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OPV Octopus Pro 2

81.00
0.00 (0.00%)
13 May 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Octopus Pro 2 LSE:OPV London Ordinary Share GB00B39XCB54 ORD 10P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 81.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Final Results

19/05/2010 10:01am

UK Regulatory



 
TIDMOPV 
 
Octopus Protected VCT 2 plc 
Final Results 
19 May 2010 
Octopus Protected VCT 2 plc, managed by Octopus Investments Limited, today 
announces the final results for the year ended 31 January 2010. 
These results were approved by the Board of Directors on 18 May 2010. 
You may, in due course, view the Annual Report in full at 
www.octopusinvestments.com <http://www.octopusinvestments.com/> by navigating to 
Services, Investor Services, Venture Capital Trusts, Octopus Protected VCT 2 
plc.  All other statutory information will also be found there. 
 
About Octopus Protected VCT 2 plc 
 
Octopus Protected VCT 2 plc ("Protected 2," "Company" or "Fund") is a venture 
capital trust ("VCT") and is managed by Octopus Investments Limited ("Octopus"). 
 
The Fund was launched in June 2008 and raised over  GBP11.5 million ( GBP11.0 million 
net of expenses) through an offer for subscription by the time it closed on 30 
June 2009.  The objective of the Fund is to invest primarily in unquoted UK 
smaller companies and aims to deliver absolute returns on its investments. 
 
Further details of the Fund's progress are discussed in the Chairman's Statement 
and Investment Manager's Review on pages [<li>] to [<li>]. 
 
Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) 
 
VCTs were introduced in the Finance Act 1995 to provide a means for private 
individuals to invest in unlisted companies in the UK.  Subsequent Finance Acts 
have introduced changes to VCT legislation. The tax benefits currently available 
to eligible new investors in VCTs include: 
 
 ·                     up-front income tax relief of 30% 
 ·                     exemption from income tax on dividends paid 
 ·                     exemption from capital gains tax on disposals of shares in 
VCTs 
 
The Company has been provisionally approved as a VCT by HM Revenue & Customs. 
In order to maintain its approval the Company must comply with certain 
requirements on a continuing basis.  By the end of the Company's third 
accounting period at least 70% of the Company's investments must comprise 
'qualifying holdings' of which at least 30% must be in eligible Ordinary 
shares.  A 'qualifying holding' consists of up to  GBP1 million invested in any one 
year in new shares or securities in an unquoted company (including companies 
listed on AIM) which is carrying on a qualifying trade and whose gross assets do 
not exceed  GBP7 million at the time of investment, and whose total number of 
employees is less than 50, also at the time of investment.  The Company will 
continue to ensure its compliance with these qualification requirements. 
 
Financial Summary 
 
 
                            +-----------------------+ 
                            |                       |    Period Ended 31 January 
Ordinary shares             |Year to 31 January 2010|                       2009 
                            |                       | 
                            |                       | 
                            |                       | 
Net assets ( GBP'000s)         |                 10,591|                      2,087 
                            |                       | 
Net  total return  after tax|                       | 
( GBP'000s)                    |                  (334)|                       (84) 
                            |                       | 
Net  asset  value  per share|                       | 
(NAV)                       |                  90.9p|                      90.8p 
=---------------------------+-----------------------+--------------------------- 
 
 
Chairman's Statement 
 
Introduction 
I  am pleased to present the second Annual Report of Octopus Protected VCT 2 plc 
for the year ended 31 January 2010. 
 
Performance 
At 31 January 2010 the net asset value (NAV) of the fund was 90.9p, which 
compares to 90.8p at 31 January 2009. The performance of the Fund has been 
relatively stable because a large proportion of its assets are held in cash and 
cash equivalent securities, and because there have been no changes in the 
valuations of the companies in its portfolio.  The investments held are valued 
in accordance with the International Private Equity and Venture Capital 
Valuation Guidelines and Financial Reporting Standards and are therefore subject 
to regular valuation reviews. 
 
Investment Portfolio 
The  year  under  review,  particularly  during  the  first 6 months, has proved 
challenging  for  many  businesses  due  to  the  slow  recovery of the economic 
environment.  However it  is encouraging  to report  that none of your Company's 
investments  suffered any reductions  in their fair  value. That said  it is too 
early  to recognise any  uplift in values,  however we are  optimistic about the 
potential of the portfolio companies. 
 
During  the year the  Fund has made  its first investments  into eight companies 
totalling   GBP6,417,000.  These investments include  Dualcom Holdings Limited, the 
UK's leading supplier of dual path signalling devices, which link burglar alarms 
to  the police or a private security firm, Diagnos Limited, who develop and sell 
sophisticated  automotive diagnostic software and hardware, and Clifford Thames, 
a  provider of data and  support services for the  auto industry. There has also 
been five investments into companies that have been established to seek suitable 
qualifying investments across a range of sectors. 
 
All  of  these  investments  are  discussed  in  more  detail  in the Investment 
Manager's Review on pages ? to ? 
 
Investment Strategy 
The Fund is being invested on the basis of taking less risk than a typical VCT. 
Typically the Fund will receive its return from interest paid on secured loan 
notes as well as an exposure to the value of the shares of a company.   The 
investment strategy is to derive sufficient return from the secured loan notes 
to achieve the Fund's investment aims and to use the equity exposure to boost 
returns.  As portfolio companies are unquoted the Fund will receive a return 
from an equity holding when a company is sold. 
 
The  Manager of the  Fund aims to  reduce risk by  investing in well managed and 
profitable  businesses with  strong recurring  cash-flows.  Furthermore with the 
majority  of the  investment being  made in  the form  of a secured loan, in the 
event  of the business failing, the Fund  will rank ahead of unsecured creditors 
and equity investors. 
 
VCT Qualifying Status 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP provides the Board and Investment Manager with advice 
concerning ongoing compliance with Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs ('HMRC') 
rules and regulations concerning VCTs. The Board has been advised that Octopus 
Protected VCT 2 plc is in compliance with the conditions laid down by HMRC for 
maintaining approval as a VCT. This is discussed further on page ?. 
 
A key requirement now is to achieve the 70% qualifying investment level prior to 
31 January 2012. As at 31 January 2010, over 59% of the portfolio, as measured 
by HMRC rules, was invested in VCT qualifying investments. In view of the 
current investment activity, the Board continues to be confident that the 70% 
target will be met by the required date. 
 
Change of Company Name 
At  the forthcoming Annual General Meeting it  is proposed to change the name of 
the Company to Octopus Apollo VCT 4 plc. The proposed change of name is to bring 
the VCT  in  line  with  other  VCTs  managed  by  Octopus  that follow the same 
investment  strategy.  There will be  no change to the  way in which this VCT is 
managed or the type of investments that it makes. 
 
Outlook 
Your Board remains confident that the Fund will be able to meet its investment 
objectives and produce good returns for shareholders.  The imperative is to find 
lower risk investments and take advantage of current market conditions whenever 
possible. Since 31 January 2010, the Fund has made two such investments into 
Businessco Services 3 Limited and Carebase (Col) Limited. Further details of 
these investments can be found in the Investment Managers report. 
 
Protected 2 aims to invest alongside Octopus Protected VCT plc and two other 
VCTs under the management of Octopus that have the same investment policy.  This 
is allowing Protected 2 to invest in larger, safer companies and to invest on 
more favorable terms.  I believe this structure will enable Protected 2 to be 
well placed to benefit from the emerging economic environment. 
 
Murray Steele 
Chairman 
18 May 2010 
 
 
Investment Manager's Review 
 
Personal Service 
At Octopus, we focus on both managing your investments and keeping you informed 
throughout the investment process. We are committed to providing our investors 
with regular and open communication. Our updates are designed to keep you 
informed about the progress of your investment. During this time of economic 
upheaval, we consider it particularly important to be in regular contact with 
our investors and are working hard to manage your money in the current climate. 
 
 
 
Octopus Investments Limited was established in 2000 and has a strong commitment 
to both smaller companies and to VCTs. We currently manage 17 VCTs, including 
this Company, and manage almost  GBP300 million in the VCT sector. Octopus has over 
140 employees and has been voted as 'Best VCT Provider of the Year' by the 
financial adviser community for the last four years. 
 
 
Investment Policy 
 
The investment approach of Protected 2 is to seek lower risk investments.  The 
majority of companies in which Protected 2 invests operate in sectors where 
there is a high degree of predictability.  Ideally, we seek companies that have 
contractual revenues from financially sound customers and will provide an exit 
to shareholders within three to five years. 
 
Portfolio Review 
 
As at 31 January 2010 the NAV stood at 90.9p, compared to 90.8p at 31 January 
2009. Recent improvements in the economy have created a better environment for 
the companies in the portfolio. There is a sense that the low point of the 
recession is over and that we may be on the road to recovery. We are confident 
about the stability in the market for the smaller private companies included in 
your portfolio. 
 
Since the date of these accounts we have completed a non-qualifying investment 
into Carebase (Col) Limited of  GBP270,000, a company involved in the construction 
of a care home and a qualifying investment into Businessco Services 3 Limited, a 
company established to seek qualifying investments. 
 
Outlook 
 
While the Company is invested in established businesses that are relatively 
unaffected by economic shifts, changes in the economy can of course alter the 
trading environment for Company. It is fair to say that the worst of the 
economic upheavals appear to be over, leading to an improved environment which 
can aid progress of the Fund. 
 
We will continue to consider low risk investments in sound companies and to 
support existing holdings that merit capital for sensible expansion plans, 
including well priced acquisitions.  Taking a longer term view, which a VCT 
affords, we expect to be able to develop and generate successful exits that will 
bring rewards for shareholders. 
 
If you have any questions on any aspect of your investment, please call one of 
the team on 0800 316 2396. 
 
Stuart Nicol 
Director 
Octopus Investments 
18 May 2010 
 
Investment Portfolio 
                                                        Fair 
                              Investment            value at 
                              at cost at   Movement      31    % equity % equity 
                              31 January         in  January    held by  managed 
Qualifying                         2010   valuation    2010   Protected       by 
investments   Sector             ( GBP'000)    ( GBP'000)  ( GBP'000)          2  Octopus 
=------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Clifford 
Thames        Automotive           1,336          -    1,336      2.00%    8.00% 
 
Greenco 
Services      Environmental        1,000          -    1,000     16.30%   57.40% 
 
Pubco 
Services      Restaurants & 
Limited       bars                 1,000          -    1,000     15.10%   56.90% 
 
Vulcan 
Services II   Oil & gas 
Limited       services             1,000          -    1,000     12.25%   49.00% 
 
Salus 
Services 1 
Limited       Care homes             881          -      881     20.00%  100.00% 
 
Businessco 
Services 2    Business 
Limited       services               600          -      600     14.50%   49.00% 
 
Diagnos 
Limited       Automotive             350          -      350     0.00%*   0.00%* 
 
Dualcom 
Holdings      Security 
Limited       devices                250          -      250     0.00%*   0.00%* 
 
 
=------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total Qualifying investments       6,417          -    6,417 
 
Money market 
funds                              4,091          -    4,091 
 
 
=------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total 
investments                       10,508          -   10,508 
 
 
 
Cash at bank                                              85 
 
Debtors less 
creditors                                                (2) 
 
 
=------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total net 
assets                                                10,591 
 
 
*Debt based investment 
 
 
Valuation Methodology 
 
The investments held by Protected 2 are all unquoted and as such there is no 
trading platform from which prices can be easily obtained. As a result, the 
methodology used in fair valuing the investments is the transaction price of the 
recent investment round. Subsequent adjustment to the fair value has then been 
made according to any significant under or over performance of the business. 
 
If you would like to find out more regarding The International Private Equity 
and Venture Capital ('IPEVC') Valuation Guidelines, please visit their website 
at: www.privateequityvaluation.com <http://www.privateequityvaluation.com/>. 
 
Review of Investments 
During the year, the Fund made eight new investments totalling  GBP6,417,000. 
 
Investments are valued in accordance with the accounting policy set out on page 
?, which takes account of current industry guidelines for the valuation of 
venture capital portfolios and is compliant with International Private Equity 
and Venture Capital Valuations guidelines and current financial reporting 
standards. 
 
Investment Portfolio 
 
Clifford Thames Group Limited ('CT') 
Clifford Thames is a market leading provider of consultancy and business 
outsourcing services for the automotive industry, and is a key partner of most 
of the world's leading car manufacturers.  With offices in eight countries, 
having recently opened up in China and Poland, Clifford Thames has a well 
established and impressive client list including Ford, GM Europe, Jaguar Land 
Rover, Mazda and Fiat. Our investment into CT was made via BusinessCo Services 
Limited. This was a company that we had previously created to invest in this 
type of business. Further information can be found at the company's website 
www.clifford-thames.com <http://www.clifford-thames.com/>. 
 
Investment date:                                  January 2009 
Cost:                                                       GBP1.3 million 
Valuation:                                               GBP1.3 million 
Equity held:                                           2.0% 
Last audited accounts:                       N/A 
 
Greenco Services Limited 
Greenco Services Limited has been set up to investigate and seek the acquisition 
of companies engaged in the provision of environmental products or services. 
 
Investment date:                                  April 2009 
Cost:                                                       GBP1.0 million 
Valuation:                                               GBP1.0 million 
Equity held:                                           16.3% 
Last audited accounts:                       N/A 
 
Pubco Services Limited 
Pubco Services Limited has been set up to acquire and operate freehold pubs. 
 
Investment date:                                  April 2009 
Cost:                                                       GBP1.0 million 
Valuation:                                               GBP1.0 million 
Equity held:                                           15.1% 
Last audited accounts:                       N/A 
 
Vulcan Services II Limited 
Vulcan Services II Limited has been established to seek the acquisition of 
businesses engaged in any of the activities of design, manufacture, development, 
marketing or sale of equipment and components for use in the oil and gas sector. 
 
Investment date:                                  November 2008 
Cost:                                                       GBP1.0 million 
Valuation:                                               GBP1.0 million 
Equity held:                                           12.25% 
Last audited accounts:                       N/A 
 
Salus Services 1 Limited 
Salus Services I Limited has been set up to investigate and seek the acquisition 
of companies engaged in the provision of products or services into the health 
care sector. 
 
Investment date:                                  January 2010 
Cost:                                                       GBP0.9 million 
Valuation:                                               GBP0.9 million 
Equity held:                                           20.0% 
Last audited accounts:                       N/A 
 
Businessco Services 2 Limited 
Businessco Services 2 Limited has been set up to investigate and seek the 
acquisition of companies engaged in the provision of business support services. 
 
Investment date:                                  November 2008 
Cost:                                                       GBP0.6 million 
Valuation:                                               GBP0.6 million 
Equity held:                                           14.5% 
Last audited accounts:                       N/A 
 
Diagnos Limited 
Diagnos Limited develops and sells sophisticated automotive diagnostic software 
and hardware that enables independent mechanics, dealerships and garages to 
service and repair vehicles. Mechanics require a diagnostic tool to communicate 
with the in-car computer in order to measure, monitor and, where necessary, fix 
the electronic process or system. Further information can be found at the 
company's website www.autologic-diagnos.co.uk 
<http://www.autologic-diagnos.co.uk/>. 
 
Investment date:                                  February 2009 
Cost:                                                       GBP0.4 million 
Valuation:                                               GBP0.4 million 
Equity held:                                           0.0% 
Last audited accounts:                       N/A 
Revenues:                                              GBP0.4 million 
Loss before interest & tax:                  GBP(0.02) million 
Net assets:                                             GBP2.7 million 
 
 
Dualcom Holdings Limited 
Dualcom Holdings Limited is the UK's leading supplier of dual path signalling 
devices, which link burglar alarms to the police or a private security firm. The 
devices communicate using a telephone line or broadband connection and a 
wireless link from Vodafone, which has been a partner since 2000. Dualcom has 
developed a number of new products for the sector, which have enabled the 
business to steadily grow its market share of new connections and its 
profitability since the initial investment. Further information can be found at 
the company's website www.csldual.com <http://www.csldual.com/>. 
 
Investment date:                                  February 2009 
Cost:                                                       GBP0.3 million 
Valuation:                                               GBP0.3 million 
Equity held:                                           0.0% 
Last audited accounts:                       31 March 2009 
Revenues                                                GBP7.2 million 
Profit before interest & tax:                 GBP0.8 million 
Net assets:                                             GBP0.7 million 
 
Directors' Responsibility Statement 
 
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the accounts 
in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Company law requires the 
Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a 
true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or 
loss of the Company. Under that law the Directors have elected to prepare 
financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Accounting Standards 
(United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 
 
In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to: 
 
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 
- make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 
- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject 
to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; 
and 
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is 
inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business. 
 
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that 
disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the 
Company and 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 so far as each of the Directors is aware: 
 
- there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's auditor is 
unaware 
- the Directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make 
themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the 
auditor is aware of that information. 
 
To the best of my knowledge: 
 
- the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable set of 
accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, 
financial position and profit or loss of the Company; and 
- the management report includes a fair review of the development and 
performance of the business and the position of the Company, together with a 
description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces. 
 
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate 
and financial information included on the Company's website. Legislation in the 
United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial 
statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 
 
 
On behalf of the Board 
 
 
Murray Steele 
Chairman 
18 May 2010 
 
Income Statement 
 
                                                 +----------------------------+ 
                                                 | Year ended 31 January 2010 | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 | Revenue   Capital    Total | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                           Notes |    GBP'000      GBP'000     GBP'000 | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
 Investment income                           2   |      64         -       64 | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
 Investment management fees                  3   |    (45)     (136)    (181) | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
 Other expenses                              4   |   (217)         -    (217) | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
 Loss on ordinary activities before tax          |   (198)     (136)    (334) | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
 Taxation on loss on ordinary activities     6   |       -         -        - | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
 Loss on ordinary activities after tax           |   (198)     (136)    (334) | 
                                                 |                            | 
 Earnings per share - basic and diluted      7   |  (2.0)p    (1.4)p   (3.4)p | 
                                                 +----------------------------+ 
 
  * The 'Total' column of this statement is the profit and loss account of the 
    Company; the supplementary revenue return and capital return columns have 
    been prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment 
    Companies 
  * all revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing 
    operations 
  * the accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements 
  * the Company has only one class of business and derives its income from 
    investments made in shares and securities and from bank and money market 
    funds 
 
 
The Company has no recognised gains or losses other than the results for the 
year as set out above. 
 
 
 
 Income Statement 
                                                 +----------------------------+ 
                                                 | Period to 31 January  2009 | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 | Revenue   Capital    Total | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                           Notes |    GBP'000      GBP'000     GBP'000 | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
 Investment income                           2   |       -         -        - | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
 Investment management fees                  3   |     (2)       (7)      (9) | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
 Other expenses                              4   |    (75)         -     (75) | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
 Loss on ordinary activities before tax          |    (77)       (7)     (84) | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
 Taxation on loss on ordinary activities     6   |       -         -        - | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
                                                 |                            | 
 Loss on ordinary activities after tax           |    (77)       (7)     (84) | 
                                                 |                            | 
 Earnings per share - basic and diluted      7   |  (4.8)p    (0.4)p   (5.2)p | 
                                                 +----------------------------+ 
 
 
  * The 'Total' column of this statement is the profit and loss account of the 
    Company; the supplementary revenue return and capital return columns have 
    been prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment 
    Companies 
  * all revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing 
    operations 
  * the accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements 
  * the Company has only one class of business and derives its income from 
    investments made in shares and securities and from bank and money market 
    funds 
 
 
The Company has no recognised gains or losses other than the results for the 
year as set out above. 
 
 
 Reconciliation of Movements in Shareholders' Funds 
                                       +-----------------+ 
                                       |      Year ended |      Year ended 
                                       | 31 January 2010 | 31 January 2009 
                                       |                 | 
 Shareholders' funds at start of year  |           2,087 |               - 
                                       |                 | 
 Loss on ordinary activities after tax |           (334) |            (84) 
                                       |                 | 
 Issue of equity (net of expenses)     |           8,838 |           2,171 
                                       |                 | 
 Shareholders' funds at end of year    |          10,591 |           2,087 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet 
                                      +--------------------+ 
                                      |   As at 31 January |   As at 31 January 
                                      |                2010|                2009 
                                      |                    | 
                                 Notes| GBP'000           GBP'000| GBP'000           GBP'000 
                                      |                    | 
                                      |                    | 
                                      |                    | 
Fixed asset investments*           9  |               6,417|                   - 
                                      |                    | 
Current assets:                       |                    | 
                                      |                    | 
Debtors                           10  |   86               |    1 
                                      |                    | 
Investments*                       9  |4,091               |2,000 
                                      |                    | 
Cash at bank                          |   85               |  240 
                                      |                    | 
                                      |4,262               |2,241 
                                      |                    | 
Creditors: amounts falling due        |                    | 
within one year                   11  | (88)               |(154) 
                                      |                    | 
Net current assets                    |               4,174|               2,087 
                                      |                    | 
Net assets                            |              10,591|               2,087 
                                      |                    | 
                                      |                    | 
                                      |                    | 
Called up equity share capital    12  |1,165               |  230 
                                      |                    | 
Special distributable reserve     13  |9,844               |    - 
                                      |                    | 
Share Premium                     13  |    -               |1,941 
                                      |                    | 
Capital reserve - realised        13  |(143)               |  (7) 
                                      |                    | 
Revenue reserve                   13  |(275)               | (77) 
                                      |                    | 
Total shareholders' funds             |              10,591|               2,087 
                                      |                    | 
Net asset value per share          8  |               90.9p|               90.8p 
                                      +--------------------+ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 * Held at fair value through profit and loss 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. 
 
 
The statements were approved by the Directors and authorised for issue on 18 May 
2010 and are signed on their behalf by: 
 
 
Murray Steele 
Chairman 
Company No: 05840377 
 
Cash Flow Statement 
                                    +------------------------+ 
                                    |Year to 31      January |       Year to 31 
                                    |                    2010|     January  2009 
                                    |                        | 
                               Notes|                    GBP'000|              GBP'000 
                                    |                        | 
                                    |                        | 
                                    |                        | 
Net cash (Outflow)/inflow from      |                        | 
operating activities                |                   (485)|                69 
                                    |                        | 
                                    |                        | 
                                    |                        | 
Capital expenditure and             |                        | 
financial investment:               |                        | 
                                    |                        | 
Purchase of fixed asset             |                        | 
investments                      9  |                 (6,417)|           (2,000) 
                                    |                        | 
                                    |                        | 
                                    |                        | 
Management of liquid                |                        | 
resources:                          |                        | 
                                    |                        | 
Purchase of current asset           |                        | 
investments                         |                 (6,063)|                 - 
                                    |                        | 
Disposal of current asset           |                        | 
investments                         |                   3,972|                 - 
                                    |                        | 
                                    |                 (8,993)|           (1,931) 
                                    |                        | 
Financing:                          |                        | 
                                    |                        | 
Issue of own shares             12  |                   9,307|             2,249 
                                    |                        | 
Share issue expenses                |                   (469)|              (78) 
=-----------------------------------+------------------------+------------------ 
Increase/(decrease) in cash         |                        | 
resources at bank                   |                   (155)|               240 
 
 
Reconciliation of Loss before Taxation to Cash Flow from Operating Activities 
                                  +----------------------+ 
                                  |    Year to 31 January|    Year to 31 January 
                                  |                  2010|                  2009 
                                  |                      | 
                                  |                  GBP'000|                  GBP'000 
                                  |                      | 
Loss on ordinary activities before|                      | 
tax                               |                 (334)|                  (84) 
                                  |                      | 
Increase in debtors               |                  (85)|                   (1) 
                                  |                      | 
(Decrease)/increase in creditors  |                  (66)|                   154 
                                  |                      | 
(Outflow)/inflow from operating   |                      | 
activities                        |                 (485)|                    69 
                                  +----------------------+ 
 
Reconciliation of Net Cash Flow to Movement in Net Funds 
                                    +---------------------+ 
                                    |   Year to 31 January|   Year to 31 January 
                                    |                 2010|                 2009 
                                    |                     | 
                                    |                 GBP'000|                 GBP'000 
                                    |                     | 
(Decrease)/increase in cash         |                     | 
resources                           |                (155)|                  240 
                                    |                     | 
Movement in cash equivalent         |                     | 
securities                          |                2,091|                2,000 
                                    |                     | 
Opening net cash funds              |                2,240|                    - 
                                    |                     | 
Net funds at 31 January             |                4,176|                2,240 
                                    +---------------------+ 
 
 
Net Funds at 31 January comprised: 
                         +-------------------------+ 
                         | Year to 31 January 2010 | Year to 31 January 2009 
                         |                         | 
                         |                    GBP'000 |                    GBP'000 
                         |                         | 
 Cash at bank            |                      85 |                     240 
                         |                         | 
 Money market funds      |                   4,091 |                   2,000 
                         |                         | 
 Net Funds at 31 January |                   4,176 |                   2,240 
=------------------------+-------------------------+ 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
1.         Basis of accounting 
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost 
convention, except for the measurement at fair value of certain financial 
instruments, and in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice 
(UK GAAP), and the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Financial 
Statements of Investment Trust Companies" (revised 2009). 
 
The principal accounting policies have remained unchanged from those set out in 
the Company's 2008 annual report and financial statements.  A summary of the 
principal accounting policies is set out below. 
 
The preparation of financial statements requires the use of estimates and 
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the 
date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and 
expenses during the reported period. Although these estimates are based on 
management's best knowledge of the amount, event or actions, actual results 
ultimately may differ from those estimates. 
 
The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material 
adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities relate to: 
 
- the valuation of unlisted financial investments held at fair value through 
profit and loss, which are valued on the basis noted below (Fixed asset 
investments), the key areas of judgement being the adjustments required to 
normalise sustainable earnings and the appropriate comparable multiple to apply; 
- the recognition or otherwise of accrued income on loan notes and similar 
instruments granted to investee companies, which are assessed in conjunction 
with the overall valuation of unlisted financial investments as noted below; 
- the appropriateness of the allocation of management expenses between revenue 
and capital, which is based on the split of the long-term anticipated return 
between revenue and capital of net income; 
- finance costs have been allocated on the same basis as the above, whereas 
movements in the carrying value of borrowings and related instruments have been 
taken to the unrealised capital reserve as they have been raised to fund future 
financial investments. 
 
Fixed asset investments 
The Company has designated all fixed asset investments as being held at fair 
value through profit and loss; therefore all gains and losses arising from such 
investments held are attributable to financial assets held at fair value through 
profit and loss.  Accordingly, all interest income, fee income, expenses and 
investments gains and losses are attributable to assets designated as being at 
fair value through profit and loss. 
 
Purchases and sales of investments are recognised in the financial statements at 
the date of the transaction (trade date). 
 
These investments will be managed and their performance evaluated on a fair 
value basis in accordance with the documented investment strategy and 
information about them has to be provided internally on that basis to the 
Board.  Accordingly as permitted by FRS 26, the investments will be designated 
as fair value through profit and loss ('FVTPL') on the basis that they qualify 
as a group of assets managed, and whose performance is evaluated on a fair value 
basis in accordance with a documented investment strategy.  The Company's 
investments are measured at subsequent reporting dates at fair value. 
 
In the case of investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange, fair value is 
established by reference to the closing bid price on the relevant date or the 
last traded price, depending upon convention of the exchange on which the 
investment is quoted.  This is consistent with the International Private Equity 
and Venture Capital ('IPEVC') guidelines. 
 
In the case of unquoted investments, fair value is established by using measures 
of value such as the price of recent transactions, earnings multiple and net 
assets. This is consistent with IPEVC valuation guidelines and is in compliance 
with FRS 26 Financial Instruments: Recognition and measurement. 
 
Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value of investments are 
recognised as part of the capital return within the income statement and 
allocated to the capital reserve - holding gains/(losses). 
 
In the preparation of the valuations of assets the Directors are required to 
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and incorporate their 
knowledge of the performance of the investee companies.  Investments are 
regularly reviewed to ensure that the fair values are appropriately stated. 
Quoted investments are valued in accordance with the bid-price on the relevant 
date, unquoted investments are valued in accordance with current International 
Private Equity and Venture Capital ('IPEVC') valuation guidelines, although this 
does rely on subjective estimates such as appropriate sector earnings multiples, 
forecast results of investee companies, asset values of subsidiary companies and 
liquidity or marketability of the investments held. 
 
Although the Company believes that the assumptions concerning the business 
environment and estimate of future cash flows are appropriate, changes in 
estimates and assumptions could require changes in the stated values. This could 
lead to additional changes in fair value in the future. 
 
Current asset investments 
Current asset investments comprise money market funds, bonds and OEICs and are 
classified as FVTPL.  Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value of 
investments are recognised as part of the capital return within the Income 
Statement and allocated to the capital reserve - gains/(losses) on disposal. 
 
The current asset investments are all invested with the Company's cash manager 
and are readily convertible into cash at the choice of the Company.  The current 
asset investments are held for trading; information about them has to be 
provided internally on that basis to the Board. 
 
Income 
Investment income includes interest earned on bank balances and money market 
funds and includes income tax withheld at source.  Dividend income is shown net 
of any related tax credit. 
 
Dividends receivable are brought into the accounts on the ex-dividend date. 
Fixed returns on debt and money market funds are recognised on a time 
apportionment basis so as to reflect the effective interest rate. 
 
A provision will be made against this income where there is uncertainty as to 
its future recoverability. The requirement or otherwise for a provision is 
considered in conjunction with the valuation of the related financial 
investment. 
 
Expenses 
All expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis.  Expenses are charged 
wholly to revenue with the exception of the investment management fee, which is 
charged 25% to the revenue account and 75% to the capital reserve to reflect, in 
the Directors' opinion, the expected long-term split of returns in the form of 
income and capital gains respectively from the investment portfolio. 
 
Revenue and capital 
The revenue column of the Income Statement includes all income and revenue 
expenses of the Company.  The capital column includes gains and losses on 
disposal and holding gains and losses on investments.  Gains and losses arising 
from changes in fair value of investments are recognised as part of the capital 
return within the income statement. 
 
Taxation 
Corporation tax payable is applied to profits chargeable to corporation tax, if 
any, at the current rate. The tax effect of different items of income/gain and 
expenditure/loss is allocated between capital and revenue return on the 
'marginal' basis as recommended in the SORP. 
 
Deferred tax is recognised on an undiscounted basis in respect of all timing 
differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date. 
Where transactions or events have occurred at that date that will result in an 
obligation to pay more, or a right to pay less tax. This is with the exception 
that deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that the Directors 
consider that it is more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable 
profits from which the future reversal of the underlying timing can be deducted. 
 
Cash and liquid resources 
Cash, for the purposes of the cash flow statement, comprises cash in hand and 
deposits repayable on demand, less overdrafts payable on demand.  Liquid 
resources are current asset investments which are disposable without curtailing 
or disrupting the business and are either readily convertible into known amounts 
of cash at or close to their carrying values or traded in an active market. 
Liquid resources comprise term deposits of less than one year (other than cash), 
government securities, investment grade bonds and investments in money market 
funds. 
 
Financing strategy and capital structure 
FRS 29 'Financial Instruments: Disclosures' comprises disclosures' relating to 
financial instruments. 
 
We define capital as shareholders' funds and our financial strategy in the 
medium term is to manage a level of cash that balances the risks of the business 
with optimising the return on equity.  The Company currently has no borrowings 
nor does it anticipate that it will drawdown any borrowing facilities in the 
future to fund the acquisition of investments. 
 
Financial instruments 
The Company's principal financial assets are its investments and the policies in 
relation to those assets are set out above.  Financial liabilities and equity 
instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual 
arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a 
residual interest in the assets of the entity after deducting all of its 
financial liabilities. Where the contractual terms of share capital do not have 
any terms meeting the definition of a financial liability then this is classed 
as an equity instrument. Dividends and distributions relating to equity 
instruments are debited directly to equity. 
 
Capital management is monitored and controlled using the internal control 
procedures set out on page 25 of this report.  The capital being managed 
includes equity and fixed-interest investments, cash balances and liquid 
resources including debtors and creditors. 
 
The company does not have any externally imposed capital requirements. 
 
Dividends 
Dividends payable are recognised as distributions in the financial statements 
when the Company's liability to make payment has been established.  This 
liability is established for interim dividends when they are declared by the 
Board, and for final dividends when they are approved by the shareholders. 
 
 2.         Income 
                                        31 January 2010   31 January 2009 
 
                                                   GBP'000              GBP'000 
 
 Money market funds - dividend income                30                 - 
 
 Loan note interest receivable                       34                 - 
 
                                                     64                 - 
 
 
3.         Investment management fees 
                             31 January 2010       31 January 2009 
 
                          Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total 
 
                             GBP'000    GBP'000  GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000  GBP'000 
 
Investment management fee      45     136   181       2       7     9 
 
                               45     136   181       2       7     9 
 
 
As mentioned above in Accounting Policies, for the purposes of the revenue and 
capital columns in the income statement, the management fee has been allocated 
25 per cent to revenue and 75 per cent to capital, in line with the Board's 
expected long term return in the form of income and capital gains respectively 
from the Company's investment portfolio. 
 
Octopus Investments provides investment management and accounting and 
administration services to the Company under a management agreement which runs 
for a period of five accounting periods with effect from 21 July 2008 and may be 
terminated at any time thereafter by not less than 12 months' notice given by 
either party.  No compensation is payable in the event of terminating the 
agreement by either party, if the required notice period is given.  The fee 
payable, should insufficient notice be given, will be equal to the fee that 
would have been paid should continuous service be provided, or the required 
notice period was given.  The basis upon which the management fee is calculated 
is disclosed within note 18 to the financial statements. 
 
The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his budget statement on 12 March 
2008 that the Finance Act 2008 would contain draft legislation exempting VCTs 
from VAT on management fees with effect from 1 October 2008. This legislation 
has now been passed and as such all VCTs have been made exempt from VAT on 
management fees from this date. 
 
4.         Other expenses 
                                                 31 January 2010 31 January 2009 
 
                                                            GBP'000            GBP'000 
 
Directors' remuneration                                       50              30 
 
Fees payable to the Company's auditor for the 
audit of the financial statements                              6               6 
 
Fees payable to the Company's auditor for other 
services - tax compliance                                      5               1 
 
Accounting and administration services                        31               2 
 
Legal and professional expenses                                8               - 
 
Other expenses                                               117              36 
 
                                                             217              75 
 
The total expense ratio for the Company for the year to 31 January 2010 was 2.5 
per cent (2009: 2.1 per cent).  Total running costs are capped at 3.2 per cent. 
 
 5.         Directors' remuneration 
                                                 31 January 2010 31 January 2009 
 
                                                            GBP'000            GBP'000 
 
Directors' emoluments 
 
Murray Steele (Chairman)                                      20              11 
 
Chris Powles                                                  15               9 
 
Chris Hulatt (paid to Octopus Investments                     15              10 
limited) 
 
                                                              50              30 
 
None of the Directors received any other remuneration or benefit from the 
Company during the year.  The Company has no employees other than non-executive 
Directors.  The average number of non-executive Directors in the year was three 
(2009: three). 
 
6.         Tax on ordinary activities 
The corporation tax charge for the year was  GBPnil (2009:  GBP182,000). 
The current tax charge for the year differs from the standard rate of 
corporation tax in the UK of 28% (2009: 28%).  The differences are explained 
below. 
 
 Current tax reconciliation:              31 January 2010   31 January 2009 
 
                                                     GBP'000              GBP'000 
 
 Loss on ordinary activities before tax             (334)              (84) 
 
 Non taxable gains/(losses)                             -                 - 
 
 Net loss on ordinary activities                    (334)              (84) 
 
 Current tax at 28% (2009: 28%)                      (94)              (24) 
 
 Unutilised tax losses                                 99                24 
 
 Income not liable to tax                             (5)                 - 
 
 Total current tax charge                               -                 - 
 
 
Approved venture capital trusts are exempt from tax on capital gains within the 
Company.  Since the Directors intend that the Company will continue to conduct 
its affairs so as to maintain its approval as a venture capital trust, no 
current deferred tax has been provided in respect of any capital gains or losses 
arising on the revaluation or disposal of investments. 
 
7.         Earnings/(loss) per share 
 
The revenue earnings per share is based on 9,913,612 (31 January 
2009: 1,609,161) shares, being the weighted average number of shares in issue 
during the year, and a loss for the year totalling  GBP(198,000) (31 January 2009: 
 GBP(77,000)). 
 
The capital earnings per share is based on 9,913,612 (31 January 
2009: 1,609,161) shares, being the weighted average number of shares in issue 
during the year, and a loss for the year totalling  GBP(136,000) (31 January 2009: 
 GBP(7,000)). 
 
The total earnings per share is based on 9,913,612 (31 January 2009: 1,609,161) 
shares, being the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year, 
and a loss for the year totalling  GBP(334,000) (31 January 2009:  GBP(84,000)). 
 
There are no potentially dilutive capital instruments in issue and, therefore no 
diluted returns per share figures are relevant. The basic and diluted earnings 
per share are therefore identical. 
 
8.        Net asset value per share 
The calculation of net asset value per share as at 31 January 2010 is based on 
net assets of  GBP10,591,000 (31 January 2009:  GBP2,087,000) and 11,650,327 (31 
January 2010: 2,297,666) Ordinary shares in issue at that date. 
 
9.                   Fixed asset investments 
 
Financial  Reporting  Standard  29 Financial  Instruments: Disclosures regarding 
financial  instruments  that  are  measured  in  the balance sheet at fair value 
requires  disclosure of fair  value measurements by  level in the following fair 
value measurement hierarchy: 
 
Level  1: quoted prices in active markets  for identical assets and liabilities. 
The  fair value of  financial instruments traded  in active markets  is based on 
quoted  market prices at the balance sheet  date. A market is regarded as active 
if quoted prices are readily and regularly available, and those prices represent 
actual and regularly occurring market transactions on an arm's length basis. The 
quoted  market price used  for financial assets  held is the  current bid price. 
These  instruments  are  included  in  level  1 and  comprise money market funds 
classified as held for trading. 
 
Level  2: the fair  value of  financial instruments  that are  not traded  in an 
active  market  is  determined  by  using  valuation techniques. These valuation 
techniques maximise the use of observable date where it is available and rely as 
little  as  possible  on  entity  specific  estimates. If all significant inputs 
required  to fair value an instrument are observable, the instrument is included 
in level 2. The Company holds no such investment in the current or prior year. 
 
Level  3: the fair  value of  financial instruments  that are  not traded  in an 
active  market (for example investments in  unquoted companies) is determined by 
using  valuation techniques such  as earnings multiples.  If one or  more of the 
significant  inputs is  not based  on observable  market data, the instrument is 
included in level 3. 
 
There  have been no transfers between these classifications in the period (2009: 
none).  The change in fair value for the current and previous year is recognised 
through the profit and loss account. 
 
All items held at fair value through profit or loss were designated as such upon 
initial  recognition. Movements in  investments at fair  value through profit or 
loss during the year to 31 January 2010 are summarised below. 
 
Fixed asset investments: 
 
 
                                                   Level 3: Unquoted investments 
 
                                                                            GBP'000 
 
Fair value and book cost at 1 February 2009                                    - 
 
Fair value at 1 February 2009                                                  - 
 
Movement in the year 
 
Purchases at cost                                                          6,417 
 
Change in holding gains/(losses) in year                                       - 
 
Closing fair value at 31 January 2010                                      6,417 
 
 
 
 
 
Closing cost at 31 January 2010:                                           6,417 
 
 
 
Closing holding gains/(losses) at 31 January 2010:                             - 
 
 
 
Fair value at 31 January                                                   6,417 
 
 
Level 3 valuations include assumptions based on non-observable market data, such 
as  discounts applied either  to reflect impairment  of financial assets held at 
the price of recent investment, or to adjust earnings multiples. The sensitivity 
of these valuations to a reasonable possible change in such assumptions is given 
in note 15. 
 
Further details of the fixed asset investments held by the Company are shown 
within the Investment Manager's Review on pages ? to ?. 
 
Current asset investments 
Level  1 money  market  funds:  Level  1 valuations  are  based on quoted prices 
(unadjusted)  in active  markets for  identical assets  or liabilities. The fair 
value   of   money   market  funds  at  31 January  2010 was   GBP4,091,000  (2009: 
 GBP2,000,000). 
 
At 31 January 2010 there were no commitments in respect of investments approved 
by the Manager but not yet 
completed. 
 
10.        Debtors 
                                  31 January 2010   31 January 2009 
 
                                             GBP'000              GBP'000 
 
 Prepayments and accrued income                86                 1 
 
                                               86                 1 
 
 
11.        Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 
                   31 January 2010   31 January 2009 
 
                              GBP'000              GBP'000 
 
 Accruals                       80                59 
 
 Other creditors                 8                95 
 
                                88               154 
=---------------------------------------------------- 
 
 
 
12.        Share capital 
                                                 31 January 2010 31 January 2009 
 
                                                            GBP'000            GBP'000 
 
Authorised: 
 
50,000,000 Ordinary shares of 10p                          5,000           5,000 
 
Allotted and fully paid up: 
 
11,650,327 (2009:  2,297,666) Ordinary shares of           1,165             230 
10p 
 
The capital of the Company is managed in accordance with its investment policy 
with a view to the achievement of its investment objective as set on page ?. 
The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements. 
 
The Company issued 9,352,661 (2009: 2,297,666) Ordinary shares during the year 
at a price of 100p per share. 
 
 
13.        Reserves 
                                                       Capital 
                                                       reserve 
                                          Special      gains & 
                         Share      distributable    losses on     Revenue 
                       premium            reserve     disposal     reserve Total 
 
                          GBP'000               GBP'000         GBP'000        GBP'000  GBP'000 
 
 As at 1 February        1,941 
             2009                               -          (7)        (77) 1,857 
 
  Issue of equity        7,903                  -            -           - 7,903 
 
  Cancellation of      (9,844) 
    share premium                           9,844            -           -     - 
 
  Management fees            - 
     allocated to 
          capital                               -        (136)           - (136) 
 
Revenue return on            - 
         ordinary 
 activities after 
              tax                               -            -       (198) (198) 
 
Balance as at 31             - 
    January  2010                          9,844*       (143)*      (275)* 9,426 
 
*Available for potential distribution by way of a dividend 
 
All fixed asset investments are designated as fair value through profit or loss 
at the time of acquisition, and all capital gains or losses on investments so 
designated. Given the nature of the Company's venture capital investments, the 
changes in fair value of such investments recognised in these financial 
statements are not considered to be readily convertible to cash in full at the 
balance sheet date and accordingly these gains are treated as holding gains or 
losses. 
 
When the Company revalues the investments still held during the period, any 
gains or losses arising are credited/charged to the Capital reserve - holding 
gains/(losses). 
 
When an investment is sold any balance held on the Capital reserve - holding 
gains/(losses) is transferred to the 
Capital reserve - gains/(losses) on disposal as a movement in reserves. 
 
At 31 January 2010 there were no commitments in respect of investments approved 
by the Manager but not yet completed. 
 
Reserves available for potential distribution by way of a dividend are: 
 
                          GBP'000 
 
 As at 1 February 2009     nil 
 
 Movement in year        9,426 
 
 As at 31 January 2010   9,426 
 
 
14.        Financial instruments and risk management 
The Company's financial instruments comprise equity and fixed interest 
investments, unquoted loans, cash balances and liquid resources including 
debtors and creditors. The Company holds financial assets in accordance with its 
investment policy of investing mainly in a portfolio of VCT-qualifying unquoted 
securities whilst holding a proportion of its assets in cash or near-cash 
investments in order to provide a reserve of liquidity. 
 
Fixed asset investments (see note 10) are valued at fair value. Unquoted 
investments are carried at fair value as determined by the directors in 
accordance with current venture capital industry guidelines. The fair value of 
all other financial assets and liabilities is represented by their carrying 
value in the balance sheet.  The Directors believe that the fair value of the 
assets are held at the period end is equal to their book value. 
 
In carrying on its investment activities, the Company is exposed to various 
types of risk associated with the financial instruments and markets in which it 
invests. The most significant types of financial risk facing the Company are 
price risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. The Company's 
approach to managing these risks is set out below together with a description of 
the nature and amount of the financial instruments held at the balance sheet 
date. 
 
Fair value methods and assumptions 
Where investments are in quoted stocks, fair value is set as market price, 
discounted if appropriate. Unquoted investments are valued in line with IPEVC 
valuation guidelines. 
 
Market risk 
The Company's strategy for managing investment risk is determined with regard to 
the Company's investment objective, as outlined on page ?. The management of 
market risk is part of the investment management process and is a central 
feature of venture capital investment. The Company's portfolio is managed with 
regard to the possible effects of adverse price movements and, with the 
objective of maximising overall returns to shareholders. Investments in unquoted 
companies, by their nature, usually involve a higher degree of risk than 
investments in companies quoted on a recognised stock exchange, though the risk 
can be mitigated to a certain extent by diversifying the portfolio across 
business sectors and asset classes. The overall disposition of the Company's 
assets is regularly monitored by the Board. 
 
Details of the Company's investment portfolio at the balance sheet date are set 
out on pages ? and ?.  An analysis of investments between debt and equity 
instruments is given in note ?. 
 
61.3% (2009: nil) by value of the Company's net assets comprises investments in 
unquoted companies held at fair value.  The valuation methods used by the 
Company include the application of a price/earnings ratio derived from listed 
companies with similar characteristics, and consequently the value of the 
unquoted element of the portfolio can be indirectly affected by price movements 
on the London Stock Exchange. A 10% overall increase in the valuation of the 
unquoted investments at 31 January 2010 would have increased net assets and the 
total return for the period by  GBP641,700 (2009:  GBPnil) an equivalent change in the 
opposite direction would have reduced net assets and the total return for the 
period by the same amount. 
 
38.6% (2009: 95.8%) by value of the Company's net assets comprises of money 
market funds held at fair value.  A 1% overall increase in the valuation of the 
money market funds at 31 January 2010 would have increased net assets and the 
total return for the year by  GBP40,910 (2009:  GBP20,000) an equivalent change in the 
opposite direction would have reduced net assets and the total return for the 
year by the same amount. 
 
Interest rate risk 
At the year end, some of the Company's financial assets are interest-bearing, 
some of which are at variable rates.  As a result, the Company is exposed to 
fair value interest rate risk due to fluctuations in the prevailing levels of 
market interest rates. 
 
Floating rate 
The Company's floating rate investments comprise cash held on interest-bearing 
deposit accounts and, where appropriate, within interest bearing money market 
funds.  The benchmark rate which determines the rate of interest receivable on 
such investments is the bank base rate, which was 0.5% at 31 January 2010 (2009: 
1.5%).  The amounts held in floating rate investments at the balance sheet date 
were as follows: 
                                        31 January 2010   31 January 2009 
                                                                      GBP000 
 
 
 
 Cash on deposit & money market funds             4,176             2,240 
 
 
 
 
A 1% increase in the base rate would increase income receivable from these 
investments and the total return by  GBP41,700 (2009:  GBP22,400), on an annualised 
basis. 
 
Credit risk 
Credit risk is the risk that the counterparty to a financial instrument will 
fail to discharge an obligation or commitment that it has entered into with the 
Company. The Investment Manager and the Board carry out a regular review of 
counterparty risk. The carrying values of financial assets represent the maximum 
credit risk exposure at the balance sheet date. 
 
At 31 January 2010 the Company's financial assets exposed to credit risk 
comprised the following: 
 
                                             31 January 2010   31 January 2009 
 
                                                         GBP000               GBP000 
 
 Investments in floating rate instruments              4,091             2,000 
 
 Cash on deposit                                          85               240 
 
 Investments in fixed rate instruments                 2,306                 - 
 
 Accrued dividends and interest receivable                 3                 - 
 
                                                       6,485             2,240 
 
 
Credit risk relating to listed money market funds is mitigated by investing in a 
portfolio of investment instruments of high credit quality, comprising 
securities issued by the UK Government and major UK companies and institutions. 
Credit risk relating to loans to and preference shares in unquoted companies is 
considered to be part of market risk. 
 
Bankruptcy or insolvency of a custodian could cause the Company's rights with 
respect to securities held by a custodian to be delayed or limited. 
 
Credit risk arising on the sale of investments is considered to be small due to 
the short settlement and the contracted agreements in place with the settlement 
lawyers. 
 
The Company's interest-bearing deposit and current accounts are maintained with 
HSBC PLC and BlackRock. 
 
Liquidity risk 
The Company's holdings in money market funds are considered to be readily 
realisable as they are of high credit quality as outlined above. 
 
The Company's liquidity risk is managed on a continuing basis by the Investment 
Manager in accordance with policies and procedures laid down by the Board. The 
Company's overall liquidity risks are monitored on a quarterly basis by the 
Board. 
 
The Company maintains sufficient investments in cash and readily realisable 
securities to pay accounts payable and accrued expenses.  At 31 January 2010 
these investments were valued at  GBP4,176,000 (2009:  GBP2,240,084). 
 
15.        Post balance sheet events 
The following events occurred between the balance sheet date and the signing of 
these financial statements: 
 · 11 March 2010:  GBP27,000 was invested into Carebase (Col) Limited 
 ·                     22 March 2010:  GBP1,000,000 was invested into Businessco 
Services 3 Limited, a company that seeks to invest in qualifying investments. 
 
16.        Contingencies, guarantees and financial commitments 
There were no contingencies, guarantees or financial commitments as at 31 
January 2010 (2009:  GBPnil). 
 
17.        Related party transactions 
Chris Hulatt, a non-executive director of Octopus Protected VCT 2 plc, is a 
director of Octopus Investments Limited.   Octopus Protected VCT 2 plc has 
employed Octopus Investments throughout the period as Investment Manager. 
Octopus Protected VCT 2 plc has paid Octopus  GBP181,000 (2009:  GBP9,000) in the 
period as a management fee and there is  GBPnil outstanding at the balance sheet 
date. 
 
The management fee is payable quarterly in advance and is based on 2.0% of the 
net asset value calculated at annual intervals as at 31 January.  Octopus 
Investments Limited provides accounting and administrative services to the 
Company, payable quarterly in advance for a fee of 0.3% of the net asset value 
calculated at annual intervals as at 31 January. 
 
In addition, Octopus Investments also provides secretarial services for an 
additional fee of  GBP10,000 per annum.  During the year  GBP13,625 (2009:  GBP2,000) was 
paid to Octopus Investments Limited and there is  GBPnil outstanding at the balance 
sheet date. 
 
No performance related incentive fee will be payable over the first five years. 
Thereafter, Octopus Investments will be entitled to an annual performance 
related incentive fee. This performance fee is equal to 20% of the amount by 
which the NAV from the start of the sixth accounting and subsequent accounting 
period exceeds simple interest of the HSBC Bank plc base rate for the same 
period. The NAV at the start of the sixth accounting period must be at least 
100p. Any distributions paid out by the Fund will be added back when calculating 
this performance fee. 
 
 
 
[HUG#1417160] 
 

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