Annual Financial Report

Graft Polymer (UK) PLC
30 April 2024
 

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF EU REGULATION 596/2014 AS IT FORMS PART OF DOMESTIC LAW IN THE UNITED KINGDOM BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018. UPON THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT VIA A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE, THIS INSIDE INFORMATION WILL BE CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.  

30 April 2024  

  

Graft Polymer (UK) Plc 

(the "Company") 

 

Final Results for the year ended 31 December 2023

 

I provide below the Chairman's statement for Graft Polymer for the Company's audited results for the  year ended 31 December 2023 and wish to include some commentary about the period in question and the Company's prevailing plans.

Highlights

·    Cash and cash equivalents at year end were £0.155 million

·    Loss before taxation for the year was £3.120 million

·    Net cash outflow for the year was £1.486 million

·    The Group held net assets at year end of £2.026 million

Post period end activities:

·    Nicholas Nelson appointed as Non-Executive Chairman and co-provider of a £200,000 working capital loan facility to enable the Company to prepare itself for a future fund-raise

·    Appointment of Allenby Capital as broker to the Company

 

We plan to announce the disposal of the Slovenian entity due to the slow pick-up of revenue and ongoing constraints. With a negative forecasted cash position in the near future leading to an increase in liability rather than a profit centre the Directors will be looking to dispose of the subsidiary to a private consortium in Slovenia for nominal consideration. Leaving our focus on, what we believe to be, the highly prospective Graft Bio division. More on that below.

 

Review of the year just ended

In July 2023 the Company announced the commissioning of the production facility in Slovenia, effectively doubling the Company's production capacity but consequently increasing working capital costs. Throughout this time the Company entered into several Research and Development agreements harnessing its intellectual property for BIO and pharmaceutical applications to broaden its commercial portfolio.

However, conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and the Red Sea significantly disrupted operations and presented substantial challenges to the Board's ability to manage the future. These conflicts particularly impacted trading capabilities, resulting in elevated logistical costs for raw materials imported from China along with cashflow risks. Added to this was the general economic turmoil in Europe leading to reduced overall demand.

As a result, the Company's revenues continued to fall short of hopes for a second year running thus depleting cash reserves. We have taken the view that these woeful trading conditions for Graft Polymer's Slovenian manufacturing facility will continue.

Pleasingly the Graft Bio division continues to see ongoing interest and the potential demand we are witnessing provides encouraging possibilities for the future. We anticipate that this may position the Company as a multi-sector specialist chemical firm offering expertise and R&D capabilities to develop high-end solutions for refiners, compounders and processors, rather than solely producing them in-house.

I say more about our pipeline of opportunities under 'Focus on the Graft Bio division' below.

15th March 2024 announcement; directorate change, loan facility and appointment of Allenby Capital as broker to the Company

I joined the board as Chairman on the above date replacing Roby Zomer and Alexander Brooks which was necessary to enable me and another individual to provide a £200,000 working capital loan facility. It's worth my copying a relevant paragraph from that announcement below:

Over recent months the Company has experienced very difficult trading conditions due to the conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and the Red Sea.  As a consequence, the Company's cash position has become extremely constrained thus necessitating the need for the Company to enter into the Loan Facility.  The Loan Facility will allow the Company to continue to trade and will permit the Company's audit for the year ended 31 December 2023 to be completed.

The Board's principal task is to take the Company through an equity fundraise in the near future for working capital purposes and the development of a modified business development strategy. This requires a Financial Conduct Authority approved prospectus to be published by the Company to enable new shares to be admitted to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. Any issue of new shares will also require shareholder approval at a general meeting of the Company. Further announcements will be made as appropriate regarding this matter.

Write off of investment / intercompany loans with Graft Polymer d.o.o

Today's accounts reveal that the Company has impaired in full its investment and intercompany loan in / with its Slovenia subsidiary, Graft Polymer d.o.o., due to the slow pick up of revenue, ongoing constraints and reflecting a growing liability on the Group's cash flow.  Accordingly, we plan to announce its disposal to a private consortium in Slovenia for nominal consideration.

Focus on the IP and Graft Bio division

The Directors believe that the Bio division represents significant value to investors based primarily on the revenue generating capabilities of the Group's intellectual property, intangible assets and sales contracts. As we can see on-going interest and demand as well as potential revenues. We believe this positions the Company as a multi-sector specialist chemical company offering the knowledge and R&D to develop high end solutions for the refiners, compounders and processors, rather than producing them in house. Our key advantage in Graft Bio is our knowledge and experience to create new innovative solutions for the industry.

Outlook on R&D and Supply agreements

On 6 July 2023, the company announced an R&D Supply Agreement with Gabriel Chemie, marking the initiation of collaborative efforts with our partners. Graft Bio since commenced work in conducting trials for various products. Encouragingly, some of these trials have yielded positive results, prompting us to transition towards industrial-scale production by our clients.

The Company entered an R&D Supply Agreement with Forpet Baltic, SIA, announced on 4 September 2023, has yet to initiate trials as well as entering similar agreements with Empreas Wilher Mexico, announced on 30 August 2023. The Company has been engaged in local activities and are in the process of providing new formulations for EWM to produce its samples to support additional projects.

The Company's agreement with the Slovenian Faculty of Polymer Technology, announced on 11 September 2023, is designated as a development project. It is expected to take approximately two years before yielding measurable results.

The agreement with the European consortium of the University of Belgrade announced on 9 October 2023, is also categorised as a development project. While progress is underway, it is anticipated to take around two years to yield results.

Summary

Following an extraordinarily difficult two years for the Group, resulting in a huge depletion of funds on account and severe constraints on the Group's ability to continue trading, I joined the Board to oversee a strategic change and progress a short term fundraise.

Despite the upcoming period presenting challenges for the Group the Board are confident that with the correct management approach we can safely navigate back to prosperity and I look forward to keeping shareholders informed as developments unfold.

 

 

 

Nicholas Nelson

Non-Executive Chairman

 

 

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The Group operates in an uncertain environment and is subject to a number of risk factors. The Directors consider the following risk factors are of particular relevance to the Group's activities although it should be noted that this list is not exhaustive and that other risk factors not presently known or currently deemed immaterial may apply. 

The Group is currently loss making, recording a financial loss of £3,120,000 for the year ended 31 December 2023

To date, the Company has been loss making and in the financial year ended 31 December 2023, the Group sustained losses in the amount of £3,120,000 (2022: £2,705,000). The Board has adopted measures to minimise costs and overheads to ensure that the Group remains solvent and the Group is now focused on nurturing and growing its Bio Division, as part of a strategic review undertaken by the Board.  The decision by the Board to undertake the disposal was to ensure the ongoing financial viability of the Group due to a forecasted negative cash position in the near future, leading to an increase in liability rather than a profit centre in the Slovenian entity.  If the Company's core business is unsuccessful, and the Company may be unable to generate revenue from alternative sources, then the Company is likely to remain loss making.  This would have a material adverse impact on the financial condition of the Group.  Investors should be aware that it is probably that the Company will remain loss making for the immediate future. 

Protection of intellectual property rights

The Group relies substantially on proprietary technology, patent rights, confidential information, trade secrets, know-how and laboratory research data to conduct its business and to attract and retain customers and licensees. The success of the Group's business depends on its ability to protect its know-how and its intellectual property portfolio, and maintain and obtain patents without infringing the proprietary rights of others. If the Group does not effectively protect its know-how and intellectual property, its business and operating results could be materially harmed.

Volatility or falls in its share price may materially and adversely affect the operations of the Group

As a company with its securities admitted to trading on a public securities exchange, the price at which its shares are trading may be subject to volatility or a material decrease in value, either as a result of the performance of the Group, rumour or speculation in the market, or due to general or specific factors affecting the performance of capital markets or the United Kingdom or global economies generally. Some of these factors may be outside the control of the Company. Volatility or a material decrease in the price or trading volume of the Company's shares may make it more difficult for the Company to attract future capital or result in suppliers, partners or customers losing confidence in the operations or future of the Group, if this were to continue for a period of time the business, operations or financial condition of the Group could be materially and adversely affected.

Statement of directors' responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have prepared the financial statements in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards for the group and as regards to the Parent Company Financial Statements, as applied in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.  Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the group and company and the profit and loss of the group for that period.

In preparing the financial statements the Directors are required to:

·    Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

·    Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

·    Ensure statements comply with UK-adopted international accounting standards, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Financial Statements; and

·    prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the group and company will continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group enabling them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The financial statements are published on the Company's website www.graftpolymer.com. The work carried out by the Auditor does not involve consideration of the maintenance and integrity of this website and accordingly, the Auditor accepts no responsibility for any changes that have occurred to the financial statements since they were initially presented on the website. Visitors to the website need to be aware that legislation in the United Kingdom covering the preparation and dissemination of the financial statements may differ from legislation in their jurisdiction.

 

 

 

Nicholas Nelson

Non-Executive Chairman

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF GRAFT POLYMER (UK) PLC

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Graft Polymer (UK) Plc (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprises the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated and Company Statements of Financial Position, the Consolidated and Company Statements of Cashflows, the Consolidated and Company Statements of Changes in Equity, and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and UK-adopted international accounting standards and as regards the parent company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion:

·    the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the group's and of the parent company's affairs as at 31 December 2023 and of the group's loss for the year then ended;

·    the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards;

·    the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and

·    the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group and parent company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Material uncertainty related to going concern

We draw attention to note 2.2 to the financial statements, which indicates that further funding will be required within the 12 months following the date of approval of the financial statements in order to meet working capital needs. As stated in note 2.2, these events or conditions, along with the other matters as set forth in note 2.2, indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the group's and parent company's ability to continue as a going concern. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Our evaluation of the directors' assessment of the group's and parent company's ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting included:

-     Obtaining and reviewing management's cash flow forecasts up to the period December 2026 and challenging management on the key assumptions and inputs based on 2023 actual results;

-     Evaluating management's sensitivity analysis and performing our own sensitivity analysis in respect of the key assumptions and inputs underpinning the forecasts; and

-     Ensuring disclosures in relation to going concern in the financial statements are appropriate. 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Our application of materiality

The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. The quantitative and qualitative thresholds for materiality determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures. The materiality applied to the group financial statements was set at £94,000 (2022: £134,000), with performance materiality set at £65,000 (2022: £93,000).

Group materiality has been calculated as 5% of loss for the year, adjusted for one-off costs relating to impairment charges (2022: 7.5% of loss for the period). We have determined, in our professional judgement, adjusted loss for the year to be the principal benchmark within the financial statements relevant to members of the parent company in assessing financial performance. A benchmark of 70% was applied to calculate the group performance materiality as we believed this would give sufficient coverage of significant and residual risks within the group financial statements.

The materiality applied to the parent company financial statements was £70,000 (2022: £107,000). The parent company performance materiality was £49,000 (2022: £74,000). For each component in scope of our group audit, we allocated a materiality that was less than our group materiality. We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above £4,000 (2022: £6,000) at the group level, as well as any other misstatements below that threshold that we believe warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.

We applied the concept of materiality both in planning and performing the audit, and in evaluating the effect of misstatement.

Our approach to the audit

In designing our audit, we determined materiality, as above, and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the group. We looked at areas requiring the directors to make subjective judgements, for example in respect of treatment of impairment of intangible assets (identified as a key audit matter), carrying value of investments and intragroup balances (identified as a key audit matter), selection of accounting policies, compliance with accounting policies and disclosure in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards, the Companies Act 2006, Disclosure Guidance and  Transparency Rules and the Listing Rules, and the consideration of future events that are inherently uncertain. We also addressed the risk of management override of controls, including evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the directors that represented a risk of material misstatements due to fraud. The group's key accounting function is based in the United Kingdom and our audit was performed by our team in London with specific experience of auditing listed public interest entities.

Key audit matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the current year and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) we identified, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. In addition to the matter described in the Material uncertainty related to going concern section of our report, we have determined the matters described below to be the key audit matters to be communicated in our report.

 

Key Audit Matter

How our scope addressed this matter

Carrying value of Intangible Assets(refer to note 11)

The consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2023 include intangible assets with a carrying value of £2.068m in respect of capitalised cost relating to "process technology and know-how" under IAS 38 Intangible Assets. An impairment review was undertaken based on the impairment indicators noted by the management.

 

Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested annually for impairment and whenever there is an indication of impairment. An impairment review requires management's significant estimation and judgement in determining the future cash flows.

 

For this reason, as well as the material account balance, we have assessed this to be a key audit matter and a significant risk in relation to the valuation of the asset.

Our work in this area included:

·    Obtaining and documenting an understanding of the procedures in place over the impairment assessment of intangible assets.

·    Ensuring intangible asset recognition meets the criteria in IAS 38 and its valuation is in accordance with the standard;

·    Obtaining and reviewing the impairment assessment prepared by management;

·    Discussions with management over future plans of the use of 'know-how;

·    Challenging the assumptions used in the cashflow forecast model by corroborating with supporting explanation and evidence; and

·    Assessing the adequacy of the financial statement disclosures, including the accounting policies.

 

Based on the discussions with management and review of the impairment assessment performed by management, it was noted that the group expects to recover the carrying value of Intangible asset through royalty revenue generated from licensing its intellectual property to other companies. From the work performed on the forecast and discussions with management, we haven't noted anything that would indicate that the asset should be impaired at the year end. 

Carrying value of investments and intragroup balances (parent company)

(refer to notes 15 and 27)

Investments in subsidiary and intra group loans were significant assets in the parent company's financial statements. The parent company had outstanding receivables of £2.044m due from its 100% owned subsidiary, and the investments in subsidiary are carried at £1.304m which were fully impaired to nil based on the impairment indicators noted by the management.

We consider this to be a key audit matter given the significant judgements are required in the impairment assessment carried out by management.

Our work in this area included:

 

·    Confirming ownership of investments.

 

·    Obtaining and review management's calculation of expected credit losses in accordance with IFRS 9;

 

·    Considerations of recoverability of investments and intragroup loans by reference to underlying net asset values and future profitability; 

 

·    Reviewing management's impairment, ensuring these are in line the requirements of IAS 36 and challenging the assumptions within; and

 

·    Ensuring disclosures made in the financial statements in relation to critical accounting judgements are adequate.

 

Based on the discussions with management, it was noted that the disposal of Slovenian subsidiary is planned after signing of annual report at a token consideration of €1. Management performed an impairment assessment, and this was noted as an impairment indicator under IAS 36 and as such it was agreed with the management that year value of Investment and Intragroup loan should be fully impaired.

 

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the group and parent company financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion the part of the directors' remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

·    the information given in the strategic report and the directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

·    the strategic report and the directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors' report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

·    adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

·    the parent company financial statements and the part of the directors' remuneration report to be audited are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

·    certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or

·    we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Responsibilities of directors

As explained more fully in the Statement of directors' responsibilities, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the group and parent company financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the group and parent company financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group's and the parent company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

·    We obtained an understanding of the group and parent company and the sector in which they operate to identify laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a direct effect on the financial statements. We obtained our understanding in this regard through discussions with management and industry research.

·    We determined the principal laws and regulations relevant to the group and parent company in this regard to be those arising from the Companies Act 2006, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, the Listing Rules, Bribery Act 2010, anti money laundering regulations, and local laws and regulations in Slovenia.

·    We designed our audit procedures to ensure the audit team considered whether there were any indications of non-compliance by the group and parent company with those laws and regulations. These procedures included, but were not limited to:

Making enquiries of management;

Reviewing board meeting minutes;

Reviewing Regulatory News Service publications; and

Reviewing legal expenses incurred during the year.

·    We also identified the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements due to fraud. We considered, in addition to the non-rebuttable presumption of a risk of fraud arising from management override of controls, the potential for management bias was identified in relation to the impairment of intangible assets, carrying value of investments and intragroup balances (parent company) and share based payments. We addressed this by challenging the key assumptions and judgements made by management when auditing those significant accounting estimates.

·    As in all of our audits, we addressed the risk of fraud arising from management override of controls by performing audit procedures which included but were not limited to the testing of journals; reviewing accounting estimates for evidence of bias; and evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Other matters which we are required to address

We were appointed by Board of Directors on 27 July 2023 to audit the financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2023 and subsequent financial periods. Our total uninterrupted period of engagement is three years, covering from the period ending 31 December 2021 to 31 December 2023.

The non-audit services prohibited by the FRC's Ethical Standard were not provided to the group or the parent company and we remain independent of the group and parent company in conducting our audit.

Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the Audit Committee.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone, other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Daniel Hutson (Senior Statutory Auditor)           

For and on behalf of PKF Littlejohn LLP

Statutoory Auditor


15 Westferry Circus,

Canary Wharf,

London E14 4HD

                                  

30 April 2024

GRAFT POLYMER (UK) PLC - COMPANY NUMBER 10776788

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

 

 



Year ended 31 Dec 2023

Year ended 31 Dec 2022


Note

£'000

£'000

Continuing operations

 



  Revenue

4

587

542

  Cost of sales


(329)

(242)

Gross profit

 

258

300

  Other revenue


-

17

  Operational costs

5

(213)

(238)

  Depreciation and amortisation

5

(179)

(113)

  Administrative expenses

5

(2,145)

(2,667)

  Impairment

13 & 14

(838)

-

Operating loss


(3,117)

(2,701)

  Finance costs

8

(3)

(4)

Loss before taxation

 

(3,120)

(2,705)

  Income tax

9

-

-

Loss for the year from continuing operations


(3,120)

(2,705)

Other comprehensive income - foreign

currency translation


48

(4)

Total comprehensive loss for the year attributable to equity holders of the parent


(3,072)

(2,709)

 




Earnings per share (basic and diluted) - pence

10

(3.00)

(2.61)

 

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

GRAFT POLYMER (UK) PLC - COMPANY NUMBER 10776788

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

 



As at 31 Dec 2023

As at 31 Dec 2022

 

Note

£'000

£'000

Non-current assets

 



  Property, plant and equipment

13

-

674

  Right of use assets

12

39

27

  Intangible assets

11

2,068

2,068

  Other non-current assets


13

13

Total non-current assets

 

2,120

2,782

Current assets

 



  Cash and cash equivalents

17

155

1,640

  Trade and other receivables

16

108

330

  Inventory

14

51

187

Total current assets

 

314

2157

TOTAL ASSETS

 

2,434

4,939

 




Non-Current liabilities

 



  Lease liability

12

22

18

Total non-current liabilities

 

22

18





Current liabilities

 



  Trade and other payables

18

249

322

  Deferred income


93

41

  Provisions

19

32

-

  Lease liability

12

12

4

Total current liabilities

 

386

367

Total liabilities

 

408

385

NET ASSETS

 

2,026

4,554

 




Equity -

 



  Issued share capital

20

41

41

  Share premium

20

7,001

7001

  Share capital to issue

20

175

-

  Capital reduction reserve


2,500

2,500

  Foreign exchange reserve


47

(1)

  Share based payments reserve

21

1,227

858

  Retained earnings


(8,965)

(5,845)

TOTAL EQUITY

 

2,026

4,554

 

The financial statements were approved by the board on 30 April 2024:

Chief Financial Officer - Yifat Steuer

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

GRAFT POLYMER (UK) PLC - COMPANY NUMBER 10776788

COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

 



As at 31 Dec 2023

As at 31 Dec 2022

 

Note

£'000

£'000

Non-current assets

 



  Intangible assets

11

2,068

2,068

  Investments

15

-

1,304

  Intercompany receivable

27

-

1,714

Total non-current assets

 

2,068

5,086

Current assets

 



  Cash and cash equivalents

17

12

1,548

  Trade and other receivables

16

31

45

Total current assets

 

43

1,593

TOTAL ASSETS

 

2,111

6,679

 




Non-Current liabilities

 



  Intercompany payable


-

29

Total non-current liabilities

 

-

29

 




Current liabilities

 



  Provisions

19

33

-

  Trade and other payables

18

117

148

Total current liabilities

 

150

148

Total liabilities

 

150

177

NET ASSETS

 

1,961

6,502

 




Equity

 



  Issued share capital

20

41

41

  Share premium

20

7,001

7,001

  Share capital to issue

20

175

-

  Capital reduction reserve


2,500

2,500

  Share based payments reserve

21

1,227

858

  Retained earnings


(8,983)

(3,898)

TOTAL EQUITY

 

1,961

6,502

 

As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the profit and loss account of the parent company has not been separately presented in these accounts. The Company loss for the year was £5,085,548 (2022: loss of £2,377,737).

The financial statements were approved by the board on 30 April 2024:

Chief Financial Officer - Yifat Steuer

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

GRAFT POLYMER (UK) PLC - COMPANY NUMBER 10776788

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

 


Share capital

Shares to be issued

Share premium

Capital reduction reserve

Share based payment reserve

Foreign exchange Reserve

Retained earnings

Total equity


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Balance at 31 December 2021

7

500

942

2,500

-

3

(3,140)

812

 









Loss for period

-

-

-

-

-

-

(2,705)

(2,705)

Other comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

-

(4)

-

(4)

Total comprehensive income for year

-

-

-

-

-

(4)

(2,705)

(2,709)










Transactions with owners in own capacity

 








Ordinary Shares issued in the period

34

(500)

6,399

-

-

-

-

5,933

Advisor warrants issued

-

-

-

-

143

-

-

143

Employee options issued

-

-

-

-

715

-

-

715

Share Issue Costs

-

-

(340)

-

-

-

-

(340)

Transactions with owners in own capacity

34

(500)

6,059

-

858

-

-

6,451

Balance at 31 December 2022

41

-

7,001

2,500

858

(1)

(5,845)

4,554

 









Loss for period

-

-

-

-

-

-

(3,120)

(3,120)

Other comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

-

48

-

48

Total comprehensive income for year

-

-

-

-

-

48

(3,120)

3,072










Transactions with owners in own capacity

 








Waiver of Director and advisor fees

-

175

-

-

-

-

-

175

Employee options

-

-

-

-

369

-

-

369

Transactions with owners in own capacity

-

175

-

-

369

-

-

544

Balance at 31 December 2023

41

175

7,001

2,500

1,227

47

(8,965)

2,026


GRAFT POLYMER (UK) PLC - COMPANY NUMBER 10776788

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

 


Share capital

Shares to be issued

Share premium

Capital reduction reserve

Share based payment reserve

Foreign exchange Reserve

Retained earnings

Total equity


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Balance at 31 December 2021

7

500

942

2,500

-

(3)

(1,520)

2,426

 









Loss for period

-

-

-

-

-

-

(2,378)

(2,378)

Other comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

-

3

-

3

Total comprehensive income for year

-

-

-

-

-

3

(2,378)

(2,375)










Transactions with owners in own capacity

 








Ordinary Shares issued in the period

34

(500)

6,399

-

-

-

-

5,933

Advisor warrants issued

-

-

-

-

143

-

-

143

Employee options issued

-

-

-

-

715

-

-

715

Share Issue Costs

-

-

(340)

-

-

-

-

(340)

Transactions with owners in own capacity

34

(500)

6,059

-

858

-

-

6,451

Balance at 31 December 2022

41

-

7,001

2,500

858

-

(3,898)

6,502

 









Loss for period

-

-

-

-

-

-

(5,085)

(5,085)

Other comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Total comprehensive income for year

-

-

-

-

-

-

(5,085)

(5,085)










Transactions with owners in own capacity

 








Waiver of Director and advisor fees

-

175

-

-

-

-

-

175

Employee options

-

-

-

-

369

-

-

369

Transactions with owners in own capacity

-

175

-

-

369

-

-

544

Balance at 31 December 2023

41

175

7,001

2,500

1,227

-

(8,983)

1,961

 

GRAFT POLYMER (UK) PLC - COMPANY NUMBER 10776788

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

 

 



Year ended
31 December 2023

Year ended
31 December 2022

 

Note

£'000

£'000

Cash flow from operating activities

 



 Loss for the financial year


(3,120)

(2,705)

Adjustments for:

 



Share based payments


369

858

Depreciation on fixed assets


165

108

Impairment of fixed assets


736

-

Impairment of inventory

14

117

-

Finance expenses


3

4

Amortization on right-of-use assets


12

5

Foreign exchange movements


67

10

Changes in working capital:

 



Decrease in trade and other receivables


6

43

Increase / (decrease) in trade and other payables


393

(496)

(Increase) / decrease in inventory


14

(187)

Net cash outflow from operating activities


(1,238)

(2,360)





Cash flows from investing activities




Purchase of property, plant and equipment

13

(216)

(718)

Repayments on right-of-use assets


(16)

-

Net cash flow from investing activities


(232)

(718)

 




Cash flows from financing activities




Proceeds from issue of shares


-

4,475

Share Issue Costs


-

(340)

Net cash flow from financing activities


-

(4,135)

 




Net increase in cash and cash equivalents


(1,470)

1,057

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period


1,640

598

Foreign exchange effect on cash balance


(15)

(15)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

17

155

1,640

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements


GRAFT POLYMER (UK) PLC - COMPANY NUMBER 10776788

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

 

 

 



Year ended
31 December 2023

Year ended
31 December 2022

 

Note

£'000

£'000

Cash flow from operating activities

 



 Loss for the financial year


(5,085)

(2,378)

Adjustments for:

 



Share based payments


369

858

Impairment charge on investment in subsidiaries


1,304

-

Impairment charge on intercompany receivable


2,044

-

Foreign exchange movements


68

16

Changes in working capital:

 



Decrease in trade and other receivables


3

81

Increase / (decrease) in trade and other payables


159

(271)

Net cash outflow from operating activities


(1,138)

(1,694)





Cash flows from investing activities




Loans to subsidiary


(398)

(1,432)

Net cash flow from investing activities


(398)

(1,432)

 




Cash flows from financing activities




Proceeds from issue of shares


-

4,475

Share Issue Costs


-

(340)

Net cash flow from financing activities


-

4,135

 




Net increase in cash and cash equivalents


(1,536)

1,009

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period


1,548

545

Foreign exchange effect on cash balance


-

(6)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

17

12

1,548

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

 

GRAFT POLYMER (UK) PLC - COMPANY NUMBER 10776788

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

 

1              GENERAL INFORMATION

Graft Polymer (UK) Plc ("the Company" or "GPUK") was incorporated in England and Wales as a limited company on 18 May 2017 as Graft Polymer (UK) Limited and was re-registered as a public limited company on 1 July 2021. The Company is domiciled in England and Wales with its registered office at Eccleston Yards, 25 Eccleston Place, London, SW1W 9NF. The Company's registered number is 10776788.

The Group successfully completed an IPO and admission to the standard segment of the London Stock Exchange on 6 January 2022.

The principal activities of the Company and all of its subsidiaries collectively referred to as "the Group" are the research, development and polymer modification technologies and polymer modification techniques.

The consolidated financial statements ("financial statements") were approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 30 April 2024.

2              ACCOUNTING POLICIES

IAS 8 requires that management shall use its judgement in developing and applying accounting policies that result in information which is relevant to the economic decision-making needs of users, that are reliable, free from bias, prudent, complete and represent faithfully the financial position, financial performance and cash flows of the entity.

2.1          Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards in conformity with the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statement have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless stated otherwise. The principal accounting policies are set out below and have, unless otherwise stated, been applied consistently for all periods presented in these financial statements. The financial statements have been prepared in £GBP and presented to the nearest £'000.

The functional currency for each entity in the Group is determined as the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates.  The functional currency of the Company is Pounds Sterling (£) as this is the currency that finance was raised in.

The functional currency of the operating subsidiary in Slovenia is the Euro (€) as this is the currency that mainly influences labour, material and other costs of providing services. The presentational currency of the Group is Pounds Sterling (£). Foreign operations are translated in accordance with the policies set out further below in the notes at note 2.4.

The Group presents its financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 and presents comparatives for the year ending 31 December 2022.

2.2          Going concern

The Directors, having made due and careful enquiry, are of the opinion that the Company and the Group will have access to adequate working capital to execute its operations over the next 12 months.

The Directors have assessed the cash position of the Group as of the signing of this report and are aware that these alone are not sufficient to meet the expenditure requirements for the going concern period.

To supplement this the Group has put in place a £200,000 loan facility with the intention that this will support the Group as they prepare a prospectus which will in turn facilitate a larger fundraise.

The Directors have prepared in depth cash flow forecasts that would suggest on the expected fundraise amount the Group would have significant headroom to support the going concern assumption however should the actual fundraise prove to be significantly lower than anticipated this could raise concerns about going concern. The events or conditions noted above indicate the existence of a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and, therefore, that it may be unable to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that may be necessary if the Company was not a going concern but note that the auditors make reference to going concern by way of a material uncertainty over the ability of the company to fund the recurring and projected expenditure.

2.3          Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries) made up to 31 December each year. Per IFRS 10, control is achieved when the Company:

·    has the power over the investee;

·    is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and

·    has the ability to use its power to affects its returns.

 

The Company reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control listed above.  When the Company has less than a majority of the voting rights of an investee, it considers that it has power over the investee when the voting rights are sufficient to give it the practical ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee unilaterally. The Company considers all relevant facts and circumstances in assessing whether or not the Company's voting rights in an investee are sufficient to give it power, including:

·   the size of the Company's holding of voting rights relative to the size and dispersion of holdings of the other vote holders;

·   potential voting rights held by the Company, other vote holders or other parties;

·   rights arising from other contractual arrangements; and

·   any additional facts and circumstances that indicate that the Company has, or does not have,     the current ability to direct the relevant activities at the time that decisions need to be made, including voting patterns at previous shareholders' meetings.

 

Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the Company obtains control over the subsidiary and ceases when the Company loses control of the subsidiary. Specifically, the results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in profit or loss from the date the Company gains control until the date when the Company ceases to control the subsidiary.  Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with the Group's accounting policies.

All intragroup assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows relating to transactions between the members of the Group are eliminated on consolidation.

2.4          Foreign currency translation

i.          Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements for each of the Group's entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates ('the functional currency'). The consolidated financial statements is presented in £ Sterling, which is the Company's presentation and functional currency. The individual financial statements of each of the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries are prepared in the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates (its functional currency). IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates requires that assets and liabilities be translated using the exchange rate at period end, and income, expenses and cash flow items are translated using the rate that approximates the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions (i.e. the average rate for the period). The foreign exchange differences on translation is recognised in other comprehensive income (loss).

ii.         Transactions and balances

Transactions denominated in a foreign currency are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated to the functional currency at rates of exchange ruling at balance date. Gains or losses arising from settlement of transactions and from translation at period-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement for the period.

iii.        Group companies

The results and financial position of all the Group entities that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

-     assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of the balance sheet;

-     income and expenses for each income statement are translated at the average exchange rate; and all resulting exchange differences are recognised as a separate component of equity.

On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations are taken to shareholders' equity. When a foreign operation is partially disposed or sold, exchange differences that were recorded in equity are recognised in the income statement as part of the gain or loss on sale.

2.5          Segment reporting

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision makers. The chief operating decision maker, who are responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the executive Board of Directors.

2.6          Impairment of non-financial assets

Non-financial assets and intangible assets not subject to amortisation are tested annually for impairment at each reporting date and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

An impairment review is based on forecasted future cash flows. If the expected discounted future cash flow from the use of the assets and their eventual disposal is less than the carrying amount of the assets, an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss and not subsequently reversed.

For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are largely independent cash flows (cash generating units or 'CGUs').

2.7          Inventory

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Costs of inventories are determined on a first-in-first out basis. Net realisable value represents the estimated selling price for inventories less all estimated costs of completion and costs necessary to make the sale.

2.8          Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand, and demand deposits with banks and other financial institutions and bank overdrafts.

2.9          Financial instruments

IFRS 9 requires an entity to address the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and liabilities.

a)  Classification

The Group classifies its financial assets in the following measurement categories:

·    those to be measured at amortised cost; and

 

·    those to be measured subsequently at fair value through profit or loss.

 

The classification depends on the Group's business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual terms of the cash flows.

The Group classifies financial assets as at amortised cost only if both of the following criteria are met:

·  the asset is held within a business model whose objective is to collect contractual cash flows; and

·  the contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payment of principal and interest.

b)  Recognition

Purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on trade date (that is, the date on which the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset). Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or have been transferred and the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership.

c)  Measurement

At initial recognition, the Group measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or loss (FVPL), transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset.

Transaction costs of financial assets carried at FVPL are expensed in profit or loss.

Debt instruments

Amortised cost: Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows, where those cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest, are measured at amortised cost. Interest income from these financial assets is included in finance income using the effective interest rate method. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition is recognised directly in profit or loss and presented in other gains/(losses)  together with foreign exchange gains and losses. Impairment losses are presented as a separate line item in the statement of profit or loss.

d)  Impairment

The Group assesses, on a forward looking basis, the expected credit losses associated with any debt instruments carried at amortised cost. The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk. For trade receivables, the Group applies the simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9, which requires expected lifetime losses to be recognised from initial recognition of the receivables.

2.10        Leases

The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. If that rate cannot be readily determined, which is generally the case for leases in the Company, the lessee's incremental borrowing rate is used, being the rate that the individual lessee would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment with similar terms, security and conditions. In all instances the leases were discounted using the incremental borrowing rate.

Lease payments are allocated between principal and finance cost. The finance cost is charged to profit or loss over the lease period. Right-of-use assets are measured at cost which comprises the following:

-    The amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability;

-    Any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received;

-    Any initial direct costs; and

-    Restoration costs.

Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter of the asset's useful life and the lease term on a straight line basis. If the Company is reasonably certain to exercise a purchase option, the right-of-use asset is depreciated over the underlying asset's useful life.

Lease payments to be made under reasonably certain extension options are also included in the measurement of the liability.

Payments associated with short-term leases (term less than 12 months) and all leases of low-value assets (generally less than £5k) are recognised on a straight-line basis as an expense in profit or loss.

2.11        Equity

Share capital is determined using the nominal value of shares that have been issued.

Share capital to be issued relates to salaries foregone by Directors and other consultants. Upon the issue publication of a prospectus shares will be issued to compensate the necessary parties and will be allocated amongst the share capital and share premium accounts.

The Share premium account includes any premiums received on the initial issuing of the share capital. Any transaction costs associated with the issuing of shares are deducted from the Share premium account, net of any related income tax benefits.

For the purposes of presenting consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of group's foreign operations are translated at the exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date and items of income and expenditure are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Exchange differences arising are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the Foreign Currency Reserve within equity.

Equity-settled share-based payments are credited to a share-based payment reserve as a component of equity until related options or warrants are exercised or lapse.

The foreign exchange reserve policy is set out in note 2.5.

Capital reduction reserve represents funds sent from the parent company to subsidiary that on the approval of Directors was reclassified from a loan in the subsidiary to an investment.

Retained losses includes all current and prior period results as disclosed in the income statement.

2.12        Share based payments

The Group has made awards of warrants and options on its unissued share capital to certain parties in return for services provided to the Group. The valuation of these warrants involved making a number of critical estimates relating to price volatility, future dividend yields, expected life of the options and interest rates. These assumptions have been integrated into the Black Scholes Option Pricing model and the Monte Carlo valuation model to derive a value for any share-based payments. These assumptions are described in more detail in note 21.  

2.13        Earnings per share

The Group presents basic and diluted earnings per share data for its Ordinary Shares.

Basic earnings per Ordinary Share is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to Shareholders by the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares outstanding during the period.

Diluted earnings per Ordinary Share is calculated by adjusting the earnings and number of Ordinary Shares for the effects of dilutive potential Ordinary Shares.

2.14        Revenue

Under IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, five key points to recognise revenue have been assessed:

Step 1: Identity the contract(s) with a customer;

Step 2: Identity the performance obligations in the contract;

Step 3: Determine the transaction price;

Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and

Step 5: Recognise revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

The Group recognises revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured and it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, VAT and other sales related taxes.

Revenue is reduced for estimated customer returns, rebates and other similar allowances. Sales of goods are recognised when the control of the goods is transferred to the buyer at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods. Control is considered to have transferred generally on despatch as most items are sold on a cost includes freight basis; or on delivery where Delivered Duty Paid ("DDP") Incoterms are used. The normal credit terms are 30 to 60 days upon delivery. Invoices that are issued before the transfer of control has occurred are allocated as deferred income and then recognised as revenue when the performance obligation has been satisfied.

The Group also derives revenue from the rendering of services, whereby revenue from a contract to provide services is recognised in the period in which the services are provided in accordance with the stage of completion of the contract when all of the following conditions are satisfied:

-    the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;

-    it is probable that the Company will receive the consideration due under the contract;

-    the stage of completion of the contract at the end of the reporting period can be measured reliably; and

-    the costs incurred and the costs to complete the contract can be measured reliably.

In arrangements where fees are invoiced ahead of revenue being recognized, deferred income is recorded.

2.15        Taxation

Tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the period. Taxable profit differs from profit as reported in the income statement because it excludes items of income and expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is proved in full on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statement. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised of the deferred tax liability is settled.

2.16        Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.

When the Company acquires any plant and equipment it is stated in the accounts at its cost of acquisition less a provision.

Depreciation is charged to write off the costs less estimated residual value of plant and equipment on a straight basis over their estimated useful lives being:

-        Plant and equipment:    5 - 7 years

-        Buildings and leasehold improvements: 20 years

Estimated useful lives and residual values are reviewed each year and amended as required.

2.17        Intangible assets

Intangible assets acquired are initially recognised at cost.  Indefinite life intangible assets are not amortised and are subsequently measured at cost less any impairment. The gains and losses recognised in profit or loss arising from the derecognition of intangible assets are measured as the difference between net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the intangible asset. 

Intangible asset impairment reviews are undertaken annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment. The method and useful lives of finite life intangible assets are reviewed annually.  Changes in the expected pattern of consumption or useful life are accounted for prospectively by changing the amortisation method or period.

2.18        Investments in Subsidiaries

Investments in Group undertakings are stated at cost.

2.19        Provisions

Provisions represent liabilities of uncertain timing or amount that are recognized when an entity has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

 

The provision is measured at the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is discounted using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability.

 

Provisions are reviewed at the end of each reporting period and adjusted to reflect the current best estimate. If it is no longer probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, the provision is reversed.

 

2.20        Financial liabilities

Other financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair values less any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, these liabilities are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2.21        Critical judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgements and form assumptions that affects the reported amounts of the assets, liabilities, revenue and costs during the periods presented therein, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial information. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and based on management's historical experience and other factors, including future expectations and events that are believed to be reasonable.

Know-how as an intangible asset (note 11)

The estimates and assumptions in relation to the carrying value of the know-how intangible assets are considered to have the most significant effect on the carrying amounts of the financial statements.

Management have prepared a 5 year financial forecast ending at December 2028 which looks at the revenue generating ability of these intangible assets. They have confidence in various networks and contracts that the know-how will allow the Group to generate significant royalty and licensing revenue with relatively low associated costs. The Directors have a high level of confidence that these contracts will ultimately prove to be highly lucrative for the Group and support the current carrying value of the intangible assets.

As a result the intangible assets were assessed and concluded that no impairment charge was required.

Recoverability of the investment in subsidiary and intercompany receivable (note 15)

As at 31 December 2022 the carrying value of the Company's investment in its subsidiary Graft Polymer d.o.o. was approximately £1,304,000. The Directors have performed an impairment assessment on the value of the subsidiary considering a number of factors and have determined that because of the uncertainty related to the future profitability of the subsidiary the value of the investment should be impaired to nil at 31 December 2023.

Post year end the Directors have considered factors in the subsidiary such as slow pick up of revenue, ongoing constraints and a net cash drain on the Group's cash flow and accordingly plan to announce that they will dispose of the subsidiary to a private consortium in Slovenia for nominal consideration.

Impairment of operating assets in Slovenian Subsidiary (Note 13 & 14)

On review of the Group's operating division in Slovenia and the uncertainty relating to trading going forward the Directors have taken the decision to impair the total values of fixed assets (£736,000) and any unrecoverable inventory (£117,000) at year end.

Share based payments (Note 21)

The Group issues options and warrants to its employees, directors, investors and advisors.  These are valued in accordance with IFRS 2 "Share-based payments".  In calculating the related charge on issuing shares and warrants the Group will use a variety of estimates and judgements in respect of inputs used including share price volatility, risk free rate, and expected life.  Changes to these inputs may impact the related charge. In the period the Group did not perform any new valuations but released expenses to the statement of other comprehensive income from valuations in prior periods.

2.22        New standards and interpretations not yet adopted

At the date of approval of these financial statements, the following standards and interpretations which have not been applied in these financial statements were in issue but not yet effective (and in some cases have not yet been adopted by the UK):

 

Standard

Effective date

Overview

Amendments to IAS 1

 

Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current

1 January 2024 (early adoption permitted)

The standard has been amended to clarify that the classification of liabilities as current or non-current should be based on rights that exist at the end of the reporting period.

 

In order to conclude a liability is non-current, the right to defer settlement of a liability for at least 12 months after the reporting date must exist as at the end of the reporting period.

 

The amendments also clarify that (for the purposes of classification as current or non-current), settlement is the transfer of cash, the entity's own equity instruments (except as described below), other assets or services.

Amendments to IAS 1

 

Non-current Liabilities with Covenants

1 January 2024 (early adoption permitted)

The standard confirms that only those covenants with which an entity must comply on or before the end of the reporting period affect the classification of a liability as current or non-current.

 

Amendments to IFRS 16

 

Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback

1 January 2024 (early adoption permitted)

The amendments address the accounting that should be applied by a seller-lessee in a sale and leaseback transaction when the leaseback contains variable lease payments, such as turnover rentals, that do not depend on an index or rate. 

 

Specifically, they confirm that the 'lease payments' or the 'revised lease payments' arising from the leaseback arrangement are measured in such a way that no gain or loss is recognised on the right of use retained by the seller-lessee.

 

Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7

 

Supplier Finance Arrangements

1 January 2024 (early adoption permitted)

The amendments require an entity to disclose information about its supplier finance arrangements to enable users of financial statements to assess the effects of those arrangements on the entity's liabilities and cash flows and on the entity's exposure to liquidity risk.

Amendments to IAS 21 - Lack of Exchangeability

1 January 2025 (early adoption permitted)

The amendments have been made to clarify:

- when a currency is exchangeable into another currency; and

- how a company estimates a spot rate when a currency lacks exchangeability.

 

2.23        New standards and interpretations adopted

The effect of these amended Standards and Interpretations which are in issue have not had a material effect on the financial statements.

Standard

Overview

IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts

 

IFRS 17 will replace IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts, a temporary standard which permits a variety of accounting practices for insurance contracts.

Amendments to IFRS 17 - Initial Application of IFRS 17 & IFRS 9

Comparative Information

Many insurance entities will now be applying both IFRS 17 and IFRS 9 for the first time in annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023.

Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2 - Making Materiality Judgements

Disclosure of Accounting Policies

The amendments to IAS 1 will require an entity to disclose material accounting policies. Accounting policy information is likely to be considered material if users need the disclosure to understand other material information in the accounts.

 

Amendments to IAS 8 - Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors

 

Definition of Accounting Estimates

The amendments introduce a definition for accounting estimates which is 'monetary amounts in financial statements that are subject to measurement uncertainty'. Measurement uncertainty will arise when monetary amounts required to apply an accounting policy cannot be observed directly. In such cases, accounting estimates will need to be developed using judgements and assumptions.

Amendments to IAS 12 - Income Taxes

Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction

This amendment to IAS 12 Income Taxes introduces an exception to the "initial recognition exemption" when the transaction gives rise to equal taxable and deductible temporary differences.

Amendments to IAS 12 - Income Taxes

International Tax Reform - Pillar Two Model Rules

This amendment to IAS 12 Income Taxes introduces disclosures to help investors better understand a company's exposure to income taxes arising from the reform, particularly before legislation implementing the rules is in effect.

 

3.            SEGMENT REPORTING

The following information is given about the Group's reportable segments:

The Chief Operating Decision Maker is the Board of Directors. The Board reviews the Group's internal reporting in order to assess performance of the Group. Management has determined the operating segment based on the reports reviewed by the Board.

The Board considers that during the year ended 31 December 2023 the Group operated in two business segments being polymer development and production in Slovenia and corporate functions in the UK.

 


United Kingdom

 

Slovenia

 

Total


£'000

 

£'000

 

£'000

Revenue

-

 

587


587

Cost of sales

-

 

(329)


(329)


-

 

258


258



 

 


 

Operational costs

-


(213)


(213)

Depreciation & amortisation

-


(179)


(179)

Administrative expenses

(1,736)


(409)


(2,145)

Impairment charge

-


(838)


(838)

Operating loss from continued operations per reportable segment

(1,736)

 

(1,381)

 

(3,117)

Finance costs

-

 

(3)

 

(3)

Loss for the year from continuing operations

(1,736)

 

(1,384)

 

(3,120)







Reportable segment assets

2,111


323


2,434

Reportable segment liabilities

(150)


(258)


(408)

Total

1,961

 

65

 

2,026

 

4.            REVENUE

 

 

 

 

Year ended 31 Dec 2023
£'000

Year ended 31 Dec 2022
£'000

Product Sales Revenue




  Slovenia


5

41

  Europe


355

415

  Rest of the world


66

-



426

456

Services Sales Revenue




  Slovenia


161

86



161

86

Total Sales Revenue


587

542

 

5.            OPERATING COSTS AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENDITURE


 

 

Year ended 31 Dec 2023
£'000

Year ended 31 Dec 2022
£'000

Operating costs




Depreciation


(179)

(113)

Operational costs


(213)

(238)



(392)

(351)

Administrative costs




Directors remuneration


(754)

(1,162)

Salary and wages


(276)

(111)

Professional and consulting fees


(389)

(703)

Travel expenses


(21)

(6)

Foreign exchange


(69)

(10)

Other expenses


(267)

(336)

Share based payments*


(369)

(339)



(2,145)

(2,667)

*£268k of share based payments are shown in directors remuneration to reconcile to the remuneration report on page 23. Remaining amount relates to external consultants.

 

6.            AUDITORS REMUNERATION


 

 

Year ended 31 Dec 2023
£'000

Year ended 31 Dec 2022
£'000

Fees payable to the Group's auditor for the audit of parent company and consolidated financial statements


(50)

(46)



(50)

(46)

 

7.            STAFF COSTS AND DIRECTORS' EMOLUMENTS

Directors' remuneration  and staff costs are referenced below. Directors remuneration can also be reference in the remuneration report:

 

 

 

 

Year ended 31 Dec 2023
£'000

Year ended 31 Dec 2022
£'000

Directors salaries

252

319

Directors bonus

-

103

Directors pension

1

1

Directors fees

233

220

Share based payments

268

519

Employee costs

204

111


958

1,273

On average, excluding directors, the Group employed 3 technical staff members (31 December 2022:6) and 4 administration staff members (31 December 2022: 3).

The highest paid director received remuneration of approximately £224,000 (31 December 2022: £454,000).

8.            FINANCE COSTS


Year ended 31 Dec 2023

£'000

Year ended 31

 Dec 2022

£'000

Finance charge on leased assets

(3)

(4)

Finance costs

(3)

(4)

 

9.            TAXATION

No liability to income taxes arise in the period.

The current tax for the year differs from the loss before tax at a standard rate of corporation tax in the UK.

The differences are explained below:

 

Year ended 31 Dec 2023
£'000

Year ended 31 Dec 2022
£'000

The charge for year is made up as follows:




Corporation tax on the results for the year


-

-

A reconciliation of the tax charge appearing in the income statement to the tax that would result from applying the standard rate of tax to the results for the year is:




Loss per the financial statements


(3,120)

(2,705)

Tax credit at the weighted average of the standard rate of corporation tax in Slovenia of 19% and UK of 19% - being 19% (31 Dec 2022: 19%)

Non-deductible expenses                                                                                                                                                                                                


(592)

 

234

(514)

 

163





Current year losses for which no deferred tax asset is recognised


(358)

(351)

Income tax charge for the year


-

-

Deferred tax assets carried forward have not been recognised in the accounts because there is currently insufficient evidence of the timing of suitable future taxable profits against which they can be recovered. The accumulated tax losses are estimated to amount to approximately £6,127,000 (31 Dec 2022: £1,958k) and the carried forward deferred tax asset is estimated to amount to approximately £1,164,000.

No deferred tax assets in respect of tax losses have not been recognised in the accounts because there is currently insufficient evidence of the timing of suitable future taxable profits against which they can be recovered.

10.          EARNINGS PER SHARE

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit or loss for the year by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.


Year ended 31 Dec 2023

Year ended 31 Dec 2022

Loss for the year/period from continuing operations - £'000

(3,120)

(2,705)

Weighted number of ordinary shares in issue 

104,057,299

103,589,479

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations - pence

(3.00)

(2.61)

There is no difference between the diluted loss per share and the basic loss per share presented. Share options and warrants could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future but were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share as they are anti-dilutive for the year presented.

11.          INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Group and Company

 

£'000

Cost and carrying value - 1 January 2022

2,068



  Additions

 

 

 

-

 


  Impairment

-

At 31 December 2022

2,068



Additions

 

 

 

-

 


Impairment

-


 

At 31 December 2023

2,068




The additions in 2018 relates to the issue of 22,500,000 shares to founding director Victor Bolduev on the acquisition of his Know-how and patents that have been transferred to the Group. In line with International Accounting Standard 36 (IAS 36) the Directors have undertaken an assessment of these intangible assets to discern whether they are impaired.

The assessment encompasses various aspects such as preparing detailed cashflow forecasts that  include revenue projections from agreements with entities like Argent BioPharma and potential royalties from products such as ArtemiC™ and CannEpil-IL™.

The Directors also considered that despite challenges like lower than forecasted revenue from its Slovenian subsidiary and competitive market pressures, several factors indicate the assets retain significant value. These include licensing agreements yielding royalties, such as with Argent BioPharma for drug delivery systems; research and supply partnerships; a major investment supporting commercial exploitation of existing patents; and continuity with key personnel like Victor Bolduev.

Although the Directors are confident in the future revenues to be derived from the know-how they do recognise the inherent risk in these forecasts. As a result of this they have applied a conservative discount rate of 18% to the forecasts giving them extra confidence over the future revenues

Ultimately whilst recent performance would suggest impairment indicators, management has concluded the intangible assets should not be impaired given the various factors mentioned above.

12.          LEASES

Group


 

 

31 Dec 2023

£'000

31 Dec 2022

£'000

Right-of-use assets




Motor vehicles


39

27



39

27

Lease liabilities




Current


12

4

Non-current


22

18



34

22

Right of use assets

A reconciliation of the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset is as follows:


 

 

31 Dec 2023

£'000

31 Dec 2022

£'000

Motor vehicles




Opening balance


27

-

Additions


24

32

Amortisation


(12)

(5)



39

27

 

Lease liabilities

A reconciliation of the carrying amount of the lease liabilities is as follows:


 

 

31 Dec 2023

£'000

31 Dec 2022

£'000

Opening balance


22

-

Additions


25

28

Finance charge


3

2

Repayments


(16)

(8)



34

22

13.          PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Group


 

 

Leasehold improvements

£'000

Plant & Equipment

£'000

 

 

Total

£'000

Cost






At 1 January 2022


-

537


537

Additions


85

352


437

Exchange impact


4

48


52

At 31 December 2022


89

937


1,026

Additions


15

201


216

Disposals


-

(27)


(27)

Impairment


(107)

(1,117)


(1,224)

Exchange impact


3

6


9

At 31 December 2023


-

-


-

Depreciation





At 1 January 2022

-

(227)


(227)

Charge for the period

(27)

(81)


(108)

Exchange impact

(2)

(15)


(17)

At 31 December 2022

(29)

(323)


(352)

Charge for the year

(11)

(143)


(154)

Disposals

-

6


6

Impairment

40

463


503

Exchange impact

-

(3)


(3)

At 31 December 2023

-

-


-






Net book value at 31 December 2022

60

614

 

674

Net book value at 31 December 2023

-

-

 

-












 

 

14.          INVENTORY

Group

 

 

31 Dec 2023 £'000

31 Dec 2022 £'000

Raw materials


51

123

Finished goods


-

64



51

187

*An amount equal to approximately £117,000 was impaired in the period

15.          INVESTMENTS

Company

 

£'000

Cost and carrying value - 1 January 2022

1,304



  Additions

 

 

 

-

  Impairment

-

At 31 December 2022

1,304



Additions

 

 

 

-

Impairment

(1,304)


 

At 31 December 2023

-




*Immaterial investment in Graft Polymer IP Limited & GraftBio Limited of £1 each

Investments in subsidiary relate to the investment in Graft Polymer D.o.o which is the wholly owned subsidiary operating out of Slovenia. At each period end, the Directors assess the investment for any indicators of impairment and have concluded that due to the recent performance of the subsidiary that it needs to be fully impaired and hence the entire value has been written off at period end.

Company subsidiary undertakings

The Group owned interests in the following subsidiary undertakings, which are included in the consolidated financial statements:

Name

Business Activity

Country of Incorporation

Registered Address

Percentage Holding

Graft Polymer d.o.o.

Polymer development and production

Slovenia

Emonska Cesta 8, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia

100%

Graft Polymer IP Limited

Intellectual property

England and Wales

Eccleston Yards, 25 Eccleston Place, London, SW1W 9NF

100%

GRAFTBIO Limited

Bio-Polymer development and production

England and Wales

Eccleston Yards, 25 Eccleston Place, London, SW1W 9NF

100%

 

16.          TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

GROUP

 

 

31 Dec 2023 £'000

31 Dec 2022 £'000

Trade receivables


65

35

Other taxes and social security


16

55

Prepayments


21

232

Other receivables


6

8



108

330

The carrying amounts of the Group's trade and other receivables are denominated in the following currencies:

 

 

 

31 Dec 2023 £'000

31 Dec 2022 £'000

UK Pounds


30

45

Euros


78

285



108

330

 

COMPANY

 

 

31 Dec 2023 £'000

31 Dec 2022 £'000

Other taxes and social security


4

21

Prepayments


21

-

Other receivables


6

24



31

45

 

As at 31 December 2023 all trade and other receivables were fully performing and hence no provision has been processed. Trade receivables have the following aging:


 

31 Dec 2023 £'000

31 Dec 2022 £'000

Current

 

65

39

 

1 - 3 months

 

-

-

 

3 - 6 months

 

-

-

 

> 6 months

 

-

6

 


 

65

45

 









 

17.          CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and short term deposits held with banks with a A-1+ rating. The carrying value of these approximates to their fair value. Cash and cash equivalents included in the cash flow statement comprise the following balance sheet amounts.

 

GROUP

 

 

31 Dec 2023 £'000

31 Dec 2022 £'000

Cash and cash equivalents


155

1,640



155

1,640

 

COMPANY

 

 

31 Dec 2023 £'000

31 Dec 2022 £'000

Cash and cash equivalents


12

1,548



12

1,548

 

18.          TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

GROUP

 

 

31 Dec 2023 £'000

31 Dec 2022 £'000

Trade payables


159

185

Accruals


68

114

VAT payable


22

23



249

322

 

COMPANY

 

 

31 Dec 2023 £'000

31 Dec 2022 £'000

Trade payables


66

34

Accruals


51

114



117

148

 

19.          Provisions

GROUP

 

 

31 Dec 2023 £'000

31 Dec 2022 £'000

HMRC obligations


32

-



32

-

In the month of the December, Directors and other senior management waived fees owed to them with the intention of having shares issued at a later date. Directors fees in their usual circumstance would attract tax and or national insurance contributions. The shares have not been issued as of period end so the Company has raised a provision to allow for potential obligations that may occur in the future. The issue of these shares is contingent on the preparation of a prospectus which at the publishing of this has not been completed.

20.          SHARE CAPITAL


31 Dec 2023

 £'000

31 Dec 2022

 £'000

Issued and fully paid ordinary shares with a nominal value of 0.1p (31 Dec 2022: 0.1p)



Number of shares

104,097,299

104,097,299

Nominal value (£'000)

41

41

 

Change in issued Share Capital and Share Premium:

 

Number of shares

Share     capital

Shares capital to issue

Share premium

Total

Ordinary shares

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Balance at 1 January 2023

104,097,229

41

-

7,001

7,042

Waiver of fees1

-

-

175

-

-

Balance at 31 December 2023

104,097,229

41

175

7,001

7,042

1In the month of the December, Directors and other senior management waived fees owed to them with the intention of having shares issued at a later date. The issue of the shares is contingent on the preparation of a prospectus to allow for sufficient headroom in line with the London Stock Exchange general rules. 

The share premium represents the difference between the nominal value of the shares issued and the actual amount subscribed less; the cost of issue of the shares, the value of the bonus share issue, or any bonus warrant issue.

21.          SHARE BASED PAYMENTS RESERVE


 

Company
£'000

 

Group
£'000

At 31 December 2021


-


-

Advisor warrants issued


143


143

Employee options issued1


715


715

At 31 December 2022

 

858

 

858

Employee options 1


369


369

At 31 December 2023

 

1,227

 

1,227







 

1On 6 January 2022, 11,173,611 employee options were granted to a number of employees within the Group. These options have different vesting conditions based on performance milestones. The charge that relates to the 2023 year has been brought to account above.

 

Warrants

 


As at 31 December 2023


Weighted average exercise price

Number of warrants

Brought forward at 1 January 2023

  22p

                      2,031,008

Granted in period


 -

  22p

                      2,031,008

Exercisable at 31 December 2023

  22p

                      2,031,008

The weighted average time to expiry of the warrants as at 31 December 2023 is 233 days.

Options


As at 31 December 2023


Weighted average exercise price

Number of options

Brought forward at 1 January 2023

 -

11,000,000  

Granted in period

 -

 -

Outstanding at 31 December 2023

 0.1p

11,000,000

Exercisable at 31 December 2023

 -

The weighted average time to expiry of the warrants as at 31 December 2023 is 7 days.

22.          FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Capital Risk Management

The Company manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern while maximising the return to stakeholders. The overall strategy of the Company and the Group is to minimise costs and liquidity risk.

The capital structure of the Group consists of equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising issued share capital, foreign exchange reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in the Consolidated Statement of Changes of Equity.

The Group is exposed to a number of risks through its normal operations, the most significant of which are interest, credit, foreign exchange, commodity and liquidity risks. Sensitivity analysis has not been performed because the potential impact is not considered material. The management of these risks is vested to the Board of Directors.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations and arises principally from the Group's receivables from customers. Indicators that there is no reasonable expectation of recovery include, amongst others, failure to make contractual payments for a period of greater than 120 days past due.

The carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure.

The principal financial assets of the Company and Group are bank balances and trade receivables. The Group deposits surplus liquid funds with counterparty banks that have high credit ratings and the Directors consider the credit risk to be minimal.

The Group's maximum exposure to credit by class of individual financial instrument is shown in the table below:

 

31 Dec 2023

Carrying Value

31 Dec 2023

Maximum Exposure

31 Dec 2022

Carrying Value

31 Dec 2022

Maximum Exposure

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Cash and cash equivalents

155

155

1,640

1,640

Trade receivables

65

65

35

35


220

220

1,675

1,675

Currency Risk

The Group operates in a global market with income and costs possibly arising in a number of currencies and is exposed to foreign currency risk arising from commercial transactions, translation of assets and liabilities and net investment in foreign subsidiaries. Exposure to commercial transactions arise from sales or purchases by operating companies in currencies other than the Companies' functional currency. Currency exposures are reviewed regularly.

The Group has a limited level of exposure to foreign exchange risk through their foreign currency denominated cash balances and a portion of the Group's costs being incurred in US Dollars and Euros. Accordingly, movements in the Sterling exchange rate against these currencies could have a detrimental effect on the Group's results and financial condition. Such changes are not considered likely to have a material effect on the Group's financial position at 31 December 2023. Funds of the parent company are held with HSBC which has the following credit ratings (Fitch: A+, Stable, Moody's A3, Stable, S&P A-, stable)

Currency risk is managed by maintaining some cash deposits in currencies other than Sterling. The table below shows the currency profiles of cash and cash equivalents:


 

 

31 Dec 2023 £'000

31 Dec 2022 £'000

Cash and cash equivalents




Sterling


12

1,548

Euro


143

92



155

1,640

The table below shows an analysis of the currency of the monetary asset and liabilities in Sterling being the functional currency of the Group:


 

 

31 Dec 2023 £'000

31 Dec 2022 £'000

Balance denominated in




Sterling


(27)

1,520

Euro


50

(60)



23

1,460

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the group will encounter difficulty in meeting the obligations associated with its financial liabilities that are settled by delivering cash or another financial asset. The Group's approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when they are due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the group's reputation.

The Group seeks to manage liquidity risk by regularly reviewing cash flow budgets and forecasts to ensure that sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs and to invest cash assets safely and profitably. The Group deems there is sufficient liquidity for the foreseeable future.

The Group had cash and cash equivalents at period end as below:


 

 

31 Dec 2023 £'000

31 Dec 2022 £'000

Cash and cash equivalents


155

1,640



155

1,640

 

The table below sets out the maturity profile of the financial liabilities at 31 December:


 

 

31 Dec 2023 £'000

31 Dec 2022 £'000

Due in less than one month


(34)

(56)

Due between one and three months


(93)

(129)

Due between three months and one year


(32)

-



(159)

(185)

Interest Rate Risk

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk whereby the risk can be a reduction of interest received on cash surpluses held and an increase in interest on borrowings the Group may have. The maximum exposure to interest rate risk at the reporting date by class of financial asset was:


 

 

31 Dec 2023 £'000

31 Dec 2022 £'000

Bank balances


155

1,640



155

1,640

The Group is not materially reliant on interest revenue on cash and cash equivalents and therefore represents a low volume of risk.

 

23.          FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

 

GROUP

31 Dec 2023


 

Financial assets at amortised cost

Financial liabilities at amortised cost

Total

Financial assets / (liabilities)


 

£'000

£'000

£'000

Trade and other receivables1



81

-

81

Cash and cash equivalents



155

-

155

Trade and other payables2



-

(159)

(159)




236

(159)

77

1 Trade and other receivables excludes prepayments

2 Trade and other payables excludes accruals, taxes and social security

 

 

GROUP

31 Dec 2022


 

Financial assets at amortised cost

Financial liabilities at amortised cost

Total

Financial assets / (liabilities)


 

£'000

£'000

£'000

Trade and other receivables1



90

-

90

Cash and cash equivalents



1,640

-

1,640

Trade and other payables2



-

(203)

(203)




1,730

(203)

1,527

 

COMPANY

31 Dec 2023


 

Financial assets at amortised cost

Financial liabilities at amortised cost

 

Total

Financial assets / (liabilities)


 

£'000

£'000

£'000

Trade and other receivables1



4

-

4

Cash and cash equivalents



12

-

12

Trade and other payables2



-

(66)

(66)




16

(66)

(50)

 

 

COMPANY

31 Dec 2022


 

Financial assets at amortised cost

Financial liabilities at amortised cost

 

Total

Financial assets / (liabilities)


 

£'000

£'000

£'000

Trade and other receivables1



45

-

45

Cash and cash equivalents



1,548

-

1,548

Trade and other payables2



-

(34)

(34)




1,593

(34)

1,559

 

24.          CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

There were no capital commitments at 31 December 2023.

25.          CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

In December 2021 the Company entered a royalty agreement with Victor was replaced by a Profit Share Agreement, whereby Victor is due 7% of the Company's annual operating profit that accrues on a monthly basis, up to an aggregate amount of €3,500,000, which will commence upon the Company achieving monthly operating profit of €20,000.

Other than above, there were no further contingent liabilities at 31 December 2023.

 

26.          COMMITMENTS UNDER OPERATING LEASES

There were no commitments under operating leases at 31 December 2023.

27.          RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Group's investments in subsidiaries have been disclosed in note 15.

During the year the Company entered into the following transactions with other Group companies:


 

Amounts owed by / (to) group companies


 

Opening Balance £'000

Movement in year £'000

Provisions in year £'000

 

Closing Balance £'000

Graft Polymer d.o.o. - 31 Dec 2022


302

1,412

-


1,714

Graft Polymer d.o.o. - 31 Dec 2023


1,714

330

(2,044)


-








Graft Polymer IP Limited - 31 Dec 2022


(29)

-

-


(29)

Graft Polymer IP Limited - 31 Dec 2023


(29)

29

-


-

At 31 December 2023 the Company did not have any amounts receivable from Graft Polymer d.o.o. (31 Dec 2022 approximately £1,714k).

Details of directors' emoluments are set out in the directors remuneration report.

Argent BioPharma Ltd

During the period the Group received €185,425 of revenue from Argent BioPharma Ltd (formerly MGC Pharmaceuticals Ltd). Roby Zomer was a director of Graft Polymer (UK) Plc before his resignation on 8 January 2024 and remains a Director of Argent BioPharma Ltd.

28.          EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO PERIOD END

Issue of equity

On 5 January 2024 the Company issued 20,666,667 ordinary shares at a placing price of £0.006 to CMC Markets Plc in turn raising £124,000.

Directorate change

On 15 March 2024, Roby Zomer, the Non-Executive Chairman of the Company, and Alex Brooks a Non-Executive Director resigned from the Board.  Nicholas Nelson was appointed as a director of the Company replacing Mr Zomer as Non-Executive Chairman of the Company with immediate effect.

Implementation of Loan facility

On 15 March 2024 provision of a £100,000 working capital loan facility to the Company by Nicholas Nelson and another private individual (the "Loan Facility"). The Loan Facility is intended to be drawn down in full against expenses incurred by the Company as they arise, and it attracts an interest rate of 10% per month. On 23 April 2024 the loan facility was increased by a further £100,000.

29.          CONTROL

In the opinion of the Directors as at the year end and the date of these financial statements there is no single ultimate controlling party.

 

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

RNS may use your IP address to confirm compliance with the terms and conditions, to analyse how you engage with the information contained in this communication, and to share such analysis on an anonymised basis with others as part of our commercial services. For further information about how RNS and the London Stock Exchange use the personal data you provide us, please see our Privacy Policy.
 
END
 
 
UK 100