21. Issued share capital

2009
£000 		2008
£000
Authorised:
131,950,500 (2008: 131,950,500) Ordinary Shares of £0.0303 each 3,999 3,999
3,999 3,999
Allotted, called up and fully paid:
Balance at beginning of year (57,630,313 Ordinary Shares of £0.0303 each) 1,746 1,501
Issue of share capital during the year - 245
Balance as at end of year (57,630,313 Ordinary Shares of £0.0303 each) 1,746 1,746

On 22 November 2007 the Company issued 8,108,108 ordinary shares of 3 1/33 pence each for placing on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange for a cash consideration of £30,000,000 (before issue expenses of £720,000). The placing represented approximately 16.4% of the Company’s then existing share capital and following the issue represents approximately 14.1% of the Company’s enlarged issued share capital.