its responsibilities efficiently 
and effectively in 2020 and was content 
to recommend to the Board that the 
Group operated an appropriate system 
of internal control. 

Misstatements
Management has confirmed to the 
Committee that it was not aware of 
any material uncorrected misstatements 
or immaterial misstatements made 
intentionally to achieve a particular 
presentation. The Committee 
confirms that it is satisfied that 
the external Auditor has fulfilled its 
responsibilities with diligence and 
professional scepticism.

After reviewing the presentations 
and reports from management and 
consulting where necessary with the 
Auditor, the Audit Committee is satisfied 
the financial statements appropriately 
address the critical judgements and 
key estimates (both for the amounts 
reported and the disclosures). 

Fair, balanced and understandable
In accordance with the Code, the Board 
requested the Committee to advise it on 
whether it believed the Group’s Annual 
Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced 
and understandable, and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders 
to assess the Company’s position and 
performance, business model and 
strategic plan. Procedures are in place 
to facilitate the appropriate and timely 
review of the drafts of the Annual Report 
and specifically to highlight evidence 
of a fair and balanced representation, 
which supports input and challenge 
from all Independent Non-executive 
Directors, the external Auditor and other 
external advisers. On careful review of 
the Annual Report for the year ended 31 
December 2020, and the basis for the 
statement made by the Board on “Fair, 

balanced and understandable” on page 
114, the Audit Committee recommended 
to the Board that, taken as a whole, 
the Annual Report is fair, balanced 
and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders 
to assess the Company’s position and 
performance, business model and 
strategic plan.

Auditor’s independence, objectivity 
and effectiveness 
The Audit Committee assesses the 
independence of the Auditor annually to 
ensure suitable policies and procedures 
are in place to safeguard the Auditor’s 
independence and objectivity, having 
regard to length of tenure, provision of 
non-audit services and the existence of 
any conflicts of interest. 

The Committee has formally reviewed 
the independence of the Auditor as 
part of the 2020 review. Deloitte has 
provided a letter to the Committee 
confirming they remain independent 
within the meaning of the relevant 
regulations and in accordance with 
their professional standards.

The Committee also reviewed the 
quality and effectiveness of the audit 
programme during the year, including 
the performance of the Auditor. The use 
of an evaluation questionnaire and an 
auditor assessment survey (completed 
by heads of finance across the Group’s 
operations), together with information 
provided by the Auditor, assisted 
in ensuring that a comprehensive 
assessment was undertaken. We 
identified some limited areas for 
improvement and made the Auditor 
aware of improvement areas identified 
following the 2020 audit exercise.

Policy on non-audit services
The Company has an established policy 
regarding the provision of non-audit 
services by external auditors. This policy, 
which was refreshed in 2020, states 
that we may obtain non-audit services 
from the most appropriate source, 
having regard to expertise, availability, 
knowledge and cost. Non-audit services 
where fees are expected to exceed 
£25,000 should be approved, in advance, 
by the Chair of the Audit Committee or, 
in her absence, by another member of 
the Audit Committee. There is also a 
restriction such that fees for non-audit 
services will not exceed those for audit 
services, paid to the same service 
provider, for more than two consecutive 
years, unless specifically recommended 
by the Audit Committee and agreed by 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

91

Financial statementsStrategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportGovernance | Directors' remuneration report

Alison Wood, Chair of the Remuneration Committee

DIRECTORS' 
REMUNERATION 
REPORT

Membership

Alison Wood (Chair)

Warren Tucker

Jack Boyer

Directors’ remuneration report
Annual statement 
Remuneration Policy overview 
Remuneration at a glance 
Annual report on remuneration 
Implementation of the Policy for 2021 
Implementation of the Policy for 2020 
Total single figure remuneration 
Salary and benefits 
Short-term incentive for 2020 
Long-term incentive 
Directors’ share interests 
2020 highlights 
• Review of the impact of COVID-19 on remuneration and incentives across 

92
97
99
100
100
102
102
102
103
105
107

the Company.

• Shareholder consultation on the short-term incentive outcome for the 

Executive Directors and a change to performance measures of the 2020 
LTIP Awards which were granted shortly before the first UK COVID-19 
lockdown in early 2020.

• Reviewed the Executive Director pension provision to align with the 

workforce by the end of 2022.

• Reviewed performance measures within incentive arrangements to improve 

alignment with the strategic priorities on ESG.

• Commenced strategic review of remuneration practices in our growth markets.

See our KPIs on pages 22–23
Read our full Remuneration Policy in the 2019 Annual Report at www.ttelectronics.com/investors

92 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Annual Statement
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to 
introduce the Directors’ remuneration 
report for the year ended 31 December 
2020. The report sets out our philosophy, 
together with the key activities and 
decisions made by the Remuneration 
Committee. The report is split into the 
following sections:

i.  This Annual statement which 

contains a summary of the activities 
of the Remuneration Committee 
during the year, including the key 
remuneration decisions taken by the 
Committee and the context within 
which these decisions were reached.

ii.  An ‘at a glance’ summary of the 
Remuneration Policy and the key 
remuneration outcomes for the year. 
A full version of the Remuneration 
Policy that was approved by 
shareholders at the 2020 AGM can 
be found in the 2019 Annual Report 
and Accounts.

iii.  The Annual report on remuneration 
on the implementation of the Policy 
in the year ended 31 December 2020 
and the proposed implementation of 
the Policy for the next financial year.

Context for the year
2020 has clearly been an extraordinary 
and challenging year. Despite a strong 
start to the year, the impact of the 
COVID-19 pandemic on the business 
was significant.

However, the Committee, together 
with the Board, have been continually 
impressed by the resilience and 
dedication of our incredible employees 
helping to keep our facilities safe and 
operational throughout the year. To 
protect the Company and best serve our 
stakeholders over the course of the year, 
management, with the support of the 
Board, enacted a series of measures to 
reduce costs, to make our workplaces 
COVID-19 secure, often ahead of local 
government requirements, and to 
safeguard as many jobs as possible.

In respect of measures taken on 
remuneration, Executive Director, 
Chairman and Non-executive Director 
salaries/fees and Executive Director 
short-term incentive potential were 
voluntarily reduced and across the wider 
workforce, salary levels were frozen 
except for our lowest paid employees. 
To protect our employees from the 
impact of the pandemic on our end 
markets we placed 253 employees 

Principal responsibilities 

• Determine the Remuneration Policy 

for Directors for approval at least every 
three years.

• Determine remuneration packages and 
terms and conditions of employment for 
the Executive Directors, Senior Managers 
and the Chairman of the Board.

• Approve the design, performance 
measures, targets and outturns of 
incentive schemes for the Executive 
Directors and Senior Managers.
• Set remuneration policy within the 

wider context of remuneration trends 
across the workforce.

• Produce an annual report of the 
implementation of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy in the last financial 
year and for the forthcoming year.

Areas of focus 2021 

• Approve the design, performance 
measures, targets and outturns of 
incentive schemes for the Executive 
Directors and Senior Managers, 
including the impact on incentives of 
the ongoing pandemic and further 
portfolio development.

• Consider remuneration outcomes in the 
context of the uncertainty and evolution 
of the pandemic to ensure that our 
arrangements remain ‘fit for purpose’.

• Monitor market developments, 

developments in good practice and the 
alignment of remuneration strategy to 
deliver the business strategy within the 
context of wider workforce remuneration.

Business performance
Since 2015, the Group has pursued a 
strategy to become a higher quality, 
better-balanced business with 
increasing exposure to the structural 
growth markets of aerospace and 
defence, healthcare and automation and 
electrification. Despite the pandemic 
we have continued to make significant 
progress against our strategic priorities. 
During the year, we made good progress 
with our self-help programme which 
will underpin our margin progression, 
and this remains on track to deliver 
run-rate efficiency savings of £11-
12 million in 2023. We have further 
progressed our strategy through the 
acquisition and integration of the 
Power Solutions business of Excelitas 
Technologies Corp. based in Covina, 
US and of Torotel, Inc. based in Olathe, 
Kansas. These acquisitions broaden 
TT's power electronics capabilities and 
give enhanced access to the large and 
attractive US aerospace and defence 
market. Finally, we have continued to 
build on our Company purpose and 
announced a target to be net carbon 
neutral for scope 1 and scope 2 
emissions by 2035, with like-for-like 
reductions annually. Our HSE platforms 
have been upgraded to establish 
baselines, enabling target setting and 
tracking of improvements. From our 
initial baseline we plan to manage 
our environmental footprint, including 
the reduction of carbon emissions, 
a reduction in waste to landfill and a 
reduction in the purchase of single-
use plastics. In 2020, TT Electronics 
received a rating of AA (on a scale of 
AAA-CCC) in the MSCI ESG Ratings 
assessment. We were pleased to see 
the recognition of our progress which 
establishes TT as a leading company in 
MSCI ESG Ratings assessment for the 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments and 
Components sector index. 

on furlough through the year for an 
average length of three months utilising 
the UK Government Coronavirus Job 
Retention Scheme. The reduction 
in customer demand, particularly in 
commercial aerospace, caused us to 
add to our existing site-restructuring 
plans and there has been a limited 
number of additional redundancies. 
Equally, a number of new roles have 
been created during the year.

In October 2020, we undertook our 
employee survey and despite the 
uncertainty of the pandemic the 
Group reached its goal to become a 
'2 star’ employer, benchmarking the 
Company alongside the very best global 
corporations in terms of employee 
engagement. Employees gave strong 
feedback in respect to their wellbeing 
and the actions taken to create safe and 
supportive workplaces. 

That said, with the stabilisation of our 
end markets, we have seen an improving 
trend in the second half of the year 
with strong order book momentum 
and recognising the resilience of the 
Group's performance and strong cash 
generation, the Board has repaid the 
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme 
payments received from the UK 
Government, which has been accrued 
in the 2020 results. The Company has 
also announced that its intention is 
to recommend a resumption to the 
dividend at the time of the 2020 year-end 
results announcement. The dividend was 
withdrawn early in 2020 as part of the 
measures to conserve cash and protect 
liquidity in response to the pandemic. 

The Committee has continuously 
monitored remuneration decisions 
being taken across the Group and has 
considered executive pay in the context 
of the wider workforce, the broader 
impact on society, its shareholders 
and maintaining the sustainability and 
strategic growth of the Company.

The Committee has been mindful of the 
impact of the pandemic on remuneration 
and adopted a holistic and rigorous 
approach to decision-making to ensure 
alignment with stakeholders and our 
shareholders. Details of the Committee’s 
approach to remuneration in 2020, and 
the proposed policy implementation for 
2021, are set out in detail in this report.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

93

Financial statementsStrategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportGovernance | Directors' remuneration report continued

The Company entered 2020 with good 
momentum and on a sound financial 
footing and the year started by looking 
like it would continue the trend of being 
another strong year of performance 
and growth for the Group. The effects of 
the pandemic have tested the business 
model and the Group’s strategy. While the 
pandemic impacted our overall financial 
performance, particularly in the second 
quarter, the business recovered well in 
the second half, particularly in the fourth 
quarter. Overall, performance has been 
favourable relative to many of our peers. 

• Adjusted profit before tax was £23.8 

million, down by 31 per cent.

• Free cash flow was £14.4 million, up by 

48 per cent.

• Adjusted EPS was 11.7 pence, down by 

34 per cent. 

Remuneration for 2020 and TT’s 
response to COVID-19
The intended approach to remuneration 
for 2020 was as follows:

• Executive Director base salaries, 

Chairman and Non-executive Director 
fees would remain at 2019 levels.
• Short-term incentive opportunity 
for Executive Directors would be 
increased to 125 per cent of salary 
with 20 per cent of earned incentive 
deferred into shares for a period 
of two years. The performance 
measures were to be based on Group 
adjusted profit before tax (50 per 
cent weighting), Group free cash flow 
(25 per cent weighting) and strategic 
objectives (25 per cent weighting).
• Long-term incentive awards of 150 
per cent of salary for the CEO and 
135 per cent of salary for the CFO 
were planned for March 2020 with 
performance measures equally 
weighted between relative TSR and 
growth in the Group’s EPS.

However, in direct response to the 
challenge presented by the COVID-19 
pandemic the following changes 
were made:

• Executive Directors, Chairman and Non-
executive Directors voluntarily waived 
20 per cent of their contractual base 
salaries/fees for the three months from 
April to June 2020. The reduction was 
also applied to pension contributions for 
the Executive Directors.

• The 2020 short-term incentive 

opportunity was voluntarily reduced 
from 125 per cent of salary to 100 per 
cent of salary. No changes were made 
to the target weightings or the new 
deferral requirement (notwithstanding 
the reduction in quantum). 

The 2020 LTIP awards were granted at 
the normal date (13 March 2020) based 
on EPS and TSR performance conditions 
approved by the Committee in December 
2019 (i.e. prior to both the first UK 
lockdown, on 23 March 2020, and before 
the full societal and economic impact of 
COVID-19 become fully known) as set 
out in last year’s Remuneration report. 

However, the Committee believes 
that had the scheduled 2020 LTIP 
award cycle been a week or two later, 
consistent with a significant number 
of 31 December 2020 year-end FTSE 
All-Share companies, the Committee 
would have: (i) delayed the grant of 
the awards, or taken advantage of the 
flexibility suggested by the Investment 
Association in respect of granting the 
awards at the normal time but setting the 
performance targets within a six month 
period from grant; and (ii) increased the 
proportion of the award (most probably 
to 100 per cent) that is measured against 
relative TSR. Whilst the majority of TT’s 
operations have remained resilient in 
light of the disruption resulting from 
COVID-19, the Committee formed the 
view that, after extensive discussion, 
the compound EPS growth targets of 
5 per cent (threshold) and 12 per cent 
p.a. (maximum) based on the 2019 EPS 
number were excessively stretching and 
that there would be a risk that: (i) this 
would adversely impact management 
motivation; and/or (ii) overly stretching 
performance measures could incentivise 
short-term actions that could damage 
the longer-term growth of the business.

As such, following a consultation 
exercise with our largest institutional 
investors at the start of 2021, during 
which the majority of our largest 
shareholders confirmed that they were 
supportive, the Committee agreed to 
reweight the LTIP awards made in 2020 
to 100 per cent based on the existing 
TSR performance targets. No changes 
will be made to the terms of the 2018 
and 2019 LTIP awards which are now 
forecast to have low levels of vesting. 
Prior to the pandemic, the 2018 and 
2019 awards were forecast to be at or 
near 100% vesting. As at March 2021, 

the Company TSR for all three active 
awards is slightly ahead of the respective 
medians, meaning that any level of 
vesting is by no means guaranteed.

Performance-related remuneration 
for 2020
In determining the Executive Directors’ 
remuneration outcomes, in the context 
of this very challenging financial 
year, the Committee has focused on 
balancing the principle of aligning pay 
with performance, setting remuneration 
outcomes in the context of the impact 
of the pandemic on our stakeholders, 
and ensuring the appropriate level of 
motivation and focus required to deliver 
the next phase of the Company strategy. 
The Committee believes that the 
following outcomes are a fair reflection 
of business performance and the 
personal performance of the Executive 
Directors. Performance measures were 
not adjusted during the year. In respect 
of performance-related remuneration 
outcomes for the wider workforce, 
short-term incentive awards will be 
made to recognise performance and the 
attainment of relevant financial business 
performance measure in 2020. This 
aligns with the approach outlined below 
for the Executive Directors:

• The 2020 short-term incentive for 

Executive Directors was 75 per cent 
based on financial measures (50 per 
cent Group adjusted profit before 
tax and 25 per cent Group free cash 
flow) and 25 per cent based on the 
achievement of strategic objectives. For 
the year ended 31 December 2020, free 
cash flow performance was again very 
strong at £14.4 million with an adjusted 
cash conversion of 130 per cent, and 
as a result, performance was above 
the maximum performance hurdle. 
Adjusted profit before tax declined 31 
per cent to £23.8 million, and despite 
the good performance in the context of 
the pandemic, performance was below 
the entry performance hurdle. The 
Executive Directors delivered another 
year of strong strategic progress and 
demonstrated exceptional leadership 
throughout the year. As such, the 
Committee agreed that whilst no award 
was automatically payable in respect 
of the strategic objectives given that 
the threshold Group profit before tax 
target had not been achieved, the 
resilient financial and strong cash flow 
performance justified the payment 
under the strategic objectives. In light of 
the sensitivity surrounding the payment 
of annual incentive awards in respect 
of 2020, the Committee consulted with 

94 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

its major investors in advance of the 
decision being made and there was in 
the main a strong level of support for 
the Committee’s actions. As a result, 
in addition to the 25 per cent of salary 
payable against the Group free cash 
flow targets, 25 per cent of salary 
will be payable against the strategic 
objectives, albeit the total 50 per cent 
of salary bonus award was reduced 
by 8.5 per cent to reflect the historical 
accounting adjustment in the Global 
Manufacturing Solutions Division 
(as explained further on page 45), 
effectively neutralising the estimated 
impact on the 2019 short-term 
incentive awards to Executive Directors. 

• For the 2020 short-term incentive for 
Executive Directors the Committee 
decided to defer 100 per cent of the 
bonus into shares, rather than adopt 
the 80 per cent cash payment and 20 
per cent deferred share approach as 
per the default under the Remuneration 
Policy. Details of the short-term 
incentive performance targets and 
performance achieved is presented on 
pages 103 to 104.

• The 2017 LTIP awards vested in 

March 2020. The awards were based 
on two equally weighted measures, 
absolute adjusted EPS and relative TSR 
performance. The EPS element vested 
in full as reported last year. The TSR 
performance over the three-year period 
was above the upper quartile, at 61.8 
per cent, which meant that this part of 
the awards vested in full as presented 
on page 104. 

• The 2018 LTIP awards vest in March 
2021 based on performance against 
EPS and TSR. Until the onset of the 
COVID-19 pandemic, performance 
was strong with good levels of vesting 
forecast. However, the impact of 
the pandemic has meant that the 
threshold EPS performance measure 
was not met. The TSR performance 
measure concludes in March 2021 
and is anticipated to vest between the 
threshold and maximum performance 
targets. The final vesting will be 
disclosed in next year’s Directors’ 
remuneration report. Further detail is 
presented on page 104.

Remuneration in 2021
The continued focus of the Committee 
will be to ensure that our remuneration 
structures are effective, to enable us to 
continue to motivate, engage and retain 
the talented colleagues who are critical 
to the future success of the Company. 
The Committee recognises that 

performance targets are being set in the 
middle of the pandemic with a number 
of different scenarios and outcomes 
still possible. Performance targets will 
need to be achievable yet appropriately 
stretching to drive performance. In line 
with the Policy and following a total 
remuneration review of the Executive 
Directors and Senior Managers, the 
Committee has agreed the following:

• Base salaries for the Executive 

Directors were increased by 1.5 per 
cent on 1 January 2021. In making the 
decision, the Committee took account 
of the proposed approach for the UK 
workforce, expected to average around 
2 per cent, retention risks, last year's 
salary freeze and the wider societal 
impact of the pandemic. 

• The Executive Directors have agreed 
that their pension allowance will be 
aligned with those available to the wider 
UK workforce (currently 7 per cent of 
salary) by 31 December 2022 by way of 
a single reduction. As such Executive 
Director pension provision will remain 
at 15 per cent of salary for 2021. 

• The short-term incentive will reflect the 
business priorities for the year ahead. 
Our focus for the forthcoming year will 
be the responsible restoration of our 
profitability and managing our leverage 
through our free cash flow to support 
the ongoing strategic development of 
the Group. The incentive will comprise 
75 per cent based on financial 
measures (50 per cent Group adjusted 
profit before tax and 25 per cent Group 
free cash flow) and 25 per cent on the 
achievement of strategic objectives. In 
line with our Policy, and further to the 
Executive Directors wish to defer the 
2020 increase in maximum opportunity 
to 2021, the maximum short-term 
incentive opportunity for 2021 will be 
125 per cent of base salary. At least 20 
per cent of any award will be deferred 
into shares for a period of two years. 
The targets and performance against 
all of the performance measures 
will be fully disclosed in next year’s 
Directors’ remuneration report. The 
strategic priorities for 2021 reflect 
the creation of sustainable value for 
all our stakeholders with a focus on 
ESG development, development of our 
investment offering and progressive 
cash flow management beyond the 
planned activity for the year.

• LTIP awards are planned to be made 
in March 2021. The Committee felt it 
appropriate to align the award levels 
for the Executive Directors for 2021 
which are expected to be set at 150 
per cent of salary. This ensures that 

the Executive Directors are more 
appropriately aligned to the longer-
term performance of the Company. 
However, the Committee is mindful 
of the perception of ‘windfall gains’ 
and will determine if any reduction 
to award levels is required based on 
the prevailing share price prior to the 
grant date. Performance targets are 
anticipated to revert to normal practice, 
being based on two equally weighted 
performance measures, EPS and 
TSR. However, noting the Investment 
Association’s recent addendum to its 
guidance on shareholder expectations 
during the Covid-19 pandemic, the 
setting of the targets will be delayed 
until after the grant date. The targets 
will be set within six months of grant 
and published as soon as possible after 
they have been sent via an RNS.

Remuneration in the context of the 
wider workforce
TT Electronics’ over-arching 
remuneration framework is commonly 
applied across the Group and supports 
the people strategy to create an 
inclusive, equitable and performance 
related organisational culture. It is 
designed to underpin the business’ 
core purpose and delivery of strategic 
priorities, enables it to attract, retain 
and motivate talented people by 
applying consistent yet locally driven 
remuneration principles across the 
Group. Where practicable, remuneration 
practices are aligned with those of the 
Executive Directors to ensure alignment 
of focus and motivation.

We had planned in 2020 to build on 
our existing mechanisms to engage 
the workforce on how remuneration 
arrangements are aligned throughout 
the Company. In 2020 site employee 
forums continued to be held at a number 
of sites, and in light of the pandemic, 
communication and discussion were 
principally focused on the twin priorities 
to deliver COVID-19 secure workplaces 
and practices to ensure the safety of 
our employees and on the operational 
impacts of the pandemic to continue 
to deliver essential products to our 
customers. The introduction of NED 
virtual site visits allowed for open and 
frank dialogue directed by feedback 
and priority areas from our employees 
(see page 55). For 2021, a revised site 
incentive scheme will be launched, which 
applies to the majority of our workforce, 
ensuring that we continue to have 
alignment in our remuneration principles 
and our strategic priorities.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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Financial statementsStrategic reportGovernance and Directors' reportGovernance | Directors' remuneration report continued

The Committee continues to consider 
the wider workforce when making pay 
decisions for the Executive Directors and 
senior leadership roles, engaging directly 
with the workforce and conducting 
regular reviews of the wider employee 
remuneration arrangements, such 
as the salary review arrangements 
across the Group and the impact of 
the pandemic on wider employee 
remuneration. In reviewing the impact 
of COVID-19 on remuneration and 
incentives across the Company, the 
Committee was supportive of targeted 
long-term remuneration arrangements 
put in place to support the retention of 
employees with high potential and for 
employees in critical roles.

For 2020, the median CEO pay ratio 
has fallen significantly from 55:1 in 
2019 to 40:1 in 2020. This reflects 
our remuneration principles, with the 
majority of the CEO remuneration 
opportunity determined based on pay 
for performance and the wider employee 
comparator group having the majority of 
their remuneration opportunity based on 
fixed pay. Further detail on the pay ratio 
is presented on page 109.

Creating a safe and positive work 
environment where all employees can 
develop and build their expertise is 
of paramount importance to TT. We 
strive to build a supportive, diverse and 
engaging place to work built around 
the “TT Way”. We are confident that 
our people policies and approaches 
to recruitment, training, development 
and remuneration are fair and free of 
bias. Although across the Company 
we are broadly evenly split by gender, 
we acknowledge that there is more 
to do and are focused on improving 
diversity amongst our professional and 
management roles. Further detail on our 
action is presented on page 62. Details 
of our UK Gender Pay disclosures can be 
found on www.ttelectronics.com.

During the year, we were delighted 
to see an increased focus in the 
communication and education of our UK 
and US all employee share schemes. We 
feel strongly in the positive benefits of 
our colleagues being shareholders in the 
business and are thrilled that just under 
half of our UK workforce participate in 
the scheme.

Discretion, independent judgement 
and shareholder engagement
As a Committee, we are willing to 
exercise judgement and discretion when 
determining remuneration outcomes 
for the Executive Directors. Before 
agreeing performance outcomes we 
reflect on whether the Company’s 
overall performance is appropriately 
represented by the performance 
measures we have set, by taking into 
account performance against non-
financial measures, environmental, 
social and governance matters, the 
demonstration of leadership qualities, 
living our values and conversations with 
our major shareholders where relevant.

As described above, the Committee 
applied its discretion to: (i) enable the 
payment of the strategic objectives 
element in respect of the 2020 short-
term incentive in light of the strong 
free cash flow performance, good 
debt management, tight control over 
costs and capital expenditure, and 
the significant leadership displayed 
during the year to keep our employees 
safe whilst maintaining significant 
strategic momentum in very challenging 
circumstances; (ii) to defer the full 2020 
short-term incentive into shares; and 
(iii) reweight performance of the LTIP 
Awards made in 2020 to 100 per cent 
based on the existing TSR performance 
targets. However, given the sensitivity 
surrounding Executive Director 
remuneration at the current time, the 
Committee engaged with our largest 
institutional investors and the major 
investor representatives in respect of 
both the 2020 short-term and long-term 
incentive awards at the start of 2021. 
I am pleased to write that the majority 
of the shareholder feedback was 
understanding and supportive and the 
Committee is appreciative of the open 
dialogue and support received.

In addition to the above and in 
connection to the year-end audit 
process, as a result of a historical 
accounting adjustment in the Global 
Manufacturing Solutions division 
(as explained further on page 45), 
the Committee decided that it was 
appropriate to reduce the Executive 
Director’s 2020 short-term incentive 
awards award by 8.5 per cent, 
effectively neutralising the estimated 
impact on the 2019 short-term 
incentive awards to Executive Directors. 
The Committee also reviewed the 
performance of the vested 2017 LTIP 
awards and noted that the adjustment 
did not alter the level of vesting.

96 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

The year ahead
In line with good practice, the Committee 
reviews its effectiveness on a regular 
basis. The Committee believes that the 
openness and transparency provided 
by the Company is of significant benefit 
to enable extensive and well-informed 
decision making. The Committee 
recognises the challenges posed by 
the pandemic in 2020 in the setting of 
incentive performance targets, when 
the full impact of the COVID-19 outbreak 
was not fully understood. Reflecting on 
these challenges the Committee is better 
prepared to deal with the continuation of 
the pandemic during 2021.

As the Company continues to 
transform, the Committee, working 
with management, will continue to 
assess and ensure the alignment of 
remuneration arrangements with 
TT’s strategy, business results and 
market demands. In particular, in 
2021 the Committee will review the 
appropriate performance measures 
for future LTIP Awards, including the 
use of alternative financial measures 
(e.g. return based measures) and 
ESG sustainability measures. The 
Committee will also continue to consider 
remuneration outcomes in the context 
of the uncertainty and evolution of 
the pandemic to ensure that our 
arrangements remain ‘fit for purpose’.

Throughout the pandemic, our 
employees, led by the leadership team 
have made significant contributions 
in an exceptionally challenging 
period, whilst in some cases having 
experienced a detrimental impact on 
remuneration outcomes. I would like 
to thank all our employees for their 
commitment and support. 

As always, we would welcome any 
feedback or comments on this Report. 
If you would like to discuss any further 
aspect of our remuneration strategy I would 
welcome your views. I can be contacted 
at alison.wood@ttelectronics.com.

Alison Wood
Chair, Remuneration Committee
9 March 2021

REMUNERATION POLICY OVERVIEW

The following pages provide a summary of the approach to remuneration, including a summary of the Remuneration Policy which 
was approved by over 91 per cent of shareholders at the 2020 AGM. The Policy supports and rewards the achievement of the 
Company’s strategy to deliver profitable and sustainable growth over the short and longer term. This is driven and evaluated by 
how the Company performs against a variety of KPIs both financial and non-financial. . 

Key Policy objectives

To deliver a remuneration package:

To attract, retain and motivate high 
calibre Executives in a challenging and 
competitive business environment

That delivers an appropriate 
balance between fixed and variable 
compensation for each Executive

That places a strong emphasis on 
performance, both short-term and 
long-term

Strongly aligned to the achievement of 
strategic objectives and the delivery of 
sustainable value to shareholders

That seeks to avoid creating 
excessive risks in the achievement of 
performance targets

Remuneration principles
•  Performance-related: the majority of the Executive and Senior Manager remuneration packages should be determined based on 
the performance of the Group. A significant proportion of this is aligned with shareholder interests, such as measures based on 
EPS and/or TSR. 

•  Transparency and culture: to engender a fair and collaborative culture, total remuneration frameworks should be clear, openly 

communicated and easy to understand.

•  Competitive: through a combination of base salaries and competitive performance-related incentive schemes, the Committee 
aims to provide competitive total remuneration in return for superior performance. Base salaries are designed to reflect the 
requirements of the role and responsibility, together with the overall level of individual performance and taking account of 
prevailing market and economic conditions, and remuneration levels across the Group.

In line with the UK Corporate Governance Code, the following factors, which align well with our principles, were also 
considered:

• Simplicity – we are mindful of the need to avoid overly complex remuneration structures which can be misunderstood and 

deliver unintended outcomes. We believe that our remuneration structures are straightforward and easy to understand.

• Clarity – we believe in being open and transparent, so stakeholders can assess whether remuneration paid to Executives 

is appropriate, given the financial, operational and strategic performance of the Company and Executives’ individual 
performance. We have reviewed feedback from last year’s report and have enhanced how we analyse and describe 
Executives’ individual performance.

• Risk and proportionality – we are aware of the risks that can result from excessive rewards. Our Policy is designed to discourage 
inappropriate risk-taking and ensure it is not rewarded via: (i) the balanced use of short-term and long-term incentives which 
employ a blend of financial, non-financial and shareholder aligned measures; (ii) the significant role played by equity in our 
incentive plans; and (iii) malus/clawback provisions. This year the Committee and Executive Directors have been mindful of the 
alignment with the workforce through voluntary salary reductions and the alignment of incentive outcomes.

• Predictability – we believe that the link between individual awards, the delivery of strategy and the long-term health and 

performance of the Company is openly and transparently explained in this report and that our approach ensures pay outcomes 
are fair, proportionate and do not reward poor performance.

• Alignment to culture – we want our Executives to make decisions for the long-term benefit and performance of the 

Company. This is a key part of our purpose and informs our approach to target-setting, operation of discretion and setting 
of strategic objectives. 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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Remuneration Policy
A summary of the Policy is outlined below. The full Remuneration Policy can be found in the 2019 Annual Report and Accounts 
which can be found at www.ttelectronics.com.

Executive Director remuneration for 2021

Element

Maximum

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Fixed Pay

Salary

Benefits

Pension

Variable  
Pay

Short-term 
incentive plan

Market competitive. 
Increases set with 
reference to the wider 
workforce.

Salary paid.

Market competitive.

Benefits paid.

Aligned to those available to 
majority of local workforce 
for newly appointed 
Executives. 15% of salary 
for existing Executive 
Directors.

CEO/CFO 125% of salary. 
80% cash and 20% in 
deferred shares.

Pension 
provision paid.

Cash element 
paid (80% 
of earned 
incentive).

2-year share deferral (20% of 
earned incentive).

Annual 
performance 
conditions 
apply. Majority 
weighting on 
Group financial 
targets, minority 
to strategic 
objectives.

Long-term incentive 
plan

CEO 150% of salary, CFO 
150% of salary. 2-year 
holding period 

Based on financial and/or shareholder value creation 
measures over three-year performance periods.

2-year holding period.

Governance

Share ownership 
requirement

200% of salary.

Executive Directors required to build and maintain the share ownership requirement. 

Malus (withholding) 
and clawback 
(recovery)

All incentives.

Malus: incentive plans allow for the Committee to exercise discretion and make 
adjustments to formulaic outcomes.

Clawback: misstatement, serious misconduct, serious reputational damage, error in 
calculation and corporate failure.

Post-employment 
share ownership

100% of salary.

Holding requirement for shares until two years after cessation of employment.

Key performance indicators for 2021
Our remuneration arrangements share a clear link to our key performance indicators and our strategic priorities to deliver 
sustainable shareholder value.

Variable  
pay element

Performance  
headline

Performance  
measure (weighting)

What they  
measure

Short-term incentive 
plan

Financial

Adjusted profit before tax1 (50%)

Operational performance. Encompassing our strategic priorities of 
strategic business development and operational excellence

Group free cash flow1 (25%)

Cash flow performance. Encompassing our cash conversion and 
cash generation for capital re-investment

Strategic

Strategic objectives (25%)

Progress of the Group's strategic aims in order to deliver sustainable 
growth in shareholder value

Long-term incentive 
plan

Financial

Share price

Earnings per share (50%)

Sustainable growth in the Group's profitability per share over 3 years

Total shareholder return (50%)

Performance of the Group's value per share relative to a peer group 
over 3 years

1 Target and actual performance are assessed at constant budget exchange rates.

98 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

REMUNERATION AT A GLANCE

2020 Performance snapshot

£23.6m

Adjusted profit before tax1 

£13.5m

Group free cash flow1 

11.7p

61.8%

Adjusted earnings per share2 

Total shareholder return2 

Variable pay performance outcomes

Short-term  
incentive plan1

Long-term  
incentive plan2

Financial  
objectives

Strategic  
objectives 

Financial  
objectives

Adjusted profit before tax (50%) 

£23.6m, 0% of max

Group free cash flow (25%)

£13.5m, 100% of max

Execution of portfolio strategy (10%)

Performance at stretch, 100% of max

Improve operational efficiency (10%)

Performance at stretch, 100% of max

ESG development (5%)

Performance at stretch, 100% of max

Adjusted earnings per share (50%)

2.4% compound annual growth rate over the 3 year
performance period, 0% of max

Share price 

Total shareholder return (50%)

77 percentile, 100% of max

1  Target and actual performance are assessed at constant budget exchange rates. Bonus out-turn of 50 per cent of salary reduced by 8.5 per cent to reflect the historical accounting 

adjustment in the Global Manufacturing Solutions (as explained further on page 95).

2  EPS performance measure relates to the 2018 LTIP award (performance period of 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020), TSR performance measure of the 2017 LTIP award (performance 

period of 15 March 2017 to 14 March 2020).

The Committee believes that performance measures should be both motivational and stretching. Against the stretching targets, 
the overall short-term incentive awards to the CEO and CFO were 50 per cent of salary. The awards, after the reduction for the 
historical accounting adjustment, will be fully deferred into shares. In reaching this decision the Committee agreed that whilst no 
award was automatically payable in respect of the strategic objectives given that the threshold Group profit before tax target had 
not been achieved, the resilient financial and strong cash flow performance justified the payment under the strategic objectives. 
In light of the sensitivity surrounding the payment of annual incentive awards in respect of 2020, the Committee consulted with its 
major investors in advance of the decision being made and there was a strong level of support for the Committee’s actions. 

Executive Director Remuneration for 2020

Richard Tyson - Chief Executive Officer

Mark Hoad - Chief Financial Officer

23.6%

21.8%

£1.00m

2019: £1.43m

47.8%

47.8%

£0.76m

2019: £1.04m

 –Salary and benefits

 –Pension 

 –Short-term incentive 

 –Long-term incentive 

23.9%

21.6%

6.8%

6.7%

1  2020 short-term incentive award values are shown after the 8.5 per cent reduction as a result of the historical accounting adjustment in the Global Manufacturing Solutions division. 

Ensuring shareholder alignment

Share ownership requirement: 
200% of salary for Executive Directors

200%

375% 

390%

CEO

CFO

Short-term incentive 
awards subject to a 20% mandatory 
deferral into shares with a two-year 
holding period. The 2020 award will 
be 100% deferred into shares

Long-term incentive 
awards paid in shares and subject to 
mandatory two-year holding period

Post-employment share ownership 
shares to value of 100% of salary 
to be held until two years after 
cessation of employment

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ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

Implementation of the Remuneration Policy for the year ending 31 December 2021

A summary of how the Directors’ Remuneration Policy will be applied during the year ending 31 December 2021 is set out below.

Basic salary
The Remuneration Committee agreed that it would be appropriate to increase the base salaries of the Executive Directors by 1.5 
per cent effective 1 January 2021, a level which is below the expected average increase for the wider UK workforce. 

Executive

Richard Tyson

Mark Hoad

2021

£485,391

£364,112

2020

 Increase

£478,218

£358,731

1.5%

1.5%

The Company’s UK employees, in general, are expected to receive pay rises averaging 2 per cent depending on location, 
promotional increases and individual performance.

Pension and benefits
The Executive Directors have agreed that their pension allowance will be aligned with those available to the wider UK workforce by 
31 December 2022 by way of a single reduction. As such Executive Director pension provision will remain at 15 per cent of salary 
for 2021 and benefit provision will remain unchanged.

Short-term Incentive Plan
The Committee believes it is important that a significant proportion of Executive Director remuneration be performance-related 
and that the performance conditions applying to incentive arrangements support the delivery of the Company’s strategy. For 
2021, as originally planned for 2020 and in line with the Remuneration Policy approved by shareholders at the 2020 AGM, the 
maximum short-term incentive opportunity will be 125 per cent of base salary, with 20 per cent of any incentive deferred into 
shares for a period of two years.

The split between financial and strategic performance measures will remain consistent with prior years, continuing to be focused 
on profit, cash flow and strategic progress. 

Performance measure

Adjusted profit before tax

Group free cash flow

Strategic objectives

Total

Threshold
opportunity
(% of salary)

Maximum
opportunity 
(% of salary)

0%

2.5%

n/a

62.5%

31.25%

31.25%

125%

Weighting

50%

25%

25%

100%

Paid 
in cash

Paid
in shares

80%

20%

Targets are set taking account of internal and external forecasts relating to the Company’s performance, the ongoing 
economic and societal uncertainty arising from the pandemic and reflecting the Board’s expectation of the development 
of the Group. The strategic objectives reflect the creation of sustainable value for all our stakeholders with a focus on ESG 
development, development of our investment offering and progressive cash flow management beyond planned activity for the 
year. No award will be payable in respect of the strategic objectives unless the threshold profit before tax or threshold free cash 
flow target is reached. 

Targets for the 2021 STIP are currently considered to be commercially sensitive. The targets and the respective levels of 
achievement will be disclosed in the 2021 Directors’ remuneration report.

100 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Long-term Incentive Plan
LTIP awards are expected to be granted in March 2021. Vesting is intended to be based on performance against the following 
equally weighted measures over three-year performance periods:

• Absolute adjusted EPS
• Relative TSR against the FTSE Small-Cap (excluding Investment Trusts)

The performance measures ensure the alignment of senior management’s and shareholders’ interests. Target ranges for the 
2021 awards will be set taking into account the latest internal and external forecasts for the business, including both economic 
and political uncertainty and TT’s principal risks. In line with the Investment Association’s recent addendum to its guidance on 
shareholder expectations during the Covid-19 pandemic, the setting of the targets will be delayed until after the grant date. The 
targets will be set within six months of grant and published as soon as possible after they have been set via an RNS. 

The Committee will continue to consider the impact of any significant future portfolio development on the outstanding 
performance targets at the time of the capital deployment. Any further changes to the performance targets in these 
circumstances will be communicated to shareholders.

The awards, as a percentage of salary, are expected to be as follows:

Executive

Richard Tyson

Mark Hoad

2021

150%

150%

2020

150%

135%

For 2021 the Committee felt it appropriate to align the awards for the Executive Directors. This ensures that the Executive 
Directors are adequately tied in to the longer-term performance of the Company. The one-off increase in award to Mark Hoad 
recognises his strong contribution and his importance to the ongoing development of the Company and ongoing value creation 
for shareholders. 

The Committee is mindful that share price falls can lead to the perception of ‘windfall gains’. The Committee will review the share 
price at grant when determining final award values. Discretion may be applied at grant or on vesting to manage any relevant 
windfall gain from the allocation. 

The awards will vest on the third anniversary of grant to the extent the performance targets have been satisfied, followed by a 
two-year holding period. 

Shareholding requirement
No changes will be made to the shareholding requirements. Executive Directors are required to build and maintain a shareholding 
in employment of 200 per cent of basic salary. Post cessation of employment, Executive Directors are required to maintain 
for two years, a shareholding of half this requirement or maintain their actual holding if lower. During the two-year period, 
Executive Directors will be required to self-certify their holdings on an annual basis. In addition, it is anticipated that some vested 
shareholding will be subject to holding periods during the post cessation requirement.

Fees for Non-executive Directors
The Chairman’s fee and the Non-executive Director base fee increased by 1.5 per cent effective 1 January 2021, a level which is 
below the average expected increase for the wider UK workforce. The SID fee was brought in line with the other Chair fees which 
remain unchanged.

Chairman

Base fee

Additional fees:

Senior Independent Director

Audit Committee Chair

Remuneration Committee Chair

2021

2020

Increase

£182,700

£180,000

£45,822

£45,145

£8,000

£8,000

£8,000

£6,000

£8,000

£8,000

1.5%

1.5%

33.3%

0.0%

0.0%

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Implementation of the Remuneration Policy for the year ending 31 December 2020
Single figure for total remuneration (audited)
Directors’ remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2020 was as follows:

£’000

Executive Directors

Richard Tyson

Mark Hoad

Chairman

Warren Tucker1

Non-executive Directors

Jack Boyer2

 Anne Thorburn3

Alison Wood

Former Directors

Neil Carson4

Stephen King5

Salary/
fees

Taxable
 benefits Pension

Total
fixed pay

Short-
term
 Incentive6

Long-term
 Incentive7

Malus and
 clawback

Other

Total 
variable
pay

Single
total
figure

2020

2019

2020

2019

454

478

341

359

2020

126

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

47

45

48

23

50

53

62

188

36

59

25

23

21

20

68

72

51

54

547

573

413

433

126

47

45

48

23

50

53

62

188

36

59

219

306

164

230

237

551

181

373

456

857

345

603

1,003

1,430

758

1,036

126

47

45

48

23

50

53

62

188

36

59

1  Warren Tucker was appointed to the Board on 2 April 2020

2  Jack Boyer was appointed Senior Independent Director on 6 May 2020

3  Anne Thorburn was appointed Chair of the Audit Committee on 6 May 2020. 2019 fees reflect her appointment date of 1 July 2019

4  Neil Carson stepped down as Chairman on 6 May 2020

5  Stephen King stepped down as a Non-executive Director on 30 September 2020

6  2020 short-term incentive award values are shown after the voluntary deferral of the 2020 increase in maximum opportunity from 100% of salary to 125% of salary to 2021, and after the 

8.5 per cent reduction as a result of the historical accounting adjustment in the Global Manufacturing Solutions division. 

7  LTIP values shown in the single figure include dividend equivalents; the value attributable to share price appreciation for the CEO and CFO is minimal, being £(3,199) and £(2,446) 

respectively. The Committee did not exercise any discretion in relation to vesting outcomes in relation to the impact of share price movements.

Base salary/fees
At the request of the Executive Directors base salaries were not increased in 2020 following a salary review in December 2019. 
This recognised changes to some of our external markets and the actions taken within the Company. The Chairman’s fee and 
those of the Non-executive Directors also remained unchanged at the annual review. The Chairman's fee on appointment was 4.5 
per cent lower than the prior Chairman.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic a series of actions were taken to reduce costs and protect our cash flows. One such action 
was that the members of the Board volunteered a 20 per cent salary/fee reduction for a three-month period which is reflected in 
the single figure for total remuneration table.

Taxable benefits
The Executive Directors’ taxable benefits consist of a car allowance and insurance benefits. 

Pensions
Employer contributions are paid at 15 per cent of base salary, as defined contribution pension and/or a cash supplement. 
Pension contributions were 20 per cent lower during the period of the voluntary salary reduction in relation to the impacts of 
the COVID-19 pandemic.

102 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Short-term incentive 
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Executive Directors requested that the maximum opportunity was reduced from 125 
per cent to 100 per cent of salary for 2020. The default under the Remuneration Policy is to defer 20 per cent of any incentive into 
shares for a period of two years. Incentive payments were based on performance against Group adjusted profit before tax (up 
to 50 per cent of salary) and Group free cash flow (up to 25 per cent of salary) measured at constant budget exchange rates and 
strategic objectives (up to 25 per cent of salary) as measured over the 2020 financial year.

During the year, the Company completed the acquisitions of the Covina power supply business from Excelitas Technologies 
Corp. and the Torotel, Inc power and electromagnetic business. In order to neutralise the impact of these transactions, the 
Group adjusted profit before tax and Group free cash flow targets were increased to include pro-rata budgeted performance and 
adjusted for the impact of unbudgeted cash flows for adjusting items in relation to M&A acquisition and integration.

The strategic objectives of the Executive Directors focused on the creation of sustainable value for all our stakeholders with a 
focus on delivery of critical operational and strategic goals. Performance against these is set out in the table below.

Strategic  
objective

Performance  
commentary

Execution of portfolio strategy. Drive 
the acquisition growth strategy. 
Further identify and progress potential 
opportunities.

Execution of acquisitions of the Covina aerospace and defence power supply 
business of Excelitas Technologies Corp. in January 2020 and the Torotel, Inc power 
and electromagnetic business in November 2020 supported by equity placing in 
challenging market conditions.

Maximum 
potential 
(% of salary)

10%

Achievement
✓✓✓✓

Improve operational efficiency to drive 
sustained margin enhancement.  
Finalise  to plan a series of facility 
footprint projects and execute. 

Integration of the Covina acquisition completed with strong performance against the 
business case. Torotel integration under way.

Significant progress/engagement in several potential opportunities aligned to 
strategic growth markets.

Implementation of actions from 2019 facility footprint review to optimise efficiency 
and support margin improvement.

10%

✓✓✓✓

Three facility closures announced and under way with management of product 
transfers to optimise receiving facilities.

Plans developed for further self-help activity in 2021.

Efficiency actions showing strong financial returns in line with business case to 
deliver £11-12 million of run-rate benefits in 2023.

Develop and integrate the ESG strategic 
priority and embed in the strategy.

ESG positioned as core element of revised Company purpose, incorporated into key 
internal and external communications.

5%

✓✓✓✓

HSE platform upgraded to establish baselines, enable target setting and tracking of 
improvements. Enabled commitments to be carbon neutral by 2035 with initial plans 
developed and actions under way centred on renewable energy, energy reduction, 
waste to landfill reduction and reduction of single-use plastics.

Significant focus on safety and safe operations during the year with specific actions 
in response to the pandemic.

Employee engagement achieved the strategic goal of becoming a 2-star rated 
employer with exceptional wellbeing and values scores across the Company. 
Continued focus on ensuring that employees can be at their best every day and that 
potential barriers to progression are being identified and addressed through the 
equality, diversity and inclusion focus.

External CDP Sustainability Audit rating improved, showing significant improvement 
from 2019.

✓ underperforming, ✓✓ performing, ✓✓✓ out-performing, ✓✓✓✓ stretch

The outcomes of the short-term incentive awards for financial and individual strategic performance in 2020 are summarised below.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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Short-term incentive payments for 20201

Performance measure

Group adjusted profit before tax

Group free cash flow

Strategic objectives

Total

Remuneration Committee discretion2

2020 Short-term incentive award

Threshold 
potential 
(% of salary)

Maximum 
potential 
(% of salary)

Required for 
threshold
 bonus (£m)

Required for 
maximum
 bonus (£m)

5%

2.5%

n/a

50%

25%

25%

100%

34.1

(1.5) 

38.7 

4.1 

As outlined

Outturn for
 incentive plan
 purposes (£m)
23.6

13.5

Achievement
 (% of salary)
0.0%

25.0%

25.0%

50.0%

(4.25)%

45.75%

1  Short-term incentives are measured using constant budget exchange rates. The value shown is after the voluntary deferral of the 2020 increase in maximum opportunity from 100% of 

salary to 125% of salary to 2021.

2   The 8.5% reduction to the total award, as a result of the historical accounting adjustment in the Global Manufacturing Solutions division, equates to a reduction of 4.25% of salary

Summary
The Executive Directors delivered another year of strong strategic progress whilst managing and protecting our stakeholders through the economic volatility and 
impact of the pandemic. The Executive Directors have demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout the pandemic to protect our employees, the sustainability of 
the Company and delivering COVID-19 safe facilities built on benchmark operating procedures delivered in advance and often above relevant government guidelines. 
The Company was also able to divert internal resources to support multiple government ventilator projects globally, including those in the UK.

In the context of the pandemic, financial performance has been robust and strong cost action has protected the balance sheet resulting in excellent free cash flow, 
significantly above expectation. In managing the business, the Company utilised the UK Government Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough) to protect 
our employees although the monies from the furlough scheme have been repaid in full in early 2021 and the Company does not intend to further utilise the UK 
Government Job Retention Scheme (furlough). While there were some job losses resulting from structural changes to some of our end markets, new business 
opportunities have meant a number of new roles being created. Following a decision to pause dividend payments, the resumption of the dividend is expected to be 
announced at the time of the 2020 year-end results announcement.

In carrying out the review, the Committee agreed that whilst no award was automatically payable in respect of the strategic objectives given that the threshold Group 
profit before tax target had not been achieved, the resilient financial and strong cash flow performance justified the payment under the strategic objectives. As 
such, in addition to the 25 per cent of salary payable against the Group free cash flow targets, 25 per cent of salary will be payable against the strategic objectives. 
In light of the sensitivity surrounding the payment of annual incentive awards in respect of 2020, the Committee consulted with its major investors in advance of the 
decision being made and there was in the main a strong level of support for the Committee’s actions. Reflecting feedback from a number of major investors during 
consultation, the Committee decided that rather than adopt the 80 per cent cash payment and 20 per cent deferred share approach as per the default under the 
Remuneration Policy, 100 per cent of the bonus award should be deferred into shares.

In addition to the above and in connection to the year-end audit process, as a result of a historical accounting adjustment in the Global Manufacturing Solutions 
division (as explained further on page 95), the Committee decided that it was appropriate to use its discretion to reduce the Executive Directors 2020 short-term 
incentive awards award by 8.5 per cent, effectively neutralising the estimated impact on the 2019 short-term incentive awards to the Executive Directors.

Long-term incentive 
The LTIP awards granted in 2017 and 2018 vest depending on performance against two equally weighted measures over separate 
three-year performance periods. The EPS performance condition is over the three-year period aligned with the Group’s financial 
year. The TSR performance condition is over a separate three-year performance period, ending on the third anniversary of the 
award date. Accordingly, the performance periods of the two performance conditions end in separate reporting years. Both the 
2017 and 2018 LTIP awards had performance periods that ended on or by 31 December 2020 which are therefore included in the 
single figure for total remuneration for 2020. 

Award year and performance measure

2017 LTIP award1: Relative TSR 
performance against the FTSE SmallCap 
(excluding Investment Trusts)

2018 LTIP award2,3: EPS compound annual growth 
over the three-year performance period 

Threshold
(25% vesting)

Maximum 
(100% vesting)

Median
rank

Upper quartile
rank or above

10%

17.5%

Percentage
 of maximum
 achievement

100%

0%

Outcome

77 percentile
(Above upper
quartile)

2.4%
(Below 
threshold)

1  2017 LTIP award (vested March 2020): The EPS performance period ended on 31 December 2019 and a maximum level of vesting was achieved as described in last year’s Remuneration report. 

The 2019 single figure for total remuneration has been restated to reflect the vested value of the shares subject to the EPS performance measure which vested on 15 March 2020. The TSR 
performance period for this award ended on 15 March 2020 and a maximum level of vesting was achieved as indicated in the above table. The vested value of the shares subject to EPS 
performance measure is included in the 2020 single figure for total remuneration. In both cases the vested shares have been valued at 164.5p.

2  2018 LTIP award (vests March 2021): The EPS performance period for this award ended on 31 December 2020 and vesting of the EPS component was not achieved as indicated in the above table. 
The TSR performance period ends in March 2021 and the value of the vested awards subject to the TSR performance measures will be included in the 2021 single figure for total remuneration.

3  As disclosed in previous Directors’ annual Remuneration report, the EPS targets were reviewed for the effect of portfolio developments during 2018 in respect of the acquisition of Stadium Group 

and Precision Inc.. Following that review, the EPS targets were increased from a threshold target of 5% compound annual growth and a maximum target of 12% compound annual growth.

104 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

As part of the portfolio development strategy the Committee has agreed principles for the adjustment of LTIP performance 
conditions in relation to capital deployment. During the year, the acquisitions of the Covina aerospace and defence power supply 
business of Excelitas Technologies Corp. for a total consideration of £14.4 million, and the £28.7 million acquisition of Torotel, Inc 
mainly funded through an equity placing, were reviewed against the principles and the financial impact was deemed to be below 
the materiality threshold. 

Other
No disclosures occurred during the period.

Malus and clawback
No malus or clawback events occurred during 2020.

Long-term incentives granted during the financial year (audited)
LTIP awards were granted to Executive Directors on 13 March 2020, prior to the first UK national lockdown and prior to the share 
price volatility that followed. Awards are subject to a three-year vesting period plus an additional two-year holding period.

Executive

Richard Tyson

Mark Hoad

Basis of award 
granted 
(% of salary)

150%

135%

Share price at 
date of grant 
(pence)1
196

196

Number 
of shares over 
which award 
was granted

365,983

247,085

Face value 
of award 
(£)

717,327

484,287

% of award 
that would vest 
at threshold 
performance

Performance 
period end date

25%

25%

13/03/2023

13/03/2023

1  The share price used to determine the number of shares granted was the average share price over the three trading days prior to grant.

The Committee is mindful that share price falls can lead to the perception of ‘windfall gains’. The share price used to calculate 
the number of shares under the 2020 award was less than 3 per cent lower than that of the 2019 award. As such the Committee 
believes that windfall gains would not apply to this award as a result of any share price volatility from the pandemic. The 
Committee retains discretion to adjust formulaic incentive outcomes to ensure they reflect underlying business performance and 
shareholder interests. This would be reviewed at vesting.

Performance measures for LTIP awards granted during the financial year (audited)
Awards to Executive Directors during 2020 were granted on 13 March 2020 subject to the two equally weighted measures of EPS 
and TSR as follows.

Performance measures

EPS compound annual growth over the 
three-year period

Relative TSR performance against the FTSE 
SmallCap (excluding Investment Trusts)

Weighting

Threshold 
(25% vesting)

Maximum
(100% vesting)

50%

50%

5%

12.0%

Median 
rank 

Upper quartile
 rank or above

The performance measures attributable to the 2020 awards were approved by the Committee in December 2019, with the awards 
granted prior to both the first UK lockdown and before the societal and economic impact of COVID-19 became fully known.

Following a supportive consultation exercise with our largest institutional investors and the major investor representatives, the 
Committee agreed to reweight performance to 100 per cent based on the existing TSR performance targets. Whilst the majority 
of TT’s operations have remained resilient in light of the disruption resulting from COVID-19, the Committee believed, after 
extensive discussion, that the compound EPS growth targets of 5 per cent to 12 per cent per annum, based on the 2019 EPS 
number were excessively stretching and that there would be a risk that: (i) this would adversely impact management motivation; 
and/or (ii) overly stretching performance measures could incentivise short-term actions that could damage the longer-term 
growth of the business. The Committee believes that had the scheduled LTIP award been granted slightly later, consistent with 
a significant number of December year-end FTSE All-Share companies, the Committee would have: (i) delayed the grant of the 
awards; (ii) taken advantage of the flexibility suggested by the Investment Association in respect of granting the awards at the 
normal time but setting the performance targets within a six month period from grant; and/or (iii) increased the proportion of the 
award (most probably to 100 per cent) that is measured against relative TSR. 

The Committee is mindful to the perception of ‘windfall gains’ and retains discretion to adjust formulaic incentive vesting 
outcomes to ensure they reflect underlying business performance and shareholder interests.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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Executive Director interests in shares subject to Company performance conditions
The table below sets out details of outstanding LTIP share awards held by the Executive Directors at 31 December 2020.

Market 
value at 
31 December 
2020 
(£)1

Market 
price at 
grant date 
(pence)

Granted 
during
the year

Lapsed

Vested

266,565

31 December 
2020

Date
of grant

1 January 
2020

15/03/2017

266,565

14/03/2018

294,1522

11/03/2019 355,9933

13/03/2020

365,983

15/03/2017

203,844

14/03/2018

202,4462

11/03/2019

240,3403

13/03/2020

247,085

203,844

294,152

355,993

365,983

603,012

729,786

750,265

1,016,128

2,083,062

202,446

240,340

247,085

689,871

415,014

492,697

506,524

1,414,236

Vesting 
date

15/03/2020

14/03/2021

11/03/2022

13/03/2023

15/03/2020

14/03/2021

11/03/2022

13/03/2023

167

232

202

196

167

232

202

196

Executive

Richard Tyson

Total outstanding

Mark Hoad

Total outstanding

1  The market value at 31 December 2020 represents the total number of shares awarded multiplied by 205.0 pence, being the share price on 31 December 2020. The calculation does not 

take into account dividend equivalents or the likelihood of vesting.

2  The performance condition attached to 50% of the award is based on EPS. As disclosed in previous Annual report on remuneration, the EPS targets were reviewed for the effect of portfolio 
developments during 2018 in respect of the acquisition of Stadium Group and Precision Inc.. Following that review, the EPS targets were increased. 25% of the shares subject to this part of 
the award will vest for EPS growth of 10% (previously 5%) compound per annum, increasing on a straight-line basis to 100% vesting for EPS growth for the year ending 31 December 2020 
of 17.5% (previously 12%) compound per annum. The performance condition attached to the other 50% of the award is based on TSR performance against the FTSE SmallCap (excluding 
Investment Trusts) during the three-year performance period from the date of award. 25% of the shares subject to this part of the award will vest at median performance increasing on a 
straight-line basis to 100% vesting at the upper quartile of the comparator group.

3  The performance condition attached to 50% of the award is based on EPS. 25% of the shares subject to this part of the award will vest for EPS growth of 6% compound per annum, 

increasing on a straight-line basis to 100% vesting for EPS growth for the year ending 31 December 2020 of 13.5% compound per annum. The performance condition attached to the other 
50% of the award is based on TSR performance against the FTSE SmallCap (excluding Investment Trusts) during the three-year performance period from the date of award. 25% of the 
shares subject to this part of the award will vest at median performance increasing on a straight-line basis to 100% vesting at the upper quartile of the comparator group.

TT Electronics plc Sharesave scheme

Executive

Date 
of grant

1 January 
2020

Granted 
during the 
year

Lapsed

Vested

31 December 
2020

Market 
value at 
31 December 
2020 
(£)1

Market 
price at 
grant date 
(pence)

Richard Tyson

01/10/2018

8,372

Mark Hoad

01/10/2018

8,372

8,372

8,372

0

0

215

215

1  The potential gain at 31 December 2020 represents the total number of shares under the option multiplied by 205.0 pence, being the share price on 31 December 2020.

Vesting 
date

01/11/2021–
30/04/2022

01/11/2021–
30/04/2022

Payments to past Directors (audited)
No payments were made in 2020.

Payments for loss of office (audited)
No payments were made in 2020.

106 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Statement of Directors’ shareholding and share interests (audited)
The Executive Directors are required to build and hold a shareholding of 200 per cent of salary. Executive Directors must retain 50 
per cent of the net of tax value of any vested LTIP shares until the guideline is met. At 31 December 2020, the Executive Directors 
were compliant with the requirement.

Beneficially
 owned at 
1 January 
2020

Beneficially
 owned at 
31 December
 2020

Unvested share 
awards subject 
to Company 
performance 
conditions

Outstanding 
share awards 
under all 
employee share 
plans as at 
31 December 
2020

Shareholding 
as a % of 
salary at
 31 December 
20201

Value of 
beneficially 
owned at 
31 December 
2020 
(£)

Basic salary at 
31 December
2020

717,251

550,090

873,530

683,127

1,016,128

689,871

8,372

8,372

375%

390%

1,790,737

1,400,410

478,218

358,731

10,945

60,075

82,588

0

45,000

95,514

0

60,000

Executive

Executive Directors

Richard Tyson

Mark Hoad

Chairman

Warren Tucker

Non-executive Directors

Jack Boyer

Alison Wood

Anne Thorburn

1  The shareholding as a % of salary at 31 December 2020 is calculated as the beneficially owned shares at 31 December multiplied by 205.0 pence, being the share price on 31 December 

2020, divided by the basic salary at 31 December 2020.

There have been no changes to shareholdings between 31 December 2020 and the date of this report. 

The closing middle market prices for an ordinary share of 25 pence of the Company on 31 December 2019 and 31 December 
2020 as derived from the Stock Exchange Daily Official List were 250.0 pence and 205.0 pence respectively. During 2020, the 
middle market price of TT Electronics plc ordinary shares ranged between 143.0 pence and 269.0 pence.

Directors’ service contracts

Executive

Executive Directors

Richard Tyson

Mark Hoad

Chairman

Warren Tucker

Non-executive Directors

Jack Boyer

Alison Wood

Anne Thorburn

Date of 
appointment

Date of current 
contract/letter of
appointment

Notice from
Company

Notice from
individual

Unexpired period
of service
contract

01/07/2014

01/01/2015

14/01/2014

09/12/2014

12 months

12 months

12 months

Rolling contract

12 months

Rolling contract

06/05/2020

02/04/2020

1 month

1 month

Rolling contract

10/06/2016

11/07/2016

01/07/2019

10/06/2016

11/07/2016

12/06/2019

1 month

1 month

1 month

1 month

Rolling contract

1 month

Rolling contract

1 month

Rolling contract

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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Performance graph and table
The following graph shows the cumulative Total Shareholder Return of the Company over the last ten financial years relative to 
the FTSE SmallCap Index (excluding Investment Trusts). The FTSE SmallCap Index has been selected for consistency as it is the 
index against which the Company’s Total Shareholder Return is measured for the purposes of the LTIP. In addition, the Company 
300
is a constituent of the Index.

250

200

150

100

50

0
Dec 10

Dec 11

Dec 12

Dec 13

Dec 14

Dec 15

Dec 16

Dec 16

Dec 18

Dec 19

Dec 20

TT Electronics (Re-based to 100)

FTSE Small-Cap excluding investment trusts (Re-based to 100)

The graph above shows the value, by 31 December 2020, of £100 invested in TT Electronics plc on 31 December 2010 compared 
with the value of £100 invested in the FTSE SmallCap Index (excluding Investment Trusts).

Total remuneration figures for the Chief Executive Officer
The total remuneration figures for the Chief Executive Officer during each of the last ten financial years are shown in the table 
below. The total remuneration figures include the short-term incentive based on that year’s performance and LTIP awards based 
on three-year performance periods ending in the relevant year.

Total remuneration (£’000)

Short-term incentive  
(% of maximum)

LTIP vesting (% of maximum)

2011

1,576

96.0

100.0

2012

1,684

50.0

94.0

2013

1,154

53.0

89.6

20141
249

20142
401

0.0

39.6

25.0

n/a

2015

1,151

90.8

0.0

2016

1,152

100.0

0.0

2017

1,794

100.0

50.0

2018

2,189

93.3

100.0

2019

1,430

64.0

86.5

2020

1,003

45.8

50.0

1  Relates to previous Chief Executive Officer who was in position until 30 June 2014.

2  Relates to current Chief Executive Office who joined on 1 July 2014.

Percentage change in the remuneration of Directors compared to other employees
The following table shows the percentage change in each Executive and Non-executive Director's remuneration compared 
with the average change for all employees of the parent Company for the year ended 31 December 2020. Going forward, this 
disclosure will build up over time to cover a rolling five-year period.

Executive Directors

Richard Tyson

Mark Hoad

Chairman

Warren Tucker1

Non-executive Directors

Jack Boyer2

Alison Wood

Anne Thorburn3

Average UK TT Electronics parent employee4

1  Warren Tucker was appointed to the Board as Chairman on 2 April 2020. 

2  Jack Boyer was appointed Senior Independent Director on 6 May 2020.

Change in salary/
fees (%)

Change in
 benefits (%)

Change in 
cash STIP

(5.0)%

(5.0)%

n/a

3.3%

(5.0)%

6.0%

3.8%

5.9%

8.0%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

6.1%

(28.5)%

(28.5)%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

(39.4)%

3  Anne Thorburn was appointed Chair of the Audit Committee on 6 May 2020. 2019 fees reflect the full year Non-executive base fee applicable at the appointment date of 1 July 2019.

4  Average parent Company employee based on employees who were employed over the complete two-year period.

108 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

The reduction in salary/fees for the Board reflects the 20 per cent voluntary salary/fee reduction for a three-month period as 
part of the cost reduction and cash flow protection actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the year there were 
changes to the members of the Board with Jack Boyer and Anne Thorburn appointed as the Senior Independent Director and 
Audit Chair respectively.

In line with the wider UK workforce, UK parent Company employees were subject to a salary freeze at the annual salary review. 
The change in the average salary is the result of increases in relation to promotions, progression in role and market realignment in 
response to specific retention risks.

Pay ratio of the Chief Executive Officer
The table below shows the ratio of the total remuneration of the Chief Executive Officer to that of the UK employees of the 
Group. The CEO’s pay is based on the single figure of remuneration. In line with our remuneration principles, the majority of the 
CEO’s remuneration opportunity is performance-related variable pay. The CEO’s pay ratio is, therefore, heavily dependent on 
the outcomes of the short-term and long-term incentive plans and, in the case of long-term share-based awards, share price 
movements. As such it is expected that there will be considerable year-to-year changes in the pay ratio. Context to the CEO total 
remuneration is set out on pages 102 to 105. The Committee believes that the pay ratio is appropriate and is reflective of the roles 
undertaken by employees in the UK. 

Year

20204

20195

Methodology used1

Pay Ratio

Remuneration Values2,3

Lower quartile

Median

Upper quartile

Lower quartile

Median

Upper quartile

Option B

Option B

54:1

63:1

40:1

55:1

29:1

38:1

18,414

22,853

25,115

26,182

34,640

37,307

1  Method B has been selected as the basis of the disclosure as permitted under The Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018. This method was selected due to the 

administration complexities associated with Method A. 

2  Under method B, representative quartile employees are selected utilising the Gender Pay reporting datasets which is a snapshot of pay on 6 April 2020. Adjustments may be made to 

ensure quartiles are representative. Employees must have been employed on 31 December 2020 and employee data is based on full-time equivalent pay and calculated in accordance 
with the single figure of remuneration. Employee earnings include the forecast value of any incentive payments to relevant employees, the forecast will be restated for the actual vested 
value in the next Remuneration report and pay ratios updated as relevant.

3  Across the UK, the majority (80%) of the workforce undertake operational roles in our facilities. The employee lower quartile and median remuneration values are generally reflective of the 
roles held by our semi-skilled/skilled operators. Employee salaries excluding benefits and variable pay at the lower quartile, median and upper quartile are £16,242, £20,465 and £29,330 
respectively.

4  The 2020 ratio has been impacted by COVID-19. Salary and incentive remuneration levels for 2020 include salary reductions taken by the CEO, included in the single figure of remuneration, 
and the impact of the UK Government Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and associated voluntary furlough salary reductions in the wider UK workforce. Under the chosen method for 
calculation, the employee ranking and quartile assessment is based on the April 2020 snapshot date during which time approximately 14% of employees were on furlough.

5  The 2019 pay ratio has been restated in line with the restated CEO single figure of remuneration

Relative importance of spend on pay
The following table shows the Company’s actual spend on pay for all employees relative to dividends. Dividend figures relate to 
amounts payable in respect of the relevant financial year.

Staff costs (£’m)

Dividends (£’m)

2020

130.1

8.2

2019 Change

135.6

(4.1)%

3.4

141%

Advisers to the Remuneration Committee
The Committee received advice during the year from FIT Remuneration Consultants LLP (FIT). FIT is a member of the 
Remuneration Consultants Group and has signed up to that group’s code of conduct. The Committee is satisfied that the advice 
it received during the year was appropriate, objective and independent. FIT did not provide any other services to the Company and 
does not have any other connection with the Company or individual Directors.

Work undertaken by FIT in its role as independent advisers to the Committee included advice in respect to the Remuneration 
Policy, developments in good governance, advice relating to share scheme rules, the provision of market information and market 
practice, and other governance matters. The fees paid to FIT for providing advice in relation to Executive remuneration over the 
financial year, based on time and materials, totalled £34,514. 

The Company’s approach to the Chairman’s and Executive Directors’ remuneration is determined by the Board on the advice 
of the Remuneration Committee. The Committee considers the views of the Chairman on the performance of the CEO, and of 
the CEO on the performance and remuneration of the other members of the Executive Leadership Team. The Committee is 
also supported by the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary who acts as Secretary to the Committee, the CFO, the 
EVP Human Resources and the Group Reward Director who attend meetings at the invitation of the Committee. No Committee 
members or attendees take part in any discussions relating to their own remuneration.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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Shareholder voting
The Remuneration Committee considers shareholder feedback received in connection with the AGM each year at a meeting 
immediately following the AGM and at other times of the year. This feedback is considered as part of the Company’s annual 
review of the Remuneration report and Remuneration Policy. In addition, the Remuneration Committee endeavours to consult 
directly with the largest shareholders and their representative bodies on proposals ahead of significant changes. 

At the Annual General Meeting held on 6 May 2020, the proxy votes cast in respect of the resolutions on the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy and Directors’ remuneration report were as follows:

Number of votes

Date of
AGM

For and
 Discretionary

Directors’ Remuneration Policy

Directors’ remuneration report

May 2020

May 2020

109,271,441

124,542,291

For and 
Discretionary 
(%)

91.89%

97.28%

Against

9,642,007

3,486,914

Against 
(%)

8.11%

2.72%

Withheld

13,273,878

4,158,121

Total 
votes

132,187,326

132,187,326

A full schedule in respect of shareholder voting on the above and all resolutions at the 2020 AGM is available at www.ttelectronics.com.

The Directors’ remuneration report has been approved by the Board on 9 March 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

Alison Wood
Chair, Remuneration Committee
9 March 2021

110 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

OTHER STATUTORY DISCLOSURES

This Annual Report and Accounts 
includes the Directors’ report and the 
audited financial statements for the 
year ended 31 December 2020. Certain 
information required to be disclosed in 
the Directors’ report is provided in other 
sections of this Annual Report. This 
includes the overview, the operating 
and financial reviews, the Governance 
and Remuneration reports and specific 
elements of the Financial Statements 
noted below. The table below lists items 
that are relevant to this report, and which 
are incorporated by reference, including 
information required in accordance with 
the UK Companies Act 2006 and Listing 
Rule 9.8.4R:

AGM information

CO2 emissions

Page 199

Page 65

Current and future dividend waiver

Page 112

Employee engagement

Future developments in the 
business

Going concern 

Greenhouse gas emissions

S172 statement 

Share capital

Pages 55, 62

Pages 8-13

Page 82

Page 67

Page 75

Page 199

Subsidiary undertakings

Pages 188–190

Viability Statement

Page 51 

Results and dividend
The Group’s profit on ordinary activities 
after taxation was £1.3 million (2019: 
£15.8 million). The audited financial 
statements of the Group and the 
Company are set out on pages 124 
to 198. Further details of the Group’s 
activities are set out in the Strategic 
report on pages 1 to 71 which is 
incorporated into the Directors’ report 
by reference. 

Full details of the Company’s 
dividend policy and proposed final 
dividend payment for the year ended 
31 December 2020 are set out on page 
47 and Note 10 to the consolidated 
financial statements. 

Tax principles and strategy
The Group applies a conservative 
approach to tax and seeks to comply 
with the OECD Transfer Pricing guidelines, 
which should ensure that profits are 
taxed where value is created and business 
risks are managed. The Group’s full Tax 
Principles and Strategy document is 
published on the Group’s website.

Mergers and acquisitions
As disclosed in last year’s Annual Report, 
in October 2019, the Company’s wholly-
owned subsidiary, TT Electronics Power 
Solutions (US) Inc, signed an Asset 
Purchase Agreement to acquire the 
aerospace and defence power supply 
business of Excelitas Technologies 
Corp. based in Covina, California. The 
consideration for the transaction was 
US$17.7 million (£13.7 million) in cash, 
which was subject to customary 
conditions precedent (including regulatory 
approvals) and a post-completion working 
capital adjustment. The transaction 
completed on 3 January 2020.

On 17 September 2020, the Company’s 
wholly-owned subsidiaries, TT Group 
Industries, Inc (“TTGI”) and Thunder 
Merger Sub, Inc, signed an Agreement 
and Plan of Merger (the “Merger 
Agreement”) to acquire 100% of Torotel, 
Inc, a US-based SEC listed designer 
and manufacturer of high-reliability 
power and electromagnetic assemblies 
and components designed for harsh 
environments, primarily for defence 
markets. The enterprise value of the 
acquisition was $43.4 million (£33.9 
million), representing 10.9x adjusted 
EBITDA for the target company, the 
payment of which was conditional upon 
satisfaction of customary conditions 
precedent for a US public acquisition 
(including shareholder approval under 
the requirements of Missouri law). The 
transaction was part funded by an equity 
placing, which raised £20 million of the 
consideration proceeds, with the balance 
being funded from the Group’s existing 
debt facilities. The transaction completed 
on 10 November 2020, following 
satisfaction of the conditions precedent, 
at which point: (i) all outstanding shares 
of the common stock in Torotel, Inc 
were converted into the right to receive 

$6.17 per share in cash; and (ii) Thunder 
Merger Sub, Inc merged into Torotel, 
Inc., leaving Torotel, Inc as the surviving 
corporation and a wholly-owned 
subsidiary of TTGI. Following the merger, 
Torotel, Inc was delisted and ceased to 
be a publicly traded company. 

Important events since the end of 
the financial year
There were no important events 
affecting the Group which occurred 
since 31 December 2020.

Auditor
In 2019, the Company undertook a 
competitive re-tender exercise for 
external audit services, following which 
Deloitte LLP ("Deloitte") was appointed 
as external Auditor for the financial year 
2020 onwards. Deloitte was appointed 
by the Company’s shareholders at the 
AGM held on 6 May 2020. See pages 
89 for further details on the Auditor 
transition process. 

The Auditor’s responsibilities are set 
out on page 121 and should be read in 
conjunction with those of the Directors 
as set out at the end of this report.

Significant agreements relating 
to change of control
The Group has a number of borrowing 
facilities provided by various banking 
groups. Some of these facility 
agreements include change of control 
provisions which, in the event of a 
change in ownership of the Company, 
could result in renegotiation or 
withdrawal of these facilities.

There are a number of other agreements 
that may be renegotiated upon a change 
of control of the Company. None is 
considered to be significant in terms of 
their potential impact on the business of 
the Group as a whole.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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Employment
The Group is committed to the fair and 
equal treatment of all its employees 
regardless of gender, race, age, religion, 
disability or sexual orientation. Where 
existing employees become disabled, 
the policy of the Group is to provide 
continuing employment and training 
wherever practicable.

The Group makes significant efforts to 
ensure it maintains high standards of 
employee welfare in all its operations, 
irrespective of where in the world, and 
of local market conditions. Together 
with many other global companies 
operating in its sector, the Group is a 
member of the Responsible Business 
Alliance (formerly the Electronic Industry 
Citizenship Coalition), a leading industry 
organisation promoting best practice 
in corporate responsibility, which is 
committed to raising standards of 
employee welfare in all jurisdictions 
and at all levels of the supply chain for 
electronic products. Further details 
on the Group’s policies relating to its 
employees are given on pages 58 to 63.

Political contributions
The Group made no political 
contributions during the year.

Authority to allot shares and disapply 
statutory pre-emption rights
The Directors will be seeking to renew 
their authorities to allot unissued 
shares and to disapply statutory pre-
emption rights at the Annual General 
Meeting, to be held on 13 May 2021. 
During 2020, this authority was used 
primarily in connection with the placing 
of 10,000,000 shares in the Company 
(as announced on 17 September 2020), 
at a price of £2.00 per share, in part 
funding of the acquisition of Torotel, 
Inc (as described in more detail under 
the heading “Mergers and acquisitions” 
on page 111). In addition, this authority 
was also used in respect of customary 
allotments of shares resulting from the 
operation of the Group’s share schemes. 

Purchase of own shares
At the Annual General Meeting held on 
6 May 2020, the Company was given 
authority to purchase up to 16,406,508 
of its ordinary shares until the date of its 
next AGM. Other than market purchases 
made by the Employee Benefit Trust, no 
purchases were made during the year 
by the Company. The Directors will be 
seeking a new authority for the Company 
to purchase its ordinary shares at the 
forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Disclosure of information to Auditor
To the best of each Director’s knowledge 
and belief, there is no audit information 
relevant to the preparation of the 
Auditor’s report of which the Auditor is 
unaware and each Director has taken 
all steps which might be expected, to be 
aware of such relevant information and 
to establish that the Auditor is also aware 
of that information.

Approved by the Board on 9 March 2021 
and signed on its behalf by:

Lynton Boardman,
Group General Counsel 
and Company Secretary
9 March 2021

Further details regarding the 
authority to allot shares and disapply 
statutory pre-emption rights and the 
purchase of own shares are set out 
in the Notice of the Annual General 
Meeting, which accompanies this 
document and is available to view 
on the Company’s website.

Shares held by the Employee 
Benefit Trust
The Company has established an 
employee benefit trust ("EBT"), the 
trustee of which is Sanne Fiduciary 
Services Limited, part of Sanne Group. 
As at 31 December 2020, the trustee 
held 148,969 shares with a nominal 
value of £37,242.25 and an aggregate 
purchase price of £1.62 per share, 
representing 0.085 per cent of the 
total issued share capital at that date. 
These shares will be used to satisfy 
awards made under the TT Electronics 
plc Restricted Share Plan, the TT 
Electronics plc Long-Term Incentive Plan 
or other employee share schemes. The 
maximum number of shares held by the 
EBT during the year was 1,011,123. The 
voting rights in relation to these shares 
are exercisable by the trustee. However, 
in accordance with investor protection 
guidelines, the trustee abstains from 
voting. A dividend waiver is in place 
under which the trustee waived its right 
to receive dividends on the shares it held 
during the year, and any future dividends. 
The Executive Directors, as employees of 
the Company, are potential beneficiaries 
of shares held by the EBT. 

112 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ 
RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE 
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

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

Company law requires the Directors to 
prepare Group and parent Company 
financial statements for each financial 
year. Under that law the Directors are 
required to prepare the group financial 
statements in accordance with 
international accounting standards in 
conformity with the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2006 and International 
Financial Reporting Standards adopted 
pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 
1606/2002 as it applies in the European 
Union. The Directors have elected to 
prepare the parent Company financial 
statements in accordance with UK 
accounting standards, including FRS 101 
Reduced Disclosure Framework.

Under company law, the Directors must 
not approve the financial statements 
unless they are satisfied that they give a 
true and fair view of the state of affairs 
of the Group and parent Company and 
of their profit or loss for that period. In 
preparing each of the Group and parent 
Company financial statements, the 
Directors are required to:

• select suitable accounting policies and 

then apply them consistently;

• make judgements and estimates that 
are reasonable, relevant and reliable;
• for the Group financial statements, 

state whether they have been prepared 
in accordance with IFRSs as adopted 
by the EU;

• for the parent Company financial 

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

• assess the Group and parent 

Company’s ability to continue as 
a going concern, disclosing, as 
applicable, matters related to going 
concern; and

• use the going concern basis of 

accounting unless they either intend 
to liquidate the Group or the parent 
Company or to cease operations, 
or have no realistic alternative but 
to do so.

The Directors are responsible for 
keeping adequate accounting records 
that are sufficient to show and explain 
the parent Company’s transactions and 
disclose with reasonable accuracy at 
any time the financial position of the 
parent Company and enable them to 
ensure that its financial statements 
comply with the Companies Act 2006. 
They are responsible for such internal 
control as they determine is necessary 
to enable the preparation of financial 
statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or 
error, and have general responsibility 
for taking such steps as are reasonably 
open to them to safeguard the assets 
of the Group and to prevent and detect 
fraud and other irregularities. 

Under applicable law and 
regulations, the Directors are also 
responsible for preparing a Strategic 
report, Directors’ report, Directors’ 
Remuneration report and Corporate 
Governance statement that complies 
with that law and those regulations. 

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

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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Responsibility statement of 
the Directors in respect of the 
Annual Report and Accounts
We confirm that to the best of 
our knowledge:

• the financial statements, prepared in 
accordance with the applicable set 
of accounting standards, give a true 
and fair view of the assets, liabilities, 
financial position and profit or loss of 
the Company and the undertakings 
included in the consolidation taken as a 
whole; and

• the Strategic report includes a fair 
review of the development and 
performance of the business and 
the position of the Company and 
the undertakings included in the 
consolidation taken as a whole, 
together with a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties that 
they face.

We consider the Annual Report and 
Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, 
balanced and understandable and 
provides the information necessary 
for shareholders to assess the Group’s 
position and performance, business 
model and strategy.

The coordination and review of Group-
wide input into the Annual Report is 
a key element of the control process 
upon which the Directors rely and 
is an exercise which spans a period 
wider than the timetable for compiling 
the Annual Report itself. This control 
process incorporates the controls the 
Group operates throughout the year to 
identify key financial and operational 
issues and includes:

• Strategy meetings, held as part of most 

Board meetings, at which the entire 
Board is present, resulting in a clear 
agreement of the Group’s strategy. 

• The identification of the key 

milestones and the related KPIs 
to be monitored and measured 
throughout the period.

• Monthly reviews of business 
performance conducted by 
Executive management (in 
consultation with Divisional 
management), supplemented by 
reports highlighting key issues and 
analysis of the main variances from 
budget and prior year.
• Preparation of a detailed 

budget, reviewed and agreed by 
management and then the Board, 
which is used to calibrate strategy 
implementation and against which 
actual performance is measured.

• A timetabled process coordinating 
input from each division, identifying 
significant market issues and key 
elements of performance for each 
business area, and appropriately 
incorporating them into the structure 
of the Annual Report.

• The identification of key risks from 
the risk management process, for 
inclusion within the Annual Report, 
ensuring a consistency of approach 
with regard to the risks and the 
ongoing review programme.

• A planned Audit Committee sign-off 

process which incorporates meetings 
of the Chair of the Audit Committee 
with the Executive Directors, the Risk 
and Assurance function and external 
Auditor to identify and timetable 
potential issues of significance to be 
addressed.

• A process for internal distribution 

and comment on the Annual Report, 
including those of the members of 
the Board, the ELT, key advisers and 
external Auditor.

By order of the Board:

Lynton Boardman,
Group General Counsel 
and Company Secretary
9 March 2021

114 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

INDEPENDENT 
AUDITOR’S REPORT 
TO THE MEMBERS OF 
TT ELECTRONICS PLC

Report on the audit of the financial statements

1. 
Opinion
In our opinion:

• the financial statements of 

TT Electronics plc (the ‘parent 
company’) and its subsidiaries (the 
‘group’) give a true and fair view of 
the state of the group’s and of the 
parent company’s affairs as at 31 
December 2020 and of the group’s 
profit and parent company’s loss for 
the year then ended;

• the group financial statements 
have been properly prepared in 
accordance with international 
accounting standards in 
conformity with the requirements 
of the Companies Act 2006 and 
International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by 
the European Union and IFRSs 
as issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board (IASB);

• the parent company financial 

statements have been properly 
prepared in accordance with United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice, including 
Financial Reporting Standard 101 
“Reduced Disclosure Framework”; 
and

• the parent company financial 

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

We have audited the financial statements 
which comprise:

• the consolidated income statement;
• the consolidated statement of 

comprehensive income;

• the consolidated and parent company 

statements of financial position;

• the consolidated and parent company 

statements of changes in equity;

• the consolidated cash flow statement; 

and

• the related notes 1 to 32 of the 

consolidated financial statements and 
the related notes 1 to 15 of the parent 
company balance sheet.

The financial reporting framework that 
has been applied in the preparation 
of the group financial statements 
is applicable law and international 
accounting standards in conformity 
with the requirements of the Companies 
Act 2006 and 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 FRS 101 “Reduced 
Disclosure Framework” (United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Basis for opinion

2. 
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 Financial Reporting 
Council’s (the ‘FRC’s’) Ethical Standard 
as applied to listed public interest entities, 
and we have fulfilled our other ethical 
responsibilities in accordance with these 
requirements. We confirm that the non-
audit services prohibited by the FRC’s 
Ethical Standard were not provided to the 
group or the parent company.

We believe that the audit evidence we 
have obtained is sufficient and appropriate 
to provide a basis for our opinion.

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3. 

Summary of our audit approach

Key audit matters

The key audit matters that we identified in the current year were:

•  Impairment of goodwill;
•  Classification of adjusting items; and
•  Uncertain tax provisions.

Materiality

Scoping

The materiality that we used for the group financial statements was £1.2 million which was determined on the basis of a range of 
measures including adjusted profit before tax, revenue and net assets.

Our Group audit scope focused on audit work at 23 components representing 78% of the Group’s revenue, 90% of the Group’s adjusted 
operating profit and 86% of the Group’s net assets.

Significant changes in 
our approach

We have changed the basis on which we have determined materiality in the current year to reflect the fall in profit, which we do not 
consider as representing a long term decline in the size and scale of the business. Refer to section 6 for further details.

Last year the previous auditor’s report included three other key audit matters which are not included in our report this year: 

•  the impact of uncertainties due to the UK exiting the European Union: this has not been identified as an area where significant audit 

effort is required as a result of a trade deal being finalised prior to the balance sheet date;

•  warranty and other product provisions, and recoverability of parent company’s investment in and amounts due from subsidiaries: 

these areas were not amongst the matters of greatest significance that we communicated to the audit committee for the 2020 audit.

Conclusions relating to going concern

4. 
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the 
preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

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

• Obtaining an understanding of the key processes relating to the Group’s forecasting;
• inspecting loan documents to assess the principal terms and related financial covenants;
• assessing management’s key assumptions underpinning the Group’s forecasts, specifically the forecast Covid-19 recovery, 

the forecast adjusting items expense and cash flows and the achievability of forecasts with reference to external data such as 
market growth rates and industry data

• assessing the reasonableness of the assumptions in the forecasts and the impact of reasonably possible downside scenarios 

on the group’s funding position; 

• comparing forecasts to historical financial information to assess management’s historical forecasting accuracy; 
• assessing the mitigating actions available to the Group and the likelihood of being able to take the benefit of these in the next 12 

months; and

• assessing trading and the ongoing impact of Covid-19 until the date of signing, including impact on cash flow forecasts; and
• assessing the appropriateness of the going concern disclosures in the financial statements.

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

In relation to the reporting on how the group has applied the UK Corporate Governance Code, we have nothing material to add 
or draw attention to in relation to the directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether the directors considered it 
appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of 
this report.

116 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Key audit matters

5. 
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 which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation 
of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team.

These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion 
thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

5.1. 

Impairment of goodwill

Key audit matter 
description

Total goodwill on the balance sheet at 31 December 2020 is £156.9 million arising from past acquisitions. As required by IAS 36 
Impairment of assets management performs an impairment review for all goodwill balances on an annual basis. This review identified 
that the IoT cash generating unit (‘CGU’) was particularly sensitive to changes in assumptions. This CGU accounts for goodwill of £27.6 
million.

The impairment assessment of goodwill for the IoT solutions CGU has been identified as a key audit matter as a result of the 
quantitative significance of the balance, the low headroom, and the application of management judgement and estimation in its 
impairment assessment, specifically with respect to:

•  the effect on future cash flows of (a) the pace of recovery from Covid-19, (b) restructuring either implemented in the year or 

committed as at the balance sheet and (c) new product launches.
•  determination of the discount and growth rates used in the model.

No impairment was recognised in the current year. Further details are included in note 15 to the financial statements in relation to the 
sensitivities reflecting the risks inherent in the valuation of goodwill and also in note 1g of the financial statements in relation to the key 
sources of estimation uncertainty for these businesses.

How the scope of our 
audit responded to the 
key audit matter

Refer also to page 90 of the Audit committee report.

We obtained an understanding of the relevant controls over the valuation of goodwill, in particular controls over the forecasts that 
underpin the impairment model and controls around management’s preparation of the model.

We assessed management’s impairment paper, underlying analysis and supporting financial models, and challenged the 
reasonableness of the assumptions which underpin management’s forecasts. Specifically, our work included, but was not limited to:

•  challenging management’s key assumptions relating to the 2021 forecast and later forecast periods with reference to the recent and 
historical performance of the IoT Solutions business, our knowledge of the businesses, in particular the restructuring activity in the 
year, and the status of new products expected to launch;

•  challenging management’s assumptions around the impact of Covid-19 and Brexit on the business, including the recovery of 

revenues against a variety of external market reports;

•  benchmarking long term growth rates to applicable macro-economic and market data, also taking into account the assumed 

recovery from Covid-19 pandemic; 

•  involving our internal valuation specialists to challenge the discount rate applied, by obtaining the underlying data used in the 

calculation and benchmarking it against market data and comparable organisations, and by evaluating the underlying process used to 
determine the risk adjusted cash flow projections; 

•  checking the integrity of the impairment models through testing of the mathematical accuracy, checking the application of the input 

assumptions, and testing its compliance with IAS 36;

•  assessing and reperforming management’s sensitivity analysis to identify the key assumptions which have a significant effect on the 
model; challenging management on the key assumptions such as forecast revenues, operating margins, discount rate and long-term 
growth rate which would either individually or collectively impact the level of headroom whilst also considering the likelihood of such 
movements; and 

•  assessing the adequacy of the disclosures in note 1g of the financial statements in relation to the key sources of estimation 

uncertainty for the business and note 15 of the financial statements in relation to the sensitivities reflecting the risks inherent in the 
valuation of goodwill and the impact of a reasonably possible change in assumptions.

Key observations

We determined that the assumptions applied in the impairment model were within acceptable ranges, that the overall position adopted 
was reasonable, and the disclosures are appropriate. The financial statements include disclosures relating to impairments which are 
reasonably possible within the short term, should future performance fall below forecasts.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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5.2.  Classification of adjusting items

Key audit matter 
description

In addition to the statutory results, the Group continues to present adjusted profit measures in the consolidated income statement. 
While the key measure used by management to monitor performance is adjusted operating profit, adjusted profit before tax is also a key 
measure used by management in communication with shareholders. The Group’s policy on adjusting items is set out in note 1c to the 
financial statements. 

Judgements made by management regarding the classification of adjusting costs and income therefore have a significant impact on 
the presentation of the Group’s results. In total, adjustments of £20.9 million have been made to the statutory operating profit of £6.6 
million to derive adjusted operating profit of £27.5 million.

Adjusting items include:

•  Restructuring costs (£14.8 million), including £6.3 million of severance costs and provisions, £7 million of costs relating to asset 

impairments and £1.5 million of other costs primarily relating to project team costs;

•  Gain on property disposals (£1.2 million);
•  Pension costs (£0.9 million);
•  Amortisation of intangible assets arising on business combinations (£4.2 million);
•  Release of warranty and claims provision (£1 million);
•  Torotel and Covina acquisition and integration costs (£2.6 million); and
•  Other acquisition related costs (£0.6 million).

The identification of adjusting items and the presentation of adjusted profit and earnings measures that show a consistent and 
balanced view of the performance of the Group involves significant judgement. 

Significant judgement is also involved in ensuring that undue prominence is not given to underlying financial information, which 
could be misleading to the readers of the financial statements. The effect of these matters is that, as part of our risk assessment, we 
determined that the presentation of underlying operating profit requires a high degree of judgement and was therefore a key audit 
matter.

There is a risk that items may be classified as adjusting which do not meet the Company’s definitions, and therefore distort the reported 
adjusted profit whether due to manipulation or error, which may impact financial covenants reported and management remuneration. 
Consistency in the identification and presentation of these items is important for the comparability of year on year reporting.

How the scope of our 
audit responded to the 
key audit matter

Explanations of each adjustment are set out in note 8 to the financial statements. Refer also to page 90 of the Audit committee report.

We obtained understanding of the relevant controls over the classification of adjusting items in the financial statements.

We evaluated the appropriateness of the inclusion of items, both individually and in aggregate, within adjusted results. Specifically, our 
procedures included:

•  assessing the consistency of the Group’s policy and items included year on year, and the application of management’s accounting 

policy, challenging the nature of these items in comparison to ESMA guidance and latest FRC guidance on the impact of Covid-19 on 
alternative performance measures, and challenging in particular the inclusion of those items that recur annually;

•  focusing our challenge on certain categories within adjusted items where we assessed that increased level of judgement had been 

applied by management, and there was increased opportunity for fraud or error;

•  for restructuring costs related to severance, assessed whether these met the criteria of IAS37 ‘Provisions’, including a review of 

announcements and other communication to employees;

•  for asset impairments included within restructuring costs, assessing the classification of these under the Group’s policy;
•  testing a sample of adjusting items by agreeing to source documentation evaluating the classification of the individual costs against 

the Group’s definition of adjusting items (and, by extension, the FRC and ESMA definition); and

•  assessing whether the disclosures within the financial statements provide sufficient detail for the reader to understand the nature of 

these items and how adjusted results are reconciled to statutory results. 

Key observations

The value of adjusting items results in a material difference between the statutory and adjusted results. We are satisfied that the 
classification and disclosure of adjusting items in the financial statements is reasonable and in line with the Group policy.

5.3.  Uncertain tax provisions 

Key audit matter 
description

In calculating the tax charge for the year ended 31 December 2020, the Group has recognised a liability of £6.4m relating to uncertain 
tax positions at 31 December 2020 (the expected costs of settling existing and future potential disputes with tax authorities).

The estimation of uncertain tax provisions requires the directors to make significant judgements and estimates in relation to tax issues 
and exposures. These arise from the fact that the Group operates in a number of tax jurisdictions, the complexities of transfer pricing 
and other international tax legislation, and the time taken for open tax matters to be agreed with the tax authorities. 

The effect of these matters is that we determined that tax provisioning levels have a high degree of estimation uncertainty. The 
amount provided and assessed may not reflect the eventual outcome and there is a potential range of reasonable outcomes, which 
are disclosed in note 9 to the financial statements, with further disclosure on the estimation uncertainty in note 1g to the financial 
statements.

Our procedures included: 

•  assessing together with our own international and local tax specialists the Group’s tax positions and calculation methodology;
•  assessing advice received by management from their professional advisors and correspondence with tax authorities;
•  re-performing calculations using alternative methodologies and searching for contradictory evidence;
•  assessing the completeness of the balance, considering the existence of tax risks beyond those captured by management; and
•  assessing the adequacy of the Group’s disclosures in respect of uncertain tax positions.

How the scope of our 
audit responded to the 
key audit matter

Key observations

We concur that it is appropriate for a provision to be booked for these risks and we consider management’s calculation methodology 
and the amounts recorded for the uncertain tax provisions to be reasonable.

118 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Our application of materiality

6. 
6.1.  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 both in planning the scope 
of our audit work and in evaluating the results of our work.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Group financial statements

Parent company financial statements

Materiality

£1.2 million (2019: £1.4 million)

£0.8 million (2019: £0.8 million)

Basis for determining 
materiality

We considered a number of benchmarks including profit before 
tax normalised to exclude restructuring and acquisition related 
costs as disclosed in note 8 to the financial statements, revenue 
and net assets and the materiality figures derived from those, 
then selected a materiality within that range that we considered to 
be appropriate.  

Parent company materiality equates to 0.3% of net assets, which 
is capped at 65% of group materiality in order address the risk of 
aggregation when combined with other businesses. 

Last year materiality was determined by the previous auditor as 
0.2% of total assets.

Materiality for the current year represents:

0.3% of revenue (2019: 0.3%);

4.4% of adjusted profit (2019: 3.5%); and

0.4% of net assets (2019: 0.5%).

The 2019 comparative percentages have been derived using the 
amounts in the annual report for the year ended 31 December 
2019.

Last year the previous auditor determined materiality using 
Group profit before tax from continuing operations normalised to 
exclude restructuring and other acquisition related costs.

Given the impact of Covid-19, we considered that use of a range 
of benchmarks was appropriate because the current year profit 
did not represent a long term decline in the size and scale of the 
business. In addition to this, we judged that a number of balance 
sheet metrics will also be of equal interest to the users of the 
financial statements in times of such economic uncertainty.

The use of a range of benchmarks enables us to determine a 
more stable materiality level which is commensurate with the 
current size and scale of the Group. 

Prior year materiality was derived using Group profit before tax 
from continuing operations normalised to exclude this year’s 
restructuring and other acquisition related costs.

Rationale for the 
benchmark applied

We believe that use of a balance sheet measure was appropriate 
given that the parent acts as a holding company. 

6.2.  Performance materiality
We set performance materiality at a level lower than materiality to reduce the probability that, in aggregate, uncorrected and 
undetected misstatements exceed the materiality for the financial statements as a whole

Performance 
materiality

Basis and rationale 
for determining 
performance 
materiality

Group financial statements

65% of group materiality

Parent company financial statements

65% of parent company materiality 

In determining performance materiality, we considered the following factors:

•  our assessment of the complexity of the group and nature of the group’s business model;
•   the de-centralised nature of the group’s control environment, its variation across the group, and the impact of Covid-19; and
•  the low number of uncorrected misstatements identified by the previous auditor.

6.3.  Error reporting threshold
We agreed with the Audit committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in excess of £60,000 as well 
as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. We also report to the Audit 
committee on disclosure matters that we identified when assessing the overall presentation of the financial statements.

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An overview of the scope of our audit
Identification and scoping of components

7. 
7.1. 
Our Group audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the Group and its environment, including Group-wide controls, and 
assessing the risks of material misstatement at the Group and component level.

There are 74 reporting components in total, each of which is responsible for maintaining their own accounting records and 
controls and using an integrated consolidation system to report to UK head office.

Our Group audit scope focused on audit work at 23 components representing 78% of the Group’s revenue, 90% of the Group’s 
adjusted operating profit and 86% of the Group’s net assets, of which:

• 18 components were selected for a full scope audit representing 49% of the Group’s revenue, 78% of the Group’s adjusted 

operating profit and 80% of net assets.

• 5 components were in scope for specified audit procedures, representing 29% of the Group’s revenue, 11% of the Group’s 

adjusted operating profit and 6% of the Group’s net assets.

For the entities not subject to detailed audit work, we tested the consolidation process and conducted analytical procedures to 
confirm our conclusion that there were no material misstatements in the aggregated financial information

Each component was set a specific component materiality, considering its relative size and any component-specific risk factors 
such as the location of components, and this being a first year audit. The component materialities applied were in the range £0.3 
to £0.4 million.

In total, as set out in the chart below we performed audit work on site at locations which together contributed 78% of Group 
revenue, 90% of adjusted operating profit and 86% of net assets.

7.2. 
Due to Covid-19 restrictions a majority of the audit work was executed remotely. The Group engagement team had online 
interaction with the Group’s largest and most complex businesses during 2020 with a particular focus on locations where work 
was performed on significant or material components. 

In addition to the above, the senior statutory auditor held group-wide, divisional and individual planning and close meetings which 
covered all businesses. Each division has a dedicated senior member of the group audit team responsible for the supervision and 
direction of components, including where appropriate sector-specific expertise. We included the component audit team in our 
team briefing, discussed and reviewed their risk assessment, and reviewed documentation of the findings from their work. We 
also reviewed the audit work papers supporting component teams’ reporting to us remotely using shared desktop technology. 

Revenue

Adjusted operating profit

Net assets

22%

29%

49%

10%

11%

14%

6%

79%

80%

 Full audit scope   Specific audit procedures   Review at group level

Other information

8. 
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our 
auditor’s report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. 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.

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 course of 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 this gives 
rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. 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.

120 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

 
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Responsibilities of directors
9. 
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is 
necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or 
error.

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

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

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

11.  Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our 
responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which 
our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below. 

11.1.  Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with 
laws and regulations, we considered the following:

• the nature of the industry and sector, control environment and business performance including the design of the group’s 

remuneration policies, key drivers for directors’ remuneration, bonus levels and performance targets;

• results of our enquiries of management, internal audit and the Audit committee about their own identification and assessment of 

the risks of irregularities; 

• any matters we identified having obtained and reviewed the group’s documentation of their policies and procedures relating to:

 – identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-

compliance;

 – detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;
 – the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations; and

• the matters discussed among the audit engagement team including significant component audit teams and relevant internal 
specialists, including tax, valuations, pensions and IT specialists regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial 
statements and any potential indicators of fraud.

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud 
and identified the greatest potential for fraud in the following areas: classification of adjusting items and revenue recognition. 
In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of 
management override.

We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the group operates in, focusing on provisions 
of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial 
statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included the UK Companies Act, Listing Rules, pensions 
legislation and tax legislation.

In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but 
compliance with which may be fundamental to the group’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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Governance and Directors' reportStrategic reportFinancial statementsFinancial statements | Independent auditor’s report to the members of TT Electronics plc continued

11.2.  Audit response to risks identified
 As a result of performing the above, we identified the classification of adjusting items as a key audit matter related to the potential 
risk of fraud. The key audit matters section of our report explains the matter in more detail and also describes the specific 
procedures we performed in response to that key audit matter.

In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:

• reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with provisions of 

relevant laws and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial statements;

• enquiring of management, the Audit committee and external legal counsel concerning actual and potential litigation and claims;
• performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material 

misstatement due to fraud;

• reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance, reviewing internal audit reports and reviewing correspondence 

with tax authorities;

• addressing the risk of fraud in revenue recognition through tests of detail and the testing of manual adjustments posted to 

revenue; and

• in addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other 
adjustments; assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and 
evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members 
including internal specialists and component audit teams, and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with 
laws and regulations throughout the audit.

Report on other legal and regulatory requirements
12.  Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

• the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are 

prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

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

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and their environment obtained in the 
course of the audit, we have not identified any material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report.

13.  Corporate Governance Statement
The Listing Rules require us to review the directors' statement in relation to going concern, longer-term viability and that part of 
the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the group’s compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code specified for our review.

Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of the Corporate 
Governance Statement is materially consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge obtained during the audit: 

• the directors’ statement with regards to the appropriateness of adopting the going concern basis of accounting and any material 

uncertainties identified set out on page 82;

• the directors’ explanation as to its assessment of the group’s prospects, the period this assessment covers and why the period 

is appropriate set out on page 51;

• the directors' statement on fair, balanced and understandable set out on page 91;
• the board’s confirmation that it has carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks set out on page 50;
• the section of the annual report that describes the review of effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems set 

out on page 50; and

• the section describing the work of the Audit committee set out on pages 88 to 91.

122 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

14.  Matters on which we are required to report by exception
14.1.  Adequacy of explanations received and accounting records
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
• 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.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

14.2. Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also required to report if in our opinion certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration have 
not been made or the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited is not in agreement with the accounting records and 
returns.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.
15.  Other matters which we are required to address
15.1.  Auditor tenure
Following the recommendation of the Audit committee, we were appointed by the board of directors of the parent company on 
the 6 May 2020 at the 2020 Annual General Meeting, to audit the financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2020 and 
subsequent financial periods. 

The period of total uninterrupted engagement including previous renewals and reappointments of the firm is 1 year, covering the 
year ended 31 December 2020.

15.2. Consistency of the audit report with the additional report to the Audit committee
Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the Audit committee we are required to provide in accordance with 
ISAs (UK).

16.  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.

Robert Knight (Senior statutory auditor)
For and on behalf of Deloitte LLP 
Statutory Auditor 
London, United Kingdom
9 March 2021

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Governance and Directors' reportStrategic reportFinancial statementsFinancial statements
Financial statements 

Consolidated income statement 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

£million (unless otherwise stated) 

  Revenue 

  Cost of sales 

  Gross profit 

  Distribution costs 

  Administrative expenses 

  Other operating income 

  Operating profit 

  Analysed as: 

  Adjusted operating profit 

  Restructuring and other 

  Acquisition and disposal related costs 

  Finance income 

  Finance costs 

  Profit before taxation 

  Taxation 

  Profit from continuing operations 

  Discontinued operations 

  Profit from discontinued operations 

  Profit for the period attributable to the owners of the Company 

  EPS attributable to owners of the Company (pence) 

  Basic 

  Continuing operations 

  Discontinued operations 

  Diluted 

  Continuing operations 

  Discontinued operations 

1 

‘Cost of sales’ and ‘Taxation’ have been restated for the comparative period as described in note 1h. 

Note 

3a 

3a 

8 

8 

6 

6 

9 

5 

11 

11 

11 

11 

2020 

431.8 

(332.7) 

99.1 

(24.6) 

(68.1) 

0.2  

6.6 

27.5 

(14.5) 

(6.4) 

0.6 

(4.3) 

2.9 

(1.6) 

1.3  

−  

1.3  

0.8  

−  

0.8  

0.8  

−  

0.8  

2019 
Restated [1]

478.2 

(363.3) 

114.9 

(28.1) 

(71.3) 

1.4  

16.9 

38.1 

(13.2) 

(8.0) 

0.9 

(4.6) 

13.2 

(0.8) 

12.4  

3.4  

15.8  

7.6  

2.1  

9.7  

7.5  

2.0  

9.5  

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Financial statements 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

£million 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year after tax 

Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to the income statement: 

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 

Tax on exchange differences 

Gain on hedge of net investment in foreign operations 

Gain on cash flow hedges taken to equity less amounts recycled to the income statement 

Items that will never be reclassified to the income statement: 

Remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes 

Tax on remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes 

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to the owners of the Company 

Note 

23 

9 

2020 

1.3 

(5.0) 

0.3 

0.7 

7.1 

8.6 

(2.1) 

10.9 

2019 

 Restated [1]

15.8 

(7.6) 

0.1 

0.7 

0.1 

(9.1) 

1.7 

1.7 

1 

‘Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations’ and ‘Gain on hedge of net investment in foreign operations’ have been re-presented and ‘Profit for the year’ has been restated 
in the comparative period as described in note 1h.  

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Consolidated statement of financial position 
at 31 December 2020 

£million 

ASSETS 
Non-current assets 

Right-of-use assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Goodwill 
Other intangible assets 
Deferred tax assets 
Derivative financial instruments 
Pensions 
Total non-current assets 
Current assets 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Income taxes receivable 
Derivative financial instruments 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total current assets 
Total assets 

LIABILITIES 
Current liabilities 

Borrowings 
Lease liabilities 

Derivative financial instruments 
Trade and other payables 

Income taxes payable 
Provisions 

Total current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 

Borrowings 
Lease liabilities 

Derivative financial instruments 
Deferred tax liability 

Pensions 
Provisions and other non-current liabilities 

Total non-current liabilities 
Total liabilities 
Net assets 
EQUITY 

Share capital 
Share premium 

Translation reserve 
Other reserves 

Retained earnings 
Equity attributable to owners of the Company 
Non-controlling interests 
Total equity 

Note 

2020 

2019 

 Restated [1]

2018 

 Restated [1]

13 
14 
15 
16 
9 
22 
23 

17 
18 

22 
31 

21 
30 

22 
19 

20 

21 
30 

22 
9 

23 
20, 19 

24 

24 

12.4 
53.0 
156.9 
57.1 
9.1 
1.8 
35.4 
325.7 

98.2 
69.9 
3.0 
5.8 
70.2 

247.1 
572.8 

2.3 
3.6 

1.1 
90.2 

7.5 
6.6 

12.8 
51.1 
136.1 
51.3 
8.1 
0.4 
21.2 
281.0 

100.1 
78.6 
4.3 
0.5 
69.8 

253.3 
534.3 

9.6 
3.8 

1.2 
100.7 

8.0 
6.4 

− 
51.7 
137.9 
55.0 
6.3 
0.3 
24.9 
276.1 

95.6 
76.2 
1.6 
0.1 
44.7 

218.2 
494.3 

4.1 
0.4 

2.0 
92.3 

13.2 
5.8 

111.3 

129.7 

117.8 

135.9 
12.3 

0.8 
8.6 

4.9 
1.0 

163.5 
274.8 
298.0 

43.6 
21.7 

30.0 
5.5 

195.2 
296.0 
2.0 
298.0 

111.7 
13.8 

0.9 
4.6 

4.6 
1.0 

136.6 
266.3 
268.0 

41.0 
4.1 

34.0 
(0.5) 

187.4 
266.0 
2.0 
268.0 

81.7 
0.2 

0.1 
4.8 

8.4 
1.2 

96.4 
214.2 
280.1 

40.8 
3.4 

40.9 
0.9 

192.1 
278.1 
2.0 
280.1 

1   ‘Cash and cash equivalents’, ‘Borrowings’, ‘Retained earnings’, ‘Trade and other payables’, ‘Inventories’, ‘Deferred tax assets’, ‘Provisions’, ‘Provisions and other long term liabilities’ 

and ’Retained earnings’ have been restated for the comparative periods as described in note 1h. 

Approved by the Board of Directors on 9 March 2021 and signed on their behalf by: 

Richard Tyson  
Director 

Mark Hoad 
Director 

128 
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Financial statements 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

£million 

At 31 December 2018 
Restatement to the adoption adjustment for IFRS 15 [1] 
Restatement to carrying value of inventory [2] 
Adjusted balance at 31 December 2018 

Share 
capital 

Share 
premium 

Translation 
Reserve 

Other 
reserves 

Retained 
earnings 

Sub- 
total 

40.8 

− 

3.4 

− 

40.9 

0.9 

191.5 

277.5 

− 

− 

1.2 

1.2 

(0.6) 

(0.6) 

Non-
controlling 
interest 

2.0 

− 

Total 

279.5 

1.2 

(0.6) 

40.8 

3.4 

40.9 

0.9 

192.1 

278.1 

2.0 

280.1 

40.8 

− 

3.4 

− 

40.9 

0.9 

189.8 

275.8 

− 

− 

15.8 

15.8 

2.0 

− 

(2.3) 

(2.3) 

Impact of adoption of IFRS 16 

Adjusted balance at 1 January 2019 
Profit for the period [3] 
Other comprehensive income 
Exchange differences on translation 
of foreign operations [3] 
Tax on exchange differences 
Gain on hedge of net investment in 
foreign operations [3] 
Gain on cash flow hedges taken to equity 
less amounts taken to income statement 

Remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes 
Tax on remeasurement of defined benefit pension 
schemes 

Total comprehensive income 

Transactions with owners recorded directly in equity 

Equity dividends paid by the Company 

Share-based payments 

Deferred tax on share-based payments 

Purchase of own shares 

New shares issued 

At 31 December 2019 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income 

Exchange differences on translation 
of foreign operations 

Tax on exchange differences 

Gain on hedge of net investment in foreign operations 

Gain on cash flow hedges taken to equity 
less amounts recycled to the income statement 

Remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes 

Tax on remeasurement of defined benefit pension 
schemes 

Total comprehensive income 

Transactions with owners recorded directly in equity 

Share-based payments 

Deferred tax on share-based payments 

New shares issued 

At 31 December 2020 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

0.2 

41.0 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

0.7 

4.1 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 
− 

− 

− 

2.6 

43.6 

17.6 

21.7 

(2.3) 

277.8 

15.8 

(7.6) 

0.1 

0.7 

0.1 

(9.1) 

1.7 

1.7 

(10.9) 

0.2 

0.1 

(1.8) 

0.9 

268.0 

1.3 

(5.0) 

0.3 

0.7 

7.1 

8.6 

(2.1) 

10.9 

(0.8) 

(0.3) 

20.2 

298.0 

(7.6) 

− 

0.7 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

0.1 

− 

− 

(6.9) 

0.1 

− 

0.1 

− 

− 

(9.1) 

1.7 

8.5 

(7.6) 

0.1 

0.7 

0.1 

(9.1) 

1.7 

1.7 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

34.0 

− 

(5.0) 

0.3 

0.7 

− 

− 

− 
(4.0) 

− 

(10.9) 

(10.9) 

0.2 

0.1 

(1.8) 

0.9 

0.2 

0.1 

(1.8) 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 
(0.5)  187.4 
1.3 

− 

266.0 

1.3 

2.0 

− 

− 

− 

− 

7.1 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

8.6 

(5.0) 

0.3 

0.7 

7.1 

8.6 

(2.1) 

(2.1) 

7.1 

7.8 

10.9 

− 

− 

− 

(0.8) 

(0.3) 

− 

− 

− 

− 

(0.8) 

(0.3) 

20.2 

30.0 

5.5 

195.2 

296.0 

2.0 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

1 
2 
3 

‘Retained earnings’ has been restated for an adjustment to the initial assessment of IFRS15 as described in note 1h. 
‘Retained earnings’ and ‘Profit for the year’ have been restated for the comparative periods as described in note 1h. 
‘Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations’ and ‘Gain on hedge of net investment in foreign operations’ have been re-presented in the comparative periods as described 
in note 1h.

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Consolidated statement of cash flows 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

£million 

Cash flows from operating activities 

Profit for the year 

Taxation 

Net finance costs 

Restructuring and other 

Acquisition related costs 

Profit from discontinued operations 

Adjusted operating profit 

Adjustments for: 

Depreciation  

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 

Other items 

Decrease/(increase) in inventories 

Decrease/(increase) in receivables 

(Decrease)/increase in payables and provisions 

Adjusted operating cash flow  

Special payments to pension funds 

Restructuring and acquisition related costs 

Net cash generated from operations 

Net income taxes paid 

Net cash flow from operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and government grants received 

Capitalised development expenditure 

Purchase of other intangibles 

Acquisitions of businesses 

Cash with acquired businesses 

Tax arising on disposal of subsidiaries  

Net cash flow used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Issue of share capital 

Interest paid 

Repayment of borrowings 

Proceeds from borrowings 

Payment of lease liabilities 

Other items 

Dividends paid by the Company 

Net cash flow from financing activities 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 

Exchange differences 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

Note 

2020 

2019 
 Restated [1]

9 

13, 14 

16 

13, 14, 16 

14 

16 

16 

4 

24 

10 

26 

26 

26 

1.3 

1.6 

3.7 

14.5 

6.4 

− 

27.5 

14.0 

3.0 

0.2 

0.7 

4.2 

11.2 

(11.8) 

49.0 

(5.4) 

(15.1) 

28.5 

(0.3) 

28.2 

(9.3) 

3.4 

(3.3) 

(0.8) 

(43.3) 

1.4 

− 

15.8 

0.8 

3.7 

13.2 

8.0 

(3.4) 

38.1 

13.9 

4.1 

− 

2.5 

(7.6) 

(4.0) 

10.4 

57.4 

(8.6) 

(9.2) 

39.6 

(3.7) 

35.9 

(14.0) 

0.4 

(3.9) 

(0.7) 

(2.4) 

0.1 

(1.2) 

(51.9) 

(21.7) 

20.2 

(3.5) 

(27.2) 

49.8 

(4.1) 

(1.8) 

− 

33.4 

9.7 

60.2 

(0.9) 

69.0 

0.9 

(4.0) 

− 

30.4 

(4.4) 

(4.6) 

(10.9) 

7.4 

21.6 

40.6 

(2.0) 

60.2 

1 

‘Profit for the year’, ‘Taxation’ and ‘Decrease/(increase) in inventories’ have been restated for the comparative period as described in note 1h.

130 
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Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  

1 Basis of preparation 
a) Basis of accounting 
TT Electronics Plc (“the Group”) is a public company limited by shares (company number 00087249). The Group is incorporated 
in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006 and registered in England and Wales. The address of the registered office 
is ’TT Electronics Plc, Fourth Floor, St Andrews House, West Street, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6EB’. The nature of the Group’s  
operations and its principal activities by operating segment are set out in note 3 and in the divisional reviews on pages 38 to 43.  
The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2020 were authorised in accordance with 
a resolution of the Directors of TT Electronics Plc on 9 March 2021. 

These Financial Statements are presented in pounds Sterling which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which 
the Company is based. Foreign operations are included in accordance with the policies set out in note 2. 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis modified by derivatives held at fair value. 
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity 
with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and International Financial Reporting Standards adopted pursuant to Regulation 
(EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union.  

The financial statements set out on pages 124 to 198 have been prepared using consistent accounting policies except for the 
adoption of new accounting standards and interpretations noted below.  

b) Basis of consolidation  
The consolidated financial statements set out the Group’s financial position as at 31 December 2020 and the Group’s financial 
performance for the year ended 31 December 2020. 

Subsidiaries are those enterprises controlled by the Group. Control exists when the Group 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. 
Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group and cease to be consolidated from the date 
on which control is transferred out of the Group. 

All intercompany balances and transactions, including unrealised profits arising from intra-group transactions, have been eliminated 
in full. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised gains except that they are only eliminated to the extent that 
there is no evidence of impairment. 

c) Alternative performance measures 
The Group presents Alternative Performance Measures (“APMs”) in addition to the statutory results of the Group. These are 
presented in accordance with the guidelines on APMs issued by the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”). 

Adjusted operating profit has been defined as operating profit from continuing operations excluding the impacts of significant 
restructuring programmes, significant one-off items including property disposals, business acquisition, integration and divestment 
related activity; and the amortisation of intangible assets recognised on acquisition. Acquisition and disposal related items include 
the writing off of the pre-acquisition profit element of inventory written up on acquisition, other direct costs associated with 
business combinations and adjustments to contingent consideration related to acquired businesses. Restructuring includes 
significant changes in footprint (including movement of production facilities) and significant costs of management changes. 

In addition to the items above, adjusting items impacting profit after tax include:  

•  The net effect on tax of significant restructuring from strategy changes that are not considered by the Group to be part of the 

normal operating costs of the business; and 

•  The tax effects of adjustments to profit before tax. 

Costs associated with restructuring, acquisitions and disposals are uncertain with regard to their timing and size and therefore their 
inclusion within adjusted operating profit could mislead the reader of the accounts.  

These financial statements include alternative performance measures that are not prepared in accordance with IFRS. These 
alternative performance measures have been selected by the Directors to assist them in making operating decisions because 
they represent the underlying operating performance of the Group and facilitate internal comparisons of performance over time. 

The Directors consider the adjusted results to be an important measure used to monitor how the businesses are performing as  
this provides a meaningful reflection of how the businesses are managed and measured on a day-to-day basis and achieves 
consistency and comparability between reporting periods, when all businesses are held for a complete reporting period.  

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

1 Basis of preparation continued 
These alternative performance measures exclude certain significant non-recurring, infrequent or non-cash items that the Directors 
do not believe are indicative of the underlying operating performance of the Group (that are otherwise included when preparing 
financial measures under IFRS). 

Adjusted profit is not a defined term under IFRS and may not be comparable with similarly titled profit measures reported by other 
companies. It is not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP measures. All APMs relate to the current year results 
and comparable periods where provided. 

The Directors consider there to be four main alternative performance measures: adjusted operating profit, free cash flow, adjusted 
EPS and adjusted effective tax rate. 

All alternative performance measures are presented on pages 192 to 198 and are reconciled to their equivalent statutory measures 
where this is appropriate. 

d) Going concern 
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set 
out within the Strategic Report on pages 1 to 71. The Strategic Report analyses the financial position of the Group, its cash flows, 
liquidity position and borrowing facilities. In addition, note 22 to the financial statements includes the Group’s objectives, policies 
and processes for managing its capital; its financial risk management objectives; details of its financial instruments and hedging 
activities; and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk. 

Whilst the Group was negatively impacted by COVID-19 in the year with revenues down 9% on a constant currency basis, the 
Group’s recovery is well underway. Following the impact of COVID-19 in the second quarter of 2020, the Group has been on an 
improving upward trend in both order intake and production capacity. This trend has been underpinned by strong order intake 
across the Group through the fourth quarter of the year and has continued into early 2021 across all divisions. The order book  
at the end of February 2021 is at record levels. 

The Group’s financial position remains strong, at 31 December 2020 it had: 

•  £237.3 million of total borrowing facilities available (comprising committed facilities of £198.1 million and uncommitted facilities 
of £39.2 million representing overdraft lines and an undrawn accordion facility of £30 million). The Group’s primary source of 
finance is the £180 million committed revolving credit facility (RCF); at 31 December 2020 £136.8 million of this facility had been 
drawn down. The Group’s RCF will mature in November 2023. 

•  A leverage ratio of 1.6 times at 31 December 2020 compared to a covenant maximum of 3.0 times. Interest cover (pre-IFRS 16 

and excluding pension interest) of 12.6 times compared to a covenant minimum of 4.0 times. 

The Group has prepared and reviewed cash flow forecasts across the business over the twelve-month period from the date of the 
approval of these financial statements, considering the Group’s current financial position and the potential impact of our principal 
risks on divisions.  

The Group’s financial projections contain key assumptions surrounding revenue and operating profit recovery in 2021, these 
estimates position the Group remaining below pre-COVID 2019 levels throughout the twelve months from the date of signing  
these financial statements. Under the Group’s base case financial projections, the Group retains significant liquidity and covenant 
headroom, with both metrics improving from the position as at 31 December 2020. 

The Group’s financial projections have been stress tested for “business as usual” risks (such as profit growth and working capital 
variances), and the impact of the following principal risks: general revenue reductions, contractual risks, people and capability, 
supplier resilience and health and safety (occurring both individually and in unison). Principal risks which were not specifically 
modelled were either considered not likely to have an impact within the going concern period or their financial effect was covered 
within the overall downside economic risks implicit within the stress testing. Under the stress tested modelling, the liquidity 
headroom within the group remains significant. Financial covenants continue to be in compliance under the stress tested model 
and management have a number of mitigating actions which could be undertaken if required. 

A “reverse” stress-test was also modelled to understand the conditions which could jeopardise the ability of the Group to continue 
as a going concern including assessing against covenant testing and facility headroom. The stress testing also considered 
mitigating actions which could be put in place. Mitigating actions included limiting capital expenditure and reducing controllable 
costs including items such as discretionary bonuses and pay rises. The reverse stress test is deemed to have a remote likelihood 
and help inform the Directors’ assessment that there are no material uncertainties in relation to going concern. 

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Financial statements 

1 Basis of preparation continued 
The Group’s wide geographical and sector diversification helps minimise the risk of serious business interruption or catastrophic 
reputational damage. Furthermore, the business model is structured so that the Group is not overly reliant on any single customer, 
market or geography. 

The Directors have assessed the future funding requirements of the Group with due regard to the risks and uncertainties to which 
the Group is exposed and compared them with the level of available borrowing facilities and are satisfied that the Group has 
adequate resources for at least twelve months from the date of signing. Accordingly, the financial statements have been prepared 
on a going concern basis. 

e) New and revised standards and interpretations adopted, not yet adopted and those in issue but not yet effective 
New and revised standards and interpretations adopted during the year 
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements the Group has applied the following revised IFRS Standards: 

•  ‘Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards’ (Amendments to IFRS) 
•  ‘Definition of Business’ (Amendments to IFRS 3) 
•  ‘Definition of Material’ (Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8) 
•  ‘COVID-19-Related Rent Concessions’ (Amendment to IFRS 16) 
•  ‘Interest Rate Benchmark Reform’ (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7) 

New and revised standards and interpretations not yet adopted  
The Group does not consider that any standard, amendment or interpretation issued by the IASB, but not yet applicable, will have 
a significant impact on the financial statements.  

New and revised IFRS Standards in issue but not yet effective 
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the Group has not applied the following new and revised IFRS Standards 
that have been issued but are not yet effective: 

•  ‘Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current’ (Amendments to IAS 1) 
•  ‘Reference to the Conceptual Framework’ (Amendments to IFRS 3) 
•  ‘Property, Plant and Equipment — Proceeds before Intended Use’ (Amendments to IAS 16) 
•  ‘Onerous Contracts — Cost of Fulfilling a Contract’ (Amendments to IAS 37) 
•  ‘Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018–2020’ 
•  ‘Amendments to IFRS 17’ 
•  ‘Extension of the Temporary Exemption from Applying IFRS 9’ (Amendments to IFRS 4) 
•  ‘Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current’ (Amendment to IAS 1) 
•  ‘Interest Rate Benchmark Reform — Phase 2’ (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16) 

f) Change in accounting policies 
Adoption of new and amendments to published standards and interpretations effective for the Group for the year ended 
31 December 2020 did not have any material impact on the financial position or performance of the Group.  

During the year the Group adopted the amendment to IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ relating to COVID-19 to allow rent concessions to be 
recognised in the income statement without reassessing the carrying amounts of the related lease liability or right-of-use asset. 

g) Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty 
In the application of the Group’s accounting policies, which are described in note 2, the Directors are required to make judgements, 
estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. 
The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experiences and other factors that are considered to be 
relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.  

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised 
in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of revision and future periods 
if the revision affects both current and future periods.  

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Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

1 Basis of preparation continued 
Critical judgements 
In the course of preparing the Financial Statements, a critical judgement within the scope of paragraph 122 of IAS 1: “Presentation 
of Financial Statements” is made during the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. 

Adjusting Items 
Judgements are required as to whether items are disclosed as adjusting, with consideration given to both quantitative and 
qualitative factors. Further information about the determination of adjusting items in the year ended 31 December 2020 is included 
in note 1c. 

There are no other critical judgements other than those involving estimates, that have had a significant effect on the amounts 
recognised in the Financial Statements. Those involving estimates are set out below.  

Key sources of estimation uncertainty  
Assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the balance sheet date, that may have 
a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, 
are discussed below. 

•  Note 4 – Acquisitions. The opening balance sheet for the recent acquisition of Torotel, Inc. has not yet been finalised and is 
preliminary. There is uncertainty whether a loan provided under a US Government COVID-19 support scheme of $1.9 million  
(£1.4 million) will be forgiven as described in more detail in Note 4.  

•  Note 9 – Taxation. Accruals for tax contingencies require management to make judgements and estimates in relation to tax audit 
issues and exposures. Amounts accrued are based on management’s interpretation of country-specific tax law and the likelihood 
of settlement. Tax benefits are not recognised unless the tax positions are probable of being sustained. Once considered to be 
probable, management reviews each material tax benefit to assess whether a provision should be taken against full recognition 
of the benefit on the basis of potential settlement through negotiation and/or litigation. These amounts are expected to be 
utilised or to reverse as tax audits occur or as the statute of limitations is reached in the respective countries concerned. The 
Group’s current tax liability at 31 December 2020 includes tax provisions of £6.4 million (2019: £7.3 million). The Group believes 
the range of reasonable possible outcomes in respect of these exposures is tax liabilities of up to £8.2 million (2019: £7.4 million). 

•  Note 15 – Goodwill. The carrying amount of goodwill at 31 December 2020 was £156.9 million (31 December 2019: 

£136.1 million). Determining whether goodwill is impaired requires an estimation of the value in use of the cash-generating 
units (“CGUs”) to which the goodwill has been allocated. The value in use calculation requires management to estimate the future 
cash flows expected to arise from CGUs and a suitable discount rate in order to calculate present value. The carrying amount 
of the IoT Solutions CGU’s goodwill was £27.6 million (2019: £27.6 million). Due to the impact of COVID-19, as explained in note 
15, IoT Solutions CGU shows headroom of £6.1 million and is sensitive to a reasonably possible change in assumptions; discount 
rate, long-term growth rate and operating cash flow. At 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2019, the Group recognised no 
impairment loss in respect of these assets. Further information, including a sensitivity analysis on the key assumptions, is 
provided in note 15. 

•  Note 23 – Defined benefit pension obligations. The defined benefit obligations in respect of the plans are discounted at rates 
set by reference to market yields on high quality corporate bonds. Significant estimation is required when setting the criteria 
for bonds to be included in the population from which the yield curve is derived. The most significant criteria considered for the 
selection of bonds to include are the issue size of the corporate bonds, quality of the bonds and the identification of outliers 
which are excluded. In addition, assumptions are made in determining mortality and inflation rates to be used when valuing 
the plan’s defined benefit obligations. Whilst actual movements might be different to sensitivities shown, there is a reasonably 
possible change that could occur. At 31 December 2020, the retirement benefit plan was in a surplus of £30.5 million 
(31 December 2019: £16.6 million). Note 23 outlines the significant assumptions and associated sensitivities. 

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Financial statements 

1 Basis of preparation continued 
h) Restatements and representations 
During the year, it was determined that the Group’s cash and overdrafts within notional cash pooling arrangements did not meet  
the requirements for offsetting in accordance with IAS 32: ‘Financial Instruments: Presentation’ and cannot be presented net in  
the statement of financial position. For presentational purposes, amounts have therefore been restated for the preceding years 
ending 31 December 2019 and 31 December 2018 in accordance with IAS 8: ‘Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Policies 
and Errors’. The impact of this change is to increase both cash and cash equivalents and overdrafts within current loans  
and other borrowings for the year ended 31 December 2019 by £9.6 million (31 December 2018: £4.1 million) in the Group’s 
consolidated statement of financial position. The re-presentation has no impact on the Group’s net debt, bank covenants or  
other commercial agreements. 

Within the comparative periods the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and the consolidated statement of changes 
in equity have been re-presented to present the gain/(loss) upon retranslation of foreign currency denominated quasi equity loans 
within the line ‘Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations’ which were previously presented within the line ‘Gain on 
hedge of net investment in foreign operations’. The value of the amounts re-presented was £2.7 million in the year to 31 December 
2019. There was no impact on the Group consolidated statement of financial position or the Group consolidated statement of 
cash flows. 

Within the comparative periods the consolidated statement of financial position has been represented to report certain balances 
held within accruals within current ‘Trade and other payables’ relating to warranty and property items into current ‘Provisions’ 
and non-current ‘Provisions and other non-current liabilities’. The impact as at 31 December 2018 was to reduce ‘Trade and 
other payables’ by £2.5 million, increase ‘Provisions’ by £1.4 million and increase ‘Provisions and other non-current liabilities’ by  
£1.1 million. The impact as at 31 December 2019 was to reduce ‘Trade and other payables’ by £2.0 million, increase ‘Provisions’ 
by £1.2 million and increase ‘Provisions and other non-current liabilities’ by £0.8 million.  

During the year it was determined that an adjustment was required to the initial deferred income recognised due to pricing 
concessions given to isolated customers on the adoption of IFRS 15: ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’. The impact of 
this restatement is to increase ‘Retained earnings’ and decrease deferred revenue (presented within ‘Trade and other payables’) 
for the year ending 31 December 2019 by £1.2 million (31 December 2018: £1.2 million) within the Global Manufacturing Solutions 
segment. There was no impact on the Group consolidated income statement, Group consolidated statement of cash flows or EPS. 

During the year, it was determined certain overheads had been included in raw materials in a manner inconsistent with IAS 2: 
‘Inventories’ at one site within the Global Manufacturing Solutions segment. The effect of restating the absorbed overheads as at  
31 December 2018 was to decrease ‘Inventories’ by £0.8 million, increase ‘Deferred tax assets’ by £0.2 million and decrease equity 
by £0.6m. For the year ending 31 December 2019 the cumulative effect was to decrease ‘Inventories’ by £2.7 million, increase 
‘Deferred tax assets’ by £0.6 million, decrease ‘Operating profit’ by £1.9 million and decrease the tax charge by £0.4 million. 

The reconciliation below describes the impact on the consolidated income statement and the consolidated statement of financial 
position of the adjustments made to the initial deferred income recognised upon the adoption of IFRS 15: ‘Revenue from Contracts 
with Customers’, the adjustment to ‘Inventories’ and the adjustment to reclassify certain items within ‘Trade and other payables’ 
into ‘Provisions’ and ‘Provisions and other non-current liabilities’. 

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Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

1 Basis of preparation continued 

£million 

As published 

Cash and 
overdrafts 
 gross up 

Restatement of 
accruals and 
provisions 

IFRS 15 
 adoption 
restatement 

Restatement  
of inventory 

As Restated 

 2018 

Consolidated statement of 
financial position 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Inventories 

Borrowing (current) 

Trade and other payables 

Provisions − current 

Deferred tax asset 

Provisions and other non-current 
liabilities 

Retained earnings 

Total equity 

40.6 

96.4 

− 

96.0 

4.4 

6.1 

0.1 

191.5 

279.5 

4.1 

− 

4.1 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

(2.5) 

1.4 

− 

1.1 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

(1.2) 

− 

− 

− 

1.2 

1.2 

− 

(0.8) 

− 

− 

− 

0.2 

− 

(0.6) 

(0.6) 

44.7 

95.6 

4.1 

92.3 

5.8 

6.3 

1.2 

192.1 

280.1 

 2019 

£million 

As published 

Cash and 
overdrafts  
gross up 

Restatement of 
accruals and 
provisions 

IFRS 15 
 adoption 
restatement 

Restatement  
of inventory 

As Restated 

Consolidated statement of 
financial position 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Inventories 

Borrowing (current) 

Trade and other payables 

Provisions − current 

Deferred tax asset 

Provisions and other non-current 
liabilities 

Retained earnings 

Total equity 

£million 

Consolidated income statement 

Cost of sales 

Operating profit 

Adjusted operating profit 

Profit before taxation 

Taxation 

Profit for the period  

£million 

Earnings per share (p) 

Basic − Continuing operations 

Basic − Discontinued operations 

Basic − Group 

Diluted − Continuing operations 

Diluted − Discontinued operations 

Diluted − Group 

60.2 

102.8 

− 

103.9 

5.2 

7.5 

0.2 

188.3 

268.9 

9.6 

− 

9.6 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

(2.0) 

(1.2) 

1.2 

− 

0.8 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

1.2 

1.2 

− 

(2.7) 

− 

− 

− 

0.6 

− 

(2.1) 

(2.1) 

69.8 

100.1 

9.6 

100.7 

6.4 

8.1 

1.0 

187.4 

268.0 

2019  

As published 

Restatement  
of inventory 

As Restated 

(361.4) 

18.8 

40.0 

15.1 

(1.2) 

17.3 

(1.9) 

(1.9) 

(1.9) 

(1.9) 

0.4 

(1.5) 

(363.3) 

16.9 

38.1 

13.2 

(0.8) 

15.8 

 2019 

As published 

Restatement 
 of inventory 

As Restated 

8.5 

2.1 

10.6 

8.4 

2.0 

10.4 

(0.9) 

− 

(0.9) 

(0.9) 

− 

(0.9) 

7.6 

2.1 

9.7 

7.5 

2.0 

9.5 

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Financial statements 

2 Summary of significant accounting policies 
The following significant accounting policies have been applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. 
These accounting policies have been consistently applied across the Group. 

a) Revenue  
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the right to consideration, usually the invoiced value, for the provision of goods and 
services to external customers excluding value added tax and other sales related taxes and is recognised when the customer 
obtains control of goods. In most cases this is at the point in time of transfer of legal title of the goods. Revenue for services 
is recognised as the services are rendered. For sales to customers where a right to return an item is granted, revenue is recognised 
to the extent of the consideration to which the Group ultimately expects to be entitled (i.e. revenue is not recognised for goods 
expected to be returned). Where a service warranty is provided to customers, the associated revenue, based upon an allocation 
of the overall cost of performance, is recognised over the warranty period. Payment terms typically range from 30 to 120 days. 

b) Finance income 
Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested and foreign exchange gains. Interest income is recognised using the 
effective interest rate. 

c) Finance costs 
Finance costs comprise interest expense on borrowings which are not capitalised under the borrowing costs policy, the calculated 
interest income on pension assets net of the calculated interest expense on pension liabilities and foreign exchange losses. 

d) Discontinued operations and assets held for sale 
The Group reports a business as a discontinued operation when it has been disposed of in a period, or its future sale is considered 
to be highly probable at the balance sheet date, and results in the cessation of a major line of business or geographical area of 
operation. An asset is classified as held for sale if it is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that 
are usual and customary for sales of such assets and that it is highly probable the asset will be sold within one year from the date 
of classification. 

e) Dividends 
Dividends are recognised as a liability in the period in which they are approved by shareholders. Dividends receivable are recognised 
when the Group’s right to receive payment is established. 

f) Business combinations 
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. Goodwill on business combinations is recognised as the 
fair value of the consideration, including the full cost of any derivative financial instruments used to hedge this item, less the fair 
value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired and is recognised as an asset in the consolidated balance sheet. Costs 
directly attributable to business combinations are recognised as an expense within the income statement as incurred.  

Acquisitions and disposals of non-controlling interests that do not result in a change of control are accounted for as transactions 
with owners in their capacity as owners and therefore no goodwill is recognised as a result of such transactions. The adjustments 
to non-controlling interests are based on a proportionate amount of the net assets of the subsidiary. Any difference between the 
price paid or received and the amount by which non-controlling interests are adjusted is recognised directly in equity and attributed 
to the owners of the parent. 

If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination 
occurs, the Group reports provisional amounts for the items for which the accounting is incomplete. Those provisional amounts  
are adjusted during the measurement period (which is no longer than 12 months from the acquisition date), or additional assets 
or liabilities are recognised, to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition 
date that, if known, would have affected the amounts recognised as of that date. 

g) Property, plant and equipment  
Initial measurement 
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The cost of a tangible 
fixed asset comprises its purchase price and any costs directly attributable to bringing it into working condition for its intended use. 
The cost of self-constructed assets includes the cost of materials, direct labour and an appropriate proportion 
of production overheads. 

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Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

2 Summary of significant accounting policies continued 
Depreciation 
The cost of each item of property, plant and equipment is depreciated over its useful life. Depreciation is charged to the income 
statement so as to write-off the cost less estimated residual value on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset. 
Depreciation commences on the date the assets are ready for use within the business and the asset carrying values are reviewed 
for impairment when there is an indication that they may be impaired. Freehold land is not depreciated. 

The depreciation rates of assets are as follows: 

Freehold buildings 
Leasehold building improvements 
Plant and equipment 

50 years 
50 years (or over the period of the lease, if shorter)  
3 to 10 years 

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets that take a substantial period 
of time to get ready for their intended use are capitalised as part of the cost of the respective asset. 

h) Investment property 
Property held to earn rental income rather than for the purpose of the Group’s principal activities is classified as investment 
property. Investment property is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and any recognised impairment loss. 
The depreciation policy is consistent with that described for other Group properties. The assets’ residual values and useful lives 
are reviewed, and adjusted, if appropriate, at each balance sheet date. 

Investment properties are derecognised when either they have been disposed of or when the investment property is permanently 
withdrawn from use and no future economic benefit is expected from its disposal. The difference between the net disposal 
proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset is recognised in the income statement in the period of derecognition. 

i) Leases  
The Group applies IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ and recognises right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for most leases (unless the lease term 
is 12 months or less or the underlying asset has a low value). 

The Group recognises a lease liability at the lease commencement date, measured as the present value of the future lease 
payments, discounted at the incremental borrowing rate. A corresponding right-of-use asset is recognised separately on the face  
of the consolidated balance sheet, net of accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. 

The Group has applied judgement to determine the lease term for contracts that include renewal options. The assessment of 
whether the exercise of such options is reasonably certain impacts the lease term, which significantly affects the amount of lease 
liability and right-of-use asset recognised. 

j) Government grants  
Government grants relating to non-current assets are treated as deferred income and credited to the income statement by equal 
instalments over the anticipated useful lives of the assets to which the grants relate. Other grants are credited to the income 
statement over the period of the project to which they relate.  

The Group participated in the UK Government Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and received an exemption from Chinese social 
security contributions. Both schemes meet the definition of a government grant under IAS 20 ‘Accounting for government grants’. 
The Group has elected to present income received from these schemes as an offset to the employee expenses covered by the 
schemes, in the same line of the income statement. 

As of 31 December 2020, in the UK the Group received cash payments of £1.1 million, which were repaid in Q1 2021, hence there 
was no income statement impact in the year ending 31 December 2020. In China, the Group recognised non-cash income from 
government grants relating to the scheme of £1.4 million; there are no conditional costs attached to this grant. The Group also 
received £0.2 million of other relief. 

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Financial statements 

2 Summary of significant accounting policies continued 
k) Goodwill  
Goodwill arising on the acquisition of a business, representing the difference between the cost of acquisition and the fair value 
of the identifiable net assets acquired, is capitalised and is tested annually for impairment. Goodwill is not amortised, and any 
impairment losses are not subsequently reversed. On the subsequent disposal or discontinuance of a previously acquired business, 
the relevant goodwill is included in the gain or loss on disposal within the consolidated income statement except to the extent it has 
been previously impaired.  

Negative goodwill arising on the acquisition of a business is credited to the consolidated income statement on acquisition as part  
of acquisition costs reported outside adjusted profit. 

Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when there is an 
indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the carrying amount of 
the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the 
other assets of the unit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. An impairment loss recognised for 
goodwill is not reversed in a subsequent period. 

l) Other intangible assets 
Intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination are stated in the balance sheet at their fair value at the date of 
acquisition less accumulated amortisation.  

Expenditure on research activities undertaken with the prospect of gaining new scientific or technical knowledge and understanding 
is recognised in the income statement as incurred. Expenditure on development activities, whereby research findings are applied to 
a plan or design for the production of new or substantially improved products and processes, is capitalised if the product or process 
is technically and commercially feasible and the Group has sufficient resources to complete development. The expenditure 
capitalised includes the cost of materials, direct labour and an appropriate proportion of overheads. Other development expenditure 
is recognised in the income statement as incurred. Capitalised development expenditure is stated at cost less accumulated 
amortisation and impairment losses. The carrying values of intangible assets are tested for impairment whenever there is an 
indication that they may be impaired.  

Customer relationships and contracts are valued on the basis of the net present value of the future additional cash flows arising 
from customer relationships with appropriate allowance for attrition of customers. 

Acquired computer software licences for use within the Group are capitalised as an intangible asset on the basis of the costs 
incurred to acquire and bring to use the specific software. Costs that are directly associated with the implementation of identifiable 
and unique software products controlled by the Group, and that will probably generate economic benefits exceeding costs beyond 
one year, are recognised as intangible assets. Capitalised software development expenditure is stated at cost less accumulated 
amortisation. 

The amortisation rates for intangible assets are: 

Acquired patents and licences  
Product development costs  
Customer relationships  
Order backlog 
Software  

up to 10 years  
5 years  
3 to 22 years  
up to 2 years 
3 to 5 years 

Amortisation is charged on a straight-line basis.  

m) Deferred taxation  
Deferred taxation is provided on taxable temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the 
financial statements and their corresponding tax bases. No provision is made for deferred tax which would become payable 
on the distribution of retained profits by overseas subsidiaries where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference can 
be controlled and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax is measured 
using the tax rates expected to apply when the asset is realised, or the liability settled based on tax rates enacted or substantively 
enacted by the balance sheet date. However, deferred tax is not provided on the initial recognition of goodwill, nor on the initial 
recognition of an asset or liability unless the related transaction is a business combination or affects tax or accounting profit. 

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Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

2 Summary of significant accounting policies continued  
A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which 
the asset can be utilised or that they will reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that 
the related tax benefit will be realised.  

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current tax 
liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority. 

n) Inventories  
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, including related overheads, and net realisable value. Cost comprises direct materials 
and, where applicable, direct labour costs and the overheads incurred in bringing inventories to their present location and condition. 
Cost is calculated on a weighted average cost basis. Net realisable value is based on estimated selling price less costs expected 
to be incurred to completion and disposal. Provisions are made for obsolescence or other expected losses where necessary. 

o) Trade receivables  
Trade receivables are recognised at transaction price (i.e. original invoice price) and subsequently measured at amortised cost 
less provision made for loss allowance of these receivables based upon the expected credit loss model (simplified model). All trade 
receivables are held to collect contractual cash flows within a business model and meet the ‘Solely Payments of Principal and 
Interest’ SPPI test.  

p) Financial instruments 
Recognition 
The Group recognises financial assets and liabilities on its balance sheet when it becomes a party to the contractual provisions 
of the instrument. 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the balance sheet when there is a legally enforceable 
right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or realise the asset and settle the liability 
simultaneously. 

Measurement 
When financial assets and liabilities are initially recognised, they are measured at fair value being the consideration given or 
received plus (or minus) directly attributable transaction costs.  

In determining estimated fair value, investments are valued at quoted bid prices on the trade date.  

Loans and receivables comprise loans and advances other than purchased loans. Originated loans and receivables are initially 
recognised in accordance with the policy stated above and subsequently remeasured at amortised cost using the effective interest 
method as they are held with the intention to collect all cash flows and payments are solely payments of principal and interest.  

The Group uses derivative financial instruments such as forward foreign exchange contracts and interest rate derivatives to hedge 
risks associated with foreign exchange fluctuations and interest rate risk. These are designated as cash flow hedges (CFH). At the 
inception of the hedge relationship, the Group documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item, 
along with its risk management objectives and its strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. Furthermore, at the 
inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, the Group documents whether the hedging instrument that is used in a hedging 
relationship is highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged item. 

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are deferred 
in equity. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the income statement. 

Amounts deferred in equity are recycled in the income statement in the periods when the hedged item is recognised in the income 
statement, in the same line of the income statement as the recognised hedged item. 

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, or no longer qualifies  
for hedge accounting. Any cumulative gain or loss deferred in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognised when the 
forecast transaction is ultimately recognised in the income statement. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, 
the cumulative gain or loss that was deferred in equity is recognised immediately in the income statement. 

The Group has made an accounting policy choice to treat the cost of hedging of derivatives taken out over any FX arising on 
a forecast acquisition of the business as a basis adjustment on the goodwill recognised. 

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Financial statements 

2 Summary of significant accounting policies continued 
Derecognition 
A financial asset is derecognised when the Group loses control over the contractual rights that comprise that asset. This occurs 
when the rights are realised, expire or are surrendered. A financial liability is derecognised when it is extinguished. Originated loans 
and receivables are derecognised on the date they are transferred by the Group. 

Impairment of financial assets – other financial assets 
At each reporting date the Group assesses credit risk by considering reasonable and supportable information that may indicate 
increases in credit risk. Indicators that an asset carries a higher credit risk compared to at inception or that an asset is credit-
impaired would include observable data in relation to the financial health of the debtor: significant financial difficulty of the issuer  
or the debtor; the debtor breaches contract; it is probable that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation.  

The amount of credit risk provision is the difference between the original carrying amount and the recoverable amount, being the 
present value of expected cash flows receivable (discounted using the original effective interest rate). The amount of the provision 
is recognised in the income statement within administrative expenses.  

Financial assets are written off when there is evidence indicating that the debtor is in severe financial difficulty and the Group has 
no realistic prospect of recovery. 

q) Cash and cash equivalents  
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand, short-term deposits held on call or with maturities of less than  
three months at inception, and highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and are subject 
to insignificant risk of changes in value. Within the cashflow statement this definition also includes bank overdrafts that are 
repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Group’s cash management. 

r) Borrowings  
Borrowings are initially recognised at the fair value of the consideration received less directly attributable transaction costs. 
After initial recognition, borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 

s) Trade payables  
Trade payables are carried at the amounts expected to be paid to counterparties.  

t) Income tax 
Income tax for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the income statement except to the extent 
that it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case it is recognised in equity. Current tax expense is the 
expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. 

u) Provisions 
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, and it is 
probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount. 
If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at  
a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to  
the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost. 

v) Employee benefits 
The Group operates defined benefit post-retirement benefit schemes and defined contribution pension schemes. 

Defined contribution plans 
A defined contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan under which an entity pays fixed contributions into a separate entity 
and will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts. Obligations for contributions to defined contribution 
pension plans are recognised in the income statement in the periods during which services are rendered by employees.  

Defined benefit plans 
The liability recognised in the balance sheet for defined benefit schemes is the present value of the schemes’ liabilities less the 
fair value of the schemes’ assets. The operating and financing costs of defined benefit schemes are recognised separately in the 
income statement. Operating costs comprise the current service cost, any gains or losses on settlement or curtailments, and past 
service costs. Net interest income and expense on net defined benefit assets and liabilities is determined by applying discount rates 
used to measure defined benefit obligations at the beginning of the year to net defined benefit assets and liabilities at the beginning 
of the year and is included in finance income and costs. Remeasurements arising from defined benefit plans comprise actuarial 
gains and losses, the return on plan assets (excluding interest) and the effect of the asset ceiling (if any, excluding interest).  
The Group recognises them immediately in other comprehensive income and all other expenses related to defined 

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

2 Summary of significant accounting policies continued 
benefit plans in employee benefit expenses in profit or loss. Surpluses are recognised where, on wind-up, the Group has 
unconditional right to any surplus and Trustees do not have unilateral power to alter members’ benefits. 

Termination benefits 
Termination benefits are recognised as an expense when the Group is committed demonstrably, without realistic possibility of 
withdrawal, to a formal detailed plan to either terminate employment before the normal retirement date, or to provide termination 
benefits as a result of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy. Termination benefits for voluntary redundancies are 
recognised as an expense if the Group has made an offer of voluntary redundancy, it is probable that the offer will be accepted, 
and the number of acceptances can be estimated reliably.  

Short-term employee benefits 
Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are expensed as the related service is 
provided. A liability is recognised for the amount expected to be paid under short-term cash bonus or profit-sharing plans if the 
Group has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the employee, 
and the obligation can be estimated reliably. 

Share-based payments  
Certain employees of the Group receive part of their remuneration in the form of share-based payment transactions, whereby 
employees render services in exchange for shares or rights over shares (equity-settled transactions). The cost of equity-settled 
transactions with employees is measured at fair value at the date at which they are granted. The fair value of share awards with 
market-related vesting conditions is determined by an external consultant and the fair value at the grant date is expensed on 
a straight-line basis over the vesting period based on the Group’s estimate of shares that will eventually vest. The estimate of 
the number of awards likely to vest is reviewed at each balance sheet date up to the vesting date at which point the estimate is 
adjusted to reflect the actual outcome of awards which have vested. No adjustment is made to the fair value after the vesting date 
even if the awards are forfeited or not exercised. 

w) Own shares 
Own equity instruments which are re-acquired (own shares) are recognised at cost and deducted from equity. No gain or loss 
is recognised in the income statement on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the Group’s own equity instruments. 
Any difference between the carrying amount and the consideration paid to acquire such equity instruments is recognised 
within equity. 

x) Foreign currency translation 
The functional currency for each entity in the Group is determined with reference to the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which it operates. Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency are initially recorded at the 
functional currency rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are 
retranslated at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Exchange gains and losses on settlement of foreign currency 
transactions translated at the rate prevailing at the date of the transactions, or the translation of monetary assets and liabilities 
at period end exchange rates, are taken to the income statement. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign 
currencies that are stated at historical cost are translated to the functional currency at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date 
of the transaction. 

On consolidation, income statements of subsidiaries are translated into sterling at average rates of exchange. Balance sheet items 
are translated into sterling at period end exchange rates. Exchange differences on the retranslation are taken to equity. Exchange 
differences on foreign currency borrowings financing those net investments (which are designated as net investment hedges) and 
exchange differences on intercompany loans which will not be repaid in the foreseeable future (which are treated as quasi equity) 
are also dealt with in equity and are reported in the statement of comprehensive income. All other exchange differences are charged 
or credited to the income statement in the year in which they arise. On disposal of an overseas subsidiary any cumulative exchange 
movements relating to that subsidiary held in the translation reserve are transferred to the consolidated income statement.  

y) Impairment of non-financial assets 
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (excluding goodwill) carrying amounts are reviewed at each reporting date 
to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is 
estimated. Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. In assessing value in use, the 
estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate. Assets that do not generate 
largely independent cash flows are assessed based on the CGU to which the asset belongs. If the recoverable amount of an  
asset (or CGU) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognised in the income statement. 

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Financial statements 

3 Segmental reporting 
The Group is organised into three divisions, as shown below, according to the nature of the products and services provided. Each  
of these divisions represents an operating segment in accordance with IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’ and there is no aggregation  
of segments. The chief operating decision maker is the Board of Directors. The operating segments are: 

•  Power and Connectivity – The Power and Connectivity division designs and manufactures power application products and 
connectivity devices which enable the capture and wireless transfer of data. We collaborate with our customers to develop 
innovative solutions to optimise their electronic systems;  

•  Global Manufacturing Solutions – The Global Manufacturing Solutions division provides manufacturing services and engineering 

solutions for our product divisions and to customers that often require a lower volume and higher mix of different products. 
We manufacture complex integrated product assemblies for our customers and provide engineering services including designing 
testing solutions and value-engineering; and 

•  Sensors and Specialist Components – The Sensors and Specialist Components division works with customers to develop 

standard and customised solutions including sensors and power management devices. Our solutions improve the precision, 
speed and reliability of critical aspects of our customers’ applications.  

The key performance measure of the operating segments is adjusted operating profit. Refer to note 8 for a definition of 
adjusted profit.  

Corporate costs – Resources and costs of the head office managed centrally but deployed in support of the operating units are 
allocated to segments based on a combination of revenue and operating profit. Resources and costs of the head office which are 
not related to the operating activities of the trading units are not allocated to divisions and are separately disclosed, equivalent to 
the segment disclosure information, so that reporting is consistent with the format that is used for review by the chief operating 
decision maker. This gives greater transparency of the adjusted operating profits for each segment.  

Inter-segment pricing is determined on an arm’s length basis in a manner similar to transactions with third parties. 

The Group’s geographical segments are determined by the location of the Group’s non-current assets and, for revenue, the location 
of external customers. Group financing (including finance costs and finance income) and income taxes are managed on a Group 
basis and are not allocated to operating segments. Goodwill is allocated to the individual cash generating units which may be 
smaller than the segment which they are part of. 

a) Income statement information – continuing operations 

£million 

Sales to external customers 

Adjusted operating profit  

Add back: adjustments made to 
operating profit (note 8) 

Operating profit 

Net finance costs 

Profit before taxation 

£million 

Sales to external customers 

Adjusted operating profit 

Add back: adjustments made to 
operating profit (note 8) 

Operating profit 

Net finance costs 

Profit before taxation 

Power and 
Connectivity 

Global 
Manufacturing 
Solutions 

Sensors and 
Specialist 
Components 

Total Operating 
Segments 

125.1 

10.3 

197.5 

15.0 

109.2 

9.4 

431.8 
34.7 

Corporate 

− 
(7.2) 

Power and 
Connectivity 

138.2 

16.5 

Global 
Manufacturing 
Solutions  

Sensors and 
Specialist 
Components 

Total Operating 
Segments 

213.2 

13.5 

126.8 

15.3 

478.2 

45.3 

Corporate 

− 

(7.2) 

2020 

Total 

431.8 

27.5 

(20.9) 

6.6 

(3.7) 

2.9 

2019 

Total 

 Restated [1]

478.2 

38.1 

(21.2) 

16.9 

(3.7) 

13.2 

1 

‘Adjusted operating profit’ has been restated as described in note 1h.  

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

3 Segmental reporting continued 
b) Segment assets and liabilities 

£million 

Power and Connectivity 
Global Manufacturing Solutions 
Sensors and Specialist Components 

Segment assets and liabilities 

Pensions 
Unallocated 

Total assets/liabilities 

Assets 

2019 
Restated [1]

172.7   
125.4   
122.8   

420.9   

21.2   
92.2   

534.3   

Liabilities 

2019 

 Restated [1]

26.0 
67.6 
23.0 

116.6 

4.6 
145.1 

266.3 

2020 

29.1 
58.3 
22.2 

109.6 

4.9 
160.3 

274.8 

2020 

216.9 
119.6 
110.2 

446.7 

35.4 
90.6 

572.7 

1 

‘Cash and cash equivalents’, ‘Borrowings’, ‘Retained earnings’, ‘Trade and other payables’, ‘Inventories’, ‘Deferred tax assets’, ‘Provisions’, ‘Provisions and other long term liabilities’ and 
‘Retained earnings’ have been restated for the comparative periods as described in note 1h. 

Unallocated assets of £90.6 million (2019: £92.2 million) comprise deferred tax of £9.1 million (2019: £8.1 million), cash and cash 
equivalents of £70.2 million (2019: £69.8 million) and income tax of £3.0 million (2019: £4.3 million) and assets associated with the 
central corporate function of £8.3 million (2019: £10.0 million). 

Unallocated liabilities of £160.3 million (2019: £145.1 million) comprise borrowings (excluding leases and overdrafts) of 
£135.9 million (2019: £111.7 million), overdrafts of £1.2 million (2019: £9.6 million), deferred tax of £8.6 million (2019: £4.6 million), 
income tax of £7.5 million (2019: £7.8 million) and liabilities associated with the central corporate function of £7.1 million  
(2019: £11.4 million). 

£million 

Power and Connectivity 

Global Manufacturing Solutions 

Sensors and Specialist Components 

Capital expenditure 

Depreciation and amortisation 

2020 

3.1 

2.6 

4.3 

10.0 

2019 

4.9   

5.2   

9.0   

19.1   

2020 

5.2 

5.2 

6.6 

17.0 

2019 

4.9 

5.2 

7.9 

18.0 

c) Geographic information 
Revenue by destination 
The Group operates on a global basis. Revenue from external customers by geographical destination is shown below. Management 
monitors and reviews revenue by region rather than by individual country given the significant number of countries where 
customers are based. 

£million 

United Kingdom 

Rest of Europe 

North America 

Central and South America 

Asia 

Rest of the World 

2020 

100.2 

74.8 

164.2 

0.7 

88.8 

3.1 

431.8 

2019 

139.4 

89.6 

141.7 

0.6 

103.1 

3.8 

478.2 

No individual customer directly accounts for more than 10% of Group revenue. Revenue from services is less than 1% of Group 
revenues. All other revenue is from the sale of goods. 

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Financial statements 

3 Segmental reporting continued 
Non-current assets 
The carrying amount of non-current assets, excluding deferred tax assets and pensions, analysed by the geographical area is 
shown below: 

£million 

United Kingdom 

Rest of Europe 

North America 

Central and South America 

Asia 

d) Market information 
Revenue by market 
The Group operates in the following markets: 

£million 

Healthcare 

Aerospace and defence 

Automation and electrification 

Distribution 

2020 

121.9 

0.4 

143.5 

4.4 

11.0 

281.2 

2020 

106.1 

93.4 

163.6 

68.7 

431.8 

2019 

126.7 

0.5 

106.5 

4.7 

12.9 

251.3 

2019 

110.7 

95.7 

196.5 

75.3 

478.2 

4 Acquisitions 
On 3 January 2020 the Group acquired the trade and assets of the aerospace and defence power supply business of Excelitas 
Technologies Corp based in Covina, California, for an initial cash consideration of $17.7 million (£13.5 million) and a further 
$0.9 million (£0.7 million) working capital adjustment paid in cash. In the year ended 31 December 2019 $0.3 million (£0.2 million) 
was paid for a derivative financial instrument to hedge the consideration. Acquisition costs including integration costs are disclosed 
in note 8. $18.6 million (£14.2 million) of the goodwill acquired is deductible for tax purposes. 

The fair value of the net assets acquired were £12.1 million, including intangible assets relating primarily to the business’ customer 
relationships of £4.1 million, resulting in goodwill recognised on acquisition of £2.3 million (all of which may become deductible 
for tax purposes). From the date of acquisition to the period end the business generated revenue of £7.9 million, operating loss 
of £0.1 million, adjusted operating profit of £1.0 million and an adjusted operating cash inflow of £1.8 million.  

Had the acquisition been completed on 1 January, the Group’s full year revenue, operating profit and adjusted operating profit  
would have been unchanged at £431.8 million, £6.6 million and £27.5 million respectively as reported. 

The acquisition enhances the Group’s presence in the large and growing US aerospace and defence market and extends the 
Group’s power electronics capabilities to include power convertors, moving the Group up the value chain, in line with its strategy. 
This will also provide access to sole-sourced positions on growing defence programmes for the Group and new customer 
relationships with key US defence primes. The goodwill recognised on acquisition represents the Group’s view of the future 
earnings growth potential and technical know-how in the acquired business. 

On 10 November 2020 the Group acquired the entire equity share capital of Torotel Inc. for an initial cash consideration of 
$37.0 million (£27.9 million) and a further $1.0 million (£0.7 million) was paid for a derivative financial instrument to hedge the 
consideration. Acquisition costs including integration costs are disclosed in note 8. The enterprise value of the consideration 
was $43.4 million (£32.9 million) which consisted of the $37.0 million (£27.9 million) paid in cash and the assumption of net cash 
excluding PPP loans, cash paid out for fees and cash paid for bonuses which crystallised upon acquisition totalling $6.4 million 
(£4.8 million). 

The fair value of the net assets acquired were £7.3 million, including intangible assets relating primarily to the business’ customer 
relationships of £9.0 million, resulting in goodwill recognised on acquisition of £21.4 million (of which £nil will become tax 
deductible). From the date of acquisition to the period end the business generated revenue of £2.4 million, operating loss of 
£0.2 million adjusted operating profit of £0.2 million and an adjusted operating cash inflow of £0.4 million. The goodwill acquired 
is not deductible for tax purposes. 

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

4 Acquisitions continued 
Torotel is a Kansas, US-based designer and manufacturer of high-reliability power and electro-magnetic assemblies and 
components designed for harsh environments, primarily for defence markets. The acquisition broadens TT’s power electronics 
capabilities in the US, further increasing its scale in this important market. It adds recurring revenue streams from largely sole 
source positions on multi-year growth programmes and brings attractive cross-selling opportunities. The goodwill recognised on 
acquisition represents the Group’s view of the future earnings growth potential and technical know-how in the acquired business. 

Had the acquisition been completed on 1 January, the Group’s full year revenue, operating profit and adjusted operating profit would 
have been £448.8 million, £8.1 million and £29.0 million respectively, compared to £431.8 million, £6.6 million and £27.5 million  
as reported. 

In August 2020 Torotel, Inc. applied for PPP loans, a US government COVID-19 support scheme, of $1.9 million (£1.4 million) to  
be forgiven. To date the Group has not received confirmation that the application was successful therefore the liability has been 
recognised in full in the provisional acquisition balance sheet. In the event the application is successful $1.9 million (£1.4 million) 
of acquired debt will be forgiven under the scheme and the provisional accounting will be updated. 

The fair value and gross contractual value of the financial assets acquired with the aerospace and defence power supply business 
of Excelitas Technologies Corp and Torotel Inc. included receivables of £1.8 million and £1.8 million respectively. Management’s 
best estimate of the cashflows which will be collected was £1.8 million for the aerospace and defence power supply business of 
Excelitas Technologies Corp and £1.7 million for Torotel, Inc.  

£million 

Non-current assets 

Right-of-use asset 

Property, plant and equipment 

Identifiable intangible assets 

Deferred tax assets 

Current assets/(liabilities) 

Inventory 

Trade and other receivables 

Trade and other payables 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Lease liabilities 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Borrowings 

Consideration Paid 

Cash consideration net of the impact of hedging 

Goodwill 

The aerospace 
and defence 
power supply 
business of 
Excelitas 
Technologies 
Corp  

Torotel, Inc. 
(Provisional) 

− 

5.4 

4.1 

− 

1.3 

1.8 

(0.5) 
− 

− 

− 
− 

12.1 

14.4 

2.3 

2.0 

1.8 

9.0 

0.2 

3.2 

1.8 

(6.3) 

(0.8) 

(2.0) 

1.4 

(3.0) 

7.3 

28.7 

21.4 

On 22 March 2019 the Group acquired the entire equity share capital of Power Partners Inc. for an initial $1.6 million (£1.2 million), 
an additional $0.7 million (£0.5 million) was paid in the period based on business performance. In 2020 a further $0.6 million 
(£0.5 million) was paid based on business performance. A further $0.5 million (£0.4 million) may still become payable. 

The acquisition enhances our technology capabilities in power products and improves our medical market access accelerating our 
organic technology roadmap and US medical market presence. The goodwill recognised on acquisition represents the Group’s view 
of the future earnings growth potential of the acquired businesses. 

5 Discontinued operations 
The 2019 profit from discontinued operations shown in the consolidated income statement relates to release of tax and divestment 
provisions of £3.4 million held in respect of disposals completed in earlier years. The 2019 cash flow from discontinued operations 
included in the consolidated cash flow statement relates to tax arising on disposal of subsidiaries.  

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Financial statements 

6 Finance costs and finance income 
£million 

Interest income 

Interest income on pension surplus 

Finance income 

Interest expense 

Interest on lease liabilities 

Interest expense on pension liabilities 

Amortisation of arrangement fees 

Finance costs 

Net finance costs 

7 Profit for the year 
Profit from continuing operations for the year is stated after charging/(crediting): 

£million 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 

Depreciation of right-of-use assets 
Amortisation of intangible assets [1] 
Net foreign exchange losses 

Cost of inventories recognised as an expense 

Research and development 

Staff costs (see note 12) 

Restructuring (excluded from adjusted operating profit) 

Acquisition and disposal related costs (excluded from adjusted operating profit) 

Remuneration of Group Auditors: 

– audit of these financial statements 

– audit of financial statements of subsidiaries of the Company 
– assurance and other services [3] 
Government grants 

Share-based payments 

Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment (excluded from adjusted operating profit) 

2020 

2019 

0.1 

0.5 

0.6 

3.0 

0.8 

0.1 

0.4 

4.3 

3.7 

2020 

10.8 

3.2 

7.2 

2.1 

332.7 

9.2 

130.1 

14.5 

6.4 

0.5 

0.7 

0.3 

(1.6) 

1.0 

(1.2) 

0.1 

0.8 

0.9 

3.0 

1.0 

0.2 

0.4 

4.6 

3.7 

2019 
Restated [2]
10.4 

3.5 

8.6 

2.5 

363.3 

11.5 

135.6 

12.8 

3.6 

0.5 

0.6 

0.1 

(0.1) 

2.9 

− 

1 

Included within amortisation of intangible assets is £4.2 million (2019: £4.5 million) reported within items excluded from adjusted operating profit. The remaining charge is within 
administrative expenses. 
 ‘Cost of inventories recognised as an expense’ has been restated in the comparative period as described in note 1h. 

2 
3  Assurance and other services of £267 thousand comprising £94 thousand relating to the half-year review and £173 thousand relating to due diligence (2018: £42 thousand comprising 

£39 thousand relating to the half-year review and £3 thousand for assistance with a UK grant review).  

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

8 Adjusting items 
As described in note 1c, adjusted profit measures are an alternative performance measure used by the Board to monitor the 
operating performance of the Group. 

£million 

As reported 

Restructuring and other 

Restructuring 

Property disposals 

Pension Costs 

Acquisition and disposal related costs 

Amortisation of intangible assets arising on business combinations 

Release of warranty and claims provision 

Torotel acquisition and integration costs 

Covina acquisition and integration costs 

Other acquisition related costs 

Total items excluded from adjusted measure 

Adjusted measure 

2020 

2019 Restated [1]

Operating profit 

Tax 

    Operating profit  

6.6 

(1.6)   

16.9 

(14.8) 

1.2 
(0.9) 

(14.5) 

(4.2) 

1.0 
(1.3) 

(1.3) 

(0.6) 

(6.4) 

(20.9) 

27.5 

1.8    

−    

0.1    

1.9    

0.4    

(0.1)    

0.2    

0.2    

0.1    

0.8    

2.7    

(4.3)   

(12.2) 

− 

(1.0) 

(13.2) 

(4.5) 

− 

(0.3) 

(0.5) 

(2.7) 

(8.0) 

(21.2) 

38.1 

Tax  

(0.8) 

2.9 

− 

0.2 

3.1 

1.0 

− 

− 

0.1 

0.4 

1.5 

4.6 

(5.4) 

 1  ‘Operating profit’ and ‘Tax’ as reported have been restated in the comparative period as described in note 1h. 

Restructuring and Other £14.5 million (2019: £13.2 million) 
Restructuring costs charged in the period primarily relate to costs arising on the restructuring of the Group’s footprint, product 
rationalisation and headcount reduction programme to reduce the Group’s fixed costs. Within the costs above there was 
£6.3 million relating to severance costs and provisions, £3.4 million of intangible asset write downs, £2.0 million of right-of-use 
asset and plant, property and equipment write downs, £1.6 million relating to inventory write downs and £1.5 million of other 
costs primarily relating to project team costs and final costs of projects completed in 2020. Income from property disposals of  
£1.2 million (2019: £nil) relates to the sale of property in Lutterworth, UK. Pension costs of £0.9 million (2019: £1.0 million with 
£0.4 million relating to past service charge and £0.6 million relating to other pension restructuring costs) primarily relate to the 
pension past service charge as a result of UK pensions schemes having to equalise male and female members’ benefits in respect 
of guaranteed minimum pensions (‘GMP’). 2019’s restructuring costs amounted to £12.2 million, primarily related to restructuring  
of the Group’s footprint, and the support of the Stadium synergy plan. 

Acquisition and disposal related costs £6.4 million (2019: £8.0 million) 
Acquisition and disposal related costs charged in the period relate to amortisation of acquired intangible assets (£4.2 million), 
acquisition and integration costs of the aerospace and defence power supply business of Excelitas Technologies Corp based in 
Covina, California (£0.6 million acquisition costs, £0.7 million integration costs), acquisition and integration costs of Torotel, inc. 
(£1.2 million acquisition costs, £0.1 million integration costs) a credit related to the release of a product quality warranty claim 
provision relating to the disposal of the Transportation, Sensing, and Control Division in 2017, following a full and final settlement 
(£1.0 million), and other costs (£0.6 million). 2019’s acquisition related costs amounted to £8.0 million and primarily related to 
amortisation of acquired intangible assets, the integration of Stadium Group and Precision Inc., and acquisition costs related 
to Power Partners Inc. the aerospace and defence power supply business of Excelitas Technologies Corp and Torotel, Inc. 

148 
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Financial statements 

9 Taxation 
a) Analysis of the tax charge for the year 

£million 

Current tax  

Current income tax charge 

Adjustments in respect of current income tax of previous year 

Total current tax charge 

Deferred tax 

Relating to origination and reversal of temporary differences 

Change in tax rate 

Recognition of previously unrecognised deferred tax assets 

Total deferred tax (credit)/charge 

Total tax charge in the income statement 

1  The deferred tax charge has been restated in the comparative period as described in note 1h. 

2020 

5.1 

(3.4) 

1.7 

(0.5) 

(0.4) 

0.8 

(0.1) 

1.6 

2019 
Restated [1]

3.7 

(3.1) 

0.6 

1.0 

0.1 

(0.9) 

0.2 

0.8 

The enacted UK tax rate applicable from 1 April 2017 is 19% and due to changes in Government policy in the period this remains the 
UK rate as the enacted rate drop, originally legislated to occur from 1 April 2020 to 17%, has been reversed. The applicable tax rate 
for the period is based on the UK standard rate of corporation tax of 19% (2019: 19%). Overseas taxation is calculated at the rates 
prevailing in the respective jurisdictions. The Group’s effective tax rate for the year was 55.2% (the adjusted tax rate was 18.1%,  
see note 8).  

On 3 March 2021 the UK Government announced changes to the UK corporate tax system and an increase in tax rate from the 
fiscal year 2023 to 25% from the currently enacted rate of 19%. The change in tax rate will result in a change to the level of deferred 
tax held in respect of the Group’s UK operations and may impact the Group’s effective tax rate in future years. The Group, to date, 
has not identified any other significant tax charges or credits arising from the proposed legislation. 

Included within the total tax charge above is a £2.7 million credit relating to items reported outside adjusted profit (2019: 
£4.6 million). 

b) Reconciliation of the total tax charge for the year 

£million 

Profit before tax from continuing operations 

Profit before tax multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% (2019: 19%) 

Effects of: 

Impact on deferred tax arising from changes in tax rates 

Overseas tax rate differences 

Items not deductible for tax purposes or income not taxable 

Adjustment to current tax in respect of prior periods 

Recognition of previously unrecognised deferred tax assets 

Current year tax losses and other items not recognised 

Adjustment to value of deferred tax assets 

Total tax charge reported in the income statement 

2020 

2.9 

0.6 

(0.4) 

1.4 

2.6 

(3.4) 

− 

0.1 

0.7 

1.6 

2019 
Restated [1]

13.2 

2.5 

0.1 

1.0 

1.6 

(3.1) 

(0.9) 

(0.4) 

− 

0.8 

1 

‘Profit before tax’ and the tax charge have been restated in the comparative period as described in note 1h. 

The adjustment to current tax in respect of prior periods largely relates to the release of tax provisions in respect of concluded 
disputes and uncertainties. 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

9 Taxation continued 
The overall aim of the Group’s tax strategy is to support business operations by ensuring a sustainable tax rate, mitigating tax  
risks in a timely and cost-efficient way and complying with tax legislation in the jurisdictions in which the Group operates. It is 
however inevitable that the Group will be subject to routine tax audits or is in ongoing disputes with tax authorities in the multiple 
jurisdictions it operates within. This is much more likely to arise in situations involving more than one tax jurisdiction. Differences  
in interpretation of legislation, of global standards (e.g. OECD guidance) and of commercial transactions undertaken by the group 
between different tax authorities are one of the main causes of tax exposures and tax risks for the group.  

In order to manage the risk to the Group an assessment is made of such tax exposures and provisions are created using the best 
estimate of the most likely amount to be incurred within a range of possible outcomes. The resolution of the Group’s tax exposures 
can take a considerable period of time to conclude and, in some circumstances, it can be difficult to predict the final outcome. 

The current tax liability at 31 December 2020 includes tax provisions of £6.4 million (2019: £7.3 million). The Group believes the 
range of reasonable possible outcomes in respect of these exposures is tax liabilities of up to £8.2 million (2019: £7.4 million). 

c) Deferred tax 
The amounts of deferred taxation assets/(liabilities) provided in the financial statements are as follows:  

The deferred tax asset includes losses of £7.3 million in respect of territories where the group has made net tax losses in the 
current year. The net tax losses have been driven by one-off exceptional costs which the Group does not expect to recur in future 
periods. Therefore, a deferred tax asset is recognised on the basis that it is considered probable that net taxable profits will be 
recognised in these territories in future 

£million 

Intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Deferred development costs 

Retirement benefit obligations 

Inventories 

Provisions 

Tax losses 

Unremitted overseas earnings 

Share-based payments 

Short-term timing differences 

Net deferred tax asset 

Deferred tax assets 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Net deferred tax asset 

At 
 31 
December 
2019 

Continuing 
operations 

Recognised 
on 
acquisition 

Recognised 
in equity/ 
OCI 

Net 
exchange 
translation 

As at  
31 
December 
2020 

(9.0) 

1.9 

(1.0) 

(2.5) 
1.5 

3.9 

3.6 

(1.7) 
1.3 

5.5 

3.5 

8.1 
(4.6) 

3.5 

0.2 

(0.2) 

0.4 
(1.1) 

(0.5) 

2.9 

3.9 
(0.4) 

(0.3) 

(5.0) 

(0.1) 

(2.0) 

(0.1) 

− 
− 

− 

0.9 

0.3 

− 
− 

0.3 

(0.6) 

− 

− 

− 
(2.1) 

− 
− 

− 

− 
(0.3) 

− 
(2.4) 

0.2 

0.1 
0.1 

− 

− 
(0.1) 

(0.3) 

0.1 

− 

− 

0.1 

(10.6) 

1.7 

(0.5) 

(5.7) 

1.0 

7.6 

7.5 

(2.0) 

0.7 

0.8 

0.5 

9.1 

(8.6) 

0.5 

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Financial statements 

9 Taxation continued 

£million 

Intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Deferred development costs 

Retirement benefit obligations 

Inventories 

Provisions 

Tax losses 

Unremitted overseas earnings 

Share-based payments 
Short-term timing differences [1] 
Net deferred tax asset 
Deferred tax assets [1] 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Net deferred tax asset [1] 

At 
 31 
December 
2018  

Impact of 
adoption of 
IFRS 16 

Adjusted 
balance at  
1 January 
2019  

Continuing 
operations  

Recognised 
on 
acquisition 

Recognised 
in equity/ 
OCI 

Net 
exchange 
translation 

As at  
31 
December 
2019  

(9.5) 

2.1 

(1.1) 

(2.8) 

1.0 

4.0 

2.8 

(1.2) 

1.3 

4.9 

1.5 

6.3 
(4.8) 

1.5 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

0.8 

0.8 

(9.5) 

2.1 

(1.1) 

(2.8) 

1.0 

4.0 

2.8 

(1.2) 

1.3 

5.7 

2.3 

0.7 

(0.4) 

0.2 

(1.5) 

0.5 

0.1 

1.0 

(0.5) 

(0.1) 

(0.2) 

(0.2) 

(0.2) 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

(0.2) 

− 

− 

− 

1.7 

− 

− 

− 

− 

0.1 

− 

1.8 

− 

0.2 

(0.1) 

0.1 

− 

(0.2) 

(0.2) 

− 

− 

− 

(0.2) 

(9.0) 

1.9 

(1.0) 

(2.5) 

1.5 

3.9 

3.6 

(1.7) 

1.3 

5.5 

3.5 

8.1 
(4.6) 

3.5 

1 

‘Deferred tax assets’ has been restated for the year ended 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2019 as described in note 1h. 

At 31 December 2020, the gross amount and expiry date of losses available for carry forward are as follows: 

£million  

Losses for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised  

Expiring within 5 
years 

Expiring within 
6−10 years 

0.7 

− 

Unlimited 

77.0 

Total 

77.7 

At 31 December 2019, the gross amount and expiry date of losses available for carry forward were as follows:  

£million 

Expiring within 
5 years 

Expiring within 
6−10 years 

Losses for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised  

0.5 

− 

Unlimited 

70.8 

Total 

71.3 

At 31 December 2020, the Group had no other items for which no deferred tax assets have been recognised (2019: £nil).  

10 Dividends 

Final dividend for prior year 

Interim dividend for current year 

2020  
pence per share 

2020  
£million 

2019  
pence per share 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

4.55 

2.10 

6.65 

2019  
£million 

7.4 

3.4 

10.8 

The Directors recommend a final dividend of 4.7 pence per share. The Group has a progressive dividend policy. The final dividend 
will be paid on 21 May 2021 to shareholders on the register on 30 April 2021. 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

11 Earnings per share 
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to owners of the Company by the weighted average number 
of shares in issue during the year.  

Pence 

Basic earnings per share 

Continuing operations 

Discontinued operations 

Total 

Pence 

Diluted earnings per share 
Continuing operations 
Discontinued operations 

Total 

1  EPS has been recalculated in the comparative period as described in note 1h. 

The numbers used in calculating adjusted, basic and diluted earnings per share are shown below.  

Adjusted earnings per share is based on the adjusted profit after interest and tax. 

Adjusted earnings per share:  

£million 

Continuing operations 

Profit for the year attributable to owners of the Company 

Restructuring and other 

Acquisition and disposal related costs 

Tax effect of above items (see note 8) 

Adjusted earnings 

Adjusted earnings per share (pence) 
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (pence) 

2020 

0.8 

− 

0.8 

2020 

0.8 
− 

0.8 

2020 

1.3 

14.5 

6.4 

(2.7) 

19.5 

11.7 
11.6 

2019 
Restated [1]

7.6 

2.1 

9.7 

2019  
Restated [1]

7.5 
2.0 

9.5 

2019 
Restated [1]

12.4 

13.2 

8.0 

(4.6) 

29.0 

17.8 
17.4 

1 

‘Profit for the year’, ‘Adjusted earnings’ and EPS have been restated in the comparative period as described in note 1h. 

The weighted average number of shares in issue is as follows (new shares issued in the year described in Note 24):  

Million 

Basic 

Adjustment for share awards 

Diluted 

2020 

166.5 

1.6 

168.1 

2019 

163.1 

3.3 

166.4 

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Financial statements 

12 Employee information  
The average number of full time equivalent employees (including Directors) during the year from continuing operations was: 

Number 

By function 

Production 

Sales and distribution 

Administration 

By division 

Power and Connectivity 

Global Manufacturing Solutions 

Sensors and Specialist Components 

Total  

Aggregate emoluments, including those of Directors, for the year were:  

£million 

Wages and salaries 

Social security charges 

Employers’ pension costs 

Defined benefit pension costs 

Share based payments expense 

Remuneration in respect of the Directors was as follows: 

£million 

Emoluments 

The remuneration of key management during the year was as follows:  

£million 

Short-term benefits 

Pension and other post-employment benefit expense 

Share based payments 

2020 

2019 

3,987 

293 

298 

4,578 

1,447 

1,475 

1,656 

4,578 

2020 

103.1 

21.7 

3.2 

1.1 

1.0 

4,178 

347 

288 

4,813 

1,478 

1,546 

1,789 

4,813 

2019 

105.2 

23.0 

3.5 

1.0 

2.9 

130.1 

135.6 

2020 

1.8 

2020 

3.0 

0.1 

0.3 

3.4 

2019 

2.7 

2019 

4.7 

0.1 

1.9 

6.7 

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

13 Right-of-use assets 

£million 

Cost 
At 1 January 2019 

Transfer  

Additions 

Businesses acquired 

Net exchange adjustment 

At 1 January 2020 

Additions 

Lease reassessment 

Businesses acquired 

Net exchange adjustment 

At 31 December 2020 

Depreciation  

At 1 January 2019 

Transfer  

Depreciation charge 

Impairment 

Net exchange adjustment 

At 1 January 2020 

Depreciation charge 

Impairment 

Net exchange adjustment 

At 31 December 2020 
Net book value 

At 31 December 2020 

At 31 December 2019 

Land and 
buildings 

Other 

Right-of-use 
assets 

31.4 

− 

0.4 

0.2 

(0.4) 

31.6 

0.4 

1.3 

2.0 
(0.4) 

34.9 

14.3 

− 

3.0 

2.7 

(0.2) 

19.8 

2.8 

1.0 
(0.3) 

23.3 

11.6 
11.8 

0.9 

0.5 

0.2 

− 

− 

1.6 

0.2 

− 

− 
− 

1.8 

− 

0.1 

0.5 

− 

− 

0.6 

0.4 

− 
− 

1.0 

0.8 
1.0 

32.3 

0.5 

0.6 

0.2 

(0.4) 

33.2 

0.6 

1.3 

2.0 

(0.4) 

36.7 

14.3 

0.1 

3.5 

2.7 

(0.2) 

20.4 

3.2 

1.0 

(0.3) 

24.3 

12.4 

12.8 

In 2020 the Group identified indicators of impairment due to the planned relocation of our office in Carrollton, Texas (£0.9 million) 
and the planned closure of one of our facilities in Barbados (£0.1 million), both within the Sensors and Specialist Components 
segment. A total of £1.0 million was recognised within items excluded from adjusted profit. Lease reassessment of £1.3 million 
largely relates to a change in judgement on our Cleveland facility’s lease term following the annual strategic growth plan. 

In 2019 the Group identified indicators of impairment due to the closures of our office in Brea, California (£0.3 million), a UK facility 
within IoT Solutions (£0.5 million) and the planned closure of one of our facilities in Mexicali, Mexico (£1.9 million). As a result, an 
impairment of £2.7 million was recognised within items excluded from adjusted operating profit, £2.2 million within the Sensors  
and Specialist Components segment and £0.5 million within the Power and Connectivity segment. 

In 2019, assets with a net book value of £0.4 million previously treated as plant and equipment held under finance leases were 
transferred from property, plant and equipment. 

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Financial statements 

14 Property, plant and equipment 

£million 

Cost 

At 1 January 2019 

Additions 

Disposals 

Transfers 

Net exchange adjustment 

At 1 January 2020 

Additions 

Businesses acquired 

Disposals 

Net exchange adjustment 

At 31 December 2020 

Depreciation and impairment 

At 1 January 2019 

Depreciation charge 

Impairment 

Disposals 

Transfers 

Net exchange adjustment 

At 1 January 2020 

Depreciation charge 

Impairment 

Disposals 

Net exchange adjustment 

At 31 December 2020 

Net book value 

At 31 December 2020 

At 31 December 2019 

Land and 
buildings 

Plant and 
equipment 

27.9 

2.3 

(1.3) 

− 

(0.7) 

28.2 

1.2 

6.3 

(5.5) 

(0.5) 

29.7 

11.8 

1.2 

1.9 

(1.3) 

− 

(0.4) 

13.2 

1.2 

− 

(3.5) 

(0.1) 

10.8 

18.9 
15.0 

180.2 

11.6 

(6.6) 

(0.5) 

(4.9) 

179.8 

8.1 

0.9 

(9.2) 

(2.6) 

177.0 

144.6 

9.2 

0.1 

(6.4) 

(0.1) 

(3.7) 

143.7 

9.6 

1.0 

(9.0) 

(2.4) 

142.9 

34.1 
36.1 

Total 

208.1 

13.9 

(7.9) 

(0.5) 

(5.6) 

208.0 

9.3 

7.2 

(14.7) 

(3.1) 

206.7 

156.4 

10.4 

2.0 

(7.7) 

(0.1) 

(4.1) 

156.9 

10.8 

1.0 

(12.5) 

(2.5) 

153.7 

53.0 

51.1 

Included within land and buildings are two investment properties with a combined carrying value of £1.8 million (2019: £0.7 million) 
and a combined fair value of £1.8 million (2019: £0.7 million). The increase in both carrying and fair value was due to an investment 
property acquired as part of the acquisition of Torotel, Inc. 

In 2020 the Group identified indicators of impairment within plant and equipment as a result of divisional restructuring in the 
Sensors and Specialist Components division (£0.6 million) and the planned closure of the operation in Lutterworth, UK in the  
Power and Connectivity division (£0.4 million). A total of £1.0 million was recognised within items excluded from adjusted profit. 

In 2019 the Group identified indicators of impairment due to the planned closure of one of our facilities in Mexicali, Mexico in the 
Sensors and Specialist Components division. As a result, an impairment of £2.0 million was recognised within items excluded from 
adjusted operating profit. 

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Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

15 Goodwill 
£million 

Cost 

At 1 January 2019 

Additions 

Net exchange adjustment 

At 1 January 2020 

Additions 

Net exchange adjustment 

At 31 December 2020 

137.9 

0.9 

(2.7) 

136.1 

23.7 

(2.9) 

156.9 

The goodwill generated as a result of acquisitions represents the premium paid in excess of the fair value of all net assets, including 
intangible assets, identified at the point of acquisition. The future improvements applied to the acquired businesses, achieved 
through a combination of revised strategic direction, operational improvements and investment are expected to result in improved 
profitability of the acquired businesses during the period of ownership. The combined value achieved from these improvements  
is expected to be in excess of the value of goodwill acquired. 

Goodwill is attributed to the following cash-generating units in the divisions shown below:  

£million 

Power and Connectivity: 
Power Solutions [1] 
IoT Solutions 

Global Manufacturing Solutions: 

Global Manufacturing Solutions 

Sensors and Specialist Components: 
Resistors [2] 
Optoelectronics 

Roxspur 

2020 

2019 

57.9 

27.6 

18.2 

30.1 

21.0 

2.1 

156.9 

35.1 

27.6 

18.6 

31.1 

21.6 

2.1 

136.1 

1 
2 

Includes the newly acquired aerospace and defence power supply business of Excelitas Technologies Corp based in Covina, California, and Torotel, Inc. 
In the prior year the Resistors CGU comprised of the Variable Components CGU and the Resistors CGU with respective goodwill of £28.9 million and £2.2 million.  

The Group tests goodwill impairment annually or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be impaired. 
The recoverable amounts of the CGUs are determined from value in use calculations. The key assumptions for the value in use 
calculations are those regarding the discount rates, growth rates and operating cash flow projections over a forecast period. 
The growth rate assumed after this forecast period is based on long-term GDP projections capped at long term growth rates (which 
are approximated as long term inflation rates) of the primary market for the CGU, in perpetuity. Long-term growth rates are based 
on long-term forecasts for growth in the sectors and geography in which the group of CGUs operates. Long-term growth rates are 
determined using long-term growth rate forecasts that take into account the international presence and the markets in which each 
business operates. 

Management estimate discount rates using pre-tax rates that reflect current market assessments of the Group’s time value of 
money and the risks specific to the CGU being measured. 

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Financial statements 

15 Goodwill continued 
In determining the cost of equity, the Capital Asset Pricing Model (“CAPM”) has been used. Under CAPM, the cost of equity is 
determined by adding a risk premium, based on an industry adjustment (“Beta”), to the expected return of the equity market above 
the risk-free return. The relative risk adjustment reflects the risk inherent in each group of CGUs relative to all other sectors and 
geographies on average. 

The cost of debt is determined using a risk-free rate based on the cost of government bonds, and an interest rate premium 
equivalent to a corporate bond with a similar credit rating to TT Plc. 

The growth rates assume that demand for our products remains broadly in line with the underlying economic environment in the 
long-term future. Taking into account our expectation of future market conditions, we believe that the evolution of selling prices  
and cost measures put into place will lead to a sustained improvement in profitability. 

Management has detailed plans in place reflecting the latest Budget and strategic growth plan. The pre-tax discount rates and 
periods of management approved forecasts are shown below:  

Power Solutions 

IoT Solutions 

Global Manufacturing Solutions  
Resistors [1] 
Optoelectronics 

Roxspur 

Pre-tax  
discount rate 

Long term 
growth rate 

Period of 
forecast (years) 

Pre-tax  
discount rate 

Long term 
growth rate 

Period of  
forecast (years) 

2020 

2019 

11.6% 

11.5% 

13.3% 

12.9% 

13.7% 

11.8% 

1.7% 

1.8% 

2.2% 

1.7% 

1.8% 

1.6% 

3   

5   

3   

3   

3   

3   

11.5% 

11.7% 

12.3% 

note 1 

13.8% 

11.4% 

1.7% 

2.0% 

2.4% 

note 1 

1.6% 

1.6% 

5 

5 

5 

5 

5 

5 

1 

In the prior year the Resistors CGU comprised of the Variable Components CGU and the Resistors CGU with respective long term growth rates of 1.6% and 1.6%, and pre-tax discount 
factors of 13.8% and 12.8%. 

No impairment losses have been recognised in the current or prior year as recoverable amounts exceed the total carrying value 
of assets for all of the CGUs. 

Assumptions in the value in use test is the projected performance of the CGUs based on sales growth rates, cash flow forecasts 
and discount rate. Forecast sales growth rates are based on past experience adjusted for the strategic direction and near-term 
investment priorities within each CGU. The key assumptions include externally obtained growth rates in the key markets disclosed 
in note 3 and customer demand for product lines. Cash flow forecasts are determined based on historic experience of operating 
margins, adjusted for the impact of changes in product mix and cost-saving initiatives, including the impact of our restructuring 
projects and cash conversion based on historical experience.  

The recoverable amounts associated with the goodwill balances which are based on these performance projections and based on 
current forecast information do not indicate that any goodwill balance is impaired. If a company’s actual performance does not 
meet these projections this could lead to an impairment of the goodwill in future periods. The COVID-19 pandemic is having a 
significant impact on global end markets in which certain of the Group’s businesses operate which has resulted in reduced levels  
of headroom at the point of forecast, in particular the IoT Solutions CGU.  

Sensitivity analysis has been performed on the key assumptions; operating cash flow projections and discount rate. Cash flows can 
be impacted by changes to sales projections, sales prices, direct costs and replacement capital expenditure; individually they are 
not significant assumptions.  

The Directors have not identified changes in significant assumptions that would cause the carrying value of recognised goodwill 
to exceed its recoverable amount, with the exception of IoT Solutions CGU. 

At 31 December 2020, due to reduced forecast revenues resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, an indicator of impairment was 
identified in respect of goodwill allocated to all CGUs, with the most significant impact on IoT Solutions.  

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

15 Goodwill continued 
IoT Solutions CGU operates in markets with strong growth fundamentals and the short term forecasts for the IoT Solutions CGU 
include revenue and margin growth from successful product launches in the short and medium term. However, these forecasts 
exclude any potential benefits from the Virolens® rapid COVID-19 screening device given operational trials and validation testing 
are ongoing and the wide range of possible outcomes.  

IoT Solutions CGU shows headroom of £6.1 million above the £60.2 million carrying amount, including £27.6m of goodwill. 
The growth rates assume that demand for our product remains broadly in line with the underlying economic environment in the 
long-term future. Taking into account our expectation of future market conditions, we believe that the evolution of selling prices  
and cost measures put into place will lead to a sustained improvement in profitability.  

In accordance with IAS 36 ‘Impairment of Assets’ the Group performed sensitivity analysis on the estimates of recoverable amounts 
and found that the excess of recoverable amount over the carrying amount of the IoT Solutions CGU would be reduced to £nil as a 
result of a reasonably possible change in assumptions.  

Sensitivity analysis has been carried out and a reasonably possible change in the discount rate and long-term growth rate from 
11.5% to 12.3% or from 1.8% to 0.5% respectively would reduce headroom to £nil. A reduction in operating cash flow of 9.2%  
would also reduce headroom to £nil. Management does not consider that the relevant change in these assumptions would have  
a consequential effect on other key assumptions. 

Product 
development 
costs 

Patents, 
 licences and 
other  

Customer 
relationships 

10.2 

3.9 

− 

− 

(0.4) 

13.7 

3.3 

0.2 

(0.5) 

16.7 

3.9 

1.8 

− 

(0.2) 

5.5 

1.0 

3.6 
(0.4) 

9.7 

7.0 
8.2 

33.0 

0.7 

0.1 

(0.2) 

(0.2) 

33.4 

0.8 

1.3 

(0.1) 

35.4 

25.9 

3.2 

(0.2) 

(0.2) 

28.7 

2.3 

− 
− 

31.0 

4.4 
4.7 

52.5 

− 

0.7 

− 

(0.4) 

52.8 

− 

11.8 

(0.7) 

63.9 

10.9 

3.6 

− 

(0.1) 

14.4 

3.9 

− 

(0.1) 

18.2 

45.7 
38.4 

Total 

95.7 

4.6 

0.8 

(0.2) 

(1.0) 

99.9 

4.1 

13.3 

(1.3) 

116.0 

40.7 

8.6 

(0.2) 

(0.5) 

48.6 

7.2 

3.6 

(0.5) 

58.9 

57.1 

51.3 

16 Other intangible assets 

£million 

Cost 

At 1 January 2019 

Additions 

Businesses acquired 

Disposals 

Net exchange adjustment 

At 1 January 2020 

Additions 

Businesses acquired 

Net exchange adjustment 

At 31 December 2020 

Amortisation 

At 1 January 2019 

Charge for the year 

Disposals 

Net exchange adjustment 

At 1 January 2020 

Charge for the year 

Impairment 

Net exchange adjustment 

At 31 December 2020 

Net book value 

At 31 December 2020 

At 31 December 2019 

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16 Other intangible assets continued 
Of the £3.6 million impairment charge for the year £3.4 million arose because of restructuring and has been excluded from adjusted 
operating profit by removing the charge from administrative expenses as described in note 8. £2.0 million arose in the Sensors and 
Specialist Components segment and £1.4 million arose in the Power and Connectivity segment. 

Included within the amortisation charge for the year is £4.2 million (2019: £4.5 million) included within items excluded from 
adjusted profit as the charge relates to intangibles acquired upon acquisition of businesses.  

Customer relationships are intangible assets recognised upon acquisition which are amortised over long periods of time and are 
summarised below. The amortisation charge is excluded from adjusted operating profit as described in note 8. The composition  
of customer relationships and the years remaining until they are fully amortised is shown below. 

£million 

Stadium Group 

Aero Stanrew 

Torotel 

Precision Inc. 

Covina 

Roxspur 

Others 

At 31 December 2020 

£million 

Stadium Group 

Aero Stanrew 

Precision Inc. 

Roxspur 

Others 

At 31 December 2019 

Net book value 

Years remaining 

12.3  

10.0  

21.9  

11.7  

13.2  

1.6  

15.8  

11.1  

7.5  

6.1  

3.6  

0.9  

0.7  

45.7  

Net book value 

Years remaining 

13.3  

11.0  

12.7  

2.6  

17.1  

12.2  

6.8  

1.4  

0.9  

38.4  

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

17 Inventories 

£million 

Raw materials 

Work in progress 

Finished goods 

1 

 ‘Raw materials’ has been restated following an inventory restatement as further described in note 1h 

18 Trade and other receivables 
£million 

Trade receivables 

Prepayments 

VAT and other taxes receivable 
Amounts owed by non-controlling interests [1] 
Other receivables 

2020 

53.2 

26.4 

18.6 

98.2 

2020 

58.2 

4.3 

2.7 

2.0 

2.7 

69.9 

2019 
Restated [1]

57.6 

21.1 

21.4 

100.1 

2019 

66.4 

4.8 

2.7 

2.0 

2.7 

78.6 

1 

 ‘Amounts owed by non-controlling interests’ relates to £2.0 million owed by a non-controlling interest in subsidiary Rodco Limited which is payable on demand. No provision has been 
recognised against the balance as the cashflows have been assessed as fully recoverable. 

Loss allowance for expected credit losses in respect of trade receivables are shown in note 22(d)(ii). 

19 Trade and other payables  

£million 

Current liabilities 

Trade payables 

Taxation and social security 

Accruals 

Deferred income 

Goods received not invoiced 
Other payables 

1 

‘Other payables’ has been restated for an adjustment to meet the requirements of IFRS 15 as further described in note 1h. 

£million 

Non-current liabilities 

Accruals 

2020 

51.1 

4.7 

21.0 

3.8 

4.9 

4.7 

90.2 

2019 
Restated [1]

50.9 

5.0 

24.3 

11.6 

5.7 

3.2 

100.7 

2020 

2019 

0.1 

0.2 

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Financial statements 

20 Provisions 

£million 

At 1 January 2019 

Utilised 

Released 

Arising during the year 

Exchange differences 

At 1 January 2020 

Utilised 

Released 

Arising during the year 

Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2020 

1 

‘Provisions’ has been restated further described in note 1h. 

£million 

Non-current 

Current 

1 

‘Provisions’ has been restated as further described in note 1h. 

Property 

Reorganisation  

Legal, warranty 
and other  

Total 
Restated [1]

1.1 

(0.1) 

(0.2) 

0.1 

(0.1) 

0.8 
−  

−  

0.1 
−  

0.9 

0.9 

(0.5) 

− 

1.6 

(0.1) 

1.9 

(3.8) 

(0.1) 

6.3 
(0.2) 

4.1 

4.9 

(0.4) 

(0.7) 

0.7 

− 

4.5 

(0.8) 

(1.3) 

0.1 
− 

2.5 

2020 

0.9 

6.6 

7.5 

6.9 

(1.0) 

(0.9) 

2.4 

(0.2) 

7.2 

(4.6) 

(1.4) 

6.5 

(0.2) 

7.5 

2019 
Restated [1]

0.8 

6.4 

7.2 

The reorganisation provision of £4.1 million includes £3.6 million in respect of self-help programmes to consolidate our footprint 
including the closure of Barbados, Corpus Christi (Texas, US) and Lutterworth (UK) sites, the moving of Carrollton (Texas, US) 
£0.1 million and £0.1 million in respect of facility and product line rationalisation. A further £0.3 million relates to the restructuring 
programme undertaken in association with the closure of the Boone, North Carolina operations. Reorganisation provisions relate 
to committed costs in respect of restructuring programmes, as described in note 8, usually resulting in cash spend within one year. 
Work has been performed to rectify soil contamination that occurred as a result of past production practices, with £0.1 million 
utilised during the period. The provision is based upon the Group’s estimate of the scope of further work which contains inherent 
uncertainty.  

The utilisation of £3.8 million relates to severance costs of £3.3 million as part of the self-help programme, £0.2 million in respect  
of the Brea, California office closure, £0.1 million for the closure of our Taishan, China facility and £0.2 million of other costs 
(including Boone). 

Legal, warranty and other claims represent the best estimate for the cost of settling outstanding product and other claims, warranty 
provisions created on the disposal of businesses and provision for the cost of acquisitions.  

The release of £1.3 million includes £1.0 million related to the release of a product quality warranty claim provision relating to the 
disposal of the Transportation, Sensing, & Control Division in 2017, following a full and final settlement and £0.3 million of other 
costs largely relating to retention payments entered into on the date of acquisition to employees of acquired businesses. 

The utilisation of £0.8 million relates to retention payments entered into on the date of acquisition to employees of acquired 
businesses (£0.5 million) and other items (£0.3 million). 

Property provisions of £0.9 million (2019: £0.8 million) relate to dilapidation provisions. 

In 2019, the utilisation relates to a customer claim in Kuantan, Malaysia (£0.3 million), costs associated with the acquisition 
of Stadium (£0.1 million) and costs associated with the disposal of the Transportation Sensing and Control division in 2017 
(£0.1 million). The release of £0.5 million relates to surplus costs provided on the disposal of the Transportation Sensing and 
Control division in 2017 and surplus property costs relating to a vacant site. The charge to the income statement (£0.7 million) 
relates to costs incurred in the integration of the Stadium and Precision businesses. 

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Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

20 Provisions continued 
The Group has, on occasion, been required to enforce commercial contracts and to defend itself against proceedings brought by other 
parties. Provisions are made for the expected costs associated with such matters, based on past experience of similar items and other 
known factors, taking into account professional advice received, and represent management’s best estimate of the likely outcome. 
The timing of utilisation of these provisions is frequently uncertain, reflecting the complexity of issues and the outcome of various court 
proceedings and negotiations. Contractual and other provisions represent the Directors’ best estimate of the cost of settling future 
obligations although there is a higher degree of judgement involved. Unless specific evidence exists to the contrary, these provisions are 
shown as current.  

No provision is made for proceedings which have been or might be brought by other parties against Group companies unless 
management, taking into account professional advice received, assesses that it is more likely than not that such proceedings may 
be successful. Contingent liabilities associated with such proceedings have been identified, but the Directors are of the opinion that 
any associated claims that might be brought can be resisted successfully, and therefore the possibility of any material outflow in 
settlement in excess of amounts provided is assessed as remote.  

The timing of the utilisation of these amounts is uncertain as they are subject to commercial negotiation and legal process in 
different jurisdictions. Where possible the Group has purchased insurance cover to protect itself from these exposures. 

21 Borrowings and lease obligations 

£million  

At 31 December 2020 
£180 million multi-currency revolving credit facility 

Overdrafts 

Lease liabilities 

Other external loans 

Loan arrangement fee 

Total 

At 31 December 2019 

Maturity 

Currency of 
denomination 

Current 

Non-current 

Total 

2023 

2023 

GBP 

USD 

−  

−  

1.2 

3.6 

1.1 
− 

5.9 

− 

− 

9.6 

3.8 

− 

117.0 

19.7 

− 

12.3 

0.3 

(1.1) 

148.2 

95.5 

17.7 

− 

13.8 

(1.5) 

13.4 

125.5 

117.0 

19.7 

1.2 

15.9 

1.4 

(1.1) 

154.1 

95.5 

17.7 

9.6 

17.6 

(1.5) 

138.9 

£180 million multi-currency revolving credit facility 

2023 

2023 

GBP 

USD 

Overdrafts [1] 
Lease liabilities 

Loan arrangement fee 

Total 

1 

‘Cash and cash equivalents’ and ‘Borrowings’ have been restated to meet the presentational requirements of IAS 32 as described in note 1h. 

In May 2016 the Group signed a five-year £150 million multi-currency revolving credit facility and a further uncommitted 
incremental accordion facility of £30 million. In December 2018 the Group entered into an agreement to extend the facility with 
a syndicate of six banks comprising Barclays Bank, Bank of Ireland, Comerica Bank, Fifth Third Bank, HSBC Bank and National 
Westminster Bank. The maturity date of the facility was extended from May 2021 to November 2023. In addition, the facility size 
was increased from £150 million to £180 million, with the uncommitted accordion facility of £30 million. As at 31 December 2020, 
£136.7 million of the facility was drawn down. Arrangement fees with amortised cost of £1.1 million have been netted off against 
these borrowings. 

The interest margin payable on the facility is based on the Group’s compliance with financial covenants, Net debt/adjusted EBITDA 
(bank covenant) and is payable on a floating basis above £LIBOR, €LIBOR or $LIBOR depending on the currency of denomination  
of the loan.  

Undrawn facilities 
At 31 December 2020, the total borrowing facilities available to the Group amounted to £237.3 million (2019: £238.6 million). 
At 31 December 2020, the Group had available £46.6 million (2019: £70.1 million) of undrawn committed borrowing facilities 
(comprising the main facility £43.2 million (2019: £66.8 million) and China £3.4 million (2019: £3.3 million) and £39.2 million 
(2019: £39.2 million) of undrawn uncommitted borrowing facilities, representing overdraft lines and the accordion facility. 

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Financial statements 

22 Financial risk management  
The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments are foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity 
risk. These risks arise from exposures that occur in the normal course of business and are managed by the Group’s Treasury 
department in close co-operation with the Group’s business divisions and operating companies, under the oversight of a Treasury 
Committee which is chaired by the Chief Financial Officer. The responsibilities of the Group’s Treasury department include the 
monitoring of financial risks, management of cash resources, debt and capital structure management, approval of counterparties 
and relevant transaction limits, and oversight of all significant treasury activities undertaken by the Group. The Group Treasury 
department operates as a service centre to the business divisions of the Group and not as a profit centre. 

A Group Treasury policy has been approved by the Board of Directors and is periodically updated to reflect developments in the 
financial markets and the financial exposure facing the Group.  

The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise borrowings, cash and cash equivalents and derivatives used for risk 
management purposes. The Group’s borrowings, surplus liquidity and derivative financial instruments are monitored and managed 
centrally by the Group’s Treasury department.  

The Group’s accounting policies with regard to financial instruments are detailed in note 2(p). 

a) Derivatives, other financial instruments and risk management 
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to manage certain exposures to fluctuations in exchange rates and interest rates. 
The Group does not hold any speculative financial instruments. 

The Group is exposed to transactional and translation foreign exchange risk. Transactional foreign exchange risk arises from sales 
or purchases by a Group company in a currency other than that company’s functional currency. Translational foreign exchange risk 
arises on the translation of profits earned in overseas currencies into GBP and the translation of net assets denominated in 
overseas currencies into GBP, the Group’s functional currency.  

To mitigate transactional foreign exchange risk, wherever possible, Group companies enter into transactions in their functional 
currencies with customers and suppliers. When this is not possible, hedging strategies are undertaken through the use of forward 
currency contracts for up to two years ahead.  

The Group have designated £19.7 million (2019: £17.7 million) of loans in a net investment hedge of USD net assets. No 
ineffectiveness was recorded (2019: £nil) and a gain of £0.7m (2019: £0.7m) was taken to the translation reserve. The amount 
accumulated in this reserve in respect of gains/losses arising on hedging instruments designated in net investment hedges up 
to 31 December 2020 was an accumulated loss of £0.3 million (2019: accumulated loss of £0.2 million). 

The Group’s interest rate management policy is to maintain a balance between fixed and floating rates of interest on borrowings 
and deposits, and to use interest rate derivatives when appropriate and pre-approved by the Treasury Committee.  

The forward currency contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges and the mark to market valuation of these derivatives  
at 31 December 2020 is taken to the hedging reserve within equity. The interest rate hedging instruments are floating to fixed rate 
interest rate swaps used to manage the Group’s interest cost. At 31 December 2020, the Group had a net derivative financial asset 
of £5.7 million (2019: £1.2 million liability).  

Further during the year ending 31 Dec 2020, the Group hedged foreign exchange exposure arising on the USD consideration from 
the acquisition of Torotel, Inc. using a foreign exchange option. This option was designated in a cash flow hedge relationship 
and resulted in adjustments to goodwill of £0.7 million (see Note 4). 

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

22 Financial risk management continued 

Foreign exchange (FX) hedges 

31 December 2020 

Notional Amount 
(£m) 

Average Hedged 
Rate 

Fair value 
 (£m) 

Type of hedge 

USD:CNY 

USD:GBP 

USD:MXN 

EUR:GBP 

GBP:EUR 

HKD:CNY 

USD:MYR 

GBP:USD 

CNY:GBP 

Other 

Total 

31 December 2019 

USD:CNY 

USD:GBP 

USD:MXN 

EUR:GBP 

GBP:EUR 

USD:MYR 

GBP:USD 

CNY:GBP 

Other 

Total 

7.02  

0.77  

23.43  
0.90  

1.12  

0.89  

4.19  
1.27  

0.11  

6.88 

0.76  

20.30  

0.87  

1.14  

4.14  

1.30  

0.11  

62.3 

26.5 

17.8 

16.9 

9.9 

7.6 

7.4 

7.3 

6.0 

4.0 

165.7 

55.6 

30.1 

7.0 

18.8 

7.1 

5.1 

9.7 

7.0 

3.3 

143.7 

CFH − Forward rate 

CFH − Forward rate 

CFH − Forward rate 

CFH − Forward rate 

CFH − Forward rate 

CFH − Forward rate 

CFH − Forward rate 

CFH − Forward rate 

CFH − Forward rate 

CFH − Forward rate 

3.3 

1.2 

2.3 
(0.1) 

0.1 

0.3 

0.2 
(0.4) 

(0.1) 

(0.1) 

6.7 

(1.1) 

CFH − Forward rate 

− 

0.3 

0.5 

CFH − Forward rate 

CFH − Forward rate 

CFH − Forward rate 

(0.1) 

CFH − Forward rate 

− 

(0.3) 

0.1 

(0.1) 

(0.7) 

CFH − Forward rate 

CFH − Forward rate 

CFH − Forward rate 

CFH − Forward rate 

The most common exchange rate risk is the transaction risk the Group takes when it invoices a customer or purchases from 
suppliers in a different currency to the underlying functional currency of the business. The Group policy is to review transactional 
foreign exchange exposures and place contracts on a quarterly basis. To the extent the cash flows associated with a transactional 
foreign exchange risk are committed the Group will hedge 100%. The notional values of the hedged transactions are disclosed in 
the above table. The group’s policy is to hedge these transactions on a 1:1 ratio. Foreign currency basis spread of the derivative 
item is not designated and is therefore recognised in the income statement. The potential sources of ineffectiveness are timing 
of forecast transaction and credit risk. There was no hedge ineffectiveness incurred during the period. 

The closing value of the hedging reserve in relation to FX hedges on 31 Dec 2020 was £6.4 million (2019: accumulated loss of 
£1.2 million). Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on the fair value of the instruments the transactions that have been 
designated as the hedged item in a cash flow hedge relationship are still considered highly probable forecasted transactions,  
during the year and at the yearend 31 December 2020. 

Hedges with a notional amount of £42.8 million are due within 12 months with the remainder maturing within 24 months. 

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Financial statements 

22 Financial risk management  continued 

Interest rate swaps 

31 December 2020 

USD 

GBP 

31 December 2019 

USD 

GBP 

Notional amount 
(£ms) 

Fair value  
(£ms) 

Type of 
 hedge 

5.1 

19.0 

24.1 

5.1 

19.0 

24.1 

(0.3)  CFH − LIBOR 

(0.7)  CFH − LIBOR 

(1.0) 

(0.2)  CFH − LIBOR 

(0.3)  CFH − LIBOR 

(0.5) 

The Group hedges approximately 20% of the interest rate exposure of the Group. The Group holds interest rate swap instruments to 
fix the cost of LIBOR on borrowings under the bank facility. Under the terms of the swaps on the bank borrowings and excluding the 
bank margin, the Group will pay a weighted average fixed cost of approximately 1.6% until the swaps terminate in November 2023. 

The average cost of the debt for the Group is expected to be approximately 2.0% over the next 12 months. The interest rate 
swaps are designated as cash flow hedges and were highly effective throughout 2020. The fair value of the contracts as at 
31 December 2020 is disclosed in the table above. A net charge of £0.2 million was recognised within finance costs for the year 
ended 31 December 2020 (2019: £0.1 million) in the income statement with respect to the hedged items. For the year ending 
31 December 2020 an accumulated loss of £0.2 million (2019: £0.1 million) was reclassified from the cash flow hedge reserve 
and included in the income statement as part of finance costs. A loss on the movement in fair value of the hedging instruments 
of £0.7 million was recognised within other comprehensive income. The closing value of the hedging reserve in relation to 
interest rate swaps on 31 December 2020 was a debit of £1.0 million (2019: debit of £0.5 million). Swaps with a notional value 
of £19.0 million and $7.0 million mature in May 2021. Swaps with a notional value of £19.0 million and $7.0 million mature in 
November 2023. 

No ineffectiveness was recognised through the Income Statement in 2020 (2019: £nil) or is expected to be recognised in 
future periods.  

The Group is exposed to the following interest rate benchmarks within its hedge accounting relationships, which are subject to 
interest rate benchmark reform: GBP LIBOR and USD LIBOR (“IBORs”). The hedged items are Sterling and US Dollar floating rate 
debt. The Group has closely monitored the market and the output from various industry working groups managing the transition 
to new benchmark interest rates. The FCA has made it clear that, at the end of 2021, it will no longer seek to persuade, or compel 
banks to submit to LIBOR. 

In response to the announcements, the Group will begin dialogue with its banking group in respect of IBOR reform, with the 
expectation that the banking facility will transition to updated referenced benchmarked rates prior to the end of 2021. Details of the 
hedging instruments and hedged items in scope of the IFRS 9 amendments due to interest rate benchmark reform by hedge type 
are above. Only the hedges which mature after March 2021 will be impacted by the IBOR reform. 

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Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

22 Financial risk management continued 
b) Foreign exchange risk 
The Group’s exposure to foreign currency before the impact of hedging is shown below: 

£million  

31 December 2020 

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Borrowings 

Lease liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Derivative financial instruments 

Total 

31 December 2019 

Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents [1] 
Borrowings [1] 
Lease liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Derivative financial instruments 

Total 

GBP 

USD 

Euro 

Other 

Total 

− 

− 
− 

− 

(0.3) 

0.1 

(0.2) 

− 

0.6 

− 

− 

(0.1) 

0.1 

0.6 

13.6 

7.8 
(19.7) 

− 

(9.9) 
4.1 

(4.1) 

15.8 

10.8 

(21.4) 

− 

(9.7) 

(1.4) 

(5.9) 

1.8 

2.6 

− 

(0.1) 

(1.1) 
(0.1) 

3.1 

2.8 

1.5 

− 

(0.2) 

(1.5) 

0.3 

2.9 

0.6 

1.1 
− 

(1.3) 

(2.8) 

1.6 

(0.8) 

0.1 

2.5 

− 

(1.7) 

(2.9) 

0.1 

(1.9) 

16.0 

11.5 

(19.7) 

(1.4) 

(14.1) 

5.7 

(2.0) 

18.7 

15.4 

(21.4) 

(1.9) 

(14.2) 

(0.9) 

(4.3) 

1 

‘Cash and cash equivalents’ and ‘Borrowings’ have been restated to meet the presentational requirements of IAS 32 as further described in note 1h. 

A 10% strengthening of GBP against the following currencies at 31 December 2020 would have increased/(decreased) profit after 
tax by the amounts shown below. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant.  
A 10% weakening of GBP against the above currencies at 31 December would have had an equal but opposite effect on the above 
currencies to the amount shown above, on the basis that all other variables remain constant. The Group’s policy is to hedge 75% 
of foreign currency cash flows and the below analysis is after the impact of hedging. 

£million 

US dollar 

Euro 

2020 

0.1 

(0.1) 

2019 

0.3 

0.1 

A 10% strengthening of GBP against the following currencies at 31 December 2020 would have decreased equity by the amounts 
shown below. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant. The Group finances 
operations by obtaining funding through external borrowings and, where they are in foreign currencies, these borrowings may be 
designated as net investment hedges. This enables gains and losses arising on retranslation of these foreign currency borrowings 
to be charged to other comprehensive income, providing a partial offset in equity against the gains and losses arising on translation 
of the net assets of foreign operations. This has been considered in the analysis below.  

£million 

US dollar 

Euro 

2020 

7.6 

0.1 

2019 

5.1 

0.1 

10% weakening of GBP against the above currencies at 31 December would have had an equal but opposite effect on the above 
currencies to the amount shown above, on the basis that all other variables remain constant. 

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Financial statements 

22 Financial risk management continued 
c) Interest rate risk 
The Group has financial assets and liabilities which are exposed to changes in market interest rates. Changes in interest rates 
primarily impact borrowings by changing their future cash flows (floating rate debt) or their fair value (fixed rate debt) and deposits. 
The Group’s objective is to manage this interest rate exposure through the use of interest rate derivatives. 

The exposure of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities to interest rate risk is as follows:  

£million 

Financial assets 

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Derivative financial instruments 

Total financial assets 

Financial liabilities 

Borrowings 

Lease liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Derivative financial instruments 

Total financial liabilities 

£million 

Financial assets 

Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents [1] 
Derivative financial instruments 

Total financial assets 

Financial liabilities 
Borrowings [1] 
Lease liabilities 
Trade and other payables [2] 
Derivative financial instruments 

Total financial liabilities 

Floating 
rate 

Fixed 
rate 

Non-interest 
bearing 

− 

60.7 

− 

60.7 

(113.8) 
− 

− 

− 

− 

3.9 

− 

3.9 

(25.5) 

(15.9) 

− 

− 

(113.8) 

(41.4) 

60.2 

5.6 

7.6 

73.4 

1.1 

− 

(77.1) 

(1.9) 

(77.9) 

Floating 
rate 

Fixed 
rate 

Non-interest 
bearing 

− 

69.8 

− 

69.8 

(98.5) 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

(24.3) 

(17.6) 

− 

− 

(98.5) 

(41.9) 

68.4 

− 

0.9 

69.3 

1.5 

− 

(81.1) 

(2.1) 

(81.7) 

2020 
 total 

60.2 

70.2 

7.6 

138.0 

(138.2) 

(15.9) 

(77.1) 

(1.9) 

(233.1) 

2019 
 total 

68.4 

69.8 

0.9 

139.1 

(121.3) 

(17.6) 

(81.1) 

(2.1) 

(222.1) 

1 
2 

‘Cash and cash equivalents’ and ‘Borrowings’ have been restated to meet the presentational requirements of IAS 32 as described in note 1h. 
‘Trade and other payables’ have been restated as further described in note 1h. 

At 31 December 2020, 18% of borrowings was at a fixed rate when including the effect of derivatives (2019: 20% of borrowings 
including the effect of derivatives and finance leases). 

The interest charged on floating rate financial liabilities is based on the relevant benchmark rate (such as LIBOR). Interest on 
financial instruments classified as fixed rate is fixed until the maturity of the instrument.  

Considering the net debt position of the Group at 31 December 2020, any increase in interest rates would result in a net loss in the 
consolidated income statement, and any decrease in interest rates would result in a net gain. The effect on profit after tax of a 1% 
movement in interest rate, based on the year end floating rate borrowings, with all other variables held constant, is estimated to be 
£0.4 million. 

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Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

22 Financial risk management continued 
d) Credit risk 
Exposure to credit risk arises as a result of transactions in the Group’s ordinary course of business and is applicable to all financial 
assets. Investments in cash and cash equivalents and derivative financial instruments are with approved counterparty banks 
and other financial institutions. Counterparties are assessed prior to, during, and after the conclusion of transactions to ensure 
exposure to credit risk is limited to an acceptable level. The maximum exposure with respect to credit risk is represented by the 
carrying amount of each financial asset on the balance sheet. 

The Group’s major exposure to credit risk is in respect of trade receivables. Given the number and geographical spread of the 
Group’s ultimate customers and the solvency of major trade debtors, credit risk is believed to be limited. The Group is not reliant 
on any particular customer in the markets in which it operates and there is no significant concentration of credit risk. The Group 
regularly monitors its exposure to bad debts in order to minimise this exposure. 

The Group has strict procedures in place to manage the credit risk on trade receivables. Customer credit risk is managed by 
each operating company within a division but is subject to Group oversight to ensure that each division’s customer credit risk 
management system operates in a prudent and responsible manner. Credit evaluations are performed for all customers and 
credit limits are established based on internal or external rating criteria. The credit quality of the Group’s significant customers 
is monitored on an ongoing basis. Letters of credit or payments in advance are obtained where customer credit quality is not 
considered strong enough for open credit. The Group operates the expected credit losses model when applying credit risk  
to receivables. 

Trade receivables are denominated in the currencies in which the Group trades. The Group’s policy is that receivables and  
payables not in the functional currency of the subsidiary concerned are, in the main, hedged through forward foreign currency 
exchange contracts.  

There were no material impairments of trade receivables as at 31 December 2020 or 2019. The solvency of the debtor and their 
ability to repay the receivables were considered in assessing the impairment of such assets. 

(i) Risk for trade receivables by geographical regions 
The maximum exposure to credit risk for trade receivables at 31 December by geographic areas was: 

£million 

Europe (including UK) 

North America 

Asia 

Rest of the World 

2020 

26.0 

22.6 

8.8 

0.8 

58.2 

2019 

35.9 

17.9 

12.1 

0.5 

66.4 

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Financial statements 

22 Financial risk management continued 
(ii) Impairment losses 
The ageing of trade receivables at 31 December was: 

£million 

Not past due 

Past due 1 – 60 days 

Past due 61 – 120 days 

More than 120 days 

Gross  2020 Impairment 

Gross  2019 Impairment 

52.9 

4.8 
0.5 

0.5 

58.7 

(0.1) 

− 

(0.2) 

(0.2) 

(0.5) 

56.4 

9.7 

0.6 

0.1 

66.8 

2020 

(0.4) 

0.2 

(0.3) 

(0.5) 

− 

(0.1) 

(0.2) 

(0.1) 

(0.4) 

2019 

(0.3) 

0.1 

(0.2) 

(0.4) 

The movement in the provision for impairment in respect of trade receivables during the year was as follows: 

£million 

At 1 January 

Released 

Charged to income statement 

At 31 December 

(iii) Credit risk related to other financial assets and cash deposits 
Credit risk relating to the Group’s other financial assets, principally comprising cash and cash equivalents, other receivables and 
derivative financial instruments arises from the potential default of counterparties. Credit risk arising from balances with banks and 
financial institutions is monitored by the Group’s Treasury department. The Group’s policy on investment of cash and deposits are 
to only hold cash deposits with banks with a credit rating of investment grade and are reviewed on a regular basis to take account 
of developments in financial markets. Currently the Group has 12 counterparties to which it has credit risk exposure. The same 
process is undergone for counterparts with which the Group enters into hedging agreements. As such credit risk on these financial 
assets is calculated as £nil. 

The expected credit risk model was applied to other receivables as described in note 2p where the credit risk was deemed 
immaterial. 

The carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure. The maximum exposure to credit risk at 31 
December was: 

£million 

Amounts owed by non-controlling interests 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Derivative financial instruments 

1 

‘Cash and cash equivalents’ has been restated to meet the presentational requirements of IAS 32 as further described in note 1h. 

2020 

2.0 

70.2 

7.6 

2019  
Restated [1]

2.0 

69.8 

0.9 

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Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

22 Financial risk management continued 
e) Liquidity risk 
The Group maintains a balance between availability of funding and maximising investment return on cash balances through the  
use of short-term cash deposits, credit facilities and longer-term debt instruments. Management regularly reviews the funding 
requirements of the Group. 

The Group’s policy is to centrally manage debt and surplus cash balances. 

At 31 December 2020, the Group had £46.6 million of undrawn committed borrowing facilities (2019: £70.1 million) and 
£39.2 million (2019: £39.2 million) of undrawn uncommitted borrowing facilities. 

Contractual cashflows of financial liabilities 
The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities including contractual future interest payments and commitment fees: 

Carrying 
value 

Contractual 
Cash Flows  On demand 

Under 3 
months 

3 to 12 
months 

 1 to 2 
years 

 2 to 3 
years 

 3 to 4 
years 

 4 to 5 
years 

Over 5 
years 

(137.0) 

(146.9) 

(1.2) 

(15.9) 

(1.2) 
(27.0) 

(77.1) 

(0.9) 

(1.0) 

(77.1) 

(26.2) 

(1.7) 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

(1.2) 

(0.8) 

(3.4) 

(3.4) 

(139.3) 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

(1.2) 

(3.2) 

(4.2) 

(3.4) 

(2.9) 

(2.7) 

− 

− 

(9.4) 

(72.9) 

(3.2) 

(0.1) 

(4.2) 

(15.9) 

(0.5) 

− 

(7.1) 

(0.6) 

− 

− 

− 

− 

(0.5) 

(233.1) 

(280.1) 

(1.2) 

(78.2) 

(27.2) 

(15.3) 

(143.2) 

(2.9) 

(2.7) 

(9.4) 

£million  

31 December 2020 

Borrowings  
(excl overdrafts) 

Overdrafts 

Lease liabilities 

Trade and other 
payables 

Derivatives settled gross 

Interest rate swaps 

31 December 2019 

Borrowings  
(excl overdrafts) 

Overdrafts 

(111.7) 

(125.4) 

− 

(9.6) 

(9.6) 

(9.6) 

− 

− 

(3.2) 

(2.4) 

(2.4) 

(117.4) 

− 

− 

− 

(1.2) 

(3.5) 

(4.1) 

(3.1) 

Lease liabilities 
Trade and other 
payables [1] 
Derivatives settled gross 

Interest rate swaps 

(17.6) 

(19.1) 

(81.1) 

(1.6) 

(0.5) 

(81.1) 

(63.4) 

(2.2) 

− 

− 

− 

− 

(79.8) 

(10.2) 

(0.1) 

(0.7) 

(0.6) 

(26.3) 

(26.9) 

(0.4) 

(0.6) 

1 

‘Trade and other payables’ has been restated for an adjustment to meet the requirements of IFRS 15 as described in note 1h. 

(222.1) 

(300.8) 

(9.6) 

(91.3) 

(34.1) 

(34.6) 

 − 

(2.4) 

−  

− 

(0.5) 

− 

− 

(2.2) 

(2.6) 

−  

− 

− 

−  

− 

− 

(120.3) 

(2.2) 

(2.6) 

−  

− 

(0.6) 

(6.1) 

f) Fair value of financial assets and liabilities 
IFRS 13 “Fair Value Measurement” requires an analysis of those financial instruments that are measured at fair value at the end 
of the year in a fair value hierarchy. In addition, IFRS 13 requires financial instruments not measured at fair value but for which 
fair value is disclosed to be analysed in the same fair value hierarchy: 

•  Level 1 – quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; 
•  Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included within 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 (i.e. unobservable inputs). 

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Financial statements 

22 Financial risk management continued 
Set out below is a comparison by class of the carrying amounts and fair value of the Group’s financial instruments that are carried 
in the financial statements. 

£million 

Held at amortised cost 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other receivables 

Trade and other payables 

Borrowings 

Lease liabilities 

Held at fair value 

Derivative financial instruments (assets) 

Derivative financial instruments (liabilities) 
Deferred consideration for acquisition of Power Partners [2] 
Held at depreciated cost 

Investment properties 

Fair value 
hierarchy 

Carrying 
value 

2020 

Fair 
 value 

Carrying  
value  

2019 
Restated [1]

Fair 
 value 

n/a 

n/a 
n/a 

2 

n/a 

2 
2 

3 

3 

70.2 

60.2 

(77.1) 

(138.2) 

(15.9) 

7.6 

(1.9) 

(0.4) 

70.2   

60.2   

69.8 

68.4 

69.8 

68.4 

(77.1)  

(81.1) 

(81.1) 

(138.2)  

(121.3) 

(121.3) 

(15.9)  

(17.6) 

(17.6) 

7.6   

(1.9)  

(0.4)  

0.9 

(2.1) 

(0.9) 

0.9 

(2.1) 

(0.9) 

1.8 

1.8   

0.7 

0.7 

1 
‘Cash and cash equivalents’, ‘Borrowings’, and ‘Trade and other payables’ have been restated as further described in note 1h. 
2  Deferred consideration held within ‘Other payables’ which arose upon acquisition of Power Partners is further described in note 4. 

The fair value of the financial assets and liabilities are included at the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a 
current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. The following methods and assumptions were 
used to estimate the fair values: 

•  cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, trade and other payables approximate to their carrying amounts largely 

due to the short-term maturities of these instruments; 

•  the fair value of borrowings is estimated by discounting future cash flows using rates currently available for debt and remaining 

maturities; 

•  the fair value of derivative financial instrument assets (£7.6 million) and liabilities (£1.9 million) are estimated by discounting 
expected future cash flows using current market indices such as yield curves and forward exchange rates over the remaining 
term of the instrument (level 2); and 

•  the fair value of investment properties are based on market valuations obtained through third party valuations (level 3). 
•  The fair value of deferred consideration for the acquisition of Power Partners Inc is based upon the estimated amount payable 
to the seller as a result of the expected performance of Power Partners Inc as forecast by the Group. Due to materiality, the 
disclosures required by IFRS 13 for the level 3 items were not provided. 

g) Capital management 
The overriding objectives of the Group’s capital management policy are to safeguard and support the business as a going concern 
through the business cycle and to maintain an optimal capital structure by reducing the Group’s overall cost of capital. The Board 
considers equity shareholders’ funds as capital. 

The Group maintains a balance between availability of funding and maximising investment return on cash balances through the use 
of short-term cash deposits, credit facilities and longer term debt instruments, and management regularly reviews the funding 
requirements of the Group. 

Dividends are paid when the Board consider it appropriate to do so, taking into account the availability of funding. The Group has 
a progressive dividend policy. 

The Group has net debt of £83.9 million (2019: £69.1 million). Included within the debt facilities are certain financial covenants 
related to frozen IFRS net debt/adjusted. Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA adjusted to exclude the items not included within adjusted 
operating profit/net finance charges for which compliance certificates are produced on a 12 month rolling basis every half year. 
All financial covenants were fully complied with during the year and up to the date of approval of the financial statements.  

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Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

23 Retirement benefit schemes 
Defined contribution schemes  
The Group operates 401(k) plans in North America and defined contribution arrangements in the rest of the world. The assets of 
these schemes are held independently of the Group. The total contributions charged by continuing operations in respect of defined 
contribution schemes were £3.1 million (2019: £3.5 million). 

Defined benefit schemes  
At 31 December 2020 the Group operated two defined benefit schemes in the UK (the TT Group (1993) Pension Scheme and the 
Southern & Redfern Ltd Retirement Benefits Schemes) and overseas defined benefit schemes in the USA. These schemes are 
closed to new members and the UK schemes are closed to future accrual.  

In the year ended 31 December 2019, in order to improve governance of the UK pension schemes, as well as drive cost efficiency, 
the Stadium Group Retirement Benefits Plan (1974) was merged into the TT Group (1993) Pension Scheme (the TT Group scheme) 
with effect from 29 March 2019. 

The TT Group scheme commenced in 1993 and increased in size in 2006, 2007 and 2019 through the mergers of former UK schemes 
following a number of acquisitions. The parent company is the sponsoring employer in the TT Group scheme. The TT Group 
scheme is governed by TTG Pension Trustees Limited (the “Trustee”) that has control over the operation, funding and investment 
strategy in consultation with the Group. 

The TT Group scheme exposes the Group to actuarial risks such as longevity risk, currency risk, inflation risk, interest rate risk and 
market (investment) risk. The Group is not exposed to any unusual, entity specific or scheme specific risks, but given the material 
nature of the TT Group scheme, the Group has developed a comprehensive strategy covering the following areas to manage the 
financial risk associated with it: 

•  Maintaining a long term working partnership with the Trustee to ensure strong governance of risks within the TT Group scheme. 
The TT Group scheme is a long term undertaking and is managed accordingly, in order to provide security to members’ benefits 
and value for money to the Group. 

•  A prudent investment strategy is pursued by seeking risk-rewarded long term returns whilst removing the majority of liability 

mismatching unrewarded risks. As such, the Group has in place financial hedging that aims to remove the majority of interest 
rate and inflation related risks. At the current level there is no significant impact on the reported accounting deficit of a 10bps fall 
in interest rates (which would be otherwise a circa £10 million increase if the hedge were not in place) thereby reducing volatility. 
This strategy has been in place for a number of years protecting the TT Group scheme’s position since December 2013 when 
yields commenced a prolonged decline. 

•  The Group recognises that seeking rewarded risk returns in its investment strategy could lead to short term fluctuations in 

funding levels depending on market conditions. The Group considers that by maintaining a good relationship with the Trustee, 
it will be able to utilise flexibility in the funding regime to even out the impact of short term market underperformance to enhance 
predictability of Group pension contributions. This creates a suitable balance between the needs of the TT Group scheme, the 
Group, and the Members. 

The Trustee’s investment strategy mitigates the majority of these risks. Market (investment) risk is addressed by diversification 
across asset classes and managers within those asset classes. With regard to currency risk, where possible the Scheme fully 
hedges its currency risk with respect to fixed income and alternative assets, through investing in currency-hedged vehicles. 
The Scheme has equity exposure held on both a hedged, and unhedged basis. Whilst there is no specific currency hedging policy 
in place, the Scheme aims to hedge between 30-70% of its non-sterling currency exposure with respect to equity investments.  

In addition, the Trustee has a framework in place to hedge a proportion of the Scheme’s interest rate and inflation exposures. 
This framework is managed by investing in both physical and, for efficiency, derivative investments; and has a target to hedge 80% 
of the interest rate and 85% of the inflation linked liabilities measured on an economic basis. The target hedge level is kept under 
review and any change would be in consultation with the Group.  

During the year ending 31 December 2020, global financial markets have experienced and may continue to experience, significant 
volatility resulting from the spread of a COVID-19. The outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in travel and border restrictions, 
quarantines, supply chain disruptions, lower consumer demand and general market uncertainty. The effects of COVID-19 have and 
continue to adversely affect the global economy and the economies of certain nations which may negatively impact investment 
returns generally. The Scheme’s investment strategy has been assessed as being low risk as it largely matches changes in the 
assessed value of the Schemes liabilities due to changes in interest rates and inflationary expectations. 

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Financial statements 

23 Retirement benefit schemes continued 
The Trustee does not currently hedge the longevity risk, although prudent assumptions are made regarding anticipated longevity  
for the purposes of the statutory funding actuarial valuation. 

The weekly monitoring evidence published by the CMI during the COVID-19 pandemic indicates that COVID-19 has caused 
significant excess mortality during 2020, corresponding to around a 13% increase in annual mortality relative to 2019. The longer-
term implications of COVID-19 on mortality expectations are unclear. It is possible to make arguments for faster improvements 
in mortality rates (e.g. due to survivors of COVID-19 being “healthier” than the previous population or increased spending on 
healthcare as a result of the pandemic), or for slower improvements in mortality rates (e.g. due to the “ripple effect” of delayed 
medical interventions or the possible adverse economic impact of recession on health and wellbeing). The Trustees and Company 
keep the potential implications of this risk under review. 

The Trustee, in conjunction with the Group, has a duty to ensure that the TT Group scheme has an appropriate funding strategy  
in place that meets any local statutory requirements. The objective, which has been negotiated and agreed between the Group and 
the Trustee, is that the TT Group scheme should target and then maintain 100% funding on a basis that should ensure benefits 
can be paid as they fall due. Any shortfall in the assets relative to the funding target will be financed over a period that ensures 
the contributions are reasonably affordable to the Group. 

The weighted average duration of the TT Group scheme defined benefit obligation is around 16 years. 

The Trustee allocates the TT Group scheme’s assets across a range of investments to help diversify and manage risks. In particular 
a significant portion of the assets are in investments that aim to broadly match the term and nature of the liabilities. 

UK legislation requires the Trustee to carry out a statutory funding valuation at least every three years and to target full funding 
against a basis that prudently reflects the TT Group scheme’s risk exposure.  

The triennial valuation of the TT Group scheme as at April 2019 showed a net surplus of £0.3 million against the Trustee’s statutory 
funding objective. As the scheme was fully funded at the 2019 triennial valuation date, there is no requirement for the Company  
to pay pension contributions. In addition to the statutory funding objective, the Trustee and Company agreed to move towards  
a ‘self-sufficiency’ funding target, under which once full funding is achieved the likelihood of the Trustee requiring subsequent 
contributions from the Company is significantly reduced. To support the scheme’s long-term funding target of self-sufficiency  
the Company agreed to pay additional fixed contributions of £5.5 million, £5.7 million and £4.4 million in the years 2021 to  
2023 respectively. 

In the year ended 31 December 2020 the Group made contributions of £5.3 million to the TT Group scheme and £0.1 million to  
the Southern & Redfern Ltd Retirement Benefits Schemes.  

In the year ended 31 December 2019, the outstanding deficit contribution payments due under the Stadium Group Retirement 
Benefits Plan (1974)’s recovery plan were accelerated and £3.4 million was paid into the scheme immediately prior to the merger. 
The total payments made in the year ended 31 December 2019 in respect of UK defined benefit schemes was £8.6 million. 

In addition, the Company has set aside £2.5 million under a legal agreement to be utilised in agreement with the Trustee for 
reducing the long-term liabilities of the TT Group scheme.  

A High Court judgment regarding the equalisation of GMP was published on 26 October 2018. The judgment itself related to the 
Lloyds Banking Group’s pension schemes and requirements to equalise scheme benefits, to address the inherent inequality 
between genders caused by GMP legislation. GMP is the minimum benefit that must be provided by a pension scheme to a member 
who had been contracted out of the State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme (SERPS) between 6 April 1978 and 5 April 1997.  
This ruling has implications for all occupational pension schemes; including the Group’s UK schemes; that were contracted out  
of SERPS on a defined benefit basis between 17 May 1990 and 5 April 1997.  

In the year ended 31 December 2019 £0.4 million was recognised for the potential cost of the GMP equalisation. These allowances 
have been recognised in the income statement within items excluded from adjusted operating profit. The assumptions 
underpinning the estimate were based on market conditions at the time of the judgement, namely a discount rate of 2.8%,  
RPI inflation of 3.4%, CPI inflation of 2.4% and using S2 mortality tables.  

Following a High Court ruling on 20 November 2020, transfers out of the Plan between May 1990 and October 2018 need to be 
revisited and equalised for GMP (if applicable). In the year ended 31 December 2020 an additional £1.0 million was recognised 
as an allowance for potential cost of the GMP equalisation of historic transfers out of the Scheme. These allowances have been 
recognised in the income statement within items excluded from adjusted operating profit.  

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

23 Retirement benefit schemes continued 
An actuarial valuation of the USA defined benefit schemes was carried out by independent qualified actuaries in 2020 using the 
projected unit credit method. Pension scheme assets are stated at their market value at 31 December 2020. 

An analysis of the pension surplus/(deficit) by scheme is shown below: 

£million 

TT Group (1993) 

Southern & Redfern 

USA schemes 

Net surplus 

2020 

35.4 

− 

(4.9) 

30.5 

2019 

21.2 

− 

(4.6) 

16.6 

Given the nature of the Group’s control of the TT Group under the Scheme rules, the Group considers that it has an unconditional 
right to refund of surplus in the event of the Scheme’s wind-up. Based on these rights, any pension surpluses have been recognised 
in full under IFRIC 14. 

The principal assumptions used for the purpose of the actuarial valuations for the Group’s primary defined benefit schemes 
were as follows: 

% 

Discount rate 

Inflation rate (RPI) 

Increases to pensions in payment (LPI 5% pension increases) 

Increases to deferred pensions (CPI) 

TT Group 

TT Group 

2020 

1.40 

3.10 

2.95 

2.40 

2019 

2.00 

3.10 

3.00 

2.20 

The mortality tables applied by the actuaries at 31 December 2020 for the TT Group Scheme were S2 tables with 105% 
(male)/106% (female) weighting for pensioners and 108% (male)/105% (female) weighting for non-pensioners with a 1.5% long-term 
rate of improvement in conjunction with the CMI 2019 projection model. The assumptions are equivalent to life expectancies  
as follows: 

Current pensioner aged 65: 87 years (male), 89 years (female). 

Risk and sensitivity  
Future retiree currently aged 40: 89 years (male), 91 years (female). A decrease in the discount rate by 0.1% per annum increases 
the liabilities by approximately £10.3 million. An increase by 0.1% per annum in the inflation rate increases the liabilities by 
approximately £5.1 million. An increase in the life expectancy of 1 year increases the liabilities by approximately £26.8 million.  

The sensitivities above consider the impact of the single change shown, with the other assumptions unchanged. The inflation 
sensitivities allow for the consequential impact on the relevant pension increase assumptions. The sensitivity analyses have been 
determined based on a method that extrapolates the impact on the defined benefit obligation as a result of reasonable changes  
in key assumptions occurring at the end of the reporting period. 

174 
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Financial statements 

23 Retirement benefit schemes continued 
The amounts recognised in respect of the pension deficit in the Consolidated balance sheet are:  

£million 

Equities 

UK 

Overseas 

Government bonds 

UK 

Quoted 

Unquoted 

Quoted 

Unquoted 

Fixed 

Index-linked 

Overseas 

Corporate bonds 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Derivatives 

Insured assets 

Other 

Fair value of assets 

Present value of defined benefit obligation 

Net surplus recognised in the consolidated balance sheet 

2020 

2019 

− 

6.2 

4.1 

93.2 

183.0 

135.0 

7.3 

97.1 

30.0 

11.4 

15.6 

65.8 

− 

8.7 

3.8 

106.1 

172.6 

116.7 

8.3 

73.8 

17.9 

4.0 

15.6 

55.6 

648.7 

(618.2) 

30.5 

583.1 

(566.5) 

16.6 

The schemes’ assets are unquoted unless otherwise stated and do not include the Group’s financial instruments nor any property 
occupied by, or other assets used by the Group. All of the funds included in the asset split are pooled investment vehicles for which 
due diligence has been completed. We have classified all of the Scheme’s investments other than the cash held at the custodian, 
government bonds and the exchange traded funds (ETFs) as unquoted assets. Derivatives include liability driven instruments taken 
out to hedge part of the scheme inflation and interest rate risks.  

Amounts recognised in the Consolidated income statement are: 

£million 

Scheme administration costs 

Past service cost and settlements (excluded from adjusted operating profit) 

Net interest credit 

2020 

1.7 

0.8 

0.4 

2019 

1.0 

0.4 

0.6 

Amounts recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income are a gain of £8.6 million (2019: loss of £9.1 million) 
which comprises of; the actual return on scheme assets, a gain of £70.9 million (2019: gain of £51.8 million) and the 
remeasurement of the schemes obligations, an increase of £62.3 million (increase of £60.9 million). 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 

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2020 

566.5 

0.8 

11.2 

5.0 

57.3 

− 

(22.2) 

(0.4) 

618.2 

604.8 

1.0 

12.4 

618.2 

2020 

583.1 

11.6 

70.9 

7.2 

(1.7) 

(0.1) 

(22.2) 

(0.1) 

648.7 

2019 

525.1 

0.4 

14.9 

(5.2) 

70.7 

(4.6) 

(34.2) 

(0.6) 

566.5 

553.3 

1.0 

12.2 

566.5 

2019 

541.6 

15.5 

51.8 

9.8 

(1.0) 

(0.1) 

(34.2) 

(0.3) 

583.1 

Financial statements
Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

23 Retirement benefit schemes continued 
Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation are:  

£million 

Defined benefit obligation at 1 January 

Past service charge and settlements 

Interest on obligation 

Remeasurements: 

Effect of changes in demographic assumptions 

Effect of changes in financial assumptions 

Effect of experience adjustments 

Benefits paid 

Exchange 

Defined benefit obligation at 31 December 

TT Group (1993) 

Southern & Redfern 

USA schemes 

Changes in the fair value of the schemes’ assets are: 

£million 

Fair value of schemes’ assets at 1 January 

Interest income on defined benefit scheme assets 

Return on scheme assets, excluding interest income 

Contributions by employer 

Pension scheme expenses 

Annuity purchase loss 

Benefits paid 

Exchange 

Fair value of schemes’ assets at 31 December 

176 
174 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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Financial statements 

24 Share capital and other reserves 
Share capital 
£million 

Issued and fully paid 

174,580,743 (2019: 164,038,978) ordinary shares of 25p each 

2020 

2019 

43.6 

41.0 

On the 22 September 2020 the Group issued 10,000,000 ordinary shares to fund the acquisition of Torotel. The consideration 
received was £19.5 million (after fees of £0.5 million which were recorded within share premium) which was represented by a 
£2.5 million increase in share capital and a £17.0 million increase in share premium. 

During the period the Company issued 455,265 ordinary shares as a result of share options being exercised under the Sharesave 
scheme and Share Purchase plans. The aggregate consideration received was £0.7 million, which was represented by a £0.1 million 
increase in share capital and a £0.6 million increase in share premium. 

The performance conditions of the Long-term Incentive Plan awards issued in 2017 and Restricted Share Plan awards issued in 
2018, 2019 and 2020 were met and shares were allocated to award holders from existing shares held by an Employee Benefit Trust 
for £nil consideration. 86,500 new shares were also issued at par value of 25 pence to settle the vesting of part of the 2017 scheme. 

Other reserves 

£million 

At 1 January 2019 

Share based payment charge 

Awards made to employees − equity 
settled 

Awards made to employees − cash 
settled 

Deferred tax on share based payments 

Purchase of shares 

Sales of shares 

Gain on cash flow hedges taken to 
equity less amounts taken to income 
statement 

At 31 December 2019 

Share based payment charge 

Awards made to employees − equity 
settled 

Awards made to employees − cash 
settled 

Deferred tax on share based payments 

Gain on cash flow hedges taken to 
equity less amounts taken to income 
statement 

At 31 December 2020 

Share Based 
Payment Reserve 

Employee  
Benefit Trust 

Share  
options reserve 

1.8 

3.0 

(1.9) 

(2.8) 

0.1 

− 

− 

− 

0.2 

1.0 

(2.2) 

(1.8) 

(0.3) 

− 

(3.1) 

(2.5) 

− 

1.9 

− 

(2.5) 

0.7 

− 

(2.4) 

2.2 

− 

− 

− 

(0.2) 

(0.7) 

3.0 

− 

(2.8) 

0.1 

(2.5) 

0.7 

− 

(2.2) 

1.0 

− 

(1.8) 

(0.3) 

− 

(3.3) 

Hedging  
Reserve 

(1.8) 

Merger  
reserve 

3.4 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

0.1 

(1.7) 

− 

− 

− 

− 

7.1 

5.4 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

3.4 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

3.4 

Total 

0.9 

3.0 

− 

(2.8) 

0.1 

(2.5) 

0.7 

0.1 

(0.5) 

1.0 

− 

(1.8) 

(0.3) 

7.1 

5.5 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

25 Share-based payment plans 
The Company has the following share-based payment plans in operation at 31 December 2020: 

•  Long-term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) for senior executives; 
•  Restricted Share Plan for certain senior executives; and 
•  Sharesave plans for UK employees and a Share Purchase plan for US employees. 

a) Long-term Incentive Plans 
Details of the LTIP awards outstanding during the year are as follows: 

At 1 January 

Granted 

Forfeited 

Exercised/Vested 

At 31 December 

Exercisable at 31 December 

2020 

2019 

Number of  
share awards 

Number of 
 share awards 

4,697,301   

5,425,034 

2,003,776   

2,030,515 

(106,490)  

(1,076,673) 

(1,562,666)  

(1,681,575) 

5,031,921   

4,697,301 

−   

− 

During 2020 grants of awards were made under the LTIP for the issue of shares in 2023. An award is a contingent right to receive 
shares in the future, subject to continued employment and the achievement of predetermined performance criteria. The 
performance targets attached to awards require the achievement of earnings per share (‘EPS’) and total shareholder return (‘TSR’) 
targets as detailed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 100.  

On 13 March 2020 and 17 September 2020 grants of awards were made under the LTIP for the issue of up to 1,981,406 and 22,370 
shares respectively in 2023.  

On 16 January 2019, 11 March 2019 and 13 December 2019 grants of awards were made under the LTIP for the issue of up to 
84,798 shares, 1,922,225 shares and 23,492 shares respectively in 2022.  

The fair value of the shares was estimated at the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation model, taking into account the terms 
and conditions upon which the shares were granted. This model simulates the TSR and compares it against the group of 
comparator companies. It takes into account historic dividends and share price fluctuations to predict the distribution of relative 
share price performance. 

The following table lists the inputs to the model: 

Number of awards 

Fair value at grant date 

Share price at grant date 

Exercise price 

Expected volatility 

Expected weighted average life at 
31 December (years) 

Shares with a  
17 September 
2020 
grant date 

22,370 

175.8p 

212.0p 

£nil 

35% 

2.8 

2020 

Shares with a  
13 March  
2020 
grant date 

1,981,406   

161.3p   

194.5p   

£nil   

35%   

2.2 

Shares with a  
13 December 
2019  
grant date 

23,492 

193.4p 

235.0p 

£nil 

35% 

3.0 

Shares with a  
11 March  
2019  
grant date 

1,922,225 

166.3p 

202.0p 

£nil 

35% 

2.2 

2019 

Shares with a  
16 January 
 2019  
grant date 

84,798 

164.6p 

197.8p 

£nil 

33% 

0.1 

178 
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Financial statements 

25 Share-based payment plans continued 
The award of shares is not affected by the risk free rate of interest since no investment is required by the recipient, and therefore  
no interest could be earned elsewhere. Expected volatility is based on historical share price movements. 

On 13 March 2020 48,070 (11 March 2019: 45,761) notional share awards were granted to senior executives which will ultimately 
be settled in cash. This award is subject to the same vesting criteria as the 13 March 2020 LTIP grant.  

The performance conditions of the LTIP grants made in 2016 that reached the end of their performance periods in 2019 were met 
and shares were allocated to award holders from existing shares held by an Employee Benefit Trust for £nil consideration. 

b) Restricted Share Plan 
On 16 January 2019 the Group granted 92,926 shares under the restricted plan. The award is subject to continuing employment 
with the Group, 57,157 shares vested in June 2019 with the remaining 35,769 shares vesting in June 2020. 

On 11 March 2019 the Group granted 82,750 shares under the restricted plan. The award is subject to continuing employment 
with the Group, vesting in March 2020. 

On 26 April 2019 the Group granted 51,458 shares under the restricted plan. The award is subject to continuing employment 
with the Group, with one half vesting in February 2020 and half vesting in February 2021. 

On 8 August 2019 the Group granted 9,677 shares under the restricted plan. The award is subject to continuing employment 
with the Group, vesting in July 2021. 

On 13 January 2020 the Group granted 79,597 shares under the restricted plan. The award is subject to continuing employment 
with the Group, 10,612 shares vested in November 2020, 31,839 will vest in January 2021, 5,307 in November 2021 and 31,839 
in January 2022. 

On 17 September 2020 the Group granted 184,321 shares under the restricted plan. The award is subject to continuing employment 
with the Group, and its vesting percentage will be reduced by the percentage which the EPS element of the 2018 LTIP scheme 
vests. 184,321 shares will vest in September 2022.  

On 17 September 2020 the Group granted 249,222 shares under the restricted plan. The award is subject to continuing employment 
with the Group, and its vesting percentage will be reduced by the percentage which the EPS element of the 2019 LTIP scheme 
vests. 249,222 shares will vest in September 2023. 

On 17 September 2020 the Group granted 141,933 shares under the restricted plan. The award is subject to continuing employment 
with the Group, with 51,633 vesting in September 2022 and 90,300 vesting in September 2023. 

On 24 September 2020 the Group granted 99,891 shares under the restricted plan. The award is subject to continuing employment 
with the Group, and its vesting percentage will be reduced by the percentage which the EPS element of the 2018 LTIP scheme 
vests. 99,891 shares will vest in September 2022. 

On 17 September 2020 42,092 notional share awards were granted to senior executives which will ultimately be settled in cash. 
This award is subject to the same vesting criteria as the 17 September 2020 grants with 32,092 awards being subject to clawback 
based upon the vesting of the EPS element of the 2018 and 2019 LTIP schemes. 

On 24 September 2020 the Group granted 19,284 shares under the restricted plan. The award is subject to continuing employment 
with the Group and additional performance obligations, vesting in December 2022. 

On 24 September 2020 the Group granted 531,474 shares under the restricted plan. The award is subject to continuing employment 
with the Group, vesting in December 2023. 

On 5 November 2020 the Group granted 20,000 shares under the restricted plan. The award is subject to continuing employment 
with the Group, with one half vesting in September 2022 and the other half vesting in September 2023. 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

25 Share-based payment plans continued 
Details of the restricted share plan awards outstanding during the year are as follows: 

At 1 January  

Granted 

Vested 

At 31 December  

Exercisable at 31 December  

2020 

2019 

Number of  
share awards 

Number of  
share awards 

284,106   

1,367,814   

104,452 

236,811 

(165,950)  

(57,157) 

1,485,970   

284,106 

−   

− 

c) Sharesave schemes 
The Group operates a Sharesave scheme for participating employees in the UK under a three-year plan. Employees may purchase 
the Group’s shares at a 20% discount to the market price on the day prior to the commencement of the offer up to a maximum 
contribution value of £6,000 in any one year. Monthly contributions are saved with Lloyds Bank plc, via Equiniti Ltd, the Registrars,  
in the employee’s share savings plan and will only be released to employees who remain in the Group’s employment for a period 
of three years from commencement of the savings contract. Options become exercisable on completion of the three-year term 
or within six months of leaving in certain circumstances.  

The fair value of the shares at grant date was as follows: 

Date price set 

24 August 2017 

31 August 2018 

30 August 2019 

30 August 2020 

Details of the Sharesave awards outstanding during the year are as follows:  

At 1 January  

Granted 

Forfeited 

Exercised 

At 31 December  

Exercisable at 31 December 

Market price 

Option price 

220.5p 

260.0p 

237.0p 

187.0p 

178.0p 

215.0p 

190.0p 

151.0p 

Options 
outstanding 

77,114 

404,674 

696,993 

1,581,646 

2020 

2019 

Number of share 
awards 

  Number of share 
awards 

1,874,080   

1,867,255 

1,599,526   

874,391 

(341,672)  

(244,662) 

(371,507)  

(622,904) 

2,760,427   

1,874,080 

149,172   

25,458 

The Group operates a Stock Purchase Plan for participating US employees. Under the plan employees may purchase the Group’s 
shares at a 15% discount to the market price at the date of acquisition, up to a maximum of $6,500 per annum. Employees save 
on a monthly basis and shares are purchased each quarter. 

The total share-based payment charge for the year excluding a social security credit of £0.1 million (2019: £0.6 million charge) 
arising from the above share scheme plans was £1.0 million (2019: £3.0 million).  

180 
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Financial statements 

26 Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt 

£million 

As at 1 January 2019 

Adjustment on initial application of IFRS 16 

Adjusted balance as at 1 January 2019 

Cash flow 

Businesses acquired 

Proceeds from borrowings 

Payment of lease liabilities 

New leases 

Amortisation of loan arrangement fees 

Lease disposal 

Exchange differences 

At 1 January 2020 

Cash flow 

Businesses acquired 

Repayment of borrowings 

Proceeds from borrowings 

Payment of lease liabilities 

Reassessment of lease liability 

New leases 

Amortisation of loan arrangement fees 

Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2020 

Net cash 

Lease liabilities 

Borrowings 

Net debt 

40.6  

−  

40.6  

21.6  

−  

−  

−  

−  

−  

−  

(2.0) 

60.2  

9.7  
−  

−  

−  

−  
−  

−  

−  
(0.9) 

69.0  

(0.6) 

(21.3) 

(21.9) 

−  

(0.2) 

−  

4.4  

(0.7) 

−  

0.4  

0.4  

(17.6) 

−  

(2.0) 

−  
−  

4.1  
(0.1) 

(0.5) 

−  

0.2  

(81.7) 

−  

(81.7) 

−  

−  

(30.4) 

−  

−  

(0.4) 

−  

0.8  

(111.7) 

−  

(3.0) 

27.2  

(49.8) 

−  
−  

−  

(0.4) 

0.7  

(41.7) 

(21.3) 

(63.0) 

21.6  

(0.2) 

(30.4) 

4.4  

(0.7) 

(0.4) 

0.4  

(0.8) 

(69.1) 

9.7  

(5.0) 

27.2  

(49.8) 

4.1  

(0.1) 

(0.5) 

(0.4) 

−  

(15.9) 

(137.0) 

(83.9) 

Net cash of £69.0 million (2019: £60.2 million) comprises cash at bank and in hand of £70.2 million (2019: £69.8 million) 
and overdrafts of £1.2 million (2019: £9.6 million). 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  
continued 

27 Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities 

£million 

As at 1 January 2019 

Adjustment on initial application of IFRS 16 

Adjusted balance as at 1 January 2019 

Cash movements 

Cash flows 

Non cash movements 

Businesses acquired 

Fair value movements 

Other movements 

Exchange differences 

At 1 January 2020 

Cash movements 

Cash flows 

Non cash movements 

Businesses acquired 

Fair value movements 

Other movements 

Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2020 

Lease liabilities 

Borrowings 

Interest rate 
swaps 

Liabilities arising 
from financing 
activities 

(0.6) 

(21.3) 

(21.9) 

(81.7) 

−  

(81.7) 

(0.1) 

−  

(0.1) 

(82.4) 

(21.3) 

(103.7) 

5.4  

(27.5) 

0.1  

(22.0) 

(0.2) 

−  

(1.3) 

0.4  

−  

−  

(3.3) 

0.8  

(17.6) 

(111.7) 

−  

(0.5) 

−  

−  

(0.5) 

4.9  

(20.1) 

0.2  

(2.0) 

−  

(1.4) 

0.2  

(3.0) 

−  

(2.9) 

0.7  

(15.9) 

(137.0) 

−  

(0.7) 
−  

−  

(1.0) 

(0.2) 

(0.5) 

(4.6) 

1.2  

(129.8) 

−  

(15.0) 

−  

(5.0) 

(0.7) 

(4.3) 

0.9  

(153.9) 

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Financial statements 

28 Contingent liabilities  
The Group is subject to claims which arise in the ordinary course of business. Other than those for which provisions have been 
made and included within note 20, the Directors consider the likelihood of any other claims giving rise to a significant liability to 
be remote.  

29 Capital commitments 
£million 

Contractual commitments for the purchase of property, plant and equipment 

2020 

5.2 

2019 

1.2 

The Group has contractual commitments of £5.2 million primarily relating to purchase orders and contracts for the development 
and improvement of sites as part of the Group’s restructuring activities. 

30 Leases  
The total cash outflow for leases is £4.9 million (2019: £5.6 million) comprising lease repayments of £4.1 million (2019: 
£4.4 million), interest on lease liabilities of £0.8 million (2019: £1.0 million). The income statement cost of short term and low 
value leases was £0.2 million (2019: £0.2 million).  

Interest on lease liabilities is shown in note 6, the maturity of the lease liabilities is shown in note 22(e) and the corresponding 
assets to which the lease liabilities relate are shown in note 13. 

31 Cash and cash equivalents 
Within cash and cash equivalents the Group has set aside £2.5 million (2019: £2.5 million) under a legal agreement to be utilised 
in agreement with the Trustee for reducing liabilities of the pension scheme. Further details of the scheme are provided in note 23 
to the Group financial statements. 

32 Related party transactions 
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note.  

No related party transactions have taken place in 2021 or 2020 that have affected the financial position or performance of 
the Group. 

Key management personnel and Directors’ emoluments are disclosed in note 12.  

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Company statement of financial position  
at 31 December 2020 

£million 

Fixed assets 

Right-of-use assets 

Tangible assets 

Intangible assets 

Investments 

Deferred tax asset 

Pensions 

Total fixed assets 

Current assets 

Debtors 

Cash at bank and in hand 

Total current assets 

Current liabilities 

Lease liabilities 

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

Total current liabilities 

Net current assets 

Non current liabilities 

Lease liabilities 

Deferred tax liability 

Total non current liabilities 

Net assets 

Capital and reserves 

Called up share capital 

Share premium account 

Share options reserve 

Merger reserve 

Profit and loss account 

Shareholders’ funds 

Note 

2020 

2019 

2 

2 

2 

3 

11 

10 

4 

13 

6 

5 

6 

11 

7 

7 

8 

9 

0.8 

0.8 

2.5 

174.2 

3.1 

35.4 

216.8 

197.7 

3.9 

201.6 

0.2 

121.9 

122.1 

79.5 

0.8 

6.6 

7.4 

1.0 

1.0 

3.6 

189.3 

2.9 

21.2 

219.0 

190.7 

2.6 

193.3 

0.2 

130.1 

130.3 

63.0 

1.0 

3.6 

4.6 

288.9 

277.4 

43.6 

21.7 

(3.3) 

3.4 

223.5 

288.9 

41.0 

4.1 

(2.2) 

3.4 

231.1 

277.4 

The Company reported a loss for the financial year ended 31 December 2020 of £14.9 million (2019: profit of £153.6 million). 

Approved by the Board of Directors on 9 March 2021 and signed on their behalf by: 

Richard Tyson  
Director 

Mark Hoad 
Director 

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Financial statements 

Company statement of changes in equity 
at 31 December 2020 

£million 

At 1 January 2019 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income 

Remeasurement of defined benefit 
pension schemes 

Tax on remeasurement of defined 
benefit pension schemes 

Total comprehensive income 

Transactions with owners recorded 
directly in equity 

Dividends paid by the Company 

Share-based payments 

Purchase of shares 

Sale of shares 

Deferred tax on share-based payments 

New shares issued 

At 31 December 2019 

Loss for the year 

Other comprehensive income 

Remeasurement of defined benefit 
pension schemes 

Tax on remeasurement of defined 
benefit pension schemes 

Total comprehensive income 

Transactions with owners recorded 
directly in equity 

Share-based payments 

Deferred tax on share-based payments 
New shares issued 

At 31 December 2020 

Share capital 

Share premium 

Merger reserve 

Share options 
reserve 

Profit and loss 
account 

40.8 

− 

3.4 

− 

3.4 

− 

(0.7) 

− 

95.1 

153.6 

Total 

142.0 

153.6 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

0.2 

41.0 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 
2.6 

43.6 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

0.7 

4.1 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 
17.6 

21.7 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

3.4 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 
3.4 

− 

− 

− 

− 

0.2 

(2.5) 

0.7 

0.1 

− 

(2.2) 

− 

− 

− 

(0.8) 

(0.3) 

− 
(3.3) 

(8.3) 

(8.3) 

1.6 

146.9 

1.6 

146.9 

(10.9) 

− 

0.7 

(0.7) 

− 

− 

231.1 

(14.9) 

9.5 

(2.2) 

(7.6) 

− 

− 

− 

223.5 

(10.9) 

0.2 

(1.8) 

− 

0.1 

0.9 

277.4 

(14.9) 

9.5 

(2.2) 

(7.6) 

(0.8) 

(0.3) 
20.2 

288.9 

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Notes to the Company financial statements  

1 Significant accounting policies 
a) Basis of preparation 
The financial statements of TT Electronics plc (the “Company”) were prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 
Reduced Disclosure Framework (“FRS 101”).  

In preparing these financial statements, the Company applies the recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements 
of International Financial Reporting Standards, but makes amendments where necessary in order to comply with Companies 
Act 2006 and has set out below where advantage of the FRS 101 disclosure exemptions has been taken.  

In these financial statements, the Company has applied the exemptions available under FRS 101 in respect of the 
following disclosures:  

•  a Cash Flow Statement and related notes;  
•  disclosures in respect of transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries;  
•  disclosures in respect of capital management;  
•  the effects of new but not yet effective IFRSs; 
•  disclosures in respect of the compensation of Key Management Personnel;  
•  comparable movement tables for tangible and intangible fixed assets; and  
•  disclosures in respect of leases  

The accounting policies set out in Note 2 of the Consolidated financial statements have, unless otherwise stated, been applied 
in the preparation of the Company financial statements.  

Change in accounting policy 
There have been no changes to accounting policies during the year. Adoption of new and amendments to published standards 
and interpretations effective for the Group for the year ended 31 December 2020 did not have any impact on the financial position 
or performance of the Group. 

b) Estimation uncertainty 
Judgements made by the Directors, in the application of these accounting policies that have significant effect on the financial 
statements and estimates with a significant risk of material adjustment in the next year are as follows: 

•  Note 23 – Defined benefit pension obligations. The defined benefit obligations in respect of the plans are discounted at rates 
set by reference to market yields on high quality corporate bonds. Significant estimation is required when setting the criteria 
for bonds to be included in the population from which the yield curve is derived. The most significant criteria considered for 
the selection of bonds to include are the issue size of the corporate bonds, quality of the bonds and the identification of outliers 
which are excluded. In addition, assumptions are made in determining mortality and inflation rates to be used when valuing 
the plan’s defined benefit obligations. Whilst actual movements might be different to sensitivities shown, there is a reasonably 
possible change that could occur. At 31 December 2020, the retirement benefit plan was in a surplus of £35.4 million 
(31 December 2019: £21.2 million). Note 23 outlines the significant assumptions and associated sensitivities. The pension 
deficit has been calculated using the assumptions set out in note 23 of the Consolidated financial statements;  

•  An impairment of £15.1 million (2019: £nil) was recognised to reduce the investment in Aero Stanrew Limited to its carrying value 

of £23.7 million. The significant assumptions in determining the impairment are the future cash flows and the discount rate.  
A 10% improvement in future cash flows would have reduced the impairment by £3.0 million and a 10% worsening of cashflows 
would have increased the impairment by £3.0 million. An increase in the discount rate by 1.0% would have increased the 
impairment by £2.9 million and a 1.0% reduction in the discount rate would have decreased the impairment by £3.6 million. 

Details of the Directors’ assessment of the Company’s ability to continue in operational existence for at least twelve months from 
the date of signing these financial statements are shown in note 1 of the Consolidated financial statements and in the Governance 
and Directors’ Report on page 82. 

d) Investments  
Fixed asset investments in subsidiaries are carried at cost less provision for impairment.  

e) Own shares held by Employee Benefit Trust 
Transactions of the Company-sponsored Employee Benefit Trust are treated as being those of the Company and are therefore 
reflected in the Company’s financial statements. In particular, the Trust’s purchases of shares in the Company are debited directly 
to equity. 

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Financial statements 

2 Fixed assets 

£million 

Cost 

At 1 January 2020 

Additions 

At 31 December 2020 

Depreciation  

At 1 January 2020 
Depreciation charge 

At 31 December 2020 

Net book value 

At 31 December 2020 

At 31 December 2019 

3 Fixed asset investments 
£million 

Cost 

At 1 January 2020 

At 31 December 2020 

Provisions 

At 1 January 2020 
Impairment 

At 31 December 2020 

Net book value 

At 31 December 2020 

At 31 December 2019 

Intangible  
Assets 

Plant, 
equipment  
and vehicles 

Right-of-use 
assets 

18.9 

0.3 

19.2 

15.3 
1.4 

16.7 

2.5 
3.6 

1.2 

− 

1.2 

0.2 
0.2 

0.4 

0.8 
1.0 

1.2 

− 

1.2 

0.2 
0.2 

0.4 

0.8 

1.0 

Subsidiary undertakings 

253.0 

253.0 

63.7 
15.1 

78.8 

174.2 

189.3 

An impairment of £15.1 million (2019: £nil) was recognised to reduce the investment in Aero Stanrew Limited to its carrying value  
of £23.7 million.  

The significant assumptions in determining the impairment are the future cash flows and the discount rate. A 10% improvement 
in future cash flows would have reduced the impairment by £3.0 million and a 10% worsening of cashflows would have increased 
the impairment by £3.0 million. An increase in the discount rate by 1.0% would have increased the impairment by £2.9 million 
and a 1.0% reduction in the discount rate would have decreased the impairment by £3.6 million. 

The Company’s subsidiary undertakings and their locations are shown in note 15. Shareholdings are held indirectly for all principal 
operating subsidiary undertakings.  

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Notes to the Company financial statements  
continued 

4 Debtors 
£million 

Amounts falling due within one year 

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings 
Prepayments, accrued income and other receivables 

2020 

2019 

195.6 
2.1 

197.7 

190.0 
0.7 

190.7 

‘Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings’ are payable on demand. The balance has been considered for impairment using the 
expected credit losses model but due to the insignificant credit risk no impairment was recognised. 

5 Creditors  
£million 

Amounts falling due within one year 

Trade creditors 

Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings 

Taxation and social security 

Accruals and deferred income 

6 Lease obligations 

£million 

At 31 December 2019 

Capital repayments 

At 31 December 2020 

7 Share capital 
£million 

Issued, called up and fully paid 

2020 

2019 

2.3 

115.5 

0.8 

3.3 

2.4 

122.1 

1.0 

4.6 

121.9 

130.1 

Current lease 
liabilities 

Non-current 
lease liabilities 

0.2 

− 

0.2  

1.0 

(0.2) 

0.8  

Total 

1.2 

(0.2) 

1.0 

2020 

2019 

174,580,743 (2019: 164,038,978) ordinary shares of 25p each 

43.6 

41.0 

On the 22 September 2020 the Group issued 10,000,000 ordinary shares to fund the acquisition of Torotel. The consideration 
received was £19.5 million (after fees of £0.5 million which were recorded within admin expenses) which was represented by  
a £2.5 million increase in share capital and a £17.0 million increase in share premium. 

During the period the Company issued 455,265 ordinary shares as a result of share options being exercised under the 
Sharesave scheme and Share Purchase plans. The aggregate consideration received was £0.7 million, which was represented 
by a £0.1 million increase in share capital and a £0.6 million increase in share premium. 

The performance conditions of the Long-term Incentive Plan awards issued in 2017 and Restricted Share Plan awards issued 
in 2018, 2019 and 2020 were met and shares were allocated to award holders from existing shares held by an Employee Benefit 
Trust for £nil consideration. 86,500 new shares were also issued at par value of 25 pence to settle the vesting of part of the 
2017 scheme. 

8 Share-based payments  
Details of share-based payments are shown in note 25 of the Consolidated financial statements. 

9 Profit for the year  
As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the Company has elected not to present its profit and loss account for the 
year. The loss after tax of the Company for the year was £14.9 million (2019: £153.6 million). The auditor’s remuneration for audit 
services is disclosed in note 7 to the Consolidated financial statements.  

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Financial statements 

10 Pension schemes  
Defined benefit scheme 
In the year ending 31 December 2019 the TT Group pension scheme merged with the Stadium Group pension scheme and the 
Company assumed the net liabilities of £1.0 million for no consideration at that date. 

The triennial valuation of the TT Group scheme as at April 2019 showed a net surplus of £0.3 million against the Trustee’s funding 
objective compared with a deficit of £46.0 million at April 2016. As the scheme was fully funded at the 2019 triennial valuation date, 
there is no requirement for the Company to pay pension contributions. In addition to the statutory funding objective, the Trustee 
and Company have agreed to move towards a ‘self-sufficient’ funding target, under which once full funding is achieved the 
likelihood of the Trustee requiring subsequent contributions from the Company is significantly reduced. To support the scheme’s 
long-term funding target of self-sufficiency the Company has agreed to pay additional fixed contributions extending to 2023 to the 
TT Group scheme. These planned contributions amount to £5.5 million, £5.7 million and £4.4 million to be paid in the years 2021 
to 2023. 

In the year ended 31 December 2020 the Group made contributions of £5.3 million to the TT Group scheme. 

In addition, the Company has set aside £2.5 million under a legal agreement to be utilised in agreement with the Trustee for 
reducing the long-term liabilities of the scheme. Further details of the scheme are provided in note 23 to the Group financial 
statements. 

Defined contribution scheme 
The Company operates a Group personal pension plan for employees and pays contributions to administered pension insurance 
plans. The Company has no further payment obligation once the contributions have been paid. Payments to the defined 
contribution scheme are charged as an expense as they are incurred. The total contributions charged by the Company including 
employee salary exchange contributions in respect of the year ended 31 December 2020 were £0.6 million (2019: £0.6 million).  

11 Deferred tax 
The deferred tax asset of £3.1 million comprises £0.7 million in respect of share-based payments (2019: £1.3 million) the 
movement in which has been recognised in equity (£0.3 million) and profit (£0.3 million) ; £1.3 million in respect of non-current 
assets (2019: £1.2 million) the movement in which has been recognised in profit (£0.1 million); and £1.1 million in respect of tax 
losses (2019: £0.4 million) the movement in which has been recognised in profit (£0.7 million).  

The deferred tax liability of £6.6 million is in respect of the pension asset (2019: £3.6 million), the movement in which has been 
recognised in equity (£2.2 million) and profit (£0.8 million). 

12 Employee information  
The average number of full time equivalent employees (including Directors) during the year was 64. 

13 Cash at bank and in hand 
Within cash and cash equivalents the Group has set aside £2.5 million (2019: £2.5 million) under a legal agreement to be utilised 
in agreement with the Trustee for reducing liabilities of the pension scheme. Further details of the scheme are provided in note 23 
to the Group financial statements. 

14 Related party transactions 
During 2020 and 2019, the Company did not have any related party transactions other than with wholly owned subsidiaries. 

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Notes to the Company financial statements  
continued 

15 Subsidiary undertakings  
The following entities are 100% owned with only ordinary shares in issue, unless otherwise stated. The country of incorporation 
matches the country in which the registered office/principal place of business is located. 

Name of subsidiary undertaking 

TT Electronics Ltd 

Dongguan Arlec Electrical Products Co. Limited (capital contribution) 

Shanghai Hongbian Electronics Co. Limited (capital contribution) 

TT Electronics Integrated Manufacturing Services (Suzhou) Co., Ltd 

Ying Si Ke Electrical Products Co. Limited (capital contribution) 

TT Electronics SAS 

TT Electronics GmbH 

Precision International Holdings Limited 

Stadium Asia Limited  

STMC Limited 

TT Electronics Srl 

BI Technologies Corporation SDN BHD (ordinary and preference shares) 
BI Technologies S.A. de C.V.  
Optron de Mexico S.A. de C.V.  
TT Electronics Roxspur (Poland) Sp. z o. o. 

TT Electronics Asia Pte Ltd 

TT Electronics Sweden AB 

Aero Stanrew SARL 

AB Connectors Limited 

AB Electronic Components Limited 

Abtest Limited 
Aero Stanrew Group Limited (ordinary and preference shares) 1, 2 
Aero Stanrew Limited 
Automotive Electronic Systems Limited 1 
BI Technologies Limited 2 
Cable Realisations Limited (in liquidation)  
Commendshaw Limited 1 
Controls Direct Limited 2 
Crystalate Electronics Limited 
Dale Electric International Limited 1, 2 
Deltight Washers Limited 2 
Ferrus Power Limited 2 
Fox Industries Limited 2 
Hale End Holdings Limited 2 
Kingslo Limited 2 
KRP Power Source (UK) Limited 2 
Linton and Hirst Group Limited 2 
Midland Electronics Limited 
MMG Linton and Hirst Limited 2 
Nulectrohms Limited 2 
Rodco Limited (60% owned) 1,2 
Roxspur Measurement & Control Limited 

Semelab Limited 
Sensit Limited 2 
Stadium Electrical Holdings Limited 2 
Stadium Electronics Limited 2 

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Registered  
office/principal  
place of  
business 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(2) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

(8) 

(9) 

(10) 

(11) 

(12) 

(13) 

(14) 

(15) 

(16) 

(17) 

(18) 

(19) 

(20) 

(20) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(21) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

 
Financial statements 

15 Subsidiary undertakings continued 

Name of subsidiary undertaking 

Stadium IGT Limited 

Stadium Power Limited 
Stadium United Wireless Limited 2 
Stadium Wireless Devices Limited 2 
Stadium Zirkon UK Limited 2 
Stontronics Limited 2 
The Brearley Group Limited 2 
TT Asia Holdings Limited 
TT Automotive Electronics Limited 2 
TT Electronics Advanced Technology Centre (Nottingham) Limited 
TT Electronics Europe Limited 1,2 
TT Electronics Fairford Limited 
TT Electronics Group Holdings Limited 1 
TT Electronics Holdco Limited 

TT Electronics Integrated Manufacturing Services Limited 
TT Electronics IoT Solutions Limited 1 
TT Group Limited 2 
TT Power Solutions Limited 2 
TTE Trustees Limited 1,2 
TTG Investments Limited 1 
TTG Nominees Limited 1,2 
TTG Pension Trustees Limited 1,2 
TTG Properties Limited 1 
TT-UR Precision Resistors Limited 
Valuegolden Limited 2 
Welwyn Components Limited 
Welwyn Electronics Limited 2 
Wolsey Comcare Limited 2 
Zirkon Holdings Limited 2 
AB Interconnect, Inc. 

Apsco Holdings, Inc 

BI Technologies Corporation 

Cletronics N.A. Inc, 

International Resistive Company Inc 

International Resistive Company of Texas, LLC 

Optek Technology Inc 

Power Partners, Inc 

Precision, Inc 

Stadium Group, Inc 

Torotel, Inc 

Torotel Products, Inc 

TT Electronics Integrated Manufacturing Services, Inc 

TT Electronics Power Solutions (US), Inc 
TT Group Industries, Inc.  

Registered  
office/principal  
place of  
business 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(22) 

(18) 

(18) 

(19) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(23) 

(18) 

(18) 

(18) 

(24) 

(24) 

(24) 

(25) 

(24) 

(26) 

(24) 

(27) 

(28) 

(25) 

(29) 

(29) 

(30) 

(25) 

(24) 

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Notes to the Company financial statements  
continued 

15 Subsidiary undertakings continued 
(1)  Newton Industrial Park, Christchurch, Barbados, West Indies 
4th Building, F Zone, Zheng Wei Science Park, Dongkeng Town, Dongguan City, Guangdong, China 
(2) 
(3)  Room 404-A69, East of Building 1, 29 Jia Tai Road, China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, China 
158-24 Hua Shan Road, Snd Suzhou, 215129, China 
(4) 
(5) 
4 place Louis Armand, 75012 Paris, France 
(6)  Max-Lehner-Strasse 31, 85354, Freising, Germany 
(7)  Room RA21, 6th Floor, Woon Lee Commercial Building, No. 7-9 Austin Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong 
(8)  Unit A, 3/F, Bamboos Centre, 52 Hung To Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 
(9)  Via Santa Redegonda N. 11, Milano, Italy 
(10)  Lot 6.05, Level 6, KPMG tower, 8 First Avenue, Bandar Utama 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Darul Ehsan, Malaysia 
(11)  Ave Circulo de la Amistad No.102, Parque Industrial Mexicali IV, Mexico 
(12)  Ave Rio Bravo 1551-a, Parque Industrial Rio Bravo, CD. Juarez Chihuahua, Mexico 
(13)  Williama Heerleina Lindleya St. 16, Warsaw, 02-013, Poland 
(14)  2 Shenton Way, #18-01 SGX Centre 1, 068804, Singapore 
(15)  Gullfossgatan 3, 164 40 Kista, Sweden 
(16)  60 avenue de l’Uma, La Soukra 2036, Tunisia 
(17)  Abercynon, Mountain Ash, Rhondda Cynon Taff, CF45 4SF, Wales 
(18)  Fourth Floor, St Andrews House, West Street, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6EB, England 
(19)  Unit 1, Tregwilym Industrial Estate, Rogerstone, Newport, Gwent, NP10 9YA, Wales 
(20)  Unit 1 Gratton Way, Roundswell Business Park, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 3AR, England 
(21)  Coventry Road, Lutterworth, Leicestershire, LE17 4JB, England 
(22)  London Road, Fairford, Gloucestershire, GL7 4DS, England 
(23)  Welwyn Electronics Park, Bedlington, Northumberland, NE22 7AA, England 
(24)  Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 
(25)  CT Corporation System, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, DE 19801, United States 
(26)  Corporation Service Company, 211 East 7th Street, Suite 620, Austin, TX 78701-3218, United States 
(27)  43 Broad Street, Suite B206, Hudson, MA01749, United States 
(28)  1700 Freeway Boulevard, Minneapolis, MN 55430, United States 
(29)  520 N Rogers Road, Olathe, KS66062, United States 
(30)  CT Corporation System, 4400 Easton Commons Way, Suite 125, Columbus, OH43219, United States 

1  Shares held directly by TT Electronics plc 
2  Dormant UK subsidiary 

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Financial statements 

Five year record 

£million (unless otherwise stated) 

Revenue 
Operating profit [5] 
Adjusted operating profit [3] [5] 
Profit before taxation [5] 
Adjusted profit before taxation [3] [5] 
Earnings (continuing) [5] 
Adjusted earnings [3] [5] 
Earnings per share − continuing (pence) [5] 
Adjusted earnings per share (pence) [3] [5] 
Dividends – paid and proposed 

Dividend per share – paid and proposed (pence) 

Average number of shares in issue 

Net (debt)/funds 
Total equity [4] [5] 

2020 

431.8 

2019 [4] [5]

478.2 

2018 [5]

429.5 

2017 [1]

361.1 

2016 [2] [5]

332.7 

6.6 

27.5 

2.9 

23.8 

1.3 

19.5 

0.8 

11.7 

8.2 

4.7 

16.9 

38.1 

13.2 

34.4 

12.4 

29.0 

7.6 

17.8 

11.4 

7.0 

166.5 

(83.9) 

298.0 

163.1 

(69.1) 

268.0 

16.5 

33.4 

14.6 

31.5 

13.0 

26.2 

8.0 

16.2 

10.5 

6.5 

161.8 

(41.7) 

280.1 

20.0 

24.3 

17.7 

22.0 

15.7 

19.4 

9.7 

10.9 

9.4 

5.8 

161.7 

47.0 

267.5 

18.8 

20.6 

14.3 

16.1 

11.9 

10.3 

7.3 

6.4 

9.0 

5.6 

162.2 

(55.4) 

233.4 

Notes 
1  Results for 2017 have been restated for IFRS 15. 
2  Results for 2016 have been restated for IFRS 15 and re-presented to exclude discontinued operations. 
3  Adjusted operating profit, profit before taxation, adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share exclude the impact of restructuring costs, asset impairments and acquisition 

and disposal related costs. 

4  Equity for 2019 has been restated for an adjustment to the assessment of IFRS15 as described in note 1h. 
5  Profit measures for 2019 and equity for 2019 and 2018 have been as described in note 1h. 

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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Reconciliation of KPIs and non IFRS measures 

In accordance with the Guidelines on APMs issued by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), additional 
information is provided on the APMs used by the Group below.  

To assist with the understanding of earnings trends, the Group has included within its financial statements APMs including 
adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit. The APMs used are not defined terms under IFRS and therefore may not be 
comparable to similar measures used by other companies. They are not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to,  
GAAP measures.  

Management uses adjusted measures to assess the operating performance of the Group, having adjusted for specific items as 
detailed in note 8. They form the basis of internal management accounts and are used for decision making, including capital 
allocation, with a subset also forming the basis of internal incentive arrangements. By using adjusted measures in segmental 
reporting, this enables readers of the financial statements to recognise how incentive performance is targeted. Adjusted measures 
are also presented in this announcement because the Directors believe they provide additional useful information to shareholders 
on comparable trends over time. Finally, this presentation allows for separate disclosure and specific narrative to be included 
concerning the adjusting items; this helps to ensure performance in any one year can be more clearly understood by the user  
of the financial statements. 

Income statement measures: 

Alternative 
Performance 
Measure 

Adjusted 
operating  
profit 

Closest equivalent 
statutory measure 

Operating profit 

Note reference to 
reconciliation to 
statutory measure 

Adjusting items as 
disclosed in note 8 

Definition and purpose 

Operating profit from continuing operations excluding the impacts 
of significant restructuring programmes; significant one-off items 
including property disposals, business acquisition and divestment 
related activity; and the amortisation of intangible assets recognised 
on acquisition. Business acquisition and divestment related items 
include the writing off of the pre-acquisition profit element of  
inventory written up on acquisition, other direct costs associated  
with business combinations and adjustments to contingent 
consideration related to acquired businesses. Costs arising from 
significant changes in footprint (including movement of production 
facilities) and significant costs of management changes are  
also excluded.  

To provide a measure of the operating profits excluding the impacts  
of significant items such as restructuring or acquisition related activity 
and other items such as amortisation of intangibles which may not  
be present in peer companies which have grown organically. 

Adjusted 
operating  
margin 

Adjusted 
earnings  
per share 

Operating profit 
margin 

Adjusting items as 
disclosed in note 8  

Adjusted operating profit as a percentage of revenue. 

Earnings per share 

See note 11 for the 
reconciliation and 
calculation of 
adjusted earnings 
per share 

To provide a measure of the operating profits excluding the impacts  
of significant items such as restructuring or acquisition related activity 
and other items such as amortisation of intangibles which may not  
be present in peer companies which have grown organically. 

The profit for the year attributable to the owners of the Group adjusted 
to exclude the items not included within adjusted operating profit 
divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during  
the year. 

To provide a measure of Earnings per Share excluding the impacts of 
significant items such as restructuring or acquisition related activity 
and other items such as amortisation of intangibles which may not  
be present in peer companies which have grown organically. 

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Financial statements 

Income statement measures continued: 

Alternative 
Performance 
Measure 

Adjusted  
diluted  
earnings  
per share 

Closest equivalent 
statutory measure 

Diluted earnings  
per share 

Note reference to 
reconciliation to 
statutory measure 

See note 11 for the 
reconciliation and 
calculation of 
adjusted diluted 
earnings per share 

Organic  
revenue  

Revenue 

See note APM 1 

Effective tax charge  See note APM 2 

Adjusted 
effective tax 
charge 

None 

See note APM 3 

Return on 
invested  
capital 

Definition and purpose 

The profit for the year attributable to the owners of the Group adjusted 
to exclude the items not included within adjusted operating profit 
divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during  
the year, adjusted for the effects of any potentially dilutive options. 

To provide a measure of Earnings per Share excluding the impacts 
of significant items such as restructuring or acquisition related activity 
and other items such as amortisation of intangibles which may not  
be present in peer companies which have grown organically. 

This is the percentage change in revenue from continuing operations 
in the current year compared to the prior year, excluding the effects 
of currency movements, acquisitions and disposals. This measures 
the underlying growth or decline of the business. 

To provide a comparable view of the revenue growth of the business 
from period to period excluding acquisition impacts. 

Tax charge adjusted to exclude tax on items not included within 
adjusted operating profit divided by adjusted profit before tax, which 
 is also adjusted to exclude the items not included within adjusted 
operating profit. 

To provide a tax rate which excludes the impact of adjusting items 
such as restructuring or acquisition related activity and other items 
such as amortisation of intangibles which may not be present in peer 
companies which have grown organically. 

Adjusted operating profit for the year divided by average invested 
capital for the year. Average invested capital excludes pensions, 
provisions, tax balances, derivative financial assets and liabilities,  
cash and borrowings and is calculated at average rates taking 
12 monthly balances.  

This measures how efficiently assets are utilised to generate returns 
with the target of exceeding the cost to hold the assets 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

195 
193

Governance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements
Financial statements 

Reconciliation of KPIs and non IFRS measures 
continued 

Statement of financial position measures: 

Alternative 
Performance 
Measure 

Net debt 

Closest equivalent statutory 
measure 

Cash and cash 
equivalents less 
borrowings and lease 
liabilities 

Note reference to 
reconciliation to statutory 
measure 

Reconciliation of  
net cash flow to 
movement in net 
(debt)/ funds  
(note 26) 

Leverage (bank 
covenant) 

Cash and cash 
equivalents less 
borrowings 

N/A 

Definition and purpose 

Net debt comprises cash and cash equivalents and borrowings 
including lease liabilities. 

This is additional information provided which may be helpful 
to the user in understanding the liquidity and financial structure 
of the business.  

Leverage is the net debt defined as per the banking covenants 
(net debt (excluding lease liabilities) adjusted for certain terms 
as per the bank covenants) divided by EBITDA excluding items 
removed from adjusted profit and further adjusted for certain 
terms as per the bank covenants. 

Provides additional information over the Group’s financial 
covenants to assist with assessing solvency and liquidity. 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment net of government 
grants (excluding property disposals), purchase of intangibles 
(excluding acquisition intangibles) and capitalised development. 

A measure of the Group’s investments in capex and development 
to support longer term growth. 

None 

See note APM 4 

Net capital and 
development 
expenditure  
(net capex) 

Dividend per 
share 

Dividend per share 

Not applicable 

Amounts payable by dividend in terms of pence per share. 

Provides the dividend return per share to shareholders. 

196 
194 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 

Financial statements 

Statement of cash flows measures: 

Alternative 
Performance 
Measure 

Adjusted 
operating  
cash flow 

Adjusted 
operating 
cash flow 
post capex 

Working  
capital  
cashflow 

Closest equivalent 
statutory measure 

Note reference to 
reconciliation to 
statutory measure 

Operating cash flow  See note APM 5 

Definition and purpose 

Adjusted operating profit, excluding depreciation of property, plant  
and equipment (depreciation of right-of-use assets is not excluded) 
and amortisation of intangible assets (amortisation of acquisition 
intangibles is not excluded) less working capital and other non-cash 
movements. 

An additional measure to help understand the Group’s operating 
cash generation. 

Operating cash flow  See note APM 6 

Adjusted operating cash flow less net capital and development 
expenditure. 

An additional measure to help understand the Group’s operating 
cash generation after the deduction of capex. 

Cashflow – 
inventories payables, 
provisions and 
receivables 

See note APM 7 

Working capital comprises of three statutory cashflow figures: 
(increase)/decrease in inventories, increase/(decrease) in payables 
and provisions, and (increase)/decrease in receivables. 

To provide users a measure of how effectively the group is managing 
its working capital and the resultant impact on liquidity. 

Free cash  
flow 

Net increase/ 
decrease in cash and 
cash equivalents 

See note APM 8 

Free cash flow represents cash generated from trading after all costs 
including restructuring, pension contributions, tax and interest 
payments. Cashflows to settle LTIP schemes are excluded. 

Cash 
conversion 

None 

See note APM 9 

Free cash flow provides a measure of how successful the company  
is in creating cash during the period which is then able to be used by 
the Group at its discretion. 

Adjusted operating cash flow post capex (less any property disposals 
which were part of restructuring programmes) divided by adjusted 
operating profit 

Cash conversion measures how effectively we convert profit into  
cash and tracks the management of our working capital and 
capital expenditure. 

None 

R&D cash spend 
as a percentage 
of revenue 

See note APM 10 

R&D cash spend and R&D investment as a percentage of revenue 
excludes Global Manufacturing Solutions which is a manufacturing 
services business and therefore has no R&D. 

To provide a measure of the company’s expenditure on R&D relative  
to its overall size which may be helpful in considering the Group’s 
longer term investment in future product pipeline. 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 

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197 
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Governance and Directors' reportFinancial statementsStrategic report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements
Financial statements 

Reconciliation of KPIs and non IFRS measures 
continued 

Non-financial measures: 

Alternative 
Performance 
Measure 

Employee 
engagement 

Closest equivalent 
statutory measure 

Note reference to 
reconciliation to 
statutory measure 

Definition 

Not applicable 

Not applicable 

We use our employee survey to measure how our employees feel 
about working in TT using a scale of 1 (low) to 7 (high) against 
eight factors (as surveyed by Best Companies Ltd). 

Safety 
performance 

Not applicable 

Not applicable 

Provides a measure of employee sentiment and engagement. 

Safety performance is defined as the number of occupational injuries 
resulting in three or more days’ absence per 1,000 employees. 
This KPI allows us to compare our performance with that of our 
peers. We use a UK benchmark published by the Health and Safety 
Executive and apply this to all our facilities worldwide, reflecting our 
commitment to raising standards globally. 

Provides users additional information about the Group’s commitment 
and achievements in the area of health and safety.  

APM 1 − Organic revenue: 

£million 

2020 revenue 

Acquisitions 

2020 revenue (excluding acquisitions) 

2019 revenue 

Foreign exchange impact 

2019 revenue at 2020 exchange rates 

Organic revenue decline (%) 

APM 2 – Effective tax charge: 

£million 

Adjusted operating profit 

Net interest 

Adjusted profit before tax 

Adjusted tax 

Adjusted effective tax rate 

Power and 
Connectivity 

Global 
Manufacturing 
Solutions 

Sensors and 
Specialist 
Components 

125.1 

11.1 

114.0 
138.2 

(0.1) 

138.1 

(17%) 

197.5 

− 

197.5 
213.2 

(1.1) 

212.1 

(7%) 

109.2 

− 

109.2 
126.8 

(0.2) 

126.6 

(14%) 

2020 

27.5 

(3.7) 

23.8 

4.3 

2020 

Total 

431.8 

11.1 

420.7 

478.2 

(1.4) 

476.8 

(12%) 

2019 
Restated [1]

38.1 

(3.7) 

34.4 

(5.4) 

18.1% 

15.7% 

1 

‘Adjusted operating profit’ and ‘adjusted tax’ have been restated in the comparative period as described in note 1h. 

198 
196 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Financial statements 

APM 3 – Return on invested capital: 

£million 

Adjusted operating profit 

Average invested capital 

Return on invested capital 

2020 

27.5 

357.3 

7.7% 

2019 
Restated [1]

38.1 

352.1 

10.8% 

1 

‘Adjusted operating profit’, ‘Average invested capital’ and ‘Return on invested capital’ have been restated in the comparative period as described in note 1h.  

APM 4 − Net capital and development expenditure (net capex): 

£million 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

Proceeds from sale of investment property, plant and equipment and 
capital grants received 

Capitalised development expenditure 

Purchase of other intangibles 

Net capital and development expenditure  

APM 5 − Adjusted operating cash flow: 

£million 

Adjusted operating profit 

Adjustments for: 

Depreciation  

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 

Other items 

Decrease/(increase) in inventories 

Decrease/(increase) in receivables 

(Decrease)/increase in payables and provisions 

Adjusted operating cash flow 

2020 

(9.3) 

3.4 

(3.3) 

(0.8) 

(10.0) 

2020 

27.5 

− 

14.0 

3.0 

0.2 

0.7 

4.2 

11.2 

(11.8) 

49.0 

2019 

(14.0) 

0.4 

(3.9) 

(0.7) 

(18.2) 

2019 
Restated [1]

38.1 

− 

13.9 

4.1 

− 

2.5 

(7.6) 

(4.0) 

10.4 

57.4 

1 

‘Adjusted operating profit’ and ‘Decrease/(increase) in receivables’ have been restated in the comparative period as described in note 1h.’Adjusted operating cash flow’ 
remains unchanged. 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 

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199 
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Financial statements
Financial statements 

Reconciliation of KPIs and non IFRS measures 
continued 

APM 6 − Adjusted operating cash flow post capex: 

£million 

Adjusted operating cash flow 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and government grants received 

Capitalised development expenditure 

Purchase of other intangibles 

Adjusted operating cash flow post capex 

APM 7 – Working capital cashflow: 

£million 

Decrease/(increase) in inventories 

Decrease/(increase) in receivables 

(Decrease)/increase in payables and provisions 

Working capital cashflow 

1 

‘Decrease/(increase) in inventories’ and ‘Working capital cashflow’ have been restated in the comparative period as described in note 1h. 

APM 8 – Free cash flow:  

£million 

Net cash flow from operating activities 

Add back: Bonus paid to employees of Torotel which crystallised upon acquisition 

Net cash flow from investing activities 

Add back: Acquisition of business 

Add back: Cash with acquired businesses 

Add back: Tax arising from disposal of subsidiaries 

Payment of lease liabilities previously reported as operating leases 

Interest paid 

Free cash flow 

APM 9 – Cash conversion: 

£million 

Adjusted operating profit 

Adjusted operating cash flow post capex 

Exclude: Property disposal proceeds as part of restructuring programmes 

Adjusted operating cash flow used to calculate cash conversion 

Cash conversion 

1 

‘Adjusted operating profit’ and ‘Cash conversion’ have been restated in the comparative period as described in note 1h. 

APM 10 − R&D cash spend as a percentage of revenue: 

£million 

Revenue (excluding GMS) 

R&D cash spend 

R&D cash spend as a percentage of revenue 

2020 

49.0 

(9.3) 

3.4 

(3.3) 

(0.8) 

39.0 

2020 

4.2 

11.2 

(11.8) 

3.6  

2020 

28.2 

3.8 

(51.9) 

43.3 

(1.4) 

− 

(4.1) 

(3.5) 

14.4 

2020 

27.5 

39.0 

(3.2) 

35.8 

130% 

2019 

57.4 

(14.0) 

0.4 

(3.9) 

(0.7) 

39.2 

2019 
Restated [1]

(7.6) 

(4.0) 

10.4 

(1.2) 

2019 

35.9 

− 

(21.7) 

2.4 

(0.1) 

1.2 

(4.0) 

(4.0) 

9.7 

2019 
Restated [1]

38.1 

39.2 

− 

39.2 

103% 

2020 

234.3 

11.2 

4.8% 

2019 

265.0 

13.5 

5.1% 

200 
198 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Ex-dividend date for final dividend
29 April 2021

Record date for final dividend
30 April 2021

AGM and trading update
13 May 20201

Final dividend payment
21 May 2021

2021 half-year results 
5 August 2021

Preliminary announcement of 2021 results 
March 2022

Annual Report 2021 
April 2022

Dividends
See page 47 for details on the dividend 
amount per share.

Annual General Meeting ("AGM")
In 2020, the UK Government’s “Stay at 
Home measures” resulted in attendance 
at the AGM in person being limited to 
two shareholders (the CFO and the 
Company Secretary), with shareholders 
being encouraged to vote by proxy and 
to submit questions in advance by email. 
The next AGM will be held on 13 May 
2021 at 11.30am. Details of the AGM 
procedure for 2021 are set out in detail 
in the enclosed Notice of Annual General 
Meeting.

Articles of Association
The Company’s Articles of Association 
may only be amended by special 
resolution approved at a general meeting 
of the shareholders.

Share capital
The Company’s issued share capital 
comprises a single class of share capital 
divided into ordinary shares of 25 pence 
each. All issued shares are fully paid. The 
share capital during the year is shown 
in note 24 to the consolidated financial 
statements. The rights and obligations 
attaching to the Company’s ordinary 
shares are set out in the Company’s 
Articles of Association, a copy of which 
can be obtained from Companies House 
in the United Kingdom or by writing to the 
Group General Counsel and Company 
Secretary. Subject to applicable statutes, 
shares may be issued with such rights 
and restrictions as the Company may 
decide by ordinary resolution, or (if there 
is no such resolution or so far as it does 
not make specific provision) as the Board 
may decide.

Holders of ordinary shares are entitled 
to speak at general meetings of the 
Company, to appoint one or more proxies 
and, if they are corporations, to appoint 
corporate representatives and to exercise 
voting rights. Holders of ordinary shares 

may also receive a dividend, and on a 
liquidation may share in the assets of 
the Company. In addition, holders of 
ordinary shares are entitled to receive 
the Company’s Annual Report and 
Accounts. Subject to meeting certain 
thresholds, holders of ordinary shares 
may require a general meeting of the 
Company to be held or the proposal of 
resolutions at Annual General Meetings.

Voting rights and restrictions on 
transfer of shares
On a show of hands at a general meeting 
of the Company, every holder of ordinary 
shares present in person or by proxy, 
and entitled to vote, has one vote and on 
a poll, every member present in person 
or by proxy, and entitled to vote, has one 
vote for every ordinary share held. You 
can find further details regarding voting 
at the Annual General Meeting in the 
Notice of the Annual General Meeting 
which accompanies this document. 
None of the ordinary shares carries any 
special rights with regard to control of 
the Company. Electronic and paper proxy 
appointments and voting instructions 
must be received by the Company’s 
Registrars not later than 48 hours before 
a general meeting. A shareholder can 
lose their entitlement to vote at a general 
meeting where that shareholder has 
been served with a disclosure notice 
and has failed to provide the Company 
with information concerning interests in 
those shares. The Directors may refuse 
to register a transfer of a certificated 
share which is not fully paid, provided 
the refusal does not prevent dealings in 
shares in the Company from taking place 
on an open and proper basis. 

The Directors may also refuse to register 
a transfer of a certificated share unless 
the instrument of transfer: (i) is lodged, 
duly stamped (if stampable), at the 
registered office of the Company or any 
other place decided by the Directors 
accompanied by the certificate for the 
share to which it relates and/or such 
other evidence as the Directors may 

TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

199

Additional information | Shareholder information continued

A daily postal dealing service is also 
available and a form, together with 
terms and conditions, can be obtained 
by calling 0371 384 2248*. Commission 
is 1.90 per cent with a minimum 
charge of £70.

Shareholder enquiries
Equiniti maintains the register of 
members of the Company. If you 
have any queries concerning your 
shareholding, or if any of your details 
change, please contact the Registrars:

Equiniti Limited
Aspect House
Spencer Road
Lancing
West Sussex
BN99 6DA

Telephone 0371 384 2396*  
(or +44 121 415 7047 if calling from 
outside the United Kingdom)

Equiniti also offers a range of  
shareholder information on-line at  
www.shareview.co.uk

Website
Information on the Group’s financial 
performance, activities and share price is 
available at www.ttelectronics.com

*  Lines are open from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to 

Friday (except bank holidays).

ShareGift
ShareGift is a charity share donation 
scheme for shareholders, administered 
by The Orr Mackintosh Foundation. 
It is especially for those who may 
wish to dispose of a small parcel 
of shares whose value makes it 
uneconomical to sell on a commission 
basis. Further information can be 
obtained at www.sharegift.org or 
from Equiniti.

Multiple accounts on the shareholder 
register
If you have received two or more copies 
of this document, this means that there 
is more than one account in your name 
on the shareholder register. This may be 
caused by either your name or address 
appearing on each account in a slightly 
different way. For security reasons, 
the Registrars will not amalgamate the 
accounts without your written consent.

If you would like any multiple accounts 
combined into one account, please 
write to Equiniti Limited at the address 
given on this page.

Substantial shareholding notifications
The Company had been notified of the 
following voting rights attaching to TT 
Electronics plc shares in accordance with 
the Disclosure and Transparency Rules at 
8 March 2021 and 31 December 2020.

So far as has been ascertained, no 
other person or corporation holds or is 
beneficially interested in any substantial 
part of the share capital of the Company.

8 March 2021

31 December 2020

BlackRock, Inc

Aberforth Partners LLP

M&G plc

Polar Capital LLP

Aberdeen Asset Management Ltd

NN Group N.V. 

Number

16,966,544

14,832,779

8,417,742

8,628,496

7,835,077

7,815,000

Franklin Templeton Management Ltd

7,590,000

%

9.7

9.1

5.1

5.0

4.8

4.8

4.6

Number

16,893,315

14,832,779

8,417,742

8,628,496

7,835,077

7,815,000

7,590,000

%

9.7

9.1

5.1

5.0

4.8

4.8

4.6

reasonably require to show the right of 
the transferor to make the transfer; (ii) 
is in respect of only one class of shares; 
(iii) is in favour of a person who is not a 
minor, bankrupt or a person in respect of 
whom an order has been made on the 
grounds that such person is suffering 
from a mental disorder or is otherwise 
incapable of managing their affairs; 
or (iv) is in favour of not more than 
four transferees.

Transfers of uncertificated shares must 
be carried out using CREST and the 
Directors can refuse to register a transfer 
of an uncertificated share in accordance 
with the regulations governing the 
operation of CREST.

The Directors may decide to suspend 
the registration of transfers for up to 
30 days a year, by closing the register 
of shareholders. The Directors cannot 
suspend the registration of transfers 
of any uncertificated shares without 
obtaining consent from CREST.

There are no other restrictions on 
the transfer of ordinary shares in the 
Company except: certain restrictions 
may from time to time be imposed 
by laws and regulations (for example, 
insider trading laws or the Market Abuse 
Regulations 2015); pursuant to the 
Company’s share dealing code whereby 
the Directors and certain employees 
of the Group require approval to deal 
in the Company’s shares; and where a 
shareholder with at least a 0.25 per cent 
interest in the Company’s certificated 
shares has been served with a disclosure 
notice and has failed to provide the 
Company with information concerning 
interests in those shares.

The Company is not aware of any 
agreements between shareholders that 
may result in restrictions on the transfer 
of ordinary shares or on voting rights.

Share dealing services
Shareview Dealing is a telephone and 
internet service provided by Equiniti. 
It offers a simple and convenient way 
of buying and selling TT Electronics 
plc shares.

Log on to www.shareview.co.uk/dealing 
or call 0845 603 7037 between 8.00 am 
and 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday (except 
bank holidays), for more information 
about this service and for details of the 
rates and charges. Please note that 
telephone lines remain open until 6.00 
pm for enquiries.

200 TT Electronics plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Additional information | Glossary

GLOSSARY

AGM 
BE Inspired 

BE Lean 
BE TT  
BD 
bn 
bps 
CAGR 
CBI 
CDP 
CEO 
CFO 
CGU 
CNI 
CPI 
CREST 

DC 
EBT 
ED&I 
ELT 
FX 
EICC 
ELT 
EPS 
ESG 
EU 
EVP 
FBU 
FRC  
FRS 
FTSE 
GAAP 
GBP 
GDP 
GHG 
GMS 
GPS 
H&S 
H 
HFM 
HR 
HSE 
IAS 
IASB 
IFRS 
IoT 
IT 
KPI 

Annual General Meeting
a TT initiative to deliver improved  
employee performance
a TT initiative to improve operational efficiency
Build Expertise in TT
Business Development
billion
basis point
Compound Annual Growth Rate
Confederation of British Industry
Carbon Disclosure Project
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Cash Generating Unit
Communications, Navigation and Identification
Consumer Prices Index
Certificateless Registry for Electronic  
Share Transfer
Direct Current
Employee Benefit Trust
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Executive Leadership Team
Foreign Exchange
Electronics Industry Citizenship Coalition
Executive Leadership Team
Earnings Per Share
Environmental, Social and Governance
European Union
Executive Vice President
Fair, Balanced and Understandable
Financial Reporting Council
Financial Reporting Standards
Financial Times Stock Exchange
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Pounds Sterling (£)
Gross Domestic Product
Greenhouse Gas
Global Manufacturing Solutions
Global Positioning System
Health & Safety
Half (year)
Hyperion Financial Management
Human Resources
Health Safety & Environmental
International Accounting Standards
International Accounting Standards Board
International Financial Reporting Standards
Internet of Things
Information Technology
Key Performance Indicator

LED 
LVA 
LIBOR 
LLP 
LTIP 
M&A 
M 
MRI 
MSCI 
MWh 
NED 
NPI 
OECD 

OEM 
PBT 
PLC 
PPE 
PSEE 
Q 
R&D 
RBA 
RCF 
REGO 
RiSK 
RMB 
RNS 
ROIC 
RPI 
RSP 
SEC 
SERC 
STIP 
STEM 

TETS 
TFCD 
the Board 
the Code 
the Company 
the Directors 
the Group 
TSR 
TT 
TT Way 
UK 
UN 
Underlying 
EBITDA 
USA/US 

Light Emitting Diode
 Left Ventricular Assist
London Interbank Offered Rate
Limited liability partnership
Long Term Incentive Plan
Mergers and Acquisitions
 million
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Morgan Stanley Capital International
Megawatt-hour
Non-Executive Director
 New Product Introduction
Organisation for Economic 
Co-operation and Development
Original Equipment Manufacturer
Profit Before Tax
Public Limited Company
 Personal Protective Equipment
People, Social, Environmental and Ethics
Quarter (year)
Research and Development
Responsible Business Alliance
Revolving Credit Facility
Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin
Risk in the Supply Chain
Chinese Yuan
Regulatory News Service
Return on Invested Capital
Retail Price Index
Restricted Share Plan
Securities Exchange Commission
Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting
Short Term Incentive Plan
Science, Technology, Engineering  
and Mathematics
Transcutaneous Energy Transfer System 
Task Force on Climate Financial Disclosures
The Board of Directors of TT Electronics plc
UK Corporate Governance Code
TT Electronics plc
The Directors of TT Electronics plc
TT Electronics plc and its subsidiaries
Total Shareholder Return
TT Electronics plc
TT’s aspired culture
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
United Nations
Underlying Earnings Before Interest, Taxes,
Depreciation and Amortisation
United States of America

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u

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TT Electronics plc

Fourth Floor 
St Andrews House 
West Street 
Woking 
Surrey 
GU21 6EB

Tel  +44(0) 1932 825300 
Fax  +44(0) 1932 836450

For more information on 
our business please visit 
www.ttelectronics.com