Under the group plan, share options over ordinary B shares are granted at the average market value of the parent company's shares at the grant date. If options remain unexercised after a period of 10 years from the date of the grant, the options expire. Furthermore, options are forfeited if the employee leaves the group before they become entitled to exercise the share options. The options were exercisable in three equal tranches on 31 July 2019, 31 July 2022 and 31 July 2025.
The option holder under this scheme ceased employment with the group during the year, before becoming entitled to exercise the final tranche of options. As no options had been exercised prior to cessation of employment, the option holder's entire holding of options under this scheme lapsed on cessation of employment.
Movement in the year (group and company):
- Outstanding at 1 January 2025: 359,497 options, weighted average exercise price £0.23 (2024: 359,497 options, £0.23)
- Forfeited in the year: 359,497 options, weighted average exercise price £0.23 (2024: none)
- Outstanding at 31 December 2025: nil (2024: 359,497 options, £0.23)
- Exercisable at 31 December 2025: nil (2024: 119,833 options, £0.22)
There were no options outstanding under this scheme at 31 December 2025 (2024 - 359,497, exercise price ranging from 20p to 25p, remaining contractual life of 7 months).
The group also operates a separate scheme. Under this plan, share options over ordinary B shares are granted at the agreed market value of the parent company's shares at the grant date. The options were exercisable on 15 January 2019.
Movement in the year (group and company):
- Outstanding at 1 January and 31 December 2025: 366,781 options, weighted average exercise price £0.25 (2024: 366,781 options, £0.25)
- Exercisable at 31 December 2025: 366,781 options, weighted average exercise price £0.25 (2024: 366,781 options, £0.25)
The options outstanding at 31 December 2025 had an exercise price of 25p and a remaining contractual life of 3 years 0 months (2024 - 4 years 0 months).
Expenses/(credit) recognised in the year, arising from equity settled share based payment transactions:
- Group: £(175,882) (2024: £27,127)
- Company: £(175,882) (2024: £27,127)
The credit recognised in the year ended 31 December 2025 represents the reversal of the cumulative share-based payment expense previously recognised in respect of the unvested tranche forfeited on cessation of employment described above, as the related service condition was not satisfied. No further expense or credit will arise in respect of the forfeited scheme in future periods.