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SGF SGT German Private Equity GmbH & Co KGaA

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Share Name Share Symbol Market Type
SGT German Private Equity GmbH & Co KGaA TG:SGF Tradegate Ordinary Share
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 0.00 -

Final Results

23/01/2004 12:32pm

UK Regulatory


RNS Number:5708U
Singer & Friedlander AIM VCT PLC
23 January 2004


Singer & Friedlander AIM VCT plc


Performance Summary

Total Net Assets of #5,865,315 (2002: #5,182,513)

Net dividends of nil for the year (2002: #nil)

Dividend return per ordinary share nil (2002: nil)

Total dividends to date: 32.4p


Chairman's Statement


I am pleased to report on the first period for some time for which we have
witnessed a sustained recovery in markets including the Alternative Investment
Market (AIM). During the second half of our year the AIM Index increased by
38.5% and over the year as a whole by 24.2%. Your Net Asset Value (NAV)
appreciated by 24.5% in the second 6 months and by 13.1% for the full year. Our
NAV performance did not match the sharp recovery in the AIM index primarily due
to the heavy exposure to cash and fixed interest investments (32.5%) and to a
lesser extent unquoted investments (5.6%). The portfolio of listed investments
rose by 49.3% during the second half year and by 27.5% over the full year. Our
unquoted portfolio exhibited a steady performance.

The investment climate is much improved since I last reported to you and
confidence in economic recovery has increased. Company results and newsflow have
improved over the last few months adding weight to the argument that conditions
are improving. Markets still remain significantly below their historic highs
and, in particular, and in spite of the recent strong rally, the AIM Index
remains some 74% below the high reached during March 2000. As a result of the
above factors your Board is confident that significant further recovery
potential exists and I hope to be able to report on continued progress over the
next year.

The Trust has complied with the Combined Code during the last financial year but
will not comply with the new recommendations for the current year. This failure
to comply is largely as a result of the small size of the Board, which the
Directors believe is appropriate for a Company of our size and type and is in
keeping with a desire to minimise unnecessary costs. Further details regarding
this subject appear in the Corporate Governance statement. In similar vein the
Board has sought to reduce the costs of the Company and has had success in
achieving reductions in Board costs, audit and monitoring fees and
administration expenses. Much of the benefit of these savings will only be
apparent in the current and future years. Shareholders should also be aware that
due to the enforcement of the expense cap limiting the costs of the fund the
investment manager, Singer & Friedlander, has not received a fee for management
services.

Following his retirement from the Board at the last AGM, I would like to take
this opportunity to thank my predecessor Roger Pedder for his sound advice and
guidance in the formative years of the Trust.

Having received shareholder approval at the last AGM the Trust applied for Court
approval for the ability to repurchase shares for cancellation. This exercise is
designed to improve liquidity in the Company's shares as a service to
shareholders. Court approval was received on the 10th December 2003.


The Directors are not proposing to pay a dividend this year but I would like to
reaffirm the Board's commitment to pay dividends from capital surpluses as and
when these are available. This is becoming a more realistic possibility now that
markets are recovering. Dividends totalling 32.4p have been paid to date.


J. Carrington
Chairman


Manager's Report


It is gratifying at long last to see a recovery in markets during the period.
Our portfolio has benefited from the rising AIM although many shares have not
yet responded to any great degree but we hope and believe that this will occur
over the next reporting period.

Our portfolio now comprises 27 "qualifying investments" which we believe gives a
diversified exposure to most industrial sectors. As the market continues to
recover I would anticipate more activity within the portfolio as we take
advantage of share price advances with appropriate sales and look to reinvest in
new investment opportunities. Over the last year we have taken profits in Aero
Inventory and Connaught whilst retaining significant exposure to these companies
which we continue to think have good prospects. We have used the proceeds to add
to holdings of Maelor and Motion Media whilst also introducing a new investment
in Cardpoint which manages a network of cash machines. All of these recent
additions stand at a profit over cost particularly so in the case of Motion
Media where we acquired the new shares at 3.5p and at our year end they stood at
12p.

In general and in fundamental terms most of our investments have performed in
line with expectations over the last year and several companies have achieved
profitability demonstrating the growing maturity of the Trust's investment
portfolio.



A.N. Banks
Singer & Friedlander Investment Management Limited


Investment Portfolio Summary 

                                                                                                                        
  AIM Quoted Companies   Sector               Nature of                Cost at     Valuation  Percentage     Percentage
                                              business            acquisition            at           of     of company
                                                                                       30th    portfolio     managed by
                                                                                  September                  Investment
                                                                                       2003                     Manager 
                                                                            #             #             %             % 

  Access Plus            Media &              Print related           348,500       129,625          2.21          5.31 
                         photography          marketing                                                                 
                                              services                                                                  

  Aero Inventory         Distributors         Distribution of         119,153       422,179          7.20         10.44 
                                              aircraft                                                                  
                                              components                                                                

  Blooms of              General retailers    Garden centres          517,434       164,943          2.81          8.01 
  Bressingham                                                                                                           

  Cardpoint              Speciality & other   Independent ATM          27,565        41,087          0.70          4.32 
                         finance              deployer                                                                  

  Connaught              Support services     Facilities              150,000       256,875          4.38          0.82 
                                              management                                                                

  Hartford Group         Leisure              Restaurant and          100,000        65,250          1.11          1.07 
                         entertainment &      bar operator                                                              
                         hotel                                                                                          
  Intelligent            Software &           Web solutions           679,230       338,273          5.77         13.01 
  Environment            computer services                                                                              

  Maelor                 Health               Pharmaceutical          200,157       113,292          1.93          1.00 
                                              and medical                                                               
                                              devices                                                                   

  Myratech.net           Software &           Solutions               468,000        12,150          0.21          1.27 
                         computer services    provider and                                                              
                                              web enabler                                                               

  Pennant                Software &           Simulation              218,446        20,378          0.35          0.44 
  International Group    computer services    training                                                                  

  Protec                 Support services     Security                133,936       240,283          4.10          2.25 
                                              equipment &                                                               
                                              management                                                                

  Pubs 'n' Bars          Leisure              Managed pubs            418,942       386,358          6.59          7.87 
                         entertainment &                                                                                
                         hotel                                                                                          

  SamedayBooks.co.uk     General retailers    On-line book            237,501        24,470          0.42          1.84 
                                              retailer                                                                  

  Springhealth Leisure   Leisure              Health &                344,250        51,638          0.88          3.40 
                         entertainment &      fitness clubs                                                             
                         hotel                                                                                          

  Systems Union Group    Software &           Financial               292,500       214,875          3.66          0.46 
                         computer services    management and                                                            
                                              business                                                                  
                                              software                                                                  
                                              solutions                                                                 

  Thomson Intermedia     Support services     Media                   299,250        76,950          1.31          1.99 
                                              monitoring                                                                
                                              company                                                                   

  Transcomm              Telecommunication    Vehicle                 292,932       139,808          2.38          2.50 
                         services             tracking and                                                              
                                              monitoring                                                                

  Vianet Group           Information          Remote                  530,285        51,354          0.87         10.40 
                         technology &         monitoring of                                                             
                         hardware             equipment                                                                 

  Winchester             Media &              Film developer          219,774        52,121          0.89          1.65 
  Entertainment          photography                                                                                    

  Xpertise               Support services     I.T. training           615,000       112,979          1.93         19.40 
                                              company                                                                   
                                                                    6,212,855     2,914,888         49.70               


All investments are in ordinary shares 
 

                                                                                                                        
  Fully Listed     Sector            Nature of                    Cost at   Valuation at    Percentage     Percentage of
  Companies                          business                acquisition                  of portfolio           company
                                                                                   30th                       managed by
                                                                              September                       Investment
                                                                                   2003                          Manager
                                                                       #              #               %               % 

  IS Solutions     Software &        Web/IT management           380,000         22,500            0.38            0.81 
                   computer          services                                                                           
                   services                                                                                             

  Motion Media     Information       Video                       350,375        198,129            3.38            1.03 
                   technology &      communication                                                                      
                   hardware          technology                                                                         
                                     provider                                                                           

  XKO Group        Software &        e-Business                  300,000        176,250            3.00            0.89 
                   computer          solutions                                                                          
                   services                                                                                             
                                                               1,030,375        396,879            6.76                 

All investments are in ordinary shares  

                                                                                                                        
  OFEX Quoted        Sector    Nature of                      Cost at   Valuation at      Percentage       Percentage of
  Companies                    business                  acquisition    30th September   of portfolio    company managed
                                                                                                           by Investment
                                                                                 2003                           Manager 
                                                                   #                #               %                 % 

  Aquilo             Health    Accident                      391,550           98,011            1.67             11.34 
                               management                                                                               
                               services                                                                                 
                                                             391,550           98,011            1.67                   

All investments are in ordinary shares  

                                                                                                                        
  Private Companies    Sector          Nature of                  Cost at   Valuation at   Percentage of   Percentage of
                                       business              acquisition            30th      portfolio          company
                                                                               September                      managed by
                                                                                   2003                       Investment
                                                                                                                Manager 
                                                                       #              #               %               % 

  Flexbenefits*        Software &      Employee                  327,000         65,000            1.11            9.78 
                       computer        benefits and                                                                     
                       services        financial                                                                        
                                       services                                                                         

  Sportsweb Ltd        Support         Health &                  200,000        240,120            4.09           11.36 
                       services        leisure                                                                          
                                       recruitment                                                                      

  Wineworld            Beverages       World of wine             340,908         25,000            0.43            0.96 
                                       leisure                                                                          
                                       attraction                                                                       
                                                                 867,908        330,120            5.63                 

All investments are in ordinary shares 
 
  
                                                                                                                        
  Fixed Income         Sector            Nature of                  Cost at   Valuation at     Percentage     Percentage
  Investments and                        business              acquisition            30th  of portfolio      of company
  other                                                                          September                    managed by
  Non-qualifying                                                                     2003                     Investment
  investments                                                                                                   Manager 
                                                                         #              #              %              % 
  Debentures and                                                                                                        
  loan stocks                                                                                                           
  Barclays Bank 6.5%                                                                                                    
  BDS                                                                                                                   
  2004                                                             357,355        353,185           6.02           0.53 

  UK Government                                                                                                         
  loans                                                                                                                 
  Treasury 5% stock                                              1,388,100      1,413,020          24.09           0.60 
  2004                                                                                                                  

  Other Non                                                                                                             
  qualifying                                                                                                            
  Investments                                                                                                           
  Aquilo**             Health            Accident                   21,813          4,985           0.08          11.34 
                                         management                                                                     
                                         services                                                                       

  Aquilo Loan                                                       25,000         25,000           0.43          50.00 
  Notes**                                                                                                               

  Aero Inventory       Distributors      Distribution of            39,840        108,485           1.85          10.44 
                                         aircraft                                                                       
                                         components                                                                     
  Blooms of            General           Garden center              47,492         41,500           0.71           8.01 
  Bressingham          retailers                                                                                        

  Blooms of                                                                                                             
  Bressingham                                                                                                           

  Loan Notes**                                                       2,508          1,900           0.03          23.95 

  Hartford Group**     Leisure           Restaurant & bar          372,250         34,104           0.58           1.07 
                       entertainment &   operator                                                                       
                       hotel                                                                                            
                                                                 2,254,358      1,982,179          33.79                

  Investments held                                                                                                      
  at nil valuation                                                                                                      

  Affinity Internet    Software &        Internet Service          239,240              -              -              - 
                       computer          Provider                                                                       
                       services                                                                                         

  ASAP International   Support           Consultancy,              500,000              -              -              - 
                       services          recruitment &                                                                  
                                         training                                                                       

  Firmgrowth (ITM      Software &        Student careers           293,600              -              -                
  Communications)      computer          directory and                                                                  
                       services          internet portal                                                                

  Global Money         Speciality &      Money transfer            250,000              -              -              - 
  Transfer             other finance     service                                                                        

  Monotub Industries   Household goods   Washing machine           237,425              -              -              - 
                       & textiles        manufacturer                                                                   

  Old Monk             Leisure           Managed pubs              150,000              -              -              - 
                       entertainment &                                                                                  
                       hotel                                                                                            

  Quadranet            Software &        EPOS and                  463,994              -              -              - 
                       computer          reservation                                                                    
                       services          system provider                                                                
                                         for restaurants                                                                

  Stenoak Associates   Construction &    Services to the           615,000              -              -              - 
                       building          infrastructure                                                                 
                       materials         industry                                                                       

  Topnotch Health      Leisure           Health and                403,406              -              -              - 
  Club                 entertainment &   fitness clubs                                                                  
                       hotel                                                                                            

  Travelstore.com      Transport         On-line travel            100,000              -              -              - 
                                         company                                                                        
                                                                 3,252,665              -              -              - 
 

                                                                                                                        
  Summary                              Cost at acquisition        Valuation at 30th September   Percentage of portfolio 
                                                                                        2003                            
                                                         #                                 #                          % 

  Total Qualifying Portfolio                     8,502,688                         3,739,898                      63.77 
  Fixed Interest/Non Qualifying                  2,254,358                         1,982,179                      33.79 
  Portfolio                                                                                                             
  Investments held at nil valuation              3,252,665                                 -                          - 
  Sub Total                                     14,009,711                         5,722,077                      97.56 
  Net Current Assets                                                                 143,238                       2.44 
  Total                                         14,009,711                         5,865,315                     100.00 

*    Changed name from Eurobenefits. 
**   Qualifying holdings must be first issued to the VCT and not purchased at a 
     later date in the secondary market. These holdings represent additional 
     purchases in the secondary market where the Investment Manager has made the 
     decision to increase the overall holding in these stocks. 

Table of largest ten investments by value. 

                                                                                                                        
  Name of undertaking        Percentage of     Percentage held   Profit/Loss before     Retained profit/       Net asset
                                Portfolio          by company                  tax     accumulated loss           value 
                                        %                   %               #000's               #000's          #000's 

  Treasury 5% Stock                  24.08                0.02                   -                    -               - 
  2004                                                                                                                  

  Aero Inventory                      7.20                1.09                2,815                2,308          18,106
  Pubs 'n' Bars                       6.59                4.34                1,254                1,820          13,496
  Barclays Bank 6.5%                  6.02                0.07                    -                    -               -
  BDS 2004                                                                                                              
  Intelligent                         5.77                2.92              (2,874)             (22,103)              96
  Environment                                                                                                           
  Connaught                           4.38                0.40                3,126                5,862          29,821
  Protec                              4.10                1.17                   12              (1,593)           7,474
  Sportsweb                           4.09                6.20                  160                 (35)             542
  Systems Union                       3.66                0.22                4,316               14,328          80,924
  Motion Media                        3.38                0.78              (6,849)             (20,105)           6,592


The aggregate value of these top ten holdings is #4,063,297.

All figures are taken from the most recently available audited accounts of the 
underlying entity. 

*    All the above fixed interest investments are AAA rated with the exception of 
     Barclays 2004, which remains AA2. 

                                                                                                                        
  Sector analysis                      Cost at acquisition        Valuation at 30th September   Percentage of portfolio 
                                                                                        2003                            
                                                         #                                 #                          % 

  Beverages                                         340,908                            25,000                       0.43
  Construction & building materials                 615,000                                 -                          -
  Distributors                                      158,993                           530,664                       9.05
  General retailers                                 804,935                           232,813                       3.97
  Health                                            638,520                           241,288                       4.11
  Household goods & textiles                        237,425                                 -                          -
  Information technology & hardware                 880,660                           290,570                       4.95
  Leisure entertainment & hotel                   1,788,848                           537,350                       9.16
  Media & photography                               568,274                           181,746                       3.10
  Software & computer services                    3,662,010                           849,426                      14.48
  Speciality & other finance                        277,565                                 -                          -
  Support services                                1,898,186                           927,207                      15.83
  Telecommunication services                        292,932                           139,808                       2.38
  Transport                                         100,000                                 -                          -
  Fixed interest investments                      1,745,455                         1,766,205                      30.10
                                                 14,009,711                         5,722,077                      97.56
  Net current assets                                                                  143,238                       2.44
  Total                                          14,009,711                         5,865,315                     100.00

               

                                                                              
  Access Plus                             Access Plus is a Bristol based      
                                          provider of print related marketing 
                                          services and products. The company  
                                          was admitted to AIM in November     
                                          1996 and has demonstrated a         
                                          consistent record of growth since   
                                          that time. The company has recently 
                                          completed a merger with AIM listed  
                                          competitor Triple Arc.              

  Aquilo (formerly Accidentcare)          Aquilo has been formed from the     
                                          merger of Ecom Group and            
                                          Accidentcare. Accidentcare provides 
                                          a wide range of motor accident      
                                          management related services to      
                                          individuals via brokers, affinity   
                                          groups and insurers. It also        
                                          provides outsource claims           
                                          management services to insurers and 
                                          corporates. Ecom specialises in     
                                          providing smart IT solutions to the 
                                          financial services sector. Its      
                                          services include academic research  
                                          and development, consultancy,       
                                          project management and systems      
                                          design/build.                       

  Aero Inventory                          Aero Inventory is primarily engaged 
                                          in procurement and inventory        
                                          management for the aerospace        
                                          industry. The company has           
                                          consistently won new business since 
                                          its admission to AIM and has        
                                          recently signed a contract with SR  
                                          Technic. Results to June 2003       
                                          showed profits up 74% and a         
                                          dividend increase of 23%. The       
                                          aerospace industry continues to     
                                          focus on costs and improving        
                                          efficiency, which should lead to a  
                                          continuation of new business wins.  

  Blooms of Bressingham                   Following the disposal of its       
                                          smaller sites Blooms now operates 7 
                                          retail garden centres. It also has  
                                          one greenfield site awaiting        
                                          development. Blooms is active in    
                                          the development of new plant        
                                          varieties, having won a total of 24 
                                          gold medals at Chelsea. The company 
                                          received a bid approach earlier     
                                          this year although acceptable terms 
                                          could not be negotiated.            

  Cardpoint                               Cardpoint is an independent owner   
                                          and operator of over 1700 ATMs in   
                                          the UK. The company makes a modest  
                                          charge for cash withdrawals with    
                                          the customer's permission. The      
                                          group is a member of LINK and its   
                                          machines are located in areas not   
                                          typically served by the banks.      

  Connaught                               Connaught is a facilities           
                                          management group providing a range  
                                          of services to the owners and       
                                          occupiers of property across        
                                          mainland UK. The services include   
                                          maintenance, fit-out, refurbishment 
                                          and cleaning. In addition,          
                                          following last year's acquisition   
                                          of GasForce it is the UK's largest  
                                          industrial and commercial gas       
                                          appliance maintenance specialist.   
                                          The company's order book has        
                                          continued to grow over the last     
                                          year.                               

  Flexbenefits (formerly Eurobenefits)    Flexbenefits has developed a system 
                                          for the management, delivery and    
                                          communication of employee benefits  
                                          and financial services information  
                                          in the UK and Europe. These         
                                          services enable employers to reduce 
                                          costs and improve employee          
                                          communication and understanding.    
                                          Following the sale of UK rights to  
                                          the product to Aegon the company    
                                          has carried out a share buyback,    
                                          which should enhance shareholder    
                                          value going forward. The shares are 
                                          valued on the basis of a discount   
                                          to guaranteed future revenues.      

  Hartford Group                          Hartford operates a portfolio of    
                                          restaurants and style-led bars      
                                          within London and the Home          
                                          Counties. The acquisition of        
                                          competitor Jamies Bars which had 17 
                                          London based properties has enabled 
                                          the company to move into            
                                          profitability following the         
                                          elimination of duplicated overhead  
                                          and other economies of scale.       

  Intelligent Environments                Intelligent Environments is a       
                                          leading provider of integrated      
                                          e-finance products for the payment  
                                          card and retail investment markets  
                                          and has an excellent list of 'blue  
                                          chip' clients. Market conditions    
                                          have recently begun to improve and  
                                          the company reported its first      
                                          profit with its last results.       

  IS Solutions                            IS Solutions deliver web services   
                                          and projects and IT facilities      
                                          management services. The company    
                                          has a 'blue chip' customer base     
                                          including Marks & Spencer, Toshiba, 
                                          the NHS and the London Stock        
                                          Exchange. The markets in which the  
                                          company operates have continued to  
                                          be difficult during the last year   
                                          although some improvement is        
                                          expected next year. The company     
                                          continues to be debt free and cash  
                                          generative.                         

  Maelor                                  Maelor is a medical company         
                                          developing healthcare products in   
                                          niche areas, utilising novel        
                                          technology that will improve        
                                          infusion of fluids and off-patent   
                                          medicines. The company also         
                                          produces medical products and       
                                          devices with innovative delivery    
                                          systems thereby offering            
                                          significant advantages over current 
                                          products. The company is beginning  
                                          to see the development of           
                                          substantial revenues as its         
                                          products come to markets in the UK  
                                          and overseas.                       

  Motion Media                            Motion Media is a world leader in   
                                          the design and development of       
                                          visual communications technology    
                                          and products, providing innovative  
                                          and practical solutions for         
                                          business, healthcare, security and  
                                          the home. The company provides a    
                                          full range of affordable,           
                                          easy-to-use products with           
                                          outstanding video and audio         
                                          quality. The company hopes to       
                                          announce significant orders for its 
                                          new products in the coming year.    

  Myratech.net                            Myratech is now focussed on the     
                                          established market of IT products   
                                          and services and is a Sage software 
                                          value added re-seller (VAR).        
                                          Current trading remains difficult   
                                          but the company has further reduced 
                                          costs and believes profitability    
                                          and cash generation are achievable. 

  Pennant International Group             Pennant designs, develops,          
                                          produces, installs and supports     
                                          simulation and training products    
                                          for specialist engineering          
                                          applications. The principal markets 
                                          for its products are in the defence 
                                          and aerospace industries. The       
                                          company recently announced a return 
                                          to profits and enjoys a significant 
                                          and growing order book.             

  Protec                                  The group's activities incorporate  
                                          SDA which designs, supplies,        
                                          installs and maintains integrated   
                                          security systems. Additionally      
                                          Security Support Services (SSS)     
                                          specialises in the provision of     
                                          facilities management services and  
                                          Falcon develops bespoke security    
                                          products and surveillance systems.  
                                          The company has recently received   
                                          an investment from a major property 
                                          investor which it is anticipated    
                                          will result in Protec being able to 
                                          invest in attractive PFI projects   
                                          using its security expertise.       

  Pubs 'n' Bars                           Pubs 'n' Bars is a chain of         
                                          community style pubs primarily in   
                                          the London area but also with       
                                          several units in the West Country.  
                                          The company has over 60 pubs most   
                                          of which are managed although some  
                                          are tenanted. The management's      
                                          strategy and skill lies in adding   
                                          value with the development of       
                                          unutilised space through the        
                                          introduction of food, accommodation 
                                          and improvement of operational      
                                          management. Recent trading has been 
                                          satisfactory compared to many of    
                                          their peers and plans to take on    
                                          the management of another pub chain 
                                          are being discussed.                

  Samedaybooks.co.uk                      Samedaybooks has a combined         
                                          internet and High Street approach   
                                          to retailing books. Interim results 
                                          to March 2003 showed good growth in 
                                          turnover and profit. The company is 
                                          optimistic about the outcome for    
                                          the full year but continues to      
                                          consider its strategic options.     

  Sportsweb Ltd                           Sportsweb is a specialist           
                                          recruitment consultancy to the      
                                          fitness and leisure industries. The 
                                          company has an established          
                                          traditional recruitment business    
                                          and has extended this to the        
                                          internet. Sportsweb has several     
                                          major clients who are actively      
                                          using the website to successfully   
                                          recruit staff achieving significant 
                                          benefits over traditional methods.  
                                          The company is trading profitably   
                                          and will seek a listing or trade    
                                          sale in due course. The shares are  
                                          valued at the same level as the     
                                          last funding round carried out in   
                                          March 2001 but with reference to    
                                          budgeted profitability compared to  
                                          a peer group for its current        
                                          financial year.                     

  Springhealth Leisure                    Springhealth is a health and        
                                          fitness club operator, which owns   
                                          14 clubs in the UK. The management  
                                          team's strategy is to maximise      
                                          performance from its existing clubs 
                                          and taking the opportunity to       
                                          reduce debt with the sale of        
                                          certain non-core clubs if           
                                          opportunities arise. The last set   
                                          of results saw an improvement in    
                                          operating results.                  

  Systems Union Group                     Systems Union is a leading          
                                          international financial management  
                                          and business software solutions     
                                          provider which owns the SunSystems  
                                          and Pegasus brands. The company has 
                                          undergone considerable change since 
                                          flotation on AIM in 1999. The group 
                                          continues to generate healthy       
                                          cashflows and profitability and is  
                                          in a position to pay a dividend     
                                          this year.                          

  Thomson Intermedia                      Thomson provides media monitoring   
                                          services, accessed by or delivered  
                                          to subscribers via the internet. By 
                                          superseding paper based information 
                                          systems with its proprietary        
                                          software and delivery over the web, 
                                          Thomson enables subscribers to      
                                          enjoy more up-to-date and timely    
                                          information than traditional        
                                          methods allow. The customer can     
                                          also analyse, search and manipulate 
                                          the data provided and as such it is 
                                          far more useful. Recent interim     
                                          results showed further strong       
                                          growth in turnover and orders and a 
                                          close to break even position. The   
                                          company expects to be profitable in 
                                          the second half and beyond.         

  Transcomm                               Transcomm is a wireless data        
                                          network business and owns the       
                                          Mobitex network. Interim results to 
                                          June 2003 showed a continuation of  
                                          earnings growth together with       
                                          further cash generation and the     
                                          elimination of debt. The company    
                                          recently announced a takeover       
                                          approach which the Board is         
                                          considering.                        

  Vianet Group                            Vianet is a provider of             
                                          telemetry-based solutions for       
                                          maintaining and supplying automatic 
                                          vending machines. The company       
                                          offers the machine operators and    
                                          brand owners a data management      
                                          service to improve machine usage    
                                          and profitability. The product has  
                                          been trialled by several customers  
                                          and rollouts are ongoing, the       
                                          company has recently entered into   
                                          an agreement with Alcatel who will  
                                          market the product significantly    
                                          aiding credibility.                 

  Winchester Entertainment                Winchester has been building and    
                                          exploiting an international         
                                          portfolio of commercial             
                                          entertainment based intellectual    
                                          properties. The company now focuses 
                                          on feature film production and UK   
                                          film distribution. The company has  
                                          suffered from the downturn in the   
                                          industry and is currently in        
                                          discussions with a similar business 
                                          regarding a merger.                 

  Wineworld London plc                    Wineworld has created a visitor     
                                          attraction dedicated to the world   
                                          of wine. The operation called       
                                          Vinopolis City of Wine is based in  
                                          Southwark on the South Bank of the  
                                          Thames. The attraction consists of  
                                          an audio/visual tour of the world's 
                                          wine regions together with wine     
                                          tasting halls. In addition the      
                                          company earns revenues from its     
                                          restaurants, wine bars and retail   
                                          facilities as well as corporate     
                                          hospitality. The company is now     
                                          generating cash from operations and 
                                          expects to be profitable this year. 
                                          The shares are valued at the level  
                                          of the last funding round carried   
                                          out in July 2002 supported by a     
                                          reference to the company's          
                                          estimated current net asset value.  

  XKO Group                               XKO offers an end to end IT service 
                                          to mid-range corporates and SMEs.   
                                          The group has an increasing         
                                          installed base of systems producing 
                                          recurring revenues. In spite of     
                                          difficult market conditions the     
                                          company has grown in a profitable   
                                          and cash generative manner. Several 
                                          strategic and earnings enhancing    
                                          acquisitions have been made and the 
                                          recent final dividend was increased 
                                          by 40%.                             

  Xpertise Group                          Xpertise is a leader in providing   
                                          accredited technical IT training to 
                                          business customers from centres in  
                                          the North West, the North East, the 
                                          Midlands and London. The company    
                                          has suffered along with its         
                                          competitors from poor market        
                                          conditions but following the        
                                          acquisition of Power Education      
                                          earlier this year further           
                                          consolidation is likely which       
                                          should enable the company to be     
                                          profitable next year.               

Financial Statements 

                                                                                                               
Profit and Loss Account                                 Notes           Year Ended        Year Ended 
                                                                    30th September    30th September 
                                                                              2003              2002 
                                                                                 #                 # 

Revenue received on investments                            2               137,199           156,445
Administrative expenses:                                                                            
Investment management fees                                 3                     -          (72,993)
Other expenses                                             4             (196,248)         (213,181)
                                                                         (196,248)         (286,174)
Net expense                                                               (59,049)         (129,729)
Income from fixed asset investments                                                                 
Gains on disposal of investments                           8                57,997           141,285
(Loss)/profit on ordinary activities before taxation                       (1,052)            11,556
Tax on ordinary activities                                 6                     -             8,048
(Loss)/profit on ordinary activities after taxation                        (1,052)            19,604
Dividends - Revenue                                                              -                 -
          - Capital                                                              -                 -
(Sustained loss)/retained profit                                           (1,052)            19,604
Transfer to capital reserve                               13              (57,997)          (86,540)
Sustained loss for the financial year                                     (59,049)          (66,936)
Basic and Diluted earnings per share                       7               (0.01)p             0.12p
 

                                                                                                             
Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses                       Year Ended        Year Ended 
                                                                 30th September    30th September 
                                                                           2003              2002 
                                                                              #                 # 

(Loss)/profit for the year                                              (1,052)            19,604
Unrealised gains/(losses) on revaluation of investments   8             683,854       (3,013,484)
Total recognised gains/(losses) during the year                         682,802       (2,993,880)
Total recognised gain/(loss) per share                                    4.14p          (18.16)p
 

                                                                                                                 
Note of Historical Cost Profits and Losses                                 Year Ended        Year Ended 
                                                                       30th September    30th September 
                                                                                 2003              2002 
                                                                                    #                 # 

(Loss)/profit for the year                                                    (1,052)            11,556
Add: realisation of unrealised gains in previous years         13             131,176             5,887
Historical cost profit before taxation                                        130,124            17,443
Historical cost profit retained after taxation and dividends                  130,124            25,491


All returns are derived from continuing operations.

Balance Sheet 

                                                                                                            
                                                    Notes              As at             As at  
                                                              30th September    30th September 
                                                                        2003              2002 
                                                                           #                 # 
Fixed Assets                                                                                  
Investments                                          8             5,722,077         5,152,769
Current Assets                                                                                
Debtors                                              9                56,781            55,858
Cash at bank and in hand                            16               146,866            40,400
                                                                     203,647            96,258
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year      10              (60,409)          (66,514)
Net current assets                                                   143,238            29,744
Net assets                                                        5,865,315         5,182,513 
Capital and reserves                                                                          
Called-up share capital                             12               824,500           824,500
Share premium account                               13            14,544,974        14,544,974
Special reserve                                     13                     -           296,026
Capital reserve - realised                          13           (1,256,523)       (1,445,696)
Capital reserve - unrealised                        13           (8,287,634)       (8,840,312)
Revenue reserve                                     13                39,998         (196,979)
Equity shareholders' funds                          17            5,865,315         5,182,513 
Net asset value per ordinary share                  14               35.57p            31.43p 
 

Cash Flow Statement 

                                                                                                 
                                                      Notes         2003        2002 
                                                                       #           #
Operating activities                                                                
Investment income received                                       133,336     160,077
Deposit interest received                                          4,206       4,197
Other income received                                              2,500         362
Investment management fees paid                                 (21,100)   (104,723)
Other expenses paid                                            (185,019)   (241,018)
Net cash outflow                                       15       (66,077)   (181,105)
Taxation                                                                            
UK corporation tax received                                            -     106,080
Net cash inflow                                                        -     106,080
Capital expenditure and financial investment                                        
Purchase of investments                                 8      (132,829)   (671,795)
Disposals of investments                                8        305,372     718,328
Net cash inflow                                                  172,543      46,533
Net cash inflow/(outflow) before liquid resources                106,466    (28,492)
Management of liquid resources                                                      
Movement in money market                               16       (92,321)      25,429
Increase/(Decrease) in cash                            16        14,145     (3,063) 



Notes to the Financial Statements
     

1    Accounting policies

     A summary of the principal accounting policies, all of which have been
     applied consistently throughout the period, is set out below (2002: same).
         
     a.   Investment Company Status

          In order to enable the Company to make a capital distribution, the 
          Company has revoked its Investment Company status and is accordingly 
          unable to take advantage of the accounting exemptions that the status 
          permits. The results of the Company set out on pages 24 to 26 have 
          been prepared in accordance with Schedule IV of the Companies Act 
          1985. Reference to revenue and capital in the notes to these financial 
          statements reflect the basis upon which taxation is calculated and the 
          treatment applied in determining the amount available for revenue 
          dividend distribution.
          
     b.   Basis of accounting

          The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost
          convention, modified to include the revaluation of fixed asset 
          investments, and in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards in 
          the United Kingdom.

     c.   Investments

          Listed investments and investments traded on AIM and OFEX are stated 
          at middle market prices as at close of business on 30th September 
          2003. The directors are conscious of the fact that because shares are 
          traded on AIM and OFEX this does not guarantee their liquidity. The 
          nature of AIM and OFEX investments is that the prices can be volatile 
          and realisation may not achieve current book value, especially when 
          such shares represent a significant proportion of the company's market 
          capital. Nevertheless, on the grounds that the investments are not 
          intended for immediate realisation, they regard mid-market price as 
          the most objective and appropriate method of valuation. Unquoted 
          investments are stated at the Directors' valuation. Investments in 
          unquoted companies are valued in accordance with the British Venture 
          Capital Association ("BVCA") guidelines, where appropriate. New BVCA
          guidelines came into effect from 1 August 2003 and these have been 
          adopted in the current year accounts.

          Where the trading in the securities of an investee company is 
          suspended, the investment is valued at the Board's estimate of its net 
          realisable value.

          
     d.   Revenue

          Dividends receivable on quoted equity shares are brought into account 
          on the ex-dividend date. Dividends receivable on unquoted equity 
          shares are brought into account when the Company's rights to receive 
          payment is established and there is no reasonable doubt that payment 
          will be received. Fixed returns on non-equity shares and debt 
          securities are recognised on a time apportionment basis so as to 
          reflect the effective yield, provided there is no reasonable doubt 
          that payment will be received in due course.
          
     e.   Expenses

          All expenses are accounted on an accruals basis. Expenses are charged
          through the revenue account except as follows:
                              
          *    expenses which are incidental to the acquisition of an investment 
               are included within the cost of the investment;

          *    expenses which are incidental to the disposal of an investment 
               are deducted from the disposal proceeds on an investment.
               
          *    expenses are charged to capital reserve - realised, where a 
               connection with the maintenance or enhancement of the value of 
               the investments can be demonstrated. In this respect the 
               investment management fee has been allocated 75% to capital 
               reserve and 25% to revenue account, in line with the Board's 
               expected long-term split of returns, in the form of capital gains 
               and income respectively, from the investment portfolio of the 
               Company.

     f    Taxation

          Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that 
          have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date where 
          transactions or events that result in an obligation to pay more tax in 
          the future have occurred at the balance sheet date. Timing differences 
          are differences between the Company's taxable profits and its results 
          as stated in the financial statements.

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

          Any tax relief obtained in respect of management fees allocated to 
          capital is reflected in the "Capital reserve - realised" and a 
          corresponding amount is charged against revenue. The tax relief is the 
          amount by which the corporation tax payable is reduced as a result of 
          these capital expenses.

          Deferred tax assets are recognised where it is more likely than not 
          there will be sufficient profits to recover against.
     
     g    Capital Reserve

          Realised

          The following are accounted for in this reserve:
                            
          *    Gains and losses on realisation of investments;
               
          *    Expenses and finance costs, together with the related tax effect 
               to this reserve in accordance with the policies; and

          *    Realised gains and losses on transactions undertaken to hedge an 
               exposure of a capital nature.
          
          Unrealised

          The following are accounted for in this reserve:

          *    Increases and decreases in the valuation of investments held at 
               the period end;

          *    Unrealised gains and losses on transactions undertaken to hedge 
               an exposure of a capital nature
          
2    Dividend

     The Directors are not proposing to pay a dividend for the year ended 30th
     September 2003 (2002: #nil).

3    Earnings per share

     Basic earnings per ordinary share is based on the loss on ordinary
     activities after taxation of #1,052 (2002: profit #19,604) divided by
     16,490,000 (2002: 16,490,000) being the weighted average number of ordinary
     shares in issue during the year

     There is no difference between basic earnings per share and diluted 
     earnings per share due to no dilutive shares in issue.

4    Annual General Meeting

     The Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at 21 New Street,
     Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4HR on Tuesday 2nd March 2004 at 11.30 am.

5    Statutory Report and Accounts

     The financial information set out above does not constitute the Company's
     statutory accounts for the year ended 30th September 2003. Statutory
     accounts for 2003 will be finalised on the basis of the financial
     information presented by the Directors in this preliminary announcement and
     will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the Company's
     Annual General Meeting.

     The Company will be circulating the full Report and Accounts to 
     shareholders shortly and copies will be available from the Registered 
     Office of the Company, 21 New Street, Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4HR.



                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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