REG-Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025
Tue 16:30
For best results when printing this announcement, please click on link below:
https://newsfile.refinitiv.com/getnewsfile/v1/story?guid=urn:newsml:reuters.com:20250617:nGNE1J3LpL&default-theme=true
17 June 2025
Northern 3 VCT PLC
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025
Northern 3 VCT PLC is a Venture Capital Trust (VCT) managed by Mercia Fund
Management Limited. It invests mainly in unquoted venture capital holdings and
aims to provide long-term tax-free returns to shareholders through a
combination of dividend yield and capital growth.
Financial highlights (comparative figures as at 31 March 2024):
Year ended 31 March 2025 Year ended 31 March 2024
Net assets £130.1m £122.5m
Net asset value per share 90.0p 89.3p
Return per share
Revenue 0.7p 1.1p
Capital 4.1p 1.1p
Total 4.8p 2.2p
Dividend per share declared in respect of the period
Interim dividend 2.0p 2.0p
Proposed final dividend 2.5p 2.2p
Total 4.5p 4.2p
Return to shareholders since launch
Net asset value per share 90.0p 89.3p
Cumulative dividends paid per share ^ (*) 122.1p 117.9p
Cumulative return per share ^ 212.1p 207.2p
Mid-market share price at end of period 84.0p 84.5p
Share price discount to net asset value 6.7% 5.4%
Annualised tax-free dividend yield ^ ** 5.0% 4.6%
* Excluding proposed final dividend payable on 5 September
2025.
** Based on net asset value per share at the start of the
period.
^ Definitions of the terms and alternative performance measures
used in this report can be found in the glossary of terms in the annual
report.
Chairman’s statement
Results and dividend
The net asset value (NAV) per share at 31 March 2025 was 90.0 pence compared
with 89.3 pence as at 31 March 2024. The total return per share for the year
was 4.8 pence (2024: 2.2 pence). A performance fee is payable to our Manager
of £65,000 (year ended 31 March 2024: £nil).
The target for the annual dividend yield continues to be set at 4.5% of the
opening NAV per share. Having already declared an interim dividend of 2.0
pence per share which was paid in January 2025, the Directors now propose a
final dividend of 2.5 pence. These payments totalling 4.5 pence (2024: 4.2
pence) are equivalent to 5.0% of the opening NAV (2024: 4.6%). The proposed
final dividend will, subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General
Meeting, be paid on 5 September 2025.
Our dividend investment scheme, under which dividends can be reinvested in new
ordinary shares free of dealing costs and with the benefit of the tax reliefs
available on new VCT share subscriptions, continues to operate. Instructions
on how to join the scheme are included within the dividend section of our
website, which can be found here: mercia.co.uk/vcts/n3vct/.
Investment portfolio
The overall progress of the portfolio was satisfactory and several companies
enjoyed significant growth: Pure Pet Food and Project Glow Topco (t/a The
Beauty Tech Group) both increased in value by over £3 million.
Sales in the venture portfolio realised £9.9 million on an initial cost of
£8.1 million. The most notable was the Gentronix sale for net proceeds of
£3.6 million, which compares with an original cost of £0.8 million, a return
of 4.5 times.
£9.5 million was provided for six new venture capital investments and £5.4
million of follow-on capital was invested in existing investments.
As we noted last year, there have been comments suggesting that in general
unlisted shares have been valued too highly. We would like to reiterate the
fact that your Board has always had a realistic but conservative approach to
valuation policy, which is reflected in our net asset value.
Share offer and liquidity
In April 2024 11,702,332 new ordinary shares, the second allotment of the
2023/24 share offer, were issued, yielding gross subscriptions of £11.0
million. As a result of the public share offer launched in January 2025,
6,596,320 new ordinary shares were issued in April 2025, yielding gross
proceeds of £6.0 million.
The Board continues to monitor liquidity carefully and plans to raise up to
£20 million, comprising a £14 million offer with an overallotment facility
(if utilised) of £6 million, in the 2025/26 tax year. Further details will be
provided in due course.
Our dividend investment scheme continues to operate. This enables shareholders
to invest their dividends in new ordinary shares free of dealing costs and
with the benefit of the tax reliefs available on new VCT share subscriptions.
Instructions on how to join the scheme are included within the dividend
section of our website, which can be found here: mercia.co.uk/vcts/n3vct/.
During the year around 11% of total dividends were reinvested
by shareholders.
We have maintained our policy of being willing to buy back the Company’s
shares in the market when necessary in order to maintain liquidity, at a 5%
discount to NAV. During the year, a total of 5,161,691 shares were repurchased
for cancellation, equivalent to approximately 3.8% of the opening share
capital.
Responsible investment
The Company’s approach to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
responsibilities is set out in the annual report.
The Board
David Ovens joined the Board as a non-executive director in April 2025. He has
30 years’ experience of investment and is currently Joint Managing Director
of Archangel Investors.
VCT legislation and qualifying status
The Company has continued to meet the stringent and complex qualifying
conditions laid down by HM Revenue & Customs for maintaining its approval as a
VCT. The Manager monitors the position closely and reports regularly to the
Board. Philip Hare & Associates LLP has continued to act as independent
adviser to the Company on VCT taxation matters.
In September 2024 we were pleased to report the extension of the VCT Sunset
Clause until 2035. The ‘Sunset Clause’ is a European state aid requirement
which, without extension, would have removed the VCT tax reliefs that
investors receive on newly issued VCT shares.
Audit tender process
Following a formal and rigorous audit tender process, the Board has resolved
that it intends to recommend Johnston Carmichael LLP for appointment as the
Company’s auditor for the financial year ending 31 March 2026 onwards,
subject to shareholder approval at the AGM in 2025. Forvis Mazars will remain
the Company’s auditor until the AGM in 2025. The Board would like to thank
Forvis Mazars LLP for their diligent service over the past five years.
Annual General Meeting
The Company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place at 12:30pm on 7
August 2025 at the offices of Addleshaw Goddard, Exchange Tower, 19 Canning
Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EH. This will be an in person meeting but following
positive comments received from the last meetings, we also intend to offer
remote access for shareholders through an online webinar facility. Full
details and formal notice of the AGM will be provided separately. Please note
that shareholders attending remotely must register their votes ahead of time,
as it will not be possible to count votes from online participants at the AGM.
Outlook
Despite recent US economic policy, global conflict and stubbornly high UK
inflation, the Manager continues to see high-quality investment opportunities.
The Company’s portfolio has grown steadily over the last 12 months, which
the Manager looks to build upon over the coming year. As shown by recent
realisation activity, there is still demand for high growth UK venture assets,
and having invested across the economic cycle, the Company is well placed to
generate returns when interest rates fall and business confidence levels
increase. The Company’s commitment remains the provision of capital to
nurture the development of innovative early-stage businesses across the UK.
James Ferguson
Chairman
17 June 2025
Extracts from the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March
2025 are set out below.
Income statement
for the year ended 31 March 2025
Year ended 31 March 2025 Year ended 31 March 2024
Revenue £000 Capital £000 Total £000 Revenue £000 Capital £000 Total £000
Gain on disposal of investments – 2,902 2,902 – 855 855
Movements in fair value of investments – 4,299 4,299 – 2,312 2,312
– 7,201 7,201 – 3,167 3,167
Dividend and interest income 2,692 – 2,692 2,590 – 2,590
Investment management fee (582) (1,810) (2,392) (528) (1,585) (2,113)
Other expenses (545) – (545) (606) – (606)
Return before tax 1,565 5,391 6,956 1,456 1,582 3,038
Tax on return (585) 585 – 82 (82) –
Return after tax 980 5,976 6,956 1,538 1,500 3,038
Return per share 0.7p 4.1p 4.8p 1.1p 1.1p 2.2p
Balance sheet
as at 31 March 2025
31 March 2025 £000 31 March 2024 £000
Fixed assets
Investments 103,231 91,001
Current assets
Debtors 2,295 927
Cash and cash equivalents 24,862 30,726
27,157 31,653
Creditors (amounts falling due within one year) (279) (158)
Net current assets 26,878 31,495
Net assets 130,109 122,496
Capital and reserves
Called-up equity share capital 7,226 6,858
Share premium 62,268 51,738
Capital redemption reserve 1,192 934
Capital reserve 50,538 58,846
Revaluation reserve 7,632 2,674
Revenue reserve 1,253 1,446
Total equity shareholders’ funds 130,109 122,496
Net asset value per share 90.0p 89.3p
Statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 March 2025
Non-distributable reserves Distributable reserves
Called-up share capital £000 Share premium £000 Capital redemption reserve £000 Revaluation reserve* £000 Capital reserve £000 Revenue reserve £000 Total £000
At 31 March 2024 6,858 51,738 934 2,674 58,846 1,446 122,496
Return after tax – – – 4,958 1,018 980 6,956
Dividends paid – – – – (4,980) (1,173) (6,153)
Net proceeds of share issues 626 10,530 – – – – 11,156
Shares purchased for cancellation (258) – 258 – (4,346) – (4,346)
At 31 March 2025 7,226 62,268 1,192 7,632 50,538 1,253 130,109
for the year ended 31 March 2024
Non-distributable reserves Distributable reserves
Called-up share capital £000 Share premium £000 Capital redemption reserve £000 Revaluation reserve* £000 Capital reserve £000 Revenue reserve £000 Total £000
At 31 March 2023 6,166 37,344 771 4,554 63,561 597 112,993
Return after tax – – – (1,880) 3,380 1,538 3,038
Dividends paid – – – – (5,295) (689) (5,984)
Net proceeds of share issues 855 14,394 – – – – 15,249
Shares purchased for cancellation (163) – 163 – (2,800) – (2,800)
At 31 March 2024 6,858 51,738 934 2,674 58,846 1,446 122,496
Statement of cash flows
for the year ended 31 March 2025
Year ended 31 March 2025 £000 Year ended 31 March 2024 £000
Cash flows from operating activities
Return before tax 6,956 3,038
Adjustments for:
(Gain) / loss on disposal of investments (2,902) (855)
Movements in fair value of investments (4,299) (2,312)
(Increase) / decrease in debtors 82 (122)
Increase / (decrease) in creditors 121 (11)
Net cash inflow / (outflow) from operating activities (42) (262)
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of investments (16,126) (17,614)
Sale / repayment of investments 9,647 14,857
Net cash inflow / (outflow) from investing activities (6,479) (2,757)
Cash flows from financing activities
Issue of ordinary shares 11,653 15,784
Share issue expenses (497) (535)
Purchase of ordinary shares for cancellation (4,346) (2,800)
Equity dividends paid (6,153) (5,984)
Net cash inflow / (decrease) from financing activities 657 6,465
Increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (5,864) 3,446
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 30,726 27,280
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 24,862 30,726
Investment portfolio
31 March 2025
Fifteen largest venture capital investments Cost £000 Valuation £000 % of net assets by value Like for like valuation increase / (decrease) over year ** £000
1 Project Glow Topco (t/a The Beauty Tech Group) 1,519 6,600 5.1% 3,394
2 Pure Pet Food 1,512 5,600 4.3% 3,001
3 Pimberly 1,910 3,264 2.5% 38
4 Rockar 1,660 3,147 2.4% 347
5 Tutora (t/a Tutorful) 2,973 2,973 2.3% –
6 Netacea 2,577 2,577 2.0% –
7 Forensic Analytics 2,519 2,519 1.9% –
8 IDOX* 530 2,492 1.9% (192)
9 Ridge Pharma 1,345 2,270 1.7% 322
10 Turbine Simulated Cell Technologies 2,005 2,232 1.7% 24
11 Semble 2,126 2,126 1.6% –
12 LMC Software 1,909 2,114 1.6% 204
13 Broker Insights 2,032 2,108 1.6% 67
14 Risk Ledger 1,556 2,107 1.6% 551
15 Napo 2,107 2,107 1.6% –
Other venture capital investments
16 Biological Preparations Group 1,915 2,102 1.6% 357
17 Social Value Portal 2,066 2,066 1.6% –
18 Send Technology Solutions 1,906 1,980 1.5% 74
19 Enate 1,374 1,969 1.5% 597
20 Naitive Technologies 1,683 1,777 1.4% 95
21 Volumatic Holdings 216 1,773 1.4% (148)
22 Clarilis 1,772 1,772 1.4% –
23 Camena Bioscience 1,744 1,744 1.3% –
24 Administrate 2,623 1,663 1.3% (166)
25 Moonshot 1,217 1,655 1.3% 438
26 Locate Bio 1,625 1,625 1.2% –
27 Newcells Biotech 2,899 1,598 1.2% (1,522)
28 Wonderush Ltd (t/a Hownow) 1,543 1,543 1.2% –
29 VoxPopMe 1,493 1,493 1.1% –
30 Ski Zoom (t/a Heidi Ski) 1,485 1,485 1.1% –
31 Axis Spine Technologies 1,456 1,460 1.1% 4
32 Culture AI 1,400 1,400 1.1% –
33 Promethean 1,366 1,366 1.1% –
34 Optellum 1,250 1,250 1.0% –
35 Duke & Dexter 1,113 1,153 0.9% 573
36 Centuro Global 1,136 1,136 0.9% –
37 iOpt 1,038 1,130 0.9% 93
38 Tozaro 1,115 1,115 0.9% –
39 Scalpel 1,063 1,063 0.8% –
40 Wobble Genomics 1,053 1,053 0.8% –
41 Buoyant Upholstery 520 1,042 0.8% (556)
42 Warwick Acoustics 1,019 1,019 0.8% –
43 Rego Technologies (t/a Upp)(formerly Volo) 2,306 1,014 0.8% 368
44 Seahawk Bidco 433 820 0.6% (18)
45 Oddbox 986 782 0.6% 64
46 Synthesized 500 735 0.6% 235
47 Netcall* 273 510 0.4% 60
48 Quotevine 1,184 447 0.3% 447
49 Thanksbox (t/a Mo) 1,520 363 0.3% (11)
50 Atlas Cloud 638 350 0.3% (1)
51 Fresh Approach (UK) Holdings 771 273 0.2% (110)
52 Synectics* 171 257 0.2% 111
53 Sorted 154 203 0.2% 49
54 Arnlea Holdings 1,138 198 0.2% (9)
55 Sen Corporation 666 138 0.1% (153)
56 ECO Animal Health* 497 120 0.1% (71)
57 Northrow 1,385 69 0.1% (570)
58 Pebble Beach Systems* 564 60 0.0% (40)
59 Angle* 131 36 0.0% (9)
60 Adludio 2,714 31 0.0% (2,693)
61 Customs Connect Group 1,347 29 0.0% (70)
62 Velocity Composites* 57 16 0.0% (4)
Total venture capital investments 84,805 91,119 70.0%
Listed equity investments 12,112 9.3%
Total fixed asset investments 103,231 79.3%
Net current assets 26,878 20.7%
Net assets 130,109 100.0%
* Quoted on AIM.
** This change in ‘like for like’ valuations is a
comparison of the 31 March 2025 valuations with the 31 March 2024 valuations
(or where a new investment has been made in the year, the investment amount),
having adjusted for any partial disposals, loan stock repayments or new and
follow-on investments in the year.
Risk management
The Board carries out a regular and robust assessment of the risk environment
in which the Company operates and seeks to identify new risks as they emerge.
The principal and emerging risks and uncertainties identified by the Board
which might affect the Company’s business model and future performance, and
the steps taken with a view to their mitigation, are as follows:
Risk Mitigation
Availability of qualifying investments: there can be no guarantee that suitable investment opportunities will be identified in order to meet the Company’s objectives, which could have an adverse effect on Investor returns. Additionally, the Company’s The Manager has a dedicated investment team that identifies and transacts in qualifying investments. The Directors regularly meet with the Manager to maintain awareness of the pipeline, and factors this into the Company’s fund raising plans.
ability to obtain maximum value from its investments may be limited by the requirements of the relevant VCT Rules in order to maintain the VCT status of the Company.
Credit risk: the Company holds a number of financial instruments and cash deposits and is dependent on the counterparties discharging their commitment. Such balances my be held with banks or in money market funds as part of the Company’s liquidity The Directors review the creditworthiness of the counterparties to these instruments including the rating of money market funds to seek to manage and mitigate exposure to credit risk.
management.
Economic and geopolitical risk: events such as economic recession or general fluctuation in stock markets, exchange rates and interest rates, notwithstanding recent lower inflation and falling interest rates, may affect the valuation of investee companies The Company invests in a diversified portfolio of investments spanning various industry sectors and which are at different stages of growth. The Company maintains sufficient cash reserves to be able to provide additional funding to investee companies where it is appropriate and in the interests of the Company to do so. The Manager’s team is structured such that appropriate monitoring and oversight is undertaken by an experienced investment executive. As part of this oversight, the investment executive will guide and support the board of each unquoted investee company. At all times, and particularly during periods of heightened economic uncertainty, the investment team of the Manager share best practice from across the portfolio with the investee management teams in order to help with addressing economic challenges.
and their ability to access adequate financial resources, as well as affecting the Company’s own share price and discount to net asset value. In addition, US trade policy and hostilities in the Middle East and Ukraine (including sanctions on the Russian
Federation) may have further economic consequences as a result of market volatility and the restricted access to certain commodities and energy supplies. Such conditions may adversely affect the performance of companies in which the Company has invested
(or may invest), which in turn may adversely affect the performance of the Company, and may have an impact on the number or quality of investment opportunities available to the Company and the ability of the Manager to realise the Company’s investments.
Any of these factors could have an adverse effect on Investor returns.
Financial risk: most of the Company’s investments involve a medium to long-term commitment and many are illiquid. The Directors consider that it is inappropriate to finance the Company’s activities through borrowing except on an occasional short-term basis. Accordingly they seek to maintain a proportion of the Company’s assets in cash or cash equivalents in order to be in a position to pursue new unquoted investment opportunities and to make follow-on investments in existing portfolio companies. The Company has very little direct exposure to foreign currency risk and does not enter into derivative transactions.
Investment and liquidity risk: the Company invests in early stage companies which may be pre-revenue at the point of investment. Portfolio companies may also require significant funds, through multiple funding rounds to develop their technology or the The Directors aim to limit the investment and liquidity risk through regular monitoring of the investment portfolio and oversight of the Manager, who is responsible for advising the Board in accordance with the Company’s investment objective. The investment and liquidity risks are mitigated through the careful selection, close monitoring and timely realisation of investments, by carrying out rigorous due diligence procedures and maintaining a wide spread of holdings in terms of financing stage and industry sector within the rules of the VCT scheme. The Board reviews the investment portfolio and liquidity with the Manager on a regular basis.
products being developed may be subject to regulatory approvals before they can be launched into the market. This involves a higher degree of risk and company failure compared to investment in larger companies with established business models. Early stage
companies generally have limited product lines, markets and financial resources and may be more dependent on key individuals. The securities of companies in which the Company invests are typically unlisted, making them particularly illiquid and may
represent minority stakes, which may cause difficulties in valuing and disposing of the securities. The Company may invest in businesses whose shares are quoted on AIM however this may not mean that they can be readily traded and the spread between the
buying and selling prices of such shares may be wide.
Legislative and regulatory risk: in order to maintain its approval as a VCT, the Company is required to comply with current VCT legislation in the UK. Changes to UK legislation in the future could have an adverse effect on the Company’s ability to achieve The Board and the Manager monitor political developments and where appropriate seek to make representations either directly or through relevant trade bodies.
satisfactory investment returns whilst retaining its VCT approval.
Operational risk: the Company does not have any employees and the Board relies on a number of third party providers, including the Manager, registrar and custodian, sponsor, receiving agent, lawyers and tax advisers, to provide it with the necessary The Board has appointed an Audit and Risk Committee, who monitor the effectiveness of the system of internal controls, both financial and non-financial, operated by the Company and the Manager. These controls are designed to ensure that the Company’s assets are safeguarded and that proper accounting records are maintained. Third party suppliers are required to have in place their own risk and controls framework, business continuity plans and the necessary expertise and resources in place to ensure that a high quality service can be maintained even under stressed scenarios.
services to operate. Such operations delegated to the Company’s key service providers may not be performed in a timely or accurate manner, resulting in reputational, regulatory, or financial damage. The risk of cyber-attack or failure of the systems and
controls at any of the Company’s third party providers may lead to an inability to service shareholder needs adequately, to provide accurate reporting and accounting and to ensure adherence to all VCT legislation rules.
Performance of the Manager: the successful implementation of the Company’s investment policy is dependent on the expertise of the Manager and its ability to attract and retain suitable staff. The Company’s ability to achieve its investment objectives is The Board have both formal reviews by way of the Management Engagement Committee and Board meetings, and informal reviews over the course of the year outside of the formal Board timetable. Performance is closely monitored, including receiving detailed league table information and other market intelligence. Any concerns or suggestions are passed to the Manager, which are robustly challenged.
largely dependent on the performance of the Manager in the acquisition and disposal of assets and the management of such assets. The Board has broad discretion to monitor the performance of the Manager and the power to appoint a replacement, but the
Manager’s performance or that of any replacement cannot be guaranteed.
Stock market risk: a small proportion of the Company’s investments are quoted on AIM and will be subject to market fluctuations upwards and downwards. External factors such as terrorist activity, political activity or global health crises, can negatively The Company’s small number of holdings of quoted investments are actively managed by the Manager, and the Board keeps the portfolio and the actions taken under ongoing review.
impact stock markets worldwide. In times of adverse sentiment there may be very little, if any, market demand for shares in smaller companies quoted on AIM.
VCT qualifying status risk: while it is the intention of the Directors that the Company will be managed so as to continue to qualify as a VCT, there can be no guarantee that this status will be maintained. A failure to continue meeting the qualifying The Manager keeps the Company’s VCT qualifying status under continual review and its reports are reviewed by the Board on a quarterly basis. The Board has also retained Philip Hare & Associates LLP to undertake an independent VCT status monitoring role.
requirements could result in the loss of VCT tax relief, the Company losing its exemption from corporation tax on capital gains, to shareholders being liable to pay income tax on dividends received from the Company and, in certain circumstances, to
shareholders being required to repay the initial income tax relief on their investment.
Other matters
The above summary of results for the year ended 31 March 2025 does not
constitute statutory financial statements within the meaning of Section 435 of
the Companies Act 2006 and has not been delivered to the Registrar of
Companies. Statutory financial statements will be filed with the Registrar of
Companies in due course; the independent auditor’s report on those financial
statements under Section 495 of the Companies Act 2006 is unqualified, does
not include any reference to matters to which the auditor drew attention by
way of emphasis without qualifying the report and does not contain a statement
under Section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.
The calculation of the return per share is based on the return after tax for
the year of £6,956,000 (2024: £3,038,000) and on 146,866,413 (2024:
131,811,967) shares, being the weighted average number of shares in issue
during the year.
If approved by shareholders, the proposed final dividend of 2.5 pence per
share for the year ended 31 March 2025 will be paid on 5 September 2025 to
shareholders on the register at the close of business on 8 August 2025.
The full annual report including financial statements for the year ended 31
March 2025 is expected to be made available to shareholders on or around 27
June 2025 and will be available to the public at the registered office of the
company at Forward House, 17 High Street, Henley-in-Arden B95 5AA and on the
Company’s website.
The contents of the Mercia Asset Management PLC website and the contents of
any website accessible from hyperlinks on the Mercia Asset Management PLC
website (or any other website) are not incorporated into, nor form part of,
this announcementRecent news on Northern 3 VCT
See all newsREG-Statement regarding intention to fundraise
AnnouncementREG-Dividend Declaration
AnnouncementREG-Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025
AnnouncementREG-Total voting rights
AnnouncementREG-Total voting rights
Announcement