Annual Financial Report

Annual Financial Report

New Cent. Aim Vct 2

New Century AIM VCT 2 plc   31st December

2015

Audited Report and Accounts for the year to 31st December 2015
Financial Summary   1
Chairman's Statement 2
Details of Directors 3
Management and Administration 4
Directors 5
Strategic Report 6
Investment Portfolio 8
Top Ten Investments 11
Directors' Report 12
Directors’ Remuneration Report 15
Corporate Governance 17
Independent Auditors' Report 20
Statement of Comprehensive Income 23
Balance Sheet 24
Statement of Changes in Equity 25
Cash Flow Statement 26
Notes to the Financial Statements 27 - 37
Shareholder Information 38
Notice of Annual General Meeting 39
Form of Proxy

Financial Summary

 

  Year ended

31 December

2015

  Year ended

31 December

2014

Revenue return per share (pence) for the year

0.13 (0.22)

Total return per share (pence) for the year

5.40 5.12

Proposed dividends per share (pence)

1.75 1.50

Net asset value per share (pence)

63.24

59.17

Cumulative value of shareholder investment (net asset value plus cumulative dividends per share) (pence)

68.75 63.18

Shareholders’ funds (£’000)

2,913

3,029

The 2014 comparative information has not been amended in respect of subsequent share buybacks.

Details of Directors

Chairman’s Statement

I am pleased to report another positive performance in the year for your fund compared to the index. The net asset value per share rose from 59.17p to 63.24p per share, a gain of 6.88%, and the net asset value plus cumulative dividends rose from 63.18p to 68.75p per share being a rise of 8.82%. This is compared to an increase in the FTSE All Share AIM index of 4.79%.

It is also pleasing to see the share price continue to appreciate from a mid price of 51.5p at the start of the year to a mid price of 59p at the end of the year, a gain of over 14%. Indeed, according to Trustnet.com, as at the 19th April 2016, New Century AIM VCT 2 was the third best performing VCT out of the 86 VCT's, and the best performing AIM VCT over the past three years based on share price, with a gain of 87%. We are continuing to work hard to create value for our shareholders and it is encouraging that we are making some progress.

During the period we offered shareholders the opportunity to sell some of their shares via another buy back at close to the net asset value.

We realise the importance of income for our shareholders, and have therefore agreed subject to shareholder approval, to increase the dividend by 16.66% to 1.75p per share.

The level of qualifying investments at 83.7% is still comfortably above the 70% required level.

The current year has seen increased volatility across most indices. Your funds net asset value is published on a monthly basis and as at 15th April 2016 it is 63.05p.

Geoffrey Gamble 29 April 2016

Michael Barnard (Aged 65)

Michael has been employed in stockbroking since 1971. In 1974 he became a Member of the Stock Exchange. During his career his duties have spanned investment advising, investment research, dealing and company management. In 1988 he started his own stockbroking company, MD Barnard & Company Ltd. Based in Laindon, Essex, it has offices in London, Wells, Exeter and Colchester. Since 1995, he has been either managing or advising unit trust, private client and pension company portfolios with a total value of approximately £115 million.

Geoffrey Gamble (Aged 57)

Geoffrey started his career with National Westminster Bank plc. He joined Publishing Holdings plc in 1984 and became a director in 1986. He took part in an MBO in 1988, backed by Schroder Ventures (now Permira) to form Charterhouse Communications Group Ltd and was instrumental in the satisfactory venture capital exit from that company and its flotation on AIM in 1996. He became managing director of Charterhouse Communications plc in 1999.

Peter William Riley (Aged 71)

Peter qualified as a solicitor in 1969 and in that year became partner of Mitchells, Solicitors. In 1977, he became a partner in his present solicitor practice, Daybells, where he specialises in property law with an emphasis on large commercial properties.

Ian Cameron-Mowat (Aged 65)

Ian has a BSc 1st degree in electronics and was involved in the early development of computers at Burroughs Machines. He is currently a consultant radiologist to a NHS Trust.

Management and Administration

Registered Office   4th Floor,

50 Mark Lane

London EC3R 7QR

 

Company Secretary

Tricor Secretaries Limited

4th Floor,

50 Mark Lane

London EC3R 7QR

 

Registrar

Neville Registrars Limited

Neville House

18 Laurel Lane

Halesowen

West Midlands B63 3DA

 

Solicitors

Dundas & Wilson

5th Floor, Northwest Wing

Bush House

Aldwych

London WC2B 4EZ

 
Investment Manager and Broker MD Barnard & Company Ltd

17-21 New Century Road

Laindon, Essex SS15 6AG

 

Auditor & VCT Status Adviser

UHY Hacker Young LLP

Quadrant House

4 Thomas More Square

London E1W 1YW

 
Bankers Bank of Scotland

New Uberior House

11 Earl Grey Street

Edinburgh EH3 9BN

Directors

Geoffrey Gamble (Chairman)

Michael David Barnard

Peter William Riley

Ian Cameron-Mowat

All directors are non-executive.

Audit Committee:

Geoffrey Gamble (Chairman)

Peter William Riley

Ian Cameron-Mowat

Strategic Report

Activities and status

The principal activity of the company during the year was the making of long-term equity and loan investments in unquoted and AIM traded companies in the United Kingdom. The company has been listed on the London Stock Exchange since 4 April 2007 and has been granted approval by the Inland Revenue as a Venture Capital Trust. The Chairman’s Statement on page 2 and the Investment Manager’s Review below give a review of developments during the year and of future prospects.

The directors have managed the affairs of the company with the intention that it will qualify for approval by the Inland Revenue as a Venture Capital Trust for the purposes of Section 842AA of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 (‘the Act’). The directors consider that the company was not at any time up to the date of this report a close company within the meaning of Section 414 of the Act.

Investment Manager’s Review

2015 was a better year for the AIM index which saw it rise by 4.79%. However this rise masks the volatility the index experienced throughout the year. In the early part of 2015, the index made strong gains but these were tempered as the Market retreated through the summer. In the second half of the year, the index appeared to be range bound as it traded sideways. It is therefore pleasing that we can report an increase in net asset value of 6.88% to 63.24p.

We made ten qualifying investments, purchasing shares in Premier Technical Services Group, Angle, Bilby, Venn Life Sciences, Hunters Property, Satellite Solutions Worldwide, TEK Capital, Falanx, Imginatik and Premaitha Health.

As well as these shares, we purchased shares in twelve non qualifying companies that we thought were undervalued. We top sliced or exited 30 shares.

During the year the fund processed a 10% buy back of the share capital at a 5% discount to its net asset value at the time. This helped provide liquidity to shareholders that were looking to sell some of their shares.

We remain cautiously optimistic for another good showing in the current year although we will no doubt have more volatility in the months ahead as the Country votes on whether we should stay or leave the EU, which may cause uncertainty in the Markets and could possibly result in companies seeing short term decisions on contracts and capital spend being delayed.

Investment Objective

New Century AIM VCT 2 PLC is a Venture Capital Trust (“VCT”) established under the legislation introduced in the Finance Act 1995. The company’s principal objectives as set out in the prospectus are to achieve long term capital growth through investment in a diversified portfolio of Qualifying Companies primarily quoted on AIM.

Principal risks and uncertainties

The company invests its funds primarily in unlisted companies and companies traded on AIM, which entail a higher degree of risk than investments in large listed companies. The main risk, therefore, arising from the company’s activities is market price risk, representing the uncertain realisable values of the company’s investments. Please refer to note 22 to these accounts which gives a detailed review of the company’s risk management.

Environmental matters

Discussion in respect of environmental matters is not considered relevant or material to an understanding of the performance of the company. The company does not consider that Greenhouse Gas Emissions disclosure is relevant to the company on the grounds of immateriality due to it not having its own premises or employees.

Key performance indicators

The financial key performance indicators are set out in the financial summary on page 1.

Michael Barnard 29 April 2016

Investment Portfolio

Security   Cost   Valuation   %   %
    31/12/2015 Cost Valuation
 
Qualifying Investments 2,538,493 2,533,725 83.24 86.51
Non-qualifying Investments 459,646 344,613 15.07 11.74
Uninvested funds 51,463 51,463 1.69 1.75
3,049,602 2,929,801 100.00 100.00
 
Qualifying Investments
AIM Quoted
Marechale Capital plc 83,327 10,313 2.73 0.35
HML Holdings plc 244,215 333,000 8.01 11.37
Kurawood plc 150,750 0 4.94 0.00
TP Group plc 160,062 18,699 5.25 0.64
Tristel plc 61,910 208,500 2.03 7.12
Cyan Holdings plc 204,219 26,272 6.70 0.90
M.Winkworth plc 56,280 120,400 1.85 4.11
Music Festivals plc 45,731 0 1.50 0.00
Inspired Energy plc 50,462 212,625 1.65 7.26
Microsaic Systems 66,874 36,570 2.19 1.25
Venn Life Sciences 175,881 142,763 5.77 4.87
DP Poland 25,630 37,400 0.84 1.28
Modern Water plc 50,256 7,000 1.65 0.24
Quixant plc 9,247 32,400 0.30 1.11
Blur Group 6,785 720 0.22 0.02
Keywords Studios 25,162 40,904 0.83 1.40
Sanderson Group 15,204 20,075 0.50 0.69
Cloudbuy plc 41,896 9,247 1.37 0.32
PHSC plc 50,256 40,000 1.65 1.37
EU Supply plc 19,422 5,557 0.64 0.19
Plastics Capital plc 33,168 31,680 1.09 1.08
Daily Internet plc 30,153 34,000 0.99 1.16
Litebulb Group 51,008 7,250 1.67 0.25
Eclectic Bar Group 35,379 12,540 1.16 0.43
Kalibrate Technologies plc 27,974 29,946 0.92 1.02
Syqic plc 26,546 7,241 0.87 0.25
Outsourcery plc 28,143 4,000 0.92 0.14
Martinco plc 50,253 78,500 1.65 2.68
Solid State plc 35,248 85,497 1.16 2.92
Audioboom Group 22,615 60,000 0.74 2.05
Scholium Group 40,203 15,200 1.32 0.52
Rosslyn Data Technology plc 23,218 8,400 0.76 0.29
Coral Products plc 25,104 36,075 0.82 1.23
Software Radio Technology plc 22,616 30,000 0.74 1.02
ULS Technology plc 49,750 76,725 1.63 2.62
Gfinity plc 50,405 56,050 1.65 1.91
Premier Technical Services Group 65,486 115,276 2.15 3.93
Angle plc 75,128 81,075 2.46 2.77
Bilby plc 52,465 127,800 1.72 4.36
         
Security Cost Valuation % %
    31/12/2015 Cost Valuation
Qualifying Investments
AIM Quoted
Hunters Property plc 50,253 73,000 1.65 2.49
Satellite Solutions Group 75,379 70,000 2.47 2.39
Tekcapital plc 60,304 141,000 1.98 4.81
Falanx Group 23,923 14,025 0.78 0.48
Premaitha Health plc 40,204 36,000 1.32 1.22
Total qualifying investments 2,538,493 2,533,725 83.24 86.52
 
Non-qualifying Investments
AIM Quoted
Sanderson Group 10,398 18,250 0.34 0.62
Rotala plc 27,683 49,700 0.91 1.70
Tristel plc 60 139 0.00 0.00
China Food Co plc 31,547 1,100 1.03 0.04
Litebulb Group 21,897 4,500 0.72 0.15
Sorbic International 10,205 1,450 0.33 0.05
TLA Worldwide plc 26,975 43,000 0.88 1.47
Mobile Tornado Group 10,124 3,000 0.33 0.10
Mar City plc 10,053 4,500 0.33 0.15
Audioboom Group 1,163 400 0.04 0.01
Mountfield Group 9,556 5,625 0.31 0.19
Be Heard Group plc 10,040 13,250 0.33 0.45
Oakley Capital Investments plc 10,374 10,039 0.34 0.34
Armstrong Ventures plc 34,994 24,500 1.15 0.84
Yolo Leisure & Technology plc 12,799 11,625 0.42 0.40
Alliance Pharma plc 10,305 10,625 0.34 0.35
238,172 201,703 7.81 6.86

Investment Portfolio

Security   Cost   Valuation   %   %
    31/12/2015 Cost Valuation
 
UK listed
Investec 169,415 92,300 5.56 3.15
British American Tobacco 22,104 37,710 0.72 1.29
Twentyfour Select Inc 9,852 9,300 0.32 0.32
201,371 139,310 6.60 4.76
 
 
Unlisted Investments
Merchant House Group 20,103 3,600 0.66 0.12
20,103 3,600 0.66 0.12
 
       
Total non-qualifying investments 459,646 344,613 15.07 11.74

Top Ten Investments

 

Security

  Cost   Valuation   %
 
HML Holdings plc 244,215 333,000 11.37
Inspired Energy plc 50,462 212,625 7.26
Tristel plc 61,910 208,500 7.12
Venn Life Sciences Holdings plc 175,881 142,763 4.88
Tekcapital plc 60,304 141,000 4.81
Bilby plc 52,465 127,800 4.36
M.Winkworth plc 56,280 120,400 4.11
Premier Technical Services Group 65,486 115,276 3.93
Investec plc 169,416 92,300 3.15
Solid State plc 35,248 85,497 2.92

The investments tabulated above are expressed as a percentage by valuation of the company’s investment portfolio including uninvested cash.

Directors’ Report

The directors present their report and the audited accounts for the year to 31 December 2015.

Results and dividend

  Year to

31 December 2015

  Year to
31 December 2014
Revenue   Capital Revenue   Capital
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000

Return on ordinary activities after taxation

6 269 (13) 302
       
Appropriated as follows:
 
Interim dividend paid
 
Revenue – nil p - - - -
 
Capital – nil p - - - -
 
Final dividend paid in respect of prior year
Revenue – 0.00p (0.00p) per share - - - -
Capital – 1.50p (1.25p) per share - (77) - (71)
 
       
Transfers to reserves 6 192 (13) 231

Directors

The directors of the company who served throughout the year and their interests in the issued ordinary shares of 10p of the company are as follows:

  Year ended

31 December 2015

  Year ended

31 December 2014

 
Michael David Barnard

Geoffrey Gamble

Peter William Riley

Ian Cameron-Mowat

362,795

95,723

3,000

67,065

439,309

115,699

3,000

73,213

All of the directors’ share interests shown above are held beneficially. There have been no changes in the directors’ share interests between 31 December 2015 and the date of this report.

Brief biographical notes on the directors are given on page 3. The director, retiring in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association, Geoffrey Gamble, who being eligible will offer himself for re-election at the forthcoming annual general meeting. The directors believe his experience in small companies is a great benefit to the Board and recommend his re-election.

None of the directors have a contract of service with the company and, except as mentioned below under the heading “Management”, there were no contracts that subsisted during the year in which a director was materially interested and which was significant in relation to the company’s business.

Management

MD Barnard & Company Ltd has acted as investment manager to the company since inception. The principal terms of the Investment Management Agreement are set out in Note 6 to the Accounts.

VCT status monitoring

The company has engaged UHY Hacker Young LLP to advise it on compliance with the VCT legislation. UHY Hacker Young LLP reviews the company’s investment portfolio to monitor ongoing VCT compliance. UHY Hacker Young LLP works closely with the investment manager, but reports directly to the Board of the company.

Substantial shareholdings

The company has been notified, in accordance with Chapter 5 of FCA’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules, of the under noted interests as at 31 December 2015 of 3 per cent shareholders and above:

MD Barnard   362,795
IA Houston 200,000
DM Trotman 180,000
Platform Securities Nominees 172,065
JR Atkinson 152,365
J Beddoe 148,649
RS Like 145,800
A Lanza 140,955

Acquisition of own shares

During the year the company re-purchased 511,833 ordinary shares in accordance with the special resolution passed at the Annual General Meeting on 25 June 2015 allowing the Directors to acquire up to 14.99% of the ordinary shares of the company.

Structure of the company’s capital

The company only has one class of ordinary share and each share has attached to them full voting rights, dividends and capital distribution rights (including on a winding up) and do not confer any rights of redemption.

Appointment of Directors

The Directors are subject to re-election with one third of the Directors being re-elected annually at the AGM.

Creditor payment policy

The company’s payment policy is to agree terms of payment before business is transacted and to settle accounts in accordance with those terms. The company’s principal expenses such as investment management fees and administration fees are paid quarterly in arrears in accordance with the respective agreements. Accordingly the company had no material trade creditors at the year end.

Post balance sheet events

Details of the post balance sheet events are set out in note 27.

Annual general meeting

Notice of the annual general meeting is set out on page 39.

Auditors

In accordance with Section 485 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution proposing that UHY Hacker Young LLP be reappointed as auditors of the Company and that the Directors be authorised to determine their remuneration will be put to the next Annual General Meeting.

Statement of disclosure to auditors

So far as the directors are aware:

1. there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditors are unaware; and

2. the directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.

By Order of the Board

Michael Barnard 29 April 2016

Directors’ Remuneration Report

The Board has prepared this report in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. A resolution to approve this report will be put to the members at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 23 June 2016.

Directors’ remuneration policy

The company does not have any executive directors and, as permitted under the Listing Rules, has not, therefore, established a remuneration committee. Directors do not receive any remuneration or fees.

The directors shall be paid by the company all travel, hotel and other expenses they may incur in attending meetings of the directors or general meetings or otherwise in connection with the discharge of their duties. Any director who, by request of the directors, performs special services may be paid such extra remuneration as the directors may determine.

Directors’ remuneration (audited)

None of the Directors received any remuneration from the company during the year under review.

No other emoluments or pension contributions were paid by the company to, or on behalf of, any director. None of the directors has a service contract with the company. It is expected that the directors will continue not to receive any remuneration for their services in the forthcoming years.

Performance

The directors consider that the most appropriate measure of the company’s performance is its Cumulative Value of Shareholder Investment (net asset value plus cumulative dividends). The company’s Cumulative Value of Shareholder Investment at 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2015 is set out in the Financial Summary on page 1.

Total shareholder return

[graph omitted]

The above graph shows the company’s total shareholder return compared to that of the FTSE AIM All Share Index total return for the period since listing on the London Stock Exchange.

By Order of the Board

Michael Barnard 29 April 2016

Corporate Governance

The directors support the relevant principles of the UK Corporate Governance Code issued in September 2014 by the Financial Reporting Council, being the principles of good governance and the code of best practice as set out in the Main Principles of the Code annexed to the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority.

The UK Corporate Governance Code is available at the following location:

www.frc.org.uk/corporate/ukcgcode.cfm

Going Concern

Bearing in mind that the assets of the company consist mainly of marketable securities, the directors are of the opinion that at the time of approving the accounts, the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the accounts.

The Board

The company is led and controlled by a Board of directors who are all non-executives and who have had relevant experience with quoted companies prior to their appointment. The Chairman is Geoffrey Gamble. Biographical details of all Board members are shown on page 3.

One third of the Directors are subject to re-election at each AGM by rotation.

During the year the following were held:

2 full board meetings   2 Audit Committee meetings
All directors attended all meetings. All members attended all meetings with the exception of Mr. Cameron-Mowat on one occasion.

All directors had relevant experience with quoted companies prior to their appointment and it was therefore not thought necessary to provide further training in respect of their obligations and duties.

The Board has also established procedures whereby directors wishing to do so in the furtherance of their duties may take independent professional advice at the company’s expense.

All directors have access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary. The Company Secretary provides the Board with full information on the company’s assets and liabilities and other relevant information requested by the Chairman, in advance of each Board meeting.

The Board believes that it presents a balanced and understandable assessment of the company’s position and prospects. The Audit Committee meets at least once a year. Under the chairmanship of a non-executive director, its membership comprises all the non-executive directors with the exception of the representative of the investment manager. During the year the Audit Committee was chaired by Mr Gamble. The Audit Committee reviews the accounts and is reported to by the external auditors. The audit committee did not identify or consider any significant issues relating to the financial statements as substantially all the investments are valued by reference to publicly quoted prices. Further, the Audit Committee keeps under review the cost effectiveness, independence and objectivity of the auditors. A formal statement of independence is received from the external auditors each year. The terms of reference of the audit committee are available for inspection at the company’s registered office.

The investment manager is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the directors have an opportunity to review their own auditors’ review of their financial controls.

Relations with shareholders

The Chairman is the company’s principal spokesman with investors, fund managers, the press and other interested parties.

Shareholders will have the opportunity to meet the Board at the AGM. The Board is also happy to respond to any written queries made by shareholders during the course of the year, or to meet with major shareholders if so requested.

In addition to the formal business of the AGM, representatives of the management team and the Board are available to answer any shareholder queries.

Separate resolutions are proposed at the AGM on each substantially separate issue. The Registrars collate proxy votes and the results (together with the proxy forms) are forwarded to the Company Secretary immediately prior to the AGM. In order to comply with the Governance Code, proxy votes will be announced at the AGM, following each vote on a show of hands, except in the event of a poll being called. The notice of the next AGM and proxy form can be found at the end of these accounts.

Financial Reporting

The directors’ statement of responsibilities for preparing the financial statements is set out on page 19, and a statement by the auditors about their reporting responsibilities is set out in the Auditors’ Report on page 20.

Internal control

The directors are responsible for the company’s system of internal control. Although no system of internal control can provide absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss, the company’s systems are designed to provide the directors with reasonable assurance that problems are identified on a timely basis and dealt with appropriately.

The directors have conducted a review of the effectiveness of the system of internal control for the year covered by the financial statements. This accords with the FRC’s guidance on Risk Management, Internal Control and Related Financial and Business Reporting.

Although the Board is ultimately responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company, the Board has delegated, through written agreements, the day-to-day operation of the company to M D Barnard & Co. Limited.

Compliance statement

The Listing Rules require the Board to report on compliance with the Governance Code provisions throughout the accounting year. The Comply or Explain directions of the Governance Code does however acknowledge that some provisions may have less relevance for investment companies. With the exception of the limited items outlined below, the Company has complied throughout the accounting year to 31 December 2015 with the provisions set out in Sections A to E of the Governance Code.

1. The Board has not appointed a nominations committee as they consider the Board to be small and it comprises wholly non-executive directors. Appointments of new directors are dealt with by the full Board.

2. New directors do not receive a full, formal and tailored induction on joining the Board. Such matters are addressed on an individual basis as they arise.

3. Due to the size of the Board and the nature of the company’s business, a formal performance evaluation of the Board, its committees, the individual directors and the Chairman has not been undertaken. Specific performance issues are dealt with as they arise.

4. The company has three independent directors, as defined by the Governance Code issued in September 2014. The board consider that Messrs. Gamble, Riley and Cameron-Mowat are independent in character and judgement and there are no relationships or circumstances which are likely to affect, or could appear to affect the directors’ judgement. The Board considers that all directors have sufficient experience to be able to exercise proper judgement within the meaning of the Governance Code.

5. The company does not have a chief executive officer or senior independent director. The Board does not consider this to be necessary for the size of the company.

6. The company does not conduct a formal review as to whether there is a need for an internal audit function. The directors do not consider that an internal audit would be an appropriate control for a venture capital trust.

7. The Audit Committee is chaired by Geoffrey Gamble, Chairman of the Board of directors, whom the board regard as independent despite recommendations to the contrary in the Governance Code due to his being Chairman of the Board of directors.

8. The non-executive directors do not have service contracts, whereas the recommendation is for fixed term renewable contracts.

9. The company has no major shareholders so shareholders are not given the opportunity to meet any new non-executive directors at a specific meeting other than the annual general meeting.

Statement of directors’ responsibilities

United Kingdom company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year and of the revenue of the company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the directors are required to:

-select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;

-make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

-state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed; and

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

The directors are responsible for ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company, enabling them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for the company’s system of internal control, for safeguarding the assets of the company and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Responsibility statement

The directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

1. the financial statements, prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the company; and

2. the Directors’ report includes a fair review of the development and performance and position of the company, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.

Independent Auditors’ Report to the members of New Century AIM VCT 2 plc

Opinion on the financial statements

In our opinion the financial statements:

  • give a true and fair view of the state of the company's affairs as at 31 December 2015 and of the company's return for the year then ended;
  • have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
  • have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

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 auditors’ 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.

We have audited the financial statements of New Century AIM VCT 2 plc for the year ended 31 December 2015 which comprise the Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Changes in Equity, the Cash Flow Statement and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Our assessment of risks of material misstatements

We identified the following risks that we believe have had the greatest impact on our audit strategy and scope:

  • The carrying value of the investments and the recognition of realised and unrealised gains and losses. The investment portfolio and associated realised and unrealised gains and losses is the key driver to the financial performance of the company and has the greatest impact on both the income statement and balance sheet.
  • Compliance with the VCT rules is necessary to maintain the VCT status and associated tax benefits.
  • Accounting for the buyback of shares completed during the year.

Our application of materiality

We apply the concept of materiality both in planning and performing our audit, and in evaluating the effect of misstatements on our audit and on the financial statements. We define financial statement materiality as the magnitude by which misstatements, including omissions, could influence the economic decisions taken on the basis of the financial statements by reasonable users.

We also determine a level of performance materiality which we use to determine the extent of testing needed to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds materiality for the financial statements as a whole.

We determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole to be £43,000. In determining this we based our assessment on an average of three key indicators, being the return before tax, the net assets and gross assets of the company. On the basis of our risk assessment, together with our assessment of the Company’s control environment, our judgement is that performance materiality for the financial statements should be 75% of materiality, being £32,250.

An overview of the scope of our audit

The approach we took to the assessed risks described above was as follows:

  • We tested the value of the year-end investments by reference to market price information at the year-end. The purchase and sale of investments were agreed to contract notes and cash movements on a sample basis. The realised gains and losses on the sale of investments were re-calculated for both the individual transactions on a sample basis and for the total portfolio.

The movement in unrealised gains was checked for arithmetical accuracy and validated by reviewing the opening costs to prior year balances and purchases on a sample basis.

The portfolio is maintained by the investment advisor in accordance with the investment management agreement. We agreed the investment portfolio to a signed confirmation provided by the investment advisor detailing each investment, the cost and market price.

  • Our work in respect of the compliance with the VCT rules involved testing the eight conditions for maintaining approval as a VCT as set out by HMRC. Each of the conditions was tested in turn in order to assess whether it had been met as at the year end.
  • We agreed the number of shares bought back to supporting documentation and cash receipt, agreeing both the number and price at which the shares were bought back. Additionally we agreed the accounting treatment associated with the share buyback.

Scope of the audit of the accounts

A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided on the FRC's web-site at www.frc.org.uk/apb/scope/private.cfm.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors

As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities set out on page 19, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board's (APB's) Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Opinion 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;
  • the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors' Report for the financial year for which the accounts are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following:

Under the International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland), we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, information in the financial statements is:

  • materially inconsistent with the information in the audited financial statements; or
  • apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge of the Company acquired in the course of performing our audit; or
  • is otherwise misleading.

In particular, we are required to consider whether we have identified any inconsistencies between our knowledge acquired during the audit and the directors’ statement that they consider the annual report fair, balanced and understandable and whether the annual report appropriately discloses those matters that we communicated to the audit committee which we consider should have been disclosed.

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

  • adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
  • the financial statements 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.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:

  • the directors' statement, set out on page 17, in relation to going concern; and
  • the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the company's compliance with the nine provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review; and
  • certain elements of the report to the shareholders by the Board on directors' remuneration.

Colin Jones (Senior statutory auditor)

for and on behalf of UHY Hacker Young

Chartered Accountants

Statutory Auditors

Quadrant House

4 Thomas More Square

London, E1W 1YW

29 April 2016

Statement of Comprehensive Income

(incorporating the revenue account)

for the year to 31 December 2015

    Year ended
31 December 2015
  Year ended
31 December 2014
Notes Revenue
£’000
  Capital
£’000
  Total
£’000
Revenue
£’000
  Capital
£’000
  Total
£’000
 
Gains/(losses) on investments
- realised - 133 133 - 208 208
- unrealised - 160 160 - 119 119
Income 5 52 - 52 36 - 36
Investment management fee 6 (8) (24) (32) (8) (25) (33)
Other expenses 7 (38) - (38) (41) - (41)
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Return on ordinary activities before taxation 6 269 275

(13)

302

289

Tax charge on ordinary activities

 

9

- - -

 

-

 

-

 

-

________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Return on ordinary activities after taxation

 

6 269 275

(13)

302

289

======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
 
Return per ordinary share (pence)

11

0.13 5.27 5.40

(0.22)

5.34

5.12

======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======

The notes on pages 27 to 37 form an integral part of these financial statements.

All revenue and capital items in the above statement are from continuing operations in the current year. No operations were acquired or discontinued in the current year. Other than that shown above, the company had no recognised gains or losses. Accordingly, the above represents the total comprehensive income for the year.

Balance Sheet

at 31 December 2015

 

 

Note

  As at
31 December 2015

£’000

  As at

31 December 2014

£’000

       
Fixed assets
Investments 12 2,878 3,022
 
Current assets
Debtors 15 51 24
 
Current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

16

(16)

(17)

 
   
2,913 3,029
   
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 17 461 512
Share premium 57 57
Capital Redemption Reserve 171 120
Capital reserve – realised (1,054) (800)
Capital reserve – unrealised 2,668 2,145
Revenue reserve 610 995
 
   
Total equity shareholders’ funds 2,913 3,029
Net asset value per ordinary share   18       63p       59p

The financial statements on pages 23 to 37 were approved by the Board of directors on 29 April 2016 and were signed on its behalf by:

Michael Barnard

Director

The notes on pages 27 to 37 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Company’s registered number: 06054576

Statement of Changes in Equity

at 31 December 2015

  Called-up share capital   Share premium account   Capital redemption reserve   Capital realised   Capital unrealised   Revenue reserve   Total
£ £ £ £ £ £
 
As at 1 January 2014 569 57 63 (1,032) 2,095 1,408 3,140
Share buy-back (57) - 57 - - (329) (329)
Realised gains on disposals - - - 208 - - 208
Unrealised gains - - - - 119 - 119
Transfer of unrealised loss to realised on disposal of investment

-

-

-

49

(49)

-

-

Net revenue before tax - - - - - (13) (13)
Capital element of investment management fee - - - (25) - - (25)
Dividends paid - - - - - (71) (71)
_______ _______ _______ ________ ________ ________ _______
At 31 December 2014 512 57 120 (800) 2,145 995 3,029
             
 
As at 1 January 2015 512 57 120 (800) 2,145 995 3,029
Share buy-back (51) - 51 - - (314) (314)
Realised gains on disposals - - - 133 - - 133
Unrealised gains - - - - 160 - 160
Transfer of unrealised loss to realised on disposal of investment

-

-

-

(363)

363

-

-

Net revenue before tax - - - - - 6 6
Capital element of investment management fee - - - (24) - - (24)
Dividends paid - - - - - (77) (77)
_______ _______ _______ ________ ________ ________ _______
At 31 December 2015 461 57 171 (1054) 2668 610 2,913

The notes on pages 27 to 37 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Cash Flow Statement

for the year to 31 December 2015

 

 

Note

  As at
31 December 2015

£’000

  As at

31 December 2014

£’000

       
 
 
 
Cash flow from operating activities
Cash outflow from operations 21 (71) (74)
   
Net cash outflow from operating activities (71) (74)
 
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received 1 1
Investment income 51 35
   
Net cash from investing activities 52 36
 
Cash flows from financing activities
Sale of investments 1,120 734
Purchase of investments (683) (401)
Share Capital repurchase (314) (329)
Dividend paid (77) (71)
 
   
Net cash from/(used) in financing activities 46 (67)
 
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of year

27

 

24

(105)

 

129

 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year

51

24

The notes on pages 27 to 37 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year to 31 December 2015

1. Company information

New Century AIM VCT 2 PLC is a UK incorporated company whose registered office is:

4th Floor

50 Mark Lane

London EC3R 7QR

New Century AIM VCT 2 PLC is a Venture Capital Trust established under the legislation introduced in the Finance Act 1995. The company’s principal objective is to achieve long term capital growth through investment in a diversified portfolio of qualifying companies primarily quoted on AIM.

2. Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable United Kingdom law and accounting standards and with the Financial Reporting Council’s Financial Reporting Standard FRS 102 and with the Statement of Recommended Practice for Investment Companies re-issued by the Association of Investment Companies in November 2014.

This is the first year in which the financial statements have been prepared under FRS 102. No adjustment or re-statement of prior years has been required as a result of this transition.

Going Concern basis – on the basis that the assets of the company consist mainly of marketable securities, the directors are of the opinion that at the time of approving the accounts, the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the accounts.

The financial statements are presented in Sterling.

3. Significant estimates and judgements

As the company’s investment holdings, which comprise almost 99% of its total assets, are stated at market value based on the closing prices of the London Stock Exchange, the directors do not believe that there is any inherent uncertainty in their presentation of these amounts, and that in their judgement, market value and fair value may be regarded as identical for the purpose of these accounts.

4. Accounting policies

Investments

Listed or AIM traded investments are stated at market value, which is based upon market bid prices at the balance sheet date. In the event that the shares held by the company are subject to certain restrictions, or the holding is significant in relation to the traded issued share capital of the investee company then the directors may apply a discount to the relevant market price.

Investments in unquoted companies are valued by the directors in accordance with British Venture Capital Association (“BVCA”) guidelines.

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year to 31 December 2015

4. Accounting policies (continued)

Investments (continued)

Realised surpluses or deficits on the disposal of investments and permanent impairments in the value of investments are taken to realised capital reserves. Unrealised surpluses and deficits on the revaluation of investments are taken to unrealised capital reserves. Costs incurred relating to acquisitions and disposals are charged to capital reserves as a deduction from proceeds or an addition to costs.

It is not the company’s policy to exercise controlling or significant influence over investee companies, although it may hold a significant interest in some companies. Accordingly, the results of these companies are not incorporated into the revenue account except to the extent of any income earned or received.

Income

Dividend income receivable from quoted securities is recognised on the ex-dividend date. Income from unquoted equity and non-equity securities is recognised on an accruals basis except that a full provision is made until the receipt of the income is certain.

Interest from cash and deposits and fixed returns on debt securities are recognised on an accruals basis.

Expenses

All expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis. One quarter of the investment management fee is charged to the revenue account and the remaining three quarters is charged to capital reserves, net of corporation tax relief, and inclusive of any irrecoverable value added tax. The allocation of the management fee reflects the directors’ estimate of the source of the long-term returns in the portfolio from revenue and capital.

Taxation

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Deferred taxation is provided in full on timing differences that result in an obligation at the balance sheet date to pay more tax, or a right to pay less tax, at a future date, at rates expected to apply when they crystallise based on current tax rates and law. Timing differences arise from the inclusion of items of income and expenditure in taxation computations in periods different from those in which they are included in the accounts. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is regarded as more likely than not that they will be recovered. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted.

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year to 31 December 2015

5. Income

  Year ended

31 December 2015

£’000

  Year ended

31 December 2014
£’000

Interest receivable        
-

listed fixed interest securities

- -
- unquoted investment portfolio - -
- bank deposits and liquid funds 1 1
   
1 1
Other income
Dividends receivable 51 35
   
52 36

6. Investment management fees

  Year ended

31 December 2015

  Year ended

31 December 2014

Revenue

£’000

  Capital
£’000
Revenue

£’000

  Capital
£’000
 
Investment management fees 8 24 8 25

MD Barnard & Company Limited (“MDB”) provides investment management services to the company in respect of the company’s portfolio of venture capital investments under an investment management agreement dated 12 March 2007. Michael Barnard who is a non-executive director of the company is the owner and managing director of MDB.

Under the terms of the investment management agreement, MDB is entitled to a fee (exclusive of VAT) equal to 1% per annum of the net assets of the company. The fee is calculated quarterly in arrears based on the net assets at 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December. During the year ended 31 December 2015, the fee payable to MD Barnard & Company equated to 1% per annum of net assets. No performance fee is payable.

The investment management agreement is for a minimum period of three years from 12 March 2007 terminable by either party at any time thereafter by one year’s prior written notice.

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year to 31 December 2015

7. Other expenses

    Year ended

31 December 2015

£’000

  Year ended

31 December 2014
£’000

 
Administrative and secretarial services         15 19
Auditors' remuneration 9 9
-for tax services 2 2
Regulatory fees 12 11
       
   
38 41

8. Directors’ remuneration

No remuneration has been paid or is payable for the year to 31 December 2015 or in respect of the prior year.

9. Tax charge on ordinary activities

  Year ended

31 December 2015

  Year ended

31 December 2014

Revenue

£’000

  Capital
£’000
Revenue

£’000

  Capital
£’000
 
United Kingdom tax based on the taxable profit for the year
- Current year - - - -
- Prior year - - - -
       
- - - -
       
Factors affecting tax charge for the year
 
Return on ordinary activities before taxation 6 269 (13) 302
       
Tax on above at the small company rate of 20% (2014: 20%) 1 54 (3) 60
UK dividends not subject to corporation tax (10) - (7) -
Non-deductible losses on investment - (58) - (66)
Non allowable expenses - - 1 -
Unutilised/(utilised) losses 9 4 9 6
 
       
Current tax charge for the year - - - -

The company has unrelieved losses amounting to approximately £568,000 (2014: £502,000) which are available to carry forward for tax purposes which it can set off against future profits. No deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of these losses in view of the company’s history of losses

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year to 31 December 2015

10. Dividends

  Year ended

31 December 2015

£’000

  Year ended

31 December 2014
£’000

 
Capital dividend paid     77     71
Final dividend paid in respect of previous year - -
   
77 71

On 29 April 2016 the directors proposed a dividend in respect of the year ended 31 December 2015 of £80,621.68 representing 1.75p per ordinary share.

11. Return per ordinary share

The revenue return, per ordinary share, is based on the net revenue on ordinary activities after taxation of £6,460 (2014: £(12,827)) and on 5,090,788 (2014: 5,656,430) ordinary shares, being the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.

The total return per ordinary share is based on a net profit after taxation of £275,050 (2014: £289,361) and on 5,090,788 (2014: 5,656,430) ordinary shares, being the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.

12. Fixed asset investments

As at

31 December 2015

£’000

As at

31 December 2014
£’000

   
UK listed 139 183
AIM 2,735 2,836
Unlisted 4 3
   
2,878 3,022

Movements in investments, including realised and unrealised gains and losses, during the year are summarised as follows:

            Year ended 31 December 2015
        UK Listed   AIM   Un-listed   Total
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
At 1 January 2015 183 2,836 3 3,022
Purchases 70 613 - 683
253 3,449 3 3,705
less: Sales (136) (984) - (1,120)
117 2,465 3 2,585
Realised period gains 19 114 - 133
Unrealised holding gains 3 156 1 160
139 2,735 4 2,878
       
Cost at 31 December 2015 201 2,777 20 2,998

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year to 31 December 2015

12. Fixed asset investments (continued)

            Year ended 31 December 2014
        UK Listed   AIM   Un-listed   Total
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
At 1 January 2014 166 2,858 4 3,028
Purchases 10 391 - 401
176 3,249 4 3,429
less: Sales (8) (726) - (734)
168 2,523 4 2,695
Realised period gains/(losses) 1 207 - 208
Unrealised holding gains/(losses)

14

106

(1)

119

183 2,836 3 3,022
       
Cost at 31 December 2014 245 3,308 111 3,664

The overall gain on investments for the years shown in the Income Statement is as follows:

  Year ended

31 December 2015

£’000

  Year ended

31 December 2014
£’000

 
Net realised gain on disposal     133     208
Increase in unrealised appreciation 160 119
   
293 327

13. Venture capital investments

A full list of investments held is disclosed under Investment Portfolio.

14. Significant interests

The Company did not hold more than 10% of the allotted equity share capital of any class of any investee company.

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year to 31 December 2015

15. Debtors

  As at

31 December 2015

£’000

  As at

31 December 2014
£’000

Uninvested funds with broker:        
MD Barnard & Co Ltd 51 24

16. Creditors

  As at

31 December 2015

£’000

  As at

31 December 2014
£’000

Trade creditors and accruals

    16     17
   
16 17

17. Share capital

  As at

31 December 2015
£’000

  As at

31 December 2014
£’000

Authorised        
25,000,000 ordinary shares of 10p each 2,500 2,500
   
Allotted, called up and fully paid
4,606,953 (2014: 5,118,836) ordinary shares of 10p each 461 512

During the year the company re-purchased 511,883 ordinary shares in accordance with the special resolution passed at the Annual General Meeting on 25 June 2015. The shares were repurchased at an average price of 61.29 pence per share.

18. Net asset value per share

Net asset value per share is based on net assets at 31 December 2015 of £2,913,380 (31 December 2014 of £3,028,843) and on 4,606,593 ordinary shares (2014: 5,118,836 ordinary shares) in issue at those dates.

19. Performance incentive arrangements

The Investment Manager is not entitled to any performance incentive arrangements.

20. Reserves

Called up share capital represents the nominal value of shares that have been issued.

Share premium account includes any premiums received on issue of share capital. Any transaction costs associated with the issuing of shares are deducted from share premium.

Capital redemption reserve relates to capital repurchased.

Capital reserve – realised represents surpluses or deficits on the disposal of investments and permanent impairment in the value of investments

Capital reserve – unrealised represents surpluses and deficits on the revaluation of investments

Revenue reserve includes all current and prior period retained profits and losses.

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year to 31 December 2015

21. Notes to the cash flow statement

Net cash outflow from operating activities

  Year ended

31 December 2015

£’000

  Year ended

31 December 2014

£’000

Operating activity
Return on ordinary activities 275 289
Gains on sale of investments (133) (208)
Investment income (52) (36)
Unrealised gains on investments (160) (119)
Decrease in creditors (1) -

 

________ ________
(71) (74)

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise £51,463 (2014: £23,877) of uninvested funds, held in a bank account with the investment manager.

22. Risk management and financial instruments

A statement of the company’s principal objectives is given within the Strategic Report on page 6. In order to achieve these objectives the company invests its funds primarily in qualifying holdings in unlisted companies and companies traded on AIM, which by their nature may entail a higher degree of risk than investments in large listed companies. The company has not entered into any derivative transactions, and does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future. As a venture

22. Risk management and financial instruments (continued)

capital trust, the company invests in securities for the long term, and it is the company’s policy that no trading in investments or other financial instruments shall be undertaken.

Market price risk

The main risks arising from the company’s investing activities are market price risk, representing the uncertain realisable values of the company’s investments. The directors aim to limit the risk attaching to the portfolio as a whole by careful selection of investments and by maintaining a wide spread of investments in terms of financing stage, industry sector and geographical location.

The assets of the company are held for the most part as listed investments which carry market risk in the form of a single risk variable - market price movement. The directors do not consider that a risk analysis of that single risk variable will produce any useful information beyond the obvious that downward movement in share prices will result in a downward movement in the share values and vice versa. For this reason, the directors do not consider it appropriate to prepare a sensitivity analysis to market price movement.

Interest rate risk

The company finances its activities through retained profits including realisable capital profits, and through the issue of equity shares. It has not entered into any borrowings. The company’s investment portfolio includes investments in interest bearing securities in investee companies and in other fixed interest securities. Details of interest bearing assets are given below under Financial assets.

Liquidity risk

There is liquidity risk associated with unquoted investments, which are not readily realisable.

Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of a borrower defaulting on either an interest payment or the capital sum of a loan. The company has not made any loans to investee companies.

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year to 31 December 2015

Currency risk

The company’s assets and liabilities are denominated in sterling.

Capital

The company’s capital is provided in its entirety by its shareholders in the form of ordinary shares.

The company’s purpose and objective is the investment of its capital funds in listed investments, primarily those quoted on the Alternative Investment Market with a view to securing capital appreciation over the long term.

There were no externally imposed capital requirements with which the company had to comply during the year to 31 December 2015.

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year to 31 December 2015

22. Risk management and financial instruments (continued)

Financial assets

The interest rate profile of the company’s financial assets is set out below:

  Year ended

31 December 2015
£’000

  Year ended

31 December 2014
£’000

       
Fixed rate 4 3
Non-interest bearing 2,874 3,019
   
2,878 3,022
Fixed rate assets   Year ended

31 December 2015
£’000

  Year ended

31 December 2014
£’000

       
Weighted average interest rate n/a n/a
Weighted average years to maturity n/a n/a

Non-interest bearing financial assets comprise equity share and non-equity share investments in investee companies, cash held on non-interest bearing deposit and debtors.

Fair values

The investments of the company are valued by the directors in accordance with the guidelines issued by the British Venture Capital Association, and the carrying values are considered to approximate the fair value of the investments. The fair values have also been determined in line with the fair value hierarchy as set out in FRS 102 11.27.

23. Financial assets and liabilities

  Year ended

31 December 2015

£’000

  Year ended

31 December 2014

£’000

 
Financial assets measured at fair value 2,878 3,022
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost (16) (17)

24. Related party transactions

New Century AIM VCT 2 plc is managed by M D Barnard & Co. Limited.

No amounts were payable to key management personnel during the year (2014: £nil).

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year to 31 December 2015

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year to 31 December 2015

25. Capital commitments

There were no investments which were approved at the year-end but which had not completed.

26. Control

New Century AIM VCT 2 plc is not under the control of any one party or individual.

27. Post balance sheet events

On 29 April 2016 the directors proposed a dividend in respect of the year ended 31 December 2015 of £80,621.68 representing 1.75p per ordinary share.

Shareholder Information

for the year to 31 December 2015

The Company

New Century AIM VCT 2 PLC was incorporated on 16 January 2007. On 4 April 2007, the company obtained a listing on the London Stock Exchange. A total of £5.745 million was raised (before expenses) through an offer for subscription of new ordinary shares at 100p. The company has been approved as a Venture Capital Trust by the Inland Revenue.

The Investment Manager

New Century AIM VCT 2 PLC is managed by M D Barnard & Company Limited, an independent fund management company based in Laindon, Essex. M D Barnard & Company currently manages or advises private client funds and venture capital funds totalling approximately £25 million including New Century AIM VCT 2 PLC.

Venture Capital Trusts

Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) were introduced in the Finance Act 1995 and are intended to provide a means whereby individual investors can invest in small unquoted trading companies in the UK, with incentives in the form of a number of tax benefits. From 6 April 2005, investors subscribing for new shares in a VCT have been entitled to claim income tax relief of 30% on their investment, irrespective of their marginal tax rate (up to a maximum investment of £200,000 per tax year). The tax relief cannot exceed the amount which reduces an investor’s income tax liability to nil. In addition all dividends paid by VCTs are tax free and disposals of VCT shares are not subject to capital gains tax.

New Century AIM VCT 2 has been approved as a VCT by HM Revenue and Customs. In order to maintain its approval the company must comply with certain requirements on a continuing basis; in particular, within three years from the date of provisional approval at least 70% by value of the company’s investments must comprise “qualifying holdings”, of which at least 30% by value must be in eligible ordinary shares. A “qualifying holding” consists of up to £1 million invested in any one year in new shares or securities in an unquoted company which is carrying on a qualifying trade and whose gross assets do not exceed £15 million at the time of investment. For the purposes of these criteria, unquoted companies include companies whose shares are traded on the Alternative Investment Market (“AIM”).

As with investment trusts, capital gains accruing to VCTs are not chargeable gains for UK Corporation Tax purposes.

Financial calendar

Annual General Meeting 23 June 2016

Interim report for six months to 30 June 2016 August 2016

Preliminary announcement of results for the year to 31 December 2016 April 2016

Annual General Meeting 2017 June 2017

The shares will go ex-dividend on 16 June 2016; the proposed dividend will be paid to shareholders on the share registrar as at 17 June 2016. The dividend will be paid on 15 July 2016.

Share price

The mid-market price of shares in New Century AIM VCT 2 PLC is available daily on the London Stock Exchange website (www.londonstockexchange.com).

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