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ALBION TECHNOLOGY & GENERAL VCT PLC

Interim / Quarterly Report Jun 30, 2012

4804_ir_2012-06-30_fa064b32-81a4-4019-ae1b-143fdf2df2c1.pdf

Interim / Quarterly Report

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Half-yearly Financial Report (unaudited) for the six months to 30 June 2012

Albion Technology & General VCT PLC

Contents

Page

  • 2 Company information
  • 3 Investment objectives and financial calendar
  • 4 Financial highlights (unaudited)
  • 5 Interim management report
  • 7 Responsibility statement
  • 8 Portfolio of investments
  • 11 Summary income statement
  • 12 Summary balance sheet
  • 13 Summary reconciliation of movements in shareholders' funds
  • 14 Summary cash flow statement
  • 15 Notes to the unaudited summarised Financial Statements

Company information

Company number 4114310
Directors Dr N E Cross, Chairman
Lt Gen Sir Edmund Burton KBE
M J Hart
P H Reeve
Manager, company secretary
and registered office
Albion Ventures LLP
1 King's Arms Yard
London, EC2R 7AF
Registrar Computershare Investor Services PLC
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol, BS99 6ZZ
Auditor PKF (UK) LLP
Farringdon Place
20 Farringdon Road
London, EC1M 3AP
Taxation adviser PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
1 Embankment Place
London, WC2N 6RH
Legal adviser Bird & Bird LLP
15 Fetter Lane
London, EC4A 1JP
Albion Technology & General VCT PLC is a member of The Association of Investment Companies.
Shareholder information For help relating to dividend payments, shareholdings and share
certificates please contact Computershare Investor Services PLC:
Tel: 0870 873 5854 (UK National Rate call, lines are open
8.30am – 5.30pm; Mon – Fri, calls may be recorded)
Website: www.computershare.co.uk
Shareholders can access holdings and valuation information
regarding any of their shares held with Computershare by
registering on Computershare's website.
IFA information For enquiries relating to the performance of the Fund, and for IFA
information please contact Albion Ventures LLP:
Tel: 020 7601 1850 (lines are open 9.00am – 5.30pm; Mon – Fri,
calls may be recorded)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.albion-ventures.co.uk
Please note that these contacts are unable to provide
financial or taxation advice.

Investment objectives

Albion Technology & General VCT PLC ("the Company") is a venture capital trust which raised £14.3 million in December 2000 and 2002, and raised a further £35.0 million during 2006 through the launch of a C share issue. The Company raised a further £3.1 million under the Albion VCTs Linked Top Up Offers in 2011 and 2012.

The Company offers investors the opportunity to participate in a balanced portfolio of technology and nontechnology businesses. The Company's investment portfolio is intended to be split approximately as follows:

  • 40 per cent. in unquoted UK technology-related companies; and
  • 60 per cent. in unquoted UK non-technology companies.

The Investment Manager pursues a longer term investment approach, with a view to providing shareholders with a strong, predictable dividend flow combined with the prospects of capital growth. This is achieved in two ways. First, by controlling the VCT's exposure to technology risk through ensuring that many of the companies in the non-technology portfolio have property as their major asset, with no external borrowings. Second, by balancing the investment portfolio by sector, so that those areas such as leisure and business services, which are susceptible to changes in consumer sentiment, are complemented by sectors with more predictable long term characteristics, such as healthcare and the environment.

Financial calendar

Record date for second dividend 5 October 2012
Payment date for second dividend 31 October 2012
Financial year end 31 December 2012

Financial highlights (unaudited)

Unaudited
six months ended
30 June 2012
(pence per share)
Unaudited
six months ended
30 June 2011
(pence per share)
Audited
year ended
31 December 2011
(pence per share)
Net asset value 83.30 87.90 85.10
Revenue return 0.90 0.70 1.60
Capital (loss)/return (0.20) 2.00 0.60
Ordinary shares
(pence per
share) (i)
C shares
(pence per
share) (i)(ii)
Total shareholder net asset value return to 30 June 2012
Total dividends paid during the period ended: 31 December 2001 1.00
31 December 2002 2.00
31 December 2003 1.50
31 December 2004 7.50
31 December 2005 9.00
31 December 2006 8.00 0.50
31 December 2007 8.00 2.50
31 December 2008 (iii) 16.00 4.50
31 December 2009 (iii) 1.00
31 December 2010 8.00 3.00
31 December 2011 5.00 3.80
30 June 2012 2.50 1.90
Total dividends paid to 30 June 2012 ––––––––
68.50
––––––––
17.20
Net asset value as at 30 June 2012 83.30
––––––––
64.80
––––––––
Total shareholder net asset value return to 30 June 2012 151.80
––––––––
82.00
––––––––

In addition to the dividends summarised above, the Board has declared a second dividend for the year to 31 December 2012 of 2.50 pence per share to be paid on 31 October 2012 to shareholders on the register as at 5 October 2012.

Notes:

(i) Excludes tax benefits upon subscription.

  • (ii) The C shares were converted into Ordinary shares on 31 March 2011, with a conversion factor of 0.7779 Ordinary shares for each C share. The net asset value per share and all dividends paid subsequent to the conversion of the C shares to the Ordinary shares are multiplied by the conversion factor of 0.7779 in respect of the C shares' return, in order to give an accurate picture of the shareholder value since launch relating to the C shares.
  • (iii) The Ordinary shares' dividend of 8.00 pence per share for 2009 was paid in advance on 30 December 2008. The C shares' first dividend for 2009 of 1.50 pence per share was also paid in advance on 30 December 2008.

Interim management report

Introduction

The results for Albion Technology & General VCT PLC for the six months to 30 June 2012 show a total return of 0.70 pence per share, which included a 14 per cent. increase in investment income over the previous period, but a slower rise in the value of our investments. The net asset value is 83.30 pence per share after the payment of a 2.50 pence per share dividend during the period.

Investment performance and progress

During the period, some £1.9 million was invested in a number of existing investee companies, principally to fund continued growth. Within this, further investments were made in our renewable energy businesses, including Street-by-Street Solar and Regenerco (solar energy) and Alto Prodotto Wind (Wind turbines on brown field and industrial sites in South Wales). The longer term strategy for the VCT is for up to 15 per cent. of funds to be invested in renewable energy, which we see as providing a stable and inflation-resistant source of long term income, compared to the current level of 7 per cent..

In general, the investment portfolio has shown resilience over the period, with the majority of investee companies continuing to show growth. The principal exceptions have been those companies that are either adversely being affected by cuts in public sector funding or by a reduction in the budgets of customers.

Split of investment portfolio by valuation

Cancellation of share capital and reserves

At the General Meeting on 22 June 2012, shareholders voted in favour of the increase in the Company's distributable reserves by way of a reduction of the Ordinary share capital and cancellation of its deferred share, capital redemption and share premium reserves. This was approved by Court Order on 11 July 2012. This restructuring has added £28,416,000 to distributable reserves.

Risks, uncertainties and prospects

We remain concerned over the prospects of the UK and Global economies in view of the increasingly recessionary environment. Nevertheless, we believe that many of the sectors in which we operate, and the investee companies which we support, will be able to grow despite these broader economic issues. In addition, it remains our general policy that investee companies have no external bank borrowings, which is a continuing source of stability to the portfolio. Overall we remain positive about the prospects of the portfolio as a whole.

Interim management report (continued)

Other risks and uncertainties remain unchanged and there are details on pages 19 and 20 of the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2011.

Discount management and share buy-backs

It remains the Board's primary objective to maintain sufficient resources for investment in existing and new investee companies and for the continued payment of dividends to shareholders. Therefore, the Board's policy is to buy back shares in the market, subject to the overall constraint that such purchases are in the VCT's interests, including the maintenance of sufficient resources for investment in new and existing investee companies and the continued payment of dividends to shareholders.

It is the Board's intention for such buy-backs to be in the region of 10 to 15 per cent. discount to net asset value, so far as market conditions and liquidity permit. In order to ensure that these conditions are satisfied, the Company will limit the sum available for buy-backs for the six month period to 31 December 2012 to £250,000.

Related party transactions

Details of material related party transactions for the reporting period can be found in note 12 of this Half-yearly Financial Report.

Results and dividend

As at 30 June 2012 the net asset value per Ordinary share was 83.30 pence (30 June 2011: 87.90 pence; 31 December 2011: 85.10 pence).

The total return before tax for the six months to 30 June 2012 was £297,000 compared to £1.06 million for the six months to 30 June 2011. A second dividend of 2.50 pence per Ordinary share will be paid on 31 October 2012 to those shareholders on the register on 5 October 2012.

Dr N E Cross Chairman 16 August 2012

Responsibility statement

The Directors, as listed on page 2 of this Report, are responsible for preparing the Half-yearly Financial Report. The Directors have chosen to prepare this Half-yearly Financial Report for the Company in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice ("UK GAAP").

In preparing these summarised financial statements for the period to 30 June 2012, we the Directors of the Company, confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

  • (a) the summarised set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with the pronouncement on interim reporting issued by the Accounting Standards Board;
  • (b) the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six months and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year);
  • (c) the summarised set of financial statements give a true and fair view in accordance with UK GAAP of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit and loss of the Company for the six months ended 30 June 2012 and comply with UK GAAP and Companies Act 2006; and

(d) the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related parties' transactions and changes therein).

The accounting policies applied to the Half-yearly Financial Report have been consistently applied in current and prior periods and are those applied in the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2011.

This Half-yearly Financial Report has not been audited or reviewed by the Auditor.

By order of the Board

Dr N E Cross

Chairman 16 August 2012

Portfolio of investments

The following is a summary of the qualifying technology fixed asset investments as at 30 June 2012:

Portfolio company % voting
rights held
by Albion
Technology
& General
VCT PLC
Cost
£'000
Cumulative
movement
in value
£'000
Value
£'000
Change
in value
for the
period*
£'000
Mi-Pay Limited 19.7 2,669 (788) 1,881 1
Helveta Limited 14.1 2,365 (905) 1,460 (1)
Blackbay Limited 8.5 941 347 1,288 68
Process Systems Enterprise
Limited 6.9 706 422 1,128 230
Opta Sports Data Limited 5.9 735 169 904 154
AMS Sciences Limited
(formerly Xceleron Limited) 17.8 878 (55) 823 (55)
Mirada Medical Limited 14.0 357 410 767 61
memsstar Limited 10.7 741 11 752 8
sparesFinder Limited 10.5 613 78 691 21
Rostima Holdings Limited 15.5 305 383 688 (8)
Lowcosttravelgroup Limited 4.0 680 (43) 637 194
Peakdale Molecular Limited 6.0 427 9 436
Oxsensis Limited 8.2 1,221 (788) 433 (314)
DySIS Medical Limited 5.3 846 (473) 373 (93)
Abcodia Limited 2.1 75 75
Palm Tree Technology Limited 0.1 37 8 45
Total technology
investments
13,596 (1,215) 12,381 266

* As adjusted for additions and disposals during the period.

Portfolio of investments (continued)

The following is a summary of the qualifying non-technology fixed asset investments as at 30 June 2012:

% voting
rights held Change
by Albion
Technology
Cumulative
movement
in value
for the
& General Cost in value Value period*
Portfolio company VCT PLC £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Radnor House School (Holdings)
Limited 11.1 1,930 594 2,524 29
Kensington Health Clubs Limited 14.7 3,494 (1,090) 2,404 (24)
The Charnwood Pub Company
Limited 12.2 2,598 (985) 1,613 15
Bravo Inns II Limited 9.3 1,415 (21) 1,394 53
The Weybridge Club Limited 6.7 1,314 (179) 1,135 (1)
Orchard Portman Hospital Limited 16.2 1,080 (15) 1,065 (17)
The Q Garden Company Limited 33.4 2,401 (1,410) 991 8
Taunton Hospital Limited
Bravo Inns Limited
15.8
16.1
1,000
1,430
(26)
(526)
974
904
(25)
22
Masters Pharmaceuticals Limited 3.7 727 (25) 702 127
TEG Biogas (Perth) Limited 9.4 563 60 623 43
Nelson House Hospital Limited 6.0 553 25 578 25
Chichester Holdings Limited 15.2 2,000 (1,464) 536 10
Prime Care Holdings Limited 15.6 930 (412) 518 (287)
The Street by Street Solar
Programme Limited 4.5 451 3 454 4
Regenerco Renewable Energy
Limited 5.7 446 446 (3)
Hilson Moran Holdings Limited 5.5 391 32 423 32
Alto Prodotto Wind Limited 3.9 350 350 (2)
Consolidated PR Limited 21.7 570 (261) 309 (151)
CS (Brixton) Limited 3.9 165 130 295 8
CS (Norwich) Limited 12.5 200 54 254 8
Premier Leisure (Suffolk) Limited 13.6 1,000 (774) 226 (3)
Peakdale Molecular Limited** n/a 222 222 5
Tower Bridge Health Clubs Limited 2.9 164 42 206 7
AVESI Limited 4.3 134 134
CS (Greenwich) Limited 2.0 103 30 133 3
The Dunedin Pub Company VCT
Limited 10.4 107 (4) 103
CS (Exeter) Limited 4.0 65 (7) 58 3
Greenenerco Limited 1.4 50 50
City Screen (Liverpool) Limited 4.5 56 (9) 47 2
GB Pub Company VCT Limited 3.9 142 (130) 12 (4)
Total non-technology
investments 26,051 (6,368) 19,683 (113)
Total qualifying investments 39,647 (7,583) 32,064 153

** As adjusted for additions and disposals during the period.

** This part of the Peakdale investment is in loan stock secured against debtors and property and is classified as a non-technology holding.

Portfolio of investments (continued)

The following is a summary of the non-qualifying fixed asset investments as at 30 June 2012:

Portfolio company % voting
rights held
by Albion
Technology
& General
VCT PLC
Cost
£'000
Cumulative
movement
in value
£'000
Value
£'000
Change
in value
for the
period*
£'000
Albion Investment Properties
Limited 22.6 434 (54) 380 (8)
Rostima Holdings Limited n/a 138 138
Evolutions Television Limited n/a 22 22
Consolidated PR Limited 21.7 33 (12) 21 (31)
Evolutions Group Limited 22.3 37 (28) 9
Total non-qualifying
investments 664 (94) 570 (39)

*As adjusted for additions and disposals during the period.

Summary income statement

Unaudited
six months
ended
30 June 2012
Unaudited
six months
ended
30 June 2011
Audited
year ended
31 December 2011
Note Revenue
£'000
Capital
£'000
Total
£'000
Revenue
£'000
Capital
£'000
Total
£'000
Revenue
£'000
Capital
£'000
Total
£'000
Gains on investments 3 162 162 1,022 1,022 687 687
Investment income 4 669 669 584 584 1,257 1,257
Investment
management fees
(107) (323) (430) (109) (330) (439) (216) (647) (863)
Other expenses (104) (104) (111) (111) (206) (206)
Return/(loss) on
ordinary activities
before tax
–––––
458
–––––
(161)
–––––
297
–––––
364
–––––
692
–––––
1,056
–––––
835
–––––
40
–––––
875
Tax (charge)/credit
on ordinary activities
(111)
–––––
84
–––––
(27)
–––––
(76)
–––––
85
–––––
9
–––––
(184)
–––––
172
–––––
(12)
–––––
Return/(loss)
attributable to
shareholders
347
–––––
(77)
–––––
270
–––––
288
–––––
777
–––––
1,065
–––––
651
–––––
212
–––––
863
–––––
Basic and diluted
return/(loss) per
share (pence)*
6 0.90 (0.20) 0.70 0.70 2.00 2.70 1.60 0.60 2.20

* excluding treasury shares

Comparative figures have been extracted from the unaudited Half-yearly Financial Report for the six months ended 30 June 2011 and the audited statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2011.

The accompanying notes on pages 15 to 21 form an integral part of this Half-yearly Financial Report.

The total column of this Summary income statement represents the profit and loss account of the Company. The supplementary revenue and capital columns have been prepared in accordance with the Association of Investment Companies' Statement of Recommended Practice.

All revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.

There are no recognised gains or losses other than the results for the periods disclosed above. Accordingly a Statement of total recognised gains and losses is not required. The difference between the reported profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before tax and the historical profit is due to the fair value movements on investments. As a result a note on historical cost profit and losses has not been prepared.

Summary balance sheet

Note Unaudited
30 June
2012
£'000
Unaudited
30 June
2011
£'000
Audited
31 December
2011
£'000
Fixed asset investments
Qualifying
Non-qualifying
32,064
570
––––––––
29,124
1,573
––––––––
30,353
627
––––––––
Total fixed asset investments 32,634 30,697 30,980
Current assets
Trade and other debtors
Current asset investments
Cash at bank and in hand
9 203
282
1,404
––––––––
68
1,000
3,729
––––––––
195
1,238
1,447
––––––––
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
1,889
(402)
––––––––
4,797
(349)
––––––––
2,880
(313)
––––––––
Net current assets 1,487
––––––––
4,448
––––––––
2,567
––––––––
Net assets 34,121 35,145 33,547
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Share premium
Capital redemption reserve
Unrealised capital reserve
Special reserve
Treasury shares reserve
Realised capital reserve
Revenue reserve
Total equity shareholders' funds
7 ––––––––
26,824
1,594
449
(7,664)
5,765
(3,590)
8,832
1,911
––––––––
34,121
––––––––
––––––––
21,809
929
4,473
(9,355)
9,525
(2,927)
9,489
1,202
––––––––
35,145
––––––––
––––––––
21,862
959
4,473
(8,001)
6,862
(3,417)
9,246
1,563
––––––––
33,547
––––––––
Basic and diluted net asset value
per share (pence)*
83.30
––––––––
87.90
––––––––
85.10
––––––––

* excluding treasury shares

Comparative figures have been extracted from the unaudited Half-yearly Financial Report for the six months ended 30 June 2011 and the audited statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2011.

The accompanying notes on pages 15 to 21 form an integral part of this Half-yearly Financial Report.

These Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 16 August 2012, and were signed on its behalf by

Dr N E Cross Chairman Company number: 4114310

Summary reconciliation of movements in shareholders' funds

Called-up
share
capital
£'000
Share
premium
£'000
Capital
redemption
reserve
£'000
Unrealised
capital
reserve*
£'000
Special
reserve*
£'000
Treasury
shares
reserve*
£'000
Realised
capital
reserve*
£'000
Revenue
reserve*
£'000
Total
£'000
1 January 2011 (Audited)
Return/(loss) for the period
Transfer of previously
unrealised losses to realised
21,862
959
4,473
(8,001)
148
6,862
(3,417)
9,246
(225)
1,563
347
33,547
270
losses
Issue of deferred share
Purchase of own treasury

4,073


(4,073)
189


(189)


shares
Cancellation of treasury
shares

(50)


50


(79)
(252)
79


(252)
Issue of equity (net of costs)
Transfer from special reserve
939 635 1,574
to revenue reserve
Dividends paid


–––––


–––––


–––––


–––––
(1,018)

–––––


–––––


–––––
1,018
(1,018)
–––––

(1,018)
–––––
As at 30 June 2012
(Unaudited)
26,824
–––––
1,594
–––––
449
–––––
(7,664)
–––––
5,765
–––––
(3,590)
–––––
8,832
–––––
1,911
–––––
34,121
–––––
1 January 2011 (Audited)
Return/(loss) for the period
Transfer of previously
unrealised losses to realised
24,772
294
400
(9,312)
(226)
14,914
(2,166)
4,278
1,003
911
288
34,091
1,065
losses
Transfer on conversion of
183 (183)
C shares
Purchase of own treasury
(4,073) 4,073
shares
Issue of equity (net of costs)
Transfer from special reserve
to realised capital and

1,110

635



(761)


(761)
1,745
revenue reserves
Dividends paid


–––––


–––––


–––––


–––––
(5,389)

–––––


–––––
4,391

–––––
998
(995)
–––––

(995)
–––––
As at 30 June 2011
(Unaudited)
21,809
–––––
929
–––––
4,473
–––––
(9,355)
–––––
9,525
–––––
(2,927)
–––––
9,489
–––––
1,202
–––––
35,145
–––––
1 January 2011
(Audited)
Return/(loss) for the period
Transfer of previously
unrealised losses on sale
24,772
294
400
(9,312)
259
14,914
(2,166)
4,278
(47)
911
651
34,091
863
of investments
Transfer on conversion of
C Shares

(4,073)


4,073
1,052


(1,052)


Purchase of own treasury
shares
(1,251) (1,251)
Issue of equity (net of costs)
Transfer from special reserve
1,163 665 1,828
to revenue reserve
Transfer from special reserve
(1,985) 1,985
to realised capital reserve
Dividends paid


–––––


–––––


–––––


–––––
(6,067)

–––––


–––––
6,067

–––––

(1,985)
–––––

(1,985)
–––––
As at 31 December 2011
(Audited)
21,862 959 4,473 (8,001) 6,862 (3,417) 9,246 1,563 33,547

* Included within these reserves is an amount of £5,254,000 (30 June 2011: £7,934,000; 31 December 2011: £6,253,000) which is considered distributable. The special reserve has been treated as distributable in determining the amounts available for distribution.

A transfer of £1,018,000 representing the dividend payment made from revenue reserve has been made from the special reserve to the revenue reserve.

Summary cash flow statement

Note Unaudited
six months
ended
30 June
2012
£'000
Unaudited
six months
ended
30 June
2011
£'000
Audited
year
ended
31 December
2011
£'000
Operating activities
Investment income received
Deposit interest received
Dividend income received
Investment management fees paid
Other cash payments
647
14

(413)
(113)
––––––––
531
20

(428)
(134)
––––––––
1,355
42
14
(875)
(232)
––––––––
Net cash flow from operating activities 8 135 (11) 304
Taxation
UK corporation tax recovered
15 162 154
Capital expenditure and financial
investments
Purchase of fixed asset investments
Disposal of fixed asset investments
Net cash flow from investing activities
(2,266)
767
––––––––
1,499
(3,131)
2,824
––––––––
(307)
(5,780)
4,280
––––––––
(1,500)
Management of liquid resources
Purchase of current asset investment
Disposal of current asset investment
Net cash flow from liquid resources

1,000
––––––––
1,000
(1,000)
1,000
––––––––
(1,000)
1,000
––––––––
Equity dividends paid
Dividends paid (net of cost of issuing
shares under the Dividend Reinvestment
Scheme)
(928) (914) (1,820)
Net cash flow before financing ––––––––
(1,277)
––––––––
(1,070)
––––––––
(2,862)
Financing
Issue of share capital (net of costs)
Purchase of own shares
1,486
(252)
––––––––
1,665
(761)
––––––––
1,665
(1,251)
––––––––
Net cash flow from financing 1,234
––––––––
904
––––––––
414
––––––––
Net cash flow in the period 9 (43) (166) (2,448)

Notes to the unaudited summarised Financial Statements

1. Accounting convention

The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of investments, in accordance with applicable United Kingdom law and accounting standards and with the Statement of Recommended Practice "Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts" ("AIC SORP") issued by the Association of Investment Companies in January 2009. Accounting policies have been applied consistently in current and prior periods.

2. Accounting policies Fixed and current asset investments

Unquoted equity investments, debt issued at a discount and convertible bonds

In accordance with FRS 26 "Financial Instruments Recognition and Measurement", unquoted equity, debt issued at a discount and convertible bonds are designated as fair value through profit or loss ("FVTPL"). Unquoted investments' fair value is determined by the Directors in accordance with the September 2009 International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines (IPEVCV guidelines).

Desk-top reviews are carried out by independent RICS qualified surveyors by updating previously prepared full valuations for current trading and market indices. Formal valuations are prepared by similarly qualified surveyors but in full compliance with the RICS Red Book.

Fair value movements on equity investments and gains and losses arising on the disposal of investments are reflected in the capital column of the Income statement in accordance with the AIC SORP and realised gains or losses on the sale of investments will be reflected in the realised capital reserve, and unrealised gains or losses arising from the revaluation of investments will be reflected in the unrealised capital reserve.

Warrants and unquoted equity derived instruments Warrants and unquoted equity derived instruments are only valued if their exercise or contractual conversion terms would allow them to be exercised or converted as at the balance sheet date, and if there is additional value to the Company in exercising or converting as at the balance sheet date. Otherwise these instruments are held at nil value. The valuation techniques used are those used for the underlying equity investment.

Unquoted loan stock

Unquoted loan stock (excluding convertible bonds and debt issued at a discount) are classified as loans and receivables as permitted by FRS 26 and measured at amortised cost using the Effective Interest Rate method less impairment. Movements in respect of capital provisions are reflected in the capital column of the Income statement and are reflected in the realised capital reserve following sale, or in the unrealised reserve for impairments arising from revaluation of the fair value of the security.

For all unquoted loan stock, whether fully performing, past due or impaired, the Board considers that the fair value is equal to or greater than the security value of these assets. For unquoted loan stock, the amount of the impairment is the difference between the asset's cost and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate. The future cash flows are estimated based on the fair value of the security less the estimated selling costs.

Current asset investments

In accordance with FRS 26, bonds and floating rate notes are designated as fair value through profit or loss and are valued at market bid price at the balance sheet date. Floating rate notes are classified as current asset investments as they are investments held for the short term.

Contractual future contingent receipts on disposal of fixed asset investments are designated at fair value through profit or loss and are subsequently measured at fair value.

Dividend income is not recognised as part of the fair value movement of an investment, but is recognised separately as investment income through the revenue reserve when a share becomes ex-dividend.

Loan stock accrued interest is recognised in the Balance sheet as part of the carrying value of the loans and receivables at the end of each reporting period.

It is not the Company's policy to exercise control or significant influence over portfolio companies. Therefore in accordance with the exemptions under FRS 9 "Associates and joint ventures", those undertakings in which the Company holds more than 20 per cent. of the equity are not regarded as associated undertakings.

Investment income

Unquoted equity income

Dividend income is included in revenue when the investment is quoted ex-dividend.

Unquoted loan stock and other preferred income Fixed returns on non-equity shares and debt securities are recognised on a time apportionment basis using an

effective interest rate over the life of the financial instrument. Income which is not capable of being received within a reasonable period of time is reflected in the capital value of the investment.

Bank interest income

Interest income is recognised on an accruals basis using the rate of interest agreed with the bank.

Floating rate note income

Floating rate note income is recognised on an accruals basis using the interest rate applicable to the floating rate note at that time.

Investment management fees and expenses

All expenses have been accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenses are charged through the revenue account except the following which are charged through the realised capital reserve:

  • 75 per cent. of management fees are allocated to the capital account to the extent that these relate to an enhancement in the value of the investments. This is in line with the Board's expectation that over the long term 75 per cent. of the Company's investment returns will be in the form of capital gains; and
  • expenses which are incidental to the purchase or disposal of an investment are charged through the realised capital reserve.

Performance incentive fee

In the event that a performance incentive fee crystallises, the fee will be allocated between revenue and realised capital reserves based upon the proportion to which the calculation of the fee is attributable to revenue and capital returns.

Taxation

Taxation is applied on a current basis in accordance with FRS 16 "Current tax". Taxation associated with capital expenses is applied in accordance with the SORP. In accordance with FRS 19 "Deferred tax", deferred taxation 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 Financial Statements. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is regarded as more likely than not that they will be recovered.

The Directors have considered the requirements of FRS 19 and do not believe that any provision for deferred tax should be made.

Reserves

Share premium account

This reserve accounts for the difference between the price paid for shares and the nominal value of the shares, less issue costs and transfers to the special reserve.

Capital redemption 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.

Unrealised capital reserve

Increases and decreases in the valuation of investments held at the year end against cost are included in this reserve.

Special reserve

The cancellation of the share premium account has created a special reserve that can be used to fund market purchases and subsequent cancellation of own shares, to cover gross realised losses and for other distributable purposes.

Treasury shares reserve

This reserve accounts for amounts by which the distributable reserves of the Company are diminished through the repurchase of the Company's own shares for treasury.

Realised capital reserve

The following are disclosed in this reserve:

  • gains and losses compared to cost on the realisation of investments;
  • expenses, together with the related taxation effect, charged in accordance with the above policies; and
  • dividends paid to equity holders.

Dividends

In accordance with FRS 21 "Events after the balance sheet date", dividends declared by the Company are accounted for in the period in which the dividend has been paid or approved by shareholders in an Annual General Meeting.

3. Gains on investments

Unaudited Unaudited Audited
six months six months year
ended ended ended
30 June 30 June 31 December
2012 2011 2011
£'000 £'000 £'000
Unrealised losses on fixed asset investments held
at fair value through profit or loss account (184) (327) (138)
Unrealised reversals of impairments on fixed asset investments
held at amortised cost 332
––––––––
101
––––––––
397
––––––––
Unrealised gains/(losses) sub total 148 (226) 259
Realised gains/(losses) on investments held at fair
value through profit or loss account 14 712 (147)
Realised gains on investments held at amortised cost 541 580
Realised losses on current asset investments held at
fair value through profit or loss account
––––––––
(5)
––––––––
(5)
––––––––
Realised gains sub total 14
––––––––
1,248
––––––––
428
––––––––
162 1,022 687
–––––––– –––––––– ––––––––

Investments valued on an amortised cost basis are unquoted loan stock instruments as described in note 2.

4. Investment income

six months
ended
30 June
year
ended
31 December
2011
£'000 £'000
14
10 10
23 95
1 1
––––––––
34 120
531 1,103
19 34
––––––––
550 1,137
––––––––
584 1,257
––––––––
2011
––––––––
––––––––
––––––––
––––––––

All of the Company's income is derived from operations based in the United Kingdom.

5. Dividends

Unaudited Unaudited Audited
six months six months year
ended ended ended
30 June 30 June 31 December
2012 2011 2011
£'000 £'000 £'000
Dividend of 2.50p per Ordinary share paid on 28 April 2011
Dividend of 2.50p per Ordinary share paid on 28 October 2011
Dividend of 2.50p per Ordinary share paid on 30 April 2012
-
-
1,018
––––––––
1,018
––––––––
998
-
-
––––––––
998
––––––––
998
987
-
––––––––
1,985
––––––––

The Directors have declared a dividend of 2.50 pence per Ordinary share (total approximately £1,024,000) payable on 31 October 2012 to shareholders on the register as at 5 October 2012.

6. Basic and diluted return/(loss) per share

Unaudited
six months ended
30 June 2012
Unaudited
six months ended
30 June 2011
Audited
year ended
31 December 2011
Revenue Capital Revenue Capital Revenue Capital
Return/(loss) attributable to
Ordinary shares (£'000) 347 (77) 288 777 651 212
Weighted average shares
in issue 40,425,530 39,783,152 39,764,003
Return/(loss) per Ordinary
share (pence)
0.90 (0.20) 0.70 2.00 1.60 0.60

There are no convertible instruments, derivatives or contingent share agreements in issue for Albion Technology & General VCT PLC hence there are no dilution effects to the return per share. The basic return per share is therefore the same as the diluted return per share.

7. Share capital

Unaudited Unaudited Audited
30 June 30 June 31 December
2012 2011 2011
£'000 £'000 £'000
Allotted, called up and fully paid
45,501,719 Ordinary shares of 50p each
(30 June 2011: 43,618,301; 31 December 2011: 43,723,776) 22,751 21,809 21,862
1 Deferred share of £4,073,164 (30 June 2011: nil;
31 December 2011: nil) 4,073 - -
––––––––
26,824
––––––––
21,809
––––––––
21,862
–––––––– –––––––– ––––––––

Voting rights

40,972,719 Ordinary shares of 50p each (net of treasury shares) (30 June 2011: 39,961,929; 31 December 2011: 39,433,404).

Following approval by shareholders at the General Meeting on 22 June 2012, 1 deferred share with a nominal value of £4,073,164 (30 June 2011: nil; 31 December 2011: nil) was issued during the period. The deferred share has no voting rights, no right to receive a dividend or any other form of income from the Company. As outlined in note 11, the deferred share was cancelled in July 2012, and the balance was transferred to the special reserve.

7. Share capital (continued)

Under the terms of the Dividend Reinvestment Scheme, the following Ordinary shares of nominal value 50p were allotted:

Mid-market price
Net per share on
Issue price consideration allotment date
Number of (pence per received (pence per
Date of allotment shares alloted share) £'000 share)
30 April 2012 119,999 82.60 88 65.00

Under the terms of the Albion VCTs Linked Top Up Offers 2011/2012, the following Ordinary shares of nominal value 50p each were allotted:

Date of allotment Number of
shares alloted
Issue price
(pence per
share)
Net
consideration
received
£'000
Mid-market price
per share on
allotment date
(pence per
share)
10 January 2012 449,000 88.90 378 76.00
20 March 2012 487,304 88.90 410 73.00
5 April 2012 736,583 90.10 627 73.00
31 May 2012 84,429
––––––––
88.30 71
––––––––
65.00
1,757,316
––––––––
1,486
––––––––

The Albion VCTs Linked Top Up Offers 2011/2012 closed on 31 May 2012. In aggregate, the Company raised a total of £1.5 million.

During the period to 30 June 2012 the Company purchased 338,000 Ordinary shares (30 June 2011: 723,000 Ordinary shares and 337,300 C shares*; 31 December 2011: 1,357,000 Ordinary shares and 337,300 C shares*) to be held in treasury at a cost of £250,000 (30 June 2011: £561,000 for Ordinary shares and £200,000 for C shares*; 31 December 2011: £1,051,000 for Ordinary shares and £200,000 for C shares*), representing 0.8 per cent. of the Ordinary shares in issue (excluding treasury shares) as at 31 December 2011. The shares purchased for treasury were funded from the Treasury shares reserve.

*The C shares were converted to Ordinary shares on 31 March 2011 at a ratio of 0.7779 Ordinary shares for each C share.

During the period to 30 June 2012 the Company also cancelled 99,372 shares from the Treasury share reserve, leaving a balance of 4,529,000 Ordinary shares in treasury (30 June 2011: 3,656,372; 31 December 2011: 4,290,372) which represents 9.9 per cent. of the issued share capital as at 30 June 2012.

8. Reconciliation of revenue return on ordinary activities before taxation to net cash flow from operating activities

Unaudited Unaudited Audited
six months six months year
ended ended ended
30 June 30 June 31 December
2012 2011 2011
£'000 £'000 £'000
458 364 835
(323) (330) (647)
(38) (39) 160
(8) (10) 1
46 4 (45)
––––––––
135 (11) 304
––––––––
––––––––
––––––––
––––––––
––––––––

9. Analysis of change in cash during the period

Unaudited Unaudited Audited
six months six months year
ended ended ended
30 June 30 June 31 December
2012 2011 2011
£'000 £'000 £'000
Opening cash balances 1,447 3,895 3,895
Net cash flow (43)
––––––––
(166)
––––––––
(2,448)
––––––––
End of the period 1,404
––––––––
3,729
––––––––
1,447
––––––––

10. Commitments and contingencies

As at 30 June 2012, the Company was committed to making a further investment of £72,000 in AMS Sciences Limited.

There are no contingencies or guarantees of the Company as at 30 June 2012 (30 June 2011 and 31 December 2011: nil).

11. Post balance sheet events

Since 30 June 2012, the Company has completed the following material transactions:

  • Investment in Rostima Holdings Limited of £23,000 in July 2012;
  • Investment in AMS Sciences Limited of £72,000 in August 2012;
  • Investment in Nelson House Hospital Limited of £17,000 in August 2012;
  • Repayment of £89,000 of loan stock from The Charnwood Pub Company Limited in July 2012;
  • As approved by shareholders at the General Meeting on 22 June 2012, the Company received the consent of the court on 11 July 2012 to reduce the nominal value of its shares from 50 pence to one penny, cancel and extinguish the deferred share issued on conversion of C Shares to Ordinary shares, and to cancel its capital redemption and share premium reserves.

12. Related party transactions

The Manager, Albion Ventures LLP, is considered to be a related party by virtue of the fact that Patrick Reeve, a Director of the Company, is also the Managing Partner of the Manager. The Manager is party to a management agreement with the Company. During the period, services of a total value of £430,000 (30 June 2011: £439,000; 31 December 2011: £863,000) were purchased by the Company from Albion Ventures LLP. At the financial period end, the amount due to Albion Ventures LLP in respect of these services was £220,000 (30 June 2011: £227,000; 31 December 2011: £201,000).

Patrick Reeve is the Managing Partner of the Manager, Albion Ventures LLP. During the year, the Company was charged £11,000 (including VAT) by Albion Ventures LLP in respect of his services as a Director (30 June 2011: £11,000; 31 December 2011: £21,000). At the period end, the amount due to Albion Ventures LLP in respect of these services was £5,000 (30 June 2011: £5,000; 31 December 2011: £5,000).

Albion Ventures LLP holds 1,012 fractional entitlement shares of the Company as a result of the conversion of C shares to Ordinary shares on 31 March 2011. These shares will be sold for the benefit of the Company at a later date.

There are no other related party transactions or balances requiring disclosure.

13. Going concern

The Board's assessment of liquidity risk remains unchanged since the last Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2011, and is detailed on page 49 of those accounts. The Company has adequate cash and liquid resources. The portfolio of investments is diversified in terms of sector, and the major cash outflows of the Company (namely investments, dividends and share buy-backs) are within the Company's control. Accordingly, after making diligent enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, the Directors have adopted the going concern basis in preparing this Half-yearly Financial Report and this is in accordance with 'Going Concern and Liquidity Risk: Guidance for Directors of UK Companies 2009' published by the Financial Reporting Council.

14. Other information

The information set out in this Half-yearly Financial Report does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts within the terms of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 for the periods ended 30 June 2012 and 30 June 2011, and is unaudited. The information for the year ended 31 December 2011 does not constitute statutory accounts within the terms of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 but is derived from the audited statutory accounts for the financial year, which were unqualified and which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The Auditors reported on those accounts; their report was unqualified and did not contain a statement under s498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

15. Publication

This Half-yearly Financial Report is being sent to shareholders and copies will be made available to the public at the registered office of the Company, Companies House, the National Storage Mechanism and also electronically at www.albion-ventures.co.uk under the 'Our Funds' section.

Albion Technology & General VCT PLC

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