Annual Report • Sep 30, 2018
Annual Report
Open in ViewerOpens in native device viewer
The Company's share prices can be found on various financial websites with the following TIDM/EPIC codes:
| Ordinary Shares | 'A' Shares | |
|---|---|---|
| TIDM/EPIC codes | HR1O | HR1A |
| Latest share price (30 January 2019) | 107.0p per share | 5.05p per share |
The Company has a policy of buying Shares that become available in the market at a price approximately equivalent to a 2% discount to NAV. This policy is subject to liquidity and regulatory constraints. The Board reviews the buyback policy from time to time and may make changes if it considers that to be in the best interests of Shareholders as a whole.
The Company is only able to make market purchases of shares, so Shareholders will need to use a stockbroker to sell any shares. Disposing of shares is likely to have significant tax implications, so Shareholders are urged to contact their independent financial adviser before making a decision. If you are considering selling your shares or wish to buy shares in the secondary market, please contact the Company's Corporate Broker, Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited ("Panmure"). Panmure can be contacted as follows:
Chris Lloyd 0207 886 2716 [email protected]
Paul Nolan 0207 886 2717 [email protected]
| 6 March 2019 | Annual General Meeting |
|---|---|
| May 2019 | Announcement of half yearly financial results |
| December 2019 | Annual dividend paid |
Dividends will be paid by the registrar on behalf of the Company. Shareholders who wish to have dividends paid directly into their bank account, rather than by cheque to their registered address, and did not complete these details on their original application form can complete a mandate form for this purpose. Queries relating to dividends, shareholdings and requests for mandate forms should be directed to the Company's registrar, Link Asset Services, on 0871 664 0300 (calls cost 12p per minute plus network extras, lines open 9:00am to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday), or by writing to them at The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU. Mandate forms can also be downloaded from Link's website (see below).
Communications with Shareholders are mailed to the registered address held on the share register. In the event of a change of address or other amendment this should be notified to the Company's registrar, Link Asset Services, under the signature of the registered holder.
Up‐to‐date Company information (including financial statements, share prices and dividend history) is available on the Investment Adviser's website at:
If you have any queries regarding your shareholding in Hazel Renewable Energy VCT1 plc, please contact the registrar on the above number or visit Link's website at www.linkassetservices.com and click on "Shareholders and Investors" and then "Shareholder Services UK".
| Company information | 1 |
|---|---|
| Investment objectives, financial highlights and Directors | 2 |
| Chairman's statement | 3 |
| Investment Adviser's Report | 6 |
| Review of investments | 13 |
| Strategic Report | 20 |
| Report of the Directors | 26 |
| Directors' remuneration Report | 29 |
| Corporate governance | 31 |
| Independent Auditor's Report | 34 |
| Income statement | 40 |
| Balance sheet | 41 |
| Statement of changes in Equity | 42 |
| Cash flow statement | 43 |
| Notes to the accounts | 44 |
| Notice of Annual General Meeting | 58 |
| Registered number | 07378392 |
|---|---|
| Directors | Gill Nott (Chairman) Stuart Knight Duncan Grierson |
| Company Secretary and Registered Office | Grant Whitehouse 6th Floor, St. Magnus House 3 Lower Thames Street London EC3R 6HD |
| Investment Adviser | Gresham House Asset Management Limited 5 Cheapside London EC2V 6AA Tel: 020 3837 6270 www.greshamhouse.com |
| Administration Manager | Downing LLP 6th Floor, St. Magnus House 3 Lower Thames Street London EC3R 6HD Tel: 020 7416 7780 www.downing.co.uk |
| Auditor | BDO LLP 55 Baker Street London W1U 7EU |
| VCT status advisers | Philip Hare & Associates LLP Staples Inn London WC1V 7QH |
| Registrars | Link Asset Services The Registry 34 Beckenham Road Beckenham Kent BR3 4TU Tel: 0871 664 0300 (calls cost 12p per minute plus network extras, lines open 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday) www.linkassetservices.com |
| Solicitors | Howard Kennedy 1 London Bridge London SE1 9BG |
| Bankers | Royal Bank of Scotland plc London Victoria Branch 119/121 Victoria Street London SW1E 6RA |
| Corporate Broker | Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited One New Change London EC4M 9AF |
Hazel Renewable Energy VCT1 plc is a Venture Capital Trust established under the legislation introduced in the Finance Act 1995. The Company's principal objectives are to:
The detailed investment policy adopted to achieve the investment objectives is set out in the Strategic Report on pages 20 to 22.
| 30 September | 30 September | |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2017 | |
| Pence | Pence | |
| Net asset value per Ordinary Share | 120.2 | 116.0 |
| Net asset value per 'A' Share | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Cumulative Dividends paid | 39.5 | 39.5 |
| Total return per Ordinary Share and 'A' Share | 159.8 | 155.6 |
Gill Nott (Chairman) spent the majority of the first 27 years of her career working in the energy sector. In 1994 she became CEO of ProShare. Due to her work in the retail savings sector, she spent six years on the Board of the Financial Services Authority from 1998 to 2004. Gill has held a portfolio of non‐executive positions, including roles with a number of VCTs and other closed‐end funds, over the last 15 years. She was also a board member of the AIC from 2004 until 2014. She is currently chairman of JP Morgan Russian Securities plc and a non‐executive director of Premier Global Infrastructure Trust plc and PGIT Securities 2020 plc.
Stuart Knight has worked in the financial sector for over twenty years, securing the position of Principle Partner within the FTSE100 company, St. James's Place Wealth Management. He is also one of the founding Partners of Haibun Partners LLP, a financial intermediary offering a diverse range of investment strategies addressing the specific requirements of sophisticated investors.
Duncan Grierson has more than 20 years' experience as an entrepreneur and investor in tech. He founded or co‐founded 4 businesses and has raised over \$100m in venture capital from investors including Goldman Sachs and Fidelity. Previously, he was a venture capital investor with Lake Capital and TCVC in London and Paris, with secondments to Silicon Valley and Chicago. From 2016 to 2018 he was a managing director of Iona Capital Limited, a specialist fund manager investing in bio‐energy infrastructure projects in the UK, where he headed up energy tech. He originally trained as a corporate finance lawyer with Clifford Chance in London.
All three Directors are non‐executive and are independent of the Investment Adviser.
Gresham House Asset Management Limited ("GHAM") is the Investment Adviser to Hazel Renewable Energy VCT1 plc (the "Company") and Hazel Renewable Energy VCT2 plc ("VCT2" and together the "Companies"). GHAM is owned by Gresham House plc, an AIM quoted specialist alternative asset manager providing funds, direct investments and tailored investment solutions, including co‐investment across a range of highly differentiated alternative investment strategies. GHAM's expertise includes strategic public equity and private assets, forestry, renewable energy, housing and infrastructure.
Gresham House plc acquired the business of Hazel Capital LLP on 31 October 2017. As part of new arrangements within GHAM, the Companies sit within the Gresham House New Energy division, benefitting from continuity of key investment executives plus the enhanced resources of the larger group.
On 8 November 2018 Gresham House plc also announced plans to acquire Livingbridge VC LLP, which manages Baronsmead Venture Trust PLC and Baronsmead Second Venture Trust PLC.
I am pleased to present my first Annual Report as Chairman of Hazel Renewable Energy VCT1 plc, which covers the year ended 30 September 2018.
As most Shareholders will be aware, there have been a number of developments in respect of the management of the Company over the last year or so, with the transfer of the Investment Advisory Agreement to Gresham House Asset Management Limited, as well as a number of Board changes taking place.
I was encouraged by the recent announcement that Gresham House has agreed to acquire the fund and investment management business of Livingbridge VC LLP that includes the two Baronsmead Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs). Founded in 1995, the Baronsmead brand is well known and respected within the VCT community for delivering consistent performance and strong governance.
Whilst the investment emphasis of the Hazel Capital Renewable Energy VCTs remains on renewable infrastructure, I expect there to be benefits to shareholders resulting from the deal. The addition of eight specialist investment and research professionals covering both public and private market opportunities will provide broader coverage and increased deal flow. Additional resource in the middle office at Gresham House should also lead to improved efficiency in performance analysis and reporting.
Also, over the last two years there have also been some significant changes to the VCTs regulations and, partly as a result of this, the Company decided to raise additional funds by way of two small top‐up offers for subscription.
I am pleased to report that the underlying investment portfolio has been stable and has produced satisfactory results for the year. Although solar irradiation was strong during the summer months, some technical issues offset some of the performance gains that might otherwise have arisen from this year's sunny weather. However, the long‐term outlook for the portfolio as a whole looks positive, with returns from the installed base of assets expected to continue to generate steady cash flows, resulting in an overall unrealised valuation uplift of £753,000.
As has been noted in the Half‐Yearly Report, Stephen Hay, the Company's former Chairman, stepped down from the Board on 30 April 2018 in order to focus on his other business interests. We thank Stephen for his substantial contribution to the Company since it was first launched. Prior to Stephen's departure, the Board commenced a formal process to identify two new candidates to join the Board as non‐executive directors. On 1 May 2018, I joined the Board as Chairman and, on 16 July 2018, Duncan Grierson joined as a non‐ executive director. Whilst I have many years' experience as an NED and Chairman of VCTs and investment trusts, Duncan has more than 20 years' experience as an entrepreneur and technology investor (See further details on page 2).
The Board now comprises three non‐executive directors with a broad range of experience and we continue to work closely with the Board of the sister company, Hazel Renewable Energy VCT2 plc ("Hazel2").
At the year end, the Company held a portfolio of 16 investments, which were valued at £30.5 million. There were no additions to the portfolio during the year, however two loan note investments were partially redeemed, and one loan note investment was fully redeemed, all at par.
The portfolio is analysed (by value) between the different types of assets as follows:
| Ground‐mounted Solar | 81.5% |
|---|---|
| Rooftop Solar | 11.1% |
| Small Wind | 5.7% |
| Vehicle Charging | 1.7% |
The Board has reviewed the investment valuations at the year end and made a number of adjustments. Net unrealised gains on the portfolio totalled £753,000. This has been driven by favourable movements in some of the key inputs into the financial models of the underlying assets.
Further detail on the investment portfolio is provided in the Investment Advisor's Report on pages 6 to 12.
At 30 September 2018, the Net Asset Value ("NAV") per Ordinary Share stood at 120.2p and the NAV per 'A' Share stood at 0.1p, producing a combined total of 120.3p per "pair" of Shares. This represents an increase of 4.2p (3.6%) over the year.
Total dividends paid to date (including those paid in December 2018) for a combined holding of one Ordinary Share and one 'A' Share stand at 45.5p. Total Return (NAV plus cumulative dividends, including those paid in December 2018) stands at 159.8p, compared to the cost to investors in the initial fundraising of £1.00 or 70.0p net of income tax relief.
The profit on ordinary activities after taxation for the year was £804,000, comprising a revenue profit of £111,000 and a capital gain of £693,000 as shown in the Income Statement on Page 40.
In recent years the Company has paid its annual dividend in September. In the Half Year Report, I announced that the Company plans to pay dividends in future in December as this better synchronises with the income generated by the assets held by the portfolio companies.
On 14 November 2018, the Board declared dividends in respect of the year ended 30 September 2018 of 5.4965p per Ordinary Share and 0.5035p per A Share. These dividends were paid on 14 December 2018 to Shareholders on the register at 23 November 2018.
Changes to the VCT regulations over the last two years have created some challenges for your Company. You will recall that from April 2014 new investments in contract backed renewable energy projects are no longer eligible as qualifying VCT investments. Furthermore, with effect from 1 October 2019 for this Company, the required level of qualifying investments the VCT must hold will increase from 70% to 80%. The Board reviewed how this might best be achieved in the longer term and considered that a further fundraise, in order to invest in new qualifying investments, would be the most appropriate course of action.
In March 2018, the Company undertook a small top‐up offer for subscription. This offer sold out very quickly raising £2.5 million for the Company and £1.7 million for Hazel2. In view of the level of demand a further top‐ up was launched in September. This offer also sold out in short time raising, £3.2 million alongside £4.0 million for Hazel2. For your Company, a total of 4,502,295 Ordinary and 5,159,175 'A' Shares were issued in respect of the offers.
These new funds provide the opportunity for the Company to consider making a small number of new VCT qualifying investments and provide the Company with some additional flexibility that will help it to maintain the new 80% qualification threshold.
It is envisaged that the new investments, which must meet all of the VCT regulations including the type of business, size, age and the risk to capital test, will be different from the assets in which the VCT is currently invested. As stated in the top up offer document, the Investment Advisor will be looking for companies within the clean technology space, which offer the prospect of maximising returns for Shareholders, through them having a good management team, an excellent business plan and significant growth potential. The VCT may also invest in companies quoted on AIM.
The Board is aware that from time to time some Shareholders may wish to realise part or all of their investment and has therefore taken steps to try to ensure that there is a liquid market in the Company's shares.
During the period, the Company purchased a total of 2,361,063 Ordinary Shares at an average price of 113.6p per Share, and a total of 2,360,869 'A' Shares at an average price of 0.1p. These Shares are held in treasury.
The Company has a policy of buying Shares that become available in the market at a price approximately equivalent to a 2% discount to NAV. This policy is subject to liquidity and regulatory constraints. The Board reviews the buyback policy from time to time and may make changes if it considers that to be in the best interests of Shareholders as a whole.
Shareholders considering selling their Shares should contact the broker for the Company, whose details are shown on the Shareholder Information page.
Now that Hazel Capital LLP has been fully integrated into the Gresham House business, the Board believes that the logical next step is to change the name of the Company to Gresham House Renewable Energy VCT1 plc (and that of the sister Company to Gresham House Renewable Energy VCT2 plc).
A resolution to approve the change of name will be put to both sets of Shareholders at their respective forthcoming AGMs.
The Company's eighth AGM will be held at Gresham House's offices at Octagon Point, 5 Cheapside, London EC2V 6LP 12:15 p.m. on 6 March 2019.
Four items of special business will be proposed as follows:
Now that the changes to the Investment Advisory arrangements and to the Board are behind us, over the coming year we will be seeking to leverage the additional resources that Gresham House brings to the Company, to ensure that the performance of the assets and Shareholder returns are optimised, while also ensuring that the Company comfortably maintains its VCT status and the accompanying tax benefits. Working closely with the Investment Adviser, the Board will also be seeking to invest the proceeds of the top up offers in attractive VCT qualifying assets.
I look forward to meeting those investors that are able to attend the forthcoming AGM in March. Meanwhile, I would encourage you to take a look at the Gresham House website (newenergy.greshamhouse.com) where you can find all of the information regarding the Company and where, from time to time, the Investment Adviser will be publishing updates on the performance of the VCT.
Gill Nott Chairman
31 January 2019
The Investment Adviser is pleased to report that the portfolio of assets owned by Hazel Renewable Energy VCT1 plc performed in line with expectations in the year ending 30 September 2018. There were no full acquisitions or disposals to report in the period, however some loan note investments were partially repaid.
The Companies remain principally invested in a diversified portfolio of well‐constructed renewable energy projects that access long‐term UK government‐backed Feed‐in‐Tariff (FiT) and Renewable Obligation Certificate (ROC) support mechanisms which provide revenues which are predominantly linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI).
The total generation capacity of assets owned by the Companies is 34.9MWp (see table below).
During the period from 1 April 2018 to 30 September 2018, the Company's Net Asset Value per share increased to 120.3p (30 September 2017: 116.1p) with the overall Net Asset Value at £30.2 million (30 September 2017: £27.5 million).
Portfolio revenues were 0.18% ahead of forecast for the year (8.3% below forecast in the year ending 30 September 2017). Revenues for all major segments of the portfolio came within 0.75% of the respective targets.
The performance in generation terms was 0.08% behind forecast in the period (6.2% below forecast in the year ending 30 September 2017).
The payment of an annual dividend of 6.0p (5.4965p per Ordinary Share and 0.5035p per A Share) was announced on 14 November, and this was paid on 14 December 2018.
£5.7m of additional funds were raised in 2018 via two Top‐Up offers launched in February and September 2018. £2.5m and £3.2m were raised for the Company respectively. This is covered in more detail in the Chairman's Statement.
The funds raised allow the Company to make new qualifying investments. The criteria used to evaluate new investments will be consistent with the original mandate of maximising capital gains and income for shareholders and will complement the majority of the portfolio's core holdings of asset‐backed renewable generation investments. Areas of current focus include cleantech hardware and software development, and companies providing services to the cleantech sector.
In addition to the above, the Boards may make a limited proportion of total funds raised available for share buybacks in accordance with the Company's Share buyback policy.
| Asset Type | MWp | Portfolio Value | % of Portfolio Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground‐mounted Solar (FIT) | 20,291 | £21,686,087 | 71.2% |
| Ground‐mounted Solar (ROC) | 8,699 | £3,140,385 | 10.3% |
| Rooftop Solar | 4,425 | £3,388,544 | 11.1% |
| Wind Assets | 1,465 | £1,738,343 | 5.7% |
| Charge Point Services | ‐ | £500,000 | 1.7% |
| Other | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ |
| TOTAL | 34,880 | £30,453,359 | 100.0% |
The 34.9MWp renewable energy projects in the portfolio generated 33,678,102 kilowatt‐hours of electricity over the year, sufficient to meet the annual electricity consumption of c.9,730 homes.
The solar projects within the portfolio (ground and roof‐mounted installations) which comprise 33.4MWp, accounted for 97.6% of the generation output performance. These assets delivered performance just shy of expectations (0.08% less) during the year (6.3% below in the year ending 30 September 2017). They accounted for 92.6% of the Investment Portfolio Value.
While overall output performance was broadly in line with our expectations, generation versus forecast levels varied significantly over the 12‐month period. A gloomier than usual winter saw average performance across the ground and roof‐mounted solar assets, followed by underperformance in the very wet spring months of March and April. A very bright summer brought robust output from May through July. Generation levels were in line with forecast levels in August and September.
The eight ground‐mounted solar installations, which have a total generation capacity of 29.0MW, accounted for 87.0% of the electricity generated and this was just above (by 0.33%) forecasts (6.3% below in the year ending 30 September 2017). This segment accounts for 81.5% of the Investment Portfolio Value.
The roof‐mounted solar asset portfolio which has capacity of 4.42MW, accounted for 11.1% of the Investment Portfolio Value and 10.6% of the total electricity generated. This was 3.4% below expectations (10.5% below in the year ending 30 September 2017).
The small wind turbines, which have total generation capacity of 1.47MW, accounted for 5.7% of the Investment Portfolio Value and 2.4% of the total electricity generated. This segment met expectations that were previously downgraded to account for the Huaying HY‐5 turbines that were put on hold in spring 2017 due to mechanical problems.
In revenue terms, the electricity generated by the entire asset base earned £11.1 million in the year which was 0.18% ahead of forecasts. £10.8m of this amount was generated by the solar ground‐mounted and rooftop assets and the remainder by the small wind turbine portfolio.
| Asset Type | Forecast Revenue | Actual Revenue | Revenue Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground‐mounted Solar (FIT) | 8,465,104 | 8,439,491 | 99.70% |
| Ground‐mounted Solar (ROC) | 1,183,971 | 1,238,383 | 104.60% |
| Rooftop Solar | 1,159,056 | 1,150,676 | 99.28% |
| Wind Assets | 275,565 | 275,565 | 100.00% |
| TOTAL | 11,083,696 | 11,104,115 | 100.18% |
The portfolio benefited from higher than forecast inflation, power prices (including the recycling component of the Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs)) and irradiation, however surrendered much of the combined benefit to lost production from the heat effect and other technical factors.
A kilowatt‐hour (kWh) generated by a ground‐mounted solar asset earned 33.0p on average, whereas a kWh generated by a wind turbine earned an average of 34.0p.
By asset type, 86.7% of revenues (being 78.5% FiT, 6.7% ROC, 1.5% Export Fixed as set out in the chart below) were RPI‐ linked while 9.0% came from the sale of power (Export Variable), of which 3.2% in absolute terms is under fixed‐price contracts running until 2019.
The FiT‐remunerated ground‐mounted solar assets that earn FiTs as well as income from the sale of power in the wholesale market, accounted for 75.9% of the portfolio level income, whereas the ROC‐remunerated ground‐mounted solar assets, that earn ROCs and variable export revenues, accounted for 11.2%, and the roof‐mounted solar assets that earn FiTs and fixed export tariffs accounted for 10.4%.
The analysis of performance is based on three pillars. The first covers macro factors including inflation, power prices, variable components of subsidies and climactic conditions. The second category covers technical performance, and the third category covers costs.
Solar irradiation was 7.3% ahead of forecasts on a capacity‐weighted basis, a welcome development after two years of poor sunshine. Project by project, measurements varied between 97.7% and 134.8% of forecast levels for the eight ground‐mounted solar projects in the portfolio. Each 1% change, in absolute terms, in irradiation for this portfolio results in a £108,000 movement in revenues.
The portfolio's revenues were helped by inflation as both FiT and ROC payments are index‐linked to the RPI. FiTs and ROCs increased in price by 4.1% on 1 April 2018. The RPI has drifted down from these levels over 2018, however it remains above the 3% level used in long‐term forecasts. For every 1% increase, in absolute terms, in inflation, portfolio revenues rise by £96,000.
The ground‐mounted solar asset base achieved its target level of generation. The strong solar irradiation in the summer months was offset by the temporary but negative effect on panel performance of the high ambient temperatures on the surfaces of the solar panels. This effect is expected in solar power generation.
However, other technical factors such as the age of some of the components used in the projects, also prevented the ground‐mounted solar asset base from benefitting from the strong solar irradiation.
| Asset Type | Forecast Output | Actual Output | Technical Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground‐mounted Solar (FIT) | 20,657,691 | 20,116,689 | 97.38% |
| Ground‐mounted Solar (ROC) | 8,538,000 | 9,175,955 | 107.47% |
| Rooftop Solar | 3,699,550 | 3,575,458 | 96.65% |
| Wind Assets | 810,000 | 810,000 | 100.00% |
| TOTAL | 33,705,241 | 33,678,102 | 99.92% |
Postive Negative
During the year a comprehensive technical review has been undertaken. This included a study to determine whether accelerating the replacement of inverters, (which would typically be replaced after 10 years), would achieve an attractive payback profile. The outcome led to a recommendation to proceed and any inverter replacement will be funded by the equipment replacement reserves (£2.4 million) already held as funded cash deposits within the debt facility for the six FiT‐remunerated ground‐mounted projects.
Generation of the rooftop solar portfolio was 3.4% lower than forecast. Work is ongoing to address known metering issues at certain installations at which access is difficult. Resolution of these issues is expected to lead to a recovery of 50% of the revenue shortfall.
The small wind portfolio performed in line with the reduced expectations following the poor performance from the start of these projects. Small wind accounts for 5.7% of the portfolio. Following initial inspections to determine the scale of the issue with the Huaying HY‐5 turbines (92 of the 290 turbines in total), a programme of repair was initiated in the spring of this year and is progressing well. It was decided that only the installations where the incremental sum invested would generate a payback period of less than or equal to six years, would be repaired. This amounted to 67 of the 92. At the time of writing, 39% of the turbines had been repaired with the work expected to be completed in the spring.
The third factor that determines performance is costs. The vast majority of the cost base is fixed and/or contracted and includes rent, business rates, and regular operations and maintenance (O&M) costs as the major categories.
During the year, the O&M contracts for the small Wychwood and Parsonage ground‐mounted solar projects (1.4MW of capacity) were awarded to Silverstone Green Energy, a contractor that has been delivering a good service for two larger ground‐mounted solar assets. This generated a 25% saving on those contracts, worth £4,460 per annum going forward.
There is the potential for further reductions in O&M costs as prices in the UK become more aligned with those in Continental Europe, however the long‐term nature of the O&M contracts (a requirement under the debt facility agreements) mean that we would not expect to receive the benefits of such a realignment until current contracts expire or can be renegotiated, the earliest of which is in seven years.
The main cost item that shows variability from year‐to‐year is repair and maintenance costs. These are closely monitored and compared with a budget that is set every year. Repair and maintenance spend involving solar panels and inverters, the key components of a solar project, is covered by the maintenance reserves totalling £2.6m that are in place for all the ground‐mounted solar assets and for most of the roof‐mounted solar assets.
In addition, there are some one‐off costs that were not covered by reserves such as meter replacements and pigeon‐ proofing for the roof‐mounted solar assets, and cable replacement for the ground‐mounted assets. This cost was £70,000 above the £190,000 budget set for the year due to what are expected to be one‐off repairs to the roof‐mounted solar installations.
The NAV of the Company has increased from 116.1p to 120.3p in the period from 1 October 2017 to 30 September 2018. The Total Return for the period has increased from 155.6p to 159.8p.
This year's increase in NAV principally resulted from a change in the discount rate used to value the FiT‐remunerated ground‐mounted solar assets from 7.0% on an unlevered1 basis to 6.5% on a levered basis. The NAV impact of this change was £0.8m or 3.4p per share. By comparison the discount rate used to value the ROC‐remunerated ground‐ mounted solar assets and FiT‐remunerated roof‐mounted solar assets within the portfolio on a levered basis is 6.75%.
The 25bp difference in the levered discount rates for the two FiT and ROC groups is accounted for by the lower level, in the medium to long term2 , of exposure to wholesale power prices of the former (12%) compared to the latter (16%), and the fact that the latter includes roof‐mounted solar assets which carry more inherent risks than ground‐mounted solar assets.
1The value of these assets was previously calculated on an unlevered basis with debt deducted.
2The exposure to power prices is negligible in the short term until the fixed‐price period under the Power Purchase Agreements ("PPA") for the two ROC‐remunerated solar projects expires in 2019.
| 30 Sep 2018 ('000) |
Share of Portfolio Value |
30 Sep 2017 ('000) |
Share of Portfolio Value |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FiT‐remunerated ground‐ mounted solar projects |
£21,686 | 71.2% | £20,948 | 66.7% |
| ROC‐remunerated ground‐ mounted solar projects |
£3,140 | 10.3% | £4,298 | 13.7% |
| Rooftop solar projects | £3,389 | 11.1% | £3,704 | 11.8% |
| Small wind turbines | £1,738 | 5.7% | £1,939 | 6.2% |
| ChargePoint Services | £500 | 1.7% | £500 | 1.7% |
| TOTAL PORTFOLIO | £30,453 | 100% | £31,390 | 100% |
| Other net liabilities | £(222) | £(3,925) | ||
| TOTAL NAV | £30,230 | £27,465 | ||
| NAV per share (Ordinary and A combined) |
120.3p | 116.1p |
The low risk profile of the FiT‐remunerated ground‐mounted solar assets justifies this reduction of 50 basis points. Discount rates used in the market have moved down for these types of assets with a high proportion (88% for this portfolio) of fixed tariff revenues. Furthermore, the £2.1m in maintenance reserves, which at current market prices is sufficient to replace as much as 30% of the panels and inverters, and the £4.4m of cash, albeit restricted under the debt facilities, imply lower risk to future cashflows.
The Investment Adviser believes that the discount rates used for all the assets are consistent with what other owners of solar assets use while valuing their own portfolios, and its experience gained from selling similar assets in other areas of its business. The discount rate that purchasers of ground‐mounted solar assets use varies according to the level of exposure to wholesale power prices and has been observed to be as low as 5 to 5.5% on a levered basis for FiT‐ remunerated ground mounted solar projects that were built in 2011.
Inflation as measured by the RPI remains above 3% and RPI has gone up as high as 4.1% in December 2017 (as opposed to our forecast for long‐term inflation of 3%). However, this increase could prove to be very transient, given the currently heightened level of macroeconomic uncertainty.
Key assumptions for the revenues and operating costs of the projects remain the same as they were last year.
In the longer term, the potential to create additional value through the extension of land leases beyond their current 25‐year term and through upgrading the equipment using improved technology with much better yields may arise.
The Investment Adviser will continue to target improvements in yield and reductions in risk across the portfolio, and to evaluate incremental maintenance capital expenditure and replacement decision where these can be justified in economic terms.
The Investment Adviser is conscious that the most valuable FiT assets in the portfolio are now over seven years old and will be monitoring them more closely to identify and replace or repair aging equipment before it can impact generation.
An emerging trend in the solar industry in the UK is the extension of leases beyond the 25 ‐year term that is customary across the solar asset base. The end of the lease term is still at least 18 years away, however many landowners are receptive to locking in rent for the longer term. Capital expenditure on upgrading the projects when the current leases expire is expected to generate yields in excess of six percent.
A key focus will be the deployment of funds raised under the Top‐Up. As stated in the Top‐Up prospectus, asset‐backed renewable energy generation investments are no longer qualifying under current VCT rules.
The Investment Adviser is currently screening potential opportunities in order to identify investments in line with the Company's mandate. Consideration is being given to companies in the clean technology space that have already secured funding from Venture Capital firms, companies listed on the UK's AIM market and companies that are active in key areas of growth such as recycling and waste management, generation asset optimisation and information services.
The investment process will be enhanced by the acquisition by Gresham House Plc of the fund and investment management business of Livingbridge VC LLP which includes the two Baronsmead VCTs. The addition of eight specialist investment and research professionals covering both public and private market opportunities will provide broader coverage and increased deal flow when investing the top‐up funds.
31 January 2019
| NTS |
|---|
| ME |
| VEST |
| N |
| OF I |
| W |
| VIE |
| RE |
| 13 |
The following investments were held at 30 September 2018:
Valuation
| movement | % of | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Valuation | in year | portfolio | |||
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | ||||
| Qualifying and part‐qualifying investments | Operating sites | Sector | ||||
| Lunar 2 Limited* | South Marston, Beechgrove | Ground‐mounted solar | 2,976 | 15,937 | 615 | 48.4% |
| Lunar 1 Limited* | Kingston Farm, Lake Farm | Ground‐mounted solar | 125 | 2,605 | 484 | 7.9% |
| Ayshford Solar (Holding) Limited* | Ayshford Farm | Ground‐mounted solar | 1,308 | 2,128 | (406) | 6.5% |
| New Energy Era Limited | Wychwood Solar Farm | Ground‐mounted solar | 884 | 1,713 | 323 | 5.2% |
| Vicarage Solar Limited | Parsonage Farm | Ground‐mounted solar | 871 | 1,431 | 216 | 4.3% |
| Hewas Solar Limited | Hewas Solar | Roof Solar | 1,000 | 1,217 | (138) | 3.7% |
| Wind Limited Gloucester |
Wind Gloucester |
Roof Solar | 1,000 | 1,047 | 94 | 3.2% |
| Tumblewind Limited* | Priory Farm | Wind/Solar Small |
1,231 | 1,012 | 38 | 3.1% |
| Willow Limited HRE |
Willow HRE |
Wind Small |
875 | 874 | 148 | 2.7% |
| St Columb Solar Limited | St Columb Solar | Roof Solar | 650 | 594 | (79) | 1.8% |
| Minsmere Power Limited | Minsmere | Wind/Solar Small |
975 | 531 | (198) | 1.6% |
| Penhale Solar Limited | Penhale Solar | Roof Solar | 825 | 530 | (195) | 1.6% |
| Chargepoint Services Limited | Vehicle Charging | 500 | 500 | ‐ | 1.5% | |
| Wind Generation Limited Small |
Wind Generation Small |
Wind Small |
975 | 334 | (149) | 1.0% |
| Sunhazel UK Limited | Roof Solar | 1 | ‐ | ‐ | 0.0% | |
| 14,196 | 30,453 | 753 | 92.5% | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 2,497 | 7.5% | ||||
| Total investments | 32,950 | 100.0% |
* Part‐qualifying investment
All venture capital investments are incorporated in England and Wales.
Hazel Renewable Energy VCT2 plc, of which Gresham House Asset Management Limited ("GHAM") is the Investment Adviser, holds the same investments as above.
| Redemption | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation at | of loan | ||||
| 30 September | notes/Sale | Profit | Realised | ||
| Cost | 2017 | Proceeds | vs cost | Gain | |
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | |
| VCT Qualifying investments | |||||
| Ayshford Solar (Holdings) Limited | 620 | 620 | 620 | ‐ | ‐ |
| 620 | 620 | 620 | ‐ | ‐ | |
| Non‐qualifying investments | |||||
| AEE Renewables UK 3 Limited (Note 1) | 900 | 900 | 900 | ‐ | ‐ |
| Tumblewind Limited | 170 | 170 | 170 | ‐ | ‐ |
| 1,070 | 1,070 | 1,070 | ‐ | ‐ | |
| Liquidation proceeds | |||||
| Hemp Technology Limited (Note 2) | ‐ | ‐ | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Total | 1,690 | 1,690 | 1,723 | 33 | 33 |
The basis of valuation for the largest investments is set out on pages 15 to 18.
Note 1: The loan note redemption proceeds of £900,000 were not received in cash by the Company and were instead used to repay a long‐term loan balance between the Company and Lunar 2 Limited.
Note 2: The proceeds received were in connection with the liquidation of Hemp Technology Limited, a subsidiary of Lime Technology Limited, a company in which the VCT previously held a loan note investment. The amounts received were secured under a debenture between the VCT and the company. No further amounts are receivable.
| Lunar 2 Limited | Cost at 30/09/18: Cost at 30/09/17: |
£2,976,000 £2,976,000 |
Valuation at 30/09/18: Valuation at 30/09/17: |
£15,937,000 £15,322,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date of first investment: | Dec 2013 | Valuation method: | Discounted cash flows (business) |
|
| Investment comprises: | ||||
| Ordinary shares: | £1,331,000 | Proportion of equity held: | 50% | |
| Loan stock: | £1,645,000 | Proportion of loan stock held: | 50% | |
| Summary financial information from | Turnover: | £nil | ||
| statutory accounts: 30 April 2017 | Operating loss: | £4,000 | ||
| Net liabilities: | £1,424,000 |
Lunar 2 Limited is a holding company of FiT remunerated ground‐mounted solar farms of 5MW (Wiltshire), 4MW (near Hawkchurch) and 0.64MW (Ilminster, Somerset).
| Lunar 1 Limited | Cost at 30/09/18: Cost at 30/09/17: |
£125,000 £125,000 |
Valuation at 30/09/18: Valuation at 30/09/17: |
£2,605,000 £2,121,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date of first investment: | Dec 2013 | Valuation method: | Discounted cash flows (business) |
|
| Investment comprises: Ordinary shares: |
£125,000 | Proportion of equity held: | 5% | |
| Summary financial information from statutory accounts: 30 April 2017 |
Turnover: Operating Loss: Net liabilities: |
£nil £4,000 £1,505,000 |
Lunar 1 Limited is a holding company of FiT remunerated ground‐mounted solar farms of 5MW (Wiltshire) and 0.7MW (Oxfordshire).
| Ayshford Solar (Holding) Limited | Cost at 30/09/18: Cost at 30/09/17: |
£1,308,000 £1,928,000 |
Valuation at 30/09/18: Valuation at 30/09/17: |
£2,128,000 £3,154,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date of first investment: | Mar 2012 | Valuation method: | Discounted cash flows (business) |
|
| Investment comprises: Ordinary shares: |
£827,000 | Proportion of equity held: | 50% | |
| Loan stock: Summary financial information from |
£481,000 | Proportion of loan stock held: Turnover: |
48% £2,000 |
|
| statutory accounts: 30 April 2017 | Operating loss: Net assets: |
£4,000 £707,000 |
Ayshford Solar (Holding) Limited owns a ROC remunerated ground‐mounted solar farm of 5.5MW near Tiverton, Devon.
| New Energy Era Limited | Cost at 30/09/18: Cost at 30/09/17: Date of first investment: |
£884,000 £884,000 Nov 2011 |
Valuation at 30/09/18: Valuation at 30/09/17: Valuation method: |
£1,713,000 £1,390,000 Discounted cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| flows (business) | ||||
| Investment comprises: Ordinary shares: |
£884,000 | Proportion of equity held: | 45% | |
| Summary financial information from | Turnover: | £285,000 | ||
| statutory accounts: 30 April 2017 | Operating profit: Net Assets: |
£159,000 £2,089,000 |
||
New Energy Era Limited owns a FiT remunerated solar farm of 0.7MW near Shipton‐under‐ Wychwood, Oxfordshire.
| Cost at 30/09/18: Vicarage Solar Limited Cost at 30/09/17: |
£871,000 £871,000 |
Valuation at 30/09/18: Valuation at 30/09/17: |
£1,431,000 £1,215,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of first investment: | Mar 2012 | Valuation method: | Discounted cash flows (business) |
| Investment comprises: | |||
| Ordinary shares: | £871,000 | Proportion of equity held: | 45% |
| Summary financial information from | Turnover: | £nil | |
| statutory accounts: 30 April 2017 | Operating loss: | £93 | |
| Net assets: | £1,931,00 |
Vicarage Solar Limited is the holding company of a FiT remunerated solar farm of 0.7MW near Ilminster, Somerset.
| Hewas Solar Limited | Cost at 30/09/18: | £1,000,000 | Valuation at 30/09/18: | £1,217,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost at 30/09/17: | £1,000,000 | Valuation at 30/09/17: | £1,355,000 | |
| Date of first investment: | Aug 2011 | Valuation method: | Discounted cash | |
| flows (business) | ||||
| Investment comprises: Ordinary shares: |
£1,000,000 | Proportion of equity held: | 50% | |
| Summary financial information from | Turnover: Operating profit: |
£547,000 £187,000 |
||
| statutory accounts: 30 April 2017 | Net assets: | £775,000 | ||
Hewas Solar Limited owns a portfolio of FiT remunerated roof‐mounted solar assets located on housing stock owned by two housing associations. The total capacity of the solar assets owned by Hewas Solar Limited is 1,830kW.
| Gloucester Wind Limited | Cost at 30/09/18: | £1,000,000 | Valuation at 30/09/18: | £1,047,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost at 30/09/17: | £1,000,000 | Valuation at 30/09/17: | £953,000 | |
| Date of first investment: | Apr 2012 | Valuation method: | Discounted cash | |
| flows (business) | ||||
| Investment comprises: | ||||
| Ordinary shares: | £800,000 | Proportion of equity held: | 50% | |
| Loan stock: | £200,000 | Proportion of loan stock held: | 50% | |
| Summary financial information from | Turnover: | £191,000 | ||
| statutory accounts: 30 April 2017 | Operating profit: | £42,00 | ||
| Net assets: | £1,693,000 | |||
Gloucester Wind Limited owns a portfolio of FiT remunerated roof‐mounted solar assets located on residential housing stock across the UK. The total capacity of the solar assets owned by Gloucester Wind Limited is 1,228kW.
| Tumblewind Limited | Cost at 30/09/18: Cost at 30/09/17: Date of first investment: |
£1,231,000 £1,401,000 Nov 2011 |
Valuation at 30/09/18: Valuation at 30/09/17: Valuation method: |
£1,012,000 £1,144,000 Discounted cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment comprises: | flows (business) | |||
| Ordinary shares: | £790,000 | Proportion of equity held: | 50% | |
| Loan stock: | £441,000 | Proportion of loan stock held: | 45% | |
| Summary financial information from statutory accounts: 30 April 2017 |
Turnover: Operating loss: |
£56,000 £452,000 |
||
| Net assets: | £953,000 |
Tumblewind Limited owns a portfolio of FiT remunerated wind turbines on largely farmer‐owned sites located throughout East Anglia. The total capacity of the wind assets owned by Tumblewind Limited is 305kW. Tumblewind also owns Priory Solar Farm Limited, which owns a ROC remunerated solar farm of 3.2MW near Lowestoft.
| HRE Willow Limited | Cost at 30/09/18: Cost at 30/09/17: |
£875,000 £875,000 |
Valuation at 30/09/18: Valuation at 30/09/17: |
£874,000 £726,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date of first investment: | Jun 2011 | Valuation method: | Discounted cash flows (business) |
|
| Investment comprises: Ordinary shares: |
£875,000 | Proportion of equity held: | 50% | |
| Summary financial information from statutory accounts: 30 April 2017 |
Turnover: Operating loss: |
£112,000 £260,000 |
||
| Net assets: | £1,559,000 |
HRE Willow owns a portfolio of FiT remunerated wind turbines on largely farmer‐owned sites located throughout East Anglia. The total capacity of the wind assets owned by Tumblewind Limited is 515kW.
| HRE Willow Limited | |
|---|---|
| --------------------------- | -- |
| St Columb Solar Limited | Cost at 30/09/18: Cost at 30/09/17: |
£650,000 £650,000 |
Valuation at 30/09/18: Valuation at 30/09/17: |
£594,000 £518,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date of first investment: | Sep 2011 | Valuation method: | Discounted cash | |
| flows (business) | ||||
| Investment comprises: | ||||
| Ordinary shares: | £650,000 | Proportion of equity held: | 50% | |
| Summary financial information from | Turnover: | £289,000 | ||
| statutory accounts: 30 April 2017 | Operating profit: | £64,000 | ||
| Net assets: | £1,300,000 | |||
St Columb Solar Limited owns a portfolio of FiT remunerated roof‐mounted solar assets located on housing stock owned by two housing associations. The total capacity of the solar assets owned by St Columb Solar Limited is 1,021 kW.
The summary financial information has been sourced from the statutory accounts of the underlying investee companies. The net asset/liability figures presented therefore do not approximate a valuation.
The proportion of equity held in each investment also represents the level of voting rights held by the Company in respect of the investment.
| £'000 | |
|---|---|
| Loan stock interest receivable in the period | |
| AEE Renewables UK 3 Limited | 64 |
| Tumblewind Limited | 41 |
| Chargepoint Services Limited | 41 |
| Minsmere Power Limited | 10 |
| Small Wind Generation Limited | 10 |
| 166 | |
The split of the investment portfolio by sector (by cost and by value at 30 September 2018) is as follows:
The allocation of the funds based on cost is summarised as follows:
| Actual portfolio split at 30 September 2018 |
Actual portfolio split at 30 September 2017 |
|
|---|---|---|
| VCT Qualifying investments | ||
| Loans to qualifying companies | 22.0% | 23.4% |
| Ordinary shares in qualifying companies | 60.7% | 54.2% |
| Total | 82.7% | 77.6% |
| Non‐qualifying investments (including cash at bank) | 17.3% | 22.4% |
| Total | 100.0% | 100.0% |
The above table excludes funds raised under the recent Offers for Subscription, which are not yet included in the VCT Qualification test.
The Directors present the Strategic Report for the year ended 30 September 2018. The Board have prepared this report in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.
The business acts as an investment company, investing in a portfolio of businesses within the renewable energy sector. The Company operates as a VCT to ensure that its Shareholders can benefit from the tax reliefs available.
The Company's business review and developments during the year are set out in the Chairman's Statement, Investment Adviser's Report, and the Review of Investments.
During the year to 30 September 2018, the investments held increased in value by £753,000 and gains arising on investment realisations totalled £33,000.
Income over expenditure for the year resulted in a net profit, after accounting for capital expenses, of £18,000.
The total profit for the year was £804,000 (2017: £703,000) and net assets at the year end were £30.2 million (2017: £27.5 million). No dividends were paid during the year (2017: £1,182,000), due to the annual dividend now being paid in December each year, as outlined in the Half‐Yearly Report to 31 March 2018.
The Directors initially obtained provisional approval for the Company to act as a Venture Capital Trust from HM Revenue & Customs. The Directors consider that the Company has continued to conduct its affairs in a manner such that it complies with Part 6 of the Income Tax Act 2007.
Gresham House Asset Management Limited ("Gresham House") provides investment advisory services to the Company, at a fee equivalent to 1.4% of net assets for the twelve months to 6 November 2018, reducing to 1.15% thereafter. The agreement is for a minimum term of two years, effective from 7 November 2017, with a nine month notice period on either side thereafter.
The Board has reviewed the services to be provided by Gresham House and has concluded that it is satisfied with the strategy, approach and procedures which are to be implemented in providing investment advisory services to the Company.
Downing LLP provides administration services to the Company for a fee of £40,000 (plus VAT, if applicable) per annum. The agreement, as varied with effect from 7 November 2017, is for a minimum term of six years, effective from 20 October 2010, with a twelve month notice period on either side thereafter.
Historically the Company had an agreement to pay trail commission annually to Hazel Capital LLP, in connection with the funds raised under the Offers for subscription. This was calculated at 0.4% of the net assets of the Company at each year end. Out of these funds Hazel Capital LLP was liable to pay trail commission to financial intermediaries. The trail commission was payable to Hazel Capital LLP until the earlier of (i) the sixth anniversary of the closing of the Offers and (ii) the Investment Advisory Agreement being terminated. Upon the appointment of Gresham House as Investment Adviser on 7 November 2017, the agreement with Hazel Capital LLP was terminated and no further trail commission is payable by the Company as a result.
Pursuant to historic financial intermediary arrangements with Hazel Capital LLP, Haibun Partners LLP ("Haibun"), of which Stuart Knight is a Designated Member, and CH1 Investment Partners LLP ("CH1"), of which Matthew Evans (Director of Hazel Renewable Energy VCT2 plc) is a Designated Member, will continue to receive trail commission from Gresham House Asset Management Limited. The trail commission payable is equal to 0.15% of the net asset value of the Shares issued by the Company and its sister company, Hazel Renewable Energy VCT2 plc ("Hazel2"), to Haibun and CH1 clients under each of the 2010, 2012 and 2014 Offers. The amounts payable to Haibun and CH1 by Gresham House Asset Management, in aggregate across both the Company and Hazel2, are as follows:
| Year ended 30 September 2018 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haibun | CH1 | Total | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| 2010 Offer | 24,600 | 34,100 | 58,700 | |
| 2012 Offer | 3,200 | 2,400 | 5,600 | |
| 2014 Offer | 1,400 | 2,800 | 4,200 | |
| Total | 29,200 | 39,300 | 68,500 |
The Company's objectives are to maximise tax free capital gains and income to Shareholders from dividends and capital distributions by investing the Company's funds in:
a portfolio of VCT qualifying investments, primarily being in UK and EU based unquoted companies that specialise in long term renewable energy projects and energy developers; and
a range of non‐qualifying investments, comprised from a selection of cash deposits, fixed income funds, securities and secured loans and which will have credit ratings of not less than A minus (Standard & Poor's rated)/A3 (Moody's rated). In addition, as the portfolio of VCT qualifying investments will involve smaller start‐up companies, non‐qualifying loans could be made to these companies to negate the need to borrow from banks and, therefore, undermine the companies' security within the conditions imposed on all VCTs under current and future VCT legislation applicable to the Company.
The Company seeks to invest in companies it is believed are materially de‐risked and will provide Shareholders with a reliable source of tax free income and maximise the potential for capital preservation. Investee companies generally reflect the following criteria:
The Company must hold at least 70% (rising to 80% from 1 October 2019) of its funds in VCT qualifying investments, although aims to maintain a level of up to 90%. Accordingly, the Company's maximum exposure to qualifying investments will be 90%. The Company intends to retain the remaining funds in non‐qualifying investments to fund the annual running costs of the Company, to reduce the risk profile of the overall portfolio of its fund and to provide investments which can be realised to fund any follow‐on investments in the investee companies.
It is expected that the Company shall hold at least eight investments to provide diversification and risk protection. In relation to the Company, no single investment (including most loans to investee companies) will represent more than 15% of the aggregate net asset value of its fund save where such investment is in an investee company which has acquired or is to acquire, whether directly or indirectly, securities in the following companies: AEE Renewables UK 3 Limited, AEE Renewables UK 26 Limited, South Marston Solar Limited, Beechgrove Solar Limited, New Energy Era Limited and Vicarage Solar Limited.
The Company's investment in Lunar 1 Limited and Lunar 2 Limited did not exceed 33% (at the time of investment) of the aggregate net asset value of its fund and its direct or indirect investment in each of AEE Renewables UK 3 Limited, AEE Renewables UK 26 Limited, South Marston Solar Limited, Beechgrove Solar Limited, New Energy Era Limited and Vicarage Solar Limited did not individually represent more than 17% (at the time of investment) of the aggregate net asset value of its fund.
The structure of the Company's funds, and its investment strategies, have been designed to reduce risk as much as possible.
The main risk management features include:
In respect of Lunar 1 Limited and Lunar 2 Limited the Company has followed the above risk diversification strategy with regard to their investments in AEE Renewables UK 3 Limited, AEE Renewables UK 26 Limited, South Marston Solar Limited, Beechgrove Solar Limited, New Energy Era Limited and Vicarage Solar Limited.
It is not intended that the Company will borrow (other than from investee companies). However, the Company will have the ability to borrow up to 15% of its net asset value save that this limit shall not apply to any loan monies used to facilitate the acquisition by the Company, whether directly or indirectly, of any shares or securities in the following: AEE Renewables UK 3 Limited, AEE Renewables UK 26 Limited, South Marston Solar Limited, Beechgrove Solar Limited, New Energy Era Limited and Vicarage Solar Limited.
The Company has ensured that Lunar 1 Limited and Lunar 2 Limited has borrowed no more than 90% of their respective net asset values to facilitate the acquisition, whether directly or indirectly, of any shares or securities in the following: AEE Renewables UK 3 Limited, AEE Renewables UK 26 Limited, South Marston Solar Limited, Beechgrove Solar Limited, New Energy Era Limited and Vicarage Solar Limited.
The long‐term creditors shown on the Balance Sheet represent amounts owed to investee companies, which the Board expect to be repaid in the future by way of dividends from these companies. Following the 2018 AGM the articles of the Company were amended such that amounts borrowed from investee companies are now excluded from the calculation of the 15% borrowing restriction.
As at 30 September 2018, the Company had the ability to borrow £4.5 million in accordance with the articles, and had actual borrowings of £nil. As at 30 September 2017 the Company had borrowings from investee companies of £4.4m, which were, at the time, factored into the calculation of the 15% restriction.
In accordance with the Listing Rules:
The Listing Rules have been complied with for the year ended 30 September 2018.
The Company has three Non‐executive Directors, comprising one female and two males. The Company has no employees.
At each Board meeting, the Directors consider a number of performance measures to assess the Company's success in meeting its objectives. The Board believes the Company's key performance indicators are Net Asset Value Total Return (NAV plus cumulative dividends paid to date) and dividends per share. In addition, the Board considers the Company's performance in relation to other VCTs.
The position of the Company's Net Asset Value Total Return as at 30 September 2018 is shown on page 2. A Summary of dividends per Share is shown on page 47.
There continues to be uncertainty surrounding Brexit, which has deflated Sterling thus far, and has the potential to impose restrictions on the free movement of people and goods. However, as the Company has, to date, invested solely in UK assets which generate revenues from contracts with parties based in the UK, the Board and Manager believe that, subject to major economic disruption taking place, the potential impact of Brexit on the Company is limited.
The principal financial risks faced by the Company, which include interest rate, market price, investment valuation, credit and liquidity risks, are summarised within Note 17 to the financial statements.
Note 17 includes an analysis of the sensitivity of valuation of the portfolio to changes in each of the key inputs to the valuation model.
Other principal risks faced by the Company have been assessed by the Board and grouped into the key categories outlined below:
The other principal risks faced by the Company, along with the steps taken to mitigate these risks, are shown in the table overleaf.
Schedule of principal risks (continued)
| Principal | Context | Specific risks | Possible impact | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Risk | ||||
| Investment Performance |
The Company holds investments in unquoted UK businesses in the renewable energy sector. |
Poor investment decisions or strategy or poor monitoring, management and realisation of investments. |
Reduction in the NAV of the Company and the inability of the Company to pay dividends. |
The Investment Adviser has significant experience in the renewable energy sector. The Investment Adviser also actively manages the portfolio, engaging reputable and experienced Operations and Maintenance (O&M) contractors. The Board regularly reviews the performance of the portfolio, alongside the Board of the sister Company. |
| Loss of VCT status |
The Company must maintain continued compliance with the VCT Regulations, which prescribe a number of tests and conditions. |
Breach of any of the rules could result in the loss of VCT status. |
The loss of VCT status would result in dividends becoming taxable and new Shareholders losing their initial tax relief. |
The VCT Qualification is actively monitored by the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, who liaise with the designated VCT Status Adviser. The VCT Status Adviser also produces twice yearly reports for the Board. |
| VCT Regulations |
In recent years, the changes to VCT Regulations have narrowed the breadth of permitted investments. |
Increasing difficulty for the Company in making new Qualifying investments. |
The Company is not able to make new Qualifying investments. |
Both the Investment Adviser and the Administrator closely monitor developments and attend AIC conferences. The VCT Status Adviser also has significant experience in this field and works closely with HMRC. Further commentary on VCT Status is |
| Regulatory and compliance |
As a listed entity, the Company is subject to the UK Listing Rules and related regulations. |
Any breaches of relevant regulations could result in suspension of trading in the Company's shares or financial penalties. |
Reduction in the NAV of the Company due to financial penalties and a suspension of trading in its Shares, also leading to loss of VCT status. |
provided on page 25. The Company Secretary and Administrator have a long history of acting for VCTs. The Board, Investment Adviser and Administrator also employ the services of reputable lawyers, auditors and other advisers to ensure continued compliance with its regulatory obligations. |
| Operational | The Company relies on the Investment Adviser, Administration Manager and other third parties to provide many of its services. At the portfolio level, this includes the O&M contractors managing the various sites. |
Inferior provision of these services, thereby leading to inadequate systems and controls or inefficient management of the Company's assets and its reporting requirements. |
Errors in Shareholder records, incorrect mailings, misuse of data, non‐ compliance with key legislation, loss of assets, breach of legal duties and inadequate financial reporting. |
The Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator engage experienced and reputable service providers, the performance of which is reviewed on an annual basis. At the portfolio level, technical reviews and studies are conducted on the assets as appropriate. The Audit Committee reviews the Internal Control and Corporate Governance Manual and on an annual basis. |
| Economic, political and other external factors |
The Company's investments are heavily exposed to the Feed in Tariff (FiT) and Renewable Obligation Certificate (ROC) regimes. |
Retrospective changes to the regimes. |
A significant negative impact on performance. |
The Investment Adviser and Board members closely monitor policy developments. However, the UK Government has a general policy of not introducing retrospective legislation. |
| There continues to be a great deal of uncertainty surrounding Brexit. |
Brexit causes major economic disruption. |
The investment portfolio could be impacted by changes in inflation. |
The Investment Adviser and Board regularly review the valuation model and its inputs. |
In accordance with C.2.1 and C.2.2 of the 2016 UK Corporate Governance Code, the Directors have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Company that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity, and have assessed the prospects of the Company over a longer period than the 12 months required by the 'Going Concern' provision. The Board has conducted this review for a period of five years from the balance sheet date as developments are considered to be reasonably foreseeable over this period. This is also the minimum recommended holding period for new investors.
The five‐year review considers the principal risks facing the Company, summarised on the previous page, as well as the Company's cash flows and VCT monitoring compliance over the period. The five‐year review also makes assumptions about new investment activity, expenditure, dividends and Share buybacks.
The Board is satisfied that the underlying assets held by the SPVs have been built to a sufficient quality and there are no indications that the assets will degrade substantially over the period. It is also considered highly unlikely that the portfolio would suffer from such poor irradiation and severe degradation that it would be unable to generate income over the period. Asset life, along with the other inputs to the valuation model, are discussed further in Note 17.
The Board also noted that the SPVs have very good debt cover and that there are significant cash reserves at both the SPV and VCT level.
The Directors believe that the Company is well placed to manage its business risks successfully. Based on the results, the Board confirms that, taking into account the Company's current position and subject to the principal risks faced by the business, the Company will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due for a period of at least five years from the balance sheet date.
It is a requirement under The Companies Act 2006 for Shareholders to vote on the Directors' remuneration every three years, or sooner if the Company wants to make changes to the policy. The Directors' remuneration policy for the three‐year period from 1 October 2017 is set out on page 29.
The annual running costs for the year are capped at 3.0% of net assets; any excess will either be paid by the Investment Adviser or refunded by way of a reduction of the Investment Adviser's fees. Annual Running Costs for the year to 30 September 2018 were less than 3.0% of net assets.
The structure of the 'A' Shares, whereby Management owns one third of the 'A' Shares in issue (known as the "Management 'A' Shares"), acts as a Performance Incentive mechanism. 'A' Share dividends will be increased if, at the end of each year, the hurdle is met, which is illustrated below:
The Performance Incentive is calculated each year and is not based on cumulative dividends paid.
A summary of how proceeds are allocated between Shareholders and Management, before and after the hurdle is met, and as dividends per Ordinary Share increase is as follows:
| Annual dividend per | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Share | 0‐5p | 5‐10p | >10p |
| Combined NAV Hurdle | N/A | >100p | >100p |
| Allocation: | |||
| Shareholders | 99.97% | 80% | 70% |
| Management | 0.03% | 20% | 30% |
As the NAV hurdle has been met and the interim dividend to be paid on 14 December 2018 exceeds the dividend hurdle, Management will receive a Performance Incentive in respect of the year ended 30 September 2018. The Performance Incentive is equivalent to 0.2524p per Ordinary Share, or approximately £65,000.
Pursuant to historic financial intermediary arrangements with Hazel Capital LLP, Haibun Partners LLP ("Haibun"), of which Stuart Knight is a Designated Member, and CH1 Investment Partners LLP ("CH1"), of which Matthew Evans (Director of Hazel Renewable Energy VCT2 plc) is a Designated Member, will receive a proportion of the Performance Incentive payments made to Management by the Company and its sister company, Hazel Renewable Energy VCT2 plc ("Hazel2"). Haibun and CH1 will share an amount equal to approximately 8.0% of the Performance Incentive paid to Management in respect of the "Management 'A' Shares" issued by the Company and Hazel2 in connection with the Ordinary Shares issued to Haibun and CH1 clients under the 2010, 2012 and 2014 Offers. The agreements were put in place prior to the appointment of Stuart Knight and Matthew Evans as Directors of the Company and Hazel2 respectively.
The Company has reappointed Philip Hare & Associates LLP ("Philip Hare") to advise it on compliance with VCT requirements, including evaluation of investment opportunities as appropriate and regular review of the portfolio. Although Philip Hare works closely with the Investment Adviser, they report directly to the Board.
Compliance with the VCT regulations for the year under review is summarised as follows:
| Position at | ||
|---|---|---|
| the year ended | ||
| 30 Sep 18 | ||
| 1. | To ensure that the Company holds at least 70% (80% from 1 October 2019) of its investments in qualifying companies; |
82.94% |
| 2. | To ensure that at least 30% (70% in the case of funds raised after 6 April 2011) of the Company's qualifying investments are held in "eligible shares"; |
86.60% |
| 3. | At least 10% of each investment in a qualifying company is held in eligible shares; |
Complied |
| 4. | No investment constitutes more than 15% of the Company's portfolio; |
Complied |
| 5. | To ensure that the Company's income for each financial year is derived wholly or mainly from shares and securities; |
100% |
| 6. | The Company distributes sufficient revenue dividends to ensure that not more than 15% of the income from shares and securities in any one year is retained; and |
Complied |
| 7. | Prior to 6 April 2012, a maximum unit size of £1 million in each VCT qualifying investment (per tax year). |
Complied |
The Directors, with the help of the Investment Adviser, actively monitor and ensure the investee companies have less than £5 million state backed financing in a 12‐ month period listed in order to remain compliant with the VCT regulations.
The Government's Autumn 2017 budget outlined further changes to the VCT regulations resulting from the "Patient Capital Review". The Board has assessed the impact of such changes, and considers the following are of the greatest significance to the Company:
The Boards of the Company and Hazel2 are working together, alongside the Investment Adviser, to meet the new requirements. The Board feels that the plans in place, as outlined in the Chairman's Statement, mean that the Companies are well placed to meet these criteria in advance of their respective deadlines.
The Company has a policy of buying Shares that become available in the market at a price approximately equivalent to a 2% discount to NAV. This policy is subject to liquidity and regulatory constraints. The Board reviews the buyback policy from time to time and may make changes if it considers that to be in the best interests of Shareholders as a whole.
During the year the Company purchased a total of 2,361,063 Ordinary Shares at an average price of 113.6p per Share, and a total of 2,360,869 'A' Shares at an average price of 0.1p. These Shares are held in treasury.
A special resolution to renew the authority to repurchase Shares is proposed for the forthcoming AGM.
Whilst as a UK quoted company the VCT is required to report on its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions, as it outsources all of its activities and does not have any physical assets, property, employees or operations, it is not responsible for any direct emissions.
The Company seeks to conduct its affairs responsibly. Where appropriate, the Board and Investment Adviser take environmental, social and human rights factors into consideration when making investment decisions.
The Board's assessment of the outlook and future strategy of the Company are set out in the Chairman's Statement and Investment Adviser's Report.
By order of the Board
Grant Whitehouse Company Secretary Company number: 07378392
Registered office: 6th Floor, St. Magnus House 3 Lower Thames Street London EC3R 6HD
31 January 2019
The Directors present the eighth Annual Report and Accounts of the Company for the year ended 30 September 2018.
The Corporate Governance Report on pages 31 to 33 forms part of this report.
At the year end, the Company had in issue 24,694,442 Ordinary Shares and 37,034,352 'A' Shares. There are no other share classes in issue.
All shares have voting rights; each Ordinary Share has 1,000 votes and each 'A' Share has one vote. Where there is a resolution in respect of a variation of the rights of 'A' Shareholders or a Takeover Offer, the voting rights of the 'A' Shares rank pari‐passu with those of Ordinary Shares.
The Company operates a share buyback policy whereby, subject to liquidity, the rules of both the London Stock Exchange and the UK Listing Authority and applicable VCT legislation, and except in the first year after being established, it is intended that the Company will make market purchases of its own shares, up to a maximum number of shares equivalent to 14.9% of the total number of each class of issued shares from time to time.
Pursuant to the articles and subject to a special resolution, the Company is able to make market purchases of its own shares, up to a maximum number of shares equivalent to 14.9% of the total number of each class of issued shares from time to time.
At the Annual General Meeting ("AGM") that took place on 21 March 2018, the Company was authorised to make market purchases of its Ordinary Shares and 'A' Shares, up to a limit of 3,244,659 Ordinary Shares and 5,083,305 'A' Shares which represented approximately 14.9% of the issued Ordinary Share capital and 'A' Share capital at the date of the AGM. At the current date, authority remains for 883,596 Ordinary Shares and 2,722,436 'A' Shares. A resolution to renew this authority will be put to Shareholders at the AGM taking place on 6 March 2019.
The minimum price which may be paid for an Ordinary Share or an 'A' Share is 0.1p, exclusive of all expenses, and the maximum price which may be paid for an Ordinary Share or an 'A' Share is an amount, exclusive of all expenses, equal to 105% of the average of the middle market quotations.
As at 30 September 2018, and the date of this report, the Company had not been notified of any beneficial interest exceeding 3% of the issued share capital.
| Pence | Pence | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| per Ord | per 'A' | ||
| £'000 | Share | Share | |
| Profit for the year | 804 | 3.5p | ‐ |
| Dividend ‐ 14 December 2018 | |||
| 2018 Interim | 1,612 | 5.4965p | 0.5035p |
The Directors of the Company during the year and their beneficial interests in the issued Ordinary Shares and 'A' Shares at 30 September 2018 and at the date of this report were as follows:
| As at the date of |
As at 30 Sept |
As at 30 Sept |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directors | this report | 2018 | 2017 | |
| Ord | 24,953 | 24,953 | n/a | |
| Gill Nott1 | 'A' | 24,953 | 24,953 | n/a |
| Stuart Knight | Ord | 420,000 | 420,000 | 420,000 |
| 'A' | 420,000 | 420,000 | 420,000 | |
| Duncan Grierson2 | Ord | 16,635 | ‐ | n/a |
| 'A' | 16,635 | ‐ | n/a | |
| Ord | n/a | n/a | 104,000 | |
| Stephen Hay3 | 'A' | n/a | n/a | 104,000 |
1 Gill Nott was appointed as a Director on 1 May 2018. 2 Duncan Grierson was appointed as a Director on 16 July 2018.
3 Stephen Hay retired as a Director on 30 April 2018.
Gill Nott was appointed as a Director on 1 May 2018 and became Chairman on this date. Stuart Knight was appointed on 31 January 2017 and was subsequently re‐elected at the 2017 AGM. Duncan Grierson was appointed as a Director on 16 July 2018.
In accordance with the Articles of Association, Gill Nott and Duncan Grierson are required to retire at the forthcoming AGM, and being eligible, offer themselves for re‐election.
Gill Nott signed a letter of appointment with the Company dated 30 April 2018. Duncan Grierson signed a letter of appointment with the Company dated 16 July 2018. Stuart Knight signed a letter of appointment with the Company dated 31 January 2017. These agreements are for a period of three years and thereafter are terminable on three months' notice by either side. Each Director is required to devote such time to the affairs of the Company as the Board reasonably requires.
The Company's eighth Annual General Meeting ("AGM") will be held at Octagon Point, 5 Cheapside, London EC2V 6AA at 12:15 p.m. on 6 March 2019. The Notice of the Annual General Meeting and Form of Proxy are at the end of this document.
A resolution proposing the reappointment of BDO LLP will be submitted at the AGM.
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the Report of the Directors, the Directors' Remuneration Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. They are also responsible for ensuring that the Annual Report includes information required by the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority.
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), including Financial Reporting Standard 102, the financial reporting standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). Under company law, the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period.
In preparing these financial statements the Directors are required to:
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions, to 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.
In addition, each of the Directors considers that the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company's performance, business model and strategy.
Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are listed on page 2, confirms that, to the best of each person's knowledge:
Directors' and Officers' liability insurance cover is held by the Company in respect of the Directors.
The Directors are responsible for ensuring the Annual Report and the Financial Statements are made available on a website. Financial statements are published on the website of the Investment Adviser (https://newenergy.greshamhouse.com/funds/vcts‐
1‐2/) in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements, which may vary from legislation in other jurisdictions. The Directors' responsibility also extends to the on‐going integrity of the financial statements contained therein.
The Company's Corporate Governance statement and compliance with, and departures from, the Financial Reporting Council's UK Corporate Governance Code April 2016 (www.frc.org.uk) is shown on page 33.
Information in respect of risk management and risk diversification has been disclosed within the Strategic Report on pages 21 to 23.
Information in respect of greenhouse emissions which is normally disclosed within the Report of the Directors has been disclosed within the Strategic Report on page 25.
On 23 October 2018 the Company issued 751,673 Ordinary Shares at an average price of 125.1p and 751,673 'A' Shares at an average price of 0.1p.
On 24 October 2018 the Company issued 333,175 Ordinary Shares at an average price of 124.9p and 333,175 'A' Shares at an average price of 0.1p.
Following the period end the Company paid dividends in respect of the year ended 30 September 2018, of 5.4965p per Ordinary Share and 0.5035p per A Share. These dividends were paid on 14 December 2018 to Shareholders on the register at 23 November 2018.
The Directors in office at the date of the report have confirmed, as far as they are aware, that there is no relevant audit information of which the Auditor is unaware. Each of the Directors has confirmed that they have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as Directors in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that it has been communicated to the Auditor.
By order of the Board
Grant Whitehouse Company Secretary Company number: 07378392
Registered office: 6th Floor, St. Magnus House 3 Lower Thames Street London EC3R 6HD
31 January 2019
The changes to the Directors' remuneration are outlined in this report. No major decisions regarding the remuneration policy have been made, other than the Board changes.
Below is the Company's remuneration policy. This policy applies from 1 October 2017. Shareholders must vote on the remuneration policy every three years, or sooner if the Company want to make changes to the policy. The policy was last approved by Shareholders at the 2017 AGM.
The Company's policy on Directors' remuneration is to seek to remunerate Board members at a level appropriate for the time commitment required and degree of responsibility involved and to ensure that such remuneration is in line with general market rates. Non‐executive Directors will not be entitled to any performance related pay or incentive.
Directors' remuneration is also subject to the Company's Articles of Association which provide that:
Information in respect of the Directors' agreements has been disclosed within the Report of the Directors on page 26.
The structure of 'A' Shares, whereby Management (being partners and staff of the Investment Adviser) owns one third of the 'A' Shares in issue (known as the "Management 'A' Shares"), enables a payment, by way of a distribution of income, of the Performance Incentive to the Management Team. As the hurdle will be exceeded, following the payment of the interim dividend on 14 December 2018, a Performance Incentive equivalent to 0.2524p per Ordinary Share will be paid to Management through the 'A' Share dividend.
Directors of the Company during the year and their beneficial interests in the issued Ordinary Shares and 'A' Shares at 30 September 2017, 30 September 2018 and at the date of this report are disclosed within the Report of the Directors on page 26.
The Board have prepared this report in accordance with the requirements of the Large and Medium‐sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 (SI2008/410) and the Companies Act 2006.
Under the requirements of Section 497 of the Companies Act 2006, the Company's Auditor is required to audit certain disclosures contained within the report. These disclosures have been highlighted and the audit opinion thereon is contained within the Auditor's Report on pages 34 to 39.
Directors' remuneration for the Company for the year under review was as follows:
| Year | Year | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Current | ended | ended | |
| annual fee | 30/09/18 | 30/09/17 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Gill Nott1 | 25,000 | 10,440 | N/A |
| Stuart Knight2 | 20,000 | 29,497 | 9,959 |
| Duncan Grierson3 | 20,000 | 4,185 | N/A |
| Stephen Hay4 | N/A | 40,267 | 16,209 |
| Michael | |||
| Cunningham5 | N/A | N/A | 25,217 |
| 65,000 | 84,389 | 51,385 |
1 Gill Nott was appointed as a Director on 1 May 2018 and became Chairman on the same date.
2 Stuart Knight was appointed as a Director on 31 January 2017.
3 Duncan Grierson was appointed as a Director on 16 July 2018.
4 Stephen Hay retired as a Director on 30 April 2018.
5 Michael Cunningham retired as a Director on 4 July 2017.
As set out in the letter to Shareholders dated 17 October 2017, with effect from 7 November 2017, the basic annual fees of the Directors increased from £20,000 to £25,000 for the Chairman, and from £15,000 to £20,000 for the other Non‐Executive Directors.
Furthermore, in view of the significant additional work involved in evaluating the various options and arriving at the Gresham House proposals, the Board agreed, during the year ended 30 September 2017, to pay one off additional fees to Stephen Hay and Stuart Knight, of £25,000 (exclusive of VAT) and £10,000 (excluding NI) respectively. These fees were paid during the year ended 30 September 2018.
No other emoluments, pension contributions or life assurance contributions were paid by the Company to, or on behalf of, any Director. The Company does not have any share options in place.
At the AGM on 21 March 2018, the votes in respect of the resolution to approve the Director's Remuneration Report were as follows:
| In favour | 100% |
|---|---|
| Against | nil votes |
| Withheld | nil votes |
At the 2017 AGM, when the remuneration policy was last put to a shareholder vote, 100% voted for the resolution, showing significant shareholder support.
The difference in actual spend between 30 September 2018 and 30 September 2017 on Directors' remuneration in comparison to distributions (dividends and share buybacks) and other significant spending are set out in the chart below.
The remuneration levels for the forthcoming year for the Directors of Hazel Renewable Energy VCT1 plc are expected to be at the current annual fee level, as shown in the table on page 29.
The graph below represents the Company's performance over the reporting periods since the Company's Ordinary Shares and 'A' Shares were first listed on the London Stock Exchange, and shows share price total return and net asset value total return performance on a dividends reinvested basis. All series are rebased to 100 at 10 January 2011, being the date the Company's shares were listed.
The Numis Smaller Companies Index has been chosen as a comparison as it is a publicly available broad equity index which focuses on smaller companies and is therefore more relevant than most other publicly available indices.
By order of the Board
Grant Whitehouse Company Secretary 6th Floor, St. Magnus House 3 Lower Thames Street London EC3R 6HD
31 January 2019
Performance Chart
The Directors support the relevant principles of the UK Corporate Governance Code issued in April 2016, being the principles of good governance and the code of best practice, as set out in Section 1 of the UK Corporate Governance Code annexed to the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority.
The Company has a Board comprising three non‐ executive Directors. The Chairman is Gill Nott. The Company has not appointed a senior independent director. Biographical details of all Board members (including significant other commitments of the Chairman) are shown on page 2.
Gill Nott and Duncan Grierson were appointed to the Board on 1 May 2018 and 16 July 2018 respectively, and, in accordance with the Articles of Association, are required to retire and offer themselves for reappointment at the forthcoming AGM. Stuart Knight was appointed to the Board on 31 January 2017 and was subsequently re‐elected at the 2017 AGM.
Full Board meetings take place quarterly and the Board meets or communicates more regularly to address specific issues. The Board has a formal schedule of matters specifically reserved for its decision which includes, but is not limited to: considering recommendations from the Investment Adviser; making decisions concerning the acquisition or disposal of investments; and reviewing, annually, the terms of engagement of all third party advisers (including the Investment Adviser and Administration Manager).
The Board has also established procedures whereby Directors wishing to do so in the furtherance of their duties may take independent professional advice at the Company's expense.
All Directors have access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary. The Company Secretary provides the Board with full information on the Company's assets and liabilities and other relevant information requested by the Chairman, in advance of each Board meeting.
Gill Nott, Stuart Knight and Duncan Grierson are members of the Audit, the Remuneration and the Nomination Committees. The Chairman of the Remuneration and Nomination Committees is Stuart Knight and Gill Nott is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee normally meets twice yearly, and the Remuneration and Nomination Committees meet as required. All Committees have defined terms of reference and duties.
The Board has authority to make market purchases of the Company's own shares. This authority to purchase up to 14.9% of the Company's issued share capital was granted at the last AGM. A resolution will be put to Shareholders to renew this authority at the forthcoming AGM.
The capital structure of the Company is disclosed in Note 14 to the financial statements.
The Audit Committee has defined terms of reference and duties. It is responsible for reviewing the half‐year and annual accounts before they are presented to the Board, the terms of appointment of the Auditor, together with their remuneration, as well as a full review of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control and risk management systems.
In particular, the Committee reviews, challenges (where appropriate) and agrees the basis for the carrying value of the unquoted investments, as prepared by the Investment Adviser, for presentation within the half‐yearly and annual accounts.
The Committee also takes into consideration, comments on matters regarding valuation, revenue recognition and disclosures arising from the Report to the Audit Committee as part of the finalisation process for the Annual Accounts.
The Audit Committee met twice during the year. The Committee reviewed the internal financial controls and concluded that they were appropriate. They also considered the need for an internal audit function and concluded that, due to the size of the Company, this would not be an appropriate function.
As the Company has no staff, other than the Directors, there are no procedures in place in respect of C3.4 of the UK Corporate Governance Code relating to whistle blowing. The Audit Committee understands that the Investment Adviser and Administration Manager have whistle blowing procedures in place.
The Committee reviews and agrees the audit strategy paper, presented by the Auditor in advance of the audit, which sets out the key risk areas to be covered during the audit and confirms their status on independence.
The Committee confirms that the main area of risk for the period under review is the carrying value of investments. The Committee's consideration of this matter is set out above.
The Company's auditor no longer provides corporation tax compliance services to the Company. The Auditor may continue to perform ad‐hoc work at the request of the Board, if permitted by the ethical standards.
The Committee recognises the requirement for the tax computation to be prepared annually and therefore appointed Lubbock Fine as tax agent during the year ended 30 September 2018.
The Committee, after taking into consideration comments from the Investment Adviser and Administration Manager, regarding the effectiveness of the audit process; immediately before the conclusion of the annual audit, will recommend to the Board either the re‐appointment or removal of the auditors.
Following assurances received from the Adviser at the completion of the audit for the year ended 30 September 2018, and taking discussions held with the engagement Partner at BDO LLP into consideration, the Committee has recommended they be reappointed at the forthcoming AGM.
The following table sets out the Directors' attendance at the Board and Committee meetings during the year:
| Audit | Nomination | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Board | Committee | Committee | |
| meetings | meetings | meetings | |
| attended | attended | attended | |
| (9 held) | (2 held) | (2 held) | |
| Gill Nott1 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Stephen Hay2 | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| Stuart Knight | 9 | ‐ | 2 |
| Duncan Grierson3 | 2 | n/a | n/a |
1 Appointed 1 May 2018
2 Retired 30 April 2018
3 Appointed 16 July 2018
No Remuneration Committee meetings were held in the year.
The Committee meets as and when required to review the levels of Directors' remuneration. Details of the specific levels of remuneration to each Director are set out in the Directors' Remuneration Report on page 29.
The Directors' responsibilities statement for preparing the accounts is set out in the Report of the Directors on page 27 and a statement by the Auditor about their reporting responsibilities is set out in the Independent Auditor's report on page 39.
The Nomination Committee's primary function is to make recommendations to the Board on all new appointments and also to advise generally on issues relating to Board composition and balance. The Committee meets as and when appropriate. Before any appointment is made by the Board, the Committee shall evaluate the balance of skills, knowledge and experience, and consider candidates on merit, against objective criteria, and with due regard for the benefits of diversity on the Board. The Nomination Committee conducted an internal review of the Board and its Committees during the year ended 30 September 2018.
Gill Nott was appointed as a Director on 1 May 2018 and also took over the role of Chairman, from Stephen Hay, with effect from this date. Duncan Grierson was appointed as a Director on 16 July 2018. The Company engaged in a formal process with Nurole Limited, an experienced executive search firm, in order to appoint both Directors.
Shareholders have the opportunity to meet the Board at the AGM. The Board is also happy to respond to any written queries made by Shareholders during the course of the period, or to meet with major Shareholders if so requested.
In addition to the formal business of the AGM, representatives of the Investment Adviser and the Board are available to answer any questions a Shareholder may have. Separate resolutions are proposed at the AGM on each substantially separate issue. The Administration Manager collates proxy votes and the results (together with the proxy forms) are forwarded to the Company Secretary immediately prior to the AGM. In order to comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code, proxy votes are announced at the AGM, following each vote on a show of hands, except in the event of a poll being called. The notice of the eighth AGM and proxy form can be found at the end of these financial statements.
The terms of reference of the Committees and the conditions of appointment of non‐executive Directors are available to Shareholders on request.
The Board has adopted an Internal Control Manual ("Manual") for which it is responsible, which has been compiled in order to comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code. The Manual is designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss, which it achieves by detailing the perceived risks and controls to mitigate them. The Board reviews the perceived risks in line with relevant guidance on an annual basis and implements additional controls as appropriate.
The Board is responsible for ensuring that the procedures to be followed by the advisers and themselves are in place, and they review the effectiveness of the Manual, based on the report from the Audit Committee, on an annual basis to ensure that the controls remain relevant and were in operation throughout the year.
Although the Board is ultimately responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company, the Board has delegated, through written agreements, the day‐to‐day operation of the Company (including the Financial Reporting Process) to the following advisers:
| Gresham House Asset |
|---|
| Management Limited |
Administration Downing LLP
The Company operates an anti‐bribery policy to ensure that it meets its responsibilities arising from the Bribery Act 2010. This policy can be found on the website maintained by Downing LLP at www.downing.co.uk.
The Company's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the Chairman's Statement on pages 3 to 5, the Investment Adviser's Report on pages 6 to 12 and the Strategic Report on pages 20 to 25. The financial position of the Company, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are shown in the Cash Flow Statement on page 43.
In addition, Note 18 to the financial statements includes the Company's objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital; its financial risk management objectives; details of its financial instruments; and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk.
The Company has considerable financial resources at the year end and holds a diversified portfolio of investments. As a consequence, the Directors believe that the Company is well placed to manage its business risks successfully despite the current uncertain economic outlook.
The Directors confirm that they are satisfied that the Company has adequate resources to continue in business for the foreseeable future. For this reason they believe that the Company continues to be a going concern and that it is appropriate to apply the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
The Company has two classes of share capital: Ordinary Shares and 'A' Shares. The rights and obligations attached to those shares, including the power of the Company to buy back shares and details of any significant shareholdings, are set out on page 26 of the Report of the Directors.
The Listing Rules require the Board to report on compliance with the 52 UK Corporate Governance Code provisions throughout the accounting period. With the exception of the limited items outlined below, the Company has complied throughout the accounting year ended 30 September 2018 with the provisions set out in Section 1 of the UK Corporate Governance Code.
Grant Whitehouse Company Secretary 6th Floor, St. Magnus House 3 Lower Thames Street London EC3R 6HD
31 January 2019
We have audited the financial statements of Hazel Renewable Energy VCT1 Plc (the 'company') for the year ended 30 September 2018, which comprise the Income Statement, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Changes in Equity, the Cash Flow Statement, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including [Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group and the parent company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following information in the annual report, in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you whether we have anything material to add or draw attention to:
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we identified, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
The valuation of investments in the underlying renewables portfolio was the risk that had the greatest impact on our audit strategy and scope, including the allocation of resources in the audit.
| The valuation of investments is a highly subjective accounting estimate where there is an inherent risk of management override arising from the investment valuations being prepared by the Investment Manager, who is remunerated based on the net asset value of the company. 100% of the underlying investment portfolio is represented by unquoted equity and loan stock. loan of the loan |
Risk description How our audit addressed the risk |
|---|---|
| In respect of the equity investments valued using discounted cash flow models, we performed the following specific procedures: Used spreadsheet analysis tools to assess the integrity of the valuation models and track changes to inputs or structure Agreed power price forecasts to independent reports For all investments we analysed changes in significant assumptions compared with assumptions audited in previous periods and vouched these to independent evidence including available industry data Challenged the appropriateness of the selection and application of key assumptions in the model including the discount factor, inflation, asset life, energy yield and power price applied by benchmarking to available industry data and consulting with our internal valuations specialists Agreed cash and other net assets to bank statements and |
|
| investee company management accounts Considered the accuracy of forecasting by comparing previous forecasts to actual results |
|
| For loan investments we performed the following: | |
| Vouched to loan agreements and verified the terms of the Considered wider economic and commercial factors that, in our opinion could impact on the recoverability and fair value |
|
| Considered the carrying value of the loan with regard to the "unit of account" concept. |
|
| in the financial statements. | For each of the key assumptions in the valuation models, we considered the appropriateness of the assumption and whether alternative reasonable assumptions could have been applied. We considered each assumption in isolation as well as in conjunction with other assumptions and the valuation as a whole. Where appropriate, we sensitised the valuations where other reasonable alternative assumptions could have been applied. We also considered the completeness and clarity of disclosures regarding the range of reasonable alternative assumptions Based on our procedures performed we concluded that the valuation of the investment portfolio was considered to be within an acceptable |
We apply the concept of materiality both in planning and performing our audit, and in evaluating the effect of misstatements. For planning, we consider materiality to be the magnitude by which misstatements, including omissions, could influence the economic decisions of reasonable users that are taken on the basis of the financial statements. Importantly, misstatements below this level will not necessarily be evaluated as immaterial as we also take account of the nature of identified misstatements, and the particular circumstances of their occurrence, when evaluating their effect on the financial statements as a whole.
The quantum of the materiality level applied during our audit is tabulated below.
| Materiality | Purpose | Basis and Key | 2018 Quantum | 2017 Quantum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| measure | considerations | (£) | (£) | |
| Financial statement materiality |
Assessing whether the financial statements as a whole present a true and fair view |
Based on 2% of the portfolio value: The nature of the investment portfolio and the level of judgement inherent in the valuation The range of reasonable alternative valuations |
£580,000 | £630,000 |
In the prior year audit, two levels of materiality were applied on the basis that the financial statement materiality level was too high to apply to items impacting on revenue return. The level of material applied to items impacting on revenue return was £110,000. For the current year, we have applied one materiality level for the entirety of our audit, but note profit and loss items that are material to the users of the accounts by nature, these being loan stock income, dividend income and the management fee, have been tested in their entirety.
Performance materiality is application of materiality at the individual account or balance level set at an amount to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds materiality.
On the basis of our risk assessment together with our assessment of the company's overall control environment, our judgment was that overall performance materiality for the company should be 75% (2017: 75%) of materiality, namely £435,000 (2017: £472,500).
We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Audit Committee all audit differences in excess of £12,000, as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.
We carried out a full scope audit. Our audit approach was developed by obtaining an understanding of the Company's activities and the overall control environment. Based on this understanding we assessed those aspects of the Company's transactions and balances which were most likely to give rise to a material misstatement.
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. In particular, we looked at where the directors made subjective judgements, for example in respect of the valuation of investments which have a high level of estimation uncertainty involved in determining the unquoted investment valuations.
We gained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the company and the industry in which it operates, and considered the risk of acts by the company which were contrary to applicable laws and regulations, including fraud. These included but were not limited to compliance with Companies Act 2006, the FCA listing and DTR rules, the principles of the UK Corporate Governance Code, industry practice represented by the SORP and FRS 102. We also considered the Company's qualification as a VCT under UK tax legislation as any breach of this would lead to the company losing various deductions and exemptions from corporation tax.
We designed audit procedures to respond to the risk, recognising that the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery, misrepresentations or through collusion.
We focused on laws and regulations that could give rise to a material misstatement in the company financial statements. Our tests included, but were not limited to:
There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed noncompliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. As in all of our audits we also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including testing journals and evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the directors that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of the other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
In this context, we also have nothing to report in regard to our responsibility to specifically address the following items in the other information and to report as uncorrected material misstatements of the other information where we conclude that those items meet the following conditions:
In our opinion, the part of the directors' remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and parent company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors' report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group's and the parent company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
Following the recommendation of the Audit Committee, we were appointed by the Audit Committee on 5th September 2018 to audit the financial statements for the year ending 30th September 2018 and subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is 8 years, covering the years ending 30 September 2011 to 30 September 2018.
The non‐audit services prohibited by the FRC's Ethical Standard were not provided to the group or the parent company and we remain independent of the group and the parent company in conducting our audit.
Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the audit committee.
This report is made solely to the parent 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 parent company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the parent company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Vanessa‐Jayne Bradley (senior statutory auditor) For and on behalf of BDO LLP, statutory auditor London United Kingdom 31 January 2019
BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127).
| Year ended 30 September 2018 | Year ended 30 September 2017 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | Revenue £'000 |
Capital £'000 |
Total £'000 |
Revenue £'000 |
Capital £'000 |
Total £'000 |
||
| Income | 3 | 766 | ‐ | 766 | 492 | ‐ | 492 | |
| Gain on investments | 10 | ‐ | 786 | 786 | ‐ | 1,038 | 1,038 | |
| 766 | 786 | 1,552 | 492 | 1,038 | 1,530 | |||
| Investment advisory fees | 4 | (281) | (93) | (374) | (415) | (139) | (554) | |
| Other expenses | 5 | (374) | ‐ | (374) | (273) | ‐ | (273) | |
| Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before tax |
111 | 693 | 804 | (196) | 899 | 703 | ||
| Tax on total comprehensive income and ordinary activities |
7 | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | |
| Profit/(loss) for the year and total comprehensive income |
111 | 693 | 804 | (196) | 899 | 703 | ||
| Basic and diluted earnings per share: | ||||||||
| Ordinary Share | 9 | 0.5p | 3.0p | 3.5p | (0.8p) | 3.8p | 3.0p | |
| 'A' Share | 9 | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ |
All Revenue and Capital items in the above statement derive from continuing operations. No operations were acquired or discontinued during the year. The total column within the Income Statement represents the Statement of Total Comprehensive Income of the Company prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standards ("FRS 102"). The supplementary revenue and capital return columns are prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice issued in November 2014 (updated in February 2018) by the Association of Investment Companies ("AIC SORP").
Other than revaluation movements arising on investments held at fair value through the profit and loss, there were no differences between the return/loss as stated above and at historical cost.
| Note | £'000 | 2018 £'000 |
£'000 | 2017 £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed assets | |||||
| Investments | 10 | 30,453 | 31,390 | ||
| Current assets | |||||
| Debtors | 11 | 242 | 443 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 2,497 | 129 | |||
| 2,739 | 572 | ||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 12 | (130) | (71) | ||
| Net current assets | 2,609 | 501 | |||
| Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year | 13 | (2,832) | (4,426) | ||
| Net assets | 30,230 | 27,465 | |||
| Capital and reserves | |||||
| Called up Ordinary Share capital | 14 | 27 | 24 | ||
| Called up 'A' Share capital | 14 | 39 | 36 | ||
| Share premium account | 15 | 8,187 | 3,910 | ||
| Treasury Shares | 15 | (2,695) | ‐ | ||
| Funds held in respect of Shares not yet allotted | 15 | 515 | ‐ | ||
| Special reserve | 15 | 8,920 | 9,062 | ||
| Revaluation reserve | 15 | 16,257 | 15,504 | ||
| Capital redemption reserve | 15 | 2 | 2 | ||
| Capital reserve ‐ realised | 15 | (1,255) | (1,195) | ||
| Revenue reserve | 15 | 233 | 122 | ||
| Total Shareholders' funds | 30,230 | 27,465 | |||
| Basic and diluted net asset value per share | |||||
| Ordinary Share | 16 | 120.2p | 116.0p | ||
| 'A' Share | 16 | 0.1p | 0.1p |
The financial statements of Hazel Renewable Energy VCT1 plc on pages 40 to 57 were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors and were signed on its behalf by:
Gill Nott Chairman Company number: 07378392
31 January 2019
| Called up share capital £'000 |
Share Premium Account £'000 |
Treasury Shares £'000 |
Funds held in respect of Shares not yet allotted £'000 |
Special Reserve £'000 |
Revaluation reserve £'000 |
Capital redemption reserve £'000 |
Capital reserve realised £'000 |
Revenue reserve £'000 |
Total £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 30 September 2016 |
60 | 3,910 | ‐ | ‐ | 10,244 | 14,466 | 2 | (1,056) | 318 | 27,944 |
| Total comprehensive |
||||||||||
| income Transactions with owners |
‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | 992 | ‐ | (93) | (196) | 703 |
| Dividend Paid Transfer between |
‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | (1,182) | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | (1,182) |
| Reserves | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | 46 | ‐ | (46) | ‐ | ‐ |
| At 30 September 2017 |
60 | 3,910 | ‐ | ‐ | 9,062 | 15,504 | 2 | (1,195) | 122 | 27,465 |
| Total comprehensive income Transactions with owners Repurchase of |
‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | 753 | ‐ | (60) | 111 | 804 |
| Shares | ‐ | ‐ | (2,695) | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | (2,695) |
| Issue of Shares Unallotted |
6 | 4,277 | ‐ | ‐ | (142) | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | 4,141 |
| Shares | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | 515 | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | 515 |
| At 30 September | ||||||||||
| 2018 | 66 | 8,187 | (2,695) | 515 | 8,920 | 16,257 | 2 | (1,255) | 233 | 30,230 |
| Year ended 30 September 2018 |
Year ended 30 September 2017 |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £'000 | £'000 | |
| Cash flows from operating activities | |||
| Profit for the financial year | 804 | 703 | |
| Gains on investments | (786) | (1,038) | |
| Decrease/(increase) in debtors | 201 | (27) | |
| Decrease in creditors | (3) | (86) | |
| Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities | 216 | (448) | |
| Cash flows from investing activities | |||
| Proceeds from sale of investments/loan note redemptions | 823 | 589 | |
| Net cash inflow from investing activities | 823 | 589 | |
| Net cash inflow before financing activities | 1,039 | 141 | |
| Cash flows from financing activities | |||
| Equity Dividends paid | 8 | ‐ | (1,182) |
| Long term loans | (694) | 1,164 | |
| Issue of Shares | 4,203 | ‐ | |
| Funds held in respect of Shares not yet allotted | 515 | ‐ | |
| Purchase of own shares | (2,695) | ‐ | |
| Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities | 1,329 | (18) | |
| Net increase in cash | 2,368 | 123 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at start of year | 129 | 6 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | 2,497 | 129 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents comprise | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 2,497 | 129 | |
| Total cash and cash equivalents | 2,497 | 129 |
Hazel Renewable Energy VCT1 plc ("the Company") is a venture capital trust established under the legislation introduced in the Finance Act 1995 and is domiciled in the United Kingdom and incorporated in England and Wales.
The Company has prepared its financial statements under FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice "Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts" issued by the Association of Investment Companies ("AIC") in November 2014 and revised in February 2018 ("SORP") as well as the Companies Act 2006.
The Company implements new Financial Reporting Standards ("FRS") issued by the Financial Reporting Council when they become effective.
The financial statements are presented in Sterling (£).
In order to better reflect the activities of a VCT and in accordance with the SORP, supplementary information which analyses the Income Statement between items of a revenue and capital nature has been presented alongside the Income Statement. The net revenue is the measure the Directors believe appropriate in assessing the Company's compliance with certain requirements set out in Part 6 of the Income Tax Act 2007.
All investments are designated as "fair value through profit or loss" assets due to investments being managed and performance evaluated on a fair value basis. A financial asset is designated within this category if it is both acquired and managed on a fair value basis, in accordance with the Company's documented investment policy. The fair value of an investment upon acquisition is deemed to be cost. Thereafter investments are measured at fair value in accordance with the International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines ("IPEV") together with FRS 102 Sections 11 and 12.
For unquoted investments, fair value is established by using the IPEV guidelines. The valuation methodologies for unquoted entities used by the IPEV to ascertain the fair value of an investment are as follows:
The methodology applied takes account of the nature, facts and circumstances of the individual investment and uses reasonable data, market inputs, assumptions and estimates in order to ascertain fair value.
Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are included in the Income Statement for the year as a capital item and transaction costs on acquisition or disposal of the investment are expensed. Where an investee company has gone into receivership or liquidation, or administration (where there is little likelihood of recovery), the loss on the investment, although not physically disposed of, is treated as being realised.
It is not the Company's policy to exercise controlling influence over investee companies. Therefore, the results of these companies are not incorporated into the Income Statement except to the extent of any income accrued. This is in accordance with the SORP and FRS 102 sections 14 and 15 that does not require portfolio investments, where the interest held is greater than 20%, to be accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
Dividend income from investments is recognised when the Shareholders' rights to receive payment have been established, normally the ex‐dividend date.
Interest income is accrued on a time apportionment basis, by reference to the principal sum outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable and only where there is reasonable certainty of collection in the foreseeable future.
All expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis. In respect of the analysis between revenue and capital items presented within the Income Statement, all expenses have been presented as revenue items except as follows:
The tax effects on different items in the Income Statement are allocated between capital and revenue on the same basis as the particular item to which they relate, using the Company's effective rate of tax for the accounting period.
Due to the Company's status as a VCT and the continued intention to meet the conditions required to comply with Part 6 of the Income Tax Act 2007, no provision for taxation is required in respect of any realised or unrealised appreciation of the Company's investments which arises.
Deferred taxation, which is not discounted, is provided in full on timing differences that result in an obligation at the balance sheet date to pay more tax, or a right to pay less tax, at a future date, at rates expected to apply when they crystallise based on current tax rates and law. Timing differences arise from the inclusion of items of income and expenditure in taxation computations in periods different from those in which they are included in the accounts.
Other debtors (including accrued income), other creditors and loan notes (other than those held as part of the investment portfolio as set out in Note 10) are included within the accounts at amortised cost.
Issue costs in relation to the shares issued for each share class have been deducted from the special reserve.
| Year ended 30 September 2018 £'000 |
Year ended 30 September 2017 £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Income from investments | ||
| Loan stock interest | 166 | 185 |
| Dividend income | 600 | 307 |
| 766 | 492 | |
| Other income | ||
| Bank interest | ‐ | ‐ |
| 766 | 492 | |
The investment advisory fees for the year ended 30 September 2018, which were charged quarterly to the Company, were based on 1.4% of the net assets as at the previous quarter end.
| Year ended 30 September 2018 | Year ended 30 September 2017 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue £'000 |
Capital £'000 |
Total £'000 |
Revenue £'000 |
Capital £'000 |
Total £'000 |
|
| Investment advisory fees | 281 | 93 | 374 | 415 | 139 | 554 |
With effect from 7 November 2017, the Investment Advisory fee percentage was reduced from 2.0% of net assets per annum to 1.4%, for the period to 6 November 2018. With effect from 7 November 2018, the Investment Advisory fee has reduced further, to 1.15% of net assets per annum.
| Year ended 30 September 2018 | Year ended 30 September 2017 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue £'000 |
Capital £'000 |
Total £'000 |
Revenue £'000 |
Capital £'000 |
Total £'000 |
|
| Administration services | 55 | ‐ | 55 | 35 | ‐ | 35 |
| Trail commission | 111 | ‐ | 111 | 17 | ‐ | 17 |
| Directors' remuneration | 84 | ‐ | 84 | 51 | ‐ | 51 |
| Social security costs | 5 | ‐ | 5 | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ |
| Auditor's remuneration for audit | 25 | ‐ | 25 | 21 | ‐ | 21 |
| Other | 94 | ‐ | 94 | 149 | ‐ | 149 |
| 374 | ‐ | 374 | 273 | ‐ | 273 |
The annual running costs of the Company for the year are subject to a cap of 3.0% of net assets of the Company, which was not breached during the year under review.
Details of remuneration (excluding employer's NIC) are given in the audited part of the Directors' Remuneration Report on page 29.
The Company had no employees during the year. Costs in respect of the Directors are referred to in Note 5 above. No other emoluments or pension contributions were paid by the Company to, or on behalf of, any Director.
| Year ended 30 September 2018 £'000 |
Year ended 30 September 2017 £'000 |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| (a) | Tax charge for the year UK corporation tax at 19.0% (2017: 19.5%) Charge for the year |
‐ ‐ |
‐ ‐ |
| (b) | Factors affecting tax charge for the year Profit on ordinary activities before taxation |
804 | 703 |
| Tax charge calculated on return on ordinary activities before taxation at the applicable rate of 19.0% (2017: 19.5%) |
153 | 137 | |
| Effects of: UK dividend income Gains on investments Expenses disallowed for tax purposes Excess management expenses on which deferred tax not recognised |
(114) (150) 1 110 |
(61) (202) 17 109 |
|
| Current tax charge | ‐ | ‐ |
Excess management fees, which are available to be carried forward and set off against future taxable income, amounted to £3,401,000 (2017: £2,824,000). The associated deferred tax asset of £578,000 (2017: £480,000) has not been recognised due to the fact that it is unlikely that the excess management fees will be set off against future taxable profits in the foreseeable future.
| Year ended 30 September 2018 | Year ended 30 September 2017 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | Capital | Total | Revenue | Capital | Total | |
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | |
| Payable | ||||||
| 2018 Interim Ordinary – 5.4965p | 99 | 1,318 | 1,417 | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ |
| 2018 Interim A – 0.5035p | ‐ | 195 | 195 | |||
| Paid | ||||||
| 2017 Interim Ordinary – 5.0p | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | 1,182 | 1,182 |
| 99 | 1,513 | 1,612 | ‐ | 1,182 | 1,182 |
The Interim 2018 dividends will be paid on 14 December 2018, to Shareholders on the register as at 23 November 2018.
| Weighted average number of shares in issue Profit/(loss) per share is calculated on the following: |
Revenue (loss)/ return £'000 |
per share | Capital return £'000 |
per share | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year ended 30 September 2018 | Ordinary Shares | 23,100,931 | 111 | 0.5 | 693 | 3.0 |
| 'A' Shares | 35,440,770 | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | |
| Year ended 30 September 2017 | Ordinary Shares | 23,638,058 | (196) | (0.8) | 899 | 3.8 |
| 'A' Shares | 35,977,774 | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ |
As the Company has not issued any convertible securities or share options, there is no dilutive effect on earnings per Ordinary Share or 'A' Share. The earnings per share disclosed therefore represents both the basic and diluted return per Ordinary Share or 'A' Share.
| 2018 Unquoted |
2017 Unquoted |
|
|---|---|---|
| investments £'000 |
investments £'000 |
|
| Opening cost at 1 October 2017 | 15,886 | 16,475 |
| Net unrealised gains as at 1 October 2017 | 15,504 | 14,466 |
| Opening fair value at 1 October 2017 | 31,390 | 30,941 |
| Movement in the year: | ||
| Purchased at cost | ‐ | ‐ |
| Disposals proceeds/redemption of loan notes | (1,723) | (589) |
| Realised gains on disposals | 33 | 46 |
| Net unrealised gains in the income statement | 753 | 992 |
| Closing fair value at 30 September 2018 | 30,453 | 31,390 |
| Closing cost at 30 September 2018 | 14,196 | 15,886 |
| Net unrealised gains at 30 September 2018 | 16,257 | 15,504 |
| Closing fair value at 30 September 2018 | 30,453 | 31,390 |
The Company has categorised its financial instruments using the fair value hierarchy as follows:
Level 1 Reflects financial instruments quoted in an active market;
Level 2 Reflects financial instruments that have prices that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3 Reflects financial instruments that use valuation techniques that are not based on observable market data (unquoted equity investments and loan note investments).
| Level 1 £'000 |
Level 2 £'000 |
Level 3 £'000 |
2018 £'000 |
Level 1 £'000 |
Level 2 £'000 |
Level 3 £'000 |
2017 £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unquoted loan notes | ‐ | ‐ | 2,658 | 2,658 | ‐ | ‐ | 5,203 | 5,203 |
| Unquoted equity | ‐ | ‐ | 27,795 | 27,795 | ‐ | ‐ | 26,187 | 26,187 |
| ‐ | ‐ | 30,453 | 30,453 | ‐ | ‐ | 31,390 | 31,390 |
During the year to 30 September 2018 and 30 September 2017 there were no transfers between levels.
Reconciliation of fair value for Level 3 financial instruments held at the year end:
| Unquoted loan notes £'000 |
Unquoted equity £'000 |
Total £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 30 September 2017 | 5,203 | 26,187 | 31,390 |
| Movements in the income statement: | (855) | 1,608 | 753 |
| Unrealised (losses)/gains in the income statement | ‐ | 33 | 33 |
| Realised gains in the income statement | (855) | 1,641 | 786 |
| Additions at cost | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ |
| Sales proceeds/redemption of loan notes | (1,690) | (33) | (1,723) |
| Balance at 30 September 2018 | 2,658 | 27,795 | 30,453 |
FRS 102 sections 11 and 12 require disclosure to be made of the possible effect of changing one or more of the inputs to reasonable possible alternative assumptions where this would result in a significant change in the fair value of the Level 3 investments. There is an element of judgement in the choice of assumptions for unquoted investments and it is possible that, if different assumptions were used, different valuations could have been attributed to some of the Company's investments.
Investments which are reaching maturity or have an established level of maintainable earnings are valued on a discounted cash flow basis. This was also the case in the prior year.
The Board and the Investment Adviser believe that the valuation as at 30 September 2018 reflects the most appropriate assumptions at that date, giving due regard to all information available from each investee company. Consequently, the variation in the spread of reasonable, possible, alternative valuations is likely to be within the range set out in Note 17.
| 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|
| £'000 | £'000 | |
| Prepayments and accrued income | 242 | 443 |
| 242 | 443 | |
| 12. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year |
||
| 2018 | 2017 | |
| £'000 | £'000 | |
| Taxation and social security | 4 | 1 |
| Accruals and deferred income | 126 | 70 |
| 130 | 71 | |
| 13. Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year |
||
| 2018 | 2017 | |
| £'000 | £'000 | |
| Other loans | 2,832 | 4,426 |
| 2,832 | 4,426 |
The balance of other loans is made up of amounts borrowed from the underlying portfolio companies. An analysis of the maturity dates of each of the loans is shown on the next page. Whilst each loan has an applicable repayment date, the Company has the right to repay all or any part of the loans at any time. All loans are interest free.
Creditors falling due after more than one year are repayable as follows:
| 2018 | 2017 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Investee company | Repayment date | £'000 | £'000 |
| HRE Willow Limited | 15 June 2021 | 100 | 100 |
| 12 September 2021 | 68 | 68 | |
| 23 September 2021 | 29 | 29 | |
| 197 | 197 | ||
| Minsmere Power Limited | 2 August 2021 | 110 | 110 |
| 16 August 2021 | 33 | 33 | |
| 12 September 2021 | 75 | 75 | |
| 218 | 218 | ||
| Penhale Solar Limited | 02 August 2021 | ‐ | 220 |
| 16 August 2021 | ‐ | 66 | |
| ‐ | 286 | ||
| Gloucester Wind Limited | 15 June 2021 | ‐ | 140 |
| 12 September 2021 | ‐ | 78 | |
| ‐ | 218 | ||
| Hewas Solar Limited | 7 September 2020 | 65 | 65 |
| 30 April 2021 | 66 | 66 | |
| 131 | 131 | ||
| St Columb Solar Limited | 30 April 2021 | 20 | 20 |
| 2 February 2023 | 40 | ‐ | |
| 60 | 20 | ||
| Ayshford Solar (Holding) Limited | 12 September 2021 | 75 | 75 |
| 23 September 2021 | 125 | 125 | |
| 13 October 2021 | 20 | 20 | |
| 11 September 2022 | 300 | 300 | |
| 28 September 2022 | 50 | 50 | |
| 22 February 2023 | 180 | ‐ | |
| 750 | 570 | ||
| Amounts repayable in up to five years | 1,356 | 1,640 | |
| Lunar 2 Limited | 17 December 2043 | 1,476 | 2,786 |
| Amounts repayable after more than five years | 1,476 | 2,786 | |
| Other loans | 2,832 | 4,426 |
On 31 December 2018 the loan note investment of £1,645,000 made in Lunar 2 Limited was repaid and the proceeds were used to make repayments in respect of the loan balances due to Lunar 2 Limited, HRE Willow Limited and Hewas Solar Limited.
On 4 January 2019 the Company made further loan repayments of £82,000 to HRE Willow Limited and £218,000 to Minsmere Power Limited.
| 2018 £'000 |
2017 £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Allotted, called up and fully‐paid: | ||
| 24,694,442 (2017: 23,638,058) Ordinary Shares of 0.1p each | 27 | 24 |
| 37,034,352 (2017: 35,977,774) 'A' Shares of 0.1p each | 39 | 36 |
| 66 | 60 |
The Company's capital is managed in accordance with its investment policy as shown in the Strategic Report, in pursuit of its principal investment objectives as stated on pages 20 to 22. There has been no significant change in the objectives, policies or processes for managing capital from the previous period.
The Company has the authority to buy back shares as described in the Report of the Directors. During the year ended 30 September 2018 the Company repurchased 2,361,063 Ordinary Shares and 2,360,869 'A' Shares at an average price, per combined holding, of 113.7p. These shares are currently held in treasury.
During the year ended 30 September 2018 the Company issued 3,417,557 Ordinary Shares at an average price of 125.3p and 3,417,557 'A' Shares at an average price of 0.1p. No shares were issued during the year ended 30 September 2017.
The holders of Ordinary Shares and 'A' Shares shall have rights as regards to dividends and any other distributions or a return of capital (otherwise than on a market purchase by the Company of any of its shares) which shall be applied on the following basis:
If, on the date on which a dividend is to be declared on the Ordinary Shares, the amount of any dividend which would have been payable to the 'A' Shares (the ''A' Dividend Amount'), together with any previous amounts which were not paid as a result of this clause (the ''A' Share Entitlement'), would together:
then the 'A' Dividend amount shall not be declared and paid, but shall be aggregated with any 'A' Share Entitlement and retained by the Company until either threshold is reached. No interest shall accrue on any 'A' Share Entitlement.
The Company does not have any externally imposed capital requirements.
| 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|
| £'000 | £'000 | |
| Share premium account | 8,187 | 3,910 |
| Funds held in respect of Shares not yet allotted | 515 | ‐ |
| Treasury shares | (2,695) | ‐ |
| Special reserve | 8,920 | 9,062 |
| Revaluation reserve | 16,257 | 15,504 |
| Capital redemption reserve | 2 | 2 |
| Capital reserve ‐ realised | (1,255) | (1,195) |
| Revenue reserve | 233 | 122 |
| 30,164 | 27,405 |
The Special reserve is available to the Company to enable the purchase of its own shares in the market without affecting its ability to pay dividends. The Special reserve, Capital reserve – realised and Revenue reserve are all distributable reserves. Distributable reserve is reduced by unrealised holding losses of £1,555,000 (2017: £995,000) which are included in the Revaluation reserve. At 30 September 2018, distributable reserves were £6,344,000 (2017: £6,996,000).
This reserve accounts for the difference between the prices at which shares are issued and the nominal value of the shares, less issue costs and transfers to the other distributable reserves.
This reserve represents cash value of Shares which were due to be issued by the Company as at the Balance Sheet date.
This reserve represents the aggregate consideration paid for the Shares repurchased from Shareholders during the year ended 30 September 2018.
Increases and decreases in the valuation of investments held at the year end against cost are included in this reserve.
This reserve accounts for amounts by which the issued share capital is diminished through the repurchase and cancellation of the Company's own shares.
The following are disclosed in this reserve:
This reserve accounts for movements from the revenue column of the Income Statement, the payment of dividends and other non‐capital realised movements.
| Shares in issue | 2017 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net asset value | ||||||
| £'000 | ||||||
| 24,694,442 | 23,638,058 | 120.2 | 29,678 | 116.0 | 27,429 | |
| 37,034,352 | 35,977,774 | 0.1 | 37 | 0.1 | 36 | |
| 2018 | 2017 | per share | 2018 Net asset value* £'000 |
per share |
*Excluding funds held in respect of Shares not yet allotted.
The Directors allocate the assets and liabilities of the Company between the Ordinary Shares and 'A' Shares such that each share class has sufficient net assets to represent its dividend and return of capital rights as described in Note 14.
As the Company has not issued any convertible shares or share options, there is no dilutive effect on net asset value per Ordinary Share or per 'A' Share. The net asset value per share disclosed therefore represents both the basic and diluted net asset value per Ordinary Share and per 'A' Share.
The Company held the following categories of financial instruments at 30 September 2018:
| 2018 | 2017 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Value | Cost | Value | |
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | |
| Assets at fair value through profit or loss | 14,196 | 30,453 | 15,886 | 31,390 |
| Other financial assets | 103 | 103 | 230 | 230 |
| Cash at bank | 2,497 | 2,497 | 129 | 129 |
| Other loans | (2,832) | (2,832) | (4,426) | (4,426) |
| Total | 13,964 | 30,221 | 11,819 | 27,323 |
The Company's financial instruments comprise investments held at fair value through profit and loss, being equity and loan stock investments in unquoted companies, loans and receivables consisting of short term debtors, cash deposits and financial liabilities being creditors arising from its operations. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to generate cashflow and revenue and capital appreciation for the Company's operations. The Company has no gearing or other financial liabilities apart from short and long‐term creditors and does not use any derivatives.
The fair value of investments is determined using the detailed accounting policy as shown in Note 2. The composition of the investments is set out in Note 10.
The Company's investment activities expose the Company to a number of risks associated with financial instruments and the sectors in which the Company invests. The principal financial risks arising from the Company's operations are:
The Board regularly reviews these risks and the policies in place for managing them. There have been no significant changes to the nature of the risks that the Company was expected to be exposed to over the year and there have also been no significant changes to the policies for managing those risks during the year.
The risk management policies used by the Company in respect of the principal financial risks and a review of the financial instruments held at the year end are provided overleaf.
As a VCT, the Company is exposed to investment risks in the form of potential losses and gains that may arise on the investments it holds in accordance with its investment policy. The management of these investment risks is a fundamental part of investment activities undertaken by the Investment Adviser and overseen by the Board. The Adviser monitors investments through regular contact with management of investee companies, regular review of management accounts and other financial information and attendance at investee company board meetings. This enables the Adviser to manage the investment risk in respect of individual investments. Investment risk is also mitigated by holding a diversified portfolio spread across various operating sites across several asset classes.
The key investment risks to which the Company is exposed are:
The Company's investments which comprise both equity and debt financial instruments in unquoted investments are all in renewable energy projects with predetermined expected returns. Consequently, the investment price risk arises from uncertainty about the future prices and valuations of financial instruments held in accordance with the Company's investment objectives which can be influenced by many macro factors such as changes in interest rates, electricity power prices and movements in inflation. It represents the potential loss that the Company might suffer through changes in the fair value of unquoted investments that it holds.
At 30 September 2018, the unquoted portfolio was valued at £30,453,000 (2017: £31,390,000). The key inputs to the valuation model are discount rates, inflation, irradiation, degradation, power prices and asset life. The Board has undertaken some sensitivity analysis into the effects of fluctuations in these inputs.
The analysis below is provided to illustrate the sensitivity of the fair value of investments to an individual input, while all other variables remain constant. The Board considers these changes in inputs to be within reasonable expected ranges. This is not intended to imply the likelihood of change or that possible changes in value would be restricted to this range. The possible effects are quantified below:
| Change in fair value of | Change in NAV per | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Input | Base case | Change in input | investments | share |
| £'000 | pence | |||
| Discount rate | 6.5% – 7.25% | +0.5% | (1,060) | (4.1) |
| ‐0.5% | 1,129 | 4.4 | ||
| Inflation | 3.0% – 3.2% | +0.5% | 1,122 | 4.4 |
| ‐0.5% | (1,182) | (4.6) | ||
| Irradiation | 785 – 1,270kWh/m2 | +1.0% | 684 | 2.7 |
| ‐1.0% | (685) | (2.7) | ||
| Degradation | 0.3% – 0.4% | +0.1% | (671) | (2.6) |
| ‐0.1% | 680 | 2.6 | ||
| Power prices | £40 – £60/MWh | +10.0% | 1,390 | 5.4 |
| ‐10.0% | (1,390) | (5.4) |
The Board has also considered the potential impact of changes to the anticipated lives of assets in the portfolio. Close to ninety percent of the Company's value is in assets refinanced by debt, and under the debt facility agreements, substantial reserves are in place for renewing key equipment as and when required. Furthermore, the underlying assets have leases that are valid for the lifetime of the Company, which cannot be terminated early, and any extensions to the leases would require further planning permission. Accordingly, the Board does not consider it appropriate to disclose a sensitivity analysis in respect of asset life.
The Company accepts exposure to interest rate risk on floating‐rate financial assets through the effect of changes in prevailing interest rates. The Company receives interest on its cash deposits at a rate agreed with its bankers. Where investments in loan stock attract interest, this is predominately charged at fixed rates. A summary of the interest rate profile of the Company's investments is shown below.
There are three categories in respect of interest which are attributable to the financial instruments held by the Company as follows:
| Average interest rate |
Average period until maturity |
2018 £'000 |
2017 £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed rate | 8.4% | 4,202 days | 665 | 2,231 |
| Floating rate | 0% | 2,497 | 129 | |
| No interest rate | 27,059 | 24,963 | ||
| 30,221 | 27,323 |
The Company monitors the level of income received from fixed and floating rate assets and, if appropriate, may make adjustments to the allocation between the categories, in particular, should this be required to ensure compliance with the VCT regulations.
It is estimated that an increase of 1% in interest rates would have increased profit before tax for the year by £2,500. The Bank of England base rate increased from 0.25% per annum to 0.5% per annum on 2 November 2017 and from 0.5% to 0.75% on 2 August 2018. Any potential change in the base rate, at the current level, would have an immaterial impact on the net assets and total return of the Company.
Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty to a financial instrument is unable to discharge a commitment to the Company made under that instrument. The Company is exposed to credit risk through its holdings of loan stock in investee companies, cash deposits and debtors. Credit risk relating to loan stock in investee companies is considered to be part of market risk as the performance of the underlying SPVs impacts the carrying values.
The Company's financial assets that are exposed to credit risk are summarised as follows:
| 2018 £'000 |
2017 £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Investments in loan stocks | 2,658 | 5,203 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 2,497 | 129 |
| Interest, dividends and other receivables | 233 | 301 |
| 5,388 | 5,633 |
The Adviser manages credit risk in respect of loan stock with a similar approach as described under "Market risks". Similarly, the management of credit risk associated with interest, dividends and other receivables is covered within the investment advisory procedures. The level of security is a key means of managing credit risk. Additionally, the risk is mitigated by the security of the assets in the underlying investee companies.
Cash is held by the Royal Bank of Scotland plc which is an A‐rated financial institution. Consequently, the Directors consider that the credit risk associated with cash deposits is low.
There have been no changes in fair value during the year that is directly attributable to changes in credit risk. Any balances that are past due are disclosed further under liquidity risk.
There have been no loan investments for which the terms have been renegotiated during the year.
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company encounters difficulties in meeting obligations associated with its financial liabilities. Liquidity risk may also arise from either the inability to sell financial instruments when required at their fair values or from the inability to generate cash inflows as required. As the Company has a relatively low level of creditors being £130,000 (2017: £71,000) and has long term loans from investee companies (see Note 13 for an analysis of the repayment terms), which have either been repaid at the date of this report or are expected to be repaid by way of future dividends from these companies, being £2,832,000 (2017: £4,426,000), the Board believes that the Company's exposure to liquidity risk is low. The Company always holds sufficient levels of funds as cash in order to meet expenses and other cash outflows as they arise. For these reasons the Board believes that the Company's exposure to liquidity risk is minimal.
The Company's liquidity risk is managed by the Investment Adviser in line with guidance agreed with the Board and is reviewed by the Board at regular intervals.
Although the Company's investments are not held to meet the Company's liquidity requirements, the table below shows an analysis of the assets, highlighting the length of time that it could take the Company to realise its assets if it were required to do so.
The carrying value of loan stock investments held at fair value through the profit and loss account at 30 September 2018 as analysed by the expected maturity date is as follows:
| As at 30 September 2018 | Not later than 1 year £'000 |
Between 1 and 2 years £'000 |
Between 2 and 3 years £'000 |
Between 3 and 5 years £'000 |
More than 5 years £'000 |
Total £'000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fully performing loan stock Past due loan stock |
‐ ‐ |
‐ ‐ |
‐ ‐ |
‐ ‐ |
2,658 ‐ |
2,658 ‐ |
| ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | ‐ | 2,658 | 2,658 | |
| As at 30 September 2017 | Not later than 1 year £'000 |
Between 1 and 2 years £'000 |
Between 2 and 3 years £'000 |
Between 3 and 5 years £'000 |
More than 5 years £'000 |
Total £'000 |
| Fully performing loan stock Past due loan stock |
3,646 556 4,202 |
‐ ‐ ‐ |
‐ ‐ ‐ |
450 ‐ 450 |
551 ‐ 551 |
4,647 556 5,203 |
The Company's objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can continue to provide returns for Shareholders and to provide an adequate return to Shareholders by allocating its capital to assets commensurately with the level of risk.
By its nature, the Company has an amount of capital, at least 70% (as measured under the tax legislation) of which is and must be, and remain, invested in the relatively high risk asset class of small UK companies within three years of that capital being subscribed. The Company accordingly has limited scope to manage its capital structure in the light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. Subject to this overall constraint upon changing the capital structure, the Company may adjust the amount of dividends paid to Shareholders, return capital to Shareholders, issue new shares, or sell assets if so required to maintain a level of liquidity to remain a going concern.
As the Investment Policy implies, the Board would consider levels of gearing. As at 30 September 2018 the Company had loans from investee companies of £2,832,000 (2017: £4,426,000). It regards the net assets of the Company as the Company's capital, as the level of liabilities are small and the management of them is not directly related to managing the return to Shareholders. There has been no change in this approach from the previous period.
At 30 September 2018, the Company had no contingencies, guarantees or financial commitments.
In the opinion of the Directors there is no immediate or ultimate controlling party.
Details of shareholdings in those companies where the Company's holding, as at 30 September 2018, represents more than 20% of the nominal value of any class of shares issued by the portfolio company are predominantly disclosed in the Review of Investments on pages 15 to 18. Relevant companies which do not feature in the Review of Investments are listed below. All of the companies named are incorporated in England and Wales. The percentage holding in each class of shares also reflects the percentage voting rights in each company as a whole.
| Registered | Class of | Number | Proportion of | Capital and | Profit/(loss) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company | office | shares | held | class held | reserves | for the year |
| Minsmere Power Limited | EC2V 6AA | Ordinary | 200,001 | 50% | (£478,000) | (£478,000) |
| Penhale Solar Limited | EC2V 6AA | Ordinary | 299,601 | 50% | (£60,000) | (£14,000) |
| Small Wind Generation Limited | EC2V 6AA | Ordinary | 840,001 | 50% | (£1,889,000) | (£380,000) |
| Lunar 3 Limited | EC2V 6AA | Ordinary | 100 | 50% | £nil | £nil |
On 23 October 2018 the Company issued 751,673 Ordinary Shares at an average price of 125.1p and 751,673 'A' Shares at an average price of 0.1p.
On 24 October 2018 the Company issued 333,175 Ordinary Shares at an average price of 124.9p and 990,055 'A' Shares at an average price of 0.1p.
At the date of this report, the Company's issued share capital comprised 25,779,290 Ordinary Shares and 38,776,080 'A' Shares and the total number of voting rights in the Company were 25,818,066,080.
Following the period end the Company paid dividends in respect of the year ended 30 September 2018, of 5.4965p per Ordinary Share and 0.5035p per A Share. These dividends were paid on 14 December 2018 to Shareholders on the register at 23 November 2018.
Following the year end the Company made repayments in respect of the loan balances due to certain SPVs. Details of the amounts repaid are shown in Note 13.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the eighth Annual General Meeting of Hazel Renewable Energy VCT1 plc will be held at Octagon Point, 5 Cheapside, London EC2V 6AA at 12:15 p.m. on 6 March 2019 for the transaction of the following business:
As Ordinary Business, to consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions which will be proposed as Ordinary Resolutions:
As Special Business, to consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions:
and this power, unless previously varied, revoked or renewed, shall come to an end at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the Company next following the passing of this resolution or on the expiry of 15 months from the passing of the resolution, whichever is the earlier.
By order of the Board
Grant Whitehouse Company Secretary Registered Office: 6th Floor St. Magnus House 3 Lower Thames Street London EC3R 6HD
31 January 2019
(f) Pursuant to Regulation 41 of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001, the Company has specified that only those holders of the Company's shares registered on the Register of Members of the Company as at 12:15 p.m. on 4 March 2019 or, in the event that the Annual General Meeting is adjourned, on the Register of Members 48 hours before the time of any adjourned meeting, shall be entitled to attend and vote at the said Annual General Meeting in respect of such shares registered in their name at the relevant time. Changes to entries on the Register of Members after 12:15 p.m. on 4 March 2019 or, in the event that the Annual General Meeting is adjourned, on the Register of Members less than 48 hours before the time of any adjourned meeting, shall be disregarded in determining the right of any person to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting.
(g) As at 9:00 a.m. on 31 January 2019, the Company's issued share capital comprised 25,779,290 Ordinary Shares and 38,776,080 'A' Shares and the total number of voting rights in the Company were 25,818,066,080. Information regarding the number of Shares and voting rights may be obtained from the website, https://newenergy.greshamhouse.com/funds/vcts‐1‐2/.
For use at the Annual General Meeting of the above named Company to be held at Octagon Point, 5 Cheapside, London EC2V 6AA at 12:15 p.m. on 6 March 2019.
| I/We*……………………………………………………………….……………………….… (in BLOCK CAPITALS please) | |
|---|---|
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | -- |
of .……………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………….............…….. being the holder(s)* of Ordinary Shares of 0.1p each/ A Shares of 0.1p each in the above‐named Company, hereby appoint the Chairman of the meeting (see Note 1)
of .……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………............... as my/our* proxy to attend for me/us* on my/our* behalf at the Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held at Octagon Point, 5 Cheapside, London EC2V 6AA at 12:15 p.m. on 6 March 2019 or at any adjournment thereof.
or ………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………………...…………………................
I/We* desire to vote on the resolutions as indicated in the appropriate column below. Please indicate with an "X" how you wish your vote to be cast.
Details of the resolutions are set out in the Notice of the Annual General Meeting.
| ORDINARY BUSINESS | FOR | AGAINST | WITHHELD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. To receive and adopt the Directors' Report and Accounts. | |||
| 2. To approve the Directors' Remuneration Report. |
|||
| 3. To re‐appoint the Auditor and authorise the Directors to determine their remuneration. |
|||
| 4. To re‐elect Gill Nott as a director. |
|||
| 5. To re‐elect Duncan Grierson as a director. |
|||
| SPECIAL BUSINESS | |||
| 6. To authorise the Company to allot shares. |
|||
| 7. To disapply pre‐emption rights. |
|||
| 8. To authorise the Company to make market purchases of its shares. |
|||
| 9. To authorise the change of name of the Company. |
|||
| Signature(s)*…………………………………………… Date…………………2019 | |
|---|---|
| * Delete as appropriate |
Building tools?
Free accounts include 100 API calls/year for testing.
Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.