North Atl.smlr Regulatory News (NAS)

North Atlantic Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc

Annual Report for the year ended 31 January 2022

The financial information set out in this announcement does not constitute the Company's statutory financial statements in accordance with section 434 Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 January 2022, but has been extracted from the statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2022 which were approved by the Board of Directors on 11 May 2022 and will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies in due course. The Independent Auditor's Report on those financial statements was unqualified and did not contain any emphasis of matter nor statements under s 498(2) and (3) of the Companies Act 2006. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 January 2021 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and received an Independent Auditor's report which was unqualified and did not contain any emphasis of matter nor statements under s 498(2) and (3) of the Companies Act 2006. The annual financial report will be posted to shareholders later this month. Copies of the Annual Report will then be available on the Company's website www.nascit.co.uk and from the Company Secretary.

objective of the company and financial highlights

The objective of the Company is to provide capital appreciation through investment in a portfolio of smaller companies principally based in countries bordering the North Atlantic Ocean.

* Please refer to note 7 for details on how the basic return per 5p Ordinary Share is calculated.

** Please refer to note 7 for details on how the net asset value per 5p Ordinary Share is calculated.

† Adjusted to reflect Oryx International Growth Fund Limited ("Oryx") under the equity method of accounting, which is how the Company previously accounted for its share of Oryx, prior to the adoption of IFRS 10. This is useful to the shareholder as it shows the NAV based on valuing Oryx at NAV. See note 7.

chairman's statement

During the year under review the net asset value ("NAV") rose by 9.2% as compared with a rise in the sterling adjusted Standard & Poors Composite Index of 24.0%. The Standard and Poors Composite Index was, however, not representative of the US market in general; for example, the Russell Index of Smaller Companies actually fell during the period. However, the Company materially outperformed a number of more comparable UK indices where most of the investment assets are quoted.

The revenue account showed a surplus for the year of £1,384,000 after tax (2021: £531,000) as dividends started to recover from the COVID crisis. This is a trend which we expect to continue into 2022/2023. Consistent with our long term practice, we do not intend to declare a dividend in respect of the year ended 31 January 2022 (2021: nil).

During the year, 363,518 shares (2021: 135,482) were purchased for cancellation at a significant discount to NAV. This benefits all long-term shareholders by creating an immediate uplift for the NAV. At the forthcoming AGM shareholders will once again be asked to support a whitewash proposal allowing the company to continue to repurchase shares without requiring our Chief Executive and persons and companies presumed to be acting in concert with him to make a mandatory offer under Rule 9 of The Takeover Code for the Company. This proposal and the background surrounding it are outlined in a separate circular being sent to shareholders. The passing of the resolution to support this proposal assists the liquidity of those shareholders wishing to sell while enabling the company to add value to the ongoing NAV by buying back its own shares. Last year the AGM approved the whitewash with opposing votes of 34.65% (the largest shareholder being disqualified from voting). We continue to engage with those voting against the resolution but have found little interest in any meaningful discourse. Most of the votes cast against the whitewash resolution appear to have been determined by the ESG departments of certain large nominees and custodians. Their decisions, apparently made on general principle, are not in my opinion in the interests of our shareholders and I would appeal to beneficial shareholders to ensure that their votes are cast in favour of the Resolution.

Last year saw a good recovery in corporate profits which resulted in favourable equity markets for much of the year. This has abruptly changed in recent months as investors become increasingly concerned that high inflation rates are not transitory with the inevitable result that interest rates will need to rise much further than was anticipated at the mid year. This particularly affected growth stocks as evidenced by the fall in the NASDAQ index which is down at the time of writing by nearly 20% from its all time high.

Many well known technology companies such as Netflix, Peloton, Tesla and PayPal are experiencing deteriorating performance. However, the majority of businesses worldwide are experiencing rising commodity prices, supply chain disruption and escalating labour costs. Businesses are therefore attempting and largely succeeding in putting through price increases although whether this will be sufficient to maintain profit margins is by no means certain.

The geopolitical position is, to say the least, uncertain. The war in Ukraine makes daily news and has had a severe impact on world markets since the end of our financial year but other flashpoints include Iran and Taiwan any one of which could further unsettle equity markets.

It is therefore fortunate that the Company finished the year with cash and US treasury bills of £147 million with a further £9 million due in over the relatively short term as two takeovers are completed. We are therefore well placed to take advantage of the current weakness in equity markets which we expect to persist for several months.

Finally, I would like to express the Board's thanks to Peregrine Moncreiffe who stepped down on 25 February 2022 to become a Non Executive Director and who has been an outstanding Chairman of the Company since 2008 over which time the net assets of the trust rose, on an adjusted diluted basis, from £12.09 per share to £58.56 as at 31 January 2022.

Sir Charles Wake

Chairman

11 May 2022

investment manager's report

quoted portfolio UK

Once again the year was one of two halves. Our life science businesses performed extremely well in the first half but suffered towards the year end due to the derating of growth stocks in the United States and concerns about "COVID" stocks in the United Kingdom as the threat of the pandemic subsides. Ironically, our two "COVID" companies never achieved silly valuations unlike many others which never had any earnings in the first place. Following the derating it is our opinion that both EKF and SourceBio International are materially undervalued and this will become increasingly apparent as their core business continues to experience good growth over the next few years.

Polar Capital a fund management business which has significant exposure to high technology in the USA and Gleeson which is in the firing line to contribute to the cladding crisis have both fallen in recent months but we are confident that these are both high quality businesses that will prosper over the medium term.

The balance of the portfolio generally performed well with notable successes in Assetco, Augean, Frenkel Topping, Hargreaves Services, Signature (which was taken over) Sureserve and Ten Entertainment.

Finally, it is encouraging to note that both Oryx International Growth Fund Limited and Odyssean Investment Trust Plc, beat their respective benchmarks.

quoted portfolio USA

The performance of this small portfolio was satisfactorily led by the largest holding Mountain Commerce which rose over 50% during the twelve month period to 31 January 2022.

unquoted portfolio UK

The UK portfolio benefitted from bids for Pelsis (Hamsard 3468), Viking and Antler Holdco all at significant premiums to the valuation at 31 January 2021. Trellus also went public at a significant premium to 31 January 2021 valuation.

Despite continuing difficulties in the supply chain, Specialist Components saw strong recovery in its business operations which gives us encouragement that the company will flourish as economic activity returns to some degree of normality. Spring Investments, on the other hand, continued to underperform and was marked down during the period.

unquoted portfolio USA

Utitec had a good year and the prospects for 2022 are good. The company is now in the process of being sold which, if successful, will result in an uplift in the current value and a return of capital for the company of over £10 million (including the indirect investment via Trident Private Equity III).

Performance Chemicals successfully won a lawsuit against former employees who had infringed its patents. This resulted in a significant return of capital (in reality 100% of our actual investment). The outlook is currently promising and we intend to seek investor liquidity over the next eighteen months.

Jaguar had a good year despite continuing problems in the airline industry. As a consequence, the business is expected to return 20% of our actual investment in the near term. Shareholder liquidity will be sought when industry conditions return to some degree of normality.

Coventbridge is also preparing itself for a liquidity event at the end of the current year which should result in a further £20 million of liquidity for the Company (including the indirect investment via Harwood Private Equity IV).

Finally, the sale of Utitec will effectively mean the liquidation of Trident Private Equity III. Exposure to Harwood Private Equity IV will decline as Journey releases cash and Coventbridge is sold. We are very excited about Harwood Private Equity V not least because a recent investment was sold at over 250% of cost.

liquidity

Cash and US treasury bills started the year at £89 million, and ended the year at £147 million.

Your managers continue to review potential investment opportunities but are adopting a cautious approach given the market headwinds of rising interest and inflation rates.

Christopher Mills

Chief Executive & Investment Manager

11 May 2022

strategic report - sector analysis of investments at fair value

as at 31 January

* Includes Investment Trusts.

strategic report - twenty largest investments

as at 31 January

* Includes Investment Trusts.

All investments are valued at fair value.

strategic report

The Directors present the strategic report of the Company for the year ended 31 January 2022.

principal activity

The Company carries on business as an investment trust and its principal activity is portfolio investment.

objective

The Company's objective is to provide capital appreciation to its shareholders through investing in a portfolio of smaller companies which are based primarily in countries bordering the North Atlantic Ocean.

strategy

In order to achieve the Company's investment objective, the Manager uses a stock specific approach in managing the Company's portfolio, selecting investments that he believes will increase in value over a period of time, whether that be due to issues in the management of the businesses which he believes can be improved by shareholder engagement and involvement or simply due to the fact that the stock is undervalued and he can see potential for improvement in value over the long term. The Company may invest in both quoted and unquoted companies. At present, the investments in the portfolio are principally in companies which are located either in the United Kingdom or the United States of America. Typically the investment portfolio will comprise between 40 and 50 securities.

investment policy

While pursuing the Company's objective, the Manager must adhere to the following:

1. the maximum investment limit is 15% of the Company's investments in any one company at the time of the investment;

2. gearing is limited to a maximum of 30% of net assets;

3. the Company may invest on both sides of the Atlantic, with the weighting varying from time to time;

4. the Company may invest in unquoted securities as and when opportunities arise and again the weighting will vary from time to time.

investment restrictions

The Company has not adopted any specific investment restrictions, and the Company's investments may be highly concentrated. However, the Manager has put in place internal limitations to control risk and to manage diversification with the aim of allowing it to operate within parameters that it believes are wide enough for it to generate target returns but which are suitable to prevent undue risk.

investment approach

The Company invests in a diversified range of companies, both quoted and unquoted, on both sides of the Atlantic in accordance with its objective and investment policy.

Christopher Mills, the Company's Chief Executive and Investment Manager, is responsible for the construction of the portfolio and details of the principal investments are set out in the Annual Report. The top twenty largest investments by current valuation are listed above.

When analysing a potential investment, the Manager will employ a number of valuation techniques depending on their relevance to the particular investment. A key consideration when deciding on a potential investment would be the sustainability and growth of long term cash flow. The Manager will consider the balance of quoted and unquoted securities in the portfolio when deciding whether to invest in an unquoted stock as he is aware that the level of risk in unquoted securities may be considered higher.

In respect of the unquoted portfolio, regular contact is maintained with the management of prospective and existing investments and rigorous financial and business analysis of these companies is undertaken. It is recognised that different types of business perform better than others depending on economic cycles and market conditions and this is taken into consideration when the Manager selects investments and is therefore reflected within the range of investments in the portfolio. The Company attempts to minimise its risk by investing in a diversified spread of investments whether that spread be geographical, industry type or quoted or unquoted companies.

best execution

The Company as the operator of a closed-ended investment trust has considered the rules on best execution as noted in the Financial Services Markets Act 2000 and COBS 11.2 of the FCA Handbook. The Company has determined that the rules on performing best execution do not apply to the Company when, acting in the capacity of operator of an internally managed AIF (regulated collective investment scheme), it purchases or sells units in that AIF/scheme.

borrowing and leverage

The Company does not intend to incur borrowings as part of its investment strategy.

However, in the event that it did employ leverage for working capital purposes, any such borrowings incurred will not remain outstanding for more than 60 calendar days. In each such case, leverage may be obtained on an unsecured or secured/collateralised basis. The Company is not otherwise expected to engage in borrowing or make use of leverage.

The Company's borrowing and leveraging capacity is limited to an amount equal to: 30% of the net asset value of the Company when calculated in accordance with the "commitment" method set out in the AIFMD Rules.

The calculation and disclosure of such maximum leverage limits is required in order to satisfy the requirements of the AIFMD Rules. However, the Investment Manager expects the typical leverage levels to be lower than the maximum levels stated above, and generally not to exceed 10% of the Company's net asset value. The Investment Manager will inform investors to the extent such leverage limits are exceeded in accordance with the AIFMD Rules.

The Company does not currently grant any guarantee under any leveraging arrangement. The grant of any such guarantee would be disclosed to investors in accordance with the AIFMD Rules. Save as set out herein, there are no restrictions on the Company's use of leverage, by borrowing or otherwise, other than those which may be imposed by applicable law, rule or regulation.

changes to the investment policy, investment restrictions and investment approach

Changes to the investment policy, investment restrictions and investment approach of the Company as set out above may be made by the Directors. Changes believed by the Directors to be material will be notified to investors in advance of the change taking effect.

financial instruments

The financial instruments employed by the Company primarily comprise equity and loan stock investments, although it does hold cash and liquid instruments. Further details of the Company's risk management objectives and policies relating to the use of financial instruments can be found in note 14 to the financial statements.

delegated activities

The Company being internally managed has not delegated the provision of portfolio management and risk management functions but does rely on third party services providers to provide ancillary services to support the activities of the company. As a result, the Company will continue to act as an internally managed AIFM of the Company for the purposes of the FCA Rules in accordance with the Investment Management Agreement.

appointment of depositary

The Company has appointed Bank of New York Mellon (BNYM) as depositary for the quoted securities deposited for safekeeping with BNYM or with any third party appointed by BNYM and to hold cash in accordance with the terms of its agreement.

any conflicts of interest that may arise from such delegations

From time to time conflicts may arise between the Depositary and the delegates, for example where an appointed delegate is an affiliated group company which receives remuneration for another custodial service it provides to the Company. In the event of any potential conflict of interest which may arise during the normal course of business, the Depositary will have regard to the applicable laws.

performance

At 31 January 2022, the diluted NAV per share was 5,779p (2021: 5,292p), an increase of 9.2% during the year, compared to an increase of 24.0% during the year in the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index (Sterling adjusted).

Net assets attributable to equity holders at 31 January 2022 amounted to £789,466,000 compared with £742,230,000 at 31 January 2021.

The ongoing charges relating to the Company are 1.0% (2021: 1.2%), based on total expenses, excluding finance charges and non-recurring items for the year and average monthly net assets.

results and dividends

The total net return after taxation for the financial year ended 31 January 2022 amounted to £64,906,000 (2021: £130,078,000). The Board does not propose to pay a final dividend (2021: nil).

key performance indicators

The Directors regard the following as the main key indicators pertaining to the Company's performance:

(i) Net asset value per Ordinary Share: the Chart in the Strategic Report in the Annual Report illustrates the movement in the fully diluted net asset value per Ordinary Share over the past five years:

(ii) Share price return: the Chart in the Strategic Report in the Annual Report illustrates the movement in the share price per Ordinary Share over the past five years:

(iii) Performance against benchmark

The performance of the Company's share price is measured against the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index (Sterling adjusted), the Company's benchmark. A graph comparing performance can be found in the Directors' Remuneration Report in the Annual Report.

principal risks and uncertainties

The Board has carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks facing the Company including those that would threaten the Company's business model, future performance, solvency of liquidity and reputation.

The key risks faced by the Company are set out below. The Board regularly reviews these and agrees policies for managing these risks.

· Impact of COVID: Although the incidence of COVID has not abated, testing has been reduced significantly. Consequently, there has been a fall in value in stocks related to testing. This has to some extent, but not entirely, been offset by a recovery in leisure and industrial businesses.

· Performance risk: the Board is responsible for deciding the investment strategy in order to fulfil the Company's objectives and for monitoring the performance of the Manager. An inappropriate investment strategy may result in under-performance against the companies in the peer group or against the benchmark indices. The Board manages this risk by ensuring that the investments are appropriately diverse and by receiving reports from the Manager at every board meeting explaining his investment decisions and the composition and performance of the portfolio.

· Market risk: this category of risk includes currency risk, market price risk and interest rate risk. The fair value of all future cash flows of a financial investment held by the Company may fluctuate. Also, the valuations of the investments in the portfolio may be subject to fluctuation due to exchange rates or general market prices. The Manager monitors these fluctuations and the markets on a daily basis. The performance of the investment portfolio against its benchmarks is also closely monitored by the Manager. The afore-mentioned graph in the Directors' Remuneration Report illustrates the Company's performance against its benchmarks over the last ten years.

· Investments in unquoted stocks, by their nature may involve a higher degree of risk than investments in the listed market. The valuation of unquoted investments can include a significant element of estimation based on professional assumptions that is not always supported by prices from current market transactions. Recognised valuation techniques are used and recent arm's length transactions in the same or similar entities may be taken into account. Clearly the valuation of such investments is therefore a key uncertainty but the Board manages this risk by regularly reviewing the valuation principles applied by the Manager to ensure that they comply with the Company's accounting policies and with fair value principles. Harwood Capital LLP, a firm which is ultimately owned by Christopher Mills, the Company's Manager, and which provides services such as dealing, administration and compliance to the Company, operates a Valuations and Pricing Committee which meets regularly throughout the year to review and agree the valuations of the investments in the portfolio for onward submission to the Board.

· Regulatory risk: any breach of a number of regulations applicable to the Company, the UKLA's Listing Rules, the FCA compliance regime and the Companies Act could lead to a number of detrimental effects on the Company as well as reputational damage. The Audit Committee monitors compliance with these regulations in close alliance with the Manager and Secretary.

· Custodial and Banking risk: there is a risk that the custodians and banks used by the Company to hold assets and cash balances could fail and the Company's assets may not be returned. Associated with this is the additional risk of fraud or theft by employees of those third parties. The Board exercises monitoring through the Manager and Harwood Capital LLP over the financial position of its custodial banks.

· Credit risk/Counterparty risk: the Company holds preference shares in some investee companies and provides other forms of debt or loan guarantees where deemed necessary. There is a risk of those counterparties being unable to meet their obligations. The financial position and performance of those investee companies are continually monitored by the Manager and actions are taken to protect the Company's investment if needed.

professional negligence

The Company covers professional liability risks set out in Article 9(7) of Directive 2011/61/EU on Alternative Investment Fund Managers (the "Directive") and article 12 and 13 of the AIFMD level 2 regulation (professional liability risks) by holding professional indemnity insurance and maintaining an amount of own funds to meet the PII capital requirement under the Directive; and comply with the qualitative requirements addressing professional liability risks.

section 172 statement

Under Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006, directors are required to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of the stakeholders. In accordance with the requirements of the Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations, 2018, the Company has to detail how this duty has been performed with regard to the matters set out in Section 172 (1) (a) to (f).

· The directors have to consider the likely consequences of their decisions in the long term taking into account the interests of the various different stakeholders of the Company.

· A company's stakeholders are normally considered to comprise of its shareholders, employees, customers and suppliers as well as the wider community in which the company operates. As the Company is an internally managed investment company it does not have any employees as its activities are outsourced. Its customers are its shareholders and details of those owning more than 3% of the Company's shares are shown in the Report of the Directors. The Company's relations with its shareholders are detailed in the Annual Report.

· The main stakeholders are therefore the Company's shareholders and a small number of key third party suppliers, principally the Investment Manager, together with the company secretary, accountants, brokers, depositary, bankers and auditors, to whom the day to day functions are delegated.

· The Board works closely with the Investment Manager to promote the long-term success of the Company as effectively and responsibly as possible and he in turn interacts directly with the investee companies. Details of the investment policy and investment approach can be found above.

· The Company has a limited impact on the environment and has no greenhouse gas emissions to report as indicated in the Report of the Directors. Its impact on social, community and human rights issues are detailed below, and a statement on the Modern Slavery Act is given below.

· The Directors take care to ensure that the Company maintains a reputation for high standards of business conduct.

· The Directors ensure that the Company always acts fairly between members of the Company.

· To summarise, the Directors are fully aware of their duty under Section 172 in all their deliberations, and decisions taken always take into account the interests of the key stakeholders.

viability statement

In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code the Board has considered the longer term prospects for the Company. The Directors have reviewed the Company over the next five years to May 2027, which is generally a reasonable investment horizon for many investment trust shareholders. This assessment took into account the Company's current position as well as its continuing investment strategy. Additional factors under review included the principal risks inherent in its management and portfolio structure, contractual arrangements and cost base.

The Directors have noted the following elements as part of its evaluation:

· the Company invests in a combination of listed and unquoted companies, most of which have positive EBITDA and/or net tangible asset values which support their valuations;

· the Company holds more than 21% of its portfolio in cash and US Treasury Bills which are readily realisable and intends to continue to hold liquidity comfortably in excess of any contingent liabilities, including any requirements to fund any future drawdowns resulting from private equity or put option commitments;

· the Company's expenses are relatively stable, except for the Investment Manager's fee which is positively correlated with the Company's net asset value and relative performance, giving comfort that the Company could easily cover costs in the event of a substantial decline in net asset value; and

· the Company has considered the effect of COVID and does not believe it impacts its viability.

The Directors have also assessed the Company's principal risks and uncertainties and believe that appropriate measures are in place to minimise the likelihood of their potential to impact the viability of the Company. These measures include:

· the Manager's reports on compliance with the investment objective;

· the Manager's control of counterparty and custodial risk;

· the Board's monitoring of gearing (if any), compliance with specific investment guidelines and liquidity risk; and

· monitoring the share price's discount to net asset value and the stability of the shareholder base.

Based on the results of this analysis, the Directors have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the Company can continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due during the period to May 2027.

future prospects

The Directors are hopeful that some of the Company's investments will see corporate activity over the coming year so that the Company's net asset value should outperform its benchmark.

social, community and human rights issues

As an investment trust with no employees the Company has no direct social or community responsibilities or impact on the environment. The Company, however, takes into account the impact of environmental, social and governance factors when selecting and managing its investments within the context of its obligation to manage investments in the financial interests of its shareholders.

modern slavery act

As an investment vehicle the Company does not provide goods or services in the normal course of business. Accordingly, the Directors consider that the Company is not required to make any slavery or human trafficking statement under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

AIFMD

The Company is authorised and regulated by Financial Conduct Authority. The Company has been a full scope internally managed AIF with effect from 1 October 2021 under the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Regulations 2013.

For AIFMD purpose the Company is internally managed with Christopher Mills making the investment decisions in his capacity as Chief Executive. The Company must not perform any activities other than the internal management of the AIF in accordance with Annex I of the Directive:

ANNEX I

1. Investment management functions which an AIFM shall at least perform when managing an AIF

(a) portfolio management;

(b) risk management.

2. Other functions that an AIFM may additionally perform in the course of the collective management of an AIF:

(a) Administration:

(i) legal and fund management accounting services;

(ii) customer inquiries;

(iii) valuation and pricing, including tax returns;

(iv) regulatory compliance monitoring;

(v) maintenance of unit-/shareholder register;

(vi) distribution of income;

(vii) unit/shares issues and redemptions;

(viii) contract settlements, including certificate dispatch;

(ix) record keeping;

(b) Marketing;

(c) Activities related to the assets of AIFs, namely services necessary to meet the fiduciary duties of the AIFM, facilities management, real estate administration activities, advice to undertakings on capital structure, industrial strategy and related matters, advice and services relating to mergers and the purchase of undertakings and other services connected to the management of the AIF and the companies and other assets in which it has invested.

periodic and regular disclosure

1. The following information is available to investors in the annual report:

(i) the percentage of the Company's assets that are subject to special arrangements arising from their illiquid nature;

(ii) any material changes to the arrangements for managing the liquidity of the Company;

(iii) the current risk profile of the Company and the risk management systems employed by the Company to manage those risks;

(iv) the total amount of leverage employed by the Company if applicable; and

(v) details of the Company's policy towards best execution.

2. The following information is available to investors in the annual report:

(i) the maximum level of leverage which the Company may employ on behalf of the Company;

(ii) the grant of or any changes to any right of re-use of collateral or any changes to any guarantee granted under any leveraging arrangement; and

(iii) activation of liquidity management tools.

By Order of the Board

Kin Company Secretarial Limited

Company Secretary

11 May 2022

report of the directors

for the year ended 31 January

The Directors present their report to shareholders and the financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2022. Certain information that is required to be disclosed in this report has been provided in other sections of this Annual Report and accordingly, these are incorporated into this report by reference.

taxation status

In the opinion of the Directors, the Company has conducted its affairs during the period under review, and subsequently, so as to maintain its status as an investment trust for the purposes of Chapter 4 of Part 24 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010. The Company made a successful application under Regulation 5 of the Investment Trust (Approved Company) (Tax) Regulations 2011 for investment trust status to apply to all accounting periods starting on or after 1 February 2013 subject to the Company continuing to meet the eligibility conditions contained in Section 1158 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 and the ongoing requirements outlined in Chapter 3 of Part 2 of the Regulations.

share capital

The Company's issued share capital consisted of 13,661,000 Ordinary Shares of 5p nominal value each on 31 January 2022. Since the year end, no Ordinary Shares have been repurchased for cancellation. All shares hold equal rights with no restrictions and no shares carry special rights with regard to the control of the Company. There are no special rights attached to the shares in the event that the Company is wound up.

During the year, the Company purchased 363,518 (2021: 135,482) Ordinary Shares for £17.7m (2021: £4.3m) for cancellation to improve net asset value per Share. This comprised 2.8% (2021: 1.0%) of the issued share capital.

share valuations

On 31 January 2022, the middle market quotation and the diluted net asset value per 5p Ordinary Share were 4,330p and 5,779p respectively. The comparable figures at 31 January 2021 were 3,850p and 5,292p respectively. There were no outstanding options for the year ended 2022 or 2021 meaning there was no dilutive effect on the net asset value at either of these dates.

substantial shareholders

As at 31 January 2022, and at the date of this report, the following interests in the Ordinary Shares of the Company which exceed 3% of the issued share capital had been notified to the Company:

directors

The biographical details for Directors currently in office are shown in the Annual Report.

The Company's Articles of Association require that Directors should submit themselves for election at the first Annual General Meeting following their appointment and thereafter for re-election at least every three years. However, the Company is adopting the requirements of the UK Corporate Governance Code in relation to the annual re-election of directors. Therefore, in accordance with provision 18 of the UK Corporate Governance Code all of the Directors will retire at the Annual General Meeting and being eligible, offer themselves up for re-election.

directors' interests

The interests of the Directors as notified to the Company, including those of their connected persons, in the Ordinary Shares of the Company as at 31 January 2022 and 31 January 2021 were as follows:

There have been no changes to the above interests between 31 January 2022 and the date of this report.

Details of Directors' remuneration are described in the Directors' Remuneration Report in the Annual Report.

Save as disclosed in the Directors' Remuneration Report in the Annual Report or in notes 3 and 15 to the financial statements, no Director was party to or had any interest in any contract or arrangement with the Company at any time during the year.

significant agreements

The Company is required to disclose details of any agreement that it considers to be essential to the business and the two agreements detailed below are considered by the Board to be significant.

Pursuant to the Sub Advisory, Administration and Transmission Services Agreement dated 15 June 2016, Harwood Capital LLP provides administration services to the Company. The Sub Advisory, Administration and Transmission Services Agreement continues unless thereafter terminated by either party on not less than twelve months' notice in writing or may be terminated forthwith as a result of a material breach of the agreement or the insolvency of either party. No compensation is payable on termination of the Agreement.

Pursuant to the Secondment Services Agreement between the Company, GFS and Christopher Mills and the Sub Advisory, Administration and Transmission Services Agreement between the Company and Harwood Capital LLP, Christopher Mills is responsible for the day-to-day investment decisions. The Secondment Services Agreement continues until terminated by the Company or GFS on not less than twelve months' notice.

The Board reviews the activities of the Manager. The Chief Executive carries out day-to-day investment decisions for and on behalf of the Company. As part of this review, the Board is satisfied that the continuing appointment of the Manager, on the terms agreed, is in the best interests of shareholders. Christopher Mills has been Chief Executive of the Company since 1984 and the Board consider it is in the best interest of the Company for this arrangement to continue.

As part of this review, the Board has given consideration to the experience, skills and commitment of the Chief Executive in addition to the personnel, services and resources provided by Harwood Capital LLP. The Company's performance over the last year is described in the Chairman's Statement above.

related party transactions

Christopher Mills makes day-to-day investment decisions for the Company in his capacity as its Chief Executive and this position is distinct from his position as Chief Investment Officer of Harwood Capital LLP. Christopher Mills is a director of Growth Financial Services Limited ("GFS"). GFS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Harwood Capital Management Limited, which is the holding company of the Harwood group of companies and is, in turn, 100% owned by Christopher Mills. Harwood Capital Management Limited is also a Designated Member of Harwood Capital LLP.

Details of the related party transactions and fees payable are disclosed in note 15 and in the Directors' Remuneration Report in the Annual Report. The Investment Management Fees are disclosed in note 3 of the financial statements. Any Performance Fee payable to GFS is disclosed in the Directors' Remuneration Report in the Annual Report and note 3 of the financial statements.

With the exception of the matters referred to above, during the year no Director was materially interested in any contract of significance (as defined by the UK Listing Authority Listing Rules) entered into by the Company.

institutional investors - use of voting rights

The Chief Executive, in the absence of explicit instruction from the Board, is empowered to exercise discretion in the use of the Company's voting rights in respect of investments and to then report to the Board, where appropriate, regarding decisions taken. The Board have considered whether it is appropriate to adopt a new voting policy and an investment policy with regard to social, ethical and environmental issues and concluded that it is not appropriate to change the existing arrangements.

donations

The Company does not make any political or charitable donations.

creditors' payment policy

It is the Company's policy to settle investment transactions according to the settlement periods operating for the relevant markets. For other creditors, it is the Company's policy to pay amounts due to them as and when they become due. All supplier invoices received by 31 January 2022 had been paid (31 January 2021 - all supplier invoices paid).

greenhouse gas emissions

The Company has no physical assets, operations, premises or employees of its own. Consequently it consumed less than 40,000 kWh of energy during the year so has no greenhouse gas emissions to report.

auditors

Resolutions to re-appoint RSM UK Audit LLP as the Company's auditors and to authorise the Board to determine their remuneration will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

In the case of each of the persons who are directors at the time the report is approved so far as each director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's auditor is unaware, and he has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a director in order to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's auditor is aware of that information.

going concern

The Company's assets largely comprise readily realisable securities which can be sold to meet funding commitments if necessary and it also has sufficient cash reserves so the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future. They have, therefore, adopted the going concern basis in preparing these financial statements.

additional disclosures

The following further information is disclosed in accordance with the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008:

· the Company's capital structure and voting rights are summarised earlier in this report and note 11;

· details of the substantial shareholders in the Company are listed earlier in this report;

· the rules concerning the appointment and replacement of directors are contained in the Company's Articles of Association and are discussed earlier in this report;

· amendment of the Company's Articles of Association and powers to issue on a pre-emptive basis or buy back the Company's shares requires a special resolution to be passed by the shareholders; and

· there are: no restrictions concerning the transfer of securities in the Company; no special rights with regard to control attached to securities; no agreements between holders of securities regarding their transfer known to the Company; no agreements which the Company is party to that might affect its control following a takeover bid; no agreements between the Company and its Directors concerning compensation for loss of office; and no qualifying third party indemnities in place.

By Order of the Board

Kin Company Secretarial Limited

Company Secretary

Registered Office:

Hyde Park House

5 Manfred Road

London

SW15 2RS

Registered No: 1091347

11 May 2022

statement of directors' responsibilities in respect of the annual report and the financial statements

for the year ended 31 January

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

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. The Directors elected under company law and are required under the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority to prepare the financial statements in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards.

The financial statements are required by law and UK-adopted International Accounting Standards to present fairly the financial position and performance of the company. The Companies Act 2006 provides in relation to such financial statements that references in the relevant part of that Act to financial statements giving a true and fair view are references to their achieving a fair presentation.

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 Company and of the profit or loss for that period. In preparing these 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;

· state whether they have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards;

· assess the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern; and

· use the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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 Company and enable them to ensure that its financial statements and the Directors Remuneration Report comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Company and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also responsible for preparing a Strategic Report, Directors' Report, Directors' Remuneration Report and Corporate Governance Statement that complies with that law and those regulations.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the company's website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

responsibility statement of the directors in respect of the annual financial report

Each of the directors, whose names and functions are listed in the Annual Report confirm that to the best of each person's knowledge:

· the financial statements, prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company taken as a whole; and

· the Strategic Report and the Report of the Directors includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the company, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

We consider the Annual Report and financial statements, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and understandable and provide the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company's position and performance, business model and strategy.

For and on behalf of the Board

Sir Charles Wake

Chairman

11 May 2022

statement of comprehensive income

for the year ended 31 January

The total column of the statement is the Statement of Comprehensive Income of the Company, prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards. The supplementary revenue and capital columns are presented in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice issued by the Association of Investment Companies ("AIC SORP").

All items in the above Statement derive from continuing operations. No operations were acquired or discontinued in the year.

There is no other comprehensive income, and therefore the return for the year is also the comprehensive income.

statement of changes in equity

for the year ended 31 January

balance sheet

as at 31 January

cash flow statement

for the year ended 31 January

notes to the financial statements

1 accounting policies

NASCIT is a listed public company incorporated and registered in England and Wales. The registered office of the Company is 6 Stratton Street, Mayfair, London W1J 8LD. The principal activity of the Company is that of an investment trust company within the meaning of sections 1158/1159 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 and its investment approach is detailed in the Strategic Report.

a) basis of preparation

The financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards, and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). The annual financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with the AIC SORP for the financial statements of investment trust companies and venture capital trusts.

The functional currency of the Company is Pounds Sterling because this is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company operates. The financial statements are also presented in Pounds Sterling rounded to the nearest thousand, except where otherwise indicated.

b) going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and on the basis that approval as an investment trust company will continue to be met.

The Directors have made an assessment of the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and are satisfied that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for a period of at least 12 months from the date when these financial statements were approved.

The longer-term economic effects of the pandemic are very difficult to predict but in considering preparing the accounts on a going concern basis the Directors noted the Company holds a portfolio of liquid investments whose value is a multiple of liabilities. The Directors are of the view that the Company can meet its obligations as and when they fall due. The cash and US treasury bills available enables the Company to meet any funding requirements and finance future additional investments. The Company is a closed-end fund, where assets are not required to be liquidated to meet day-to-day redemptions.

c) segmental reporting

The Directors are of the opinion that the Company is engaged in a single segment of business, being investment business. The Company invests in small companies principally based in countries bordering the North Atlantic Ocean.

d) accounting developments

In the current year, the Company has applied a number of amendments to IFRS, issued by the IASB mandatorily effective for an accounting period that begins on or after 1 January 2020. These include annual improvements to IFRS, changes in standards, legislative and regulatory amendments, changes in disclosure and presentation requirements. The adoption of these has not had any material impact on these financial statements.

e) critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and the reported amounts in the Balance Sheet, the Income Statement and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future period if the revision affects both current and future periods.

In order to value the unquoted investments, there are a number of valuation techniques that can be used. Judgement is used to determine the best methodology to obtain the most accurate valuation. Details of valuation techniques used and sensitivities are set out in Note 14.

The Board of Directors has assessed the Company as meeting the definition of an investment entity within IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements requirements. The Company measures the subsidiaries at fair value through profit or loss rather than consolidate the entities. The details are set out in Note 8.

Further to the above, there were no accounting estimates or significant judgements in the current period that have had a material impact upon the financial statements.

f) investments

All investments are designated upon initial recognition as held at fair value through profit or loss, and are measured at subsequent reporting dates at fair value. Quoted investments are valued using either the bid price or the closing price for Stock Exchange Electronic Trading Service - quotes and crosses ('SETSqx'). The Company derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or when it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another entity. On derecognition of a financial asset, the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the sum of consideration received and receivable and the cumulative gain or loss that had been accumulated is recognised in profit or loss.

Fair values for unquoted investments, or investments for which the market is inactive, are established by using various valuation techniques in accordance with the International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation (the "IPEV") guidelines. These may include recent arm's length market transactions, the current fair value of another instrument which is substantially the same, discounted cash flow analysis and option pricing models. Where there is a valuation technique commonly used by market participants to price the instrument and that technique has been demonstrated to provide reliable estimates of prices obtained in actual market transactions, that technique is utilised.

Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are included in the total return as a capital item. Also included within this heading are transaction costs in relation to the purchase or sale of investments. When a sale or purchase is made under a contract, the terms of which require delivery within the timeframe of the relevant market, the investments concerned are recognised or derecognised on the trade date.

All investments for which a fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorised within the fair value hierarchy levels set out in Note 14.

g) foreign currency translation

Transactions in currencies other than Pounds Sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the date of the transaction. Items that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the Balance Sheet date. Any gain or loss arising from a change in exchange rate subsequent to the date of the transaction is included as an exchange gain or loss in the capital reserve or the revenue account depending on whether the gain or loss is capital or revenue in nature.

h) cash and cash equivalents

Cash comprises cash in hand, overdrafts and demand deposits. Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value.

For the purpose of the Cash Flow Statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts when applicable.

i) other receivables and payables

Trade receivables and trade payables are measured at amortised cost and balances revalued for exchange rate movement.

j) income

Dividends receivable on quoted equity shares are taken to revenue on an ex-dividend basis. Dividends receivable on equity shares where no ex-dividend date is quoted are brought into account when the Company's right to receive payment is established. Fixed returns on non-equity shares are recognised on a time-apportioned basis. Dividends from overseas companies are shown gross of any withholding taxes which are disclosed separately in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Special dividends are taken to the revenue or capital account depending on their nature. In deciding whether a dividend should be regarded as capital or revenue receipt, the Board reviews all relevant information as to the sources of the dividend on a case-by-case basis.

When the Company has elected to receive scrip dividends in the form of additional shares rather than in cash, the amount of the cash dividend foregone is recognised as income. Any excess in the value of the cash dividend is recognised in the capital column.

All other income is accounted on a time-apportioned accruals basis and is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

k) expenses and finance costs

All expenses are accounted on an accruals basis and are allocated wholly to revenue with the exception of the Performance Fees which are allocated wholly to capital, as the fee payable by reference to the capital performance of the Company.

Expenses incurred in shares purchased for cancellation are charged to the capital reserve through the Statement of Changes in Equity.

l) taxation

The charge for taxation is based on the net revenue for the year and takes into account taxation deferred or accelerated because of temporary differences between the treatment of certain items for accounting and taxation purposes.

Deferred tax is provided using the liability method on temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amount for financial reporting purposes at the reporting date. Deferred tax assets are only recognised if it is considered more likely than not that there will be suitable profits from which the future reversal of timing differences can be deducted. In line with recommendations of the SORP, the allocation method used to calculate the tax relief expenses charged to capital is the 'marginal' basis. Under this basis, if taxable income is capable of being offset entirely by expenses charged through the revenue account, then no tax relief is transferred to the capital account.

m) dividends payable to shareholders

Dividends to shareholders are recognised as a liability in the period in which they are paid or approved in general meetings and are taken to the Statement of Changes in Equity. Dividends declared and approved by the Company after the Balance Sheet date have not been recognised as a liability of the Company at the Balance Sheet date.

n) share capital and reserves

Share Capital: Represents the nominal value of equity shares.

Capital Redemption Reserve: The amount by which the share capital has been reduced, equivalent to the nominal value of the Ordinary Shares repurchased for cancellation.

Share Premium: The account, is a non-distributable reserve which represents the accumulated premium paid for shares issued in previous periods above their nominal value less issue expenses.

Capital Reserve: The following items are taken to this reserve:

· realised and unrealised capital and exchange gains and losses on the disposal and revaluation of investments and of foreign currency items;

· performance fee costs;

· Ordinary Shares repurchased for cancellation; and

· exchange differences of a capital nature.

Revenue Reserves: Represents the surplus of accumulated revenue profits being the excess of income derived from holding investments less the costs associated with running the Company. This reserve may be distributed by way of dividends.

2 income

3 investment management fee

(i) Pursuant to the Secondment Services Agreement, described in the Report of the Directors above and the Directors' Remuneration Report of the Annual Report, GFS provides the services of Christopher Mills as Chief Executive of the Company, who is responsible for day-to-day investment decisions. Christopher Mills is a director of GFS. GFS is entitled to receive part of the investment management and related fees payable to GFS and Harwood Capital LLP as may be agreed between them from time to time.

(ii) Pursuant to the terms of the Sub Advisory, Administration and Transmission Services Agreement, described in the Report of the Directors, Harwood Capital LLP is entitled to receive a fee (the Annual Fee) in respect of each financial period equal to the difference between (a) 1% of shareholders' Funds (as defined) on 31 January each year and (b) the amount payable to GFS referred to in note 3(i) above. This fee is payable quarterly in advance.

As set out in note 15, no formal arrangements exist to avoid double charging on investments managed or advised by the Chief Executive or Harwood Capital LLP.

(iii) The Performance Fee, calculated annually to 31 January, is only payable if the investment portfolio, including Oryx at the adjusted price, outperforms the Sterling adjusted Standard & Poors' 500 Composite Index. It is calculated as 10% of the outperformance and paid as a percentage of shareholders' Funds. It is limited to a maximum payment of 0.5% of shareholders' Funds. The Performance Fee arrangements payable to GFS have been in place since 1984 when they were approved by shareholders.

The amounts payable in the year in respect of investment management are as follows:

At 31 January 2022, £376,000 was payable to Harwood Capital LLP in respect of outstanding management fees (2021: £319,000). At 31 January 2022, there was no fee payable to GFS in respect of outstanding performance fees (2021: £501,000) net of VAT.

* Nil irrecoverable VAT (2021: 4%) based on rates per latest VAT return information.

** Adjustment in irrecoverable VAT following completion of VAT return.

4 other expenses

5 dividends paid

The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend in respect of the year ended 31 January 2022.

6 taxation

The current taxation charge for the year is different from the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19%. The differences are explained below.

Factors that may affect future tax charges:

As at 31 January 2022, the Company has tax losses of £76,314,000 (2021: £70,966,000) that are available to offset future taxable revenue, comprising excess management expenses of £67,319,000 and a non-trade loan relationship deficit of £8,995,000 (2021: excess management expenses of £61,971,000 and a non-trade loan relationship deficit of £8,995,000). A deferred tax asset has not been recognised in respect of those losses as the Company is not expected to generate taxable income in the future in excess of the deductible expenses of future periods and, accordingly, it is unlikely that the Company will be able to reduce future tax liabilities through the use of those losses.

The Company is exempt from corporation tax on capital gains provided it maintains its status as an investment trust under Chapter 4 of Part 24 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010. Due to the Company's intention to continue to meet the conditions required to maintain its investment trust status, it has not provided for deferred tax on any capital gains or losses arising on the revaluation or disposal of investments.

7 return per ordinary share and net asset value per ordinary share

a) return per ordinary share:

Return per Ordinary Share has been calculated using the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the year.

b) net asset value per ordinary share:

The net asset value per Ordinary Share calculated in accordance with the Articles of Association is as follows:

* Adjusted for Oryx using equity accounting

There is no dilutive effect for 31 January 2022 or 31 January 2021.

The Company has also reported an adjusted net asset value per share, in accordance with its previous method of valuing its investment in Oryx. The Company has chosen to report this net asset value per share to show the difference derived if equity accounting was used. Equity accounting permits the use of net asset value pricing for listed assets, which in the case of Oryx, is higher than its fair value.

The values of Oryx, as at each year end, are as follows:

8 investments at fair value through profit or loss

a) investments at fair value through profit or loss

b) subsidiary undertakings

At 31 January 2022 the Company has the following Subsidiaries which were active during the year:

assessment as an investment entity

Entities that meet the definition of an investment entity within IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements, are required to measure their subsidiaries at fair value through profit or loss rather than consolidate the entities. The criteria which define an investment entity are as follows:

· an entity that obtains funds from one or more investors for the purpose of providing those investors with investment services;

· an entity that commits to its investors that its business purpose is to invest funds solely for returns from capital appreciation, investment income or both; and

· an entity that measures and evaluates the performance of substantially all of its investments on a fair value basis.

The Board have concluded that the Company continues to meet the characteristics of an investment entity in that it has more than one investment, it has ownership interests in the form of equity and similar interests, it has more than one investor and its investors are not related parties other than those disclosed in note 15.

c) significant holdings

At the year-end, the Company held 20% or over of the aggregate nominal value of voting equity of the following companies:

All the investments detailed above have not been consolidated into the financial statements due to the Company meeting the definition of an investment entity under IFRS 10 and therefore these investments are included at fair value through profit and loss.

At the year end, the Company held over 3% of the shares in the following listed companies which were considered to be material:

d) investments in US treasury bills

At 31 January 2022, the Company held US Treasury Bills with a market value of £70,783,000 (2021: £54,615,000).

e) transaction costs

During the year, the Company incurred total transaction costs of £196,000 (2021: £176,000) comprising £151,000 (2021: £87,000) and £45,000 (2021: £89,000) on purchases and sales of investments respectively. These amounts are included in gains on investments as disclosed in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

f) commitment

At 31 January 2022 NASCIT had undrawn capital commitments to invest £22.1 million (2021: £32 million) in Harwood Private Equity V LP and £17.1 million (2021: £18.7m) in Harwood Private Capital U.K. LP.

9 trade and other receivables

10 trade and other payables

11 share capital

Since 31 January 2022, no Ordinary Shares have been purchased by the Company for cancellation. As at the date of approval of this report, the Company's issued share capital consists of 13,661,000 Ordinary Shares of 5p nominal value each.

12 reconciliation of total return before taxation to cash generated from operations

13 analysis of net cash

14 financial instruments and risk profile

The Company's financial risk management objectives, policies and strategy can be found in the Strategic Report in the Annual Report.

The Company's financial instruments comprise its investment portfolio, cash balances, loan stock and trade receivables and trade payables that arise directly from its operations.

The main risks arising from the Company's financial instruments are:

(i) market price risk, including currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk;

(ii) liquidity risk; and

(iii) credit risk

The Board and Manager consider and review the risks inherent in managing the Company's assets which are detailed below.

(i) market price risk

The fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument held by the Company may fluctuate because of changes in market prices. This market risk comprises currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk. The Board of Directors review and agree policies for managing these risks through detail and continuing analysis. The Manager assesses the exposure to market risk when making each investment decision and monitor the overall level of market risk on the whole of the investment portfolio on an ongoing basis.

currency risk

The Company's total return and net assets can be materially affected by currency translation movements as a significant proportion of the Company's assets are denominated in currencies other than Sterling, which is the Company's functional currency. It is not the Company's policy to hedge this risk on a continuing basis but the Company may, from time to time, match specific overseas investment with foreign currency borrowings. The Manager seeks, when deemed appropriate, to manage exposure to currency movements on borrowings by using forward foreign currency contracts as a hedge against potential foreign currency movements. At 31 January 2022, the Company had no open forward currency contracts (2021: none).

The revenue account is subject to currency fluctuation arising on overseas income. The Company does not hedge this currency risk.

Foreign currency exposure by currency of denomination:

Sensitivity analysis is based on the Company's monetary foreign currency financial instruments held at each balance sheet date. If Sterling had moved by 10% against all currencies, with all other variables constant, net assets would have moved by the amounts shown below. The analysis is shown on the same basis for 2021.

In the opinion of the Directors, the above sensitivity analyses are not representative of the year as a whole, since the level of exposure changes frequently as part of the currency risk management process used to meet the Company's objectives.

interest rate risk

Interest rate movements may affect;

· the fair value of the investments in fixed interest rate securities (including unquoted loans); or

· the level of income receivable on cash deposits;

The possible effects on fair value and cash flows that could arise as a result of changes in interest rates are taken into account when making investment decisions.

The Board reviews on a regular basis the values of the fixed interest rate securities and the unquoted loans to companies in which private equity investment is made.

Movements in interest rates would not significantly affect net assets attributable to the Company's shareholders and total profit.

other price risk

Other price risks (i.e. changes in market prices other than those arising from currency risk or interest rate risk) may affect the value of the quoted and unquoted investments.

The Company's exposure to price risk comprises mainly movements in the value of the Company's investments. It should be noted that the prices of options tend to be more volatile than the prices of the underlying securities. As at the year-end, the spread of the Company's investment portfolio analysed by sector was as set out earlier in the Annual Report.

The Board of Directors manages the market price risks inherent in the investment portfolios by ensuring full and timely access to relevant investment information from the Manager. The Board meets regularly and at each meeting reviews investment performance. The Board monitors the Manager's compliance with the Company's objectives and is directly responsible for investment strategy and asset allocation.

The Company's exposure to other changes in market prices at 31 January 2022 on its quoted and unquoted investments and options on investments was as follows:

As mentioned in the accounting policies note, the Private equity investments have been valued following the IPEV Valuation Guidelines. The valuation incorporates all relevant factors that market participants would consider in setting a price.

Methods applied include cost of investment, price of recent investments, net assets and earnings multiples. Any valuations in local currency are converted into sterling at the prevailing exchange rate on the valuation date.

Although the Manager believes that the estimates of fair values are appropriate, the use of different methodologies or assumptions could lead to different measurements of fair values.

Subsequent adjustments in price are determined by the Manager's Valuation and Pricing Committee.

The table below shows how the most significant unquoted investments have been valued as at 31 January 2022.

the valuation techniques applied are based on the following assumptions:

Unquoted investments are usually valued by reference to the valuation multiples of similar listed companies or from transactions of similar businesses. Where appropriate discounts are then applied to those comparable multiples to reflect difference in size and liquidity. These enterprise values are then adjusted for net debt to arrive at an equity valuation. Where companies are in compliance with the loan note terms these loans are generally held at par plus accrued interest (where applicable) unless the enterprise value suggests that the debt cannot be recovered.

Further detail on the valuation of significant investments, are detailed below:

Trident Private Equity Fund III LP (TPE3), Harwood Private Equity IV LP (HPE4) and Harwood Private Equity V LP (HPE5)

Held at net asset value, derived from the audited financial statements of the Funds as at 31 December 2021, as the underlying investments within TPE3, HPE4 and HPE5 are valued on a fair value basis. The Directors believe that the movement between the Funds' measurement dates and the reporting dates are not material. As the funds have no debts, a change of 10% in the underlying assets would have a 10% impact on the Funds' carrying value.

Performance Chemical Company - Ordinary Shares

The enterprise value is calculated based on an EBITDA multiple of 7.5x. A reduction in the multiple by a factor of 1x would reduce the carrying value of the total investment by US$1.2 million, or -12%. An increase in the multiple by a factor of 1x would increase the value of the total investment by US$1.2 million, or 12%. The preference shares were redeemed at 30 September 2021.

Coventbridge Group - Loan

The loan is held at par plus accrued interest. The enterprise value is calculated using an EBITDA multiple of 11.6x. Neither a reduction nor an increase in the multiple by a factor of 1x would impact the carry value of the loan.

The following table illustrates the sensitivity of the profit after taxation and net assets to an increase or decrease of 10% in the fair values of the Company's investments. This level of change is considered to be reasonably possible based on observation of current market conditions. The sensitivity analysis is based on the Company's equities and equity exposure through options at each Balance Sheet date, with all other variables held constant.

(ii) liquidity risk

This is the risk that the Company will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities.

The Company invests in equities and other investments that are readily realisable. It also invests in unquoted securities, which are less readily marketable than equities. These investments are monitored by the Board on regular basis.