ADVFN Logo ADVFN

We could not find any results for:
Make sure your spelling is correct or try broadening your search.

Trending Now

Toplists

It looks like you aren't logged in.
Click the button below to log in and view your recent history.

Hot Features

Registration Strip Icon for default Register for Free to get streaming real-time quotes, interactive charts, live options flow, and more.

CRWN Crown Place Vct Plc

28.90
0.00 (0.00%)
25 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Crown Place Vct Plc LSE:CRWN London Ordinary Share GB0002577434 ORD 1P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 28.90 28.40 29.40 28.90 28.90 28.90 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Finance Services 4.78M 2.82M 0.0100 28.90 81.13M

Crown Place VCT PLC Crown Place Vct Plc : Half-yearly Financial Report

19/02/2019 1:47pm

UK Regulatory


 
TIDMCRWN 
 
   Crown Place VCT PLC 
 
   LEI number: 213800SYIQPA3L3T1Q68 
 
   Crown Place VCT PLC (the "Company") today makes public its information 
relating to the Half-yearly Financial Report (which is unaudited) for 
the six months to 31 December 2018. This announcement was approved by 
the Board of Directors on 19 February 2019. 
 
   The full Half-yearly Financial Report for the period to 31 December 2018 
will shortly be sent to shareholders and will be available on the Albion 
Capital Group LLP website by clicking 
https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=warcwKBMGLl3GtBDwGyEtp_BtFfhQTkbsO3hX0X09Og0ZcGKtFHiiqKHXyPimZubSgAibiIPTD7bKW06P4d03Fs7wHUjVXG1mDtPBLEcC-Ksoz_wHvfT_c5YwirseU7crtS0au0cgRM9Fg_ZRRd7O1OnfBSTJmEuoCuxe45yUGc= 
www.albion.capital/funds/CRWN/31Dec18.pdf. 
 
   Investment policy 
 
   The Company will invest in a broad portfolio of smaller, unquoted growth 
businesses across a variety of sectors including higher risk technology 
companies. Investments may take the form of equity or a mixture of 
equity and loans. 
 
   Whilst allocation of funds will be determined by the investment 
opportunities which become available, efforts will be made to ensure 
that the portfolio is diversified both in terms of sector and stage of 
maturity of investee businesses. Funds held pending investment or for 
liquidity purposes will be held principally as cash on deposit. 
 
   Risk diversification and maximum exposures 
 
   Risk is spread by investing in a number of different businesses within 
venture capital trust qualifying industry sectors using a mixture of 
securities, as permitted. The maximum amount which the Company will 
invest in a single portfolio company is 15 per cent. of the Company's 
assets at cost thus ensuring a spread of investment risk. The value of 
an individual investment may increase over time as a result of trading 
progress and it is possible that it may grow in value to a point where 
it represents a significantly higher proportion of total assets prior to 
a realisation opportunity being available. 
 
   The Company's maximum exposure in relation to gearing is restricted to 
the amount of its adjusted share capital and reserves. 
 
   Financial calendar 
 
 
 
 
Record date for second dividend   1 March 2019 
 
Payment of second dividend       29 March 2019 
 
Financial year end                30 June 2019 
 
 
   Financial highlights 
 
 
 
 
                       Six months ended   Six months ended      Year ended 
                       31 December 2018   31 December 2017     30 June 2018 
                       (pence per share)  (pence per share)  (pence per share) 
Opening net asset 
 value                             33.50              30.98              30.98 
Revenue return                      0.21               0.17               0.36 
Capital return                      2.53               1.32               4.28 
                       -----------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
Total return                        2.74               1.49               4.64 
Dividends paid                    (1.00)             (1.00)             (2.00) 
Impact from buy-backs 
 and issue of share 
 capital                            0.02                  -             (0.12) 
                       -----------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
Closing net asset 
 value                             35.26              31.47              33.50 
---------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder return and shareholder value                  (pence per share) 
Shareholder return from launch to April 2005 (date 
 that Albion Capital was appointed investment manager): 
Total dividends paid to 6 April 2005 (i)                              24.93 
Decrease in net asset value                                         (56.60) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------------- 
Total shareholder return to 6 April 2005                            (31.67) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------------- 
 
Shareholder return from April 2005 to 31 December 
 2018 (period that Albion Capital has been investment 
 manager): 
Total dividends paid                                                  31.80 
Decrease in net asset value                                          (8.14) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------------- 
Total shareholder return from April 2005 to 31 December 
 2018                                                                 23.66 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------------- 
 
Shareholder value since launch: 
Total dividends paid to 31 December 2018 (i)                          56.73 
Net asset value as at 31 December 2018                                35.26 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------------- 
Total shareholder value as at 31 December 2018                        91.99 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------------- 
 
 
 
   Notes 
 
   (i)             Prior to 6 April 1999, venture capital trusts were able 
to add 20 per cent. to dividends and figures for the period up until 6 
April 1999 are included at the gross equivalent rate actually paid to 
shareholders. 
 
 
 
 
Current dividend objective: 
Pence per share (per annum)                           2.00 
                                                      ---- 
Dividend yield on net asset value as at 31 December 
 2018                                                  5.7% 
                                                      ---- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           31 December 2018 
Total shareholder value since launch:                      (pence per share) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ------------------ 
Total dividends paid during: 
the period from launch to 6 April 2005 (prior to change 
 of manager)                                                           24.93 
the year ended 28 February 2006                                         1.00 
the period ended 30 June 2007                                           3.30 
the year ended 30 June 2008                                             2.50 
the year ended 30 June 2009                                             2.50 
the year ended 30 June 2010                                             2.50 
the year ended 30 June 2011                                             2.50 
the year ended 30 June 2012                                             2.50 
the year ended 30 June 2013                                             2.50 
the year ended 30 June 2014                                             2.50 
the year ended 30 June 2015                                             2.50 
the year ended 30 June 2016                                             2.50 
the year ended 30 June 2017                                             2.00 
the year ended 30 June 2018                                             2.00 
the six months ended 31 December 2018                                   1.00 
Total dividends paid to 31 December 2018                               56.73 
Net asset value as at 31 December 2018                                 35.26 
                                                          ------------------ 
Total shareholder value as at 31 December 2018                         91.99 
--------------------------------------------------------  ------------------ 
 
 
   In addition to the dividends paid above, the Board has declared a second 
dividend for the year ending 30 June 2019 of 1 penny per share, to be 
paid on 29 March 2019 to shareholders on the register on 1 March 2019. 
 
   Interim management report 
 
   Results 
 
   I am pleased to present the results for the Company for the six month 
period to 31 December 2018 which shows a total return of 2.74 pence per 
share (8.2% on opening net assets). This compares to a 1.49 pence per 
share total return for the same period in the previous year, and 4.64 
pence per share for the year ended 30 June 2018. 
 
   Following payment of the first dividend for the year of 1 penny per 
share on 30 November 2018, the net asset value as at 31 December 2018 
was 35.26 pence per share (30 June 2018: 33.50 pence per share). The 
total return for the period was GBP4,519,000 compared to GBP2,239,000 
for the six months to 31 December 2017. 
 
   Portfolio review 
 
   During the six month period, the Company deployed GBP1.6 million into 
qualifying investments (31 December 2017: GBP3.0 million). Of this 
amount, GBP841,000 was invested in four new portfolio companies, all of 
which are likely to require further investment as the companies prove 
themselves and grow: 
 
 
   -- GBP356,000 in Phrasee, which provides an AI platform that generates 
      language to optimise marketing campaigns; 
 
   -- GBP210,000 in Arecor, to fund the development of biopharmaceuticals, 
      specialising in diabetes treatment; 
 
   -- GBP160,000 in Forward Clinical, a secure mobile communications and 
      collaboration platform in healthcare; and 
 
   -- GBP115,000 in ePatient Network (trading as Raremark), which provides an 
      online community connecting people affected by rare diseases with 
      up-to-date scientific information, community insights and medical 
      research. 
 
 
   Further investments were made in existing portfolio companies, most 
notably: GBP320,000 into Locum's Nest to further support its solution 
for the management of locum doctors for the NHS, GBP248,000 into 
Quantexa to expand its networks analytics platform following a period of 
strong trading, and GBP119,000 into Egress Software Technologies to fund 
further growth. 
 
   Investments realised during the period primarily related to GBP358,000 
of proceeds from the sale of the Company's holding in Infinite Ventures 
(Goathill) which, including interest received, resulted in a return of 
1.6 times cost. Further details on realisations and loan stock 
repayments can be found in the realisations table below. 
 
   Particularly good progress in the period was achieved by ELE Advanced 
Technologies, which saw significant growth in trading and profit in the 
period, and the annual professional third party valuation of Radnor 
House School (Holdings) increased, as pupil numbers at our Radnor House 
Sevenoaks School continue to grow. We are also pleased to report that 
The Evewell (Harley Street), an operator of a women's health centre 
focusing on fertility, opened during the year. Mirada Medical and Egress 
Software Technologies, meanwhile, both attracted new third party 
investment at prices considerably higher than our previous holding 
values. 
 
   Investment portfolio by sector 
 
   The chart at the end of the announcement illustrates the composition of 
the portfolio by industry sector as at 31 December 2018. 
 
   Dividends 
 
   In line with the annual dividend target for the Company of 2 pence per 
share, the first dividend for the current financial year of 1 penny per 
share was paid on 30 November 2018. A second dividend of 1 penny per 
share will be paid on 29 March 2019 to shareholders on the register on 1 
March 2019. 
 
   The Board aims to maintain this level of annualised dividend 
distribution going forward, subject to the availability of cash 
resources and distributable reserves. Based on the net asset value as at 
31 December 2018, this equates to a 5.7% yield. 
 
   Dividends are paid free of tax to shareholders. Qualifying shareholders 
who elect to participate in the Dividend Reinvestment Scheme will be 
able, in respect of further dividends, to receive their dividends in the 
form of new shares rather than cash, which will entitle them to income 
tax relief at the current rate of 30% (new shares will need to be held 
for at least five years to retain the tax relief). Further details of 
the Dividend Reinvestment Scheme can be found on the Manager's website 
https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=warcwKBMGLl3GtBDwGyEtp_BtFfhQTkbsO3hX0X09Oj4x8FgfaRdPrqvU5wjPX2CaGijIHBk0qor_pMoByqxZ67KKpX2x594VfDHmKlc0Nmj742J0-d5gNeOxi-ge2gJ 
www.albion.capital/funds/CRWN. 
 
   Risks and uncertainties 
 
   The outlook for the UK and global economies, including the uncertainty 
and potential disruption from the departure of the UK from the EU, 
continues to be the key risk affecting the Company. Investment risk is 
mitigated in a number of ways, including our policy that the portfolio 
should be balanced across sectors and stages of investment. 
 
   Other risks and uncertainties remain unchanged and are as detailed in 
note 13. 
 
   Share buy-backs 
 
   It remains the Board's primary objective to maintain sufficient 
resources for investment in existing and new portfolio companies and for 
the continued payment of dividends to shareholders. The Board's policy 
is to buy back shares in the market, subject to the overall constraint 
that such purchases are in the Company's interest, and it is the Board's 
intention for such buy-backs to be in the region of a 5% discount to net 
asset value, so far as market conditions and liquidity permit. 
 
   During the period, the Company bought back and held in treasury 
1,369,000 shares at a total cost of GBP429,000, in-line with the share 
buy-back policy. 
 
   Transactions with the Manager 
 
   Details of the transactions that took place with the Manager in the 
period can be found in note 5. 
 
   Albion VCTs Prospectus Top Up Offers 2018/19 
 
   Your Board, in conjunction with the boards of other VCTs managed by 
Albion Capital Group LLP, launched a prospectus top up offer of new 
Ordinary shares on 7 January 2019. A Securities Note, which forms part 
of the prospectus, has been sent to shareholders. The proceeds will be 
used to provide further resources at a time when a number of attractive 
investment opportunities are being seen. 
 
   Board composition 
 
   As part of the Board's succession planning, and after almost 9 years on 
the Board including 4 years as chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee, 
Karen Brade will retire from the Board in September 2019. James Agnew 
will succeed Karen as chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee. As 
announced on 14 February 2019, Pam Garside, a healthcare entrepreneur 
and member of the Cambridge Business Angels, will join the Board on 1 
March 2019. 
 
   Outlook 
 
   We are pleased with the performance of the Company's investment 
portfolio during the period under review. The portfolio is balanced 
across sectors and risk classes and is well positioned for future growth 
which gives us confidence that we can continue to grow shareholder value 
over the coming years. 
 
   Richard Huntingford 
 
   Chairman 
 
   19 February 2019 
 
   Responsibility statement 
 
   The Directors, Richard Huntingford, James Agnew, Karen Brade and Penny 
Freer, are responsible for preparing the Half-yearly Financial Report. 
In preparing these condensed Financial Statements for the period to 31 
December 2018 we, the Directors of the Company, confirm that to the best 
of our knowledge: 
 
   (a) the condensed set of Financial Statements, which has been prepared 
in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 104 "Interim Financial 
Reporting", gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, 
financial position and profit and loss of the Company as required by DTR 
4.2.4R; 
 
   (b) the Interim management report includes a fair review of the 
information required by DTR 4.2.7R (indication of important events 
during the first six months and description of principal risks and 
uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year); and 
 
   (c) the Interim management report includes a fair review of the 
information required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related parties' 
transactions and changes therein). 
 
   This Half-yearly Financial Report has not been audited or reviewed by 
the Auditor. 
 
   For and on behalf of the Board 
 
   Richard Huntingford 
 
   Chairman 
 
   19 February 2019 
 
   Portfolio of investments 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                As at 31 December 2018    As at 30 June 2018 
                                                                                                      (unaudited)              (audited) 
                                                                                                                                               ---------------------------------- 
                                                                                         % 
                                                                                       voting    Cost         Value        Cost       Value       Change in value for the period* 
Portfolio company    Nature of business                                                rights   GBP'000      GBP'000      GBP'000    GBP'000                  GBP'000 
-------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ---------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------------------- 
Radnor House School 
 (Holdings) 
 Limited             Independent schools for children aged 5-18                           9.0      2,746          6,766      2,746      6,055                                 711 
ELE Advanced 
 Technologies 
 Limited             Manufacturer of precision engineering components                    41.9      1,050          4,557      1,050      3,404                               1,153 
Shinfield Lodge      Owner and operator of a 66 bed care home in Shinfield, 
 Care Limited         Berkshire                                                          11.8      2,140          4,079      2,140      3,814                                 265 
Chonais River Hydro  Owner and operator of a 2 MW hydro-power scheme in 
 Limited              the Scottish Highlands                                             14.0      1,549          3,307      1,549      3,294                                  13 
Active Lives Care    Owner and operator of a 75 bed care home in Cumnor 
 Limited              Hill, Oxfordshire                                                   7.5      1,620          2,795      1,620      2,556                                 239 
Ryefield Court Care  Owner and operator of a 60 bed care home in Hillingdon, 
 Limited              Middlesex                                                           7.7      1,275          2,235      1,275      2,108                                 127 
Quantexa Limited     Network analytics platform to detect financial crime                 1.8        438          1,816        190      1,568                                   - 
Gharagain River      Owner and operator of a 1 MW hydro-power scheme in 
 Hydro Limited        the Scottish Highlands                                             15.0      1,116          1,670      1,116      1,671                                 (1) 
Mirada Medical 
 Limited             Developer of medical imaging software                                6.3        348          1,495        348        965                                 530 
Proveca Limited      Reformulation of paediatric medicines                                5.9        586          1,385        586      1,211                                 174 
Earnside Energy      Anaerobic digestion and composting plant located in 
 Limited              Scotland                                                            7.0      1,123          1,356      1,123      1,240                                 116 
G. Network 
 Communications      Ultra-fast fibre optic broadband provider in central 
 Limited              London                                                              3.2        580          1,240        580        943                                 297 
The Stanwell Hotel 
 Limited             Boutique hotel located near Heathrow Terminal 5                     10.8      1,682            898      1,682        513                                 385 
Beddlestead Limited  Developer and operator of a dedicated wedding venue                  8.2        892            895        892        893                                   2 
Convertr Media 
 Limited             Digital lead generation software                                     4.3        600            863        600        779                                  84 
Egress Software 
 Technologies 
 Limited             Encrypted email and file transfer service provider                   0.9        306            845        187        422                                 304 
The Street by 
 Street Solar        Owner and operator of photovoltaic systems on domestic 
 Programme Limited    properties                                                          4.4        461            798        461        797                                   1 
Bravo Inns II 
 Limited             Owner and operator of freehold pubs                                  3.6        595            780        595        764                                  16 
The Evewell (Harley 
 Street) Limited     Operator of a women's health centre focusing on fertility            6.2        778            778        778        779                                 (1) 
Alto Prodotto Wind   Owner and operator of community scale wind energy 
 Limited              projects                                                            4.1        351            593        361        616                                (10) 
MPP Global 
 Solutions Limited   Provider of a digital subscription management platform               1.9        550            550        550        550                                   - 
Regenerco Renewable  Generator of renewable energy from roof top solar 
 Energy Limited       installations                                                       3.4        344            547        344        528                                  19 
DySIS Medical 
 Limited             Medical devices for the detection of cervical cancer                 3.8      1,038            529      1,005        494                                  35 
Process Systems 
 Enterprise 
 Limited             Process modelling software and services                              1.4        138            482        138        449                                  33 
MHS 1 Limited        Education                                                            6.9        481            481        481        481                                   - 
Black Swan Data 
 Limited             Data analysis that supports corporate decision making                1.0        454            454        454        454                                   - 
                     A technology enabled service business in medical nutritional 
Oviva AG              therapy (MNT)                                                       2.5        435            439        435        544                               (105) 
Locum's Nest         Provider of a technology solution for the management 
 Limited              of locum doctors for the NHS                                        4.6        400            424         80        104                                   - 
                     Provider of a platform for collecting data from pharmaceutical 
MyMeds&Me Limited     adverse events                                                      4.6        440            416        440        509                                (93) 
Zift Channel 
 Solutions Inc.      Business collaboration and communication solutions                   0.6        321            363        321        378                                (15) 
Phrasee Limited      AI platform that generates optimised marketing campaigns             1.7        356            356          -          -                                   - 
Secured by Design 
 Limited             Automotive technology research and consultancy provider              1.5        220            356        220        289                                  67 
Panaseer Limited     Provider of cyber security services                                  1.5        253            351        253        351                                   - 
                     Software and services for non-interventional clinical 
Cisiv Limited         trials                                                              3.1        278            267        216        112                                  93 
Bravo Inns Limited   Owner and operator of freehold pubs                                  2.6        306            228        306        220                                   8 
                     Development of biopharmaceuticals through the application 
Arecor Limited        of a formulation technology platform                                1.2        210            210          -          -                                   - 
Koru Kids Limited    Online marketplace connecting parents and nannies                    1.6        200            200        200        200                                   - 
                     Owner and operator of photovoltaic systems on domestic 
AVESI Limited         properties                                                          3.8        123            180        123        175                                   5 
Sandcroft Avenue 
 Limited 
 (PayAsUGym)         A provider of flexible access to gyms                                0.9        159            166        159        166                                   - 
InCrowd Sports 
 Limited             Developer of mobile apps for professional sports clubs               1.7        147            161        147        161                                   - 
Forward Clinical     A secure mobile communication and collaboration platform 
 Limited              in healthcare                                                       1.5        160            160          -          -                                   - 
Aridhia Informatics 
 Limited             Healthcare informatics and analysis provider                         2.4        412            148        412        148                                   - 
                     Refurbisher and manufacturer of MEMS and semiconductor 
memsstar Limited      fabrication equipment                                               3.0        104            144        109        202                                (53) 
Oxsensis Limited     Developer and producer of high temperature sensors                   1.3        238            141        238        141                                   - 
                     A patient engagement and data capture platform for 
uMotif Limited        use in research                                                     0.9        140            140        140        140                                   - 
ePatient Network 
 Limited             Online community connecting people affected by rare 
 (Raremark)           diseases                                                            1.3        115            115          -          -                                   - 
Kew Green VCT 
 (Stansted)          Operator of a Holiday Inn Express hotel at Stansted 
 Limited              Airport                                                             2.0         22            111         22        102                                   9 
Abcodia Limited      Validation and discovery of serum biomarkers                         1.7        304            107        304        107                                   - 
Greenenerco Limited  Owns & operates a 500kW wind project                                 1.9         61            102         62        105                                 (2) 
OmPrompt Holdings 
 Limited             A provider of process automation software                            1.5        133             90        133        103                                (13) 
                     Provider of an online platform delivering family centric 
Healios Limited       psychological care                                                  0.8         75             75         75         75                                   - 
Innovation Broking 
 Group Limited       Commercial insurance broker                                          2.7         27             47         27         42                                   5 
Palm Tree 
 Technology 
 Limited             Software company                                                     0.2        102             12        102         31                                (19) 
Other holdings                                                                                       486            517        486        502                                  15 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ---------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------------------- 
Total unquoted investments                                                                        29,468         48,220     27,861     42,255                               4,394 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------------------- 
Quoted investments 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Augean PLC           Waste management                                                     0.4        593            256        593        130                                 126 
Mi-Pay Group PLC     Provider of mobile payment services                                  3.0        713            116        713        130                                (14) 
Tambla Limited 
 (previously ComOps 
 Limited)            Workforce management software                                        0.1         13              7         13         10                                 (3) 
Avanti 
 Communications 
 Group plc           Supplier of satellite communications                                 0.1        136              2        136          3                                 (1) 
-------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ---------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------------------- 
Total quoted investments                                                                           1,455            381      1,455        273                                 108 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------------------- 
Total fixed asset investments                                                                     30,923         48,601     29,316     42,528                               4,502 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------------------- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total change in value of investments                     4,502 
Movement in loan stock accrued interest                     18 
                                                         ----- 
Unrealised gains sub-total                               4,520 
Realised gains in current period                            27 
Total gains on investments as per condensed income 
 statement                                               4,547 
-------------------------------------------------------  ----- 
 
 
   * As adjusted for additions and disposals between the two accounting 
periods 
 
   The total comparative cost and valuations for 30 June 2018 do not agree 
to the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 
2018 as the above list does not include brought forward investments that 
were fully disposed of in the period. 
 
 
 
 
                             Opening                 Total      Gain/(loss) on 
Realisations in              carrying  Disposal     realised        opening 
the period to 31    Cost      value     proceeds   gain/(loss)       value 
December 2018      GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
----------------  --------  ---------  ---------  ------------  -------------- 
Disposals: 
----------------  --------  ---------  ---------  ------------  -------------- 
Infinite 
 Ventures 
 (Goathill) 
 Limited               256        377        358           102            (19) 
CSS Group 
 Limited                28          6          9          (19)               3 
 
Loan stock 
repayments, 
restructurings 
and other: 
----------------  --------  ---------  ---------  ------------  -------------- 
DySIS Medical 
 Limited               206        238        238            32               - 
Alto Prodotto 
 Wind Limited            9         13         13             4               - 
memsstar Limited         5          5          5             -               - 
Greenenerco 
 Limited                 1          2          2             1               - 
Escrow 
 adjustments             -          -         43            43              43 
Total fixed 
 asset 
 investment 
 realisations          505        641        668           163              27 
----------------  --------  ---------  ---------  ------------  -------------- 
 
 
   Condensed income statement 
 
 
 
 
                                                                   Unaudited                  Unaudited          Audited 
                                                               six months ended           six months ended              year ended 
                                                                31 December 2018           31 December 2017             30 June 2018 
                                                           Revenue  Capital   Total   Revenue  Capital   Total   Revenue  Capital   Total 
                                                     Note  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------------  ----  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- 
 
Gains on investments                                    3        -    4,547    4,547        -    2,295    2,295        -    7,366    7,366 
Investment income                                       4      637        -      637      516        -      516    1,105        -    1,105 
Investment management fees                              5    (125)    (376)    (501)    (105)    (316)    (421)    (220)    (660)    (880) 
Other expenses                                               (164)        -    (164)    (151)        -    (151)    (325)        -    (325) 
                                                           -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- 
Profit on ordinary activities before tax                       348    4,171    4,519      260    1,979    2,239      560    6,706    7,266 
Tax on ordinary activities                                       -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        - 
                                                           -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- 
Profit and total comprehensive income attributable 
 to shareholders                                               348    4,171    4,519      260    1,979    2,239      560    6,706    7,266 
                                                           -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- 
Basic and diluted earnings per Ordinary share 
 (pence)*                                               7     0.21     2.53     2.74     0.17     1.32     1.49     0.36     4.28     4.64 
                                                           -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- 
 
 
   * excluding treasury shares 
 
   Comparative figures have been extracted from the unaudited Half-yearly 
Financial Report for the six months ended 31 December 2017 and the 
audited statutory accounts for the year ended 30 June 2018. 
 
   The accompanying notes form an integral part of this Half-yearly 
Financial Report. 
 
   The total column of this Condensed income statement represents the 
profit and loss account of the Company. The supplementary revenue and 
capital columns are prepared under guidance published by The Association 
of Investment Companies. 
 
   Condensed balance sheet 
 
 
 
 
                                 Unaudited         Unaudited        Audited 
                              31 December 2018  31 December 2017  30 June 2018 
                        Note      GBP'000           GBP'000         GBP'000 
----------------------  ----  ----------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 
 
Fixed asset 
 investments                            48,601            40,917        42,911 
 
Current assets 
Investment in 
 subsidiary 
 undertakings                                -             6,400             - 
Trade and other 
 receivables less than 
 one year                                  249               342           266 
Cash and cash 
 equivalents                             9,596             9,048        12,604 
                              ----------------  ----------------  ------------ 
                                         9,845            15,790        12,870 
 
Total assets                            58,446            56,707        55,781 
 
Payables: amounts 
falling due within one 
year 
Trade and other 
 payables less than 
 one year                                (327)           (6,704)         (367) 
 
Total assets less 
 current liabilities                    58,119            50,003        55,414 
                              ----------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 
Equity attributable to 
equity holders 
Called up share 
 capital                   8             1,837            17,521         1,829 
Share premium                            1,230            20,746           974 
Capital redemption 
 reserve                                     -             1,415             - 
Unrealised capital 
 reserve                                17,357             7,943        12,973 
Realised capital 
 reserve                                 (982)             (466)         (769) 
Other distributable 
 reserve                                38,677             2,844        40,407 
                              ----------------  ----------------  ------------ 
Total equity 
 shareholders' funds                    58,119            50,003        55,414 
                              ----------------  ----------------  ------------ 
Basic and diluted net 
 asset value per share 
 (pence)*                                35.26             31.47         33.50 
                              ----------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 
 
   * excluding treasury shares 
 
   Comparative figures have been extracted from the unaudited Half-yearly 
Financial Report for the six months ended 31 December 2017 and the 
audited statutory accounts for the year ended 30 June 2018. 
 
   The accompanying notes form an integral part of this Half-yearly 
Financial Report. 
 
   These Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Directors, and 
authorised for issue on 19 February 2019 and were signed on its behalf 
by 
 
   Richard Huntingford 
 
   Chairman 
 
   Company number 03495287 
 
   Condensed statement of changes in equity 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                                      Unrealised  Realised 
                                                                                                  Capital redemption    capital    capital 
                                                              Ordinary                Share             reserve         reserve    reserve*  Other distributable reserve*    Total 
                                                        share capital GBP'000    premium GBP'000        GBP'000         GBP'000    GBP'000              GBP'000             GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------------- 
As at 1 July 2018                                                       1,829                974                   -      12,973      (769)                        40,407    55,414 
Profit/(loss) and total comprehensive income                                -                  -                   -       4,520      (349)                           348     4,519 
Transfer of previously unrealised gains on disposals 
 of investments                                                             -                  -                   -       (136)        136                             -         - 
Dividends paid                                                              -                  -                   -           -          -                       (1,649)   (1,649) 
Purchase of shares for treasury (including costs)                           -                  -                   -           -          -                         (429)     (429) 
Issue of equity                                                             8                258                   -           -          -                             -       266 
Cost of issue of equity                                                     -                (2)                   -           -          -                             -       (2) 
                                                       ----------------------  -----------------  ------------------  ----------  ---------  ----------------------------  -------- 
As at 31 December 2018                                                  1,837              1,230                   -      17,357       (982                        38,677    58,119 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  -----------------  ------------------  ----------  ---------  ----------------------------  -------- 
As at 1 July 2017                                                      16,211             18,032               1,415       6,311      (813)                         4,425    45,581 
Profit/(loss) and total comprehensive income                                -                  -                   -       2,034       (55)                           260     2,239 
ransfer of previously unrealised gains on disposals 
 of investments                                                             -                  -                   -       (402)        402                             -         - 
Dividends paid                                                              -                  -                   -           -          -                       (1,467)   (1,467) 
Purchase of shares for treasury (including costs)                           -                  -                   -           -          -                         (374)     (374) 
Issue of equity                                                         1,310              2,794                   -           -          -                             -     4,104 
Cost of issue of equity                                                     -               (80)                   -           -          -                             -      (80) 
                                                       ----------------------  -----------------  ------------------  ----------  ---------  ----------------------------  -------- 
As at 31 December 2017                                                 17,521             20,746               1,415       7,943      (466)                         2,844    50,003 
                                                       ----------------------  -----------------  ------------------  ----------  ---------  ----------------------------  -------- 
As at 1 July 2017                                                      16,211             18,032               1,415       6,311      (813)                         4,425    45,581 
Profit and total comprehensive income                                       -                  -                   -       5,814        892                           560     7,266 
Transfer of previously unrealised losses on disposal 
 of investments                                                             -                  -                   -         420      (420)                             -         - 
Transfer of previously unrealised revaluations on 
 liquidation of subsidiaries                                                -                  -                   -         428      (428)                             -         - 
Dividends paid                                                              -                  -                   -           -          -                       (3,085)   (3,085) 
Purchase of shares for treasury (including costs)                           -                  -                   -           -          -                         (715)     (715) 
Issue of equity                                                         1,778              4,724                   -           -          -                             -     6,502 
Cost of issue of equity                                                     -              (135)                   -           -          -                             -     (135) 
Reduction of share capital and cancellation of 
 reserves                                                            (16,160)           (21,647)             (1,415)           -          -                        39,222         - 
As at 30 June 2018                                                      1,829                974                   -      12,973      (769)                        40,407    55,414 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  -----------------  ------------------  ----------  ---------  ----------------------------  -------- 
 
 
   * Included within these reserves is an amount of GBP19,712,000 (31 
December 2017: GBP2,378,000; 30 June 2018: GBP20,029,000) which is 
considered distributable. In time, a further GBP17,983,000 will become 
distributable. 
 
   Condensed statement of cash flows 
 
 
 
 
                               Unaudited                           Audited 
                            six months ended      Unaudited       year ended 
                              31 December      six months ended    30 June 
                                  2018         31 December 2017      2018 
                                GBP'000            GBP'000         GBP'000 
 
Cash flow from operating 
activities 
Loan stock income 
 received                                619                448          950 
Deposit interest received                 19                  3           15 
Dividend income received                  15                 13           36 
Investment management 
 fees paid                             (486)              (400)        (836) 
Other cash payments                    (181)              (167)        (316) 
                           -----------------  -----------------  ----------- 
Net cash flow from 
 operating activities                   (14)              (103)        (151) 
                           -----------------  -----------------  ----------- 
 
Cash flow from investing 
activities 
Purchase of fixed asset 
 investments                         (1,590)            (2,997)      (4,252) 
Disposal of fixed asset 
 investments                             430                748        5,188 
Receipt of subsidiary 
 cash upon liquidation                     -                  -           11 
Net cash flow from 
 investing activities                (1,160)            (2,249)          947 
                           -----------------  -----------------  ----------- 
 
Cash flow from financing 
activities 
Issue of share capital                     -              3,792        5,869 
Cost of issue of equity                    -                (2)          (3) 
Equity dividends paid                (1,369)            (1,233)      (2,595) 
Purchase of own shares 
 for treasury (including 
 costs)                                (465)              (406)        (712) 
Net cash flow from 
 financing activities                (1,834)              2,151        2,559 
 
(Decrease)/increase in 
 cash and cash 
 equivalents                         (3,008)              (201)        3,355 
Cash and cash equivalents 
 at the start of the 
 period                               12,604              9,249        9,249 
                           -----------------  -----------------  ----------- 
Cash and cash equivalents 
 at the end of the 
 period                                9,596              9,048       12,604 
                           -----------------  -----------------  ----------- 
 
Cash and cash 
equivalents comprise: 
Cash at bank and in hand               9,596              9,048       12,604 
Cash equivalents                           -                  -            - 
                           -----------------  -----------------  ----------- 
Total cash and cash 
 equivalents                           9,596              9,048       12,604 
                           -----------------  -----------------  ----------- 
 
 
 
   Notes to the unaudited condensed Financial Statements 
 
 
   1. Basis of preparation 
 
 
   The condensed Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with 
the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of 
investments, in accordance with applicable United Kingdom law and 
accounting standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ("FRS 
102"), Financial Reporting Standard 104 -- Interim Financial Reporting 
("FRS 104"), and with the Statement of Recommended Practice "Financial 
Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts" 
("SORP") issued by The Association of Investment Companies ("AIC"). 
 
   The preparation of the Financial Statements requires management to make 
judgements and estimates that affect the application of policies and 
reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The most 
critical estimates and judgements relate to the determination of 
carrying value of investments at fair value through profit and loss 
("FVTPL"). The Company values investments by following the International 
Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation ("IPEV") Guidelines and 
further detail on the valuation techniques used are outlined in note 2 
below. 
 
   The Half-yearly Financial Report has not been audited, nor has it been 
reviewed by the auditor pursuant to the FRC's guidance on Review of 
interim financial information. 
 
   Company information can be found on page 2 of the full Half-yearly 
Financial Report. 
 
 
   1. Accounting policies 
 
   Fixed asset investments 
 
   The Company's business is investing in financial assets with a view to 
profiting from their total return in the form of income and capital 
growth. This portfolio of financial assets is managed and its 
performance evaluated on a fair value basis, in accordance with a 
documented investment policy, and information about the portfolio is 
provided internally on that basis to the Board. 
 
   In accordance with the requirements of FRS 102, those undertakings in 
which the Company holds more than 20 per cent. of the equity as part of 
an investment portfolio are not accounted for using the equity method. 
In these circumstances the investment is measured at FVTPL. 
 
   Upon initial recognition (using trade date accounting) investments, 
including loan stock, are classified by the Company as FVTPL and are 
included at their initial fair value, which is cost (excluding expenses 
incidental to the acquisition which are written off to the income 
statement). 
 
   Subsequently, the investments are valued at 'fair value', which is 
measured as follows: 
 
 
   -- Investments listed on recognised exchanges are valued at their bid prices 
      at the end of the accounting period or otherwise at fair value based on 
      published price quotations; 
 
   -- Unquoted investments, where there is not an active market, are valued 
      using an appropriate valuation technique in accordance with the IPEV 
      Guidelines. Indicators of fair value are derived using established 
      methodologies including earnings and revenue multiples, the level of 
      third party offers received, prices of recent investment rounds, net 
      assets and industry valuation benchmarks. Where the Company has an 
      investment in an early stage enterprise, the price of a recent investment 
      round is often the most appropriate approach to determining fair value. 
      In situations where a period of time has elapsed since the date of the 
      most recent transaction, consideration is given to the circumstances of 
      the portfolio company since that date in determining fair value. This 
      includes consideration of whether there is any evidence of deterioration 
      or strong definable evidence of an increase in value. In the absence of 
      these indicators, the investment in question is valued at the amount 
      reported at the previous reporting date. Examples of events or changes 
      that could indicate a diminution include: 
 
          -- the performance and/or prospects of the underlying business are 
             significantly below the expectations on which the investment was 
             based; 
 
          -- a significant adverse change either in the portfolio company's 
             business or in the technological, market, economic, legal or 
             regulatory environment in which the business operates; or 
 
          -- market conditions have deteriorated, which may be indicated by a 
             fall in the share prices of quoted businesses operating in the 
             same or related sectors. 
 
 
   Investments are recognised as financial assets on legal completion of 
the investment contract and are de-recognised on legal completion of the 
sale of an investment. 
 
   Dividend income is not recognised as part of the fair value movement of 
an investment, but is recognised separately as investment income through 
the other distributable reserve when a share becomes ex-dividend. 
 
   Receivables, payables and cash are carried at amortised cost, in 
accordance with FRS 102. There are no financial liabilities other than 
payables. 
 
   Investment income 
 
   Quoted and unquoted equity income 
 
   Dividends receivable on quoted equity shares are recognised on the 
ex-dividend date. Income receivable on unquoted equity is recognised 
when the Company's right to receive payment and expected settlement is 
established. 
 
   Unquoted loan stock income 
 
   Fixed returns on non-equity shares and debt securities are recognised 
when the Company's right to receive payment and expect settlement is 
established. Where interest is rolled up and/or payable at redemption 
then it is recognised as income unless there is reasonable doubt as to 
its receipt. 
 
   Bank interest income 
 
   Interest income is recognised on an accruals basis using the rate of 
interest agreed with the bank. 
 
   Investment management fees, performance incentive fees and other 
expenses 
 
   All expenses have been accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenses are 
charged through the revenue column of the Condensed income statement, 
except for management fees and performance incentive fees which are 
allocated in part to the capital column of the Income statement, to the 
extent that these relate to the maintenance or enhancement in the value 
of the investments and in line with the Board's expectation that over 
the long term 75 per cent. of the Company's investment returns will be 
in the form of capital gains. 
 
   Taxation 
 
   Taxation is applied on a current basis in accordance with FRS 102. 
Current tax is tax payable (refundable) in respect of the taxable profit 
(tax loss) for the current period or past reporting periods using the 
tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at 
the financial reporting date. Taxation associated with capital expenses 
is applied in accordance with the SORP. 
 
   Deferred tax is provided in full on all timing differences at the 
reporting date. Timing differences are differences between taxable 
profits and total comprehensive income as stated in the Financial 
Statements that arise from the inclusion of income and expenses in tax 
assessments in periods different from those in which they are recognised 
in the Financial Statements. As a VCT the Company has an exemption from 
tax on capital gains. The Company intends to continue meeting the 
conditions required to obtain approval as a VCT in the foreseeable 
future. The Company therefore, should have no material deferred tax 
timing differences arising in respect of the revaluation or disposal of 
investments and the Company has not provided for any deferred tax. 
 
   Reserves 
 
   Share premium reserve 
 
   This reserve accounts for the difference between the price paid for 
shares and the nominal value of the shares, less issue costs and 
transfers to the other distributable reserve. 
 
   Capital redemption reserve 
 
   This reserve accounts for amounts by which the issued share capital is 
diminished through the repurchase and cancellation of the Company's own 
shares. 
 
   Unrealised capital reserve 
 
   Increases and decreases in the valuation of investments held at the year 
end against cost, are included in this reserve. 
 
   Realised capital reserve 
 
   The following are disclosed in this reserve: 
 
 
   -- gains and losses compared to cost on the realisation of investments; 
 
   -- expenses, together with the related taxation effect, charged in 
      accordance with the above policies; and 
 
   -- dividends paid to equity holders where paid out by capital. 
 
   Other distributable reserve 
 
   The special reserve, treasury share reserve and the revenue reserve were 
combined in 2012 to form a single reserve named other distributable 
reserve. 
 
   This reserve accounts for movements from the revenue column of the 
Income statement, the payment of dividends, the buy-back of shares and 
other non-capital realised movements. 
 
   Dividends 
 
   Dividends by the Company are accounted for in the period in which the 
dividend is paid or approved at the Annual General Meeting. 
 
   Segmental reporting 
 
   The Directors are of the opinion that the Company is engaged in a single 
operating segment of business, being investment in smaller companies 
principally based in the UK. 
 
   3.      Gains on investments 
 
 
 
 
                               Unaudited          Unaudited         Audited 
                            six months ended   six months ended    year ended 
                            31 December 2018   31 December 2017   30 June 2018 
                                GBP'000            GBP'000          GBP'000 
-------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ------------- 
Unrealised gains on fixed 
 asset investments                     4,520              2,034          5,814 
Realised gains on fixed 
 asset investments                        27                261          1,552 
                           -----------------  -----------------  ------------- 
                                       4,547              2,295          7,366 
                           -----------------  -----------------  ------------- 
 
 
   4.         Investment income 
 
 
 
 
                               Unaudited          Unaudited         Audited 
                            six months ended   six months ended    year ended 
                            31 December 2018   31 December 2017   30 June 2018 
                                GBP'000            GBP'000          GBP'000 
-------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ------------- 
Income recognised on 
investments 
Loan stock interest and 
 other fixed returns                     602                503          1,056 
UK dividend income                        15                 10             32 
Bank deposit interest                     20                  3             17 
                           -----------------  -----------------  ------------- 
                                         637                516          1,105 
                           -----------------  -----------------  ------------- 
 
 
   5.      Investment management fees 
 
 
 
 
                      Unaudited                     Unaudited                      Audited 
                   six months ended              six months ended                 year ended 
                   31 December 2018              31 December 2017                30 June 2018 
             Revenue   Capital    Total    Revenue   Capital    Total    Revenue   Capital    Total 
              GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
Investment 
 management 
 fee              125       376       501       105       316       421       220       660       880 
             --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 
   Further details of the management agreement under which the investment 
management fee is paid are given on page 13 of the Strategic report in 
the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 
2018. 
 
   During the period, services of a total value of GBP526,000 (six months 
ended 31 December 2017: GBP446,000; year ended 30 June 2018: GBP930,000) 
were purchased by the Company from Albion Capital Group LLP; comprising 
GBP501,000 management fee and GBP25,000 administration fee. At the 
financial period end, the amount due to Albion Capital Group LLP 
disclosed as payables was GBP269,000 (administration fee accrual 
GBP12,500, management fee accrual GBP256,500) (31 December 2017: 
GBP233,000; 30 June 2018: GBP254,500). 
 
   Albion Capital Group LLP is, from time to time, eligible to receive 
arrangement fees and monitoring' fees from portfolio companies. During 
the period to 31 December 2018, fees of GBP72,000 attributable to the 
investments of the Company were received pursuant to these arrangements 
(31 December 2017: GBP86,000; 30 June 2018: GBP155,000). 
 
   Albion Capital Group LLP, its partners and staff hold 771,432 Ordinary 
shares in the Company. 
 
   6.      Dividends 
 
 
 
 
                                                              Unaudited          Unaudited         Audited 
                                                           six months ended   six months ended    year ended 
                                                           31 December 2018   31 December 2017   30 June 2018 
                                                               GBP'000            GBP'000          GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ------------- 
First dividend of 1 penny per share paid on 30 November 
 2017                                                                     -              1,467          1,467 
Second dividend of 1 penny per share paid on 29 March 
 2018                                                                     -                  -          1,632 
First dividend of 1 penny per share paid on 30 November 
 2018                                                                 1,649                  -              - 
Unclaimed dividends                                                       -                  -           (14) 
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  ------------- 
                                                                      1,649              1,467          3,085 
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  ------------- 
 
 
   In addition, the Board has declared a second dividend of 1 penny per 
share for the year ending 30 June 2019. This will be paid on 29 March 
2019 to shareholders on the register on 1 March 2019. This is expected 
to amount to approximately GBP1,648,000. 
 
   7.      Basic and diluted return per share 
 
 
 
 
                                                               Unaudited                Unaudited         Audited 
                                                            six months ended         six months ended      year ended 
                                                            31 December 2018         31 December 2017      30 June 2018 
                                                        Revenue  Capital  Total  Revenue  Capital  Total  Revenue  Capital  Total 
------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  -----  -------  -------  -----  -------  -------  ----- 
Return attributable to equity shares (GBP'000)              348    4,171  4,519      260    1,979  2,239      560    6,706  7,266 
                                                        -------  -------  -----  -------  -------  -----  -------  -------  ----- 
Weighted average shares in issue (excluding treasury 
 shares)                                                      165,106,141              149,849,592              156,706,633 
                                                        -----------------------  -----------------------  ----------------------- 
Return attributable per Ordinary share (pence) (basic 
 and diluted)                                              0.21     2.53   2.74     0.17     1.32   1.49     0.36     4.28   4.64 
                                                        -------  -------  -----  -------  -------  -----  -------  -------  ----- 
 
 
   The return per share has been calculated excluding treasury shares of 
18,840,410 (31 December 2017: 16,311,410; 30 June 2018: 17,471,410). 
 
   There are no convertible instruments, derivatives or contingent share 
agreements in issue, and therefore no dilution affecting the return per 
share. The basic return per share is therefore the same as the diluted 
return per share. 
 
   8.      Ordinary share capital 
 
 
 
 
                                                         Unaudited          Unaudited         Audited 
                                                      31 December 2018   31 December 2017   30 June 2018 
---------------------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ------------- 
Allotted, called up and fully paid Ordinary shares 
 of 1 penny each (31 December 2017: 10 pence each; 
 30 June 2018: 1 penny each) 
Number of shares                                           183,657,792        175,211,641    182,866,158 
Nominal value of allotted shares (GBP'000)                       1,837             17,521          1,829 
Voting rights (number of shares net of treasury 
 shares)                                                   164,817,382        158,900,231    165,394,748 
 
 
   During the period to 31 December 2018 the Company purchased 1,369,000 
Ordinary shares (nominal value GBP14,000) for treasury at a cost of 
GBP429,000. The total number of Ordinary shares held in treasury as at 
31 December 2018 was 18,840,410 (31 December 2017: 16,311,410; 30 June 
2018: 17,471,410) representing 10.3 per cent. of the Ordinary shares in 
issue as at 31 December 2018. 
 
   Under the terms of the Dividend Reinvestment Scheme Circular dated 26 
February 2009, the following new Ordinary shares of nominal value 1 
penny per share were allotted during the period: 
 
 
 
 
             Number 
               of 
Allotment    shares   Aggregate nominal value of shares     Issue price      Net invested  Opening market price on allotment date 
date        allotted              (GBP'000)               (pence per share)    (GBP'000)              (pence per share) 
----------  --------  ---------------------------------  ------------------  ------------  -------------------------------------- 
30 
 November 
 2018        791,634                                  8               33.56           264                                   33.40 
 
 
   9.      Contingencies and guarantees 
 
   As at 31 December 2018 the Company had no financial commitments in 
respect of investments (31 December 2017: GBPnil; 30 June 2018: GBPnil). 
 
   There are no external contingencies or guarantees of the Company as at 
31 December 2018 (31 December 2017: GBPnil; 30 June 2018: GBPnil). 
 
   10.    Post balance sheet events 
 
   Since 31 December 2018, the Company has completed the following material 
transaction: 
 
 
   -- Investment of GBP510,000 in Avora Limited, which develops software to 
      improve decision making through augmented analytics and machine learning. 
 
 
   11.    Related party transactions 
 
   Other than transactions with the Manager as disclosed in note 5, there 
are no other related party transactions requiring disclosure. 
 
   12.    Going concern 
 
   The Board's assessment of liquidity risk remains unchanged since the 
last Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 
2018 and is detailed on page 67 of those accounts. The Company has 
adequate cash and liquid resources. The portfolio of investments is 
diversified in terms of sector, and the major cash outflows of the 
Company (namely investments, dividends and share buy-backs) are within 
the Company's control. Accordingly, after making diligent enquiries, the 
Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate 
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable 
future. For this reason, the Directors have adopted the going concern 
basis in preparing this Half-yearly Financial Report and this is in 
accordance with the Guidance on Risk Management, Internal Control and 
Related Financial and Business Reporting issued by the Financial 
Reporting Council. 
 
   13.    Risks and uncertainties 
 
   The Board considers that the Company faces the following principal risks 
and uncertainties: 
 
   1. Investment, performance and valuation risk 
 
   The risk of investment in poor quality assets, which could reduce the 
capital and income returns to shareholders, and could negatively impact 
on the Company's current and future valuations. By nature, smaller 
unquoted businesses, such as those that qualify for venture capital 
trust purposes, are more fragile than larger, long established 
businesses.    The Company's investment valuation methodology is reliant 
on the accuracy and completeness of information that is issued by 
portfolio companies. In particular, the Directors may not be aware of or 
take into account certain events or circumstances which occur after the 
information issued by such companies is reported. 
 
 
   To reduce this risk, the Board places reliance upon the skills and 
expertise of the Manager and its track record over many years of making 
successful investments in this segment of the market. In addition, the 
Manager operates a formal and structured investment appraisal and review 
process, which includes an Investment Committee, comprising investment 
professionals from the Manager and at least one external investment 
professional. The Manager also invites and takes account of comments 
from non-executive Directors of the Company on matters discussed at the 
Investment Committee meetings. Investments are actively and regularly 
monitored by the Manager (investment managers normally sit on portfolio 
company boards), including the level of diversification in the portfolio, 
and the Board receives detailed reports on each investment as part of 
the Manager's report at quarterly Board meetings. 
 
   The unquoted investments held by the Company are designated at fair 
value through profit or loss and valued in accordance with the 
International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines. 
These guidelines set out recommendations, intended to represent current 
best practice on the valuation of venture capital investments. The 
valuation takes into account all known material facts up to the date of 
approval of the Financial Statements by the Board. 
 
   2. VCT approval risk 
 
 
   The Company must comply with section 274 of the Income Tax Act 2007 
which enables its investors to take advantage of tax relief on their 
investment and on future returns. Breach of any of the rules enabling 
the Company to hold VCT status could result in the loss of that status. 
 
 
 
   To reduce this risk, the Board has appointed the Manager, which has a 
team with significant experience in venture capital trust management, 
used to operating within the requirements of the venture capital trust 
legislation. In addition, to provide further formal reassurance, the 
Board has appointed Philip Hare & Associates LLP as its taxation adviser, 
who report quarterly to the Board to independently confirm compliance 
with the venture capital trust legislation, to highlight areas of risk 
and to inform on changes in legislation. Each investment in a new 
portfolio company is also pre-cleared with H.M. Revenue & Customs or our 
professional advisers. 
 
   3. Regulatory and compliance risk 
 
 
   The Company is listed on The London Stock Exchange and is required to 
comply with the rules of the UK Listing Authority, as well as with the 
Companies Act, Accounting Standards and other legislation. Failure to 
comply with these regulations could result in a delisting of the 
Company's shares, or other penalties under the Companies Act or from 
financial reporting oversight bodies. 
 
 
   Board members and the Manager have experience of operating at senior 
levels within or advising quoted companies. In addition, the Board and 
the Manager receive regular updates on new regulation from its auditor, 
lawyers and other professional bodies. The Company is subject to 
compliance checks through the Manager's compliance officer. The Manager 
reports monthly to its Board on any issues arising from compliance or 
regulation. These controls are also reviewed as part of the quarterly 
Board meetings, and also as part of the review work undertaken by the 
Manager's compliance officer. The report on controls is also evaluated 
by the internal auditor. 
 
   4. Operational and internal control risk 
 
   The Company relies on a number of third parties, in particular the 
Manager, for the provision of investment management and administrative 
functions. Failures in key systems and controls within the Manager's 
business could put assets of the Company at risk or result in reduced or 
inaccurate information being passed to the Board or to shareholders. 
 
   The Company and its operations are subject to a series of rigorous 
internal controls and review procedures exercised throughout the year. 
The Audit and Risk Committee reviews the Internal Audit Reports prepared 
by the Manager's internal auditor, PKF Littlejohn LLP and has access to 
the internal audit partner of PKF Littlejohn LLP to provide an 
opportunity to ask specific detailed questions in order to satisfy 
itself that the Manager has strong systems and controls in place 
including those in relation to business continuity. 
 
   In addition, the Board regularly reviews the performance of the Manager, 
to ensure they continue to have the necessary expertise and resources to 
deliver the Company's investment objective and policies. The Manager 
regularly reviews the performance of its key service providers and 
reports its results to the Board. The Manager and other service 
providers have also demonstrated to the Board that there is no undue 
reliance placed upon any one individual. 
 
   5. Economic and political risk 
 
   Changes in economic conditions, including, for example, interest rates, 
rates of inflation, industry conditions, competition, political and 
diplomatic events and other factors could substantially and adversely 
affect the Company's prospects in a number of ways. 
 
 
 
   The Company invests in a diversified portfolio of companies across a 
number of industry sectors and in addition often invests a mixture of 
instruments in portfolio companies. At any given time, the Company has 
sufficient cash resources to meet its operating requirements, including 
share buy-backs and follow on investments. 
 
   6. Market value of Ordinary shares 
 
 
   The market value of Ordinary shares can fluctuate. The market value of 
an Ordinary share, as well as being affected by its net asset value and 
prospective net asset value, also takes into account its dividend yield 
and prevailing interest rates. As such, the market value of an Ordinary 
share may vary considerably from its underlying net asset value. The 
market prices of shares in quoted investment companies can, therefore, 
be at a discount or premium to the net asset value at different times, 
depending on supply and demand, market conditions, general investor 
sentiment and other factors. Accordingly the market price of the 
Ordinary shares may not fully reflect their underlying net asset value. 
 
 
   The Company operates a share buy-back policy, which is designed to limit 
the discount at which the Ordinary shares trade to around 5 per cent. to 
net asset value, by providing a purchaser through the Company in absence 
of market purchasers. From time to time buy-backs cannot be applied, for 
example when the Company is subject to a close period, or if it were to 
exhaust any buy-back authorities. New Ordinary shares are issued at 
sufficient premium to net asset value to cover the costs of issue and to 
avoid net asset value dilution to existing investors. 
 
   14.    Other information 
 
   The information set out in the Half-yearly Financial Report does not 
constitute the Company's statutory accounts within the terms of section 
434 of the Companies Act 2006 for the periods ended 31 December 2018 and 
31 December 2017 and is unaudited. The financial information for the 
year ended 30 June 2018 does not constitute statutory accounts within 
the terms of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 and is derived from 
the statutory accounts for the financial year, which have been delivered 
to the Registrar of Companies. The Auditor's report on those accounts 
was unqualified and did not contain statements under s498 (2) or (3) of 
the Companies Act 2006. 
 
   15.    Publication 
 
   This Half-yearly Financial Report is being sent to shareholders and 
copies will be made available to the public at the registered office of 
the Company, Companies House, the National Storage Mechanism and also 
electronically at 
https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=warcwKBMGLl3GtBDwGyEtp_BtFfhQTkbsO3hX0X09Ojao1yede5iSRT_9KuY4jDDoTqhwiJn8fXIWI5WC9yUWtHlG1nBUsmWTFFNWc62b7be2CAhyK4xaIRdxfXv3UDE 
www.albion.capital/funds/CRWN. 
 
 
 
   Attachment 
 
 
   -- Investment portfolio by sector as at 31 December 2018 
      https://ml-eu.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/4ec08101-568d-4112-972a-4da1ed4c649c 
 
 
 
 
 

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 19, 2019 08:47 ET (13:47 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2019 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

1 Year Crown Place Vct Chart

1 Year Crown Place Vct Chart

1 Month Crown Place Vct Chart

1 Month Crown Place Vct Chart

Your Recent History

Delayed Upgrade Clock