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Zytronic plc

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FY2010 Annual Report · Zytronic plc
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annual report and financial statements 2010

Zytronic plc
Whiteley Road 
Blaydon-on-Tyne 
Tyne & Wear NE21 5NJ

Tel: 
0191 414 5511 
Fax:  0191 414 0545 
Email: info@zytronic.co.uk 
Web:  www.zytronic.co.uk

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17/12/2010   10:06:40

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Zytronic is the developer and 
manufacturer of a unique range 
of internationally award‑winning 
touch sensor products. 
these products employ an embedded sensing element and are based 
on projected capacitive technology (“pct™”). pct offers significant 
durability, environmental stability and optical enhancement benefits 
to system designers of integrated electronic displays, beyond that 
which was previously attainable.

Zytronic is also an industry leader in the development and manufacture 
of customised optical filters to enhance electronic display performance 
and an innovator in the production of specialised and transparent 
laminates for niche markets.

operating from three modern factories near newcastle‑upon‑tyne 
in the uK, Zytronic assembles touch sensors, optical filters and other 
laminates, using special glass and plastic materials, in environmentally 
controlled clean rooms.

Review of the year
 01 Highlights
 02 Our markets at a glance
 04  Our customers and technology 

at a glance 

 06 Chairman’s statement
 08  Business review

Corporate governance
 16 Board of Directors
 18 Corporate information
 19 Directors’ report
 22 Corporate governance
 25 Remuneration report

Financial statements
Group accounts
 29 Independent auditors’ report 
 30  Consolidated income statement
 30  Consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income

 30  Consolidated statement of changes 

in equity

 31  Consolidated balance sheet
32  Consolidated cashflow statement
 33  Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements 
 53 Five-year summaries

Company accounts
 55  Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 
in relation to the Parent Company  
financial statements

 56  Parent Company auditors’ report
 57 Parent Company balance sheet
 58  Notes to the Parent Company 

financial statements

 63  Notice of annual general meeting

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Review of the yeaR
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
FiNANCiAl STATEMENTS

highlights
Group revenue increased by 16% to £18.5m (2009: £15.9m)
Export sales now represent 90% of Group sales (2009: 86%)
Record orders for the year of £19.8m (2009: £16.1m)
Profit before tax increased by 27% to £2.9m (2009: £2.3m) 
Earnings per share (“EPS”) increased by 28% to 14.9p (2009: 11.6p)
Final dividend proposed of 5.0p (2009: 3.8p) – total for year increased by 40% to 7.0p (2009: 5.0p)
Growth in network of sales representatives includes new sales channels in Brazil and South Africa
Net cash inflow from operations of £3.8m (2009: £3.1m)
Gearing reduced to 11% (2009: 31%)

sales Revenue (£’000)

£18.5m 
+16%

3
8
4
,
8
1

1
2
9
,
5
1

7
1
7
,
4
1

*
1
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3
,
2
1

7
3
4
,
1
1

pRofit fRom Continuing opeRations (“pBt”) £’000

£2.9m 
+27%

*
6
2
3
,
1

3
8
6

4
2
9
,
2

0
0
3
,
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0
4
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,
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2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

eps

14.9p
+28%

p
9
.

4
1

p
6

.

1
1

Cash flow fRom opeRating aCtivities (£’000)

£3.1m 
+27%

*
9
9
2
1

,

9
1
3
1

,

7
4
1
3

,

2
8
4
2

,

8
8
9

,

1

*
p
8
7

.

p
3

.

7

p
6

.

3

* 2006 prepared under UK GAAP.

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

www.zytronic.co.uk

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

01

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Review of the yeaR
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
FiNANCiAl STATEMENTS

OuR MARkETS
at a glanCe

stRengthening  
ouR gloBal netwoRk

the group has expanded its customer base and distribution and representation 
networks over recent years so that it now sells into most of the world’s 
leading economies.

Since 2005, we have expanded our overseas representation significantly. We now have 16 representatives 
covering all of the uS, Brazil, Canada and Puerto Rico, and distributors covering ten countries in the Far East 
(Asia Pacific “APAC”) and 25 countries in Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”).

The range of applications for our touch sensors is as wide as the imagination of leading designers.  
it includes use in ATMs, petrol pumps, ticketing machines, information displays, gaming machines,  
food retailing and other vending, jukeboxes, medical equipment, keypads,  
solar powered parking meters, diagnostic engineering equipment and  
helicopter simulation machines. There are many other and more  
varied uses. Photographs of some of the applications are included  
within this annual report.

ZytRoniC stRengthens sales 
pResenCe in noRth/latin ameRiCa

Zytronic continues to expand its global presence and has entered into 
a sales representation deal with marathon technical associates. 
the new agreement will cover the south east of the united states 
and Brazil.

Headquartered in Orlando, and with several sales offices in Florida and 
Sao Paulo, Brazil, Marathon has been providing high tech companies with 
local sales support for almost 25 years. it possesses a highly experienced, 
technically-strong sales force and an impressive line card of blue-chip 
electronic component products used in a variety of industries, including 
display manufacture.

foR moRe news Releases on ouR maRkets
www.zytronic.co.uk/news-and-events

02 

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

www.zytronic.co.uk

_1_ZYT_ar10_front_[JW].indd   2

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ameRiCas

emea (exCl. uk)

apaC

uk

Sales in North and South America 
recovered in FY2010. Significant growth 
from new customers using ZYBRID® touch 
sensors and these sensors are now being 
used in a wide range of applications 
including gaming, self-service, vending 
and information kiosks. During the year 
we appointed a representative for Brazil.

The EMEA region, by sales value, continues 
to represent the largest market for Zytronic 
products and continues to exhibit good 
growth. Direct product sales to EMEA 
countries are represented by a broad 
range of application uses, such as 
ATMs, information kiosks, self-service 
systems and jukeboxes. During the year we 
appointed a representative in South Africa.

Sales in the APAC region continue 
to exhibit very good growth. A number 
of positive factors have driven this, 
including a growing deployment 
programme of ATMs in mainland China 
and an increase in ZYPOS® sales to the 
digital signage and gaming market 
providers in both South Korea and Taiwan.

Invoiced sales within the UK have continued 
to decrease as UK manufacturers “export” 
their manufacturing overseas. As this 
geographic analysis is prepared from 
invoiced addresses, it cannot properly reflect 
the continuing business which is undertaken 
for UK companies but where we ship our 
goods overseas for the first stage of their 
integration/manufacture. Many such goods 
ultimately return to the UK for finishing or as 
completed products.

sales peR Region anD gRowth (%)

£3.7m
+22%

£8.5m
+16%

£4.5m
+36%

£1.8m
-21%

ZytRoniC signs italian DistRiBution 
agReement with Camax Ds, sRl

Camax will provide local sales support in its role as master distributor for Zytronic’s 
range of pCt-based glass touch sensor products, which includes ZyBRiD, Zypos, 
ZyswitCh® and  ZytouCh®.

This engagement complements the presence of Zytronic’s existing local distribution 
partner, ElCAM, which is the main distributor for the Company’s PCT-based foil touch 
sensor products, ZYPROFilM® and ZYFilM®.

Headquartered just outside Milan, and founded in 1979, Camax chose to focus its business 
solely on the touchscreen market almost 20 years ago. This has enabled the Company 
to provide its customers with a highly experienced and professional sales force that 
has unrivalled market knowledge, and access to a broad range of component parts 
to complete ready-to-use touch-enabled systems, including point-of-sale units 
and public information applications.

ZytRoniC fuRtheR expanDs 
gloBal pResenCe thRough 
sales paRtneRs in China

Zytronic has established a strategic presence in 
mainland China by announcing partnerships with 
silicon professional asia Corporation ltd (“spaC”)
and anytouch technologies Co. ltd. Both are 
experienced and respected technical sales 
organisations with offices throughout mainland 
China and hong kong.

SPAC is a sales representative with an infrastructure 
spanning eight offices in mainland China as well as 
a presence in Hong kong. A dynamic company 
established in 2001, SPAC focuses on components 
and computing markets including business-to-business 
and e-commerce sectors.

AnyTouch, which has signed a distribution agreement 
with Zytronic, is a specialist in touch-based products 
and solutions including systems, hardware and software. 
The company will open new markets for Zytronic’s 
ultra-durable PCT touchscreens among customers in 
the games, finance, telecommunications, electric power, 
transportation, hospitals, real estate, tourism and 
government sectors. The company provides a comprehensive 
portfolio of sales and technical/design support services 
to its partners and customers.

ZytRoniC appoints its fiRst 
south afRiCan DistRiButoR

screenvision is to represent Zytronic in the region. headquartered in the 
town of florida (in gauteng province), screenvision has built up a 
highly effective sales network throughout south africa.

it produces its own display assemblies, which integrate high performance 
lCDs and touchscreen solutions, for implementation in point-of-sale 
terminals for retail outlets, digital signage systems, public information 
kiosks and bank ATM units.

Through this new partnership, ScreenVision will gain access to Zytronic’s 
full range of touch sensor products and supporting touch controller devices, 
as well as its RFi/EMi shielding and optical filter offerings.

www.zytronic.co.uk

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

03

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Review of the yeaR
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
FiNANCiAl STATEMENTS

OuR CuSTOMERS AND TECHNOlOGY
at a glanCe

Continuing to woRk  
Closely with CustomeRs

over the last ten years we have developed our patented technology 
into a family of product offerings for use in a wide range of applications.

We continue to work closely with customers to develop new touch solutions to meet 
their application requirements.

the i-table™ is already successfully in use in 
gaming venues across north america, including 
las vegas, san Diego and Delaware.

“The running of a gaming operation is becoming increasingly 
challenging, with management needing to meet players’ 
demands for a greater array of game options, while at the 
same time improving productivity and security levels“ states 
Nathan Wadds, Senior Vice President of Research & Development 
at Shuffle Master. “The i-Table™ has the look and feel of the live 
tables that customers prefer without the heavy operating costs 
or risks of theft and cheating associated with them. For this 
product to be successful, however, the integrity and longevity 
of the touchscreen areas’ functionality had to be assured. We 
tested a variety of solutions from different suppliers, but these 
could not adequately deal with our concerns about durability. 
Zytronic’s PCT™ touch sensing system stood out as the best way 
to guarantee touch performance and avoid downtime. The 
customisable nature of PCT also provided us with the ability 
to create an attractive, near seamless playing surface.” 

Commenting that self-service kiosks are 
known to increase productivity and customer 
satisfaction in many types of enterprises, 
peter kaszycki, vp Business Development, 
manufacturing Resources international, 
incorporated, says: 

“Way2Order kiosks maximise business advantages for the 
drive-through restaurant sector. ZYTOuCH provides the ideal 
platform for our concept, as it is easy to integrate with the 
powered display, ensures that the full screen brightness reaches 
the user so that the graphics can be seen clearly in direct 
sunlight, and provides reliable and accurate touch response 
even through a thick glass overlay.” He continues, “ZYTOuCH 
was the only solution we could find that offered front and 
rear anti-reflective coating, and ensured all-weather durability.”

04 

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

www.zytronic.co.uk

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To show the geographic 
spread of customers, we list 
alphabetically, some of those 
who have featured in press 
releases over the last three years. 
Press releases are shown on our 
website, www.zytronic.co.uk;

ACE interactive AB (Sweden)
Advantech (Taiwan)
Aristocrat leisure limited (uSA)
bCode Pty ltd (Australia)
Beckman Coulter (uSA)
CiVuE Optotech inc (Taiwan)
Dong Wha Prime (korea)
ECAST (uSA)
JC Decaux (France)

Manufacturing Resources 
international (uSA)
NSM Music limited (uk)
Scheidt & Bachmann Gmbh 
(Germany)
Sunvision Technology (Taiwan)
Winncomm Corporation 
(Taiwan)
Yeahpoint (Australia)

37DistRiButoRs/ 

RepResentatives

39CountRies RepResenteD

90%sales expoRteD

new ContRolleR teChnology 

At the Society of information Displays (“SiD”) Display Week 2010, 
we introduced a new family of touch controllers designed to 
enhance user experience. Designed for its proprietary range 
of touch sensors, the new touch controllers offer features such 
as dual-touch output for linkage to “multi-touch” or gesture 
recognition software, Windows® 7 plug and play, in-field 
firmware upgradeability and reduced PCB footprint.

state-of-the-aRt iCon™ Range of 
online jukeBoxes
Zytronic has gained another high level endorsement for its 
PCT-based touch sensors. By utilising these products, leading 
digital entertainment system manufacturer, NSM Music ltd, 
has added large format, durable, projected capacitive touch 
screen functionality to its latest generation of online 
jukeboxes, icon™.

ReaD moRe on this stoRy online
www.zytronic.co.uk/news-integral-role

ReaD moRe on this stoRy online
www.zytronic.co.uk/uploaded/nsm

www.zytronic.co.uk

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

05

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Review of the yeaR
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
FiNANCiAl STATEMENTS

ChaiRman’s statement

summaRy of ChaiRman’s statement

Sales at £18.5m increased 16% 
(2009: £15.9m)

Pre-tax profit increased 27% to £2.9m 
(2009: £2.3m)

EPS increased 28% to 14.9p (2009: 11.6p)

Record orders received in the year of £19.8m

New sales reps in Brazil and South Africa

Export sales reached 90% (2009: 86%)

increasing cash inflow from operations

Net gearing reduced to 11% (2009: 31%)

Proposed dividend per share increased to 
5.0p (2009: 3.8p) increasing the full year 
dividend by 40% to 7.0p (2009: 5.0p)

The success of our touch sensor products in 
the self-service, kiosk and digital signage markets 
augurs well for the future. To this must be added 
recent contract wins in the gaming sector and the 
first white-goods product with a Zytronic touch 
sensor display which is expected to be launched 
early in 2011.

In my first statement since becoming Chairman 
on 1 July 2010 I am pleased to be able to report 
significant growth in both sales and profits in the 
year to 30 September 2010, following a strong 
second half performance.

Results
At £18.5m (2009: £15.9m), sales for the year were 
16% higher than last year. Due to changes in sales 
mix, gross margin dipped slightly to 32% (2009: 34%), 
but pre-tax profit and earnings per share were still 27% 
and 28% ahead of last year at £2.9m (2009: £2.3m) 
and 14.9p (2009: 11.6p) respectively.

tRaDing
Orders received during the year were a record 
for the Group at £19.8m (2009: £16.1m).

A number of new touch sensor developments 
have been introduced successfully, giving customers 
better value and helping to increase the volume 
of units sold by nearly 11% over last year. In value 
terms, touch sensor sales recovered in the second 
half, having been 6% down on last year in the first 
half, to finish 2% ahead for the full year.

Increased sales in the self-service and kiosk markets 
have offset the downturn in sales to the gaming 
market, which has been hard hit by the recession.

The growth in total sales was driven principally 
by sales of optical filters to the cash dispenser 
(ATM) market where volume increased by 36%.

We continue to see efficiency gains in the ZYPOS 
production facility, created two years ago.

Our network of sales representatives, agents 
and distributors has grown, including new sales 
channels in Brazil and South Africa, where we 
have not previously been represented. Since the 
year end, we have also increased resources in our 
own direct sales team.

Exports in the year to 30 September 2010 were 
90% of total sales (2009: 86%).

Cash anD geaRing
The Group’s balance sheet remains solid, with net 
assets increasing by 14% to £11.5m (2009: £10.0m).

Net cash inflow generated in the year from 
operations was £3.8m (2009: £3.1m) and a 
further £0.5m was received as the final instalment 
of a government grant. After £0.9m of capital 
expenditure and after paying interest, tax and 
dividends and repaying £0.8m of borrowings, 
cash and cash equivalents increased by £1.1m 
in the year to £1.2m (2009: £0.1m).

At the year end net borrowings were £1.2m 
(2009: £3.1m) and gearing (net borrowings 
divided by net assets) had reduced to 11% 
(2009: 31%).

DiviDenD
The Directors are pleased to recommend a final 
dividend of 5.0p per share (2009: 3.8p per 
share), payable on Friday 25 February 2011 
to shareholders on the Register of Members on 
Friday 11 February 2011. This will make the total 
dividend for the year 7.0p per share (2009: 5.0p 
per share), an increase of 40% over last year.

management anD peRsonnel
The trading performance could not have been 
achieved without the abilities and hard work of 
Chief Executive Mark Cambridge and his team. 
I would like to thank all employees for their 
contributions to a successful year for the 
Zytronic Group.

I would also like to thank my predecessor, 
John Kennair MBE, who stepped down as 
Chairman at the end of June after thirty five 
years as either Chairman or Chief Executive. 
Zytronic simply would not be enjoying the success 
it is today if it were not for John’s entrepreneurship 
and his capability in leading and developing the 
business of the Group. I am delighted that John 
agreed to stay on as a Non-executive Director so 
that we can continue to enjoy the benefits of his 
wise counsel.

06 

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

www.zytronic.co.uk

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Products
touch sensors

the manufacturing technology, pCt, employed in its touch sensors 
is unique to Zytronic and offers significant benefits to traditional 
users of resistive, capacitive and surface acoustic wave (“saw”) 
technologies. unlike the other touch technologies, the active 
component of Zytronic’s technology is embedded for protection, 
providing a true safety laminated, pure glass fronted construction.

Zytronic’s product range includes:
>  ZYTOuCH 
>  ZYPOS 
>  ZYBRiD 
>  ZYSWiTCH
>  ZYPROFilM
>  ZYFilM

Zytronic’s 65-inch ZYTOUCH sensor adds rugged touch capability to the Infinitus iMotion® 
high-definition digital signage for the great outdoors. The innovative digital signage system 
provides networkable screens for ski resorts, marinas and other harsh outdoor environments.

foR moRe infoRmation on ouR touChsCReens
www.zytronic.co.uk/products/touch-sensors

I am pleased to welcome David Buffham 
to the Board; he joined as an Independent 
Non-executive Director in September 2010.

outlook
The success of our touch sensor products 
in the self-service, kiosk and digital signage 
markets augurs well for the future. To this must 
be added recent contract wins in the gaming 
sector and the first white-goods product with a 
Zytronic touch sensor display which is expected 
to be launched early in 2011.

Whilst we do not expect a repeat of this year’s 
dramatic growth in sales of optical filters to the 
ATM market, the Directors are confident that the 
continuous efforts to broaden both the product 
range and geographical coverage will provide the 
platform for further improvements in the Group’s 
trading performance.

DaviD Banks, ma (CantaB), fCa
NON-ExECuTiVE CHAiRMAN
10 December 2010

www.zytronic.co.uk

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

07

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Review of the yeaR
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
FiNANCiAl STATEMENTS

Business Review

summaRy of Business Review

A year of “two halves”

Significant strengthening in H2

Profitability increased by 27% to £2.9m 
(2009: £2.3m)

Significant progress with existing and 
new touch sensor projects

Re-designs introduced for major 
display products

Significant production efficiencies 
achieved in manpower usage

Completion of development of new 
ZxY100 family of controllers

Encouragingly, the overall growth in sales 
in FY2010 has been underpinned by strong 
order intake throughout the year of £19.8m 
which, by close of the fiscal year, exhibited a 
healthy 23% increase against the £16.1m of 
orders received in FY2009.

Business Review 
The following review provides information on the 
sales, profitability, operational activities, research 
and development and the financial aspects of the 
business during FY2010 and, where helpful, draws 
comparisons with the previous year.

oveRview of oRDeR intake, 
sales anD pRofitaBility 
FY2010 has continued the trend of being a year 
of “two halves” as follows:

a)  orders received in the first half increased by 

16% to £9.7m (2009: £8.4m), whereas in the 
second half they improved even further, by 
31%, to £10.1m (2009: £7.7m), resulting 
in an overall growth of 23% for the year;

b)  in the case of sales, there was a modest 

3% increase in turnover during H1 (£8.2m 
compared to £8.0m in H1 2009), followed by 
significantly increased H2 demand of £10.3m 
(H2 2009: £7.9m). This resulted in 16% growth 
for the full year to £18.5m (2009: £15.9m); and 

c)  similarly, profit before tax was only slightly 
ahead at the half year by 1% at £1.06m 
(H1 2009: £1.05m), but increased in H2 
by 49% to £1.9m (H2 2009: £1.3m), resulting 
in an increase of 27% for the full year to £2.9m 
(2009: £2.3m).

key maRket faCtoRs
The key market factors affecting the reported 
2010 sales and profitability include:

•   with infrastructural upgrades scaled-back in the 
largely saturated market of North America, 
global competition in the ATM market is 
continuing to drive cost reduction pressure 
within the supply chain. This requirement has 
empowered us to re-design a large proportion 
of the components supplied and, from March 
2010, both Zytronic and its ATM related 
customers began to benefit from the 
introduction of such products;

•   with our ATM customers reporting continued 
strong sales to the BRIC economies, we, in 
turn, have benefited from an increase in the 
volume of optical display filter units sold, as 
non-touch ATMs are deployed more widely in 
these countries. This increase, coupled with 
the one-off uplift of sales from the introduction 
of Vendor Managed Inventory (“VMI”), has 
resulted in a 36% total increase in the volume 
of units sold;

tRaDing Results 
A summary of the results over the last four years shows the strong performance from 2007, the growth  
in sales and the improving profitability (profit before tax) of the business: 

Group revenue 
Gross profit 
Gross profit (%) 
Profit from continuing operations (before tax) 

Basic EPS 
Dividends paid and proposed for the year 

2010 
£’000 

18,483 
5,894 
31.9% 
2,924 

Pence 

14.9 
7.0 

2009 
£’000 

15,921 
5,407 
34.0% 
2,300 

Pence 

11.6 
 5.0 

2008 
£’000 

14,717 
4,739 
32.2% 
1,740 

2007 
£’000

11,437
3,466
30.3%
683

Pence  

Pence

7.3 
 4.0 

3.6
3.0

08 

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

www.zytronic.co.uk

_1_ZYT_ar10_front_[JW].indd   8

17/12/2010   10:06:26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Products
optical filters and displays

Zytronic optical filters are used to enhance the readability of 
all types of electronic displays by controlling light transmission, 
reflection and absorption. the filters can also provide protection 
of the display from abrasion and damage from impact thereby 
extending the life of the display.

our filters comprise the following options and features:
>  Anti-reflection coatings to maximise transmission
>   Anti-glare finishes
>   Tinted or neutral density substrates/interlayers to improve contrast
>   Transparent conductive coatings for static dissipation or 

electromagnetic shielding

>   Micro-fine mesh for electromagnetic shielding
>   Circular polarisers to enhance contrast

Esprit Digital’s E5C digital poster technology operates London Underground’s first digital poster 
network at Tottenham Court Road station, using Zytronic’s rugged, anti-glare, laminated 
glass display panels. Positioned alongside the escalator, these digital posters show moving 
images which pass from screen to screen, seamlessly cascading.

foR moRe infoRmation on ouR optiCal filteRs anD Displays
www.zytronic.co.uk/products/optical-filters-and-displays

•   there has been a significant downturn in demand 
from some of our established gaming equipment 
customers, resulting from a market hit badly by the 
global economic conditions, particularly in Europe. 
Despite the prevailing conditions in the gaming 
market, the Zytronic touch sensor value proposition 
(customisation, robustness and durability) 
continues to gain momentum. As a result, a 
significant new gaming project in North America, 
with a global top three manufacturer, moved forward 
into production during the second half of 2010; 

•   the advantages of our touch technology for 

public interactivity are continuing to gain traction 
in the self-service and vending market. One 
notable current example is the increasing 
deployment of the Blockbuster Express branded 
DVD vending kiosk throughout North America, 
which use our ZYBRID touch sensor; and

•   as The Coca-Cola Company® moved its 

innovative Freestyle™ drinks fountain out of 
field trials and into pilot deployment in North 
America, we have benefited from an increase 
in demand for this touch sensor during the 
latter months of the fiscal year.

touCh sensoR sales
The net effect of these market factors has seen 
total touch sensor units sold increase by around 
11%. This has been driven by a 25% improvement 
in the volume of units sold through our growing 
global network of value added resellers, a more 
then doubling of units sold into the self-service 
and vending market, as well as small, but notable, 
gains in other important markets of future opportunity 
such as digital signage and telematics. The 
improvements in these areas have been offset, 
not only by the softening in the gaming market 
described earlier, but also by a 7% decrease in 
the volume of touch sensors sold to our ATM 
customers as demand for high-end touch-operated 
machines in Europe and North America remains soft. 

www.zytronic.co.uk

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

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Review of the yeaR
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
FiNANCiAl STATEMENTS

CONTiNuED
Business Review

sales expoRteD 

90%

sales Revenue (£’000)

£18.5m +16%

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

18,483

15,921

14,717

11,437

12,301

By mid-term 2010, the R&D team had completed 
the development of the Zytronic Application Specific 
integrated Circuit (“ASiC”) chip and new ARM® core 
processor chip. The new controller family was 
successfully launched into the market at the SiD 
expo in Seattle, uSA during May 2010.

Business Review ContinueD
touCh sensoR sales CONTiNuED
Taking into account the shifting mix in touch sensor 
designs and sizes, these market movements have 
resulted in a favourable 8.5% upswing in touch 
sensor turnover in the second half compared with 
the reported 6.0% decline for the first half of the 
year, leading to a net 2.5% increase for the year.

opeRations
Production management has made significant 
strides forward in operational efficiency during 
FY2010. This is highlighted by a comparison of the 
increasing turnover of the Group with a reduction 
in the productive labour being used, moving from 
an average headcount of 169 persons in Q4 FY2009 
to an average of 144 in Q4 FY2010. 

oRDeR intake anD sales Channels 
Encouragingly, the overall growth in sales in 
FY2010 has been underpinned by strong order 
intake throughout the year of £19.8m which, by 
close of the fiscal year, exhibited a healthy 23% 
increase against the £16.1m of orders received 
in FY2009. 

Our strategy for sales’ growth includes the 
strengthening of our global sales channels, 
which has continued with the signing of six 
new representation agreements during the year. 
This includes two new appointments in China 
where we are looking to reproduce our successful 
countrywide model, pioneered in the USA, through 
regionalised representation agreements. We are 
also actively establishing further sales support in 
other emerging markets, and have appointed new 
sales channels in Brazil and South Africa. In total 
the Group now has sales channels covering 
39 countries.

It is anticipated that these additional resources 
will continue to drive our export sales, which 
reached 90% of total sales (2009: 86%) and, 
more impressively, our touch sensor export sales 
which reached a record high of 93% 
(2009: 88%). 

The reduction in the average headcount is 
testament to the efficiency improvements made 
in using the new Britannia Court ZYPOS facility, 
in introducing the new ATM product designs 
and in effecting numerous changes to the 
manufacturing processes.

To continue to gain efficiency improvements 
in FY2011, two new laminating machines have 
been ordered. The first arrived in November 2010 
and the second should be delivered in early 
January 2011. We also plan to refurbish the oldest 
clean room facility in 2011 which will reduce 
running costs and enhance its capabilities.

ReseaRCh anD Development (“R&D”) Review 
The R&D function has continued in 2010 to drive 
forward the underlying technology behind the 
Group’s touch sensor products, satisfying both 
customer expectations and service requirements.

In the year ended 30 September 2010, the Group 
has expensed R&D costs of £215,000 directly to 
the income statement (2009: £291,000) and 
capitalised £172,000 of development expenditure 
within intangible assets (2009: £133,000). 
Amortisation of £153,000 on past capitalised 
development expenditure has also been charged 
to the income statement (2009: £135,000).

10 

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Products
emi and Rfi shielded filters

a shielded window is the optimum solution for reducing radio 
frequency interference (“Rfi”) and other electrical/magnetic 
interference (“emi”) transmitted through monitors, lCD instrument 
panels and inspection windows fitted to electronic equipment. 
Zytronic’s unique attention to detail achieves high attenuation, 
with minimum impact on optical performance.

Zytronic’s state-of-the-art facilities can produce one-piece shielding 
meshes for windows up to 2m x 1m, as well as small windows for 
cost-sensitive TFT-lCD applications.
Shielded window services from Zytronic create a total solution, covering 
design, assembly, framing and termination.

The photograph above shows telephone equipment racks manufactured by Sweden’s ABB, 
incorporating Zytronic’s shielded glass filters in the doors.

foR moRe infoRmation on ouR emi/Rfi shielDeD filteRs
www.zytronic.co.uk/products/rfi-emi-shielded-filters

new family of ContRolleRs
By mid-term 2010, the R&D team had completed 
a new controller configuration, trade named the 
ZXY100 series, which combined work undertaken 
on the development of the Zytronic Application 
Specific Integrated Circuit (“ASIC”) chip and new 
ARM® core processor chip. The new controller 
family was successfully launched into the market 
at the SID expo in Seattle, USA during May 2010. 

The new controller family now provides for a 
complete suite of electronic solutions for sensor 
sizes from 5” through to the largest commercial 
panel size produced in 2010 at 72”, without any 
changes in relative performance. 

The development work also brings three key 
features to the product which to date had not 
been possible or practicable, these being:

•	 	an in-field programming capability to allow 
customers to update firmware in a manner 
similar to that of other traditional consumer 
hardware devices;

•	 	dual touch functionality including full 

Windows 7 gesturing and interactivity; and

•	 	a two chip solution for high volume applications, 
where direct integration of the electronic circuitry 
onto the customer’s motherboard is more 
advantageous and cost effective to the end user.

www.zytronic.co.uk

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

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Review of the yeaR
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
FiNANCiAl STATEMENTS

CONTiNuED
Business Review

gRoss pRofit (£’000)

£5.9m +9%

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

eps

5,894

5,407

4,739

3,466

3,852

14.9p +28%

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

14.9p

11.6p

3.6p

7.3p

7.8p

ReseaRCh anD Development (“R&D”) 
Review ContinueD
otheR pCt meDia
During 2010, the R&D team actively designed 
and evaluated other sensor configurations and 
processing media, especially those relating to the 
use of transparent metallic coatings on both glass 
and plastic substrates. Prototype sensors have 
been manufactured based upon a Zytronic 
proprietary derived array design, which utilises the 
same patented sensing methodology as used 
in the existing products, working in conjunction 
with the new ZXY100 controller configuration. 

Several early stage new projects, which have been 
sampled with this new product revision, particularly 
for products designed for robustness when used in 
larger volume telematics and self-service applications, 
are progressing well and the revised media has been 
very favourably received by prospective customers.

otheR Developments
Our material, mechanical and industrial engineers 
have continued to evaluate new processes and 
materials throughout the year, as a means of 
offering and meeting internal and customer 
specific cost reduction programmes.

So far, the main beneficiary of this work has been 
our optical display customers, especially those 
within the ATM market, where new designs 
utilising fewer materials and more time efficient 
processes were brought to market towards the 
end of March 2010.

As well as the specific development work described 
above and general customer technical support, 
the R&D team has continued to undertake numerous 
customer specific development projects in 
application fields including vending and digital 
signage. These should start to impact positively 
on the Group’s performance during 2011.

As we move into 2011, the main R&D efforts will 
be focused on:

•	 	the continuation of the work initiated in reviewing 

and developing alternative sensing media;

•	 	the development, and then support, of our 

own in-house driver source code to reduce our 
dependence on our existing third party driver 
software provider. We can then more readily flex 
the code to meet the ever changing demands 
for various operating system support; and

•	 	the evaluation of methods whereby Zytronic can 
achieve true multi-touch capabilities above the 
already achieved dual input functionality.

gRoss pRofit 
The gross margin percentage has shown 
a decrease this year, from 34% to 32%, 
reflecting two main influences during the year. 
The larger effect on the margin arose from the 
large volume of sales of the privacy filter option 
in ATM displays as the material cost in these 
products is relatively expensive.

In addition, as already reported in the interim 
results, we also experienced a significant fall-off 
in sales of Ultra Large Form Factor (“ULFF˝) 
touch sensors.

To improve the gross margin percentage, we 
review regularly the sources and costs of raw 
material supplies, the design of our products and 
the processes that we are using in their manufacture 
as well as our number and use of staff. 

aDministRation oveRheaDs 
anD DistRiBution Costs 
Overheads are continually challenged and 
opportunities are taken to reduce them 
whenever possible.

12 

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Products
Ballistic visors

we have developed a fully laminated ballistic face visor 
combining the properties of pmma and polycarbonate bonded 
together using a proprietary tpu sheet interlayer. the unique 
process involved in bonding these two materials results in the 
finished visor offering supreme optical quality, minimal distortion 
and the highest light transmission when compared to the 
traditional air-spaced option.

Our ballistic visors are only manufactured to meet customers’ often 
individual and unique requirements so consequently the range of 
versions available is continually expanding.
Our in-house machining facilities allow us to work to the most 
demanding tolerances, specifications and designs.
The visors are exported worldwide and are supplied to many of the 
major ballistic helmet manufacturers for military, para-military, bomb 
disposal and EOD applications.

Fully laminated, removable ballistic face visors provide maximum protection and excellent 
optical clarity.

foR moRe infoRmation on ouR BallistiC visoRs
www.zytronic.co.uk/products/ballistic-visors

As salary costs remain the largest single item in 
administration overheads (over 55%), we review 
them annually in comparison to market rates 
and the developing roles of our employees and 
only add to our headcount when necessary. 
We have continued to keep these, and our other 
administration costs, under tight control during 
the year. We have also enjoyed the benefit of a full 
year’s saving in rent and other related costs from 
the acquisition of the freeholds of two of our 
factories in June 2009. The net result is that our 
administration overheads and distribution costs 
have shown a marginal decrease, being £2.97m 
against £3.03m in 2009. 

otheR opeRating inCome 
In April 2010, we received the second and final 
instalment of a Selective Finance for Investment 
(“SFI”) grant from the local regional development 
agency, One North East. This follows on from the 
first instalment which was received in April 2008. 
Both grants are being amortised over a five year 
period commencing with the first receipt and 
ending on 31 March 2013. The “other income” 
of £112,000 in FY2010 contains £102,000 of 
amortised SFI grant.

pRe-tax pRofit 
The profit before tax of £2.9m has increased by 
£624,000 (27%) on the prior year figure of £2.3m. 
The reasons for this excellent performance are 
noted elsewhere in this annual report and 
financial statements.

taxation 
The Group’s taxation charge of £736,000 
(25%) (2009: £593,000 (26%)) is slightly lower 
than the standard rate of corporation tax of 
28%. The factors which affect the Group’s 
taxation charge are outlined further in note 6.

www.zytronic.co.uk

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

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Review of the yeaR
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
FiNANCiAl STATEMENTS

CONTiNuED
Business Review

DiviDenD foR the yeaR

7.0p +40%

(2009: 5.0p)

Cash flow fRom opeRating aCtivities (£’000)

£3.1m +27%

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

3,147

2,482

1,988

1,319

1,299

The Group has continued with the scheduled 
repayments on all of its debt and total 
repayments in the year amounted to £818,000 
(2009: £639,000). The net gearing level 
(all borrowings less positive cash balances 
divided by net assets) was reduced 
significantly to 11% (2009: 31%).

eps anD DiviDenDs 
The reported basic EPS of 14.9p has increased 
by 28% from last year (2009: 11.6p) which largely 
reflects the significant improvement in profitability, 
discussed above. The number of shares in issue of 
14,710,484 has increased only slightly from last 
year (2009: 14,674,121), following the exercise 
of options over 36,363 shares. 

As expected, our working capital has increased 
with the growth in the Group’s business, but only 
by £0.2m (2009: £0.2m). Stocks have increased 
by £85,000 (2009: static). Trade and other 
receivables have increased by £356,000 
(2009: £59,000) reflecting the growth in 
sales in Q4, while trade creditors increased 
by £258,000 (2009: decrease £133,000).

There was a grant of share options during the 
financial year over 82,500 shares at 177.5p and 
the total number of share options outstanding at 
30 September 2010 was 561,215 (2009: 527,598), 
excluding the CEO’s incentive scheme. The dilutive 
effect on the EPS of all existing share-based 
payments is 0.1p. 

The Group paid an interim dividend of 2.0p on 
25 June 2010. With the increasing profitability 
seen in this financial year, the Group intends 
to continue its progressive dividend policy. 
A resolution to approve the payment of a final 
dividend of 5.0p on Friday 25 February 2011 
for the year ended 30 September 2010 is included 
in the Notice of Annual General Meeting. This 
will bring the total dividend for the year to 7.0p 
(2009: 5.0p), an increase of 40%.

Cashflow anD woRking Capital 
The Group has continued to generate net 
cashflow from operating activities, as shown 
in the consolidated cashflow statement, and 
this has increased again with the growth in 
profitability. It amounted to just over £3.1m 
this year in comparison to £2.5m in 2009.

Capital expenDituRe on fixeD assets
Capital additions to plant and machinery within 
property, plant and equipment and intangible 
assets were £552,000 and £228,000 respectively 
(2009: £152,000 and £223,000 respectively). 
Total capex was £894,000 while total depreciation 
and amortisation for the year was £987,000 
(2009: £920,000). 

funDing anD geaRing
The Group has continued with the scheduled 
repayments on all of its debt and total repayments 
in the year amounted to £818,000 (2009: £639,000).

Six of the HP agreements were finished by 
30 September 2010 and the remaining four, 
together with the Chattel mortgage loan, 
will be paid off by 31 March 2011.

To ensure that the Group has adequate longer-term 
funding to provide cover for future working capital 
requirements and capital expenditure needs, the 
Group has in place further loan facilities. In particular, 
the Group has an unused £2.0m three year 
revolving credit facility with Lloyds TSB Bank, 
expiring in June 2012. The Group also has an 

14 

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The shares of Zytronic plc are traded on the 
Alternative Investment Market (“AIM”) of the 
London Stock Exchange (“LSE”).

QUOTED 

overdraft facility of £1.0m with Lloyds TSB Bank, 
of which £291,000 was in use at the year end 
(for foreign exchange management purposes). 

The Group has built up its cash balances and at 
the year end the net cash balances were £1.2m 
(2009: £109,000).

Medium term borrowings were £2.4m 
(2009: £3.2m) so the total net debt was 
£1.2m (2009: £3.1m). The net gearing level 
(all borrowings less positive cash balances 
divided by net assets) was reduced significantly 
to 11% (2009: 31%).

thanks to all employees
Finally, we would like to express the thanks of 
the Board of Directors to all employees of the 
Zytronic Group for their commitment and 
enthusiasm throughout 2010 in delivering 
the business performance described above.

maRk CamBRiDge, B.sC
CHiEF ExECuTiVE

Denis mullan, B.sC, fCa 
FiNANCE DiRECTOR
10 December 2010 

Zytronic’s PCT technology is readily adapted 
to make record breaking sizes of touch sensors. 
The collages below show a variety of the numerous 
touch sensors which we have made in sizes from 
30 inches up to 80 inches.

www.zytronic.co.uk

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

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REViEW OF THE YEAR
CoRpoRate goveRnanCe
FiNANCiAl STATEMENTS

BoaRD of DiReCtoRs

DaviD eRiC Banks ma (CantaB), fCa 
(D.o.B. 13/08/53)
non-exeCutive ChaiRman
David held a variety of positions in industry 
at Director level before forming David Banks 
Associates, which provides temporary and part 
time assistance in financial supervision and 
management. He was appointed Finance Director 
of Zytronic plc in June 2000, prior to its flotation, 
and became a Non-executive Director with effect 
from 1 September 2003 following the appointment 
of Denis Mullan to that role. He was appointed 
Chairman with effect from 1 July 2010. He is 
Chairman of the Group’s trading subsidiary, 
Zytronic Displays Limited. David is Finance 
Director of Romag Holdings plc. 

maRk CamBRiDge, B.sC
(D.o.B. 09/01/64)
Chief exeCutive
Mark graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) in Materials 
Science in 1986 and has a Securities Institute 
Certificate in Corporate Finance (2003). Joining 
the Romag Group of companies in 1991, he 
held the positions of Technical Manager, Quality 
Manager and Technical and Quality Director, 
up to the demerger and flotation of Zytronic plc. 
Since 2000 he has overseen the development, 
market introduction and sales of the ZYTOUCH 
touch sensor product and the market launch of 
ZYPOS touch sensors. Mark was Sales and 
Marketing Director of Zytronic Displays Limited 
from 2002 until his appointment as its Managing 
Director in February 2006. On 1 June 2007 
Mark was appointed to the Board and promoted  
to Chief Executive on 21 January 2008.

Denis geRalD wilson mullan, B.sC, fCa 
(D.o.B. 08/02/54)
finanCe DiReCtoR
Denis was formerly a partner in Ernst & Young LLP, 
specialising in corporate finance. He was 
based successively in its offices in London, 
Newcastle-upon-Tyne and finally Bristol. While 
based in Ernst & Young’s Newcastle-upon-Tyne 
office, he led its work on the demerger of 
Zytronic Displays Limited in June 2000 and 
the subsequent admission to AIM of Zytronic plc 
in July 2000. Shortly thereafter he transferred 
to Ernst & Young’s Bristol office, at which time 
his formal advisory role to the Group ceased. 
He joined the Group in August 2003.

siR DaviD RoBeRt maCgowan Chapman Bt., 
Dl, B Comm
(D.o.B. 16/12/41)(1) (2) 
inDepenDent non-exeCutive DiReCtoR
Sir David is a former Director of Northern Rock plc 
and the London Stock Exchange and a member 
of the Greenbury Committee on Directors’ 
Remuneration. He is a Director of a number 
of regional venture capital funds. A former 
Chairman of CBI – North East and a First Vice 
President of Merrill Lynch International Bank, 
Sir David is currently a consultant with UBS 
Wealth Management (UK) Limited. Sir David 
is Chairman of the remuneration committee.

DaviD john Buffham
(D.o.B. 13/08/59)
inDepenDent non-exeCutive DiReCtoR
David worked at the Bank of England (the “Bank”) for 
32 years until earlier this year. He held several roles 
in the Bank, including working in the Banking 
Supervision Division for five years following the 
changes to banking regulations introduced in 1987 
and as a Credit Risk Manager. In addition, he 
advised overseas central banks on the conduct of 
monetary policy operations. Most recently he was 
the Bank’s Agent for the North East of England for 
nine years.

Since leaving the Bank, David has been appointed 
a Non-executive Director of Newcastle Building 
Society, where he has joined the audit committee. 
He is also a Governor and audit committee member 
of Northumbria University and a visiting fellow at 
Teesside University. Until 2006, he was a Director 
of The Northumbria Coalition Against Crime.

16 

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(1) Member of audit committee.
(2) Member of remuneration committee.

All of the Directors served throughout the financial 
year, except David Buffham who was appointed 
on 22 September 2010.

tuDoR gRiffith Davies B.sC 
(D.o.B. 02/12/51)(1) (2)
senioR inDepenDent non-exeCutive DiReCtoR
Tudor has wide industry experience at boardroom 
level, as Chairman, Chief Executive and Executive 
and Non-executive Director of several public 
companies. These have included Hicking 
Pentecost plc, Stratagem plc, Dowding & Mills plc 
and, most recently, Castle Support Services plc. 
He was formerly a partner in Arthur Young 
(a predecessor firm of Ernst & Young LLP) 
specialising in corporate finance and recovery. 
Tudor is Chairman of the audit committee.

john maRtin kennaiR, mBe 
(D.o.B. 11/03/44)
non-exeCutive DiReCtoR
John joined the Romag Group in 1971 and 
was appointed Group Chief Executive in 1975.  
He was responsible for the development of the 
glass business of the Romag Group into a wide 
range of new technologies, including bomb and 
bullet resistant glass, electronic shielding and 
touch sensors. In 1990 he was awarded an MBE 
for services to the specialised glass industry.  
He led the demerger of Zytronic Displays Limited 
from the Romag Group and the flotation of its 
Parent Company, Zytronic plc, in July 2000.  
He also led the subsequent flotation on AIM in 
November 2003 of Romag Holdings plc, of which 
he is Chairman. John stepped down as Chief Executive 
on 21 January 2008 on the appointment of 
Mark Cambridge and handed over the chairmanship 
to David Banks on 1 July 2010.

www.zytronic.co.uk

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

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REViEW OF THE YEAR
CoRpoRate goveRnanCe
FiNANCiAl STATEMENTS

CoRpoRate infoRmation

weBsite 
www.zytronic.co.uk

seCRetaRy 
Denis G W Mullan, B.Sc, FCA 
Email: denis.mullan@zytronic.co.uk

stoCkBRokeRs anD nominateD aDviseR 
BRewin Dolphin limiteD
48 St. Vincent Street 
Glasgow 
G2 5TS

RegisteReD offiCe 
Whiteley Road 
Blaydon-on-Tyne 
Tyne & Wear 
NE21 5NJ 
Tel: 0191 414 5511 
Fax: 0191 414 0545

RegistRation numBeR 
3881244

RegistRaRs 
ComputeRshaRe investoR  
seRviCes plC
The Pavilions 
Bridgwater Road 
Bristol 
BS99 7NH

auDitoRs 
eRnst & young llp
Citygate 
St James’ Boulevard 
Newcastle-upon-Tyne 
NE1 4JD

BankeRs 
lloyDs tsB Bank plC
PO Box 686 
First Floor 
Black Horse House 
91 Sandyford Road 
Newcastle-upon-Tyne 
NE99 1JW

santanDeR CoRpoRate Banking
Baltic Place 
South Shore Road 
Gateshead 
NE8 3AE

soliCitoRs 
waRD haDaway
Sandgate House 
102 Quayside 
Newcastle-upon-Tyne 
NE1 3DX

muCkle llp
Time Central 
32 Gallowgate 
Newcastle-upon-Tyne 
NE1 4BF

18 

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Directors’ report

The Directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2010.

Business review
Details of developments and the progress of the Group are contained within this Directors’ report as well as in the Chairman’s statement and Business review.

principal activities
Zytronic is the developer and manufacturer of a unique range of internationally award-winning touch sensor products. These products employ an embedded 
sensing element and are based on PCT. PCT offers significant durability, environmental stability and optical enhancement benefits to system designers of 
integrated electronic displays, beyond that which was previously attainable.

Zytronic is also an industry leader in the development and manufacture of customised optical filters to enhance electronic display performance and an 
innovator in the production of specialised and transparent laminates for niche markets.

competitive aDvantages
The Group’s competitive advantages are based upon both the patented technology relating to the operation of the touch sensors and the lamination 
techniques and processes, built up over 40 years of operations, which are a feature of all the Group’s products. These advantages allow the Group to 
produce products which have optical clarity and ruggedness and can be customised to include individual features for customers, including privacy filters 
and anti-reflective and anti-glare properties. In the case of touch sensors, these advantages also result in the significant ability for them to be used by bare 
fingers and gloved hands and result in them not experiencing positional drift and therefore not requiring periodic re-calibration.

The growth of the Group and its future prospects comes from the exploitation of this relatively new touch sensor technology. Differing adaptations of this 
patented technology have resulted in four different product groups being developed: ZYTOUCH touch sensors and keypads; ZYPOS, and its derivative 
ZYBRID, touch sensors; ZYSWITCH touch-switch sensors; and ZYFILM and ZYPROFILM plastic-based touch sensors. ZYTOUCH, ZYPOS and ZYBRID 
touch sensors are designed to work in front of LCDs or other electronic devices where optical clarity is paramount. Conversely, the technology has been 
adapted to produce ZYTOUCH keypads and ZYSWITCH touch-switch sensors which are not required to be transparent.

The Group’s Intellectual Property Rights include confidential operations and processes, technology covered by patents and licensed technology, trademarks 
and copyrights. Over recent years the Group has taken significant steps to register its trademarks. 

The Group will continue to identify further opportunities for the development of new product groups and expends a considerable amount on R&D. By continually 
developing and adapting its technologies the Group has been able to expand the applications of the touch sensors into a widening range of applications 
and new sectors of business and to promote the Group’s products on a global basis. At present 90% of all products are directly exported from the UK, 
with a large proportion of UK sales eventually being exported as well.

The Group has continued the expansion of its worldwide selling operations, expanding its direct salesforce, based at the Group’s head office at Blaydon-on-Tyne. 
In the year it has appointed distributors in South Africa, Brazil, Korea and China. Management is continuing to look for suitable appointees to expand the 
Group’s presence worldwide.

Business risks
The main risk to the Group’s business is that of advances in competing technology, whereby a new, better touch sensor technology is created. Management 
is conscious of this and monitors competitors’ developments and changes within the whole industry. By continually developing and evolving its own technologies, 
the Group expects to build upon its competitive strengths and thereby keep its technology ahead of its competitors.

Another competitive risk arises from downward price pressures from competing technologies. This is most prevalent in the lower valued touch sensor sector 
dominated by resistive, capacitive and surface acoustic wave touchscreens, as new Asian manufacturers continue to take advantage of the demise of the 
patents on those technologies. However, price pressure in those markets does have a knock-on effect on prices throughout the industry. 

Management has successfully met these challenges to date by re-designing and re-engineering the ZYTOUCH touch sensor in developing the ZYPOS touch 
sensor. This has enabled the Group to reduce the cost of manufacture and therefore the sales price for ZYPOS touch sensors and is allowing the Group to 
enter markets that were previously closed to it on price grounds. The Group has also re-designed optical filters to enable it to take advantage of the new 
manufacturing processes first developed for making ZYPOS touch sensors.

Management is also continually reviewing the sources and costs of raw material supplies, the design of the Group’s products and the operational processes 
that are used in the manufacture of all of the Group’s products.

A further risk, which is directly within the control of management, is that of managing increases in the overhead base to coincide with the growth in turnover, 
thereby maintaining the growth in profitability. This is not straightforward when the business is developing new products and manufacturing processes.

A fourth risk is that, as a growing proportion of the Group’s sales are denominated in US Dollars and Euros, the Group is subject to risks associated with 
currency movements. It is the Group’s policy to manage these risks and provide a degree of certainty for cashflows into the UK. Note 20 sets out details 
of the Group’s financial risk management policy and financial instruments, including its management of its foreign exchange risk. 

Natural hedging is adopted where possible to manage currency risk, whereby goods and services are sourced from Europe and the USA and the liability 
arises in the respective currencies. This is especially relevant with specialised glass, some electronic components and certain other raw materials. 

The Group does not hold speculative positions against movements in foreign currencies or interest rates.

www.zytronic.co.uk

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Review of the yeAR
corporate governance
finAnciAl StAteMentS

continued
Directors’ report

Business review continueD
capital
The primary objective of the Group’s capital management is to ensure that it maintains a strong credit rating and healthy capital ratios in order to support 
its business and maximise shareholder value.

As part of its capital management the Group monitors its overall level of borrowings and its gearing ratio, which is borrowings net of cash balances divided 
by shareholders equity, and ensures that it is kept within acceptable bounds. The Group also ensures that it has sufficient committed and unused banking 
facilities to provide the Directors with comfort on the Group’s foreseeable needs and its liquidity position.

No changes were made to these objectives, policies or processes during the years ended 30 September 2009 and 2010.

research anD Development
The Group has continued with the development of its electronic controllers, software and firmware used in the touch sensors, and launched a new family 
of controllers, the ZXY100 controllers, during the year. 

It has undertaken re-designs of several optical displays to enable them to be made with fewer materials and more quickly, incorporating some of the 
manufacturing and process methods originally developed for the ZYPOS touch sensors. 

The R&D team is continuing to investigate the use of other sensor configurations and processing media in the manufacture of its touch sensors.

Further details on the Group’s R&D activities are included in the Business review.

key performance inDicators (“kpis”)
The KPIs for the business are primarily financial. 

The current KPIs consist of setting targets for and monitoring the level and growth of sales; improving the gross profit margin; and controlling the level of 
overheads. The Directors set targets for operating management in terms of sales growth and margin improvement. The actual performance of the Group 
against each of these KPIs is set out in the Chairman’s statement and Business review. 

In addition, the Directors review an “activity monitor” which the sales team uses to record significant sales opportunities, the key dates in the development 
of each sale’s prospect with the customer, volumes and values of the opportunities and expected production commencement dates. 

The Directors have not developed KPIs relating to environmental matters, the Group’s employees, or social and community issues. 

The Directors maintain a close watch on the level and competitiveness of wages paid to factory staff and the market level of staff salaries, to ensure that the 
Group is not at a disadvantage when seeking to recruit or to retain staff. The Group also uses share option schemes to incentivise employees. The Remuneration 
report summarises the policies relating to executive management.

results anD DiviDenDs
The consolidated income statement is set out on page 30. The Group profit after taxation amounted to £2.2m (2009: £1.7m). The Directors propose the 
payment of a final dividend of 5.0p per share (2009: 3.8p). Following the dividend of 2.0p per share paid in June 2010, this will bring the total dividend 
for the year to 7.0p per share (2009: 5.0p).

Directors
The Directors of the Company are shown on pages 16 and 17. All of the Directors were Directors for the whole of the year with the exception of 
David Buffham who was appointed on 22 September 2010. The emoluments and interests of the Directors in the shares of the Company are set out in 
the Remuneration report.

statement of Directors’ responsiBilities in relation to the group financial statements
The Directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the Group financial statements in accordance with UK law and those International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the European Union.

Under company law the Directors must not approve the Group financial statements unless they are satisfied that they present fairly the financial position 
of the Group and the financial performance and cashflows of the Group for that period. In preparing those financial statements the Directors are required to:

•   select suitable accounting policies in accordance with IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors and then apply 

them consistently;

•   present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable information;

•   provide additional disclosures when compliance with specific requirements in IFRS is insufficient to enable users to understand the impact of particular 

transactions, other events and conditions on the Group’s financial position and financial performance; 

•   state that the Group has complied with IFRS, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

•   make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group’s transactions and disclose with reasonable 
accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group, enabling them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also 
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

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

20 

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

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Disclosure of information to auDitors
The Directors who were members of the Board at the time of approving the Directors’ report are listed on pages 16 and 17. Having made enquiries of fellow 
Directors and of the Company’s auditors, each of these Directors confirms that:

•   to the best of each Director’s knowledge and belief, there is no information (that is, information needed by the Company’s auditors in connection with 

preparing their report) of which the Company’s auditors are unaware; and

•   each Director has taken all the steps a Director might reasonably be expected to have taken to be aware of relevant audit information and to establish that 

the Company’s auditors are aware of that information.

significant interests in shares
On 7 December 2010, the following had significant interests in the ordinary shares of the Company:

Shareholders 

SIS SEGA Intersettle AG/Omnibus 
Axa S.A. (Framlington Investment Management Limited)  
John Kennair, MBE – Past Chairman (beneficial and non-beneficial)  
Schroder Investment Management 
Saracen Investment Funds – Growth Fund 

Number of  
 shares 

3,201,722 
2,891,766 
1,364,928 
1,158,500 
755,289 

Percentage 
holding

21.8%
19.7%
9.3%
7.9%
5.1%

creDitor payment policy anD practice
It is the Group’s policy that payments to suppliers are made in accordance with those terms and conditions agreed between the Group and its suppliers, 
provided that all trading terms and conditions have been complied with. At 30 September 2010, the Company had an average of 30 days’ (2009: 30 days’) 
purchases outstanding in trade creditors. 

political anD charitaBle contriButions
The Group did not make any political or charitable contributions during the year (2009: £Nil). 

special Business
A resolution will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting to renew the existing authority of the Directors, last conferred by a resolution passed at 
the Annual General Meeting held in 2010, to allot unissued ordinary shares of the Company. The authority (special resolution 1 in the Notice of Annual General 
Meeting) will extend until the Annual General Meeting held in 2012 and is in respect of one-third of the Company’s issued share capital.

The Directors consider it advisable that they continue to have power to make allotments of ordinary shares of the Company for cash without reference 
to the statutory pre-emption rights, up to a maximum of 735,524 ordinary shares, being 5% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company at 
30 September 2010. The authority (special resolution 2 in the Notice of Annual General Meeting) will extend until the Annual General Meeting held in 
2012 and also would enable the Directors to implement a rights issue.

In addition, the Directors consider it advisable that the Company has the authority to make market purchases of its own shares up to a maximum of 
1,471,048 ordinary shares of the Company, being 10% of the issued ordinary share capital. The authority (special resolution 3 in the Notice of Annual 
General Meeting) will extend until the Annual General Meeting held in 2012. The power conferred by this authority would only be used after careful 
consideration by the Directors, having taken into account market conditions prevailing at the time, the investment needs of the Company, its opportunities 
for expansion and its overall financial position. The authority would only be exercised by the Directors if they considered it to be in the best interests of 
shareholders generally and if the purchase(s) could be expected to result in an increase in EPS. 

auDitors
A resolution to re-appoint Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s auditors will be put to the shareholders at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

By order of the Board

Denis mullan, B.sc, fca
coMpAny SecRetARy
10 december 2010

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Review of the yeAR
corporate governance
finAnciAl StAteMentS

corporate governance

As an AIM listed company, Zytronic is not obliged to comply with the revised Combined Code published in June 2008 (the “Combined Code”) but instead 
uses its provisions as a guide, but only as considered appropriate to the circumstances of the Company.

The Company is committed to high standards of corporate governance. The Directors consider that, except for the matters noted below, the Company has, 
throughout the year, been in full compliance with the provisions set out in Section 1 of the Combined Code. 

•  A4.1  –  For reasons explained below, the Company does not have a separate nominations committee.

•  A6 

–  The Board has not undertaken a formal evaluation of its own performance and that of its committees and individual members.

•  A7.2  –  The Non-executive Directors have not been appointed for a specific term, but their contracts are terminable with six months’ notice.

In view of the size and structure of the Group, the Board does not believe that these exceptions had any detrimental effect on the control environment and 
corporate governance.

the workings of the BoarD anD its committees
the BoarD
Throughout the year, David Banks, the Non-executive Chairman, Mark Cambridge, the Chief Executive, Denis Mullan, the Finance Director, Tudor Davies 
and Sir David Chapman, Bt., the two Independent Non-executive Directors and John Kennair, MBE, a Non-executive Director were members of the Board. 
David Buffham joined the Board on 22 September 2010 as a Non-executive Director. David Banks and John Kennair, MBE, are not considered to be 
independent because they were the Finance Director of the Group until August 2003 and CEO of the Group until 21 January 2010 respectively.

The Non-executive Directors demonstrate a range of experience and sufficient calibre to bring independent judgement on issues of strategy, performance, 
resources and standards of conduct which are vital to the success of the Group.

The Board normally meets at least five times per year. Its direct responsibilities include setting annual budgets, reviewing trading performance, approving 
significant capital expenditure, ensuring adequate funding, setting and monitoring strategy, examining major acquisition possibilities and reporting to shareholders. 
Between meetings there is regular informal discussion between the Chairman, Chief Executive, Finance Director and individual Non-executive Directors. 
The Non-executive Directors have a particular responsibility to ensure that the strategies proposed by the Executive Directors are fully considered. 

To enable the Board to discharge its duties, all Directors receive appropriate and timely information. Briefing papers are distributed by the Company 
Secretary to all Directors in advance of Board meetings. The Chairman ensures that the Directors are able to take independent professional advice as 
required, at the Company’s expense.

The standing committees established by the Board are the remuneration committee and audit committee, each of which operates within defined terms 
of reference.

A nominations committee has not been established as the Board is small. The nominations process prior to Board appointments takes into account the 
views of all existing Board members and some advisers. Any Director appointed to the Board since the last Annual General Meeting is required to seek 
re-election at the subsequent Annual General Meeting. All Directors are subject to re-election at least once every three years. 

The number of meetings of the Board, and the attendance of Directors, was as follows:

Directors 

David Banks 
Mark Cambridge 
Denis Mullan 
David Buffham 
Sir David Chapman, Bt. 
Tudor Davies 
John Kennair, MBE 

Number of 
meetings 

Attendance

5 
5 
5 
1 
5 
5 
5 

4
5
5
1
5
3
5

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Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

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the workings of the BoarD anD its committees continueD
remuneration committee
The remuneration committee is chaired by Sir David Chapman, Bt., an Independent Non-executive Director. The other member is Tudor Davies, 
the Senior Independent Non-executive Director. David Banks, the Non-independent Non-executive Chairman was a member until his appointment as 
Chairman. The committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Board, within agreed terms of reference, on the Company’s framework of 
executive remuneration and its cost, including the remuneration of some subsidiary Directors. The committee determines the contract terms, remuneration 
and other benefits for each of the Executive Directors, including performance related bonus schemes, pension rights and compensation payments. Further 
details of the Company’s policies on remuneration, service contracts and compensation payments are given in the Remuneration report. The Chairman’s 
remuneration is determined by a sub-committee comprising only the Independent Non-executive Directors. 

The number of meetings of the committee, and the attendance of members, was as follows:

Committee members 

Sir David Chapman, Bt.  
Tudor Davies 
David Banks 

Number of 
 meetings 

Attendance

2 
2 
1 

2
2
1

auDit committee
The audit committee is chaired by Tudor Davies. He and the other member, Sir David Chapman, Bt., are both Independent Non-executive Directors. 
Meetings are also attended, by invitation, by the other Directors. The committee meets at least twice a year. The committee provides a forum for reporting 
by the Group’s external auditors.

The audit committee is responsible for reviewing a wide range of matters including the half year and annual financial statements before their submission 
to the Board and monitoring the controls which are in force to ensure the integrity of the information reported to the shareholders. The audit committee 
advises the Board on the appointment of external auditors and on their remuneration both for audit and non-audit work, and discusses the nature, scope 
and results of the audit with the auditors.

The audit committee keeps under review the cost effectiveness of the auditors. It also reviews the extent of the non-audit services provided by the auditors 
and reviews with them their independence and objectivity. The Chairman of the audit committee reports the outcome of audit committee meetings to the 
Board and the Board receives minutes of the meetings.

The number of meetings of the committee, and the attendance of members, was as follows:

Committee members 

Tudor Davies 
Sir David Chapman, Bt. 

Number of 
 meetings 

3 
3 

Attendance

2
3

relations with shareholDers
Communication with shareholders is given high priority. There is regular dialogue with major and/or institutional shareholders including presentations after 
the Company’s announcements of the half year and full year results in May and December respectively. Presentations are also made to analysts and journalists 
at those times to present the Group’s results and report on developments. This assists with the promotion of knowledge of the Group in the investment 
marketplace and with shareholders. The financial statements include a review of the business and future developments. These financial statements, 
the presentations and other information relating to the Group are also available on the Group’s website www.zytronic.co.uk.

Following the half year and year end presentations of results, the Executive Directors report to the Board on the feedback received from journalists, analysts 
and shareholders. In addition, the Company’s financial PR advisers also produce a feedback report from those meetings which is made available to all 
Directors. The Executive Directors also report to the Board on any meetings with shareholders or institutional investors that may take place at other times 
of the year.

The Board uses both the annual report and financial statements and the Annual General Meeting to communicate directly with private and institutional 
investors and welcomes their participation. The Chairman aims to ensure that the chairmen of the audit and remuneration committees are available at the 
Annual General Meeting to answer questions. Details of resolutions to be proposed at the Annual General Meeting on 25 February 2011 can be found in 
the Notice of Annual General Meeting on pages 63 and 64.

In addition, the Senior Independent Director is available to shareholders if they have any concerns which contact through the normal channels of the 
Chairman, Chief Executive or the Finance Director has failed to resolve or for which such contact is inappropriate.

www.zytronic.co.uk

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Review of the yeAR
corporate governance
finAnciAl StAteMentS

continued
corporate governance

internal control
The Board is responsible for establishing and maintaining the Group’s system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness. The system is designed 
to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure to achieve the Group’s strategic objectives and can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance 
against material misstatement or loss. As an AIM listed company, the Company does not need to comply with Code provision C2.1 regarding the Directors 
giving a summary of the process applied by the Board in reviewing the effectiveness of the system of internal control. Instead, the Directors set out below 
some of the key aspects of the Group’s internal control procedures.

An ongoing process, in accordance with the guidance of the Turnbull Committee on internal control, has been established for identifying, evaluating and 
managing the significant risks faced by the Group. The process has been in place for the full year under review and up to the date of approval of the annual 
report and financial statements. The Board regularly reviews this process as part of its review of such risks within Board meetings. Where any weaknesses 
are identified, an action plan is prepared to address the issues and is then implemented.

The Board has overall responsibility for the Group and there is a formal schedule of matters specifically reserved for decision by the Board. Authority to operate 
the trading subsidiary, Zytronic Displays Limited, is delegated to its Board of Directors and through them it is run by its management within limits set by the 
Board. The appointment of Executives to the most senior positions within the Group requires the approval of the Board.

Each year the Board approves the annual budget. Key risk areas are identified, reviewed and monitored. Performance is monitored against budget, relevant 
action is taken throughout the year and updated forecasts are prepared as appropriate. The reports reviewed by the Board include reports on operational as 
well as financial issues.

Capital and development expenditure is regulated by a budgetary process and authorisation levels. For expenditure beyond specified levels, detailed written 
proposals have to be submitted to the Board for approval. Reviews are carried out after the purchase is complete. The Board requires management to explain 
any major deviations from authorised capital proposals and to seek further sanction from the Board.

Due diligence work is carried out if a business is to be acquired.

The Board has reviewed the need for an internal audit function and concluded that this is not currently necessary in view of the small size of the Group and 
the close supervision by senior management of its day-to-day operations. The Board will continue to keep this under review.

The Group has a whistle-blowing policy and procedures to encourage staff to contact the Chairman if they need to raise matters of concerns other than via 
the Executive Directors and senior management.

going concern
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the Business review 
on pages 8 to 15. The financial position of the Group, its cashflows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described within the Business review also. 
In addition, note 20 to the financial statements includes the Group’s objectives, policies, its financial risk management objectives, details of its financial 
instruments and hedging activities and its exposure to credit risk and liquidity risk.

The Group’s business is well diversified, with relationships with customers and suppliers across different geographic areas and industries. It also has 
considerable financial resources. As a consequence, the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks successfully despite 
the current uncertain economic outlook.

After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational 
existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and financial statements.

24 

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

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remuneration report

As the Company is AIM listed, the Directors are not required, under Section 420(1) of the Companies Act 2006, to prepare a Directors’ remuneration report 
for each financial year of the Company and so Zytronic plc makes the following disclosures voluntarily, which are not intended to, and indeed do not, comply 
with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

The remuneration committee is responsible for determining the remuneration and other terms of employment for the Executive Directors of Zytronic plc 
and some of the Directors in its trading subsidiary, Zytronic Displays Limited. The committee is composed of the two Independent Non-executive Directors. 
In determining remuneration for the year, the committee has given full consideration to the requirements of the Combined Code.

remuneration policy
The remuneration of Executive Directors is determined by the committee and the remuneration of Non-executive Directors is approved by the full Board 
of Directors. The remuneration of the Chairman is determined by the Independent Non-executive Directors.

The key objectives of the committee in determining the remuneration packages of Executive Directors are:

•	 the recruitment, retention and incentivisation of executive management of the right calibre; and

•	 the alignment of executive management and shareholder interests.

The remuneration packages of Executive Directors comprise the following elements:

Basic salary anD Benefits
Basic salaries for Executive Directors are reviewed annually having regard to individual performance and market practice. In most cases benefits provided 
to Executive Directors comprise the provision of a company car, or appropriate allowance, health insurance and contributions to a Group personal pension 
scheme. Details of emoluments for the Directors of Zytronic plc are set out on page 26.

annual Bonus
A discretionary bonus may be awarded by the remuneration committee to reward exceptional individual performance.

share options anD incentive schemes
The Company believes that share ownership by Executive Directors and employees strengthens the link between their personal interests and those of the 
Company and the shareholders.

The Company has executive share option and incentive schemes, which are designed to promote long term improvement in the performance of the Group, 
sustained increase in shareholder value and clear linkage between executive reward and the Group’s performance. The share options and incentive schemes 
of the Directors of Zytronic plc are set out on page 27.

It will normally be the case that, on the option holder ceasing employment with the Group, the options will be terminated. In some circumstances, the Board 
may have discretion to waive this where the past contribution to the business by the option holder justifies it.

The Company also has a sharesave option scheme. Membership is open to all eligible employees, including Directors, who have more than three months’ 
employment with the Group at the time options are offered under a scheme. In compliance with the Combined Code the Board has agreed that it will not 
grant share options to Non-executive Directors.

service contracts
Mark Cambridge and Denis Mullan both have a service contract with a notice entitlement of six months.

The committee considers the Directors’ notice entitlements to be appropriate as they are in line with the market and take account of the Directors’ 
knowledge and experience. There are no special provisions for predetermined compensation in the event of loss of office.

non-executive Directors
The fees of the Non-executive Directors are determined by the full Board within the limits set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association. 
The Non-executive Directors are not eligible for bonuses, pension benefits or share options.

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Review of the yeAR
corporate governance
finAnciAl StAteMentS

continued 
remuneration report

Directors’ emoluments
Emoluments of the Directors for the year ended 30 September 2010 are:

Non-executive Chairman 
David Banks** 
Executive 
Mark Cambridge 
Denis Mullan 
Non-executive 
John Kennair, MBE 
Tudor Davies 
Sir David Chapman, Bt. 
David Buffham*** 

    * Excluding pension contributions.

Salary  
£’000 

Fees 
 £’000 

Benefits 
 £’000 

Bonus 
£’000 

Total 
emoluments* 
2010 
£’000 

Total 
emoluments* 
2009 
 £’000

— 

105 
90 

66 
— 
— 
— 

261 

46 

— 
— 

6 
26 
26 
1 

105 

— 

18 
10 

— 
— 
— 
— 

28 

— 

8 
7 

— 
— 
— 
— 

15 

46 

131 
107 

72 
26 
26 
1 

409 

37

119
99

88
27
27
—

397

  **  Fees are paid to David Banks Associates, a partnership in which David Banks is a partner. David Banks was appointed Non-executive Chairman on 1 July 2010 following 

John Kennair, MBE, stepping-down on the same day.

*** David Buffham joined the Board on 22 September 2010.

pension contriButions
During the year, the Group made annual pension contributions for Mark Cambridge and Denis Mullan, Executive Directors, to a personal pension scheme 
(i.e. a defined contribution scheme). Neither benefits in kind nor bonuses are pensionable.

Details of contributions payable by the Company are:

Director 

Mark Cambridge 
Denis Mullan 

Total 

2010 
£’000 

3 
3 

6 

Directors’ shareholDings
Beneficial interests of the Directors in the shares of the Company, including those of their immediate families, were:

John Kennair, MBE  –  beneficial 
–  as trustee 

Denis Mullan 
Tudor Davies 
Sir David Chapman, Bt. 
Mark Cambridge  
David Banks 
David Buffham 

There has been no change in Directors’ shareholdings since 30 September 2010.

30 September 2010 

30 September 2009 

Number 

1,058,065 
129,643 
140,109 
90,909 
40,000 
36,113 
24,545 
5,000 

% 

7.19 
0.88 
0.95 
0.62 
0.27 
0.25 
0.17 
0.03 

Number 

1,058,065 
129,643 
140,000 
90,909 
40,000 
36,113 
14,545 
— 

2009 
£’000

3
3

6

%

7.21
0.88
0.95
0.62
0.27
0.25
0.10
—

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Directors’ share options

Enterprise 
Management 
Incentive Scheme 

Denis Mullan 

Denis Mullan 

Denis Mullan 

Denis Mullan 

30 September 
2009 
Number 

100,000 

17,182 

2,300 

Granted 
during 
year 
Number 

— 

— 

— 

— 

7,500 

Mark Cambridge 

Mark Cambridge 

17,182 

27,250 

Unapproved Scheme 

Denis Mullan 

30 September 
2009 
Number 

12,700 

— 

— 

Granted 
during 
year 
Number 

— 

Exercised 
during 
year 
Number 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

30 September 
2010 
Number 

100,000 

17,182 

2,300 

7,500 

17,182 

27,250 

Exercised 
during 
year 
Number 

30 September 
2010 
Number 

— 

12,700 

Exercise dates 

16 March 2006 to  
15 March 2014  
18 January 2008 to  
17 January 2015 
28 February 2011 to  
27 February 2018 
15 July 2013 to 
15 July 2020 
18 January 2008 to  
17 January 2015 
11 January 2009 to 
10 January 2016 

Exercise dates 

28 February 2011 to 
27 February 2018 

Option 
price

70.0p 

145.5p 

216.5p 

177.5p 

145.5p 

274.5p 

Option 
price

216.5p 

Director’s share incentive scheme 
share incentive scheme for mark camBriDge, chief executive 
The remuneration committee agreed an incentive award scheme for Mark Cambridge, Chief Executive, to offer him up to 200,000 shares at a price of 25.0p 
per share to vest based on specified performance criteria.

These are measured by an EPS, calculated on the audited pre-tax profit and a standard 28% tax charge. The EPS criteria are shown below:

Performance criteria

Lower limit 

Upper limit

EPS 
Pence 

13.5 
18.3 
24.5 

Shares 
to vest 

80,000 
60,000 
60,000 

EPS 
Pence 

15.0 
22.0 
24.5 

Shares 
to vest

100,000
80,000
20,000

Year to 30 September 2009 (year 1)   
Year to 30 September 2010 (year 2)   
Year to 30 September 2011 (year 3)   

Vesting is:

•  the entitlement to buy, which doesn’t disappear once earned;

•  pro rata between the upper and lower limits;

•	 timed on signature of audited accounts with a clean audit report; and

•  cumulative, e.g. 200,000 shares can vest in year 3 if the upper limit is reached, even if the lower limits have not been achieved in the previous years.

If the 24.5p EPS criteria is not achieved in year 3, there will still be an opportunity for shares to vest in year 4 (to 30 September 2012) or year 5 
(to 30 September 2013) on the achievement of 24.5p EPS on the basis that, on achievement, the maximum total entitlement reduces to 125,000 
shares or 50,000 shares respectively, or the number of shares already vested if that is greater.

As at 30 September 2010, no shares had vested under this incentive scheme.

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Review of the yeAR
corporate governance
finAnciAl StAteMentS

continued
remuneration report

Director’s share incentive scheme continueD
share incentive scheme for mark camBriDge, chief executive continueD
Vesting will also take place in the event of a successful takeover and will be based on the takeover price, with full vesting at a share price of 500p 
and pro rata vesting down to a price of 300p as follows:

•	 1,000 shares for each 1p above 300p up to 500p until 30 September 2011, reduced for any shares which have already vested;

•	 625 shares for each 1p above 300p up to 500p between 1 October 2011 and 30 September 2012, reduced for any shares which have already vested; and

•	 250 shares for each 1p above 300p up to 500p between 1 October 2012 and 30 September 2013, reduced for any shares which have already vested.

share price During the year
During the year to 30 September 2010, the highest share price was 241.0p and the lowest share price was 146.5p. The market price of the shares 
at 30 September 2010 was 176.0p.

Directors’ interests in material contracts
As noted on page 26, the Company has paid Directors’ fees to David Banks Associates, a partnership in which David Banks is a partner. At 30 September 2010 
the amount due to David Banks Associates was £6,365 (2009: £3,546).

With this exception, no Director was materially interested either at the year end or during the year in any contract of significance to the Group other than 
their employment or service contract. 

28 

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

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inDepenDent auDitors’ report
to the memBers of Zytronic plc

We have audited the Group financial statements of Zytronic plc for the year ended 30 September 2010 which comprise the Consolidated Income Statement, 
the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Consolidated 
Cashflow Statement and the related notes 1 to 25. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

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 auditors’ report and for no other 
purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members 
as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

respective responsiBilities of Directors anD auDitors
As explained more fully in the Director’s Responsibilities Statement set out on page 20, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements 
and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International 
Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s (APB’s) Ethical Standards for Auditors.

scope of the auDit of the financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial 
statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate 
to the Group’s circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made 
by the Directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements.

opinion on financial statements
In our opinion:

•   the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s affairs as at 30 September 2010 and of its profit for the year then ended;

•   have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union; and 

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

opinion on other matters prescriBeD By the companies act 2006
In our opinion the information given in the Directors’ report for the financial year for which the Group financial statements are prepared is consistent with 
the Group financial statements.

matters on which we are requireD to report By exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

•   certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

•   we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

other matter
We have reported separately on the Parent Company financial statements of Zytronic plc for the year ended 30 September 2010.

annie graham (senior statutory auDitor) 
for anD on Behalf of ernst & young llp statutory auDitor
newcAStle-upon-tyne
10 december 2010  

notes
1.  The maintenance and integrity of the Zytronic plc website is the responsibility of the Directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these matters 

and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements, since they were initially presented on the website.

2. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

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Review of the yeAR
coRpoRAte GoveRnAnce
financial statements

consoliDateD income statement
for the year enDeD 30 septemBer 2010

Group revenue 

Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Distribution costs 

Administration expenses 

Group trading profit 

Other operating income 

Group operating profit from continuing operations 

Finance costs 

Finance revenue 

Profit from continuing operations 

Tax expense 

Profit for the year from continuing operations 

Earnings per share 

Basic 

Diluted 

Notes 

2 

3 

5(a) 

5(b) 

6 

8 

8 

2010 
£’000 

18,483 

12,589 

5,894 

231 

2,738 

2,925 

112 

3,037 

(126) 

13 

2,924 

(736) 

2,188 

14.9p 

14.8p 

consoliDateD statement of comprehensive income
for the year enDeD 30 septemBer 2010

There are no recognised gains or losses other than the profit attributable to shareholders of the Company as presented in the consolidated income 
statement above.

consoliDateD statement of changes in equity
for the year enDeD 30 septemBer 2010

At 30 September 2008 
Profit for the year 
Tax recognised directly in equity 
Share-based payments 
Dividends 

At 30 September 2009 
Profit for the year 
Tax recognised directly in equity 
Exercise of share options 
Refund of VAT on flotation expenses previously disallowed 
Share-based payments 
Dividends 

At 30 September 2010 

Called 
up share 
capital* 
£’000 

Share 
premium** 
£’000 

Retained 
earnings 
£’000 

147 
— 
— 
— 
— 

147 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

147 

6,479 
— 
— 
— 
— 

6,479 
— 
— 
40 
31 
— 
— 

6,550 

2,256 
1,707 
(4) 
29 
(616) 

3,372 
2,188 
5 
— 
— 
42 
(852) 

4,755 

  * Share capital represents proceeds on issue of the Company’s equity share capital.

** Share premium comprises the excess in proceeds on issue of the Company’s equity share capital above the nominal value of the shares issued.

30 

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

www.zytronic.co.uk

2009 
£’000

15,921

10,514

5,407

183

2,850

2,374

20

2,394

(98)

4

2,300

(593)

1,707

11.6p

11.5p

Total 
£’000

8,882
1,707
(4)
29
(616)

9,998
2,188
5
40
31
42
(852)

11,452

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consoliDateD Balance sheet
at 30 septemBer 2010

Assets 

Non-current assets 

Intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Trade and other receivables 

Current assets 

Inventories 

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and short term deposits 

Total assets 

Equity and liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Financial liabilities 

Accruals 

Taxation liabilities 

Government grants 

Non-current liabilities 

Financial liabilities 

Deferred tax liabilities (net) 

Government grants 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Capital and reserves 

Equity share capital 

Share premium 

Revenue reserve 

Total equity 

Notes 

9 

10 

12(b) 

11 

12(a) 

13 

14 

15 

14 

16 

19 

21 

22 

22 

2010 
£’000 

2009 
£’000

1,869 

8,387 

198 

10,454 

2,588 

3,466 

1,505 

7,559 

1,974

8,375

210

10,559

2,503

3,110

739

6,352

18,013 

16,911

1,582 

669 

600 

357 

192 

3,400 

2,045 

827 

289 

3,161 

6,561 

11,452 

147 

6,550 

4,755 

11,452 

1,306

1,442

574

300

—

3,622

2,428

820

43

3,291

6,913

9,998

147

6,479

3,372

9,998

These financial statements have been approved by the Board of Directors on 10 December 2010 and signed on their behalf by:

DaviD Banks 
chAiRMAn 
10 december 2010 

  Denis mullan, B.sc, fca

finAnce diRectoR

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Review of the yeAR
coRpoRAte GoveRnAnce
financial statements

consoliDateD cashflow statement
for the year enDeD 30 septemBer 2010

Operating activities 

Profit before tax 

Net interest expense 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Amortisation of government grant 

Share-based payments 

Increase in inventories 

Increase in trade and other receivables 

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 

Cash generated from operations 

Taxation paid 

Net cashflow from operating activities  

Investing activities 

Interest received 

Receipt of government grant 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment 

Payments to acquire intangible assets 

Net cashflow from investing activities  

Financing activities 

Interest paid 

Dividends paid to equity shareholders of the parent 

Proceeds from share issues re. options 

New borrowings 

Refund of VAT on flotation expenses previously disallowed 

Repayment of borrowings 

Repayment of capital element of hire purchase contracts  

Net cashflow from financing activities  

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 

Cash and cash equivalents at the year end 

Notes 

2010 
£’000 

2009 
£’000

2,924 

2,300

113 

654 

333 

(102) 

42 

(85) 

(356) 

279 

3,802 

(655) 

3,147 

13 

540 

(640) 

(228) 

(315) 

(128) 

(852) 

40 

— 

31 

(342) 

(476) 

(1,727) 

1,105 

109 

1,214 

94

613

307

(12)

29

(7)

(59)

(137)

3,128

(646)

2,482

4

—

(3,673)

(223)

(3,892)

(94)

(616)

—

2,217

—

(163)

(476)

868

(542)

651

109

10 

13 

13 

32 

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

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notes to the consoliDateD financial statements
for the year enDeD 30 septemBer 2010

1. accounting policies
(a) statement of compliance
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted for use in the European Union and as applied in accordance with 
the provisions of the Companies Act 2006. The Directors consider the following accounting policies to be relevant in relation to the Group’s financial statements.

(B) JuDgements anD key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the Directors to make judgements and assumptions 
that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosures at the date of the financial statements and the reported income and expense during 
the year. Although these judgements and assumptions are based on the Directors’ best knowledge of the amount, events or actions, actual results may 
differ from those estimates.

In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, the Directors have made the following judgements which, apart from those involving estimations, 
have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements:

impairment of non-financial assets
The Group assesses whether there are any indicators of impairment for all non-financial assets at each reporting date. Goodwill is tested for impairment 
annually and at other times when such indicators exist. Other non-financial assets are tested for impairment when there are indicators that the carrying 
amounts may not be recoverable.

When value in use calculations are undertaken, management must estimate the expected future cashflows from the asset or cash-generating unit and 
choose a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those cashflows.

Development costs
Development costs are capitalised in accordance with the accounting policy given below. Initial capitalisation of costs is based on management’s judgement 
that technological and economical feasibility is confirmed, usually when a product development project has reached a defined milestone.

(c) Basis of consoliDation anD gooDwill
The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of Zytronic plc and its subsidiaries as at 30 September each year. They are presented 
in Sterling and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds (£’000) except where otherwise indicated.

All intra-group balances and transactions, including unrealised profits arising from them, are eliminated. 

Business comBinations from 1 January 2010
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the consideration 
transferred, measured at acquisition date fair value and the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. For each business combination, 
the acquirer measures the non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net 
assets. Acquisition costs incurred are expensed and included in administrative expenses.

When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and designation in accordance 
with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as at the acquisition date. 

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer will be recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent changes to the fair value of 
the contingent consideration which is deemed to be an asset or liability, will be recognised in accordance with IAS 39 either in profit or loss or as a change to 
other comprehensive income. If the contingent consideration is classified as equity, it should not be remeasured until it is finally settled within equity.

Goodwill is initially measured at cost being the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the amount recognised for non-controlling 
interest over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If this consideration is lower than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary 
acquired, the difference is recognised in profit or loss.

After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired 
in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the Group’s cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the 
combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the acquiree are assigned to those units.

Business comBinations prior to 1 January 2010 
Acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method. Goodwill arising on acquisitions was initially measured at cost, being the excess of the cost 
of the acquisition over the Group’s interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities, was capitalised and classified 
as an asset on the balance sheet, and was not amortised. After initial recognition, goodwill was stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses, with 
the carrying value being reviewed for impairment, at least on an annual basis and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicated that the carrying 
value may be impaired. This required an estimation of the value in use of the cash-generating units to which the goodwill was allocated.

When subsidiaries were sold, the difference between the selling price and the net assets plus unimpaired goodwill was recognised in the consolidated 
income statement. 

(D) foreign currencies
The consolidated financial statements are presented in Sterling, which is the Company’s functional and presentation currency. Transactions in foreign currencies 
are initially recorded in the functional currency at the rate ruling at the date of transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies 
are retranslated at the functional currency rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. All differences are taken to the income statement. Non-monetary 
items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates as at the dates of the initial transactions. 

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Review of the yeAR
coRpoRAte GoveRnAnce
financial statements

continued
notes to the consoliDateD financial statements
for the year enDeD 30 septemBer 2010

1. accounting policies continueD
(e) property, plant anD equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment charges. Such costs include those directly attributable to 
making the asset capable of operating as intended and the cost of replacing significant parts of such plant and equipment when that cost is incurred, if the 
recognition criteria are met. Depreciation is provided on all property, plant and equipment, other than freehold land, at rates calculated to write off the cost, 
less estimated residual value, of each asset evenly over its expected useful life, as follows:

Freehold land 

Freehold property 

Long leasehold property 

–  Nil

–  50 years

–  50 years

Plant and machinery 

–  varying rates between 5% and 25% per annum

Any gain or loss arising on disposal of an asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset) 
is included in the income statement in the year the asset is derecognised. 

The assets’ residual values, useful lives and methods of depreciation are reviewed at each financial year end and adjusted, if appropriate. The Group assesses 
at each reporting date whether there is an indication that an asset may be impaired. If any such indication exists the Group makes an estimate of the asset’s 
recoverable amount. An asset’s recoverable amount is the higher of the asset’s fair value, or the cash-generating unit’s fair value of which it forms part, less 
costs to sell and its value in use and is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of 
those from other assets or groups of assets. Where the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and 
is written down to its recoverable amount. Impairment losses of continuing operations are recognised in the income statement in those expense categories 
consistent with the function of the impaired asset.

(f) intangiBle assets
Intangible assets acquired separately are measured on initial recognition at cost. The cost of intangible assets acquired in a business combination is deemed 
to be their fair value as at the date of acquisition. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortisation and 
any accumulated impairment losses. Other than capitalised development costs, internally generated intangible assets are not capitalised.

Intangible assets are amortised on a straight line basis over their useful economic lives and reviewed for impairment at each financial year end. The amortisation 
expense on intangible assets is recognised in the income statement in the expense category consistent with the function of the intangible asset. The estimated 
useful lives are as follows:

Licences 

–  period of licensing agreements (10 and 17 years)

Capitalised development expenditure  –  4 to 10 years

(g) research anD Development costs
Research expenditure is written off as incurred. An intangible asset arising from development expenditure on an individual project is recognised only when 
the Group can demonstrate the technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that it will be available for use or sale, its intention to complete and 
its ability to use or sell the asset, how the asset will generate future economic benefits, the availability of resources to complete the asset and the ability to 
measure reliably the expenditure during the development. 

During the period of development, the asset is tested annually for impairment. Following the initial recognition of the development expenditure, the cost 
model (as defined in IFRS) is applied, requiring the asset to be carried at cost less any accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. 
Amortisation of the asset begins when development is complete and the asset is available for use. It is amortised over the period of expected future sales.

(h) inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Costs incurred in bringing each product to its present location and condition are 
accounted for as follows:

Raw materials and consumables 

–  purchase cost on a first-in, first-out basis

Finished goods and work in progress  –   cost of direct materials and labour and a proportion of manufacturing overheads based on normal operating 

capacity but excluding borrowing costs

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary 
to make the sale.

(i) traDe anD other receivaBles
Trade receivables are recognised and carried at original amount less an allowance for any uncollectable amounts. An estimate for doubtful debts is made 
when collection of the full amount is no longer probable. Bad debts are written off when identified. Trade and other receivables do not carry interest.

34 

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

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1. accounting policies continueD
( J) cash anD cash equivalents 
Cash and short term deposits in the balance sheet comprise cash at bank and in hand and short term deposits with an initial maturity of three months or 
less. Bank overdrafts are shown within financial liabilities, in current liabilities on the balance sheet. For the purpose of the cashflow statement, cash and 
cash equivalents comprise these balances, net of outstanding bank overdrafts.

(k) interest-Bearing loans anD Borrowings
All loans and borrowings are initially recognised at the fair value of the consideration received less directly attributable transaction costs. After initial 
recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 

Gains and losses are recognised in the income statement when the liabilities are derecognised, as well as through the amortisation process.

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready 
for its intended use are capitalised as part of the costs of the respective assets. All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period they occur. Borrowing 
costs consist of interest and other costs that an entity incurs in connection with the borrowing of funds.

(l) Derecognition of financial assets anD liaBilities
A financial asset or financial liability is derecognised when the contract that gives rise to it is discharged, sold, cancelled or expires.

Where an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability 
are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability, 
and the difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognised in the income statement.

(m) pension scheme
The Group operates a group personal pension scheme, which is a defined contribution scheme, for its employees. Contributions are recognised in the 
income statement as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

(n) leases
group as a lessee
Finance leases, which transfer to the Group substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased item, are capitalised at the inception 
of the lease at the fair value of the leased asset or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments. Lease payments are apportioned between 
the finance charges and reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are 
charged directly against income. Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset and the lease term.

Leases where the lessor retains a significant portion of the risks and benefits of ownership of the asset are classified as operating leases and payments are 
recognised as an expense in the income statement on a straight line basis over the lease term.

(o) share-BaseD payment transactions
equity-settleD transactions
The cost of equity-settled transactions with employees is measured by reference to the fair value at the date at which they are granted and is recognised 
as an expense over the vesting period, which ends on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award. Fair value is determined 
using an appropriate pricing model. In valuing equity-settled transactions, no account is taken of any service performance conditions (vesting conditions), 
other than performance conditions linked to the price of the shares of the Company (market conditions).

No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest, except for awards where vesting is conditional upon a market vesting condition, which are 
treated as vesting irrespective of whether or not the market vesting condition or non-vesting condition is satisfied, provided that all other non-market vesting 
conditions are satisfied.

At each balance sheet date before vesting, the cumulative expense is calculated, representing the extent to which the vesting period has expired and 
management’s best estimate of the achievement or otherwise of non-market vesting conditions and the number of equity instruments that will ultimately 
vest, or in the case of an instrument subject to a market vesting condition or a non-vesting condition, be treated as vesting. The movement in cumulative 
expense since the previous balance sheet date is recognised in the income statement, with a corresponding entry in equity.

Where the terms of an equity-settled award are modified or a new award is designated as replacing a cancelled or settled award, the cost based on the 
original award terms continues to be recognised over the original vesting period. In addition, an expense is recognised over the remainder of the new vesting 
period for the incremental fair value of any modification, based on the difference between the fair value of the original award and the fair value of the 
modified award, both as measured on the date of the modification. No reduction is recognised if this difference is negative.

Where an equity-settled award is cancelled, it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation, and any cost not yet recognised in the income 
statement for the award is expensed immediately. Any compensation paid up to the fair value of the award at the cancellation or settlement date is deducted 
from equity, with any excess over fair value being treated as an expense in the income statement.

IFRS 2 Share-based Payments has only been applied to grants of equity instruments after 7 November 2002 that had not vested at 1 October 2006. 
For awards granted before 7 November 2002, the Group recognises only the intrinsic value or cost of these potential awards as an expense. This is 
accrued over the performance period of each plan based on the intrinsic value of the equity-settled awards.

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Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

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Review of the yeAR
coRpoRAte GoveRnAnce
financial statements

continued
notes to the consoliDateD financial statements
for the year enDeD 30 septemBer 2010

1. accounting policies continueD
(p) revenue recognition
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer. This is when the 
goods have been dispatched or made available to the customer, an invoice has been raised for them and the Group’s obligations to the customer have been 
met. There is not usually any significant delay between the occurrence of these three events.

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received, excluding discounts, rebates and other sales taxes. Appropriate provisions for known 
returns are deducted from revenue.

(q) government grants
Government grants are recognised where there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and all attaching conditions will be complied with, 
normally when a grant claim has been approved by the Government authority and the grant monies have been received. The fair value of grants is credited 
to a deferred income account and released to the income statement over the life of the projects to which they relate.

(r) royalty payments
Under the terms of its patent licence, Zytronic Displays Limited pays royalties to the patent owner on the value of the touch sensors which it sells. An agreed 
annual payment is made by monthly instalment under the licence.

In the event that the actual quarterly royalties due from Zytronic Displays Limited exceed the payments on account for that quarter, Zytronic Displays Limited 
pays the balance to the patent owner.

In the event that the payments on account for that quarter exceed the actual royalties due to that date, the excess payment is treated by Zytronic Displays 
Limited as a prepayment of royalties that will become due in the future. Similarly, should the annual agreed payment be in excess of the royalties due for 
the year, the difference is rolled over and deducted from future years’ royalty calculations.

Management reviews its forecasts of future sales to determine whether any impairment has occurred which might affect the carrying value of the prepayment.

From 1 January 2008, and for each subsequent calendar year, the annual payment will increase either by the greater of RPI or to the level of the previous 
year’s actual royalties.

(s) DeferreD tax
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the 
financial statements, with the following exceptions:

•	 	where the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination 

that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss;

•	 	in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, where the timing of the reversal of 

the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future; and

•	 	deferred taxation assets are recognised only to the extent that the Directors consider that it is more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits 

from which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted.

Deferred tax is measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which the related asset or liability is settled, 
based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

(t) new stanDarDs anD interpretations not applieD
The International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”) have issued the 
following standards and interpretations with an effective date after the date of these financial statements:

IASB 

IFRS 2 
IAS 32 
IAS 24 

IFRS 9 

IFRIC 

IFRIC 19 

Amendments to IFRS 2 Group Cash-settled Share-based Payment Transactions 
Amendment to IAS 32 Classification of Rights Issues 
Related Party Disclosures (revised) 
Improvements to IFRS (May 2010)  
Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement 

Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments 

Effective date

1 January 2010
1 February 2010
1 January 2011
1 January 2011
1 January 2013

Effective date

1 July 2010

The Directors do not anticipate adoption of these standards and interpretations will have a material impact on the Group financial statements.

36 

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1. accounting policies continueD
(u) new stanDarD aDopteD
The following new standards or interpretations are mandatory for the first time for the financial year ended 30 September 2010:

IASB 

IFRS 1 and IAS 27 
IFRS 2 
IFRS 3 
IFRS 8 
IAS 1 
IAS 23 
IAS 27 
IAS 32 and IAS 31 
IAS 39 

Amendments to IFRS 1 and IAS 27 Amendments for Determining the Cost of an Investment in Separate Financial Statements
Amendment to IFRS 2 Vesting Conditions and Cancellations
Business Combinations (revised January 2008)
Operating Segments
Presentation of Financial Statements (revised September 2007)
Borrowing Costs (revised March 2007)
Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements (revised January 2008)
Amendments to IAS 32 and IAS 31 Puttable Financial Instruments and Obligations Arising on Liquidation
Amendment to IAS 39 Eligible Hedged Items
Improvements to IFRS

The adoption of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements (revised) has required the “Statement of Changes in Equity”, previously described in note 22 to the 
annual report for the year ended 30 September 2009, to be presented as a primary statement entitled “Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity”. 
In addition, the “Consolidated Statement of Recognised Income and Expense” has been replaced with the “Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income”.

In adopting IFRS 8 Operating Segments, the Group has concluded that the operating segment is the same as the business segment determined 
in accordance with IAS 14 Segment Reporting.

Adoption of the remaining new standards and interpretations did not have a material impact on the financial performance of the Group.

2. group revenue anD segmental analysis
Revenue represents the invoiced amount of goods sold and services provided, stated net of value added tax, rebates and discounts.

IFRS 8 Operating Segments has been applied for the first time in these financial statements.

For management purposes, the Group considers that it has a single business unit comprising the development and manufacture of customised optical filters 
to enhance electronic display performance. All revenue, profits or losses before tax and net assets are attributable to this single reportable business segment.

Management monitors the operating results of its entire business for the purposes of making decisions about resource allocation and performance 
assessment. Business performance is evaluated based on operating profits.

All manufacturing takes place in the UK and accordingly all segment assets are located in the UK. The analysis of segment revenue by geographical area 
based on the location of customers is given below:

Sale of goods  –  UK 

–  Americas 
–  EMEA (excl. UK)   
–  APAC 

Revenue 
Finance revenue 

Total revenue 

30 September 2010 

30 September 2009 

£’000 

1,762 
3,682 
8,516 
4,523 

18,483 
13 

18,496 

% 

10 
20 
46 
24 

100 

£’000 

2,238 
3,018 
7,344 
3,321 

15,921 
4 

15,925 

%

14
19
46
21

100

Individual revenues from three major customers exceed 10% of total revenue for the year. The total amount of revenue is £10.0m (2009: £8.5m).

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Review of the yeAR
coRpoRAte GoveRnAnce
financial statements

continued
notes to the consoliDateD financial statements
for the year enDeD 30 septemBer 2010

3. group operating profit
This is stated after charging/(crediting):

R&D costs 
Amortisation of development expenditure 

Auditors’ remuneration  – 
– 

in respect of audit services*  
in respect of taxation services 

Depreciation of owned assets 
Depreciation of assets held under HP agreements 
Amortisation of licences  
Cost of inventories recognised as an expense including:   
– write-down of inventories to net realisable value 
– reversals of impairments in inventories** 
Hire of plant and machinery 
Operating lease rentals – minimum lease payments 
Amortisation of capital grants 
Net foreign currency differences 
Rental income 

  * £15,000 of this relates to the Company (2009: £36,000).

** The reversal of impairments in inventories has arisen as a result of previously impaired stock being utilised.

4. staff costs (incluDing Directors)

Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Other pension costs 

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

215 
153 

368 

46 
17 
494 
160 
125 
7,222 
118 
(12) 
2 
44 
(102) 
49 
(3) 

291
135

426

48
19
456
157
123
5,300
27
(69)
2
324
(12)
153
(9)

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

4,121 
379 
54 

4,554 

3,736
346
48

4,130

Included in wages and salaries is a total expense of share-based payments of £42,000 (2009: £29,000) all of which arises from transactions accounted for 
as equity-settled share-based payment transactions.

The total of Directors’ emoluments is £409,000 (2009: £397,000). The aggregate value of contributions paid to money purchase pension schemes includes 
£6,000 (2009: £5,600) in respect of two Directors (2009: two).

Amounts paid to the highest paid Director are £131,000 (2009: £119,000) plus a contribution paid to the money purchase pension scheme of £3,000 
(2009: £3,000).

The average number of employees during the year was made up as follows:

Production 
Administration and sales 

30 September 
2010 
Number 

30 September 
2009 
Number

156 
37 

193 

156
37

193

The information required by Schedule 5 of the Large and Medium Sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 is contained 
in the Remuneration report under Directors’ emoluments, pension contributions, Directors’ shareholdings and Directors’ share options.

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5. finance costs (payaBle)/revenue receivaBle
(a) finance costs

Interest payable 

Finance charges payable under HP agreements 
Bank loans and overdrafts 

(B) finance revenue

Interest receivable 

Bank interest receivable 

6. taxation

Current tax 
UK corporation tax 
Corporation tax over-provided in prior years 

Total current tax charge 

Deferred tax 
Effect of change in tax rates 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences 

Total deferred tax charge 

Tax charge in the income statement   

tax relating to items chargeD or creDiteD to equity

Deferred tax 
Tax on share-based payment 

Total deferred tax charge 

Tax charge in the statement of comprehensive income 

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

(15) 
(111) 

(126) 

(31)
(67)

(98)

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

13 

4

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

(728) 
4 

(724) 

20 
(32) 

(12) 

(736) 

(602)
10

(592)

—
(1)

(1)

(593)

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

5 

5 

5 

(4)

(4)

(4)

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Review of the yeAR
coRpoRAte GoveRnAnce
financial statements

continued
notes to the consoliDateD financial statements
for the year enDeD 30 septemBer 2010

6. taxation continueD
reconciliation of the total tax charge
The effective tax rate of the tax expense in the income statement for the year is 25% (2009: 26%) compared with the standard rate of corporation tax in the 
UK of 28% (2009: 28%). The differences are reconciled below:

Accounting profit before tax 

Accounting profit multiplied by the UK standard rate of corporation tax of 28% (2009: 28%) 
Effects of: 
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 
“Gain” on exercise of share options allowable for taxation purposes but not reflected in the income statement 
Depreciation in respect of non-qualifying items 
Enhanced tax reliefs 
Difference in tax rates 
Tax over-provided in prior years 

Total tax expense reported in the income statement 

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

2,924 

819 

4 
(22) 
51 
(93) 
(11) 
(12) 

736 

2,300

644

14
—
40
(95)
—
(10)

593

factors that may affect future tax charges
Under current tax legislation, some of the amortisation of licences will continue to be non-deductible for tax purposes.

Under HMRC’s R&D tax credit scheme, the Group will receive an annual uplift of 75% on qualifying R&D expenditure for tax purposes. Until the financial 
year 2006, where R&D expenditure has been capitalised, the benefit of this uplift is only recognised as the asset is amortised. The unrecognised element, 
relating to the year ended 30 September 2005 and prior, at 30 September 2010 was £100,000 (2009: £130,000). Following changes to HMRC’s rules 
which took effect for financial year 2006, the uplift on expenditure which has been capitalised in any year is recognised in that year.

The “gain” on the exercise of share options, being the difference between the grant/exercise price and the market value at the time of exercise, is allowable 
as a taxable deduction from profits although it is not reflected within the income statement. These gains will arise in future years but their timing and 
amount is uncertain. 

There are no tax losses carried forward at 30 September 2010 (2009: £Nil).

Following announcements in the Emergency Budget of 22 June 2010, it was proposed that the full rate of corporation tax be reduced by 1% per year from 
April 2011, ultimately bringing the corporation tax rate down to 24%. The reduction from 28% to 27% was substantively enacted on 20 July 2010 and will 
be effective from April 2011. At the year end, the change in the tax rate will have no effect on current tax liabilities arising prior to the effective date of 
change, however the change will result in a reduction in deferred tax assets and liabilities. The effect of the rate change to 24%, if enacted at the balance 
sheet date, would have been a reduction in the deferred tax liability of £62,000.

7. DiviDenDs
The Directors propose the payment of a final dividend of 5.0p per share (2009: 3.8p), payable on Friday 25 February 2011 to shareholders on the Register of 
Members on Friday 11 February 2011. This dividend has not been accrued in these financial statements. The dividend payment will amount to some £735,000.

Ordinary dividends on equity shares 
Final dividend of 3.0p per ordinary share paid on 9 March 2009 
Interim dividend of 1.2p per ordinary share paid on 26 June 2009 
Final dividend of 3.8p per ordinary share paid on 26 February 2010 
Interim dividend of 2.0p per ordinary share paid on 25 June 2010 

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

— 
— 
558 
294 

852 

440
176
—
—

616

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8. earnings per share
Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in 
issue during the year. All activities are continuing operations and therefore there is no difference between EPS arising from total operations and EPS arising 
from continuing operations. 

Weighted 
 average 
number 
of shares 
30 September 
2010 
Thousands 

14,696 

14,696 

Earnings 
30 September  
2010 
£’000 

2,188 

2,188 

EPS 
30 September 
2010 
Pence 

14.9 

14.9 

Earnings 
30 September  
2009 
£’000 

1,707 

1,707 

Weighted 
 average 
number 
of shares 
30 September 
2009 
Thousands 

14,674 

14,674 

Profit on ordinary activities after taxation 

Basic EPS 

The weighted average number of shares for diluted EPS is calculated by including the weighted average number of shares under option.

Weighted 
 average 
number 
of shares 
30 September 
2010 
Thousands 

14,696 

111 

14,807 

Earnings 
30 September  
2010 
£’000 

2,188 

— 

2,188 

EPS 
30 September 
2010 
Pence 

Earnings 
30 September  
2009 
£’000 

14.9 

(0.1) 

14.8 

1,707 

— 

1,707 

Software 
£’000 

Goodwill  
£’000 

Licences 
 £’000 

284 
43 

327 
47 

374 

170 
49 

219 
55 

274 

100 

108 

114 

235 
— 

235 
— 

235 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

235 

235 

235 

2,072 
47 

2,119 
9 

2,128 

971 
123 

1,094 
125 

1,219 

909 

1,025 

1,101 

Weighted 
 average 
number 
of shares 
30 September 
2009 
Thousands 

14,674 

79 

14,753 

Development 
 expenditure  
£’000 

1,519 
133 

1,652 
172 

1,824 

911 
135 

1,046 
153 

1,199 

625 

606 

608 

Profit on ordinary activities  
after taxation attributable to  
ordinary equity holders 
Weighted average number  
of shares under option 

Diluted EPS 

9. intangiBle assets

Cost 
At 30 September 2008 
Additions 

At 30 September 2009 
Additions 

At 30 September 2010 

Amortisation 
At 30 September 2008 
Provided during the year 

At 30 September 2009 
Provided during the year 

At 30 September 2010 

Net book value at 30 September 2010 

Net book value at 30 September 2009 

Net book value at 30 September 2008 

As from the date of transition to IFRS, goodwill is no longer amortised but is now subject to an annual impairment test.

EPS 
30 September 
2009 
Pence

11.6

11.6

EPS 
30 September 
2009 
Pence

11.6

(0.1)

11.5

Total 
 £’000

4,110
223

4,333
228

4,561

2,052
307

2,359
333

2,692

1,869

1,974

2,058

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Review of the yeAR
coRpoRAte GoveRnAnce
financial statements

continued
notes to the consoliDateD financial statements
for the year enDeD 30 septemBer 2010

9. intangiBle assets continueD
impairment of gooDwill
The goodwill of £235,000 relates to the operations of Intasolve Limited which were merged into the business of Zytronic Displays Limited on 1 September 2002.

Zytronic Displays Limited operates in one continuing area of activity, which is the lowest level at which goodwill is monitored for internal purposes. That activity 
has demonstrated underlying growth in sales revenues, gross profit margins, profitability before tax and cash generation over recent years. 

The recoverable amount of goodwill has been determined based on a value in use calculation for the cash-generating unit, using cashflow projections based 
on financial budgets and forecasts approved by senior management covering a three-year period. Growth has been extrapolated forward from the end of the 
forecasts, using a growth rate of 3% which reflects the Directors’ view of the long term growth rate in the business.

The cashflows for all cash-generating units have been discounted using a discount rate of 10%, based on the Group’s weighted average cost of capital.

The calculation of value in use is most sensitive to the forecast operating cashflows, the discount rate and the growth rate used to extrapolate cashflows 
beyond the budget period. The operating cashflows are based on assumptions of revenue, cost of sales and general overheads. These assumptions are 
influenced by several factors both internally and externally.

The Directors consider the assumptions used to be consistent with the historical performance and to be realistically achievable in light of economic and 
industry measures and forecasts. It is believed that any reasonably possible movement on assumptions will not lead to an impairment and we have therefore 
not presented any sensitivity analysis.

10. property, plant anD equipment
The amounts carried in the balance sheet comprise:

Cost 
At 30 September 2008 
Additions 
Disposals 

At 30 September 2009 
Additions 
Disposals 

At 30 September 2010 

Depreciation 
At 30 September 2008 
Provided during the year 
Disposals 

At 30 September 2009 
Provided during the year 
Disposals 

At 30 September 2010 

Net book value at 30 September 2010 

Net book value at 30 September 2009 

Net book value at 30 September 2008 

Land 
£’000 

100 
107 
— 

207 
— 
— 

207 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 

207 

207 

100 

Freehold 
 property 
 £’000 

1,499 
1,461 
— 

2,960 
108 
— 

3,068 

56 
40 
— 

96 
59 
— 

155 

2,913 

2,864 

1,443 

Long 
leasehold 
property  
 £’000 

Plant and  
machinery 
£’000 

196 
1,953 
— 

2,149 
6 
— 

2,155 

39 
28 
— 

67 
54 
— 

121 

2,034 

2,082 

157 

8,882 
152 
(1) 

9,033 
552 
(1,727) 

7,858 

5,267 
545 
(1) 

5,811 
541 
(1,727) 

4,625 

3,233 

3,222 

3,615 

Total 
£’000

10,677
3,673
(1)

14,349
666
(1,727)

13,288

5,362
613
(1)

5,974
654
(1,727)

4,901

8,387

8,375

5,315

Included in the amounts for plant and machinery are the following amounts relating to assets acquired under HP agreements:

Cost  

Accumulated depreciation 

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

2,241 

853 

2,241

692

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11. inventories

Raw materials and consumables 
Work in progress 
Finished goods 

The difference between purchase price or production cost of stocks and their replacement cost is not material.

12. traDe anD other receivaBles
(a) current assets

Trade receivables 
VAT recoverable 
Prepayments 

Trade receivables are denominated in the following currencies:

Sterling 
US Dollar 
Euro 

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

1,674 
639 
275 

2,588 

1,566
501
436

2,503

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

3,200 
107 
159 

3,466 

2,839
77
194

3,110

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

1,628 
1,242 
330 

3,200 

1,736
883
220

2,839

Out of the carrying amount of trade receivables of £3.2m (2009: £2.8m), £1.7m (2009: £1.8m) is the amount of debts owed by three major customers. 
Regular reviews are undertaken on these major customers so as to ascertain that there are no going concern issues with them.

Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on 30 to 60 days’ terms. They are shown net of a provision for impairment.

As at 30 September 2010, trade receivables at a nominal value of £52,000 (2009: £10,000) were impaired due to poor payment history. Movements in the 
provision for impairment of trade receivables were as follows:

At 30 September 2008 
Charge for the year 
Utilised 

At 30 September 2009 
Charge for the year 
Utilised 

At 30 September 2010 

£’000

101
6
(97)

10
52
(10)

52

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Review of the yeAR
coRpoRAte GoveRnAnce
financial statements

continued
notes to the consoliDateD financial statements
for the year enDeD 30 septemBer 2010

12. traDe anD other receivaBles continueD
(a) current assets continueD
At 30 September, the ageing analysis of trade receivables overdue but not impaired is as follows:

2010 

2009 

Past due but not impaired 

Neither past due 
nor impaired 

0–3 months 
£’000 

>3 months 
£’000 

2,186 

2,072 

1,036 

731 

(22) 

36 

Total 
£’000

3,200

2,839

The good credit quality of trade receivables at 30 September 2010 is reflected in the improved ageing of the year end receivables, in comparison to the prior 
year, and the reduction of the impairment provision. Credit limits are set for each customer, using Dun & Bradstreet credit reports as appropriate, or pro-forma 
invoices are raised, or cash up-front is received for a new customer where a credit limit is not easily established. Slow payers are chased vigorously, including 
making use of solicitors in the collection process.

(B) non-current assets

Royalty prepayments 

13. cash anD short term Deposits

Cash at bank and in hand 

Cash at bank earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates.

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

198 

210

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

1,505 

739

At 30 September 2010, the Group had available £2.7m (2009: £2.4m) of undrawn committed borrowing facilities in respect of which all conditions 
precedent had been met. £0.7m (2009: £0.4m) of these facilities fall for review within one year and the remainder is available until 30 June 2012.

For the purpose of the consolidated cashflow statement, cash and cash equivalents comprise the following:

Cash at bank and in hand 
Bank overdraft 

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents is £1.2m (2009: £109,000).

14. traDe anD other payaBles

Trade payables 
Other taxes and social security costs  

Accruals 

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

1,505 
(291) 

1,214 

739
(630)

109

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

1,449 
133 

1,582 
600 

2,182 

1,191
115

1,306
574

1,880

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15. financial liaBilities – current

Bank loan (note 17a) 
Bank loans (note 17b and 17c) 
Obligations under HP agreements (notes 17d and 18a)   
Bank overdrafts 

16. financial liaBilities – non-current

Bank loan (note 17a) 
Bank loans (note 17b and 17c) 
Obligations under HP agreements (notes 17d and 18a)   

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

6 
327 
45 
291 

669 

33
303
476
630

1,442

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

— 
2,045 
— 

2,045 

5
2,378
45

2,428

17. Bank loans
(a) chattel mortgage
On 28 September 2004, Zytronic Displays Limited entered into a term loan with Yorkshire Bank which is secured by a Chattel mortgage over certain items 
of plant and machinery. Interest is payable at 1% above that bank’s base rate. The loan has been guaranteed by Zytronic plc. The original loan of £250,000, 
repayable in 36 equal monthly instalments, was paid off in November 2007. On 23 November 2007 an additional amount of £100,000 was borrowed under 
the terms of this same Chattel mortgage, again repayable by 36 equal monthly instalments.

(B) property mortgage
On 13 January 2006, Zytronic plc drew down funds under a ten-year mortgage with Lloyds TSB Bank plc under which it borrowed £750,000, repayable 
by monthly instalments. The loan is secured against its freehold interest in Britannia Court, the freehold factory premises which it acquired in January 2006. 
Interest is payable at 1.25% above that bank’s base rate.

(c) property mortgage
On 4 June 2009, Zytronic plc borrowed £2.25m under a ten-year mortgage with Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank, repayable by monthly instalments. 
The loan is secured against its freehold interest in Haworth Court and its interest in a 999-year long leasehold on its third factory. Previous to the acquisitions 
of these interests, the Group occupied these premises on leases expiring in 2019. Interest is payable at 2.5% above three month LIBOR. The balance is 
shown net of issue costs which are being amortised over the life of the loan.

(D) hp agreements
As at 30 September 2010, there were only four outstanding HP agreements. In the year ended 30 September 2008, these four HP agreements were put 
in place with Yorkshire Bank to provide the final funding for equipping the new ZYPOS manufacturing facility. These agreements total £338,000 and are 
repayable over three years. All of these HP agreements are guaranteed by Zytronic plc.

18. oBligations unDer hp agreements anD leases
(a) oBligations unDer hp agreements

Minimum HP payments: 
– not later than one year 
– later than one year and not later than five years 

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

45 
— 

45 

476
45

521

The HP contracts at 30 September 2010 attract variable interest which is payable separately on the balance of capital outstanding. As such, the amounts 
payable at 30 September 2010 do not include a liability for finance charges.

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Review of the yeAR
coRpoRAte GoveRnAnce
financial statements

continued
notes to the consoliDateD financial statements
for the year enDeD 30 septemBer 2010

18. oBligations unDer hp agreements anD leases continueD
(B) oBligations unDer operating leases
Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Group as lessee 

Operating leases which expire: 
– not later than one year 
– later than one year and not later than five years 
– later than five years 

19. DeferreD taxation liaBility/(asset)
The deferred tax included in the balance sheet is as follows:

Deferred tax liability 
Accelerated capital allowances 
R&D tax credit 
Other 

Deferred tax asset 
Share-based payment 
Pension asset 

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

30 
40 
6 

76 

25
27
7

59

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

(711) 
(138) 
(20) 

(869) 

40 
2 

42 

(713)
(117)
(20)

(850)

27
3

30

Disclosed on the balance sheet 

(827) 

(820)

The deferred tax included in the Group income statement is as follows:

Deferred tax in the income statement   
Accelerated capital allowances 
R&D tax credits 
Share-based payment 
Other 

Effect of change in tax rates 

Deferred income tax expense 

30 September 
2010 
£’000 

30 September 
2009 
£’000

(15) 
(25) 
9 
(1) 

(32) 
20 

(12) 

18
—
(1)
(18)

(1)
—

(1)

20. financial risk management policy anD financial instruments
The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise three secured bank loans, four HP agreements, an overdraft facility and cash. The main purpose of 
these financial instruments is to raise finance for the Group’s operations. The Group has various other financial instruments, such as trade receivables and 
trade payables that arise directly from its operations.

46 

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

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20. financial risk management policy anD financial instruments continueD
The main risks associated with the Group’s financial assets and liabilities are set out below:

creDit risk
The risk of financial loss due to a counterparty’s failure to honour its obligations arises principally in relation to transactions where the Group provides goods 
on deferred terms. 

Group policies are aimed at minimising such losses and require that deferred terms are granted only to customers who demonstrate an appropriate payment 
history and/or satisfy credit worthiness procedures. Individual exposures are monitored with customers subject to credit limits to ensure that the Group’s 
exposure to bad debts is not significant. Goods may be sold on a cash-with-order basis to mitigate credit risk. 

Management’s assessment of the maximum credit risk exposure relating to financial assets is represented by carrying value as at the balance sheet date.

liquiDity risk
The Company aims to mitigate liquidity risk by managing cash generated by its operations. Capital expenditure is approved at Group level. 

Flexibility is maintained by retaining surplus cash in readily accessible bank accounts.

The Group has an unsecured overdraft facility of £1.0m arranged with its principal banker, Lloyds TSB Bank plc. This facility extends until 30 April 2011 
and is to provide funding for working capital. On 28 April 2009, the Group renegotiated its other facility with Lloyds TSB Bank plc, being a revolving credit 
facility for £2.0m, which extends until 30 June 2012. This facility is to provide additional working capital and funding for further capital expenditure, should 
it be required.

In January 2006, the Company acquired a freehold property and in May and June 2009 the Company acquired the freehold of, and a 999-year lease on, 
its existing two leased factories. To manage liquidity risk, the Company part-funded these acquisitions using two secured property loans, each repayable 
over ten years.

foreign exchange risk 
The Group’s policy is that no trading in financial instruments should be undertaken. Spot contracts and forward currency contracts may be used to sell 
surplus US Dollars and Euros, generated from sales less purchases in those currencies. However the Group uses natural hedging as the main basis of 
minimising its exposure to these currencies.

Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. 
The Group’s exposure to the risk of changes in foreign exchange rates relates primarily to the Group’s operating activities (when revenue or expense are 
denominated in a different currency from the Group’s functional currency).

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in the US Dollar and Euro exchange rate, with all other variables held 
constant, of the Group’s profit before tax (due to changes in the fair value of monetary assets and liabilities).

2010 
Sterling 

2009 
Sterling 

Change in 
US Dollar rate 

Effect on profit 
before tax 
£’000 

Change in 
Euro rate 

Effect on profit 
before tax 
£’000

+ 5% 

- 5% 

+ 5% 

- 5% 

(19) 

20 

(11) 

13 

+ 5% 

- 5% 

+ 5% 

- 5% 

(24)

27

(2)

7

interest rate risk
The Group has not sought to tie itself into fixed rate debt but has instead accepted a degree of interest rate risk from having only floating rate debt. This is 
because the Group has positive net cash balances, a relatively low level of borrowings and estimates that an increase of 1% in interest rates would not have 
a material effect on the Group’s pre-tax profits.

The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments are as follows:

•  foreign currency risk – the magnitude of this risk that has arisen over the period is detailed below; and

•	 	interest rate risk on floating rate financial liabilities to the extent not covered by interest rate benefit on floating rate financial assets – details of floating rate 

financial liabilities and assets are overleaf.

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Review of the yeAR
coRpoRAte GoveRnAnce
financial statements

continued
notes to the consoliDateD financial statements
for the year enDeD 30 septemBer 2010

20. financial risk management policy anD financial instruments continueD
interest rate risk continueD
The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in interest rates, with all other variables held constant, of the Group’s profit 
before tax (through the impact on floating rate borrowings). There is no impact on the Group’s equity.

2010 
Sterling 

2009 
Sterling 

Increase/ 
decrease in 
basis points 

+ 100 

- 100 

+ 100 

- 100 

Effect 
on profit 
before tax 
£’000

(23)

23

(29)

29

The floating rate financial assets comprise cash. The benchmarks for floating rates on both liabilities and assets is LIBOR and Bank of England base rate.

currency exposures
The table below shows the Group’s currency exposures; in other words, those transactional exposures that give rise to the net currency gains and losses 
recognised in the income statement. Such exposures comprise the monetary assets and monetary liabilities of the Group that are not denominated in the 
operating currency of the Group.

These currency exposures were:

30 September 2010 

30 September 2009  

Net foreign currency monetary assets

US Dollar 
£’000 

613 

384 

Euro 
£’000 

608 

163 

Total 
£’000

1,221

547

The year-end net foreign currency monetary assets comprise cash and trade receivable balances less trade payable balances. These are the inherent 
constituents of the natural hedging policy whereby foreign currency sales are turned into cash for the settlement of purchases of goods denominated 
in those foreign currencies. Cash at a month end is held to settle creditors’ payments due in the next two months and to meet future anticipated capital 
expenditure in those currencies.

maturity profile of financial liaBilities
year enDeD 30 septemBer 2010

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 
Trade and other payables  

Total 

On  
demand 
£’000 

291 
1,618 

1,909 

<3 months 
£’000 

3–12 months 
£’000 

96 
564 

660 

316 
— 

316 

1–5 years 
£’000 

1,897 
— 

1,897 

>5 years 
£’000 

369 
— 

369 

Total 
£’000

2,969
2,182

5,151

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings comprise principal repayments due of £2.7m and contractual interest payments of £255,000. Interest is calculated 
based on interest rates prevailing at the balance sheet date.

year enDeD 30 septemBer 2009

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 
Trade and other payables  

Total 

On  
demand 
£’000 

630 
1,502 

2,132 

<3 months 
£’000 

3–12 months 
£’000 

195 
378 

573 

677 
— 

677 

1–5 years 
£’000 

1,887 
— 

1,887 

>5 years 
£’000 

902 
— 

902 

Total 
£’000

4,291
1,880

6,171

fair values of financial assets anD financial liaBilities
The fair value of all financial assets and liabilities is not significantly different to their carrying amount.

capital management
The Group’s policies on capital management are included in the Directors’ report on page 20.

48 

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

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21. share capital anD share-BaseD payments
(a) share capital

Authorised 
Ordinary shares of 1p each 

Allotted, called up and fully paid 
Ordinary shares 1p each 

2010 
Number 
Thousands 

2009 
Number 
Thousands 

25,000 

25,000 

14,710 

14,674 

2010 
£’000 

250 

147 

2009 
£’000

250

147

During the year the Group had three share option schemes, an Unapproved Executive Option Scheme, an Enterprise Management Incentive (“EMI”) 
Scheme and a Sharesave Scheme. Under these schemes, options to subscribe for the Company’s shares have been granted as follows:

30 September 
2009 
Number 

36,363 

12,700 

52,175 

Unapproved  
Executive Scheme 

Sharesave Scheme  
(2009) – 3-year term 

             – 5-year term 

28,402 

EMI Scheme 

100,000 

91,408 

82,250 

87,800 

36,500 

Granted 
during  
year 
 Number 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

82,500 

Exercised 
during  
year 
 Number 

36,363 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

Lapsed 
during  
year 
 Number 

— 

— 

3,664 

8,856 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

30 September 
2010 
Number 

Exercise 
dates 

Option 
 price

— 

12,700 

48,511 

19,546 

100,000 

91,408 

82,250 

87,800 

36,500 

82,500 

7 June 2003  
to 6 June 2010  
28 February 2011  
to 27 February 2018 

1 April 2011  
to 30 September 2011 
1 April 2013  
to 30 September 2013 
16 March 2006  
to 15 March 2014 
18 January 2008  
to 17 January 2015 
11 January 2009  
to 10 January 2016 
28 February 2011  
to 27 February 2018 
19 February 2012  
to 18 February 2019 
15 July 2013  
to 15 July 2020 

110.0p 

216.5p 

220.0p 

220.0p 

70.0p 

145.5p 

274.5p 

216.5p 

106.0p 

177.5p 

Performance conditions have not been attached to the share options awarded under the EMI Scheme.

(B) share-BaseD payments
senior executive plans
Share options are granted to senior executives at the discretion of the remuneration committee. The exercise price of the options is equal to the market price 
of the shares at the date of grant. The options vest three years from the date of grant. The contractual life of each option granted is ten years. There are no 
cash settlement alternatives.

all employee share-option plan, the sharesave scheme
Periodically the Board of Directors will agree to the setting up of a new Sharesave Scheme for all employees under the SAYE regulations. All employees are 
entitled to apply for a grant of options once they have been in service for three months. The options will vest if the employee remains in service for a period 
of three or five years from the date of grant. The exercise price of the options is equal to the market price of the shares less a discount decided by the 
Board of Directors on the date of grant. The contractual life of the options is three or five years with a six-month exercise period.

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Review of the yeAR
coRpoRAte GoveRnAnce
financial statements

continued
notes to the consoliDateD financial statements
for the year enDeD 30 septemBer 2010

21. share capital anD share-BaseD payments continueD
(B) share-BaseD payments continueD
income statement expense for year enDeD 30 septemBer 2010 
The expense recognised for share-based payments in respect of employee services received during the year to 30 September 2010 is £42,000 (2009: £29,000).

The following table illustrates the number and weighted average exercise prices (“WAEP”) of, and movements in, share options during the year:

Outstanding at 30 September* 
Granted during the year 
Lapsed during the year 
Exercised during the year 

Outstanding at 30 September 

Exercisable at 30 September 

2010 
Number 

727,598 
82,500 
(12,520) 
(36,363) 

761,215*** 

273,658 

2010 
WAEP  
Pence 

151.2 
177.5 
220.0 
110.0** 

155.2 

156.7 

2009 
Number 

692,668 
36,500 
(1,570) 
— 

727,598*** 

310,024 

2009 
WAEP  
Pence

154.1
106.0
220.0
—

159.5

151.2

    *  Included within this balance are options over 100,000 (2009: 136,363) shares that have not been recognised in accordance with IFRS 2 as the options had vested before 

1 October 2006. These options have not been subsequently modified and therefore do not need to be accounted for in accordance with IFRS 2.

  ** The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for the options exercised is 110.0p.

*** Included within this balance are 200,000 shares belonging to the Director’s share incentive scheme.

For the share options outstanding as at 30 September 2010, the weighted average remaining contractual life is five years (2009: five years).

There was one grant of options during the year, as shown in note 21(a). The weighted average fair value of options granted during the year was 41.7p 
(2009: 20.0p). The range of exercise prices for options outstanding at the end of the year was 70.0p to 274.5p (2009: 70.0p to 274.5p).

The fair value of equity-settled share options granted is estimated as at the date of grant using a model designed by the Quoted Company Alliance 
(based on a Black-Scholes-Merton model), taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. The following table 
lists the inputs to the model used for the years ended 30 September 2010 and 30 September 2009:

Dividend yield  
Expected share price volatility 
Risk-free interest rate  
Expected life of option (years) 

2010 

2009

3.4% 
35.0% 
4.0% 
3.0 to 5.0 

3.5%
30.0%
4.2%
3.0 to 5.0

The expected life of the options is based on historical data and is not necessarily indicative of exercise patterns that may occur. The expected volatility 
reflects the assumption that the historical volatility is indicative of future trends, which may also not necessarily be the actual outcome.

No other features of options grant were incorporated into the measurement of fair value.

50 

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

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21. share capital anD share-BaseD payments continueD
(c) Director’s share incentive scheme 
share incentive scheme for mark camBriDge, chief executive 
The remuneration committee agreed an incentive award scheme for Mark Cambridge, Chief Executive, to offer him up to 200,000 shares at a price of 25.0p 
per share to vest based on specified performance criteria.

These are measured by an EPS calculated on the audited pre-tax profit and a standard 28% tax charge. The EPS criteria are shown below:

Performance criteria

Lower limit 

Upper limit

EPS 
Pence 

13.5 
18.3 
24.5 

Shares 
to vest 

80,000 
60,000 
60,000 

EPS 
Pence 

15.0 
22.0 
24.5 

Shares 
to vest

100,000
80,000
20,000

Year to 30 September 2009 (year 1)   
Year to 30 September 2010 (year 2)   
Year to 30 September 2011 (year 3)   

Vesting is:

•	 the entitlement to buy, which doesn’t disappear once earned;

•	 pro rata between the upper and lower limits;

•	 timed on signature of audited accounts with a clean audit report; and

•	 cumulative, e.g. 200,000 shares can vest in year 3 if the upper limit is reached, even if the lower limits have not been achieved in the previous years.

If the 24.5p EPS criteria is not achieved in year 3, there will still be an opportunity for shares to vest in year 4 (to 30 September 2012) or year 5 
(to 30 September 2013) on the achievement of 24.5p EPS on the basis that, on achievement, the maximum total entitlement reduces to 125,000 
shares or 50,000 shares respectively, or the number of shares already vested if that is greater.

Vesting will also take place in the event of a successful takeover and will be based on the takeover price, with full vesting at a share price of 500p 
and pro rata vesting down to a price of 300p as follows:

•	 1,000 shares for each 1p above 300p up to 500p until 30 September 2011, reduced for any shares which have already vested;

•	 	625 shares for each 1p above 300p up to 500p between 1 October 2011 and 30 September 2012, reduced for any shares which have already vested; and

•	 	250 shares for each 1p above 300p up to 500p between 1 October 2012 and 30 September 2013, reduced for any shares which have already vested.

22. capital commitments
Amounts contracted for at 30 September 2010 but not provided in the financial statements amounted to £428,000 (2009: £25,000) for the Group.

23. pension scheme commitments
Contributions for the year ended 30 September 2010 amounted to £54,000 (2009: £48,000) and the outstanding contributions at the balance sheet date 
were £6,000 (2009: £7,600). The Group is a member of a group personal pension scheme which is a defined contribution scheme. Contributions are charged 
to the income statement as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

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Review of the yeAR
coRpoRAte GoveRnAnce
financial statements

continued
notes to the consoliDateD financial statements
for the year enDeD 30 septemBer 2010

24. relateD party transactions
Fees are paid to David Banks Associates, a partnership in which David Banks is a partner. There are no other related party transactions required to be 
disclosed in the financial statements.

The key management personnel are considered to be the Directors of the Group. The following table highlights the remuneration payable to the Directors:

Salaries/fees 
Bonuses 
Pension contributions 
Share-based payments 

2010 
£’000 

394 
15 
6 
2 

417 

2009 
£’000

388
9
6
2

405

25. guarantees
Zytronic plc has given a guarantee to Yorkshire Bank in connection with the bank loan and HP agreements detailed in notes 17a and 17d and 
to Lloyds TSB Bank plc in connection with the overdraft facility and the revolving credit facility detailed in note 20.

52 

Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

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five-year summaries

consoliDateD income statement
for the five years enDeD 30 septemBer 2006 to 2010

Group revenue 
Cost of sales 

Gross profit 
Distribution costs 
Administration expenses 

Group trading profit 
Other operating income 

Group operating profit from continuing activities 
Finance costs  
Finance revenue 

Profit from continuing operations 
Tax expense 

Profit for the period from continuing operations 

Earnings per share 
Basic 
Diluted 

Dividends per share 

2010 
£’000 

18,483 
12,589 

5,894 
231 
2,738 

2,925 
112 

3,037 
(126) 
13 

2,924 
(736) 

2,188 

14.9p 
14.8p 

5.8p 

2009 
£’000 

15,921 
10,514 

5,407 
183 
2,850 

2,374 
20 

2,394 
(98) 
4 

2,300 
(593) 

1,707 

11.6p 
11.5p 

4.2p 

2008 
£’000 

14,717 
9,978 

4,739 
217 
2,675 

1,847 
27 

1,874 
(146) 
12 

1,740 
(677) 

1,063 

7.3p 
7.2p 

3.0p 

2007 
£’000 

11,437 
7,971 

3,466 
197 
2,556 

713 
36 

749 
(73) 
7 

683 
(149) 

534 

3.6p 
3.6p 

3.0p 

2006 
£’000

12,301
8,449

3,852
170
2,356

1,326
—

1,326
(59)
6

1,273
(153)

1,120

7.8p
7.7p

2.5p

The results for the years ended 30 September 2007 to 2010 are presented under IFRS whilst the results for the year ended 30 September 2006 are 
presented under UK GAAP.

In the year ended 30 September 2006, there were no recognised gains or losses as defined in FRS 3 other than those stated above. The consolidated 
income statement on page 30 shows the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the 
year ended 30 September 2010.

The results for all the above years derive from continuing operations.

Dividends are shown in the accounts in the year in which they are paid.

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Review of the yeAR
coRpoRAte GoveRnAnce
financial statements

continued
five-year summaries

consoliDateD Balance sheet
at 30 septemBer 2006 to 2010

Assets 
Non-current assets 
Intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Trade and other receivables 

Current assets 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and short term deposits 

Total assets 

Equity and liabilities 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Financial liabilities 
Accruals 
Taxation liabilities 
Government grants 

Non-current liabilities 
Financial liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities (net) 
Government grants 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Capital and reserves 
Equity share capital 
Share premium 
Revenue reserve  

Total equity 

2010 
£’000 

2009 
£’000 

1,869 
8,387 
198 

10,454 

2,588 
3,466 
1,505 

7,559 

1,974 
8,375 
210 

10,559 

2,503 
3,110 
739 

6,352 

2008 
£’000 

2,058 
5,315 
210 

7,583 

2,496 
3,039 
1,260 

6,795 

2007 
£’000 

2,122 
5,208 
194 

7,524 

1,828 
2,767 
317 

4,912 

2006 
£’000

2,120
3,737
—

5,857

1,706
2,852
931

5,489

18,013 

16,911 

14,378 

12,436 

11,346

1,582 
669 
600 
357 
192 

3,400 

2,045 
827 
289 

3,161 

6,561 

11,452 

147 
6,550 
4,755 

11,452 

1,306 
1,442 
574 
300 
— 

3,622 

2,428 
820 
43 

3,291 

6,913 

9,998 

147 
6,479 
3,372 

9,998 

1,480 
1,182 
533 
341 
— 

3,536 

1,088 
817 
55 

1,960 

5,496 

8,882 

147 
6,479 
2,256 

8,882 

1,376 
621 
399 
— 
— 

2,396 

1,340 
479 
— 

1,819 

4,215 

8,221 

147 
6,473 
1,601 

8,221 

1,167
653
466
28
—

2,314

658
266
—

924

3,238

8,108

146
6,450
1,512

8,108

The results for the years ended 30 September 2006 to 2010 are presented under IFRS.

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Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

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statement of Directors’ responsiBilities
in relation to the parent company financial statements

The Directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have elected to prepare the financial 
statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). 
These financial statements are required by law to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company 
for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Directors are required to:

•	 select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

•	 make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

•	 	state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial 

statements; and

•	 prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s transactions and disclose 
with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the 
Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention 
and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

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

The Directors confirm that the financial statements comply with the above requirements.

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Review of the yeAR
coRpoRAte GoveRnAnce
financial statements

parent company auDitors’ report
to the memBers of Zytronic plc

inDepenDent auDitors’ report to the memBers of Zytronic plc
We have audited the Parent Company financial statements of Zytronic plc for the year ended 30 September 2010 which comprise the balance sheet and 
the related notes 1 to 13. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting 
Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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

respective responsiBilities of Directors anD auDitors
As explained more fully in the Directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 55, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with applicable 
law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s (APB’s) Ethical 
Standards for Auditors.

scope of the auDit of the financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial 
statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are 
appropriate to the Parent Company’s circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant 
accounting estimates made by the Directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements.

opinion on financial statements
In our opinion the Parent Company financial statements:

•	 give a true and fair view of the state of the Company’s affairs as at 30 September 2010;

•	 have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

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

opinion on other matter prescriBeD By the companies act 2006
In our opinion the information given in the Directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the 
financial statements.

matters on which we are requireD to report By exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

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

•	 the Parent Company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

•  certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

•	 we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

other matter
We have reported separately on the Group financial statements of Zytronic plc for the year ended 30 September 2010.

annie graham (senior statutory auDitor)  
for anD on Behalf of ernst & young llp statutory auDitor
newcAStle-upon-tyne
10 december 2010 

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Zytronic plc Annual report and financial statements 2010

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parent company Balance sheet
at 30 septemBer 2010

Fixed assets 
Tangible assets 
Investments 

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

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

Net current assets 

Total assets less current liabilities 
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year   
Provisions for liabilities and charges   
Deferred tax 

Capital and reserves 
Called up share capital 
Share premium 
Profit and loss account 

Shareholders’ funds 

Notes 

3 
4 

5 
5 

6 

7 

9 

10 
11 
11 

2010 
£’000 

5,022 
9,448 

14,470 

822 
2,000 
630 

3,452 
486 

2,966 

17,436 
2,045 

76 

15,315 

147 
6,550 
8,618 

15,315 

2009 
£’000

5,008
9,448

14,456

306
3,000
736

4,042
431

3,611

18,067
2,378

65

15,624

147
6,479
8,998

15,624

These financial statements have been approved by the Board of Directors on 10 December 2010 and signed on their behalf by:

DaviD Banks 
chAiRMAn 
10 december 2010 

  Denis mullan, B.sc, fca

finAnce diRectoR

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Review of the yeAR
coRpoRAte GoveRnAnce
financial statements

notes to parent company financial statements
for the year enDeD 30 septemBer 2010

1. accounting policies
(a) Basis of preparation
The financial statements of Zytronic plc were approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 10 December 2010. The financial statements are prepared 
under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable accounting standards.

A profit and loss account is not presented for the Company as permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and the Company has taken the 
exemptions under FRS 1 not to present a cashflow statement.

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption available to parent companies under FRS 29 Financial Instruments: Disclosures so as not to provide 
the information otherwise required by the standard, as the Group’s consolidated financial statements, in which the Company is included, provide equivalent 
disclosures under IFRS 7 Financial Instruments and Disclosure.

(B) revenue recognition
Rental income from tenants is recognised in the profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.

(c) share-BaseD payments
equity-settleD transactions
The cost of equity-settled transactions with employees is measured by reference to the fair value at the date at which they are granted and is recognised 
as an expense over the vesting period, which ends on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award. Fair value is determined 
using an appropriate pricing model. In valuing equity-settled transactions, account is not taken of any service performance conditions (vesting conditions), 
other than performance conditions linked to the price of the shares of the Company (market conditions).

An expense is not recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest, except for awards where vesting is conditional upon a market vesting condition, which 
are treated as vesting irrespective of whether or not the market vesting condition or non-vesting condition is satisfied, provided that all other non-market 
vesting conditions are satisfied.

At each balance sheet date before vesting, the cumulative expense is calculated, representing the extent to which the vesting period has expired 
and management’s best estimate of the achievement or otherwise of non-market vesting conditions and the number of equity instruments that will 
ultimately vest, or in the case of an instrument subject to a market vesting condition or a non-vesting condition, be treated as vesting as described 
above. The movement in cumulative expense since the previous balance sheet date is recognised in the income statement, with a corresponding 
entry in equity.

Where the terms of an equity-settled award are modified or a new award is designated as replacing a cancelled or settled award, the cost based on 
the original award terms continues to be recognised over the original vesting period. In addition, an expense is recognised over the remainder of the 
new vesting period for the incremental fair value of any modification, based on the difference between the fair value of the original award and the fair 
value of the modified award, both as measured on the date of the modification. A reduction is not recognised if this difference is negative.

Where an equity-settled award is cancelled, it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation, and any cost not yet recognised in the profit and loss 
account for the award is expensed immediately. Any compensation paid up to the fair value of the award at the cancellation or settlement date is deducted 
from equity, with any excess over fair value being treated as an expense in the profit and loss account.

(D) tangiBle fixeD assets
Property, plant and machinery is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Such cost includes costs directly 
attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended. Borrowing costs attributable to assets under construction are recognised as an expense 
when incurred.

Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the costs, less estimated residual value, of each asset evenly over its 
expected useful life, as follows:

Freehold land 

–  Nil

Freehold property 

–  50 years

Long leasehold property  –  50 years

Plant and machinery 

–  varying rates between 5% and 25% per annum

The carrying values of tangible fixed assets are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be 
recoverable. The expected useful lives of assets are reviewed annually. 

58 

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1. accounting policies continueD
(e) DeferreD taxation
The charge for taxation is based on the profit for the year and takes into account taxation deferred because of timing differences between the treatment 
of certain items for taxation and accounting purposes.

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date where transactions or events 
that result in an obligation to pay more, or a right to pay less, tax in the future have occurred at the balance sheet date, with the exception of deferred tax 
assets which are recognised only to the extent that the Directors consider that it is more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits from which 
the future reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted.

Deferred tax is measured on a non-discounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which timing differences reverse, based 
on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

(f) interest-Bearing loans anD Borrowings
All interest-bearing loans and borrowings are initially recognised at net proceeds, being fair value of the consideration received net of issue costs associated 
with the borrowings. Finance costs (including issue costs) are taken to the profit and loss account over the term of the debt at a constant rate on the balance 
sheet carrying amount. The carrying amount is increased by the finance charges amortised and reduced by payments made in respect of the accounting period. 

(g) pensions
The Company is a member of a group personal pension scheme which is a defined contribution scheme. Contributions are charged to the profit and loss 
account as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

2. auDitors’ remuneration
Auditors’ remuneration for the year ended 30 September 2010 was £15,000 (2009: £36,000).

3. tangiBle fixeD assets

Cost  
At 30 September 2009 
Additions 

At 30 September 2010 

Depreciation 
At 30 September 2009 
Provided during the year 

At 30 September 2010 

Net book value at 30 September 2010 

Net book value at 30 September 2009 

Land 
 £’000 

207 
— 

207 

— 
— 

— 

207 

207 

Freehold 
property 
£’000 

2,960 
108 

3,068 

96 
60 

156 

2,912 

2,864 

Long 
leasehold 
property 
£’000 

1,950 
5 

1,955 

13 
39 

52 

1,903 

1,937 

Total 
 £’000

5,117
113

5,230

109
99

208

5,022

5,008

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Review of the yeAR
coRpoRAte GoveRnAnce
financial statements

continued
notes to parent company financial statements
for the year enDeD 30 septemBer 2010

4. investments
investments in suBsiDiary companies

Shares in subsidiary companies 
At beginning and end of year 

2010 
£’000 

2009 
£’000

9,448 

9,448

Details of the investments in which the Company holds 20% or more of the nominal value of any class of share capital are as follows:

Holding 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 
Ordinary shares 

Proportion of 
voting rights and 
shares held 

100% 

100% 
100% 

Nature of  
business

 Manufacture of transparent composites,  
including touch sensors 
Dormant
Dormant

Name of company 

Zytronic Displays Limited 

Intasolve Limited 
Zytronic Glass Products Limited 

The trading subsidiary is incorporated in England.

5. DeBtors

Trade debtors 
Amounts owed by Group undertakings 
Prepayments and accrued income 

Amounts falling due after more than one year included above are: 

Amounts owed by Group undertakings 

6. creDitors: amounts falling Due within one year

Bank loans (note 8) 
Trade creditors 
Other creditors and accruals 
Other amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings 
Corporation tax 

7. creDitors: amounts falling Due after more than one year

Bank loans (note 8) 

2010 
£’000 

2 
2,803 
17 

2,822 

2010 
£’000 

2,000 

2010 
£’000 

327 
20 
53 
81 
5 

486 

2010 
£’000 

2,045 

2009 
£’000

2
3,275
29

3,306

2009 
£’000

3,000

2009 
£’000

303
23
24
81
—

431

2009 
£’000

2,378

8. Bank loans
On 13 January 2006, Zytronic plc drew down funds under a ten-year mortgage with Lloyds TSB Bank plc under which it borrowed £750,000, repayable 
by monthly instalments. The loan is secured against its freehold interest in Britannia Court, the freehold factory premises which it acquired in January 2006. 
Interest is payable at 1.25% above that bank’s base rate.

On 4 June 2009, Zytronic plc borrowed £2.25m under a ten-year mortgage with Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank, repayable by monthly instalments. 
The loan is secured against its freehold interest in Haworth Court and its interest in a 999-year long leasehold on its main factory. Previous to the acquisitions 
of these interests, the Group occupied these premises on leases expiring in 2019. Interest is payable at 2.5% above three-month LIBOR. The balance 
is shown net of issue costs which are being amortised over the life of the loan.

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9. DeferreD taxation liaBility
The deferred tax included in the balance sheet is as follows:

Accelerated capital allowances 
Other timing differences 

At 1 October 
Charged in the profit and loss account 

At 30 September 

2010 
£’000 

74 
2 

76 

65 
11 

76 

2009 
£’000

63
2

65

51
14

65

Following announcements in the Emergency Budget of 22 June 2010, it was proposed that the full rate of corporation tax be reduced by 1% per year from 
April 2011, ultimately bringing the corporation tax rate down to 24%. The reduction from 28% to 27% was substantively enacted on 20 July 2010 and will 
be effective from April 2011. At the year end, the change in the tax rate will have no effect on current tax liabilities arising prior to the effective date of 
change; however the change will result in a reduction in deferred tax assets and liabilities. 

10. share capital anD share-BaseD payments
(a) share capital

Authorised 
Ordinary shares of 1p each 

Allotted, called up and fully paid 
Ordinary shares 1p each 

2010 
Number 
Thousands 

2009 
Number 
Thousands 

25,000 

25,000 

14,710 

14,674 

2010 
£’000 

250 

147 

2009 
£’000

250

147

Note 21(a) in the Group financial statements sets out the details of the share option schemes of the Group and the numbers of shares in the Parent Company 
which are contingently exercisable under them.

(B) share-BaseD payments
Note 21(b), share-based payments, in the Group financial statements identifies the basis of the Senior Executive Plans and the Sharesave Scheme. It also 
contains a table which illustrates the number and weighted average exercise prices of, and movements in, share options during the year.

(c) Director’s share incentive scheme
Note 21(c) in the Group financial statements sets out the details of the Share Incentive Award Scheme for Mark Cambridge, Chief Executive, in shares of the 
Parent Company.

11. reconciliation of movements in shareholDers’ funDs

At 30 September 2009 
Exercise of share options 
Refund of VAT on flotation expenses previously disallowed 
Profit on ordinary activities after taxation 
Share-based payments 
Dividends 

At 30 September 2010 

Called 
up share 
capital  
£’000 

147 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

147 

Share 
premium 
£’000 

6,479 
40 
31 
— 
— 
— 

6,550 

Profit 
and loss 
account 
£’000 

8,998 
— 
— 
471 
1 
(852) 

8,618 

Total 
£’000

15,624
40
31
471
1
(852)

15,315

A profit of £471,000 (2009: £470,000), before payments of dividends of £852,000 (2009: £616,000), has been dealt with in the financial statements 
of the Company which, under the exemption contained in Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, has not presented its own profit and loss account.

Included in the Company’s opening and closing profit and loss account reserves is an amount of £8,919,000 which was a dividend received from 
a subsidiary company in a prior year. This is not included in Group reserves and does not form part of the Company’s distributable reserves.

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Review of the yeAR
coRpoRAte GoveRnAnce
financial statements

continued
notes to parent company financial statements
for the year enDeD 30 septemBer 2010

12. pension scheme commitments
Contributions for the year ended 30 September 2010 amounted to £2,700 (2009: £2,600) and the outstanding contributions at the balance sheet date were 
£1,800 (2009: £3,800).

13. guarantees
Zytronic plc has given guarantees, regarding funding advanced to Zytronic Displays Limited, to Yorkshire Bank in connection with a bank loan and HP agreements 
detailed in notes (a) and (b) and to Lloyds TSB Bank plc in connection with an overdraft facility and a revolving credit facility detailed in note (c) below.

(a) chattel mortgage
On 28 September 2004, Zytronic Displays Limited entered into a term loan with Yorkshire Bank which is secured by a Chattel mortgage over certain items 
of plant and machinery. Interest is payable at 1% above that bank’s base rate. The original loan of £250,000, repayable in 36 equal monthly instalments, 
was paid off in November 2007. On 23 November 2007, an additional amount of £100,000 was borrowed under the terms of the same Chattel mortgage, 
again repayable by 36 equal monthly instalments.

(B) hp agreements
As at 30 September 2010, there were only four outstanding HP agreements. In the year ended 30 September 2008, these four HP agreements were put 
in place with Yorkshire Bank to provide the final funding for equipping the new ZYPOS manufacturing facility. These agreements total £338,000 and are 
repayable over three years.

(c) Borrowing facilities
The Group has an unsecured overdraft facility of £1.0m arranged with its principal banker, Lloyds TSB Bank plc. This facility extends until 20 April 2010. 
This facility is to provide funding for working capital. On 28 April 2009, the Group entered into an additional facility with Lloyds TSB Bank plc, being 
a revolving credit facility for £2.0m, which extends until 30 June 2012. This facility is to provide additional working capital and funding for capital 
expenditure, should it be required.

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notice of annual general meeting

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at Whiteley Road, Blaydon-on-Tyne, Tyne & Wear NE21 5NJ 
on Thursday 10 February 2011 at 2.00pm for the following purposes:

orDinary Business
To consider and, if thought fit, to pass the following resolutions as ordinary resolutions of the Company:

1.  To receive the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2010 and the reports of the Directors and auditors thereon.

2.   To pay a final dividend of 5.0p per ordinary share of 1.0p for the year ended 30 September 2010 on 25 February 2011 to members on the Register 

at the close of business on 11 February 2011.

3.  To re-elect John Kennair, MBE as a Director.

4.  To re-elect Sir David Chapman, Bt. as a Director.

5.  Following his appointment to the Board during the year, to elect David Buffham as a Director.

6.  To re-appoint Ernst & Young LLP as auditors and to authorise the Directors to fix their remuneration.

special Business
To consider and, if thought fit, to pass the following resolutions as special resolutions of the Company:

1.   The Directors of the Company be and are hereby generally and unconditionally authorised (in substitution for any previous authority) for the purposes 

of Section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 (as amended) (the “Act”) to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot shares in the Company, or to 
grant rights to subscribe for or to convert any security into shares in the Company (such shares and such rights to subscribe for or to convert any 
security into shares in the Company being “relevant securities”) on such terms and in such manner as they shall think fit, up to a maximum aggregate 
nominal amount of £49,034.94 at any time (unless and to the extent previously revoked, varied or renewed by the Company in general meeting) during 
the period from the date hereof until the conclusion of the Company’s Annual General Meeting held in 2012 provided that the Directors of the Company 
may make an offer or enter into an agreement which would or might require relevant securities to be allotted offered or otherwise dealt with or disposed 
of after the expiry of such authority and the Directors may allot any relevant securities after the expiry of such authority in pursuance of any such offer 
or agreement as if this authority had not expired. 

2.   Subject to and conditional upon the passing of special resolution 1 above, the Directors of the Company be given power pursuant to Sections 570 and 

573 of the Act to allot equity securities (as defined in Section 560 of the Act) of the Company for cash pursuant to the authority, conferred by special 
resolution 1 above, as if Section 561 of the Act did not apply to any such allotment, such power to expire at the conclusion of the Company’s Annual 
General Meeting held in 2012 provided that before such expiry the Directors of the Company may make an offer or enter into an agreement which would 
or might require equity securities to be allotted after the expiry of such power and the Directors may allot equity securities after such expiry under this 
power in pursuance of any such offer or agreement as if this power had not expired. This power is limited to:

2.1   the allotment of equity securities for cash in connection with a rights issue or other pre-emptive offer to holders of ordinary shares of 1.0p each in 
the capital of the Company where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of such holders are proportionate (as nearly as may 
be practicable) to the respective numbers of ordinary shares of 1.0p each in the capital of the Company held by them but subject to such exclusions 
or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient to deal with any fractional entitlements or any legal or practical problems 
under the laws of, or the requirements of any regulatory body or any recognised stock exchange in, any territory; and

2.2  the allotment (other than pursuant to 2.1 of this special resolution) of equity securities up to a maximum aggregate nominal amount of £7,355.24.

 This power applies in relation to any sale of shares which is an allotment of equity securities by virtue of Section 560(3) of the Act as if in the first 
paragraph of this resolution the words “pursuant to the authority conferred by special resolution 1 above,” were omitted.

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Review of the yeAR
coRpoRAte GoveRnAnce
financial statements

continued
notice of annual general meeting

special Business continueD
3.   That the Company be and is hereby generally and unconditionally authorised pursuant to Section 701 of the Act to make market purchases (within the 
meaning of Section 693(4) of the Act) of ordinary shares of 1.0p each in the capital of the Company (for the purposes of this special resolution 3 “Shares”) 
provided that:

3.1  the maximum number of Shares hereby authorised to be purchased shall be 1,471,048; 

3.2  the minimum price which may be paid for a Share shall be 1.0p; 

3.3   the maximum price which may be paid for a Share shall be not more than 5% above the average of the middle market quotations for Shares as 

derived from the London Stock Exchange daily list for securities admitted to the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange for the five business days 
immediately preceding the date of the purchase of the Share; and

3.4   unless previously renewed, revoked or varied, the authority hereby conferred shall expire at the conclusion of the Company’s Annual General Meeting 
held in 2012 save that the Company may, prior to such expiry, enter into a contract to purchase Shares which will or may be executed wholly or 
partly after the expiry of such authority and may purchase Shares pursuant to such contract as if such authority has not expired;

 and that all Shares so purchased in pursuance of this authority shall be held as Treasury Shares (as defined by Section 724 of the Act) for future resale 
for cash; transfer for the purposes of an employees’ share scheme; or for cancellation.

By order of the Board

Denis mullan, B.sc, fca
coMpAny SecRetARy
Zytronic plc
whiteley roaD
BlayDon-on-tyne
tyne & wear ne21 5nJ
10 december 2010

notes
1.   Every member entitled to attend and vote at the meeting may appoint a proxy or proxies to attend, speak and vote (whether on a show of hands or on a poll) at the meeting 

on their behalf. A proxy need not be a member of the Company. A prepaid form of proxy is enclosed. Completed forms of proxy must be returned to the Company’s Registrars 
at the address shown on the form of proxy not later than 4.00pm on Tuesday 8 February 2011 or two working days prior to any adjourned meeting or, in the case of a poll 
taken more than 48 hours after it is demanded, one working day before the time appointed for the taking of the poll. The sending of a completed form of proxy to the 
Company’s Registrars will not preclude members from attending and voting at the meeting, or any adjournment thereof, in person, should they so wish.

2.   The Company, pursuant to Regulation 41 of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001 (as amended), specifies that only those holders of ordinary shares of 1.0p each 

of the Company registered in the Register of Members of the Company as at:

2.1  4.00pm on Tuesday 8 February 2011; or 

2.2  if this meeting is adjourned, at 4.00pm two working days prior to the adjourned meeting; 

 shall be entitled to attend and vote at the meeting in respect of the number of ordinary shares of 1.0p each in the capital of the Company registered in their name at that time. Changes 
to entries on the Register of Members after 4.00pm on Tuesday 8 February 2011 shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend or vote at the meeting.

3.   Copies of contracts of service between Directors and the Company or any of its subsidiary undertakings, will be available for inspection during normal business hours by 
members at the registered office of the Company on each business day from the date of this notice until the date of the Annual General Meeting, and at the place of the 
Annual General Meeting for at least 15 minutes prior to, and during, that meeting.

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innovation. 
technology. 
customers.

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annual report and financial statements 2010

Zytronic plc
Whiteley Road 
Blaydon-on-Tyne 
Tyne & Wear NE21 5NJ

Tel: 
0191 414 5511 
Fax:  0191 414 0545 
Email: info@zytronic.co.uk 
Web:  www.zytronic.co.uk

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