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Company registration number: 09272873







ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 DECEMBER 2024


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED



































      



          

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
COMPANY INFORMATION


Directors
J Dwyer 
I Eschweiler (appointed 2 October 2024)
T Harding 
D Lewis 
J Ohlson 
B Theobald 
L Zambeletti 




Company secretary
A Howes



Registered number
09272873



Registered office
Morelands & Riverdale Buildings
Lower Sunbury Road

Hampton

TW12 2ER




Independent auditors
Deloitte LLP

One Station Square

Cambridge

CB1 2GA





 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 



CONTENTS



Page
Chairman's statement
1
Business highlights
2
Group strategic report
3 - 5
Directors' report
6 - 7
Independent auditors' report
8 - 12
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
13
Consolidated statement of financial position
14
Company statement of financial position
15
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
16 - 17
Company statement of changes in equity
18
Consolidated statement of cash flows
19 - 20
Consolidated analysis of net debt
21
Notes to the financial statements
22 - 50


 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The chairman presents his statement for the year ended 31 December 2024.

I am pleased to report that the Group demonstrated considerable commercial progress in 2024, despite the continued presence of challenging conditions in the biotech industry. Regardless of this backdrop, the Group has continued to expand its customer base, more than doubling the level of CDMO orders signed in the year compared to 2023. Further, we have been pleased to see this growth coming from across the spectrum of applications in genetic medicine – be it viral vectors for rare diseases, in vivo and ex vivo cell therapies, mRNA and from DNA vaccines. This growth has been supported by investments in expanding our commercial teams, which we plan to continue in 2025.
In terms of particular highlights, we have seen adoption in both specific applications based upon the unique nature of our technology to provide rapid, personalised and efficient delivery of material and further endorsement from large pharma, looking to embed our technology in their developmental pipeline.
Turning to specific examples, during 2024, The University of Liverpool signed an agreement to use dbDNA in a fully personalised neoantigen cancer vaccine clinical study. The phase 1 study will deliver rapid personalised treatment to lung cancer sufferers and represents Touchlight's first signed contract to supply dbDNA as an API. Furthermore, the Group signed and manufactured DNA material for use in a client’s pivotal study, demonstrating the continued progression of adoption of dbDNA and further embedding of our technology as part of client programmes moving through the clinic.
We were also delighted to sign a licensing agreement with GSK providing them with access to dbDNA for use in the production of mRNA as part of their development pipeline. The agreement includes an upfront payment, development and commercial milestone payments and royalties upon commercialisation of products utilising the dbDNA platform and importantly further validates the adoption of our platform by big Pharma.
We continue with our emphasis on innovation, investing heavily in advancing our DNA platforms.  We prepared the filing for a new patent family towards the end of the year which is due to be submitted in H1 2025, covering a completely new approach to making enzymatic DNA, further strengthening our IP position. We now have 127 patents granted with 122 pending. As we continue to innovate and focus upon building out our portfolio, these numbers demonstrably support our very strong position within the synthetic DNA space.
Post the December 2024 period end Touchlight went on to achieve several important milestones which position the business well to support our growing customer base.
Firstly, we received GMP certification and became the first synthetic DNA manufacturer globally to gain regulatory approval to produce Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API).
Secondly, we disposed of our Touchlight Aquaculture subsidiary to Ceva Animal Health, the fifth largest global animal health business. Under the terms of the transaction, Ceva has in parallel entered into a licence agreement with Touchlight, granting Ceva rights to develop and manufacture future products using our dbDNA technology across the animal health field.
Finally, Touchlight prevailed on all grounds in defending itself in the intellectual property entitlement proceedings in the High Court initiated by Dr Vanessa Hill. The Court found overwhelmingly in Touchlight’s favour on all grounds with all claims against Touchlight dismissed, with no potential for appeal. This is the outcome Touchlight expected and represented a welcome conclusion to the matter.
We have built one of the largest DNA manufacturing facilities in the world and are maintaining our position as pioneers and leaders in the field of synthetic DNA, providing a platform that affords benefits of speed, purity and control. We continue to look forward with confidence to delivering into the global DNA market.


NameJ Ohlson
Chairman

Date:

Page 1

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Continuing progress as demonstrated by (i) Touchlight and GSK signing a non-exclusive license agreement for use of enzymatic dbDNA for mRNA manufacturing (ii) significant growth in CDMO sales and revenue (iii) further grant awards received in the year.  

Post period end (i) facility in Hampton UK receives GMP certification, as a result Touchlight becomes the first synthetic DNA manufacturer globally to gain regulatory approval to produce Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API), (ii) disposal of Touchlight Aquaculture subsidiary to Ceva Animal Health, with Ceva in parallel entering into a Licence to be granted rights to develop and manufacture future products using Touchlight’s dbDNA technology across the animal health field.

Business developments

Licence agreement signed with GSK for the non-exclusive rights to use dbDNA in the development and manufacture of mRNA.

Agreement with University of Liverpool for the use of dbDNA in the development of a fully-personalised therapeutic neoantigen DNA vaccine for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.


Wins two grants from Innovate UK to support R&D, one for the use of dbDNA in AAV production and the other to further develop and characterise Touchlight’s new genome editing product, mbDNA.
Awarded further grant from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) following successful proof of concept studies, in order to develop a DNA-enabled biobattery prototype with real- world applicability.
CPI, a leading technology innovation centre in the UK, has selected Touchlight to supply research and GMP-grade enzymatic DNA for the development and manufacture of RNA therapeutics and vaccines.
Awarded the Business Innovator Award in the SAP UKI Customer Success Awards 2024.

Financial highlights

Revenue of £16.6 million (FY23 £4.4 million).
Cash at year end of £11.8 million (FY23: £17.8 million).
Reported loss of £15.3 million (FY23: £47.3 million as restated).

Post-period events

Hampton facility receives GMP certification. Touchlight becomes the world’s first synthetic DNA manufacturer to receive regulatory approval to produce Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API). This milestone uniquely positions the Company to support its expanding customer base in developing DNA vaccines and non-viral gene therapies.
Disposes of Touchlight Aquaculture subsidiary to Ceva Animal Health (Ceva), the 5th largest global animal health
company. Acquiror granted rights to develop and manufacture future products using Touchlight’s dbDNA technology across the animal health field.
Enters into a Shareholder Loan Facility providing up to £10,000,000 which can be drawn upon for general corporate purposes if required. If utilised, the facility includes a right for lenders to be issued Warrants for ordinary shares of the Company.

Page 2

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Introduction
 
The directors present their Strategic Report together with the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Market environment

The publication of the human genome in the early 2000s has driven an acceleration in medical advances, enabling a new era of therapies targeted at a range of diseases. As a result, transformative therapies (AAV, lentivirus, cell therapy) are being utilised in the management of previously untreatable conditions, including cancers and rare genetic diseases. More recently, the SARSCoV2 pandemic has accelerated the use of nucleic acid therapies including messenger RNA (mRNA) and DNA.
Such advanced therapy relies upon DNA, making it the basis of genetic medicine. As a result, the market for DNA has shown rapid growth. It is estimated that the market for DNA globally supports ~3,000 preclinical, clinical and commercial products, and is presently worth approximately £600m p.a. The market is expected to continue to grow strongly to >£2.6bn in 2032. Whilst these trends are highly positive, supply chain challenges remain an impediment to globalisation of genetic medicine, including the manufacture of DNA.

Strategy

The Touchlight Holdings Limited Group ("Touchlight") utilises its proprietary intellectual property to make synthetic DNA for use in the development and manufacture of products to support large scale adoption and deployment of genetic medicine. The Group has a threefold strategy: to innovate through DNA; to generate a social benefit; and to provide a return to shareholders. 
To achieve these objectives the Group has:

Built a state of the art facility, incorporating clinical grade manufacturing suites focused on commercial dbDNA production; and 
Invented, patented and scaled an advanced DNA amplification platform.

Touchlight is well placed to address global DNA supply.

Financial review

Group revenues reached £16.6 million in the year (FY2023: £4.4 million) including a 93% year-on-year increase in CDMO goods and services. Revenues also included receipt of £11.7 million of licensing and royalty income (FY2023: £1.8 million), with much of the increase reflecting one new licence agreement signed during the year.
The Group recorded a reduced loss for the year of £15.3 million (FY2023: £47.3 million restated). This improvement reflects revenue growth and a lower level of Fair Value losses on financial instruments, despite continued investment in commercial and operational capabilities.

The Group closed the year with a cash balance of £11.8 million (FY2023: £17.8 million). The cash was consumed by operating activities.

Net liabilities closed at £55.9 million (FY2023: £42.2 million as restated).
 
Further information about the Group's performance for the year is included in the Chairman's Statement on page 1.

Page 3

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 



GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Principal risks and uncertainties
 
This section lays out risks that are specific to the Touchlight business and those of a general nature, which either individually or collectively could affect the future operating and financial performance of Touchlight. Touchlight seeks to manage the risks to minimise the potential impact however several of these risks are outside the control of the business.

Product risk. To date our products are proving attractive to customers however continuing market acceptance of Touchlight's range of products will depend both on potential customers finding the offerings more attractive than alternatives and Touchlight's continued ability to manufacture at scale. Touchlight seeks to mitigate this risk through constant contact with its customers and continued research, development and innovation.
Market risk. Touchlight operates in a dynamic and evolving sector where customer demand may be influenced by shifts in market sentiment, funding availability, regulatory changes, and competitor activity. A severe downturn in the biotech investment climate or changes in customer priorities could reduce demand for Touchlight’s products and services. The Company mitigates this risk through diversification of its customer base, strategic partnerships, and maintaining flexibility in its commercial offerings to adapt to changing market conditions.
Partnership risk. Touchlight is engaged in partnerships and licensing arrangements. Such arrangements will invariably expose the business to counterparty risk. Touchlight seeks to mitigate this risk through careful construction of partnership and licence agreements to minimise exposure and by ensuring adequate liquidity at the Group level.
Dependence on key personnel. Touchlight is dependent on its scientific and management team. The loss (whether temporary or permanent) of these people could materially impact research and development activities. Touchlight seeks to mitigate this risk through competitive remuneration and succession planning.
Competition. The sector is characterised by ongoing and continuous technological innovation which in time may impact Touchlight. Touchlight seeks to mitigate this through constant monitoring of its competitors.
Economic environment and market conditions. The operating costs of Touchlight may be affected by currency fluctuations, inflation, legislative and other future political decisions including the increasing use of global trade tariffs. Touchlight seeks to mitigate this through close monitoring of the cost base and the economic environment.
Group intellectual property. Touchlight is dependent on its intellectual property. Copying of this by competitors or successful challenges to it would materially impact the business. Touchlight seeks to mitigate this risk through extensive patent protection and legal defence as and when required.

The above list of risks is not exhaustive and other unforeseen risks may in the future impact on the performance of Touchlight's business.

Going concern
 
In preparing the financial statements the directors are required to assess the Group and Company's ability to continue to trade as a going concern for the foreseeable future.

The closing net liability position in December 2024 was £55,918,812 (FY2023: £42,187,327). The closing cash balance was £11,772,100 in December 2024 (FY2023: £17,809,414).

The business environment remains uncertain due to geopolitical instability, the increasing use of global trade tariffs and the impact of high interest rates and inflation on global financial markets. This environment could lead to a slow-down of funding for Biotechs and potentially slower adoption of our technology by clients.
The directors have performed an assessment of going concern. Assessments have been undertaken around customer and supply continuity as well as stress-testing the forecasted cash flow for delays in signing new contracts.
Any future impact is most likely to come from customers and their purchasing requirements. Interruptions to customer operations could potentially impact their ability to pay on time leading to a reduction in the Group's cash receipts. The directors have sought to reduce this potential impact by maintaining communication channels with customers in order to anticipate any risks.
Page 4

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 



GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The duration and severity of the impact of the economic climate will be carefully monitored. If the period of impact of either was to extend further or the assessed impact on revenue and cash flows to be more severe than anticipated, the Group would look to adjust its operations as and when required. The Group also has a £10.0m Shareholder Loan Facility, for use in general corporate purposes if required, committed through 31 March 2027 and permitting interest capitalisation with no financial maintenance covenants. 
Having considered the Group’s cash-flow forecasts for a period of 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements, together with the availability of the Shareholder Facility, the Directors believe that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

Key performance indicators
 
The key performance indicators ("KPI") are: 
The closing cash balance, which was £11.8 million at 31 December 2024 (FY2023: £17.8 million).
Revenue in the year, which was £16.6 million (FY2023: £4.4 million).
Net loss/ profit in the year, which was £15.3 million (FY2023: £47.3 million restated).

Section 172 Companies Act 2006
 
In accordance with Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006, the Directors of the Company must act in a way that they, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole and in doing so the Directors have had regard to, their workforce, stakeholders, community and environment and business conduct.


This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf.



J Ohlson
Director

Date: 29 September 2025

Page 5

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Principal activity
The parent company, Touchlight Holdings Limited, is a holding company. The subsidiary companies are contract, development and manufacturing organisations, which produce synthetic DNA for advanced medicines and for therapeutic use and carry out associated activities, including research and development.
Directors
The directors who served during the year and up to the date of signing were:
B Bjorgolfsson (resigned 2 October 2024)
J Dwyer
I Eschweiler (appointed 2 October 2024) 
T Harding 
D Lewis 
J Ohlson
B Ragnarsson (resigned 9 May 2024)
B Theobald
L Zambeletti

Directors' responsibilities statement

The directors are responsible for preparing the Group strategic report, the Directors' report and the consolidated financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
 
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'. 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 the Group and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period.

 In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:


select suitable accounting policies for the Group's financial statements and then apply them consistently;

make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

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

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

Results and dividends

The loss for the year, after taxation and minority interests, amounted to £15,293,483 (2023 - loss £47,253,704 restated).

The directors do not recommend payment of a dividend. 

Future developments

The Directors are satisfied with the progress made and anticipate further positive developments in the future. For more detail on future business development, please refer to the Chairman’s Statement and the Business Highlights sections.

Page 6

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Qualifying third party indemnity provisions

The Company held third party indemnity insurance cover for the directors and officers of the Group and parent Company during the current and prior year.

Matters covered in the Group strategic report

The Company has chosen, in accordance with Section 414C(11) of the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013, to set out within the Group's Strategic Report the Company's Strategic Report Information Required by Schedule 7 of the Large and Medium Sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulation 2008. This includes information that would have been included in the business review and details of the principal
risks and uncertainties.

Disclosure of information to auditors

Each of the persons who are directors at the time when this Directors' report is approved has confirmed that:
 
so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company and the Group's auditors are unaware, and

the director has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a director in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company and the Group's auditors are aware of that information.

Auditors

Under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006Deloitte LLP will be deemed to have been reappointed as auditors 28 days after these financial statements were sent to members or 28 days after the latest date prescribed for filing the accounts with the registrar, whichever is earlier.

This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf.
 





J Ohlson
Director

Date: 29 September 2025

Morelands & Riverdale Buildings
Lower Sunbury Road
Hampton
TW12 2ER

Page 7

 



TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED

Report on the audit of the financial statements


Opinion


In our opinion the financial statements of Touchlight Holdings Limited (the 'parent Company') and its subsidiaries (the 'Group')::
give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of its loss for the year then ended; 
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland”; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

We have audited the financial statements which comprise:
the consolidated statement of comprehensive income;
the consolidated and parent company statements of financial position;
the consolidated and parent company statements of changes in equity;
the consolidated statement of cash flows;
the consolidated analysis of net debt; and
the related notes 1 to 34.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).


Basis for opinion


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


Conclusions relating to going concern


In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.


Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group's or the parent Company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.


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


Page 8

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED



 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED (CONTINUED)

Other information


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

We have nothing to report in this regard.


Responsibilities of directors
 

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

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


Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
 

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

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


Page 9

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED



 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED (CONTINUED)

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
 

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

We considered the nature of the group’s industry and its control environment, and reviewed the group’s documentation of their policies and procedures relating to fraud and compliance with laws and regulations. We also enquired of management and the directors about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities, including those that are specific to the group’s business sector. 

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the group operates in, and identified the key laws and regulations that:
had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. These included UK Companies Act and tax legislation; and
do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the group’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. These included GMP regulations and data protection legislation.

We discussed among the audit engagement team including relevant internal specialists regarding the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements.

As a result of performing the above, we identified the greatest potential for fraud in the following areas, and our procedures performed to address them are described below:

Revenue Recognition

Owing to the accounting judgement involved in relation to a large licensing contract, we identified a significant risk around the revenue recognition of this contract.

Procedures performed:
Performed a process walkthrough of the revenue to obtain a sufficient understanding of the process.
Reviewed the accounting considerations made by management in relation to the contract.
Challenged the accounting treatment therein and assessed the treatment in accordance with FRS 102.

Valuation of Loan Notes

Owing to the significant estimation uncertainty inherent in relation to the valuation of loan notes issued and identification of a prior year error in respect of accrued interest (see note 27), we identified a significant risk around the valuation of loan notes. 

Procedures performed:
Reviewed management’s model supporting the valuation of loan notes with the support of in-house valuation specialists.
Performed an independent valuation of the loan notes.
Challenged management on the appropriateness and reasonableness of the valuation method and inputs used.
Reviewed the disclosures in the financial statements.
Page 10

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED



 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED (CONTINUED)

Accounting for preference shares

Owing to the significant estimation uncertainty inherent in the valuation of preference shares issued by the company, a significant risk was identified concerning their reported value.

Procedures performed:
We reviewed management’s revaluation with the support of in-house financial instrument accounting and valuation specialists.
We challenged management and their advisers on the accounting treatment and the valuation of the amount treated as liability. 
We reviewed the disclosures in the financial statements.

Management override

In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override. In addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, we tested the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; assessed whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluated the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.
 
In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to the risks identified included the following:
reviewing financial statement disclosures by testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with provisions of relevant laws and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial statements;
performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud; 
enquiring of management and external legal counsel concerning actual and potential litigation and claims, and instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations; and 
reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance. 


Report on other legal and regulatory requirements
 
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified any material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report in respect of the following matters 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.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.


Page 11

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED



 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED (CONTINUED)

Use of our report
 

This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006Our 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.





Julian Rae (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of
Deloitte LLP
Statutory Auditor
Cambridge, United Kingdom

29 September 2025
Page 12

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

As restated (see note 27)
2024
2023
Note
£
£

  

Turnover
 4 
16,565,507
4,353,340

Cost of sales
  
(3,966,854)
(1,841,892)

Gross profit
  
12,598,653
2,511,448

Administrative and laboratory expenses
  
(22,008,619)
(26,135,080)

Research and development costs
  
(3,321,560)
(5,613,192)

Other operating income
 5 
1,833,151
1,287,910

Other operating charges
 6 
(369,974)
(143,890)

Operating loss
 7 
(11,268,349)
(28,092,804)

Interest receivable and similar income
 11 
623,179
825,991

Interest payable and similar expenses
 12 
(12,821)
(12,000)

Fair value loss on financial instruments
 23 
(5,080,245)
(21,336,410)

Loss before taxation
  
(15,738,236)
(48,615,223)

Tax on loss
 13 
389,568
1,336,106

Loss for the financial year
  
(15,348,668)
(47,279,117)

  

Total comprehensive income for the year
  
(15,348,668)
(47,279,117)

(Loss) for the year attributable to:
  

Non-controlling interests
  
(55,185)
(25,413)

Owners of the parent Company
  
(15,293,483)
(47,253,704)

  
(15,348,668)
(47,279,117)

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to:
  

Non-controlling interest
  
(55,185)
(25,413)

Owners of the parent Company
  
(15,293,483)
(47,253,704)

  
(15,348,668)
(47,279,117)

The notes on pages 22 to 50 form part of these financial statements.

Page 13

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER:09272873



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

As restated (see note 27)
2024
2023
Note
£
£

Fixed assets
  

Intangible assets
 14 
29,538,588
32,109,380

Tangible assets
 15 
21,168,850
22,508,226

  
50,707,438
54,617,606

Current assets
  

Stocks
 17 
2,153,248
3,010,930

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
 18 
7,994,232
7,591,475

Cash and cash equivalents
 19 
11,772,100
17,809,414

  
21,919,580
28,411,819

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 20 
(10,072,509)
(11,606,634)

Net current assets
  
 
 
11,847,071
 
 
16,805,185

Total assets less current liabilities
  
62,554,509
71,422,791

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
 21 
(118,473,321)
(113,610,118)

Net liabilities
  
(55,918,812)
(42,187,327)


Capital and reserves
  

Called up share capital 
 24 
12,023
12,023

Share premium account
 25 
77,555,357
77,555,357

Other reserves
 25 
4,696,169
3,228,986

Merger reserve
 25 
6,930,907
6,930,907

Profit and loss account
 25 
(145,087,761)
(129,794,278)

Equity attributable to owners of the parent Company
  
(55,893,305)
(42,067,005)

Non-controlling interests
  
(25,507)
(120,322)

  
(55,918,812)
(42,187,327)


The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by: 




J Ohlson
Director

Date: 29 September 2025

The notes on pages 22 to 50 form part of these financial statements.

Page 14

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER:09272873



COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

As restated (see note 27)
2024
2023
Note
£
£

Fixed assets
  

Investments
 16 
340,156
340,146

  
340,156
340,146

Current assets
  

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
 18 
89,194,881
69,446,659

Cash and cash equivalents
 19 
8,206,566
14,179,652

  
97,401,447
83,626,311

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 20 
(992,438)
(739,968)

Net current assets
  
 
 
96,409,009
 
 
82,886,343

Total assets less current liabilities
  
96,749,165
83,226,489

  

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
 21 
(118,473,321)
(113,610,118)

  

Net liabilities
  
(21,724,156)
(30,383,629)


Capital and reserves
  

Called up share capital 
 24 
12,023
12,023

Share premium account
 25 
77,555,357
77,555,357

Other reserves
 25 
4,696,169
3,228,986

Profit and loss account brought forward
  
(111,179,995)
(72,311,495)

Profit/(loss) for the year
  
7,192,290
(38,868,500)

Profit and loss account carried forward
  
(103,987,705)
(111,179,995)

  
(21,724,156)
(30,383,629)


The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by: 

 


J Ohlson
Director

Date: 29 September 2025

The notes on pages 22 to 50 form part of these financial statements.

Page 15

 
TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024



Called up share capital
Share premium account
Share option reserve
Merger reserve
Profit and loss account
Equity attributable to owners of parent Company
Non-controlling interests
Total equity


£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£


At 1 January 2024
12,023
77,555,357
3,228,986
6,930,907
(129,794,278)
(42,067,005)
(120,322)
(42,187,327)



Comprehensive income for the year


Loss for the year
-
-
-
-
(15,293,483)
(15,293,483)
(55,185)
(15,348,668)

Total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-
-
(15,293,483)
(15,293,483)
(55,185)
(15,348,668)



Contributions by and distributions to owners


Share based payment expense
-
-
1,467,183
-
-
1,467,183
-
1,467,183


Debt-equity swap – equity contribution by NCI
-
-
-
-
-
-
150,000
150,000



At 31 December 2024
12,023
77,555,357
4,696,169
6,930,907
(145,087,761)
(55,893,305)
(25,507)
(55,918,812)



The notes on pages 22 to 50 form part of these financial statements.

 

Page 16


 
TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023



Called up share capital
Share premium account
Share option reserve
Merger reserve
Profit and loss account
Equity attributable to owners of parent Company
Non-controlling interests
Total equity


£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£


At 1 January 2023 (as previously stated)
12,023
77,555,357
1,471,630
6,930,907
(83,197,820)
2,772,097
(94,909)
2,677,188


Prior year adjustment (see note 27)
-
-
-
-
657,246
657,246
-
657,246


At 1 January 2023 (as restated)
12,023
77,555,357
1,471,630
6,930,907
(82,540,574)
3,429,343
(94,909)
3,334,434



Comprehensive income for the year


Loss for the year as restated
-
-
-
-
(47,253,704)
(47,253,704)
(25,413)
(47,279,117)

Total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-
-
(47,253,704)
(47,253,704)
(25,413)
(47,279,117)



Contributions by and distributions to owners


Share based payment expense
-
-
1,757,356
-
-
1,757,356
-
1,757,356



At 31 December 2023
12,023
77,555,357
3,228,986
6,930,907
(129,794,278)
(42,067,005)
(120,322)
(42,187,327)



The notes on pages 22 to 50 form part of these financial statements.



Page 17
 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 



COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024


Called up share capital
Share premium account
Other reserves
Profit and loss account
Total equity

£
£
£
£
£


At 1 January 2023 (as previously stated)
12,023
77,555,357
1,471,630
(72,968,741)
6,070,269

Prior year adjustment (see note 27)
-
-
-
657,246
657,246


At 1 January 2023 (as restated)
12,023
77,555,357
1,471,630
(72,311,495)
6,727,515


Comprehensive income for the year

Loss for the year as restated
-
-
-
(38,868,500)
(38,868,500)
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-
(38,868,500)
(38,868,500)


Contributions by and distributions to owners

Share based payment expense
-
-
1,757,356
-
1,757,356



At 1 January 2024
12,023
77,555,357
3,228,986
(111,179,995)
(30,383,629)


Comprehensive income for the year

Profit for the year
-
-
-
7,192,290
7,192,290
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-
7,192,290
7,192,290


Contributions by and distributions to owners

Share based payment expense
-
-
1,467,183
-
1,467,183


At 31 December 2024
12,023
77,555,357
4,696,169
(103,987,705)
(21,724,156)


The notes on pages 22 to 50 form part of these financial statements.

Page 18

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

As restated (see note 27)
2024
2023
Note
£
£

Cash flows from operating activities
  

Loss for the financial year
  
(15,348,668)
(47,279,117)

Adjustments for:
  

Amortisation of intangible assets
 14 
2,581,914
2,353,551

Depreciation of tangible assets
 15 
1,725,608
1,184,141

Loss on disposal of tangible assets
  
36,234
-

Interest payable
 12 
12,821
12,000

Interest received
 11 
(623,179)
(825,991)

Taxation charge
 13 
(389,568)
(1,336,106)

Decrease/(increase) in stocks
  
857,682
(324,016)

(Increase) in debtors
  
(205,491)
(882,690)

(Decrease)/increase in creditors
  
(1,641,298)
5,409,191

Increase in amounts owed to participating ints
  
-
64,000

Corporation tax received
  
192,301
5,197,196

Fair value loss on existing share options
  
1,467,183
1,757,356

Fair value loss on preference shares
  
5,080,245
21,336,410

Net cash generated from operating activities

  

(6,254,216)
(13,334,075)

  

Cash flows from investing activities
  

Purchase of intangible fixed assets
 14 
(11,122)
(1,884,842)

Purchase of tangible fixed assets
 15 
(422,466)
(6,483,027)

Sale of tangible fixed assets
 15 
-
42,947

Interest received
 11 
623,179
776,937

Net cash from investing activities

  

189,591
(7,547,985)

Cash flows from financing activities
  

(Decrease)/increase in loans
 22 
-
150,000

New loans from associated companies
  
29,100
64,000

Interest paid
  
(1,789)
-

Net cash used in financing activities
  
27,311
214,000
Page 19

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024


As restated


2024
2023

Note
£
£



Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  
(6,037,314)
(20,668,060)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
  
17,809,414
38,477,474

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year
  
11,772,100
17,809,414


Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year comprise:
  

Cash and cash equivalents (see note 19)
  
11,772,100
17,809,414

  
11,772,100
17,809,414


The notes on pages 22 to 50 form part of these financial statements.

Page 20

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 



CONSOLIDATED ANALYSIS OF NET DEBT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024







As restated (see note 27)
At 1 January 2024
Cash flows
Other non-cash changes
At 31 December 2024

£

£

£

£

Cash at bank and in hand

 19 
17,809,414

(6,037,314)

-

11,772,100

Debt due after 1 year

 21 
(113,610,118)

-

(4,863,203)

(118,473,321)

Debt due within 1 year

 20 
(150,000)

150,000

-

-


  
 
(95,950,704)
(5,887,314)
(4,863,203)
(106,701,221)

The notes on pages 22 to 50 form part of these financial statements.

Included within debt due within one year are £Nil (2023 - £150,000) of convertible loan notes issues by a subsidiary company. During the year, the loan notes were converted into share capital within Ceva Hampton Limited (Formerly Touchlight Aquaculture Limited). 
Included within debt due after one year are £27,843,321 (2023: £28,060,364) of loan notes issued by the Company. The debt due after one year also includes £90,630,000 (2023: £85,549,754) representing the liability portion of the preference shares.
Other non-cash changes include the change in the fair value of the loan note and the preference shares balance. See notes 22 and 23 for further information.

Page 21

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1.


General information

Touchlight Holdings Limited is a private company, limited by shares and incorporated in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is Morelands & Riverdale Buildings, Lower Sunbury Road, Hampton, England, TW12 2ER.

2.Accounting policies

 
2.1

Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting policies and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006.

The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires Group management to exercise judgment in applying the Group's accounting policies (see note 3).

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own Statement of comprehensive income in these financial statements.

The following principal accounting policies have been applied:

  
2.2

Parent Company disclosure exemptions

The parent Company has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, and has not presented its own Profit and Loss Account in these financial statements. 
In addition, the parent Company has taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions available in FRS 102 from presenting a Statement of Cash flows for the parent Company. 
In preparing these financial statements, the Company has taken advantage of the requirements of Sections 11 and 12 in respect of the disclosure of financial instruments.

 
2.3

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements present the results of the Company and its own subsidiaries ("the Group") as if they form a single entity. Intercompany transactions and balances between Group companies are therefore eliminated in full.
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the purchase method. In the Statement of financial position, the acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date. The results of acquired operations are included in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income from the date on which control is obtained. They are deconsolidated from the date control ceases.
In accordance with the transitional exemption available in FRS 102, the Group has chosen not to retrospectively apply the standard to business combinations that occurred before the date of transition to FRS 102. Therefore, the Group continues to recognise a merger reserve which arose on a past business combination that was accounted for as a merger in accordance with UK GAAP as applied at that time.

Page 22

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.4

Going concern

In preparing the financial statements the directors are required to assess the Group and Company's ability to continue to trade as a going concern for the foreseeable future. 
The closing net liabilities position in December 2024 was £55.9 million (FY2023: £42.2 million restated). The closing cash balance was £11.8 million in December 2024 (FY2023: £17.8million). 
The business environment remains uncertain due to the impact of inflation and increasing interest rates on global financial markets. This environment could lead to a slow-down of funding for Biotechs and potentially slower adoption of our technology by clients.
The directors have performed an assessment of going concern. Assessments have been undertaken around customer and supply continuity as well as stress-testing forecasted cash flow for delays in signing new contracts. 
Any future impact is most likely to come from customers and their purchasing requirements. Interruptions to customer operations could potentially impact their ability to pay on time leading to a reduction in the Group's cash receipts. The directors have sought to reduce this potential impact by maintaining communication channels with customers in order to anticipate any risks. 
The duration and severity of the impact of the economic climate has been carefully monitored. If the period of impact was to extend further or the assessed impact on revenue and cash flows to be more severe than anticipated, the Group would look to adjust its operations as and when required. The Group also has a £10,000,000 Shareholder Facility which can be drawn upon for general corporate purposes if required, committed through 31 March 2027 and permitting interest capitalisation with no financial maintenance covenants.
Having considered the Group’s cash-flow forecasts for a period of 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements, together with the availability of the Shareholder Facility, the Directors believe that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

 
2.5

Foreign currency translation

Functional and presentation currency

The Company's functional and presentational currency is GBP and the accounts are rounded to the nearest £.

Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the spot exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.

At each period end foreign currency monetary items are translated using the closing rate. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction and non-monetary items measured at fair value are measured using the exchange rate when fair value was determined.

Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of transactions and from the translation at period-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in profit or loss except when deferred in other comprehensive income as qualifying cash flow hedges.

Page 23

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.6

Turnover

Turnover is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue can be reliably measured. Turnover is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes. The following criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised:

Sale of goods
 
Turnover from the sale of goods is recognised when all of the following conditions are satisfied: 
the Group has transferred the significant risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer;
the Group retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold;
the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
it is probable that the Group will receive the consideration due under the transaction; and
the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.
 
Rendering of services
 
Turnover from a contract to provide services is recognised in the period in which the services are provided in accordance with the stage of completion of the contract when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
it is probable that the Group will receive the consideration due under the contract;
the stage of completion of the contract at the end of the reporting period can be measured reliably; and
the costs incurred and the costs to complete the contract can be measured reliably.

  
Licencing certain intellectual property rights

Turnover from licensing intellectual property rights is recognised in accordance with the stage of completion of the contract when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
the amount of turnover can be measured reliably; 
it is probable that the Company will receive the consideration due under the contract; 

Where the Company grants a customer a licence to use specified intellectual property (e.g., non exclusive patent and know how rights) and the customer can benefit from that licence without requiring material further performance from the Company, revenue from any up front licence fee is recognised at the point in time the licence is granted.
Where a licence arrangement requires continuing activities that are integral to the licence (for example, substantive technology transfer or on going enablement that significantly enhances the licensed rights for the customer), revenue is recognised over time by reference to the stage of completion of those activities when the outcome can be measured reliably.
Development or regulatory milestone payments are recognised only when the milestone is achieved (i.e., when the underlying uncertainty is resolved) and it is highly probable that the revenue recognised will not reverse.
Fixed annual fees that are contingent on the licence remaining in force to a contract anniversary date are recognised when the fee becomes due/non refundable (i.e., on the anniversary date), rather than on a straight line basis over the year.

  
Royalties

Turnover from royalties is recognised in the period in which it is due.

Page 24

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

  
2.7

Cost of sales

Cost of Sales represents the direct and attributable costs incurred in the production and delivery of goods and services sold by the Group during the financial year. These costs include:

Raw materials and consumables used in the manufacture of synthetic DNA and related products.
Direct labour costs associated with manufacturing and rendering of services.
External facility costs and other third party materials and costs directly related to client programmes.
Third-party service costs, such as outsourced activities and logistics where applicable.

Costs are recognised in the period in which the associated revenue is recognised, in accordance with the Group’s revenue recognition policy.

 
2.8

Operating leases

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

  
2.9

Research and development

Research and development expenditure is written off as incurred and recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Development costs have been capitalised in accordance with FRS 102 Section 18 Intangible Assets other than Goodwill and are therefore not treated, for dividend purposes, as a realised loss.

  
2.10

Research and development tax credits

Tax credits relating to research and development are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income on a receivable basis.

  
2.11

Patent maintenance costs

Patent maintenance costs are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income as they are incurred.

 
2.12

Grants

Grants are accounted for under the accruals model as permitted by FRS 102. Grants of a revenue nature are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the same period as the related expenditure. 
The deferred element of grants is included in creditors as deferred income.

 
2.13

Interest income

Interest income is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income on a receivable basis.

 
2.14

Borrowing costs

All borrowing costs are recognised in profit or loss in the year in which they are incurred.

  
2.15

Allocation of staff costs

Staff costs relating to time spent on specific projects are allocated to cost of sales and research and development costs, as appropriate. All other staff costs, including sickness, holidays and time spent training are allocated to administrative expenses.

Page 25

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.16

Pensions

Defined contribution pension plan

The Group operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the Group has no further payment obligations.

The contributions are recognised as an expense in profit or loss when they fall due. Amounts not paid are shown in accruals as a liability in the Statement of financial position. The assets of the plan are held separately from the Group in independently administered funds.

 
2.17

Share-based payments

The parent Company operates an Enterprise Management Investment Scheme and a Company Share Option Plan (CSOP), in which employees of the Group hold options to subscribe for ordinary shares as granted by the Parent company. The parent Company also has other option schemes in which share options to subscribe for ordinary shares are awarded to selected employees, consultants and associates of the parent Company and other companies in the Group. The equity settled options granted vest based on a time and hurdle basis. The contractual life of materially all outstanding share options is until the day before the tenth anniversary of the original grant date. 
Where share options are awarded to employees, the fair value of the options are charged to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income over the vesting period. Where share options previously awarded to employees lapse, the fair value of these options at the date of grant are credited to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. 
The fair value of the award also takes into account non-vesting conditions. These are either factors beyond the control of either party (such as a target based on an index) or factors which are within the control of one or other of the parties (such as the Group keeping the scheme open or the employee maintaining any contributions required by the scheme).
Where equity instruments are granted to persons other than employees, the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income is charged with the fair value of goods and services received, allocated based on the Group's use of the services.
The fair value of the share options granted was determined using an equity-allocation model based on the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing methodology, taking into account factors such as management's assessment of equity value at each valuation date, expected term to exit, expected equity volatility, exercise price, risk-free interest rate and assumed dividend yield.
These assumptions were based on (i) information and an exit timetable determined by management and (ii) market data, including UK government bond yields for the risk-free rate and volatility benchmarks derived from comparable biotechnology companies.

 
2.18

National Insurance on share options

To the extent that the share price at the reporting date is greater than the exercise price on certain options granted under unapproved schemes, provision for any National Insurance contributions has been made based on the prevailing rate of National Insurance. The provision is accrued over the performance period attaching to the award.

Page 26

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.19

Taxation

Tax is recognised in profit or loss except that a charge attributable to an item of income and expense recognised as other comprehensive income or to an item recognised directly in equity is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date in the countries where the Company and the Group operate and generate income.


 
2.20

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the difference between amounts paid on the cost of a business combination and the acquirer's interest in the fair value of the Group's share of its identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquiree at the date of acquisition. Subsequent to initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is amortised on a straight- line basis to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income over its useful economic life.

Other intangible assets

Intangible assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, intangible assets are measured at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses. Amortisation is shown in the profit and loss.

All intangible assets are considered to have a finite useful life. If a reliable estimate of the useful life cannot be made, the useful life shall not exceed ten years.

 The estimated useful lives range as follows:

Patents
-
20 years
Licences
-
15 years
Computer software
-
5 -10 years

Assets in the course of construction are not amortised until they are brought into use. At each reporting date the Company assesses whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined, which is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. An impairment loss is recognised where the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.
Amortisation of intangible assets is recognised within both cost of sales and administrative expenses in the Statement of Comprehensive Income, depending on the nature and use of the underlying asset.

 
2.21

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets under the cost model are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.

Page 27

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)


2.21
Tangible fixed assets (continued)

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Freehold property
-
25 years
Leasehold property
-
10 - 25 years
Plant and machinery
-
5 years
Office equipment
-
5 years

Assets in the course of construction are not depreciated until they are brought into use. 
The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in profit or loss.

  
2.22

Impairment of fixed assets and goodwill

Assets that are subject to depreciation or amortisation are assessed at each balance sheet date to determine whether there is any indication that the assets are impaired. Where there is any indication that an asset may be impaired, the carrying value of the asset is tested for impairment. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows. Non- financial assets that have been previously impaired are reviewed at each balance sheet date to assess whether there is any indication that the impairment losses recognised in prior periods may no longer exist or may have decreased.

  
2.23

Associates and joint ventures

An entity is treated as a joint venture where the Group is a party to a contractual agreement with one or more parties from outside the Group to undertake an economic activity that is subject to joint control. 
An entity is treated as an associated undertaking where the Group exercises significant influence in that it has the power to participate in the operating and financial policy decisions. 
In the consolidated financial statements, interests in associated undertakings are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under this method an equity investment is initially recognised at the transaction price (including transaction costs) and is subsequently adjusted to reflect the investor's share of the profit or loss, other comprehensive income and equity of the associate. The Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income includes the Group's share of the operating results, interest, pre-tax results and attributable taxation of such undertakings applying accounting policies consistent with those of the Group. In the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the interests in associated undertakings are shown as the Group's share of the identifiable net assets, including any unamortised premium paid on acquisition. 
Any premium on acquisition is dealt with in accordance with the goodwill policy.

Page 28

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.24

Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value, being the estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost is based on the cost of purchase on a first in, first out basis. Work in progress and finished goods include labour and attributable overheads.

At each reporting date, stocks are assessed for impairment. If stock is impaired, the carrying amount is reduced to its selling price less costs to complete and sell. The impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

 
2.25

Debtors

Short-term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.

 
2.26

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.

In the Consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Group's cash management.

 
2.27

Creditors

Short-term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

  
2.28

Provisions for liabilities

Provisions are recognised when an event has taken place that gives rise to a legal or constructive obligation, a transfer of economic benefits is probable and a reliable estimate can be made.
Provisions are measured as the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation, taking into account the related risks and uncertainties.
Increases in provisions are generally charged as an expense to profit or loss.

 
2.29

Financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into, rather than the financial instrument’s legal form. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all of its liabilities.
 
Page 29

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)


2.29
Financial instruments (continued)

(i) Financial assets and liabilities
All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are only offset in the statement of financial position when, and only when there exists a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts, and the Group intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Debt instruments which meet the following conditions of being ‘basic’ financial instruments as defined in paragraph 11.9 of FRS 102 are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Debt instruments that have no stated interest rate (and do not constitute financing transaction) and are classified as payable or receivable within one year are initially measured at an undiscounted amount of the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received, net of impairment.
With the exception of some hedging instruments, other debt instruments not meeting conditions of being ‘basic’ financial instruments are measured at fair value through profit or loss.
Commitments to make and receive loans which meet the conditions mentioned above are measured at cost (which may be nil) less impairment.
Financial assets are derecognised when and only when a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are settled, b) the Group transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, or c) the Group, despite having retained some, but not all, significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the asset to another party.
Financial liabilities are derecognised only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires. 
(ii) Investments
Investments in non-derivative instruments that are equity of the issuer (where shares are publicly traded or their fair value is reliably measurable) are measured at fair value through profit or loss. Where fair value cannot be measured reliably, investments are measured at cost less impairment.
In the Company balance sheet, investments in subsidiaries and associates are measured at cost less impairment.
(iii) Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the fair value of cash or other resources received or receivable, net of transaction costs.

Page 30

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

  
2.30

Financial risk management

Financial risks are risks arising from financial instruments to which the Group is exposed during or at the end of the reporting period. The primary objectives of the financial risk management function are to establish risk limits, and then ensure that exposure to risks stays within these limits. The main risks arising from the Group's financial instruments are interest rate risk and fair value risk. The directors review and agree policies for managing such risks on an ongoing basis as summarised below.

(i)Interest rate risk. The Group holds loan notes at variable interest rates. If the interest rate were to move this would lead to either an increase or decrease in the interest payable. The Group maintains a natural hedge through interest received on its cash reserves. Interest rate risk is monitored on an ongoing basis and should cash reserves be projected to fall or rates move adversely the Group will consider hedging strategies.

(ii)Fair value risk. The Group holds preference shares which are recorded at fair value through profit and loss. The preference shares have a liability component. The liability component contains a conversion option which provides a variable return to the holder in the event of a non qualifying IPO. However, the probability of a non-qualifying IPO is considered minimal. Consequently, such risk is considered remote.

Page 31

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

3.


Judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty

Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other facts, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. 
The Company and Group make estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below. 
Key sources of estimation uncertainty: 
(i) Valuation of the share options
 
As the shares in the parent Company are not publicly traded, the directors estimate the fair value of the share options on the date on which they are granted. In estimating the fair value of the share options, the directors have regard to the share price of the most recent issue of shares prior to issuing the shares, the results of recent fundraising, projected business performance, the assumed timing of an Exit or IPO, the net assets of the Group and the prevailing economic and market conditions at the date the option is granted.  
(ii) Impairment of licences 
Licences (with a carrying value of £25,649,304 (2023: £27,772,005)) are reviewed by the directors for impairment at each balance sheet date. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the licences should be impaired, an impairment loss is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. The impairment review requires the use of estimates such as future cash flows from the licences and the discount rates applicable to those cash flows. 
(iii) Accounting for Preference shares and Preference dividends 
To calculate the liability for the preference shares and dividends, the directors estimate the discount factor to be applied and the expected payment date for the dividends based on the plans for the Group, including the assumed timing of an Exit or IPO, and commercial borrowing rates. At the year end the fair value of the preference debt is £90,630,000 (2023: £85,549,754).

The Company/Group is not contractually required to pay the holders of the Preference Shares any amount unless certain events occur including an Exit or an IPO, which are each subject to the approval of the Directors. If one of these events were to occur, the Company/Group would be contractually required to repay the principal of the preference shares of £90,000,000 plus a non-compounding 8% dividend.

(iv) Valuation of loan notes
Loan notes are initially measured at fair value through the profit and loss. The directors use the income approach, including assumptions around estimated repayment timing such as the assumed timing of an Exit or IPO, to estimate the present value of future interest payments using a discount rate based on commercial borrowing rates and adjusted for risk. At the year end the fair value of the loan notes is £27,843,321 (2023: £28,060,364).

The difference between the financial liability's carrying amount and the amount the entity would be contractually required to pay at maturity to the holder of the obligation is £11,686,778 (2023: £12,316,353).

Page 32

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

4.


Turnover

An analysis of turnover by class of business is as follows:


2024
2023
£
£

Licence fees and royalties
11,691,529
1,834,027

Sale of goods
3,722,250
1,994,701

Rendering of services
1,151,728
524,612

16,565,507
4,353,340


Analysis of turnover by country of destination:

2024
2023
£
£

United Kingdom
571,851
225,847

Rest of Europe
12,971,184
1,794,874

Rest of the world
3,022,472
2,332,619

16,565,507
4,353,340



5.


Other operating income

2024
2023
£
£

Other operating income
257,331
-

Government grants receivable
1,295,705
1,177,355

Other grants receivable
280,115
110,555

1,833,151
1,287,910


All of the grant income is in respect of specific projects carried out by the Group.


6.


Other operating charges

2024
2023
£
£
Sales and marketing

369,974

143,890
 
369,974

143,890
 

Page 33

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

7.


Operating loss

The operating loss is stated after charging:

2024
2023
£
£

Research & development charged as an expense
3,321,560
5,613,192

Share-based payment
1,467,183
1,757,356

Exchange differences
(76,169)
306,499

Operating lease rentals
82,323
113,315

Loss on disposal of fixed assets
36,235
-

Amortisation of intangible assets
2,581,914
2,353,551

Depreciation of tangible assets
1,725,607
1,184,141


8.


Auditors' remuneration

During the year, the Group obtained the following services from the Company's auditors:


2024
2023
£
£

Fees payable to the Company's auditors for the audit of the consolidated and parent Company's financial statements
199,200
302,000


The auditing of accounts of subsidiaries of the Company
85,800
86,495


A reclassification has been made in the prior year to correctly report the audit remuneration on behalf of the Group.





9.


Employees

Staff costs, including directors' remuneration, were as follows:


Group
Group
2024
2023
£
£


Wages and salaries
10,561,754
10,020,012

Social security costs
1,152,168
1,126,649

Cost of defined contribution scheme
448,645
440,533

12,162,567
11,587,194

No wages or salaries were paid through the Company in the year (2023: £Nil).

Page 34

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

9.


Employees (continued)

The share based payment expense in the period in connection with employees of the Group amounted to £1,467,183 (2023: £1,757,356). 
The average monthly number of employees, including the directors, during the year was as follow:


2024
2023
No.
No.



Administrative staff
28
30

Scientific staff
113
121

141
151


10.


Directors' remuneration

2024
2023
£
£

Directors' emoluments
494,151
374,000

Group contributions to defined contribution pension schemes
11,659
18,152

505,810
392,152


During the year retirement benefits were accruing to 2 directors (2023: 2) in respect of defined contribution pension schemes.
The highest paid director received remuneration of £259,000 (2023: £204,000).
The value of the Group's contributions paid to a defined contribution pension scheme in respect of the highest paid director amounted to £5,610 (2023: £9,860). 
The share based payment expense in the period, in connection with directors of the Group amounted to £1,170,372 (2023: £844,848).

The highest paid director received remuneration of £259,000 (2023 - £204,000).

The value of the Group's contributions paid to a defined contribution pension scheme in respect of the highest paid director amounted to £5,610 (2023 - £9,860).

The value of the Group's contributions paid to a defined benefit pension scheme in respect of the highest paid director amounted to £5,610 (2023 - £9,860).

The total accrued pension provision of the highest paid director at 31 December 2024 amounted to £NIL (2023 - £NIL).

The amount of the accrued lump sum in respect of the highest paid director at 31 December 2024 amounted to £NIL (2023 - £NIL).

Page 35

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

11.


Interest receivable

2024
2023
£
£


Bank interest receivable
623,179
825,991

623,179
825,991

The lower interest receivable in 2024 reflects the higher rates available in the prior year on bank deposits.


12.


Interest payable and similar expenses

As restated
2024
2023
£
£


Bank interest payable
1,789
-

Loan interest payable to participating interests
11,032
12,000

12,821
12,000


13.


Taxation


2024
2023
£
£

Corporation tax


Current tax on losses for the year
(389,568)
(1,392,718)

Adjustments in respect of previous periods
-
56,612


Total current tax
(389,568)
(1,336,106)

Deferred tax

Total deferred tax
-
-


Tax on loss
(389,568)
(1,336,106)

The tax loss and deferred tax have been updated as a result of the restatement of the accrued interest charge on loan notes; however, the total tax charge remains unchanged.

Page 36

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
 
13.Taxation (continued)


Factors affecting tax charge for the year

The tax assessed for the year is higher than (2023 - higher than) the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2023 - 23.5%). The differences are explained below:

As restated
2024
2023
£
£


Loss on ordinary activities before tax
(15,738,236)
(48,615,223)


Loss on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2023 - 23.5%)
(3,934,559)
(11,434,300)

Effects of:


Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
1,787,608
4,124,911

Capital allowances for year in excess of depreciation
-
27,138

Income not deductible for tax purposes
(70,029)
(26,585)

Adjustments to tax charge in respect of prior periods
-
56,612

Adjustments to tax charge in respect of prior periods - deferred tax
-
(763)

Fixed asset differences
82,655
-

Movement in deferred tax not recognised
1,837,997
5,936,819

Additional research and development and patent box deductions
(93,240)
114,391

Deferred tax remeasurement of rate
-
(134,329)

Total tax charge for the year
(389,568)
(1,336,106)


Factors that may affect future tax charge

The Group has tax losses amounting to approximately £56,047,971 (2023: £50,419,508) available to carry forward against future profits. The headline rate of corporation tax increased to 25% from 1 April 2023. Therefore, the deferred tax asset relating to the losses carried forward has been calculated at the rate of 25% (2023: 25%). At 31 December 2024, the deferred tax asset amounted to approximately £14,011,993 (2023: £8,234,849) for the Group and £401,625 (2023: £697,425) for the Company. No deferred tax asset has been recognised in these financial statements due to uncertainty over the timing of recoverability of the asset. The movement in deferred tax not recognised consists of deferred tax in relation to losses and capital allowances.

Page 37

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

14.


Intangible assets

Group





Patents
Licences
Computer software
Total

£
£
£
£



Cost


At 1 January 2024
150,000
31,840,515
4,473,225
36,463,740


Additions
-
-
11,122
11,122



At 31 December 2024

150,000
31,840,515
4,484,347
36,474,862



Amortisation


At 1 January 2024
62,500
4,068,510
223,350
4,354,360


Charge for the year
7,500
2,122,701
451,713
2,581,914



At 31 December 2024

70,000
6,191,211
675,063
6,936,274



Net book value



At 31 December 2024
80,000
25,649,304
3,809,284
29,538,588



At 31 December 2023
87,500
27,772,005
4,249,875
32,109,380


The Company had no intangible fixed assets either for the current or the prior financial year.

Page 38

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

15.


Tangible fixed assets

Group






Assets in the course of construction
Leasehold property
Plant and machinery
Office equipment
Total

£
£
£
£
£



Cost


At 1 January 2024
796,379
18,668,923
4,969,624
367,479
24,802,405


Additions
21,806
40,448
302,843
57,369
422,466


Disposals
-
-
(74,105)
-
(74,105)


Transfers between classes
(75,597)
40,487
35,110
-
-



At 31 December 2024

742,588
18,749,858
5,233,472
424,848
25,150,766



Depreciation


At 1 January 2024
-
435,842
1,653,772
204,565
2,294,179


Charge for the year
-
762,222
908,715
54,671
1,725,608


Disposals
-
-
(37,871)
-
(37,871)



At 31 December 2024

-
1,198,064
2,524,616
259,236
3,981,916



Net book value



At 31 December 2024
742,588
17,551,794
2,708,856
165,612
21,168,850



At 31 December 2023
796,379
18,233,081
3,315,852
162,914
22,508,226

The Company had no tangible fixed assets either for the current or the prior financial year.

Page 39

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

16.


Fixed asset investments

Company





Investments in subsidiary companies

£



Cost


At 1 January 2024
340,146


Additions
10



At 31 December 2024
340,156




The net book value of the investment at 31 December 2024 is £340,156 (2023: £340,146).


Direct subsidiary undertakings


The following were direct subsidiary undertakings of the Company:

  Name

   Registered office

   Principal activity

  Class of
  shares

Holding

  Touchlight Genetics Limited
   Morelands and Riverdale Buildings, Lower Sunbury Road, Hampton, 
TW12 2ER
   Management of central Group support operations and conducting grant funded research projects
  Ordinary
100%
 
Touchlight IP Limited
 
Morelands and Riverdale Buildings, Lower Sunbury Road, Hampton, 
TW12 2ER
 
Leasing of intellectual property
and similar products
 
Ordinary

   100%
 
Touchlight DNA Services Limited
 
Morelands and Riverdale Buildings, Lower Sunbury Road, Hampton, 
TW12 2ER
 
Research and experimental development on biotechnology
 
Ordinary

   100%
 
Lightbio Limited
 
Morelands and Riverdale Buildings, Lower Sunbury Road, Hampton, 
TW12 2ER
 
Research and experimental development on biotechnology
 
Ordinary

   100%
 
Touchlight Limited
 
Morelands and Riverdale Buildings, Lower Sunbury Road, Hampton, 
TW12 2ER
 
Dormant
 
Ordinary

   100%
 
Touchlight Inc
 
251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware, 19808
 
Commercial sales and marketing
 
Ordinary

   100%

Page 40

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Indirect subsidiary undertakings


The following were indirect subsidiary undertakings of the Company:

   Name

   Registered office

   Principal activity

   Class of
   shares

Holding

   Ceva Hampton Limited (formerly Touchlight Aquaculture Limited)
   Explorer House Mercury Park Wycombe Lane, Wooburn Green, High Wycombe, HP10 0HH
   Developing vaccines for the aquaculture market
   Ordinary
59%
 
TGL- 200 Limited
 
Morelands and Riverdale Buildings, Lower Sunbury Road, Hampton, 
TW12 2ER
 
Dormant
 
Ordinary

    100%
 
TGL- 210 Limited
 
Morelands and Riverdale Buildings, Lower Sunbury Road, Hampton, 
TW12 2ER
 
Dormant
 
Ordinary

    100%

All of the direct and indirect subsidiary undertakings are included in the consolidated financial statements.
The shareholding in Ceva Hampton Limited (previously Touchlight Aquaculture Limited) has been reduced due to shares issued in the year. On 1 December 2024 17 £0.001 shares were issued to the non controlling interest on conversion of £150,000 of convertible unsecured loan notes into shares of the subsidiary. Touchlight Genetics Limited still holds the majority voting rights and control was still held at the year end. The results have therefore been included in the consolidated accounts.
 
On 14 January 2025, a subsidiary company of Touchlight Genetics Limited, Ceva Hampton Limited (previously Touchlight Aquaculture Limited), was disposed of for a total consideration of £8,100,301.


17.


Stocks

Group
Group
2024
2023
£
£

Raw materials and consumables
1,590,439
2,537,227

Work in progress
419,786
198,273

Finished goods and goods for resale
143,023
275,430

2,153,248
3,010,930


The difference between purchase price or production cost of stocks and their replacement cost is not material.

Page 41

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

18.


Debtors

Group
Group
Company
Company
2024
2023
2024
2023
£
£
£
£


Trade debtors
988,633
688,441
-
-

Amounts owed by group undertakings
-
-
89,133,628
69,302,981

Other debtors
924,943
1,032,854
60,605
122,522

Prepayments and accrued income
3,868,041
4,171,079
648
21,156

Tax recoverable
2,212,615
1,699,101
-
-

7,994,232
7,591,475
89,194,881
69,446,659


In the opinion of the directors, the balances owed by Group undertakings are interest free, have no fixed date of repayment and are repayable on demand.


19.


Cash and cash equivalents

Group
Group
Company
Company
2024
2023
2024
2023
£
£
£
£

Cash
10,384,251
5,717,363
6,818,717
3,677,167

Cash equivalents
1,387,849
12,092,051
1,387,849
10,502,485

11,772,100
17,809,414
8,206,566
14,179,652


Cash equivalents consist of funds held on short-term deposit.


20.


Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Group

As restated (see note 27) Group
Company

As restated
(see note 27) Company
2024
2023
2024
2023
£
£
£
£

Convertible loan notes
-
150,000
-
-

Trade creditors
2,135,878
1,434,646
121,902
259,208

Amounts owed to group undertakings
-
-
8
-

Amounts owed to participating interests
134,247
64,000
-
-

Other taxation and social security
689,012
522,341
137,200
137,200

Other creditors
8,094
12,846
7,747
12,499

Accruals and deferred income
7,105,278
9,422,801
725,581
331,061

10,072,509
11,606,634
992,438
739,968


The participating interest represents the non-controlling interest in a group subsidiary, which has an outstanding payable balance.

Page 42

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

20.


Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year (continued)

In the opinion of the directors, the balances owed to Group participating interests are interest free, have no fixed date of repayment and are repayable on demand. 
Included within other loans due in 1 year are £Nil (2023: £150,000) of convertible loan notes issued by a subsidiary company during prior years. During the year, the loan notes were converted into share capital within Ceva Hampton Limited (formerly Touchlight Aquaculture Limited). 


21.


Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

Group
Group
Company
Company
2024
2023
2024
2023
£
£
£
£

Loan notes
27,843,321
28,060,364
27,843,321
28,060,364

Preference shares and related finance costs
90,630,000
85,549,754
90,630,000
85,549,754

118,473,321
113,610,118
118,473,321
113,610,118


Loan notes due after more than 5 years comprises loan notes which were issued by the Company on 8 January 2021. A fair value movement of (£217,043) (£2023: £6,192,705) has been recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in respect of these loan notes. Included in the fair value is interest charged at 0.5% above the Lloyds PLC Commercial lending rate. These loan notes are unsecured.
The loan notes are due for repayment on the tenth anniversary of the instrument, on 8 January 2031, and so have been classified as being due in more than 5 years. 
The preference shares are converted into ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis, in the event of a qualifying IPO, and on a variable basis, in the event of a non-qualifying IPO. The instrument contains an equity component for the holder’s right to receive discretionary dividends on a pro-rata basis. The liability component contains a conversion option which provides a variable return to the holder, therefore, the liability component is classified as a non-basic financial instrument.
 
Page 43

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024


22.


Loans


Analysis of the maturity of loans is given below:


Group
Group
Company
Company
2024
2023
2024
2023
£
£
£
£

Amounts falling due within one year

Convertible loan notes
-
150,000
-
-

Total due within one year

-
150,000
-
-



Amounts falling due after more than 5 years

Debenture loans
27,843,321
28,060,364
27,843,321
28,060,364

Total due after more than 5 years
27,843,321
28,060,364
27,843,321
28,060,364

27,843,321
28,210,364
27,843,321
28,060,364



23.


Financial instruments

Group
Group
Company
Company
2024
2023
2024
2023
£
£
£
£


Preference shares and related finance costs
90,630,000
85,549,754
90,630,000
85,549,754

Loan notes
27,843,321
28,060,364
27,843,321
28,060,364


Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit and loss comprise preference shares and related finance costs and loan notes. For further information, see notes 2.16 and 2.28.


24.


Share capital

2024
2023
£
£
Allotted, called up and fully paid



926,881 (2023 - 926,881) Ordinary shares of £0.01 each
9,269
9,269
186,375 (2023 - 186,375) Preference shares of £0.01 each
1,864
1,864
89,000 (2023 - 89,000) B Ordinary shares of £0.01 each
890
890

12,023

12,023

Page 44

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

24.Share capital (continued)

The ordinary, B ordinary and preference shareholders carry full voting rights. 
Preference shareholders are entitled to a fixed cash preferential dividend at the rate of 8% per annum on a non-compounding cumulative basis of the issued price per preference share. The preference share liability included in in creditors falling due after one year is £90,630,000 (2023: £85,549,754) as shown in note 21.
After payment of the preference dividend, any available profits will be distributed among the equity shareholders (comprising ordinary, B ordinary and preference shareholders), pari passu as if the equity shares constituted one class of shares, and pro- rated to their respective holding of equity shares. 
On distribution of assets on liquidation or return of capital, preference shareholders will first receive the preference amount per share held. Ordinary shareholders then receive a catchup amount per share, of the preference amount per share. Any surplus of assets will then be distributed among the equity shareholders pro- rated to their respective holding of equity shares. Notwithstanding any such return of capital above, the B ordinary shares shall have deducted from the initial amount of any such return attributable to the B ordinary shares an amount of £9.82 per B ordinary share. This is subject to the holders of the B ordinary shares receiving a minimum of 0.01% of such return per share held by them.


25.


Reserves

Share premium account

This reserve records the amount above the nominal value received for shares issued, less transaction costs.

Non controlling interest

This reserve records retained earnings and accumulated losses for the non controlling interest at the year end. The non controlling interest recorded a loss for the year of £45,415, being 46.3% of Ceva Hampton Limited's (TLA), total losses for the year.  
The reserve recorded losses as at 31 December 2024 of  £165,737.

Share option reserve

This reserve reflects movements on the share options granted to subsidiaries.

Merger reserve

This reserve represents the difference between amounts paid on the cost of a business combination and the
acquirer’s interest in the Group's share of its identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquiree at the beginning of the
financial year in which the combination occurred.

Profit and loss account

This reserve records retained earnings and accumulated losses.

Page 45

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

26.


Share-based payments

Weighted average exercise
price (£)
2024
Number
2024
Weighted average exercise price
(£)
2023
Number
2023

Outstanding at the beginning of the year

61.69

133,425

62.66
 
131,329
 
Granted during the year

0.01

12,890

11.03
 
16,325
 
Exercised during the year


-

 
-
 
Expired or cancelled during the year

17.88

(16,930)

14.95
 
(14,229)
 
Outstanding at the end of the year
61.17

129,385

61.69
 
133,425
 

During the year, the total charge relating to share-based payments amounted to £1,467,183 (2023: £1,757,356) and the credit relating to expired or cancelled share options amounted to £Nil (2023: £Nil). 



27.


Prior year adjustment

The comparative figures in the primary statements and notes have been restated to reflect the following prior period errors.
The directors of Touchlight Holdings Limited identified that interest payable in the prior year was overstated for the years ended 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2023 of £657,246 and £1,425,249 respectively. This related to accrued interest payable on the loan notes which should have been removed at the time of adopting Fair Value measurement of the notes. This has resulted in a total reduction in creditors: amounts falling due within one year (note 20) of £2,082,495, increasing retained earnings by £2,082,495.


.


Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
Year ended 31 December 2023

As previously


stated
Restated
Adjustment
£
£
£


Fixed assets
54,617,606
54,617,606
-

Stocks
3,010,930
3,010,930
-

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
7,591,475
7,591,475
-

Cash and cash equivalents
17,809,414
17,809,414
-

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
(13,689,129)
(11,606,634)
2,082,495

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
(113,610,118)
(113,610,118)
-

Net liabilities
(44,269,822)
(42,187,327)
2,082,495

Page 46

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

27.


Prior year adjustment (continued)

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
Year ended 31 December 2023


As previously


stated
Restated
Adjustment
£
£
£


Share capital
12,023
12,023
-

Share premium account
77,555,357
77,555,357
-

Other reserves
3,228,986
3,228,986
-

Merger reserve
6,930,907
6,930,907
-

Profit and loss account
(131,876,773)
(129,794,278)
2,082,495

Non-controlling interests
(120,322)
(120,322)
-

Equity
(44,269,822)
(42,187,327)
2,082,495


.


Consolidated Statement of Profit and Loss
Year ended 31 December 2023

As previously


stated
Restated
Adjustment
£
£
£


Turnover
4,353,340
4,353,340
-

Cost of sales
(1,841,892)
(1,841,892)
-

Other operating income
1,287,910
1,287,910
-

Other operating charges
(143,890)
(143,890)
-

Research and development costs
(5,613,192)
(5,613,192)
-

Administrative and laboratory expenses
(26,135,080)
(26,135,080)
-

Interest receivable and similar income
825,991
825,991
-

Interest payable and similar expenses
(1,437,249)
(12,000)
1,425,249

Fair value loss on financial instruments
(21,336,410)
(21,336,410)
-

Tax on loss
1,336,106
1,336,106
-

Loss for the year
(48,704,366)
(47,279,117)
1,425,249

Page 47

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

27.


Prior year adjustment (continued)

Company Statement of Financial Position
Year ended 31 December 2023


As previously stated
Restated
Adjustment
£
£
£


Investments
340,146
340,146
-

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
69,446,659
69,446,659
-

Cash and cash equivalents
14,179,652
14,179,652
-

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
(2,822,463)
(739,968)
2,082,495

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
(113,610,118)
(113,610,118)
-

Net liabilities
(32,466,124)
(30,383,629)
2,082,495






Called up share capital
12,023
12,023
-

Share premium account
77,555,357
77,555,357
-

Other reserves
3,228,986
3,228,986
-

Profit and loss account
(113,262,490)
(111,179,995)
2,082,495

Equity
(32,466,124)
(30,383,629)
2,082,495


28.


Parent Company guarantee

In accordance with section 479A of the Companies Act 2006, the parent Company has guaranteed the liabilities of its subsidiary companies, Lightbio Limited (registered number: 11845932) and Touchlight IP Limited (registered number: 09272417). Accordingly, the subsidiary companies are exempt from the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to the audit of its individual financial statements.


29.


Pension commitments

The Group operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group in an independently administered fund. 
The amount recognised in profit and loss as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans during the year was £32,423 (2023: £31,275). At the year end the amount included in creditors in respect of unpaid pension contributions was £86,527 (2023: £88,688).

Page 48

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

30.


Commitments under operating leases

At 31 December 2024 the Group and the Company had future minimum lease payments due under non-cancellable operating leases for each of the following periods:


Group
Group
2024
2023
£
£

Not later than 1 year
495,000
495,000

Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
1,980,000
1,980,000

Later than 5 years
15,451,911
15,946,911

17,926,911
18,421,911

31.Other financial commitments

As at 31 December 2024, the total contracted for capital expenditure and purchases of raw materials and services was £1,436,205 (2023: £1,320,253) for the Group and £7,170 (2023: £370,662) for the Company. 


32.


Related party transactions

During the year, professional fees were paid to a limited liability partnership amounting to £Nil (2023: £3,855) by the parent Company. One of the directors of the parent Company was a designated member of the limited liability partnership. At 31 December 2024, £Nil (2023: £Nil) was due from the parent Company to the limited liability partnership. The balances are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand. 
Remuneration payable to key management personnel from the Group amounted to £2,534,487 for the year ended 31 December 2024 (2023: £2,193,901). No remuneration was paid to key management personnel by the parent Company in the current or prior year.  
During the year, the Group advanced £43,400 (2023: £18,000) to a subsidiary undertaking, which is not wholly owned. At 31 December 2024, £139,400 (2023: £96,000) was due to the Group from the indirect subsidiary undertaking. The balance due to the Group was unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand. 
During the year, the Group paid £601,200 (2023: £430,188) to a shareholder of Touchlight Holdings Limited in respect of rent for the premises occupied by the Group. At 31 December 2024 the balance due from the shareholder to the Group amounted to £Nil (2023: £Nil). The balance is unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand. 
During 2021, the parent Company issued loan notes to shareholders of TAAV Biomanufacturing Solutions Ltd (an entity in which the Group held a 50% stake), which included £24,049,834 loan notes issued to directors of the parent Company. A total of £20,407,008 of the loan notes issued to directors of the parent Company were either sold, converted into shares of Touchlight Holdings Limited or converted into cash during the year ended 31 December 2021. At 31 December 2024, a total of £3,642,836 (2023: £3,642,826) of loan notes were held by directors of the parent Company. The loan notes are unsecured and bear interest at 0.5% above the Lloyds Bank Plc Commercial Lending Rate. 
The Group has an outstanding payable balance to a participating interest of £93,100 (2023: £64,000), which is included within creditors due within 1 year. The participating interest is the non controlling interest of a group subsidiary.

Page 49

 


TOUCHLIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
 


 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

33.


Post balance sheet events

Hampton facility receives GMP certification. Touchlight becomes the world’s first synthetic DNA manufacturer to receive regulatory approval to produce Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API). This milestone uniquely positions the Company to support its expanding customer base in developing DNA vaccines and non-viral gene therapies.
Disposes of Touchlight Aquaculture subsidiary to Ceva Animal Health (Ceva), the 5th largest global animal health
company. Acquiror granted rights to develop and manufacture future products using Touchlight’s dbDNA technology across the animal health field.
Enters into a Shareholder Loan Facility providing up to £10,000,000 which can be drawn upon for general corporate purposes if required. If utilised, the facility includes a right for lenders to be issued Warrants for ordinary shares of the Company.

34.


Controlling party

It is in the opinion of the directors that there is no one controlling party.

 
Page 50