Automated analysis system and method. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system and method for performing automatic analysis. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a system and method for performing automated analysis of financial accounts.

Background to the Invention

The inability to understand and interpret financial accounts is a huge problem for millions of bankers, business-owners and non- financial staff worldwide. While all financial information pertinent to a business is to be found in a set of financial accounts for many, it is a time consuming and complicated process to extract relevant

information from these accounts.

Existing financial analysis software packages such as Moody's "KMV Financial Analyst" application, do little to address this issue for many people. A user who is not confident with financial accounts may be intimidated by such existing solutions, because they simply present page after page of numbers; hundreds of financial properties in total. For anyone who is not extremely comfortable and confident when dealing with financial accounts, these existing financial analysis software packages do not facilitate identification of important financial properties within the accounts, nor do they facilitate easy analysis of such important financial properties.

Similarly, existing accounting software packages for accountants and SMEs suffer from similar drawbacks of interpretation. Solutions provided by companies such as Sage, while very user friendly, do not facilitate easy discussion and interpretation between accountant and client. Thus, accounting software packages also do not facilitate identification of important financial properties within the accounts, nor do they facilitate easy analysis of such important financial properties for anyone who is not extremely comfortable and confident when dealing with financial accounts. Currently, there is no product available that is capable of analysing and interpreting accounts information in an accessible and user- friendly manner for anyone who is not extremely comfortable and confident when dealing with financial accounts. Summary of the Invention

One embodiment of the invention provides a method of performing automated analysis of financial accounts, comprising the use of a graphical user interface displayed on a data display module to perform the steps of: dividing a range of values into a plurality of sub-ranges using at least one predetermined threshold point, wherein the range is linked to a unique financial metric, and the range is representative of all possible values of the metric; associating each sub-range with a narrative; providing at least one set of financial data comprising a plurality of financial properties, wherein the metric is a function of a unique subset of the financial properties; calculating a value of the metric using the respective subset of financial properties; identifying the range linked to the metric; identifying the sub-range of the identified range that includes the metric value; identifying the narrative associated with the identified sub-range; and displaying a graphical representation of the metric value on the data display module. This method allows sets of financial properties to be viewed in a more user- friendly format. It also provides useful feedback on a metric value that has been calculated based on the financial properties such that the feedback is particularly relevant to the metric value calculated. This allows individuals unfamiliar with the relevance of a particular metric to fully appreciate the implications of the specific value that has been calculated for that metric.

The method steps may be performed for a plurality of unique financial metrics such that each metric is linked to a range. This allows the user-friendly analysis of the invention to be extended to a variety of metrics typically associated with sets of financial properties. This increases the usefulness of the invention.

Each graphical representation may be visually associated with the corresponding narrative identified for that metric value. This allows the analysis of the invention to be easily accessed by the user. The values of the plurality of metrics may be displayed in a list, with each value displayed adjacent to the narrative associated with that metric. This allows a user to quickly see all the relevant analysis associated with all metrics for a given set of financial properties.

Each metric displayed may be linked to a source of further information relating to that metric. This allows users to further understand the meaning and implications of specific metrics.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a system for performing automated analysis of financial accounts, comprising a graphical user interface, the graphical user interface comprising: a metric range editor for dividing a range of values into a plurality of sub-ranges using at least one predetermined threshold point, wherein the range is linked to a unique financial metric, and the range is representative of all possible values of the metric; the range editor further being for associating each sub-range with a narrative; a data inputter for providing at least one set of financial data via a data input module comprised in the system, the financial data comprising a plurality of financial properties, wherein the metric is a function of a unique subset of the financial properties; a metric evaluator for calculating a value of the metric using the respective subset of financial properties, for identifying the range linked to the metric, for identifying the sub-range of the identified range that includes the metric value and for identifying the narrative associated with the identified sub-range; and a viewer for displaying a graphical representation of the metric value on a data display module comprised in the system.

In one embodiment, the system may comprise a general purpose computer, wherein the general purpose computer comprises the data input module and the data display module, the graphical user interface being executable from the general purpose computer.

In another embodiment, the system may comprise a server accessible over a network, the graphical user interface being executable from the general purpose computer. This allows the system to be accessed over Internet browsing software and therefore does not necessitate the installation of bespoke software on individual user devices. The server may further comprise means for communicating over a network, wherein the system further comprises at least one general purpose computer comprising means for communicating with the server over a network. In this embodiment, the general purpose computer may comprise the data input module and the data display module.

A further embodiment of the invention comprises a computer-readable medium containing instructions stored thereon which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to carry out the steps of: dividing a range of values into a plurality of sub- ranges using at least one predetermined threshold point, wherein the range is linked to a unique financial metric, and the range is representative of all possible values of the metric; associating each sub-range with a narrative; providing at least one set of financial data comprising a plurality of financial properties, wherein the metric is a function of a unique subset of the financial properties; calculating a value of the metric using the respective subset of financial properties; identifying the range linked to the metric; identifying the sub-range of the identified range that includes the metric value; identifying the narrative associated with the identified sub-range; and displaying a graphical representation of the metric value. A further embodiment of the invention comprises a system for viewing a set of metrics, each metric being a function of a plurality of financial properties, the system comprising a graphical user interface, the graphical user interface comprising: a viewer for graphically representing each metric in the set of metrics on a data display module comprised in the system such that the graphical representation of each metric is proportionate in size to the magnitude of that metric value, the viewer further comprising a first viewing mode for highlighting a first subset of metrics such that the graphical representation of the metrics in said subset are highlighted compared to the graphical representation of the remaining metrics; and a second viewing mode for highlighting at least a second subset of metrics such that the graphical representation of the metrics in said second subset are highlighted compared to the graphical

representation of the remaining metrics that are not comprised in the first or second subsets. This allows a user to more easily view a series of metrics - such as, for example, the cash flow metrics associated with a set of accounts (as will be discussed in greater detail below) - as a series of gradiated, or "checkpointed" groups. Viewing the set of metrics in this way allows the full set to be much more easily understood.

Furthermore, such a system may be used to allow a user to more easily to view metric subsets for comparative purposes. For example, with respect to the "Balance Sheet" metrics (as will be discussed in greater detail below), amongst all of the classes displayed it may be desirable to contrast fixed assets with current assets. Similarly, amongst all of the funding sources displayed, it may be desirable to contrast creditors with capital and reserves. Viewing the set of metrics in this way allows the full set to be much more easily understood.

In one embodiment, the system may comprise a general purpose computer, wherein the general purpose computer comprises the data input module and the data display module, the graphical user interface being executable from the general purpose computer.

In another embodiment, the system may comprise a server accessible over a network, the graphical user interface being executable from the general purpose computer. This allows the system to be accessed over Internet browsing software and therefore does not necessitate the installation of bespoke software on individual user devices. The server may further comprise means for communicating over a network, wherein the system further comprises at least one general purpose computer comprising means for communicating with the server over a network. In this embodiment, the general purpose computer may comprise the data input module and the data display module.

A further embodiment of the invention comprises a method of performing automated analysis of financial accounts comprising a plurality of financial properties and from which a set of metrics may be derived, each metric being a function of a plurality of said financial properties, the method comprising the use of a graphical user interface displayed on a data display module to perform the steps of: graphically representing each metric on a data display module such that the graphical representation of each metric is proportionate in size to the magnitude of that metric value; highlighting a first subset of metrics such that the graphical representation of the metrics in said subset are highlighted compared to the graphical representation of the remaining metrics; and highlighting at least a second subset of metrics such that the graphical representation of the metrics in said second subset are highlighted compared to the graphical representation of the remaining metrics that are not comprised in the first or second subsets. Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an automated analysis system according to an aspect of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an automated analysis system according to a second aspect of the present invention;

Figure 3 a is a flow chart showing the steps of a method for performing automated analysis of financial accounts in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

Figure 3b is a schematic showing the component parts of an automated analysis system according to an aspect of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a screen shot of a first screen of a GUI (graphical user interface) portal according to another aspect of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a screen shot of a second screen of the GUI portal of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a screen shot of a third screen of the GUI portal of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is a screen shot of a fourth screen of the GUI portal of Figure 4;

Figure 8 is a screen shot of a fifth screen of the GUI portal of Figure 4

Figure 9 is a screen shot of a sixth screen of the GUI portal of Figure 4;

Figure 10 is a screen shot of a seventh screen of the GUI portal of Figure 4;

Figure 11 is a screen shot of a eighth screen of the GUI portal of Figure 4;

Figure 12 is a screen shot of a ninth screen of the GUI portal of Figure 4;

Figure 13 is a screen shot of a tenth screen of the GUI portal of Figure 4

Figure 14 is a screen shot of an eleventh screen of the GUI portal of Figure 4;

Figure 15 is a screen shot of a twelfth screen of the GUI portal of Figure 4;

Figure 16 is a screen shot of a thirteenth screen of the GUI portal of Figure 4;

Figure 17 is a screen shot of a fourteenth screen of the GUI portal of Figure 4;

Figure 18 is a screen shot of a fifteenth screen of the GUI portal of Figure 4 Figure 19 is a screen shot of a sixteenth screen of the GUI portal of Figure 4;

Figure 20 is a screen shot of a seventeenth screen of the GUI portal of Figure 4;

Figure 21 is a screen shot of an eighteenth screen of the GUI portal of Figure 4;

Figure 22 is a screen shot of a nineteenth screen of the GUI portal of Figure 4; and Figure 23 is a screen shot of a twentieth screen of the GUI portal of Figure 4.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Referring to Figure 1 , an automated analysis system comprises a general purpose computer 100 comprising a processor 102, a data storage medium 104, a data input module 106, and a data display module 108. The processor 102 is connected to the data storage medium 104, and is also connected to the data input module 106 and the data display module 108. Financial accounts data - from which metric values may be derived - are input via data input module 106, processed by processor 102, and stored on data storage medium 104. In addition, threshold values for dividing ranges of metric values into sub-ranges are also input via data-input module 106. Input module 106 is further used to input narratives for association with each sub-range, each narrative comprising analysis information that is relevant to the associated sub-range. These data are also processed by processor 102 and stored on data storage medium 104. When these data are to be processed and displayed in accordance with the invention as will be further described below with respect to Figure 3 the data are processed by processor 102 and displayed via this data display module 108.

Figure 2 depicts an automated analysis system 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. System 200 comprises a server 202 connected to a data storage module 204. The server comprises a processor 214 and is connected via a network 206 to a plurality of client devices. The client devices include but are not limited to general purpose computers 208, smartphones 210 and tablets 212. Other devices with suitable data processing capacity are also envisaged. A client device 208, 210, 212 accesses a webpage provided by the server 202 over the network 206. The user of the client device uses private credentials to log on to the webpage. The user of the client device then inputs financial account data on the client device and transmits the data across the network 206 to the server 202 for storage on the storage module 204 in association with the user's private credentials. The user of the client device also inputs threshold values for dividing ranges into sub-ranges and narratives to be associated with said sub ranges, which are also transmitted across the network 206 to the server 202 for storage on the storage module in association with the user's private credentials. When a user's data are to be processed and displayed in accordance with the invention as will be further described below with respect to Figure 3 the data are retrieved by processor 214 using the user's private credentials, processed by processor 214, and transmitted across the network 206 to the client device 208, 210, 212 of the relevant user.

Figure 3 a depicts a method 300 for automatically analysing a set of financial accounts in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Before the method 300 commences, a user accesses their personal account on the system of the invention using their private credentials. The user then performs the method 300. Method 300 comprises a number of steps. The user divides 302 a range of values into a plurality of sub-ranges by inputting at least one predetermined threshold point. The range is linked to a unique financial metric, and the range is representative of all possible values of the metric. The user also associates 304 each of the sub-ranges with a narrative by inputting a narrative relevant to each sub-range. The user further provides 306 at least one set of financial data comprising a plurality of financial properties, wherein the metric is a function of a unique subset of the financial properties. The value of the metric is then calculated 308 using the respective subset of financial properties. The range linked to the metric is identified 310, and the sub-range of the identified range into which the metric value falls is subsequently identified 312. The narrative associated with the identified sub- range is then identified 314. Subsequently, the user may view the results of this analysis. To do so, user navigates to a data output screen where a graphical representation of the metric value is displayed. Typically the graphical representation is in bar chart format. Depending on the nature of the metric, the metric may be graphically represented by a single bar chart, or as an expression of the difference between a pair of bar charts. It will be appreciated that a variety of alternative formats including but not limited to histograms and pie charts may equally be used. Figure 3b is a schematic showing the component parts of an automated analysis system 320 for performing the method 300 depicted in Figure 3a. The system comprises: means for dividing 322 a range of values into a plurality of sub-ranges using at least one predetermined threshold point, wherein the range is linked to a unique financial metric, and the range is representative of all possible values of the metric; means for associating 324 each sub-range with a narrative; means for providing 326 at least one set of financial data comprising a plurality of financial properties, wherein the metric is a function of a unique subset of the financial properties; means for calculating 328 a value of the metric using the respective subset of financial properties; means for identifying 330 the range linked to the metric; means for identifying 332 the sub-range of the identified range that includes the metric value; and means for identifying 334 the narrative associated with the identified sub-range. All of the above-recited means may be comprised within a graphical user interface (GUI), wherein the means for dividing and means for associating are comprised within a metric range editor, the means for providing financial data is comprised within a data inputter that operates in

communication with a data input module, the means for calculating, and means for identifying the range, subrange and narrative are comprised within a metric evaluator and the means for displaying is comprised within a viewer that operates in

communication with a data output module.

Referring to Figure 4, an analysis portal GUI 400 displays a personalised homepage 402. The personalised homepage is accessed by a user supplying their personalised credentials (such as username and password) to a preliminary login screen (not shown). The homepage 402 comprises an account field 404 for entering an account number to allow a user to access existing account information. The homepage 402 also comprises a link 406 to add a new account for which details may then be supplied. In the event this link 406 is used, the user is prompted to select a "Business Type" and a "Currency". The options selected under "Business Type" and "Currency" will determine the format of the inputs and outputs produced by the invention.

While the basic information in any set of financial accounts is very similar, there are differences in the presentation and terminology used for different business types (for example sole traders, partnerships or limited companies) and in different countries. Requiring the input of "Business Type" and "Currency" ensures that the appropriate format and terminology is used.

Performance - Data Input

In the event either a new account is added via link 406 or an existing account is chosen, a data input display is made available. Referring to Figure 5, the data input display comprises two sub-screens: a "Performance" data input sub-screen 502 (which appears by default), and a "Balance Sheet" data input sub-screen (602, shown in Figure 6). A Data Input drop down menu 504 can be used to switch between the two sub-screens 502, 602. Account-specific data 506 such as Account Number, Currency and Business Type data is displayed on the top left-hand side of the sub-screen.

The "Performance" data input sub-screen 502 comprises a series of fields 508 into which financial accounts data may be entered. Each set of financial accounts comprises a set of financial data comprising a plurality of discrete financial properties. These financial properties are typically specific numerical values, and provide detailed information on the financial state of a business at the end of a given time period. Each financial property is entered into one of fields 508. A toggle button 510 allows the user to choose whether they wish to input the data from left-to-right or from right to left. In Figure 5, the toggle button 510 is set from left to right, so that the financial properties from the most recent period are entered in the column furthest to the right.

It is also necessary to select the nature of the financial properties being included, by using the "Accounts Type" dropdown menu 512. Options available on this dropdown menu include, but are not limited to audited, certified, draft, management, projected and estimated.

When a field is selected for entering data, the row containing the selected field is highlighted, for example in yellow (not shown). Profit and Loss financial properties for a specific period are input in a specific column on this data input sub-screen. The financial properties can be input either in full or rounded to thousands. Once financial properties have been input, a "Save" button 520 is clicked to store the data. Although the "Performance" data input sub-screen 502 provides two columns into which data may be entered (each for a specific period), data pertaining to further periods may be entered in additional columns. These are created by clicking an "Add" button 516. A column of financial properties may be deleted by clicking an "x" icon 518 at the top of the column.

The display screen can be toggled to "full screen mode" by clicking the corresponding icon 522. This provides the user with more "working space" on the screen, as the menu bar 514 and account specific data 506 are removed from the data input sub-screen. The icon 522 can be clicked again to return to the "normal" screen mode.

There is an ancillary section at the bottom of the "Performance" data input sub- screen entitled "Supplementary Information" (not shown). Financial properties entered in this section can be used to calculate "Repayment Capacity" as will be discussed further below. Financial properties that may be entered in this section include

depreciation/amortisation, directors' salaries//benefits, adjustments and loan

repayments. Any unusual items that impacted on the performance of the business in a given time period may be added under adjustments. These could include, for example, a loss on the sale of a fixed asset, or a payout from an insurance claim. A dropdown menu is provided to select the nature of the adjustment. Additional adjustment entries may be added as appropriate.

Similarly, different loan repayment entries may also be entered and identified by selecting from a preset list of loan repayment types in a drop down menu. Additional loan repayment entries may also be added as appropriate.

Balance Sheet - Data Input

The "Balance Sheet" data input sub-screen (as shown in Figure 6), is similar in format, and allows balance sheet financial properties for specified periods to be entered and saved. In the first section of this data input sub-screen, financial properties pertaining to "Fixed Assets" are added in the fields 608 provided. Pre-defined input rows are provided for in the Fixed Assets section, each of these rows having a description pertaining to a standard fixed asset type - for example but not limited to "freehold land/buildings", "plant & machinery" and "intangible assets". A field 624 called "Other (Specify)" is also provided. In the event that there is an unusual item in the "Fixed Assets" section of the financial accounts, that does not match the pre-defined input descriptions, the user can click a button 626 to add a row and input a description of the item in a free-format field.

The "Balance Sheet" data input sub-screen also contains a "Current Assets" section (not shown). Pre-defined input rows are also provided in the Current Assets section, each of these rows having a description pertaining to a standard Current Asset type - for example but not limited to "cash", "trade debtors" and "finished goods (stock)". In a manner analogous to the "Fixed Assets" section, the "Current Assets" section of the "Balance Sheet" data input sub-screen also contains a field called "Other (Specify)" to allow for entry of an unusual item that does not match the pre-defined input

descriptions.

The "Balance Sheet" data input sub-screen further contains sections defined for "Creditors falling Due Within One Year (Current Liabilities)", "Creditors Falling Due After More Than One Year (Long Term Liabilities)" and "Capital & Reserves

(Shareholders Funds)" sections (not shown). As with the previous sections of this data input sub-screen, these sections contain a number of predefined input rows having descriptions relevant to that section. These sections also contain a field called "Other (Specify)" to allow for entry of an unusual item that does not match the pre-defined input descriptions. The bottom of each column in the "Balance Sheet" data input sub-screen contains a "Does The Balance Sheet Balance" section (not shown). If the balance sheet does not balance the user is advised of the amount by which the balance sheet does not reconcile.

As with the "Performance" data input sub-screen, an "Add" button 616 allows the user to create a new column of input fields for the addition of financial properties from a further time period, and an "x" icon 618 allows a column of financial properties to be deleted. When a column is added using the "add" button 516, 616 on either the

"Performance" data input sub screen 500 of Figure 5 or the "Balance Sheet" data input sub screen 600 of Figure 6 respectively, a column is automatically added in both sub screens. Similarly, when the "x" icon 518, 618 is clicked for a particular column in either sub screen, the column is deleted in both the "Performance" data input sub screen 500 and the "Balance Sheet" data input sub screen 600. Also as with the "Performance" data input sub-screen, an icon 622 may be toggled to allow the user to switch between "normal" and "full screen" mode on the "Balance Sheet" data input sub-screen.

Performance - Data Output A number of data output screens are provided in order to allow the user to view the data that have been input in the data input sub-screens described above. Figure 7, depicts a "Performance" data output screen, which can be viewed by selecting the appropriate option from the menu bar 714. This menu bar is analogous to the menu bar 514 of Figure 5. The "Performance" screen displays graphical representations of four key measures of the performance of a business: "Turnover"; "Gross Profit Margin";

"Overheads (as % of turnover)"; and "Profit Before Tax (%)". These measures are calculated as mathematical functions of the financial properties entered in the data input screen. These mathematical functions are preferably industry-standard formulae. A relevant metric is produced for each of these four measures by expressing the change in a measure's value for a time period as compared to the same measure for the preceding period. As such, each relevant metric is also a mathematical function of the financial properties entered in the data input screen. Because these metric values are based on comparing a measure for a given period with the same measure for the preceding period, these metrics are regarded as "relative" metrics.

The "default" view of the "Performance" data output screen displays graphical output relating to all four measures and metrics, however due to the limited size of the screen, only two are displayed at a time. In Figure 7, the "Turnover" measure 702 and "Gross Profit Margin" 704 measure are graphically represented for each time period for which data had been entered. The graphical representation of the "Turnover" metric value for a given time period is the combination of the graphical representations of the two relevant successive measure values. This is because this metric is a relative metric, calculated on the basis of a comparison of the corresponding measure value over successive time periods. This is also the case for the graphical representation of the "Gross Profit Margin" metric. Scroll bar 706 is used to view the graphical representation of the "Overheads (as % of Turnover)" and "Profit Before Tax %" measures and metrics, which are presented in a similar fashion. It is clear that the "default" view is chosen because the "All" tab 709 is highlighted on metric list 708.

As a result of the financial properties shown by way of example in Figure 7, looking at the "Turnover" measure 702, it can be seen that the turnover measure value 710 for the period ending 31 December 2009 is 15% higher than the turnover measure value 720 for 31 December 2008. This 15% difference constitutes the Turnover metric value for the period ending 31 December 2009, and is calculated and displayed on the graphical representation of the 31 December 2009 measure 710. It can also be seen that turnover measure 715 for the period ending 31 May 2010 is 30% lower than the 13 Dec 2009 equivalent 710. Accordingly, the metric value "-30%" is displayed on the graphical representation of the 31 May 2010 measure 715.

The nature of the data entered for each time period is displayed along with the time period in question. Hence, it can be seen that the time period ending 31 May 2010 comprises a set of management account financial properties, whereas the time period ending 31 December 2009 comprises a set of certified account financial properties. For sets of financial properties that do not comprise a full year, these financial properties are annualised so that all sets of financial properties may be compared with one another.

Underneath the graphical representation of each financial measure, an icon is displayed that provides analysis information on the metric associated with the measure. The nature of the icon displayed will depend on the metric value. In Figure 7, the graphical representation of the 31 Dec 2009 Turnover measure 710 is associated with an icon 712 comprising a check mark in a circle, and the graphical representation of the (annualised) 31 May 2010 Turnover measure 715 is associated with an icon comprising 716 an exclamation mark in a red-bounded triangle. In this example, since the 31 December 2008 measures are the first entered, there is no prior dataset with which they may be compared, and therefore no metric can be produced for this time period. Accordingly, no icon is displayed beneath the graphical representation of the Turnover measure value 720 for 31 December 2008.

Preferably, the icons may also be colour coded. For example, the check mark may be in a green circle, and the exclamation mark may be in a red-bounded triangle. Additional icons, such as an exclamation mark in an orange triangle may also be used. Using the scroll bar 706, similar icons may be viewed for the graphical representations of the other financial metrics. In the example of Figure 7, the icon 712 comprising a check mark in a green circle indicates a positive characteristic. An icon comprising an exclamation mark in an orange triangle indicates that there may be cause for concern in relation to that financial metric. The icon 716 comprising an exclamation mark in a red-bounded triangle indicates that there is cause for concern in relation to that financial metric. The nature of the icon 712 (a check mark in a green circle) beneath the graphical representation 710 of the "Turnover" metric for 31 Dec 2009 advises that an increase in turnover of 15% (compared to the previous period) is considered positive.

As can be seen in Figure 8, if the icon 812 is clicked, an "advice" field 802 appears to the left of the screen. This "advice" field displays a narrative 804, in this case advising; "Modest / Steady" Increase in Turnover". Similarly, if the icon 816 beneath the graphical representation 814 of the "Turnover" metric for 31 May 2010 is clicked an "advice" field displays a narrative advising "Significant fall in Turnover. What is the reason? Will this trend continue? Has the business reduced overheads to match the fall in turnover?". As such, the "advice" field provides analysis by giving the user guidance in relation to the questions that need to be answered in order to understand the metric value. This guidance is provided by way of the narrative 804, which can be configured as required. If the user wishes, the graphical representation of the "Turnover" measure and associated metric (or any of the other three metrics - "Gross Profit Margin",

"Overheads" or "Profit") may be viewed in "full-screen" mode by clicking the appropriate tab in the metric list 808. Figure 9 depicts the "Rule Set" screen that determines the icon types and the associated narratives that may be displayed in relation to the Turnover metric. This rule set is accessible as a separate screen 900 of the GUI, and the rules may be adjusted as the user requires. The "Range" column 902 allows the user to break all possible values of the Turnover metric into discrete sub-ranges. These sub-ranges are defined by the user, who pre-determines and inputs threshold values in cells of successive rows 908 under the "Range" column, wherein the threshold values delineate the sub-ranges in question. The "Indicator" column 904 comprises cells having a user-selected colour or shade each of which is associated with a corresponding icon. Two of the three shades depicted in column 904 are associated with one of the icons discussed with respect to Figure 6. A shade of green in a cell in column 904 is associated with an icon comprising a check mark in a green circle, a shade of orange in a cell in column 904 is associated with an icon comprising exclamation mark in an orange triangle, and a shade of red in a cell in column 904 is associated with an icon comprising an exclamation mark in a red- bounded triangle. Each sub-range as defined by threshold values entered in a cell in the "Range" column is associated with one of these particular icons. The specific icon associated with a sub-range is determined by the shade chosen in the cell under the "Indicator" column 904 adjacent the cell containing the sub-range in question under the "Range" column. If a metric value falls within a given sub-range, then when that metric is displayed, the associated icon is also displayed.

The "Narrative" column 906 comprises cells containing user-defined narratives, each narrative associated with the sub-range and indicator on the same row. The user-defined narratives are provided so that metric values falling within each of the sub-ranges are associated with pertinent commentary. As metric values falling within different subranges warrant different commentary, different narratives are provided. These narratives are displayed in the "advice" field 802 of Figure 8 in the event the associated icon is clicked.

Returning to Figure 7, the second key performance measure displayed is "Gross Profit Margin". As a result of the financial properties used by way of example in Figure 7, looking at the "Gross Profit Margin" measure 704, it can be seen that this value is steady between the three periods at 23%-24%. The "Gross Profit Margin" metric will illustrate a change of-1% for the period ending 31 Dec 2009, and a change of 0% for the period ending 31 May 2010. Although not seen on this screen, if the scroll bar 706 is used, icons will be found beneath the graphical representations of the "Gross Profit Margin" measure for each of these time periods. As with the Turnover metric, these icons are associated with the metric for each period, and can be clicked on, bringing up an "advice" field. This advice field is similar to the "advice" field 802 in Figure 8 in that it displays a narrative giving pertinent feedback on the specific value of the associated metric. Also as with the "Turnover" metric, the "Gross Profit Margin" metric is associated with a dedicated "Rule Set" screen 1000 as depicted in Figure 10. In the "Gross Profit Margin" "Rule Set" screen 1000, sub-ranges can be defined in "Range" column 1002, associated with specific icons (as defined in the "Indicator" column 1004), and associated with custom narratives (as defined in the "Narrative" column 1006). In a manner similar to the "Turnover" metric, the "Gross Profit Margin" measure value for each time period is graphically represented on the "Performance" data output screen (as depicted in Figure 7) above a corresponding icon, and the nature of the icon is determined by the "Gross Profit Margin" metric value for that time period and the corresponding sub-range defined in the "Rule Set" screen 1000.

In an analogous manner, graphical representations of the other two key measures ("Overheads (as % of Turnover)" and "Profit Before Tax %") are associated with icons that can be clicked on, thereby displaying an "advice" field containing a custom narrative. A metric value is derivable for each of these measures by contrasting the measure value for a given time period with the measure value for the same measure in the preceding time period. Each of these metrics is also associated with a dedicated "Rule Set" screen that allows the user to define the nature of the icon and the nature of the narrative to be displayed in association with the graphical representation of a measure value from a given time period. As with the previous cases, the nature of the icon depends on the metric value associated with that time period.

Balance Sheet - Data Output Figure 11 depicts another data output screen - the "Balance Sheet" data output screen. This screen can be selected from the menu bar 1114 which is analogous to the menu bar 514 previously discussed with respect to Figure 5. In the example of Figure 11, the balance sheets for two periods 1102, 1104 (in this case 31 December 2008 and 31 December 2009) are displayed by way of graphical representation, typically in the form of coloured bar charts. The graphical representation of the balance sheet comprises graphical representations of the financial properties that are pertinent to a balance sheet, these financial properties comprising a subset of those financial properties entered in the data input sub-screens discussed with respect to Figures 5 and 6.

Each of the individual financial properties entered under the "Fixed Assets" section of the "Balance Sheet" data input sub-screen is graphically represented 1106 in dark blue, towards the top of the right-sided bar charts 1108, 1110. Each of the individual financial properties entered under the "Current Assets" section of the "Balance Sheet" data input sub-screen is graphically represented 1112 in light blue, towards the bottom of the right- sided bar charts 1108, 1110. Similarly, each of the individual financial properties entered under the "Creditors

Falling Due Within One Year" and "Creditors Falling Due After More Than One Year" sections of the "Balance Sheet" data input sub-screen is graphically represented 1114 in red toward the bottom of the left-sided bar charts 1116, 1118, with the financial properties entered under "Creditors Falling Due Within One Year" displayed below the financial properties entered under "Creditors Falling Due After More Than One Year". In addition, each of the financial properties entered under the "Capital & Reserves" section of the "Balance Sheet" data input sub-screen is graphically represented 1120 in yellow towards the top of the left-sided bar charts 1116, 1118. The size of the graphical representation of each financial property is proportional to the magnitude of its value. A description of each represented financial property, together with its value, is displayed within the portion of the bar chart representing that property. The sum total of all of the components of each side of the graphical representation of the balance sheet is displayed 1122 at the bottom of each side of the graphical representation of the balance sheet. Provided that the business is solvent (i.e. its assets exceed its liabilities) the two sides of the balance sheet should be equal in size and value.

If the graphical representation of a particular financial property is very small and there is insufficient space to display its description and value, the description and value will appear in a pop-up on demand. Typically, the pop-up is triggered by rolling a cursor over the graphical representation in question.

If more than two sets of financial data have been input, arrow buttons 1124 may be used to cycle between any two sequential balance sheets. As with the other screens described, the user can opt to switch between "normal" and "full-screen" mode by toggling the full-screen icon 1128.

Analysing and graphically representing the financial properties in this way assists users to understand a balance sheet, and helps them relate the different components of the balance sheet to each other. It also assists users to understand the significance of changes in the value of key components of the balance sheet.

A number of different metrics are viewable on the "Balance Sheet" metric sub-screens, and these sub-screens may be accessed from metric list 1126. The default view is "Main", which does not display any specific metric sub-screen. As can be seen in Figure 11, the "Main" tab 1127 in the metric list 1126 is highlighted, and it is thus the "Main" "Balance Sheet" view that is presented. The metrics for the "Balance Sheet" data output screen are functions of a plurality of financial properties from a single time period. As such, these metrics may be referred to as "absolute" metrics. This is in contrast to the "relative" metrics of the "Performance" data output screen, which - while also functions of a plurality of financial properties - are calculated by comparing measures from a given time period with those of another time period.

The three metrics viewable on the "Balance Sheet" sub-screens relate to the three key balance sheet metrics: "Current" (this screen graphically represents the Current Ratio); "Quick" (this screen graphically represents the Quick Ratio); and "Gearing" (this screen graphically represents the Gearing Ratio)

Turning to Figure 12, the "Current" sub-screen displays the Current Ratio metric for each time period for which a set of financial data has been entered. The industry standard formula for the Current Ratio is {Current Assets / [Creditors (Amounts Falling Due Within One Year)]} . This ratio is a simple measure of the extent to which

"Creditors (Amounts falling due within one year)" is covered by "Current Assets". It gives an indication of the ease with which a business can meet its obligation as they fall due.

In the graphical representation of the "Current Ratio" metric, the financial properties 1222, 1224 entered under the "Current Assets" section of the "Balance Sheet" data input sub-screen are highlighted in light blue in the right-sided bar charts 1208, 1210. All other graphically represented financial properties on the right-sided bar charts are

"greyed-out". The financial properties 1226, 1228 entered under the "Creditors falling due within one year" section of the "Balance Sheet" data input sub-screen are highlighted in red in the left-sided bar charts 1216, 1218. All other components on the left-sided bar chart are "greyed-out". This graphical representation of the Current Ratio metric makes it easy for the user to identify which components are having most influence on the metric value or changes in the metric value from one period to the next.

The Current Ratio metric itself 1230, 1232 is displayed underneath the graphical representation for each time period. An icon 1234, 1236 is displayed beside the metric, and the nature of the icon is dependent on the metric value. Clicking on an icon 1234, 1236 brings up an "advice" field 1242 containing a narrative 1244 that is pertinent to the metric value. The narrative also typically contains a link 1246 to further information on the metric in question. Similar to the manner in which different icons are associated with different sub-ranges of the range of all possible metric values of the "Performance" data output screen, the metric sub-screens of the "Balance Sheet" data output screen are also configurable. With respect to Figure 12, the range of all possible Current Ratio metric values may be divided into sub-ranges using threshold values, and these sub-ranges may be associated with specific icons and customised narratives. This is all configured via a dedicated "Current Ratio" "Rule Set" screen (not shown) analogous in format to the "Rule Set" screen depicted in Figures 9 and 10.

In the example of Figure 12, the Current Ratio metric value for the displayed time periods is 0.6 and 0.3 respectively. In this example, threshold values have been added to the Current Ratio "Rule Set" screen such that these metric values fall within a sub-range associated with an icon comprising an exclamation mark in a red-bounded triangle. In this example, the narrative associated with this sub-range has been configured to provide relevant commentary for metric values that fall into this sub-range.

The Quick Ratio metric sub-screen (not shown), which utilises the industry standard formula (Current Assets - Stock) / {Creditors (Amounts Falling Due Within One Year)}, follows a similar format. This metric is a more stringent test of liquidity than the standard "Current Ratio" as it removes the least liquid of the "Current Assets" (Stock). In the graphical representation of the "Quick Ratio" metric value, the financial properties entered under the "Current Assets" section of the "Balance Sheet" data input sub-screen, except for "Finished Goods (Stock)", are highlighted in light blue in the right-sided bar graph, and all other components on the right-sided bar chart are greyed- out. The financial properties entered under the "Creditors (Amounts Falling Due Within One Year)" section of the "Balance Sheet" data input sub-screen are highlighted in red in the left-sided bar charts. All other components on the left-sided bar chart are "greyed- out". These differences aside, the Quick Ratio metric sub-screen operates in an analogous fashion to the Current Ratio metric sub-screen.

The Gearing Ratio metric sub screen (also not shown) utilises the industry standard formula (Bank Debt) / (Capital and Reserves). This metric is a measure of financial stability - it measures the amount of funding contributed by the shareholders compared to the amount of funding contributed by banks. In the graphical representation of the

"Gearing Ratio", the financial properties entered under the "Capital & Reserves" section of the "Balance Sheet" data input sub-screen are highlighted in yellow in the left-sided bar charts. Any financial properties entered in the "Balance Sheet" data input sub-screen that pertain to any form of bank debt are highlighted in red in the left-sided bar charts. These differences aside, the Gearing Ratio metric sub-screen operates in an analogous fashion to the Current Ratio and Quick Ratio metric sub-screens.

Working Capital

A further data output screen is the "Working Capital" screen 1302 as depicted in Figure 13 that may be accessed via a menu bar 1314 analogous to that previously described. The "Working Assets" in a business are the "Stock" that a business needs to hold in order to trade together with its "Trade Debtors" (the customers who have taken goods or services but not yet paid for them). The "Working Capital" screen is set out in an analogous fashion to the "Balance Sheet" metric sub-screens. As such, in the example of Figure 13, the Working Capital for two periods 1301, 1303 (in this case 31 December 2008 and 31 December 2009) are displayed by way of graphical representation, typically in the form of coloured bar charts. In this case the "Working Assets" are highlighted in blue on the right-sided bar charts 1305, 1307, and all other assets are greyed-out. The best way for a business to fund the "Working Assets" is for the business to take credit from its suppliers ("trade creditors"). The "Trade Creditors" are highlighted in red on the left-sided bar charts 1309, 1311, and all other components on these charts are greyed out.

The "Working Capital" screen comprises a "Main" sub-screen and a "Funding Gap" sub-screen, each sub-screen accessible from metric list 1326. As can be seen in Figure 13, the "Main" tab 1327 in the metric list 1326 is highlighted, and it is thus the "Main" "Working Capital" sub-screen that is presented. In the "Main" sub-screen, three industry-standard working capital measures are displayed underneath the graphical representation of the balance sheets: "Stock Days"; "Debtor Days"; and "Creditor Days". Metrics are associated with each of these measures. As with the "Performance" data output screen, the "Stock Days"; "Debtor Days"; and "Creditor Days" metrics are relative metrics - functions of a plurality of financial properties that are calculated by comparing measures from a given time period with those of another time period. The "Stock Days" measure value 1321 is calculated using the formula {(Stock / Cost of Sales) x 365} . This measure gauges the average number of days that the business holds its stock. The "Stock Days" metric value is derivable by contrasting the "Stock Days" measure value for a given time period with the "Stock Days" measure value for the preceding time period. In a fashion similar to the manner previously described, an icon 1331 is displayed beside the "Stock Days" measure value for a given time period, the icon in question depending on the metric value. Clicking on the icon displays an advice field (not shown) containing a customised narrative pertinent to the metric value in question. Specific icons and narratives are associated with specific sub-ranges of the metric value range by way of a dedicated "Stock Days" "Rule Set" screen (not shown) in an analogous fashion to that described with respect to Figure 9 and 10.

The "Debtor Days" measure value 1323 is calculated using the formula {(Trade Debtors / Turnover) x 365} . This measure gauges the average number of days taken by the business's customers to pay. As with the "Stock Days" metric value, the "Debtor Days" metric value is derived from a comparison between the "Debtor Days" measure value for a given time period with the "Debtor Days" measure value for the preceding time period. Also, as with the "Stock Days" metric value, an icon is displayed beside the "Debtor Days" metric, and this functionality is governed by choices input into a dedicated "Debtor Days" "Rule Set" screen (not shown) in a fashion analogous to that previously described.

The "Creditor Days" measure value 1325 is calculated using the formula {(Trade Creditors / Cost of Sales) x 365} . This measure gauges the average number of days taken by the business to pay its suppliers. The "Creditor Days" metric value is calculated in a fashion analogous to the "Stock Days" and "Debtor Days" metrics already described. As with the "Stock Days" and "Debtor Days" metrics, an icon is displayed beside the "Creditor Days" measure value, and this functionality is governed by choices input into a dedicated "Creditor Days" "Rule Set" screen (not shown) in a fashion analogous to that previously described.

The difference between the value of the "Working Assets" 1340 (highlighted in blue on the right-sided bar charts) and the "Trade Creditors" 1342 (highlighted in red on the left-sided bar charts) is known as the "Working Capital Funding Gap" metric. More information on this can be obtained from the "Funding Gap" sub-screen as depicted in Figure 14. The "Funding Gap" sub-screen of the "Working Capital" data output screen is accessed by selecting the "Funding Gap" tab 1427 from metric list 1426. The

"Working Assets" in a business are the "Stock" that a business needs to hold in order to trade together with its "Trade Debtors" (the customers who have taken goods or services but not yet paid for them). A business needs to fund the "working capital funding gap" in order to trade. This screen measures and presents a graphical representation 1402, 1404 of the

"Working Capital Funding Gap" metric by highlighting the difference in size between the (graphically represented in blue) "Working Assets" and the (graphically represented in red) "Trade Creditors" for each time period. As such, this metric is a function of financial properties from within a single time period and is therefore an "absolute metric". Information on the funding gap is provided both in monetary terms 1408 and as a percentage of turnover 1406. Each metric value is associated with a specific icon and narrative, the rules governing the icons and narratives in question being applied via a dedicated "Funding Gap" "Rule Set" screen in a fashion analogous to that previously described. Working capital funding is a concept that many bankers and business owners struggle with. The graphical representation of this concept in the invention helps people to grasp this concept and to understand the significance of the size of the working capital funding gap, the significance of the way that the working capital funding gap is funded, and the significance of changes in the size of the working capital funding gap from one period to the next.

Cash Flow

An additional data output screen is the "Cash Flow" screen that may be accessed via a menu bar analogous to the menu bar 514 depicted in Figure 5. "Cash Flow" relates to the inflows of cash to a business during a specified period and the outflows of cash from a business during a specified period. Overall cash flow for a given period is comprised of a set of metrics, each metric pertaining to specific elements of the overall cashflow. Each of these metrics are relative metrics in that they are functions of financial properties from more than one given period, and the formulae for each of these metrics is well known in the art. It is critical that bankers and business owners (or managers) understand all of the factors that influence cash flow. Cash Flow is a concept that many bankers and business owners struggle to understand. As depicted in Figure 15, in the "Cash Flow" screen, incoming cash flow metrics are graphically represented in a left- sided bar chart 1501 in blue and outgoing cash flow metrics are graphically represented in a right-sided bar chart 1503 in red. Both bar charts are broken into segments, each segment representing an individual cashflow metric. The size of each segment in the graphs is proportional to the value of the associated metric for a given period.

The "Cash Flow" screen comprises a "Main" sub-screen (as seen in Figure 15) and a number of additional "checkpoint" sub-screens that may be chosen from metric menu 1526. The "Cash Flow" screen defaults to the "Main" sub-screen, without any of the checkpoint sub-screens selected, and this can be seen from the metric menu 1526 when only the "Main" tab 1527 is highlighted. These sub-screens comprise "Trading", "Interest, Tax and Dividends", "Working Capital", "Capital Expenditure" and

"Financing" viewing options.

The Main screen presents a general overview of the cash flow situation for a given period, and the checkpoint viewing options each allow specific metric subsets of the overall cash flow for a given period to be highlighted. If the "Trading" sub-screen tab 1631 is selected, as depicted in Figure 16, the tab 1631 is highlighted, as is the graphical representation 1632 of the "cash surplus or deficit following trading" metric in the bar charts 1601, 1603 displayed on the Main sub-screen. The graphical

representations of all other cash flow metrics are greyed out. Beneath the bar charts 1601, 1603, a running total is displayed in running total field 1620. In this example, the running total displays the "cash surplus from trading" metric value.

If the "Interest, Tax and Dividends" tab 1733 is selected from the metric menu 1726 (as depicted in Figure 17), both the "Trading" tab 1731 and the "Interest, Tax and

Dividends" tab 1733 are highlighted, because the "Interest, Tax and Dividends" metrics are not to be viewed in isolation, but in conjunction with the "cash surplus or deficit following trading" metric. Accordingly, the graphical representation 1732 for the "cash surplus or deficit following trading" metric value and the graphical representations 1734, 1736 for the "Interest, tax and Dividends" metric values are respectively highlighted in bar charts 1701, 1703. All remaining graphical representations of cash flow metrics are greyed-out. The "cash surplus or deficit following trading" metric is in an incoming cash flow metric, as is the "Interest received" metric component of the "Interest, tax and Dividends" metrics (graphically represented by bar chart element 1736). In contrast, the "Interest, tax and Dividends" metrics representing interest paid, dividends paid, and Corporation Tax paid are outgoing cash flow metrics. Accordingly, these metric values are offset against one another to arrive at the running total value. This value is displayed in running total field 1720. For graphical representations of metric values that are too small to carry a label, such as that representing interest received 1736, a pop-up window appears carrying information identifying the metric if the cursor is held over the graphical representation. If the "Working Capital" tab 1835 is selected from the metric menu 1826 (as depicted in Figure 18), the "Trading" tab 1831 the "Interest, Tax and Dividends" tab 1833 and the "Working Capital" tab 1835 are highlighted, because the "Working Capital" metrics are to be viewed in conjunction with the "Trading" and "Interest, Tax and Dividends" metrics. Accordingly, the graphical representation 1832 for the "cash surplus or deficit following trading" metric value, the graphical representations 1834, 1836 for the "Interest, Tax and Dividends" metric values and the graphical representations 1838, 1840 of the are "Working Capital" metrics respectively highlighted in bar charts 1801, 1803. All remaining graphical representations of cash flow metrics are greyed-out. As with the "Interest, Tax and Dividends" sub-screen, the metrics of interest on the "Working Capital" screen are a combination of incoming cash flows and outgoing cash flows. Accordingly, these metric values are offset against one another to arrive at the running total value. This value is displayed in running total field 1820. As has been previously described, for graphical representations of metric values that are too small to carry a label, such as that representing interest received 1836, a pop-up window appears carrying information identifying the metric if the cursor is held over the graphical representation. If the "Capital Expenditure" tab 1937 is selected (as depicted in Figure 19), the "Capital Expenditure" sub-screen is displayed, which works in a manner analogous to the "Interest, Tax and Dividends" and "Working Capital" sub-screens already described. In this screen, graphical representations of "Trading", "Interest, Tax and Dividends", "Working Capital" and "Capital Expenditure" metrics are all highlighted, and the appropriate running total is presented accordingly.

If the "Financing" tab 2037 is selected (as depicted in Figure 20), the "Financing" sub- screen is displayed, which also works in a manner analogous to the "Interest, Tax and Dividends" and "Working Capital" sub-screens already described. In this screen graphical representations of "Trading", "Interest, Tax and Dividends", "Working Capital", "Capital Expenditure" and "Financing" metrics are all highlighted, and the appropriate running total is presented accordingly.

In any of the sub-screens of the Cash Flow sub-screen, clicking any of the graphical representations of metrics that comprise a plurality of financial properties (such as "Net Increase in Bank Debt") brings up an "advice" field that displays the constituent financial properties making up that segment, along with their respective values.

It will be appreciated that the checkpoint viewing options described above are by way of example, and it is envisaged to provide the user with the functionality to delineate their own custom cash flow checkpoint viewing options. Cash Flow is probably the concept that bankers and business owners have the greatest difficulty understanding. The graphical representation of cash flow information as described makes it easy to quickly understand cash flow and to understand the significance of the factors contributing to the cash flow of a business.

Repayment Capacity

A further data output screen is the "Repayment Capacity" screen 2124 depicted in Figure 21 that may be accessed via the menu bar 2114 analogous to the menu bar previously described. "Repayment Capacity" is a metric used by many banks when assessing the ability of a business to repay its loans. Repayment Capacity is calculated from the financial properties entered in the "Supplementary Information" section of the "Performance" data input sub-screen described further above. As this metric is calculated from financial properties pertaining to a single time period, it is an absolute metric.

The "Repayment Capacity" screen comprises a "Main" sub-screen and an ancillary "Excluding Capital expenditure and Working Capital" sub-screen. This screen defaults to the Main display, and the "Excluding Capital expenditure and Working Capital" sub- screen may be chosen from a metric menu 2126 in a fashion analogous to that already described.

The graphical representation of the "Repayment Capacity" metric illustrates the cash commitments for the year ahead in a right-sided bar chart 2103 and cash generated on a left-sided bar chart 2101.

The left-sided bar chart is broken into a number of segments, each representative of an individual metric. The primary metric is "Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation" (EBITDA). In simple terms, this measures the surplus cash generated by the trading activities of the business during the time period in question. The

EBITDA metric value displayed is the EBITDA metric value adjusted by

adding/deducting any financial property representative of an income/expenditure item that is not likely to recur - chiefly, the financial properties entered as "adjustments" in the "Supplementary Information" section of the "Performance" data input sub-screen described further above. The overall "Cash Generated" total 2105 is displayed underneath the left-sided bar chart 2101.

The right-sided bar chart 2103 is also broken into a number of segments each representative of an individual metric. This bar chart graphically represents the cash commitments that the business is expected to have in the period (year) ahead - chiefly the financial properties entered as "repayments" in the "Supplementary Information" section of the "Performance" data input sub-screen described further above. The segments are depicted in proportion to their size, and the cumulative total 2107 is displayed below the right sided graph.

Two versions of the "Repayment Capacity" metric are displayed under the bar chart. "Repayment Cover" 2109 gauges the number of times that the "Cash Commitments" are covered by the "Cash Generated" (i.e. Cash Generated / Cash Commitments). "Surplus" 2112 measures the amount by which the "Cash Generated" exceeds the "Cash

Commitments" (i.e. Cash Generated - Cash Commitments). An icon 2110 is displayed with these metrics, and clicking on the icon displays a narrative pertinent to the value of the metric. Specific icons and narratives are associated with specific sub-ranges of the metric value range by way of a dedicated "Repayment Capacity" "Rule Set" screen (not shown) in a fashion analogous to that previously described.

If the "Excluding Capital Expenditure and Working Capital" tab 2131 is selected, a variation of the Repayment Capacity calculation is displayed. In this variation, the items "Capital Expenditure" and "Working Capital Absorbed" are excluded from the calculations. All other functionality remains the same.

It will be appreciated that there are a number of variations to the "Repayment Capacity" metric, and that the above is described by way of example. It is envisaged to provide the user with the functionality to delineate their own custom "Repayment Capacity" graphical representation options.

Summary

Figure 22 depicts the final data output screen - the "Summary" screen that may be accessed via the menu bar 2214. The "Summary" screen summarises all of the key metrics contained in the "Performance" screen, the "Balance Sheet" screen, the

"Working Capital" screen, the "Cash Flow" screen and the "Repayment Capacity" screen. In addition, the "Summary" screen contains additional metrics not contained in any of the other screens. Metric values 2202, 2204 from any two consecutive time periods for which sets of financial data have been entered can be viewed in the "Summary" screen. The arrows at the top right-hand side of the screen 2206 allow the user to move between periods. The "Summary" screen is divided into seven sections: Performance; Financial Strength; Liquidity; Fixed Assets; Working Capital Management; Repayment Capacity; and Other Issues. The "Performance" section summarises the four key metrics contained in the "Performance" screen, for the two periods chosen. These four key metrics (as previously described) are: "Increase/Decrease in Turnover"; "Gross Profit Margin"; "Overheads (as % of turnover)"; and "Profit Before Tax (%)".

In the example of Figure 22, the "Increase or Decrease in Turnover" row displays a metric value 2110 of +15% for the time period ending 31 December 2009 and a metric value 2112 of -30% for the time period ending 31 May 2010. An icon 2214 is displayed adjacent to these values relating to the more recent of the two periods chosen. As previously described, the icon displayed is dependent on the metric value, and governed by the rules set out in the dedicated "Rule Set" screen associated with the Turnover metric. The narrative 2216 associated with the icon is displayed to the right of the narrative. As such, the displayed icon and associated narrative are the same as those that appeared in the "Performance" screen for "Increase or decrease in Turnover". On this screen, clicking on the icon returns the user to the "Performance" data output screen with the graphical representation of "Increase or Decrease in Turnover displayed. A "Learn" icon 2218 is also displayed on the "Increase or Decrease in Turnover" row. As depicted in Figure 23, clicking on the "Learn" icon 2218 depicted in Figure 21 brings up an "advice" field 2302 comprising a narrative 2304 giving additional information and guidance in relation to this particular metric (in this case "Increase or Decrease in Turnover"). The other key metrics in the performance section of the Summary screen depicted in Figure 22 are represented in analogous fashion. The "Financial Strength" section contains two metrics: "Shareholders' Funds", and "Gearing". The "Gearing" metric is previously described in relation to the "Balance Sheet" data output screen, and this metric value is represented in analogous fashion to the representation of the Turnover metric value above. The "Shareholders' Funds" metric is based on corresponding financial properties that have been entered. Depending on whether the metric value is positive or negative, a different icon and narrative will be displayed. The "Liquidity" section displays three metrics: the "Current Ratio"; the "Quick Ratio"; and "Cash Reserves". The functionality for "Current Ratio" and "Quick Ratio" is identical to the other "Summary" screen metrics described above. The "Cash Reserves" metric value is derived from a corresponding financial property entered in the data input screen. A different icon and narrative is displayed if the metric value is positive or zero.

The next section, "Fixed Assets" contains the financial property relating to the purchase of fixed assets. No coloured icon is displayed in this section, and the narrative is always the same, with the value of the "Purchase of Fixed Assets" inserted into the narrative. The following section, "Working Capital Management" contains four metrics: "Stock Days"; "Debtor Payment Days"; "Creditor Collection Days"; and "Working Capital Funding Gap". These are the same four metrics from the "Working Capital" screen, and are displayed in a manner analogous to the other "Summary" screen metrics described above.

The subsequent section is "Repayment Capacity". This section contains the "Repayment Cover" metric, and is also displayed in the manner already described.

The final section is "Other Issues", which may - if relevant - display up to five

"warning" metrics. For example, a "Directors' Loans" warning metric is triggered and displayed if the "Directors' Loans" financial property entered in the "Current Assets" section of the data input screen is: greater than 50,000; and greater than 10% of the "Capital and Reserves" financial property entered in the data input screen. The criteria for "activating" this warning, and the narrative displayed can be modified to suit the requirements of each individual client.

The other four "warning" metrics that can be triggered to appear in "Other Issues" are: "Other Debtors" (triggered if financial properties classified as "Other Debtors" entered in the data input screen are: greater than 50,000; and greater than 10% of the "Capital and Reserves" financial property)

"Due from Related Company" - (triggered if financial properties classified as "Due from Related Company" entered in the data input screen are: greater than 50,000; and greater than 10% of the "Capital and Reserves" financial property);

"Directors' Loans Reduced" - (triggered if financial properties classified as "Directors Loans" entered in the "Creditors falling due within one year" section of the data input screen has fallen by greater than 50,000)

"Taxes Outstanding" - (triggered if the outcome of the formula {[(Value

Added Tax + Pay As You Earn Income Tax)/Pay Related Social Insurance]/ Turnover} is 50% greater than the previous year.

The final "output" is in the form of a print-out that can be referred to in meetings with clients or colleagues (not shown). The "print-out" can serve as a very useful discussion document. The "printout" comprises the summary sheet, together with printouts of some of the key metric graphical representations. The "printout" summary screen contains five addition "prompts" in relation to items not previously displayed in the invention, as follows:

"Are the accounts signed-off by the directors and the auditors / accountants?"

"If audited, are the accounts unqualified (check the auditors "opinion")?"

"Directors Remuneration - is the level of directors' remuneration appropriate?"

"Detailed Expenses - Look at the detailed list of expenses. Have there been any significant changes year-on-year? Have there been any unusual expenses? If so, why?" "Look through all of the notes to see if there is anything unusual"

These additional questions are designed to prompt the user to consider these five important issues, which are not covered within the core invention.

As will be appreciated, while the invention has been described with respect to graphical representation of measure values and metric values in the context of specifically colour- coded bar charts, the invention is not limited to graphical representation of the values in this particular format.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. It will also be appreciated that while the embodiment of the invention depicted in Figure 1 is described in the context of a general purpose personal computer, the invention could equally be operated on other suitable personal computing devices such as tablets or smartphones. Furthermore, it is envisaged that the data input module may comprise one of a variety of possibilities, such as a keyboard (for receiving typed input), voice recognition software (for receiving vocal input), optical character recognition software (for receiving input in the form of scanned documents), and digital document parsing software (for extracting input from computer files, for example spreadsheet or word- processing files). Similarly, it is envisaged that the data display module may comprise one of a variety of possibilities such as a general purpose computer screen or a touchscreen.

The words "comprises/comprising" and the words "having/including" when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

While the preferred embodiment and various alternative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed and described in detail herein, it may be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.