Risk warning for Northern Venture Trust PLC, Northern 2 VCT PLC and Northern 3 VCT PLC (together the “Northern VCTs”, or the “Companies”, and each a “Northern VCT” or “Company”).
The risks of investing:
Although it is normal for equity investments to carry risk, it is important you know what the risks of investing in a VCT are so you can make an informed decision.
Please note that VCT investments are high risk. If any of the risks described below were to materialise, they could have a material effect on the respective businesses, financial condition, and results or operations of any of the Companies.
The risks and uncertainties described here are not the only ones that the Companies or Investors may face. Additional risks which are not currently known to the Companies or their Directors, or that the Companies or their Directors currently believe are not material, may also adversely affect the respective businesses, financial condition and results or operations of the Companies.
The value of the shares of the Companies could decline due to any of these risk factors. Investors who are in any doubt as to the action that they should take are advised to obtain advice from an independent financial adviser authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act, who specialises in advising on the acquisition of shares.
You cannot rely on past performance
There can be no assurances that the Companies will meet their objectives or identify suitable investment opportunities. The past performance of the Companies is not a guide to future performance.
Capital is at risk
The value of the shares held in the Companies and income derived from them can fluctuate. There is no guarantee Investors will get back the amount invested. Investors could lose all or part of their investment.
Investments in VCTs are long term in nature
Investors should be prepared to hold their shares for a minimum of five years. Investments in smaller and unquoted companies are high risk and illiquid.
Investments in smaller unquoted companies, such as those in which the Companies will invest, involve a higher degree of risk than investment in larger listed companies, because they generally have limited product lines, markets and financial resources and may be more dependent on their management teams or key individuals.
The securities of smaller companies in which the Companies invest are typically unlisted and illiquid, which may cause difficulties in valuing and disposing of such securities.
Tax reliefs are not guaranteed
The tax rules, or their interpretation, in relation to an investment in the Companies and/or the rates of tax may change during the life of the Companies. Changes may apply retrospectively, which could affect tax reliefs obtained by Investors and the VCT status of the Companies. If an Investor disposes of their shares within five years of issue, they will be subject to claw-back by HMRC of any income tax reliefs originally claimed.
Maintaining VCT status is not guaranteed
There can be no guarantee that the Companies will retain their status as a VCT. The loss of this status could lead to adverse tax consequences for Investors, including a requirement to repay the 30% initial income tax relief.
Shares may be difficult to sell
Although the Companies’ shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange, there may not be a liquid market in the shares and Investors may find it difficult to sell them. In addition, the price at which shares are traded may not reflect their underlying net asset value (NAV) and Shares are usually traded at a discount to their underlying NAV.
There are investment restrictions
The Companies’ ability to obtain maximum value from their investments may be limited by the VCT Rules. Changes in the VCT Rules may be applied retrospectively and may reduce the level of returns for Investors. A number of investment restrictions came into force in 2015, which focus investment on funding growth and development in companies that have been trading for seven years or less in a VCT-qualifying trade. In addition, the maximum lifetime amount a company can receive from VCTs has been restricted to £12 million (£20 million for a knowledge-intensive company).
There are market risks
The investments the Companies hold and will make in quoted investments will be subject to normal market fluctuations and other risks inherent in investing in securities.
Dividends will be subject to fluctuations
The Northern VCTs are investing in young businesses requiring growth and development capital, largely in equity shares. Future returns will, therefore, be more dependent on outright exits and future dividends will be subject to fluctuations.