TIDMMTEC
RNS Number : 7907D
Matchtech Group PLC
29 October 2015
29 October 2015
Matchtech Group plc
Preliminary Results for the year ended 31 July 2015
Matchtech Group plc ("Matchtech" or the "Group"), the specialist
Engineering, IT and Telecoms recruitment agency, today announces
its Preliminary Results for the year ended 31 July 2015. The
results include a maiden four months' contribution from Networkers
International plc ("Networkers"), which was acquired on 2 April
2015.
Financial Highlights
2015 2014 Change
Matchtech Networkers Group Group Matchtech Group
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm % %
Revenue 445.0 57.3 502.3 451.6 -1% +11%
Net Fee Income(1) (NFI) 45.3 9.5 54.8 45.0 +1% +22%
Contract NFI 33.1 7.0 40.1 32.8 +1% +22%
Permanent recruitment
fees 12.2 2.5 14.7 12.2 - +20%
Adjusted EBITA(2) 14.5 2.3 16.8 13.6 +7% +24%
Adjusted PBTA(2) 13.8 1.9 15.7 12.6 +10% +25%
% Contract NFI / Permanent 73 / 73 /
fees 27 27
Profit before tax GBP11.3m GBP11.9m
Basic earnings per share 31.0p 37.0p
Adjusted basic earnings
per share(2) 45.3p 39.2p +16%
Adjusted diluted earnings
per share(2) 43.3p 37.1p +17%
Final proposed dividend 16.32p 14.59p +12%
Total proposed dividend 22.00p 20.00p +10%
Operating cash conversion 124% 115%
Net debt(3) GBP33.6m GBP3.1m +GBP30.5m
The following footnotes apply, where indicated, throughout these
preliminary results:
(1) NFI is calculated as revenue less contractor payroll
costs
(2) Adjusted results exclude GBP1.7m of acquisition costs,
GBP1.0m of restructuring costs and GBP1.7m (2014: GBP0.7m) of
amortisation from acquired intangibles
(3) Increase in net debt due to funding of the Networkers
acquisition
Operational Highlights
-- Trading performance in line with market expectations
-- Strong growth in permanent fees in Engineering, up 24%
-- Engineering markets remain buoyant
-- Transformational acquisition of Networkers
-- Integration plans on track
-- On course to achieve synergy targets by 2017
Commenting on the results, Brian Wilkinson, Chief Executive of
the Group said:
"The Group delivered solid results in what was a significant
year for the Group, as we acquired Networkers, the highly respected
international recruitment firm specialising in Telecommunications,
IT and Engineering, and began to integrate the two businesses.
The 2016 financial year has started well in-line with
management's expectations, with many buoyant markets across the
Group's core sectors. The Group is realising cost synergies from
the combination and early signs of sales synergies are coming
through.
Looking ahead, we regard all our international locations to be a
huge opportunity to advance our activities in local and regional
markets across the world and are planning for substantial growth
over the next few years.
We believe the high engagement levels of our exceptional people
will continue to underpin the lasting loyalty of clients and
candidates alike, delivering enhanced shareholder value and
improved returns.
I am optimistic about the future prospects for the Group and
look forward to strong growth in all our markets based on the truly
global scale and the greater brand awareness that comes with
leadership status."
For further information please contact:
Matchtech Group plc +44 (0) 1489 898989
Brian Wilkinson, Chief Executive
Officer
Tony Dyer, Chief Financial Officer
Newgate Communications - Financial
PR +44 (0) 20 7653 9847
Andrew Jones / Edward Treadwell
Numis Securities Limited +44 (0) 20 7260 1000
Michael Meade (NOMAD)/ James
Serjeant
Chairman
Reflecting on a watershed year for Matchtech Group
Looking back at the 2015 financial year, the Board recognises
that it was a watershed year for Matchtech, with the acquisition in
April 2015 of Networkers International plc.
In Networkers, we found the excellent international network and
telecoms expertise we sought. Equally important, it is culturally
well aligned with Matchtech.
Under Brian Wilkinson's leadership as our CEO, we also made
significant progress in strengthening the Group to position it for
future challenges and opportunities.
Financial results and final dividend
Reflecting a year of solid achievement, adjusted basic earnings
per share were up 16% to 45.3 pence (2014: 39.2 pence). Further
information on the Group's financial performance is provided in the
Chief Financial Officers Report.
The Group's progressive dividend policy remains an important
part of our investment proposition and this will continue following
the acquisition. The Board recommends to shareholders a final
dividend of 16.32 pence per share, an increase of 12% on last year.
This gives a total dividend for the year of 22.00 pence per share
(2014: 20.0 pence) up 10% with an adjusted dividend cover of 2.1
times (2014: 2.0 times).
If approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, to be
held on 2 December 2015, the final dividend will be payable on 11
December 2015 to those shareholders registered on 13 November
2015.
Delivering the future
The CEO's Statement explains how we have reorganised reporting
structures to support even stronger client relationships and make
the best use of our expanded reach and expertise.
The formation of our new Management Board has also given a more
appropriate managerial structure for future development and
growth.
We are delivering against our ambition to be the employer of
choice for staff as we develop and accelerate their careers. The
Board thanks all our colleagues for their achievements and
commitment in this watershed year.
We have made good progress on integrating Networkers into the
Group, focusing primarily on gaining the greatest possible benefits
for clients from our new global scale.
In an important exercise to get to know every individual, the
CEO visited all 10 overseas offices in the network within 2 months
of the acquisition. These are early days however, and much remains
to be done, particularly in terms of client integration and also
investing to upgrade some regional back office systems to support
future growth.
New Chairman
I am very pleased to welcome Patrick Shanley as Non-Executive
Chairman with effect from the end of the Annual General Meeting on
2 December 2015. I am confident that Patrick's skills and
experience will be invaluable for the Group over the coming
years.
Outlook
As I step down from my period as Interim Non-Executive Chairman,
I have never felt more positive about the potential of Matchtech
Group, its performance and that of the industries it serves.
We have great staff and management, well led by an exceptional
CEO in Brian Wilkinson.
Above all we have our culture, one which has served us so very
well over the last three decades.
I know the business will strive to capitalise on all of the
opportunities in front of it.
Ric Piper
Interim Chairman
Chief Executive's Report
A key strategic move in meeting client and candidate needs
The year under review was highly significant for the Group as we
acquired and began to integrate into our business Networkers
International plc, the highly respected international recruitment
firm specialising in Telecommunications, IT and Engineering.
The acquisition was a key strategic move as we respond to and
anticipate the development of client and candidate needs. As the
UK's leading provider of white collar engineering professionals, we
believe that the evolution to advanced electronic software-based
systems from traditional mechanical and older electrical
technologies and the increasing globalisation of many of our
leading clients are equally significant to our future.
The acquisition of Networkers addressed both these important
trends more rapidly, more cost-effectively and with less risk than
the alternative of organic growth to achieve the same result.
New market entry
Networkers' presence in the telecoms and connectivity arena
brings us immediate access to an important new market, as the
Internet of Things (IoT) becomes a reality.
One high-profile example is the growing emphasis that automotive
manufacturers are placing on the so-called connected car. In the 10
years that Matchtech has focused on automotive technology, we have
seen software development building on engine-control and safety
systems to enable connectivity. This further increases the value of
advanced software and electronics expertise to the automotive
industry, and similar trends are now being seen in some of our
other markets, including avionics and maritime. The expanded
Matchtech Group can now meet substantially more of the R&D
recruitment needs of the biggest players in all these markets.
Rapid globalisation
(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires
October 29, 2015 03:01 ET (07:01 GMT)
Acquiring Networkers has given us a physical presence in nine
countries - all regional hubs - to add to Matchtech's strong
position in the UK. As noted above, the acquisition has
substantially reduced the costs and risk involved in international
expansion, giving us instantaneous access to the key markets of the
Middle East, North America and South-East Asia that we had already
identified as strategically vital to our future.
Further, the international presence and new competencies in
multi-site management that the acquisition brings us correlates to
the changing needs and expectations of our clients as they expand
their businesses across the world.
We are well positioned to deliver the global staffing solutions
that such clients need, enabling us to attract and retain much more
of their recruitment business.
The world's best projects
Additional factors also persuaded us that Networkers was the
right acquisition target. It has a great brand, with the quality,
reputation and status as a leading player in telecoms recruitment
that we were looking for. It was already profitable in all its
national markets, including its most recently opened operations. It
was in the right places across the world to serve all global
Anglo-Saxon and Anglo-American recruitment markets. And the
acquisition formed what we believe can be the world's leading
tech-focused recruiter in our shared specialist markets.
Critically, it also means that we can now demonstrate to the
best candidates that we are their route to the world's best
engineering, telecoms and technology projects, no matter where
these are to be found.
In short, the acquisition of Networkers has accelerated the
achievement of the company vision for 2017 that we set out last
year: to be the market-leading specialist recruiter; the employer
of choice in our sectors; the best partner for clients and
candidates alike; to have a fast-developing international business
and to be the premium recruitment stock for investors.
The most engaged consultants
At the core of achieving this vision is the additional power we
now have to engage with the industry's best and most productive
recruitment consultants, based on the enhanced career opportunities
our larger, more diverse and international business can now offer
our people. This is fundamental to achieving significantly faster
organic growth over the coming years and our research confirms to
us that individuals are critical if we are to build, evolve and
maintain all-important long-term relationships with clients and
candidates alike.
We believe, therefore, that the recruitment business with the
most engaged consultants will perform at the highest levels.
Developing and retaining our staff is a key priority. The Board and
senior management team continually review staff attraction and
development and seek to reduce attrition to levels below the
industry average.
Enhancing strategic delivery
The acquisition has confirmed the validity of our three pillared
strategy.
First, we have sharpened our focus on our three core vertical
markets of Engineering, IT and Telecommunications by reorganising
the reporting structure of our various Group companies to reflect
where our vertical-market expertise is strongest.
Networkers' energy and engineering business has been integrated
into Matchtech Engineering and teams combined from the established
IT businesses of Networkers, Connectus and Provanis teams. Barclay
Meade and Alderwood continue to provide the professional staffing
and training recruitment services which are so vital to our key
client base and we intend to continue the development of both
businesses from our Whiteley, Hampshire campus.
Secondly, we are already seeing positive movement up the value
chain. For example, average time-sheet value has grown by 5%, while
the average fee charged in our permanent business is up by 12%. The
introduction of Networkers' historically higher margin and higher
fee business can only accelerate this progression.
The acquisition has most clearly acted as a catalyst for our
third strategic priority - to "go global"; already, we are
generating a combined 30% on our net fee income from outside the
UK, up from just 2% before the acquisition. We have subsequently
amended this priority to "think global" which is encouraging our
people to maximise cross-selling opportunities around the world to
support and drive growth in all our local and regional markets.
Integrating our organisations
The process of integrating the two organisations has started
well. As the two management teams have come together, we have found
a great deal in common both culturally and professionally.
Following a series of visits to all our offices across the world,
during which I have met almost every member of staff, I have been
extremely impressed by the attitude, enthusiasm and energy of
everybody in the business.
We now have the rare opportunity to learn from one another and
pick the best aspects of each organisation to apply to the
integrated "whole", ensuring that the resulting Group will be
considerably stronger than its composite parts. We are applying
this "best of both" approach to our brands, our structure and roles
- allocating key roles to the most appropriate and experienced
people, regardless of which company they come from. Already, we
have been able to identify a number of talented individuals and
relocate them from the UK to other countries to drive growth. We
are increasingly recognising the value to our business of having
people with local cultural understanding and languages across the
world, based alongside the English-speaking core of the
organisation.
Operational aspects of the integration programme are continuing.
In areas like Finance, HR, IT and management, we are already
achieving cost synergies and best practice. Areas for
rationalisation remain. For example, we still have two CRMs, two
back offices and two sets of associated systems. This duplication
will be addressed.
We have already identified synergies in Stock Exchange listing
costs, the Board, management overhead and the rationalisation of
property. These synergies should realise in the region of GBP1.3m
in FY2016 on a fully annualised basis. We expect more cost
synergies to follow as we progress the integration and we combine
some back office functions.
We have chosen to re-invest some of these cost synergies to
improve the business and accelerate future growth. We are investing
to improve connectivity in some regional offices to support long
term growth, as well as strengthening functional management in some
areas. We are building on our existing strong business development
capability and we expect to see sales synergies come through in
FY2016, although early-stage progress, such as on joint bids, is
already highly encouraging.
In addition, we are currently undertaking in-depth research to
better understand the positioning and value that our brands
currently have in their individual markets. This will ultimately
enable us to reduce costs and maximise growth by taking our
strongest brands forward.
Culture and values
In my view, the most important work currently underway is our
initiative to link culture and values across and through every
level of the organisation. Cultural integration is vital to our
long-term success, so we are taking this process extremely
seriously, carrying out a worldwide series of workshops and
"get-to-know-you" sessions as important precursors to, and
catalysts for, seamless integration.
Performance
This year the Group has delivered NFI of GBP54.8m, with both
Matchtech and Networkers delivering broadly at the same level as
the same period last year. Our ability to effectively manage our
costs base has led to a 10% growth in adjusted profit before
taxation from the existing businesses to GBP13.8m, before the
beneficial impact of Networkers' four months' contribution of
GBP1.9m in the period.
The acquisition now gives us a platform to push on and continue
to grow into a global marketplace. On behalf of the Board I would
like to thank all our dedicated staff, contractors and candidates
for their contribution to the business this year.
Outlook
The 2016 financial year has started well, in-line with
management's expectations, with many buoyant markets across the
Group's core sectors.
In engineering, particularly encouraging is the continued
progress in the Infrastructure division where relationships with
key multi-national clients will be expanded internationally, as
well as in the Automotive, Aerospace and Maritime markets. In
Energy, the Group now enjoys a strong position in the growing
European renewables arena. The Telecoms sector is also performing
well, fueled by clients investing in 4G and converged service
offerings. The newly combined IT team is well placed to take
advantage of strong demand.
We are delivering cost synergies in areas including listing
costs, the Board, management and property, with the remainder of
the envisaged synergies on track for FY2017. A portion of the
savings will be used to make investments in sales and marketing,
regional management and connectivity for some international
offices, to increase the focus on large major accounts and to
optimize operational efficiency.
The Group has a good new business pipeline and signs of sales
synergies are coming through, with early joint bids progressing
well. We are now in a position to pursue more larger-scale
relationships and have identified opportunities across multiple
geographies and disciplines in our three verticals. A number of
staff have already been selected to relocate to international
offices to accelerate the growth opportunities.
Looking ahead, we regard all international locations to be a
huge opportunity to advance our activities in local and regional
markets across the world and are planning for substantial growth
over the next few years.
We believe the high engagement levels of our exceptional people
will continue to underpin the lasting loyalty of clients and
candidates alike, delivering enhanced shareholder value and
improved returns.
(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires
October 29, 2015 03:01 ET (07:01 GMT)
I am optimistic about the future prospects for the Group and
look forward to strong growth in all our markets based on the truly
global scale and the greater brand awareness that comes with
leadership status.
Brian Wilkinson
Chief Executive Officer
Operational Review
Engineering
This was a solid period for Engineering, during which we
delivered 6% growth in NFI to GBP28.7m (2014: GBP27.1m). Contract
NFI grew 2% to GBP23.1m (2014: GBP22.6m) and permanent fees were up
24% to GBP5.6m (2014: GBP4.5m).
Engineering comprises six clearly defined divisions, enabling us
to keep niche specialisation in each of our markets. The structure
also enables us to react quicker than ever before to emerging
changes in individual markets, allowing us to maximise
opportunities for growth in particular sectors or to respond to
challenges in others.
From the engineering perspective, the addition of Networkers'
energy and engineering business is a tremendous advance thanks to
the new internationalism of its market place and its success in a
broad range of niches that are mainly complementary to those
already established within Matchtech.
Infrastructure
Our Infrastructure Division, which focuses on primarily UK-based
projects in environmental & water engineering, highways,
transportation & planning, property and rail sectors, had a
highly successful year with significant NFI growth in both contract
and permanent recruitment.
We supported major players in many key infrastructure projects,
including the Thames Tideway Tunnel (due to start construction in
2016) and the HS2 high-speed rail link between London, Birmingham,
the North West and Yorkshire (with first-phase construction
starting in 2017). Other major projects include the new M8 scheme,
part of a major programme of improvement to Scotland's motorway
network, and the M1 smart motorway scheme, which has been underway
since 2013.
While the completion of the water industry's AMP5 capital
investment framework period meant demand for engineers lessened
somewhat during the year, decline was not as marked as in the
previous AMP interregnums. We are now active in meeting the new
recruitment demand stimulated by the commencement of AMP6, which
runs from 2015 to 2020.
Maritime
Very strong growth in permanent placement in the maritime sector
contributed to a highly successful year, during which we expanded
our international focus with particular emphasis on clients in
Canada.
This focus culminated with a contract to work on the Canadian
National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy, where the government
selected two shipyards to rebuild Canada's naval (in Halifax, Nova
Scotia) and coast guard fleets (in Vancouver) with packages of work
worth a combined $33 billion. This is an extremely exciting
development for Matchtech, and we are confident that our increased
international presence will enable further relationships of this
kind in the future.
In the UK, the Maritime division worked closely throughout the
year with BAE Systems on the major ongoing projects to build and
supply the Royal Navy's new Type 26 Frigate (the Global Combat
Ship) and the Successor programme.
Energy
Issues around the falling price of oil and other fossil-based
fuels have inevitably had an impact upon recruitment numbers among
traditional energy and resources companies across the world.
However, the Networkers acquisition has given us a very strong
foothold in the fast-growing and increasingly significant renewable
energy sector, particularly in areas like offshore wind power in
Europe. So while we are poised to respond as and when exploration
and production activities in the traditional energy sector increase
once again, we are placing a much greater emphasis on exploiting
our expertise in renewable energy.
Automotive
Our decision to downsize our German operation during the year
was balanced by a substantial increase in our UK OEM business,
which was driven in particular by our increasingly close and
broad-based relationship with Jaguar Land Rover.
The global nature of the automotive industry has in the past
restricted our ability to service the wider recruitment needs of
major manufacturers. Now, with an international presence that will
increasingly match the industry's worldwide footprint, we are well
positioned to grow this business segment in the years to come.
Aerospace
The division underwent a major shift in emphasis during the
year, as we responded to changing patterns in client demand. Across
the industry, focus in the production cycle has moved from a
primarily design-led phase to manufacturing, significantly altering
the type of engineering personnel that aerospace companies are
seeking.
As a result, we too moved our primary attention away from the
declining contract opportunities to concentrate on the more
in-demand high-margin and permanent positions that clients need to
fill. In doing so, we successfully protected our position in a
largely flat market.
General Engineering
This was a very successful year for our General Engineering
division, particularly for skilled and semi-skilled placements
throughout the South and reaching as far as the west of London.
Growth was particularly strong on the permanent side of the
business.
Professional Services
Professional services delivered a solid performance, its results
being affected by the closure of the Barclay Meade London
operation.
NFI for the year was down 7% to GBP16.6m (2014: GBP17.9m) with
Contract NFI of GBP10.0m (2014: GBP10.2m) was down 2% and Permanent
Fees of GBP6.6m (2014: GBP7.7m) down 14%.
Excluding Barclay Meade London, results of the continuing
operations were total NFI of GBP15.1m (2014: GBP15.6m) was 3% down,
with Contract NFI broadly similar at GBP9.6m (2014: GBP9.7m) and
Permanent Fees of GBP5.5m (2014: GBP5.9m) were 7% down.
Connectus
The Connectus IT recruitment business had a varied year, with
strong performance in both our corporate account client base and
within our core ERP business area, offset by challenges faced in
growing NFI in our other specialist markets.
The corporate accounts team was able to deliver an effective and
profitable service, with high fulfilment and 800 placements across
the year, retaining a place on the NHS framework, which will allow
us to further enhance our position as a top 10 supplier of IT
contractors to the NHS. The team also served as a vital support
function to key Group engineering clients.
The development of the specialist markets including software,
project management and IT infrastructure was challenging, however,
we saw significant contract wins with a number of technology,
professional services and engineering clients which will fuel
growth across FY2016.
We have realigned our staff, focusing them on talent pooling
which has strengthened our ability to source difficult-to-find
candidates. The structure in place has allowed a rapid and seamless
integration of the Connectus and Networkers businesses, where the
teams will complement rather than compete with each other.
Barclay Meade
As an important step in delivering against our Group strategy,
we reviewed our position within the professional staffing market,
announced in April 2015.
We have a strong profitable business based in our head office in
Whiteley, Hampshire, operating largely within the engineering and
technology markets, where there is significant cross-over with the
Group's client base, and covering the disciplines of procurement
& supply chain, finance & accountancy, sales &
marketing and HR.
However, the Board believed that our London operation, which
serviced other markets, has not, as a whole, gained enough traction
to be viable over the medium term. Accordingly, during the second
half of the year, we closed this part of the business.
This decision is now enabling us to focus on expanding our scope
within the engineering and technology markets, whilst also
supporting our Group strategy to "move up the value chain" through
concentrating on mid to high level placements. This focus is not
only our best area of return within a highly competitive market
place, but also enables us to place individuals into strategically
important roles within the Group's client base.
Alderwood
During the year we diversified our product offering, putting a
larger emphasis on engineering and technical training
professionals. This has allowed us to utilise the Group's client
and candidate base whilst also working to support the number of
candidates gaining the skills and qualifications to enter
industries with significant skills shortages.
We also internationalised our offering, working with education
providers in regions such as the Middle East to help them with the
delivery of teaching in areas including English, maths and IT, as
well as general engineering, construction and the service sector.
This will be a major focus moving forward as the Saudi Arabian
government continues to put significant investment into up-skilling
the population as part of its 5 year education plan. We also
shifted the emphasis of our UK recruitment business to focus on a
technical and vocational product offering.
Networkers International
About Networkers
Networkers International is a global specialist recruitment
company delivering bespoke recruitment services to some of the
world's leading organisations, supplying clients with highly
skilled staff on a permanent and temporary basis locally,
regionally and internationally in the telecoms; IT and energy &
engineering sectors.
Trading for the 4 months to 31 July 2015 was in line with the
same period last year generating NFI of GBP9.5m (2014: GBP9.5m),
with contract NFI of GBP7.0m up 3% and permanent fees of GBP2.5m
down 7%.
Telecommunications
Networkers International has been providing recruitment services
to the telecommunications sector for over 15 years and during this
time has become a market leader in providing skilled technical
resource to the industry's leading vendors, operators and service
providers with an emphasis on the emerging markets of Africa, Asia
and Latin America.
(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires
October 29, 2015 03:01 ET (07:01 GMT)
Networkers provides a full talent management service for mobile,
wireless and fixed line telecoms clients. With its international
footprint, Networkers is able to offer its services both locally as
well as internationally through its 10 international offices,
providing cross border recruitment services to our telecoms clients
in over 100 countries.
Similar to Matchtech, Networkers' consultants have specialised
in very niche vertical markets over many years and this means
clients benefit from access to an unrivalled candidate talent
pool.
The telecoms sector is an extremely dynamic and evolving sector
which provides significant opportunities for growth for the Group,
particularly within the emerging markets where communication
infrastructure is less advanced and where the Group has been
operating for many years.
The industry is going through a rapid period of innovation and
change with the convergence of technologies within mobile telecoms
and IT, utilising 4G networks. This has led to investment being
made within the sector in exciting converging areas such as Cloud,
Internet of Things, mobile broadcasting, smart metering etc. which
are all reliant on robust, fast and efficient means of
communication. Networkers is already focused on providing resources
into these markets and well placed to benefit from the continued
investment being made in such converging technologies.
IT
Due to the innovative and ever-changing nature of the IT
industry, there remains a high demand for candidates in specialist
technologies where skill shortages are greatest and therefore
demand from clients is strongest. Networkers IT divisions provides
highly skilled resources for permanent and contract positions
globally. The IT division is structured to specialise in niche
skillsets which means its teams have a strong understanding of
their clients' needs. By working with a pool of specialist
candidates, they can quickly select skilled professionals who will
be the right match for a client's environment.
As a result of the convergence within mobile communications
detailed above, Networkers' IT division works closely with its
telecommunications counterparts to benefit from opportunities that
this convergence presents. Additionally, the division has developed
service offerings within new growth markets globally including big
data, cloud technologies and digital media whilst continuing to
develop its core markets in ERP, development, management and
infrastructure.
Whilst the core IT business has been largely developed in the UK
market, Networkers continues to develop its IT presence within
selective international markets. Investment in teams in the US,
Middle East and Asia mean the IT business is well placed to grow
its overseas market presence.
Energy & Engineering
Networkers' Energy & Engineering division continues to show
impressive growth rates despite the slowdown in the oil and gas
sector. This is due to the specialist nature of its services,
together with a strong focus on renewable energy.
Within renewable energy, Networkers principally service the
European wind sector supplying the industry with both permanent and
contract blue and white-collar engineering resources. Networkers
has been trading in this sub-sector since 2009 and has built up a
solid reputation servicing some of the largest operators in the
industry.
The European wind sector has been growing at a rate of around
10% per annum over the past 5 years and the growth rate is set to
increase over the years leading up to 2020.
Networkers is not only well placed to continue its strong growth
within the European sector, but also further afield in Asia and the
Americas. As these markets begin to grow, we will export our
knowledge and services via our international office footprint. This
international network also provides an office infrastructure for
the Matchtech Energy and Engineering division to expand into.
Networkers engage with clients at all stages of the life cycle -
from development, Front End Engineering Design, procurement,
construction, installation, commissioning, operations and
maintenance, and integrity management.
Chief Financial Officers Report
Excellent financial position provides substantial investment
headroom to implement growth strategy
The Networkers acquisition in April 2015 has transformed the
Group's future, accelerating our "go global" (now "think global")
strategy more rapidly and with less associated risk than an
alternative organic approach.
Following the acquisition, for a 50% cash consideration of
GBP29.2m with the balance funded by Group shares, and the
assumption of GBP8.4m of Networkers' debt, we continue to be in a
stable and strong financial position. With net debt at 31 July 2015
of GBP33.6m, our GBP95m facility with HSBC ensures that we have the
headroom to make any necessary investments in the strength, reach
and quality of our national and international networks.
We have seen an immediate positive impact from the coming
together of two highly cash-generative and culturally aligned
businesses, generating GBP20.8m in cash from operating
activities.
Altogether, our growing financial strength and excellent funding
facilities have enabled us to continue our progressive dividend
policy.
Performance
Revenue of GBP502.3m (2014: GBP451.6m) generated Net Fee Income
(NFI) of GBP54.8m (2014: GBP45.0m).
NFI can be analysed as follows:
Change vs. comparable
period
Combined Group FY 2014 H1 2015 H2 2015 FY 2015 H1 2015 H2 2015 FY 2015
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Contract NFI 32.8 16.3 23.8 40.1 +3% +41% +22%
Permanent NFI 12.2 6.2 8.5 14.7 +0% +42% +20%
----------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- --------
Total NFI 45.0 22.5 32.3 54.8 +2% +41% +22%
----------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- --------
Change vs. comparable
period
Matchtech FY 2014 H1 2015 H2 2015 FY 2015 H1 2015 H2 2015 FY 2015
Contract GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Engineering 22.6 11.3 11.8 23.1 +3% +2% +2%
Professional Services 10.2 5.0 5.0 10.0 +2% -6% -2%
----------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- --------
Total Contract
NFI 32.8 16.3 16.8 33.1 +3% -1% +1%
Permanent
Engineering 4.5 2.7 2.9 5.6 +17% +32% +24%
Professional Services 7.7 3.5 3.1 6.6 -10% -18% -14%
----------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- --------
Total Permanent
NFI 12.2 6.2 6.0 12.2 0% 0% +0%
Total NFI 45.0 22.5 22.8 45.3 +2% +0% +1%
----------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- --------
Change vs. comparable
period
Networkers (4 months) 4 mths 4 mths 4 mths H2 2015 FY 2015
2014* 2015 FY 2015
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Contract NFI 6.8 7.0 7.0 +3% +3%
Permanent NFI 2.7 2.5 2.5 -7% -7%
----------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- --------
Total NFI 9.5 9.5 9.5 +0% +0%
----------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- --------
*Prior to ownership by the Group not included in Combined Group
total above
Contract NFI of GBP40.1m (2014: GBP32.8m) was delivered at a
margin of 8.2% (2014: 7.5%), and permanent recruitment fees were
GBP14.7m (2014: GBP12.2m). Gross margins rose to 10.9% (2014:
10.0%).
The following results include a maiden 4 months' contribution
from Networkers trading in the period and adjusted results exclude
acquisition costs of GBP1.7m, non-recurring costs of GBP1.0m and
amortisation of acquired intangibles of GBP1.7m (2014:
GBP0.7m).
Adjusted EBITA was up 24%, to GBP16.8m (2014: GBP13.6m),
reflecting a NFI conversion rate of 31% (2014: 30%). Adjusted
profit before tax of GBP15.7m was up 25% (2014: GBP12.6m).
Adjusted basic earnings of 45.3 pence per share rose 16% (2014:
39.2 pence) with adjusted diluted earnings per share of 43.3 pence
up 17% (2014: 37.1 pence).
Further details on the trading and the acquisition can be found
in Note 2 to the Financial Statements: Segmental Information and
Note 10: Acquisition.
Dividends paid
In the year the Group paid a final dividend of 14.59 pence per
share on 5 December 2014 and an interim dividend of 5.68 pence per
share on 19 June 2015 totalling GBP5.4m in the year.
Effective tax rate
(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires
October 29, 2015 03:01 ET (07:01 GMT)
The Group's effective tax rate (ETR) has increased from 23.6% to
26.2%. The nature of Networkers international business leads to a
higher average corporate tax rate than the UK standard rate.
Withholding taxes, which are managed through increased gross
margins charged to clients, also increase the ETR. It is expected
that in FY2016 the ETR will increase due to a full year of
Networkers contribution. Further details on the effective tax rate
are detailed in Note 8 to the Financial Statements: Taxation.
Tangible and intangible assets
Capital expenditure, in the year, including tangible assets and
software, was GBP0.9m (2014: GBP0.3m). Tangible assets at 31 July
2015 of GBP1.5m (2014: GBP1.3m) consist of the Group's motor fleet,
office equipment, leasehold improvements and computer
equipment.
Intangible assets at 31 July 2015 were GBP52.6m (2014: GBP3.7m),
details of which are shown in Note 11 to the Financial
Statements.
Working capital, cash flow and net debt
Debtor days of the combined Group at the year-end were 49 days
(31 July 2014: 46), Matchtech 44 days; Networkers 64 days. Net cash
from trading activities was GBP20.8m (2014: GBP15.7m) with an
operating cash conversion of 124% (2014: 115%).
Net debt at 31 July 2015 was GBP33.6m (31 July 2014: GBP3.1m),
consisting of a working capital facility of GBP9.2m (2014:
GBP3.3m), bank term loan GBP28.6m (2014: GBPnil), bank overdrafts
GBPnil (2014: GBP0.4m) less cash GBP4.0m (2014: GBP0.6m) and
capitalised finance costs GBP0.2m (2014: GBPnil). The movement in
net debt can be analysed as follows:
H1 2015 H2 2015 FY 2015
GBPm GBPm GBPm
At start of period (3.1) (1.9) (3.1)
Dividends paid (3.6) (1.8) (5.4)
Net cash from trading activities(1) 6.9 13.9 20.8
Capital expenditure, interest
and tax (2.1) (3.5) (5.6)
Acquisition (29.2) (29.2)
Acquisition & Integration costs (2.7) (2.7)
Networkers trading debt at acquisition (8.4) (8.4)
At end of period (1.9) (33.6) (33.6)
------- ------- -------
(1) Adjusted EBITA plus working capital and non-cash items
Banking facilities
As at 31 July 2015 the Group has agreed banking facilities of
GBP95m with HSBC consisting of a GBP65m Invoice Financing Facility,
with borrowings at 1.1% over HSBC bank base rate and a GBP30m three
year term loan.
Net assets and shares in issue
At 31 July 2015 the Group had net assets of GBP76.5m (2014:
GBP42.7m) and had 30.9m fully paid ordinary shares in issue (2014:
25.0m).
Critical accounting policies
The Statement of Significant Accounting Policies is set out in
Note 1 to the Financial Statements.
Group financial risk management
The Board reviews and agrees policies for managing financial
risks. The Group's finance function is responsible for managing
investment and funding requirements including banking and cash flow
monitoring. It seeks to ensure that adequate liquidity exists at
all times in order to meet its cash requirements.
The Group's financial instruments comprise borrowings, cash and
various items, such as trade receivables and trade payables that
arise from its operations and some matching forward foreign
exchange contracts. The main purpose of these financial instruments
is to finance the Group's operations. The Group does not trade in
financial instruments. The main risks arising from the Group's
financial instruments are described below.
Liquidity and interest rate risk
The Group had net debt of GBP33.6m at the year end, comprising
GBP37.6m debt less GBP4.0m cash. The Group's exposure to market
risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to the Group's
bank loan and sales financing facility debt obligations. Bank
interest is charged on a floating rate basis.
Credit risk
The Group trades only with recognised, creditworthy third
parties. The international aspect of the acquisition of Networkers
does increase the credit risk of the Group. Receivable balances are
monitored on an on-going basis with the result that the Group's
Board feels that the exposure to bad debts is not significant.
There are no significant concentrations of credit risk within
the Group, with no single debtor accounting for more than 3% (2014:
9%) of total receivables balances at 31 July 2015.
Foreign currency risk
Following the acquisition of Networkers in April 2015 around 30%
of the Group's annualised NFI is generated from overseas markets.
The Group does have risks to both its reported performance and cash
position arising from the effects of exchange rate
fluctuations.
Consolidated Income Statement
For the year ended 31 July 2015
2015 2014
Note GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------------------- ---- --------- ---------
Revenue 2 502,293 451,591
Cost of sales (447,474) (406,609)
---------------------------------------------------- ---- --------- ---------
GROSS PROFIT 2 54,819 44,982
Administrative expenses (42,459) (32,024)
---------------------------------------------------- ---- --------- ---------
PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS 3 12,360 12,958
---------------------------------------------------- ---- --------- ---------
Profit from operations before amortisation of
acquired intangibles and non-recurring costs 16,750 13,621
Non-recurring costs included within administrative
expenses 3 (2,710) -
Amortisation of acquired intangibles 3 (1,680) (663)
---------------------------------------------------- ---- --------- ---------
Finance cost 5 (1,074) (1,015)
---------------------------------------------------- ---- --------- ---------
PROFIT BEFORE TAX 11,286 11,943
Taxation 8 (2,959) (2,821)
---------------------------------------------------- ---- --------- ---------
PROFIT FOR THE YEAR 8,327 9,122
---------------------------------------------------- ---- --------- ---------
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent 8,311 9,122
Non-controlling interests 16 -
---------------------------------------------------- ---- --------- ---------
8,327 9,122
---------------------------------------------------- ---- --------- ---------
All of the activities of the Group are classed as
continuing.
EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE
2015 2014
Note pence pence
---------------------------- ---- ------ ------
Basic 9 31.0 37.0
Diluted 9 29.6 35.0
---------------------------- ---- ------ ------
Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 July 2015
2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
PROFIT FOR THE YEAR 8,327 9,122
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Items that may be classified to profit or loss:
Exchange differences on retranslation of foreign operations (109) 120
------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR (109) 120
------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR 8,218 9,242
------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent 8,202 9,242
Non-controlling interests 16 -
------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
8,218 9,242
------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 July 2015
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October 29, 2015 03:01 ET (07:01 GMT)
A) Group
Share
based Translation Non-
Share Share Merger payment of foreign Retained controlling
capital premium reserve reserve operations earnings interests Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- ------------ --------
At 1 August 2013 236 3,231 224 1,094 (31) 27,568 - 32,322
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- ------------ --------
Profit for the year - - - - - 9,122 - 9,122
Other comprehensive income - - - - 120 - - 120
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- ------------ --------
Total comprehensive income - - - - 120 9,122 - 9,242
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- ------------ --------
Dividends paid in the
year - - - - - (4,516) - (4,516)
Deferred tax movement
re share options - - - - - 109 - 109
IFRS 2 charge - - - 1,335 - - - 1,335
IFRS 2 reserves transfer - - - (808) - 808 - -
Shares issued 14 4,157 - - - - - 4,171
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- ------------ --------
Transactions with owners 14 4,157 - 527 - (3,599) - 1,099
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- ------------ --------
At 31 July 2014 250 7,388 224 1,621 89 33,091 - 42,663
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- ------------ --------
At 1 August 2014 250 7,388 224 1,621 89 33,091 - 42,663
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- ------------ --------
Profit for the year - - - - - 8,311 16 8,327
Other comprehensive income - - - - (109) - - (109)
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- ------------ --------
Total comprehensive income - - - - (109) 8,311 16 8,218
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- ------------ --------
Dividends paid in the
year - - - - - (5,382) - (5,382)
Deferred tax movement
re share options - - - - - 174 - 174
IFRS 2 charge - - - 1,623 - - - 1,623
IFRS 2 reserves transfer - - - (1,104) - 1,104 - -
Reacquisition of
non-controlling
interest - - - - - (650) - (650)
Shares issued 59 1,306 28,526 - - - - 29,891
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- ------------ --------
Transactions with owners 59 1,306 28,526 519 - (4,754) - 25,656
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- ------------ --------
At 31 July 2015 309 8,694 28,750 2,140 (20) 36,648 16 76,537
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- ------------ --------
B) Company
Share
based
Share Share Merger reserve payment Retained
capital premium GBP'000 reserve earnings Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------------- -------- -------- ---------------- -------- ---------- ---------
At 1 August 2013 236 3,231 - 1,094 1,771 6,332
-------------------------------------- -------- -------- ---------------- -------- ---------- ---------
Profit and total comprehensive income
for the year - - - - 3,345 3,345
-------------------------------------- -------- -------- ---------------- -------- ---------- ---------
Dividends paid in the year - - - - (4,516) (4,516)
IFRS 2 charge - - - 1,335 - 1,335
IFRS 2 reserves transfer - - - (808) 808 -
Shares issued 14 4,157 - - - 4,171
-------------------------------------- -------- -------- ---------------- -------- ---------- ---------
Transactions with owners 14 4,157 - 527 (3,708) 990
-------------------------------------- -------- -------- ---------------- -------- ---------- ---------
At 31 July 2014 250 7,388 - 1,621 1,408 10,667
-------------------------------------- -------- -------- ---------------- -------- ---------- ---------
At 1 August 2014 250 7,388 - 1,621 1,408 10,667
-------------------------------------- -------- -------- ---------------- -------- ---------- ---------
Profit and total comprehensive income
for the year - - - - 3,482 3,482
-------------------------------------- -------- -------- ---------------- -------- ---------- ---------
Dividends paid in the year - - - - (5,382) (5,382)
IFRS 2 charge - - - 1,623 - 1,623
IFRS 2 reserves transfer - - - (1,104) 1,104 -
Shares issued 59 1,306 28,526 - - 29,891
-------------------------------------- -------- -------- ---------------- -------- ---------- ---------
Transactions with owners 59 1,306 28,526 519 (4,278) 26,132
-------------------------------------- -------- -------- ---------------- -------- ---------- ---------
At 31 July 2015 309 8,694 28,526 2,140 612 40,281
-------------------------------------- -------- -------- ---------------- -------- ---------- ---------
Statement of Financial Position
For the year ended 31 July 2015 Group Company
-------------------- -------------------
2015 2014 2015 2014
Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------- --------- --------
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Intangible assets 11 52,230 3,704 - -
Property, plant and equipment 12 1,535 1,328 - -
Investments 13 - - 5,676 3,403
Deferred tax asset 14 1,237 388 - -
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------- --------- --------
Total Non-Current Assets 55,002 5,420 5,676 3,403
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------- --------- --------
CURRENT ASSETS
Trade and other receivables 15 98,897 72,248 72,135 9,414
Cash and cash equivalents 3,997 569 - 39
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------- --------- --------
Total Current Assets 102,894 72,817 72,135 9,453
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------- --------- --------
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October 29, 2015 03:01 ET (07:01 GMT)
TOTAL ASSETS 157,896 78,237 77,811 12,856
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------- --------- --------
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Deferred tax liability 14 (4,967) - - -
Provisions 16 (278) (278) - -
Bank loans and overdrafts 22 (28,608) - (28,608) -
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------- --------- --------
Total Non-Current Liabilities (33,853) (278) (28,608) -
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------- --------- --------
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables 17 (37,562) (30,112) (8,922) (2,189)
Current tax liability (911) (1,506) - -
Bank loans and overdrafts 22 (9,033) (3,678) - -
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------- --------- --------
Total Current Liabilities (47,506) (35,296) (8,922) (2,189)
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------- --------- --------
TOTAL LIABILITIES (81,359) (35,574) (37,530) (2,189)
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------- --------- --------
NET ASSETS 76,537 42,663 40,281 10,667
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------- --------- --------
EQUITY
Called-up equity share capital 20 309 250 309 250
Share premium account 8,694 7,388 8,694 7,388
Merger reserve 28,750 224 28,526 -
Share based payment reserve 2,140 1,621 2,140 1,621
Translation of foreign operations (20) 89 - -
Retained earnings 36,648 33,091 612 1,408
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------- --------- --------
TOTAL EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY
HOLDERS OF THE PARENT 76,521 42,663 40,281 10,667
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------- --------- --------
Non-controlling interests 16 - - -
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------- --------- --------
TOTAL EQUITY 76,537 42,663 40,281 10,667
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------- --------- --------
These financial statements were approved by the Board of
Directors on 29 October 2015, and signed on their behalf by:
Tony Dyer
Chief Financial Officer
Consolidated Cash flow Statement
For the year ended 31 July 2015 Group Company
-------------------- -------------------
2015 2014 2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Profit after taxation 8,327 9,122 3,482 3,345
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortisation 2,696 1,385 - -
(Profit)/loss on disposal of property, plant
and equipment (13) 18 - -
Finance cost 1,074 1,015 - -
Taxation expense recognised in profit and loss 2,959 2,821 - -
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables 12,524 (1,896) 4,101 (4,501)
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables (11,157) 1,906 6,733 1,501
Share based payment charge 1,623 1,335 - -
Investment income - - (4,250) (4,500)
------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------
Cash generated from operations 18,033 15,706 10,066 (4,155)
Interest paid (848) (642) - -
Income taxes paid (3,965) (2,809) - -
------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------
NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 13,220 12,255 10,066 (4,155)
------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (524) (293) - -
Purchase of intangible assets (387) (10) - -
Acquisitions net of cash received (37,587) (4,170) (37,587) -
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 58 19 - -
Dividends received - - 4,250 4,500
------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (38,440) (4,454) (33,337) 4,500
------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issue of share capital 6 4,171 6 4,171
Drawdown of term loan 28,608 - 28,608 -
Dividends paid (5,382) (4,516) (5,382) (4,516)
------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------
NET CASH FROM/(USED IN) FINANCING 23,232 (345) 23,232 (345)
------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------
Effects of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents (143) 20 - -
NET (DECREASE)/INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (2,131) 7,476 (39) -
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR (3,109) (10,585) 39 39
------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR (5,240) (3,109) - 39
------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash 3,997 569 - 39
Bank overdrafts (14) (332) - -
Working capital facility used (note 22) (9,223) (3,346) - -
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS IN CASH FLOW STATEMENTS (5,240) (3,109) - 39
------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------
Notes forming part of the financial statements
1 The Group and Company Significant Accounting Policies
i The Business and Address of the Group
Matchtech Group plc is a human capital resources business
dealing with contract and permanent recruitment in the private and
public sectors. The Company is incorporated in the United Kingdom.
The Group's address is: Matchtech Group plc, 1450 Parkway,
Whiteley, Fareham PO15 7AF.
ii Basis of Preparation of the Financial Statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
applicable International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as
adopted by the European Union (EU) and which are effective at 31
July 2015 and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable
to companies reporting under IFRS.
These financial statements have been prepared under the
historical cost convention. The accounting policies have been
applied consistently throughout both the Group and the Company for
the purposes of preparation of these financial statements. A
summary of the principal accounting policies of the Group are set
out below.
The consolidated financial statements are presented in Sterling.
Additional analysis of administration expenses has been provided in
the consolidated income statement. This has not resulted in any
restatement of the 2014 consolidated income statement.
iii Going Concern
The Directors have reviewed forecasts and budgets for the coming
year, which have been drawn up with appropriate regard for the
current macroeconomic environment and the particular circumstances
in which the Group operates. These were prepared with reference to
historical and current industry knowledge, taking future strategy
of the Group into account. As a result, at the time of approving
the financial statements, the Directors consider that the Company
and the Group have sufficient resources to continue in operational
existence for the foreseeable future, and accordingly, that it is
appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in the preparation of
the financial statements. As with all business forecasts, the
Directors cannot guarantee that the going concern basis will remain
appropriate given the inherent uncertainty about future events.
iv New Standards and Interpretations
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These following standards and amendments to existing standards
are applicable for the period ending 31 July 2015:
Effective date
(Annual periods beginning
Standard on or after)
-------- --------------------------------- --------------------------
IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements 1 January 2014
IAS 28 Associates and Joint Ventures 1 January 2014
IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements 1 January 2014
IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements 1 January 2014
Disclosure of Interests in Other
IFRS 12 Entities 1 January 2014
-------- --------------------------------- --------------------------
The adoption of the above standards has had no material impact
on the financial statements.
New Standards in Issue, Not Yet Effective
The following relevant standards, amendments to existing
standards and Interpretations, which are new and yet to become
mandatory, have not been applied in the Group financial
statements.
Effective date
(Annual periods beginning
Standard on or after)
----------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------
IAS 19 Defined Benefit Plans: Employee Contributions 1 February 2015
IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements 1 January 2016
IFRS 14 Regulatory Deferral Accounts 1 January 2016
Equity Method in Separate Financial
IAS 27 Statements 1 January 2016
IFRS 9 Fair Values 1 January 2016
IFRS 15 Revenue 1 January 2016
IFRS improvements Various Various
----------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------
Based on the Group's current business model and accounting
policies, the Directors do not expect material impacts on the
figures in the Group's financial statements when the
interpretations become effective.
The Group does not intend to apply any of these pronouncements
early.
v Basis of Consolidation
The Group financial statements consolidate those of the Company
and all of its subsidiary undertakings drawn up to the Statement of
Financial Position date. Subsidiaries are entities controlled by
the Group. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or
has rights to, variable returns through its involvement with an
entity and it has the ability to affect those returns through its
power over the entity. The financial statements of subsidiaries are
included in the consolidated financial statements from the date
that control commences until the date that control ceases.
Acquisitions of subsidiaries are dealt with by the purchase
method. The purchase method involves the recognition at fair value
of all identifiable assets and liabilities, including contingent
liabilities of the subsidiary, at the acquisition date, regardless
of whether or not they were recorded in the financial statements of
the subsidiary prior to acquisition. On initial recognition, the
assets and liabilities of the subsidiary are included in the Group
Statement of Financial Position at their fair values, which are
also used as the bases for subsequent measurement in accordance
with Group accounting policies.
Transactions between Group companies are eliminated on
consolidation.
vi Revenue
Revenue is measured by reference to the fair value of
consideration received or receivable by the Group for services
provided, excluding VAT and trade discounts. Revenue on temporary
placements is recognised upon receipt of a client approved
timesheet or equivalent. Revenue from permanent placements, which
is based on a percentage of the candidate's remuneration package,
is recognised when candidates commence employment, at which point
it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the
transaction will be transferred. Fees for the provision of
engineering services are recognised on completion of work performed
in accordance with customer contracts. Other fees are recognised on
confirmation from the client committing to the agreement.
vii Non-recurring Items
Non-recurring items are items that are unusual because of their
size, nature or incidence and are presented within the consolidated
income statement but highlighted through separate disclosure. The
Group's Directors consider that these items should be separately
identified within the income statement to enable a true and fair
understanding of the Group's results.
Items which are included within this category include:
-- costs of acquisitions;
-- integration costs of acquisitions;
-- significant restructuring costs;
-- other particularly significant or unusual items.
viii Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, net of
depreciation and any provision for impairment.
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an
asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic
life of that asset in terms of annual depreciation as follows:
Motor vehicles 25.0% Reducing balance
Fixtures, Fittings and Office
equipment 12.5% to 33.0% Straight line
Over the period of the
Leasehold Improvements lease term
----------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------
Residual value estimates are updated as required, but at least
annually, whether or not the asset is revalued.
ix Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Goodwill arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries and
represents the excess of the fair value of the consideration given
for a business over the Company's interest in the fair value of the
net identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of
the acquiree. Goodwill is stated at cost less accumulated
impairment.
Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units and is not
amortised, but is tested at least annually for impairment. For the
purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business
acquisition is allocated to each of the cash generating units
(CGUs), or groups of CGUs that is expected to benefit from the
synergies of the combination. Each unit or group of units to which
the goodwill is allocated represents the lowest level within the
entity at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management
purposes. Goodwill is monitored at the operating segment level.
Goodwill impairment reviews are undertaken annually or more
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a
potential impairment. The carrying value of goodwill is compared to
the recoverable amount, which is the higher of value in use and
fair value less costs to sell. Any impairment is recognised
immediately as an expense and is not subsequently reversed. Gains
and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount
of goodwill relating to the entity sold.
Expenditure on internally generated goodwill, brands and
intangibles is expensed in the Income Statement when incurred.
Intangible Assets
Software Licences
Acquired computer software licences are capitalised on the basis
of the costs incurred to acquire and bring into use the specific
software. These costs are amortised using the straight line method
to allocate the cost of the software licences over their useful
lives of between 2 and 5 years. Software licences are stated at
cost less accumulated amortisation.
Customer relationships
Acquired customer relationships comprise principally of existing
customer relationships which may give rise to future orders
(customer relationships), and existing order books (backlog
orders). Acquired customer relationships are recognised at fair
value at the acquisition date and have a finite useful life.
Amortisation of customer relationships is amortised in line with
the expected cashflows. Acquired customer relationships are stated
at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment. Backlog
orders are recognised at fair value at the acquisition date and
amortised in line with the expected cash flows. Backlog orders are
stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment.
Customer relationships are amortised over their useful economic
life of between 2 and 10 years.
Trade names and trademarks
Trade names and trademarks have arisen on the consolidation of
acquired businesses and are recognised at fair value at the
acquisition date. Where trade names and trademarks are considered
to have a finite useful life, amortisation is calculated using the
straight line method to allocate the cost of trade names and
trademarks over their estimated useful lives. Where trade names and
trademarks are considered to have an indefinite useful life, they
are not subject to amortisation; they are tested annually for
impairment and when there are indications that the carrying value
may not be recoverable, detailed within the impairment of
non-financial assets section below. Trade names and trademarks are
stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment. Trade
names and trademarks are amortised over their useful economic life
of between 2 and 11 years.
Other
Other intangible assets acquired by the Group that have a finite
life useful life are measured at cost less accumulated amortisation
and accumulated losses. Other intangibles are amortised over their
useful economic life of between 2 and 5 years.
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Amortisation of intangible assets is recognised in the income
statement under administrative expenses. Provision is made against
the carrying value of intangible assets where an impairment in
value is deemed to have occurred. Impairment losses are recognised
in the Income Statement under administrative expenses.
x Disposal of Assets
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is
determined as the difference between the disposal proceeds and the
carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in the Income
Statement.
xi Operating Lease Agreements
Rentals applicable to operating leases are charged against
profits on a straight line basis over the lease term. Lease
incentives are spread over the term of the lease.
xii Taxation
Current tax is the tax currently payable based on taxable profit
for the year.
Deferred income taxes are calculated using the liability method
on temporary differences. Deferred tax is generally provided on the
difference between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities
and their tax bases. However, deferred tax is not provided on the
initial recognition of goodwill, nor on the initial recognition of
an asset or liability unless the related transaction is a business
combination or affects tax or accounting profit.
Deferred tax liabilities are provided in full, with no
discounting. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that
it is probable that the underlying deductible temporary differences
will be able to be offset against future taxable income. Current
and deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at tax rates
that are expected to apply to their respective period of
realisation, provided they are enacted or substantively enacted at
the Statement of Financial Position date.
Deferred tax on temporary differences associated with shares in
subsidiaries is not provided if these temporary differences can be
controlled by the Group and it is probable that reversal will not
occur in the foreseeable future.
Changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised as
a component of tax expense in the income statement, except where
they relate to items that are charged or credited directly to
equity (such as share-based payments) in which case the related
deferred tax is also charged or credited directly to equity.
xiii Pension Costs
The Company operates defined contribution pension schemes for
employees. The assets of these schemes are held separately from
those of the Company. The annual contributions payable are charged
to the Income Statement as they accrue.
xiv Share-based Payments
The transitional arrangements of IFRS 1 have been applied to all
grants of equity instruments after 7 November 2002 that were
unvested at 1 August 2006. All share-based remuneration is
ultimately recognised as an expense in the Income Statement with a
corresponding credit to "share-based payment reserve". All goods
and services received in exchange for the grant of any share-based
remuneration are measured at their fair values. Fair values of
employee services are indirectly determined by reference to the
fair value of the share options awarded. Their value is appraised
at the grant date and excludes the impact of non-market vesting
conditions (for example, profitability and sales growth
targets).
If vesting periods or other non-market vesting conditions apply,
the expense is allocated over the vesting period, based on the best
available estimate of the number of share options expected to vest.
Estimates are subsequently revised if there is any indication that
the number of share options expected to vest differs from previous
estimates. Any cumulative adjustment prior to vesting is recognised
in the current period. No adjustment is made to any expense
recognised in prior periods if share options ultimately exercised
are different to that estimated on vesting. Upon exercise of share
options, proceeds received net of attributable transaction costs
are credited to share capital and share premium.
The Company is the granting and settling entity in the group
share-based payment arrangement where share options are granted to
employees of its subsidiary companies. The Company recognises the
share-based payment expense as an increase in the investment in
subsidiary undertakings.
The Group operates a Share Incentive Plan (SIP) which is HMRC
approved, and enables employees to purchase Company shares out of
pre-tax salary. For each share purchased the Company grants an
additional share at no cost to the employee. The expense in
relation to these 'free' shares is recorded as employee
remuneration and measured at fair value of the shares issued as at
the date of grant.
xv Business Combinations Completed Prior to Date of Transition
to IFRS
The Group has elected not to apply IFRS 3 Business Combinations
retrospectively to business combinations prior to 1 August
2006.
Accordingly the classification of the combination (merger)
remains unchanged from that used under UK GAAP. Assets and
liabilities are recognised as at the date of transition if they
would be recognised under IFRS, and are measured using their UK
GAAP carrying amount immediately post-acquisition as deemed cost
under IFRS, unless IFRS requires fair value measurement. Deferred
tax is adjusted for the impact of any consequential adjustments
after taking advantage of the transitional provisions.
xvi Financial Assets
All financial assets are recognised when the Group becomes a
party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial
assets are recognised at fair value plus transaction costs.
In the Company financial statements, investment in the
subsidiary Company is measured at cost, and provision made where an
impairment value is deemed to have occurred.
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with
fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active
market. Trade receivables are classified as loans and receivables.
Loans and receivables are measured subsequent to initial
recognition at amortised cost using effective interest method, less
provision for impairment. Any change in their value through
impairment or reversal of impairment is recognised in the Income
Statement.
Provision against trade receivables is made when there is
objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all
amounts due to it in accordance with the original terms of those
receivables. The amount of the write-down is determined as the
difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present
value of estimated future cash flows.
A financial asset is derecognised only where the contractual
rights to cash flows from the asset expire or the financial asset
is transferred and that transfer qualifies for derecognition. A
financial asset is transferred if the contractual rights to receive
the cash flows of the asset have been transferred or the Group
retains the contractual rights to receive the cash flows of the
asset but assumes a contractual obligation to pay the cash flows to
one or more recipients. A financial asset that is transferred
qualifies for derecognition if the Group transfers substantially
all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset, or if the
Group neither retains nor transfers substantially all the risks and
rewards of ownership but does transfer control of that asset.
Trade receivables subject to the invoice discounting facility
are recognised in the Statement of Financial Position until they
are settled by the customer.
xvii Financial Liabilities
Financial liabilities are obligations to pay cash or other
financial assets and are recognised when the Group becomes a party
to the contractual provisions of the instrument and comprise trade
and other payables and bank loans. Financial liabilities are
recorded initially at fair value, net of direct issue costs and are
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective
interest rate method.
A financial liability is derecognised only when the obligation
is extinguished, that is, when the obligation is discharged or
cancelled or expires.
xviii Financial instruments
Financial instruments often consist of a combination of debt and
equity and the Group has to decide how to attribute values to each.
They are treated as equity only to the extent that they meet the
following two conditions:
(i) they include no contractual obligations upon the Group to
deliver cash or other financial assets or to exchange financial
assets or financial liabilities with another party under conditions
that are potentially unfavourable to the Group; and
(ii) where the instrument will or may be settled in the Group's
own equity instruments, it is either a non-derivative that includes
no obligation to deliver a variable number of the Group's own
equity instruments or is a derivative that will be settled by the
Group exchanging a fixed amount of cash or other financial assets
for a fixed number of its own equity instruments.
To the extent that this definition is not met, the proceeds of
issue are classified as a financial liability, and where such an
instrument takes the legal form of the Company's own shares, the
amounts presented in these financial statements for called up share
capital and share premium account exclude amounts in relation to
those shares.
Finance payments associated with financial liabilities are dealt
with as part of finance costs. Finance payments associated with
financial instruments that are classified in equity are dividends
and are recorded directly in equity
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The Group uses financial instruments, in particular forward
currency contracts to manage the financial risks associated with
the Group's underlying business activities. The forward exchange
contracts are used to hedge foreign currency exposures arising on
forecast receipts and payments in foreign currencies. These forward
contracts are revalued to the rates of exchange at the Statement of
Financial Position date and any aggregate unrealised gains and
losses arising on revaluation are included in other debtors or
creditors. At maturity, or when the contract ceases to be a hedge,
gains and losses are taken to the Income Statement. The Group does
not undertake any trading activity in financial instruments.
Fair value hierarchy
The Group analyses financial instruments carried at a fair value
by valuation method. The different levels have been defined as
follows:
- Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for
identical assets or liabilities;
- Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level
1 that are observable for assets or liabilities, either directly
(i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. directly from prices); and
- Level 3: inputs for assets or liabilities that are not based
on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
xix Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand, on demand
deposits, bank overdrafts and working capital facilities.
xx Dividends
Dividend distributions payable to equity shareholders are
included in "other short term financial liabilities" when the
dividends are approved in the annual general meeting prior to the
balance sheet date.
xxi Foreign Currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the
exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary
assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated at the
rates of exchange ruling at the Statement of Financial Position
date. Non-monetary items that are measured at historical cost in a
foreign currency are translated at the exchange rate at the date of
the transaction. Non-monetary items that are measured at fair value
in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at
the date when the fair value was determined.
Any exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary
items or on translating monetary items at rates different from
those at which they were initially recorded are recognised in the
profit or loss in the period in which they arise.
The assets and liabilities in the financial statements of
foreign subsidiaries are translated at the rate of exchange ruling
at the Statement of Financial Position date. Income and expenses
are translated at the actual rate. The exchange differences arising
from the retranslation of the opening net investment in
subsidiaries are taken directly to "Translation of foreign
operations" in equity. On disposal of a foreign operation the
cumulative translation differences are transferred to the Income
Statement as part of the gain or loss on disposal.
As permitted by IFRS 1, the balance on the cumulative
translation adjustment on retranslation of subsidiaries' net assets
has been set to zero at the date of transition to IFRS.
xxii Equity
Equity comprises the following:
-- "Share capital" represents the nominal value of equity shares.
-- "Share premium" represents the excess over nominal value of
the fair value of consideration received for equity shares, net of
expenses of the share issue.
-- "Share based payment reserve" represents equity-settled
share-based employee remuneration until such share options are
exercised.
-- "Merger reserve" represents the equity balance arising on the
merger of Matchtech Engineering and Matchmaker Personnel and to
record the excess fair value above the nominal value of the
consideration on the acquisition of Networkers International
plc
-- "Translation of foreign operations" represents the foreign
currency differences arising on translating foreign operations into
the presentational currency of the Group.
-- "Retained earnings" represents retained profits.
xxiii Significant Accounting Estimates and Judgments
Estimates and assumptions concerning the future and judgments
are made in the preparation of the financial statements. They
affect the application of the Group's accounting policies, reported
amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses, and
disclosures made. They are assessed on an on-going basis and are
based on experience and relevant factors, including expectations of
future events that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances.
Critical Judgments
The judgments made which, in the opinion of the Directors, are
critical in drawing up the financial statements are as follows:
Invoice Discounting Facility
The terms of this arrangement are judged to be such that the
risk and rewards of ownership of the trade receivables do not pass
to the finance provider. As such the receivables are not
derecognised on draw-down of funds against this facility. This
facility is recognised as a liability for the amount drawn.
Factoring Arrangements
In the event of sale of receivables and factoring, the Group
derecognises receivables when the Group has given up control or
continuing involvement.
The Group derecognises receivables in case of sale and factoring
when the Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows
from the receivables; and either the Group has transferred
substantially all of the risks and rewards of the ownership of the
receivables, or the Group has neither transferred nor retained
substantially all of the risks and rewards, but has transferred
control of the assets.
Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty
The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources
of estimation uncertainty at the Statement of Financial Position
date are discussed below. These are included for completeness,
although it is the Directors' view that none of these have
significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial
year.
Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment
The cost of equipment is depreciated on a straight line basis
and the cost of motor vehicles is depreciated on a reducing balance
basis over their useful lives. Management estimates the useful
lives of property, plant and equipment to be within 3 to 8 years.
These are common life expectancies applied in the industry in which
the Group operates. Changes in the expected level of usage and
technological development could impact the economic useful lives
and the residual values of these assets, therefore future
depreciation charges could be revised.
Impairment Loss of Trade and Other Receivables
The Group's policy for doubtful receivables is based on the
on-going evaluation of the collectability and ageing analysis of
the trade and other receivables and on management's judgments.
Considerable judgment is required in assessing the ultimate
realisation of these receivables, including the current
creditworthiness and the past collection history of each debtor. If
the financial conditions of the Group's receivables were to
deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make
payments, additional impairment loss of trade and other receivables
may be required. The carrying amounts of these assets are shown in
note 15.
Intangibles
The Group determines whether goodwill and other intangible
assets (including acquired intangibles) are impaired on an annual
basis or otherwise when changes in events or situations indicate
that the carrying value may not be recoverable. This is requires an
estimation of the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit to
which the assets are allocated. Consideration is given to the
future cash flows of each cash generating unit and the discount
rate applied to calculate the present value of those cash
flows.
2 Segmental information
The Group has 3 main reportable segments, Engineering,
Professional Services and Networkers, following the acquisition of
Networkers International plc in April 2015.
The Group determines and presents operating segments based on
the information that is provided internally to the Board of
Directors.
An operating segment's results are reviewed regularly by the
Board to assess performance, which is measured based on segment
profit before tax before non-recurring items and amortisation of
acquired intangibles.
Reportable Segments
2015
Non-
recurring
items
and amortisation
Professional Total of acquired
All amounts in GBP'000 Engineering Services Networkers intangibles Group
------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ---------- ------- ----------------- ---------
Revenue 312,494 132,782 57,017 502,293 - 502,293
Gross profit 28,688 16,677 9,454 54,819 - 54,819
Profit from operations 10,546 4,213 1,991 16,750 (2,710) 14,040
Amortisation of acquired
intangibles - - - - (1,680) (1,680)
Finance cost (699) (267) (108) (1,074) - (1,074)
------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ---------- ------- ----------------- ---------
Profit before tax 9,847 3,946 1,883 15,676 (4,390) 11,286
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------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ---------- ------- ----------------- ---------
Depreciation and amortisation 564 339 113 1,016 1,680 2,696
Segment assets 52,381 9,440 32,051 93,872 93,872
Unallocated net liabilities (17,335)
------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ---------- ------- ----------------- ---------
Total net assets 76,537
------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ---------- ------- ----------------- ---------
2014
Amortisation
Professional of acquired
All amounts in GBP'000 Engineering Services Total intangibles Group
------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------- ------------ ---------
Revenue 311,602 139,989 451,591 - 451,591
Gross profit 27,077 17,905 44,982 - 44,982
Profit from operations 10,548 3,073 13,621 - 13,621
Amortisation of acquired intangibles - - - (663) (663)
Finance cost (649) (366) (1,015) - (1,015)
------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------- ------------ ---------
Profit before tax 9,899 2,707 12,606 (663) 11,943
------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------- ------------ ---------
Depreciation and amortisation 432 290 722 663 1,385
Segment assets 59,295 11,046 70,341 70,341
Unallocated net liabilities (27,678)
------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------- ------------ ---------
Total net assets 42,663
------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------- ------------ ---------
A segmental analysis of total assets has not been included as
this information is not available to the Board; the majority of
assets are centrally held and are not allocated across the
reportable segments. Only trade receivables are reported by segment
and as such they are included as segment assets above. Unallocated
net liabilities include non-current assets, other receivables, cash
and cash equivalents and current liabilities.
Geographical Information
Revenue Non-current assets
------------------ --------------------
All amounts in GBP'000 2015 2014 2015 2014
----------------------- -------- -------- ---------- --------
UK 488,611 448,693 54,582 5,419
Rest of Europe 1,575 2,898 - 1
Middle East and Africa 4,298 - 199 -
Americas 6,103 - 57 -
Asia Pacific 1,706 - 164 -
----------------------- -------- -------- ---------- --------
502,293 451,591 55,002 5,420
----------------------- -------- -------- ---------- --------
Revenue and non-current assets are allocated to the geographic
market based on the domicile of the respective subsidiary.
Largest Customers
No single client contributed more than 10% of the Group's
revenues (2014: none).
3 Profit from Operations
2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------- -------
Profit from operations is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation 743 591
Amortisation of acquired intangibles 1,680 663
Amortisation of software licences 273 131
(Profit)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment (13) 18
Auditors' remuneration - fees payable for the audit of the Parent
Company financial statements 10 10
- fees payable for the audit of the Subsidiary Company financial
statements 234 77
- Non audit services: taxation 73 36
other
services
pursuant to
legislation 41 21
Operating lease costs: - Plant and machinery 272 197
- Land and buildings 1,121 787
Share based payment charge 1,623 1,335
Net foreign currency exchange differences 288 280
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------- -------
Non-recurring costs included within administrative expenses:
Acquisition costs 1,685 -
Restructuring costs 1,025 -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------- -------
2,710 -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------- -------
Directly attributable acquisition and subsequent integration
costs of GBP1,685,000 were incurred in respect of the Networkers
International plc acquisition in April 2015, as described in Note
10. These are separately presented as they are not part of the
Group's underlying administrative expenditure. The restructuring
costs are non-recurring items relating to the integration of
Networkers International Plc and Matchtech Group and redundancy
costs following the restructuring of Barclay Meade.
4 Particulars of Employees
The average number of staff employed (including Directors) by
the Group during the financial year amounted to:
2015 2014
No. No.
--------------- ---- ----
Sales 383 305
Administration 147 111
Directors 10 10
--------------- ---- ----
Total 540 426
--------------- ---- ----
The aggregate payroll costs of the above were:
2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------- -------- --------
Wages and salaries 23,344 18,827
Social security costs 2,515 2,221
Other pension costs 1,190 1,206
---------------------- -------- --------
Total 27,049 22,254
---------------------- -------- --------
Disclosure of the remuneration of key management personnel, as
required by IAS 24, is detailed below. Disclosure of the
remuneration of the statutory Directors is further detailed in the
Directors' Remuneration Report contained in the Annual Report and
Accounts.
2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------- -------- --------
Short term employee benefits 2,180 1,534
Post employment benefits 212 77
Share based payments 1,039 461
----------------------------- -------- --------
Total 3,431 2,072
----------------------------- -------- --------
5 Finance Cost
2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------ -------- --------
Bank interest payable 773 642
Amortisation of capitalised finance costs 13 92
Net foreign currency exchange differences 288 281
------------------------------------------ -------- --------
Total 1,074 1,015
------------------------------------------ -------- --------
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6 Dividends
2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Equity dividends paid during the year at 20.27 pence per share
(2014: 18.26 pence) 5,382 4,516
---------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Equity dividends proposed after the year end (not recognised as
a liability) at 16.32 pence per share (2014: 14.59 pence) 5,046 3,642
---------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
A dividend will be declared from Matchtech Group (Holdings)
Limited prior to the payment of the proposed dividend above.
7 Parent Company Profit
2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
The amount of profit dealt with in the accounts of the Company
is 3,482 3,345
--------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption in S408 of the
Companies Act 2006 not to present the parent Company's Income
Statement.
8 Taxation
2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Current tax: UK corporation tax 2,977 2,936
Overseas corporation tax 626 -
Prior year (over)/under provision (235) 79
---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
3,368 3,015
Deferred tax (note 14) (409) (194)
---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Income tax expense 2,959 2,821
---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
UK corporation tax has been charged at 20.7% (2014: 22.3%).
The charge for the year can be reconciled to the profit as per
the income statement as follows:
2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Profit before tax 11,286 11,943
----------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Profit before tax multiplied by the standard rate of corporation
tax in the UK of 20.7% (2014: 22.3%) 2,336 2,663
Expenses not deductible/(chargeable) for tax purposes 386 (3)
Irrecoverable withholding tax 340 -
Adjustments to tax charge in respect of previous periods (235) 79
Overseas losses not provided for 46 82
Difference between UK and overseas tax rates 86 -
----------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Total tax charge for period 2,959 2,821
----------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Tax charge recognised directly in equity:
2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Deferred tax recognised directly in equity 174 109
------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Total tax recognised directly in equity 174 109
------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Reductions in the UK corporation tax rate from 23% to 21%
(effective from 1 April 2014) and 20% (effective from 1 April 2015)
were substantively enacted on 2 July 2013. The Budget on 8 July
2015 announced additional planned reductions to 18% by 2020. This
will reduce the Group's future current tax charge accordingly.
Deferred tax at 31 July 2015 has been calculated based on the rate
of 20% substantively enacted at the Statement of Financial Position
date.
9 Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share has been calculated by dividing the
consolidated profit after taxation attributable to ordinary
shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in
issue during the period.
Diluted earnings per share has been calculated on the same basis
as above, except that the weighted average number of ordinary
shares that would be issued on the conversion of all the dilutive
potential ordinary shares (arising from the Group's share option
schemes) into ordinary shares has been added to the denominator.
There are no changes to the profit (numerator) as a result of the
dilutive calculation.
Adjusted earnings per share is disclosed below to show the
trading performance of the Group excluding non-recurring costs and
amortisation of acquired intangibles.
2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Profit after tax attributable to ordinary shareholders 8,327 9,122
Amortisation of acquired intangibles (note 3) 1,680 663
Acquisition costs (note 3) 1,685 -
Restructuring costs (note 3) 1,025 -
Less: Tax effect on above adjustments (548) (116)
------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Earnings for the purposes of adjusted EPS 12,169 9,669
------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
2015 2014
'000s '000s
---------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue 26,841 24,655
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares 1,263 1,418
---------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Total 28,104 26,073
---------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
2015 2014
pence pence
------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------
Earnings per ordinary share - basic 31.0 37.0
- diluted 29.6 35.0
------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------
Adjusted earnings per ordinary share - basic 45.3 39.2
- diluted 43.3 37.1
------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------
10 Acquisition
The Group completed the acquisition of the entire ordinary share
capital of Networkers International plc, on 2 April 2015. As
consideration the Company issued and allotted 0.063256 new
Matchtech Group plc shares of 1p each for every 1 ordinary share
held by Networkers shareholders totalling 5,439,189 new Matchtech
shares and paid cash of 34 pence per ordinary share. Total
consideration was GBP58,471,000.
Networkers is an international recruitment business which
supplies skilled staff on a permanent or temporary basis in the
Telecoms, IT and Energy & Engineering sectors. The acquisition
creates a more geographically balanced business with scale in a
fast growing international markets whilst maintaining a healthy
contract to permanent NFI split.
The acquisition had the following effect on the Group's assets
and liabilities:
Acquirees
net assets
at acquisition
date Fair value
adjustments Fair value
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------ --------------- ------------- ----------
Intangible assets:
- software 41 - 41
- customer relationships - 18,552 18,552
- trade names - 4,741 4,741
- candidate databases - 1,560 1,560
Property, plant and equipment 470 - 470
Deferred tax asset 281 - 281
Trade and other receivables 39,357 - 39,357
Cash and cash equivalents 2,554 - 2,554
Current tax liability (26) - (26)
Trade and other payables (17,991) - (17,991)
Bank loans and overdrafts (10,905) - (10,905)
Deferred tax liability - (4,971) (4,971)
Net identifiable assets 13,781 19,882 33,663
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Goodwill 24,808
------------------------------ --------------- ------------- ----------
Consideration 58,471
------------------------------ --------------- ------------- ----------
Analysis of consideration:
Equity 29,235
Cash 29,236
Consideration 58,471
------------------------------ --------------- ------------- ----------
Analysis of net cashflows:
Cash consideration paid 29,236
Cash and cash equivalents acquired (2,554)
Bank loans and overdrafts acquired 10,905
------------------------------------ --------
Net cash outflow 37,587
------------------------------------ --------
Intangible assets have been identified relating to the customer
relationships, candidate databases and trademarks, intangible
assets have been recognised at fair value. Goodwill represents
expected synergies from combining operations of the acquiree and
acquirer, the employees of Networkers and intangibles that do not
qualify for separate recognition.
Fair value adjustments have been made to reflect the identified
intangible assets arising on acquisition and the deferred tax
liability on those assets.
Amortisation of intangible assets is on a straight line basis,
over the following useful economic lives:
Customer relationships 10 years
Candidate databases 5 years
Trade names 1 to 11 years
The Group incurred acquisition costs of GBP1,685,000 relating to
external legal fees, broker fees and due diligence costs. These
costs have been recognised in administrative expense in the Income
Statement.
In the period between the acquisition and 31 July 2015
Networkers contributed revenue of GBP57,017,000, Gross Profit of
GBP9,454,000 and profit from operations after amortisation of
acquired intangibles of GBP471,000. If the acquisition had occurred
on 1 August 2014, revenue for the combined Group would be
GBP630,158,000, Gross Profit of GBP74,639,000 and profit from
operations after amortisation of acquired intangibles
GBP16,691,000. The amortisation of acquired intangibles would be
GBP4,057,000.
11 Intangible Assets
Customer Trade Software
Goodwill relationships names Other licences Total
Group GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------- ------------- -------- -------------- --------- -------- --------- --------
At 1 August
COST 2013 - - - 400 973 1,373
Additions - - - - (22) (22)
Acquisitions 1,643 1,600 166 476 - 3,885
----------------------------- -------- -------------- --------- -------- --------- --------
At 1 August
2014 1,643 1,600 166 876 951 5,236
Additions - - - - 777 777
Acquisitions 24,808 18,552 4,741 1,560 41 49,702
----------------------------- -------- -------------- --------- -------- --------- --------
At 31 July
2015 26,451 20,152 4,907 2,436 1,769 55,715
----------------------------- -------- -------------- --------- -------- --------- --------
At 1 August
AMORTISATION 2013 - - - 316 422 738
Charge for
the year - 453 15 195 131 794
----------------------------- -------- -------------- --------- -------- --------- --------
At 31 July
2014 - 453 15 511 553 1,532
Charge for
the year - 946 511 223 273 1,953
----------------------------- -------- -------------- --------- -------- --------- --------
At 31 July
2015 - 1,399 526 734 826 3,485
----------------------------- -------- -------------- --------- -------- --------- --------
At 31 July
NET BOOK VALUE 2014 1,643 1,147 151 365 398 3,704
--------------- ------------- -------- -------------- --------- -------- --------- --------
At 31 July
2015 26,451 18,753 4,381 1,702 943 52,230
----------------------------- -------- -------------- --------- -------- --------- --------
Goodwill arising on business combinations is reviewed and tested
on an annual basis or more frequently if there is indication that
goodwill might be impaired. Goodwill has been tested for impairment
by comparing the carrying amount of each cash-generating unit
(CGU), including goodwill, with the recoverable amount.
Goodwill is allocated to CGUs, which are determined as the reportable 2015 2014
segments, as follows: GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Professional Services 1,643 1,643
Networkers International plc 24,808 -
26,451 1,643
---------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
The recoverable amounts of the CGUs are determined from
value-in-use calculations, the key assumptions for the value-in-use
calculations are as follows:
Profit from operations Profit from operations is based on the
latest annual forecast approved by the Group's Board of Directors
which was prepared using expectations of revenue and operating cost
growth
Discount rates The pre-tax rate used to discount the forecast
cash flows was 12.5% (2014: 12.5%) reflecting the Group's weighted
average cost of capital
Growth rates The long-term growth rates are based on management
forecasts which are consistent with external sources at an average
growth rate of 2.5% (2014: 2.5%)
Impairment reviews are performed at the year end by comparing
the carrying value of goodwill with the recoverable amount of the
CGUs to which goodwill has been allocated.
The impairment review determined that there has been no
impairment to any of the CGUs. Sensitivity analysis has been
performed in assessing recoverable amounts of goodwill. The
sensitivity analysis shows no impairment would arise under each
reasonably foreseeable scenario for any of the CGUs.
Amortisation is charged through administrative expenses in the
Income Statement.
12 Property, Plant and Equipment
Fixtures
fittings
Motor Leasehold &
vehicles improvements equipment Total
Group GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------- --------------------- --------- ------------- ---------- ---------
COST At 1 August 2013 1,712 706 2,888 5,306
Additions - 221 68 289
Acquisitions - 4 - 4
Disposals (539) (108) - (647)
------------------------------------- --------- ------------- ---------- ---------
At 1 August 2014 1,173 823 2,956 4,952
Additions - 351 173 524
Acquisitions - 94 377 471
Disposals (233) - (16) (249)
------------------------------------- --------- ------------- ---------- ---------
At 31 July 2015 940 1,268 3,490 5,698
------------------------------------- --------- ------------- ---------- ---------
DEPRECIATION At 1 August 2013 1,083 223 2,256 3,562
Charge for the year 154 107 330 591
Released on disposal (469) (60) - (529)
------------------------------------- --------- ------------- ---------- ---------
At 31 July 2014 768 270 2,586 3,624
Charge for the year 102 262 379 743
Released on disposal (204) - - (204)
------------------------------------- --------- ------------- ---------- ---------
At 31 July 2015 666 532 2,965 4,163
------------------------------------- --------- ------------- ---------- ---------
NET BOOK VALUE At 31 July 2014 405 553 370 1,328
--------------- --------------------- --------- ------------- ---------- ---------
(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires
October 29, 2015 03:01 ET (07:01 GMT)
At 31 July 2015 274 736 525 1,535
------------------------------------- --------- ------------- ---------- ---------
Included within Leasehold Improvements is a cost of GBP215,000
(2014: GBP215,000) relating to the dilapidations provision (see
note 16).
There were no capital commitments as at 31 July 2015 or 31 July
2014.
13 Investments
Company
------------------
2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------- -------- --------
At 1 August 3,403 2,068
Acquisition of Networkers 58,471 -
Transfer of Networkers to subsidiary company (58,471) -
Acquisition of non-controlling interest 650
Capital contribution 1,623 1,335
--------------------------------------------- -------- --------
At 31 July 5,676 3,403
--------------------------------------------- -------- --------
In April 2015 the Company acquired 100% of the ordinary share
capital of Networkers International plc for GBP58.5m. Subsequently
this investment was transferred to Matchtech Group (Holdings)
Limited for GBP58.5m, in return for an intercompany receivable.
The additional increase in investments represents the
acquisition of a non-controlling interest in Matchtech Group
Management Limited and a capital contribution made in Matchtech
Group (UK) Limited relating to share based payments.
Subsidiary Undertakings
% held %held
Company Country of Incorporation Share Class 2015 2014 Main Activities
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Matchtech Group (Holdings)
Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% 100% Holding
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Matchtech Group Management
Company Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% 69% Non trading
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Provision of recruitment
Matchtech Group (UK) Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 99.998% 99.998% consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Matchtech Engineering
Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% 100% Non trading
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Matchmaker Personnel Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% 100% Non trading
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Provision of recruitment
Barclay Meade Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% 100% consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Provision of recruitment
Alderwood Education Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% 100% consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Elemense Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% 100% Non trading
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Provision of recruitment
Connectus Technology Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% 100% consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Matchtech Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% 100% Non trading
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Provision of recruitment
Matchtech GmbH Germany Ordinary 100% 100% consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Matchtech BV Netherlands Ordinary 100% 100% Non trading
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Matchtech Engineering Provision of recruitment
Inc USA Ordinary 100% 100% consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Provision of recruitment
Application Services Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% 100% consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Provanis Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% 100% Non trading
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Networkers International
Plc United Kingdom Ordinary 100% - Holding
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Networkers International Provision of recruitment
(UK) Plc England Ordinary 100% - consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Networkers International
LLC United States Ordinary 100% - Non trading
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Networkers Telecommunications Provision of recruitment
Inc. United States Ordinary 100% - consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
NWI de Mexico S. de R.L. Provision of recruitment
de C.V Mexico Ordinary 100% - consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Networkers International
South Africa Proprietary Provision of recruitment
Limited South Africa Ordinary 87% - consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Networkers International Provision of recruitment
(China) Co. Limited China Ordinary 100% - consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Networkers International Provision of recruitment
(Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Malaysia Ordinary 100% - consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Networkers International Provision of recruitment
(Canada) Inc Canada Ordinary 100% - consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Networkers International
Trustees Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% - Non trading
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
The Comms Group Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% - Holding
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Provision of recruitment
CommsResources Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% - consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Provision of recruitment
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CommsResources Sdn Bhd Malaysia Ordinary 100% - consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Comms Software Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% - Non trading
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Provision of recruitment
CommsResources SAS Colombia Ordinary 100% - consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Elite Computer Staff Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% - Non trading
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
NWKI FZ LLC (formerly Provision of recruitment
SNS FZ LLC) Dubai Ordinary 100% - consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Networkers Recruitment
Services Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% - Non trading
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Provision of recruitment
MSB International GMBH Germany Ordinary 100% - consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Provision of recruitment
NWKI Communications LLC Dubai Ordinary 49% - consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Networkers Consultancy Provision of recruitment
(Singapore) PTE Limited. Singapore Ordinary 100% - consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Cappo Group Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% - Holding
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Provision of recruitment
Cappo International Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% - consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Provision of recruitment
Cappo Qatar LLC Qatar Ordinary 49% - consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Networkers Consultoria
Em
Technologia Da Informacao Provision of recruitment
Limiteda Brazil Ordinary 100% - consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Networkers International
(India) Private Limited India Ordinary 100% - Non trading
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Provision of recruitment
Concilium Search Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% - consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
Provision of recruitment
Kelsey House Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% - consultancy
----------------------------- ------------------------- ------------ ------- ------- ----------------------------
All holdings are indirect except Matchtech Group (Holdings)
Limited, Matchtech GmbH and Matchtech Group Management Company
Limited.
The Group consolidates NWKI Communications LLC and Cappo Qatar
LLC as subsidiaries in the consolidation due to contractual
arrangements in place giving the Group effective control of the
entities.
14 Deferred Tax
Credited/ Credited/
(charged) (charged)
Asset Liability Net to profit to equity
2015 2015 2015 2015 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------- ----------
Share based payments 1,003 - 1,003 116 174
Depreciation in excess of capital allowances 76 - 76 (44) -
Acquired intangibles - (4,967) (4,967) 336 -
Other temporary and deductible differences 158 - 158 1 -
--------------------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------- ----------
Net deferred tax assets/(liabilities) 1,237 (4,967) (3,730) 409 174
--------------------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------- ----------
Credited/ Credited/
(charged) (charged)
Asset Liability Net to profit to equity
2014 2014 2014 2014 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------- ----------
Share based payments 713 - 713 78 109
Depreciation in excess of capital allowances 7 - 7 - -
Acquired intangibles - (332) (332) 116 -
--------------------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------- ----------
Net deferred tax assets/(liabilities) 720 (332) 388 194 109
--------------------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------- ----------
The movement on the net deferred tax (liability)/asset is as
shown below:
Group
------------------
2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------- -------- --------
At 1 August 388 533
Acquired intangibles (4,971) (448)
Acquisitions 270 -
Recognised in income 409 194
Recognised in equity 174 109
--------------------- -------- --------
At end of year (3,730) 388
--------------------- -------- --------
The rate of UK corporation tax applied to deferred tax
calculations is 20% (2014: 20%).
15 Trade and Other Receivables
Group Company
------------------ ------------------
2015 2014 2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Trade receivables 93,872 70,341 - -
Amounts owed by Group companies - - 72,135 9,414
Other receivables 3,438 1,050 - -
Prepayments 1,587 857 - -
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total 98,897 72,248 72,135 9,414
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
The amounts due from Group undertakings in the Company Statement
of Financial Position are considered to approximate to fair
value.
Days sales outstanding at the year end based upon the preceding
3 months' revenue were 49.4 days (2014: 45.9 days). The allowance
for doubtful debts has been determined by reference to previous
experience and management assessment of debts.
The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and
other receivables approximates to the fair value.
(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires
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Included in the Group's trade receivable balance are debtors
with a carrying amount of GBP10,056,000 (2014: GBP8,367,000) which
are past due at the reporting date for which the Group has not
provided as the Directors do not believe there has been a
significant change in credit quality and consider the amounts to be
recoverable in full. The Group does not hold any collateral over
these balances.
The Group uses a third party credit scoring system to assess the
credit worthiness of potential new customers before accepting them.
Credit limits are defined by customer based on this information.
All customer accounts are subject to review on a regular basis by
senior management and actions are taken to address debt ageing
issues.
The Directors believe that there is no requirement for further
provision over and above the allowance for doubtful debts.
Ageing of past due but not impaired trade receivables:
Group
------------------
2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000
----------- -------- --------
0-30 days 7,585 7,251
30-60 days 1,663 976
60-90 days 458 140
90+ days 350 -
----------- -------- --------
Total 10,056 8,367
----------- -------- --------
Movement in the allowance for doubtful debts:
Group
------------------
2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------- -------- --------
At 1 August 300 585
Acquisitions 867 -
Impairment losses recognised/(reversed) 68 (285)
---------------------------------------- -------- --------
At 31 July 1,235 300
---------------------------------------- -------- --------
Ageing of impaired trade receivables:
Group
------------------
2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------- -------- --------
Not past due at reporting date 319 -
0-30 days 58 -
30-60 days - 8
60-90 days - 91
90+ days 858 201
------------------------------- -------- --------
Total 1,235 300
------------------------------- -------- --------
16 Provisions
Group
------------------
2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------ -------- --------
At 1 August 278 278
Acquisition 364 -
Provisions released during the year (16) -
------------------------------------ -------- --------
At 31 July 626 278
------------------------------------ -------- --------
Non-current 278 278
Current 348 -
------------------------------------ -------- --------
626 278
------------------------------------ -------- --------
The above provision relates to a dilapidations provision based
on the requirement to return leased buildings to their original
condition at the end of the lease term. The provision relates to
offices held under lease arrangements that expire between January
2016 and June 2017.
17 Trade and Other Payables
Group Company
------------------ ------------------
2015 2014 2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Trade payables 538 10 - -
Amounts owed to Group companies - - 8,922 2,189
Taxation and Social Security 5,415 5,280 - -
Contractor wages creditor 16,698 21,108 - -
Accruals and deferred income 14,227 3,405 - -
Provisions 348 - - -
Other payables 336 309 - -
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total 37,562 30,112 8,922 2,189
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
18 Financial Assets and Liabilities Statement of Financial
Position Classification
The carrying amount of the Group's financial assets and
liabilities as recognised at the Statement of Financial Position
date of the reporting periods under review may also be categorised
as follows:
Group Company
------------------ ------------------
2015 2014 2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Trade and other receivables
- Loan and receivables 97,310 71,391 72,135 9,414
Cash and cash equivalents
- Loan and receivables 3,997 569 - 39
---------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total 101,307 71,960 72,135 9,453
---------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Financial liabilities are included in the Statement of Financial
Position within the following headings:
Group
------------------
2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Current liabilities
Borrowings
- Financial liabilities recorded at amortised cost 37,641 3,678
Trade and other payables
- Financial liabilities recorded at amortised cost 32,147 24,832
--------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Total 69,788 28,510
--------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
The amounts at which the assets and liabilities above are
recorded are considered to approximate to fair value.
The Group has working capital facilities with HSBC which are
secured by way of an all assets debenture, which contains fixed and
floating charges over the assets of the Group. The facility held
with HSBC Bank allows the Company to borrow up to 90% of its
invoiced debtors up to a maximum of GBP65 million. Interest is
charged on borrowings at a rate of 1.1% over HSBC Bank base
rate.
The Group agreed a 3 year, GBP30m term loan facility agreement
with HSBC dated 27 January 2015 which is secured by way of a fixed
and floating charge over assets of the Group. Interest is charged
on borrowings at a rate of 3% over HSBC LIBOR rate.
19 Commitments Under Operating Leases
At 31 July 2015 the Group had commitments to pay the following
amounts under non-cancellable operating leases as set out
below:
Group
------------------
2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------- ---------------------- -------------------- -------- --------
Land/buildings Payments falling due: within 1 year 1,057 875
within 1 to 5 years 1,157 1,824
after 5 years - 138
----------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Other Payments falling due: within 1 year 269 233
within 1 to 5 years 483 541
----------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
The company had no commitments under non-cancellable operating
leases (2014: none).
20 Share Capital
Authorised Share Capital
Company
------------------
2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------- -------- --------
40,000,000 Ordinary shares of GBP0.01 each 400 400
------------------------------------------- -------- --------
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Allotted, called up and fully paid:
Company
------------------
2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
30,922,000 (2014: 24,965,000) Ordinary shares of GBP0.01 each 309 250
-------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
The number of shares in issue in the Company is shown below:
Company
----------------
2015 2014
'000 '000
--------------------------- ------- -------
In issue at 1 August 24,965 23,616
Exercise of share options 399 299
Issue of restricted shares 119 -
Share placing 5,439 1,050
--------------------------- ------- -------
In issue at 31 July 30,922 24,965
--------------------------- ------- -------
During the year the Company issued 119,000 Ordinary shares of
GBP0.01 each, these shares were issued with restrictions as the
shares cannot be sold or transferred without the consent of the
Board and have no dividend or voting rights.
The excess consideration above the nominal value of the shares
issued in respect of the acquisition of Networkers International
plc was accounted for within the merger reserve.
Share Options
The following options arrangements exist over the Company's
shares:
Exercise period
--------------------- ------ ------ ------------- -------- ----------------------
Exercise
2015 2014 price
'000s '000s Date of grant pence From To
--------------------- ------ ------ ------------- -------- ---------- ----------
Key Share Options 5 5 01/12/2005 146 01/06/2007 01/12/2015
Target/Loyalty Share
Options 2 3 01/12/2005 146 01/12/2006 01/12/2015
Deferred Share Bonus 6 6 18/01/2010 1 18/01/2012 18/01/2020
Deferred Share Bonus 6 6 18/01/2010 1 18/01/2013 18/01/2020
Zero Priced Share
Option Bonus 1 1 18/01/2010 1 18/01/2012 18/01/2020
Zero Priced Share
Option Bonus 1 1 18/01/2010 1 18/01/2013 18/01/2020
Zero Priced Share
Option Bonus 1 2 04/02/2011 1 25/01/2013 04/02/2021
Zero Priced Share
Option Bonus 2 2 04/02/2011 1 03/02/2014 04/02/2021
Long Term Incentive
Plan Options 23 51 31/01/2012 1 30/01/2015 31/01/2022
Zero Priced Share
Option Bonus - 12 31/01/2012 1 30/01/2014 31/01/2022
Zero Priced Share
Option Bonus 13 213 31/01/2012 1 30/01/2015 31/01/2022
Long Term Incentive
Plan Options 32 57 31/01/2013 1 30/01/2016 31/01/2023
Zero Priced Share
Option Bonus - 38 31/01/2013 1 30/01/2015 31/01/2023
Zero Priced Share
Option Bonus 210 257 31/01/2013 1 30/01/2016 31/01/2023
Value Creation Plan - 380 14/11/2013 1 18/11/2016 18/11/2021
Value Creation Plan - 380 14/11/2013 1 18/11/2017 18/11/2021
Long Term Incentive
Plan Options 104 156 24/01/2014 1 24/01/2017 24/01/2024
Deferred Share Bonus 10 19 24/01/2014 1 24/01/2015 24/01/2024
Deferred Share Bonus 10 19 24/01/2014 1 24/01/2016 24/01/2024
Zero Priced Share
Option Bonus 51 60 01/01/2014 1 01/01/2016 01/01/2024
Zero Priced Share
Option Bonus 292 383 01/01/2014 1 01/01/2017 01/01/2024
Zero Priced Share
Option Bonus 22 - 28/01/2015 1 28/01/2017 28/01/2025
Zero Priced Share
Option Bonus 137 - 28/01/2015 1 28/01/2018 28/01/2025
Zero Priced Share
Option Bonus 44 - 30/01/2015 1 30/01/2018 30/01/2025
Zero Priced Share
Option Bonus 16 - 26/06/2015 1 26/06/2018 26/06/2025
Value Creation Plan 389 - 02/07/2015 1 18/11/2016 18/11/2021
Value Creation Plan 389 - 02/07/2015 1 18/11/2017 18/11/2021
--------------------- ------ ------ ------------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total 1,766 2,051
--------------------- ------ ------ ------------- -------- ---------- ----------
During the year the Group granted share options under a Long
Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) for Executive Directors and a Zero
Priced Share Option Bonus for key staff. The LTIP options were
granted on 30 January 2015 and are subject to an EPS performance
target. The zero priced share options were granted on 28 January
2015 and 26 June 2015 to members of staff subject to two and three
year holding periods. All grants made during the year were under
the same terms as share options granted in previous years.
During the year options under the Value Creation Plan (VCP) were
waived and re-granted. The VCP options were granted to Executive
Directors and key staff, 50% of the options are exercisable on 18
November 2016 and 50% exercisable one year later.
All share options have a life of 10 years and are equity settled
on exercise.
The movement in share options is shown below:
2015 2014
------------------------------- -------------------------------
Weighted Weighted
average Weighted average Weighted
exercise average exercise average
Number price share price Number price share price
'000s (pence) (pence) '000s (pence) (pence)
------------------------ ------ --------- ------------ ------ --------- ------------
Outstanding at 1 August 2,051 1.7 - 1,002 7.2 -
Granted 1,074 1.0 - 1,434 1.0 -
Forfeited/lapsed (986) 1.0 - (108) 1.0 -
Exercised (373) 1.0 525.0 (277) 19.3 561.9
------------------------ ------ --------- ------------ ------ --------- ------------
Outstanding at 31 July 1,766 1.7 2,051 1.7
Exercisable at 31 July 70 1.3 38 1.7
------------------------ ------ --------- ------------ ------ --------- ------------
The number of share options granted includes the deferred share
bonus options.
The numbers and weighted average exercise prices of share
options vesting in the future are shown below.
2015 2014
----------------------------- ------------------------------
Weighted Weighted
average Weighted average Weighted
remaining average remaining average
contract exercise contract exercise
life Number price life Number price
Exercise Date (months) '000s (pence) (months) '000s (pence)
-------------- ---------- ------ --------- ----------- ------ ---------
24/01/2015 - - - 6 19 1.0
30/01/2015 - - - 6 302 1.0
01/01/2016 5 51 1.0 17 60 1.0
24/01/2016 6 10 1.0 18 19 1.0
30/01/2016 6 242 1.0 18 314 1.0
18/11/2016 16 389 1.0 28 380 1.0
01/01/2017 17 292 1.0 29 383 1.0
24/01/2017 18 104 1.0 30 156 1.0
28/01/2017 18 22 1.0 - - -
18/11/2017 28 389 1.0 40 380 1.0
28/01/2018 30 137 1.0 - - -
30/01/2018 30 44 1.0 - - -
26/06/2018 35 16 1.0 - - -
-------------- ---------- ------ --------- ----------- ------ ---------
Total 1,696 2,013
-------------- ---------- ------ --------- ----------- ------ ---------
In addition to the share option schemes the Group operated a
Share Incentive Plan (SIP), which is an HMRC approved plan
available to all employees enabling them to purchase shares out of
pre-tax salary. For each share purchased the Company grants an
additional share at no cost.
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The fair values of the LTIP options were calculated using a
Monte Carlo simulation method along with the assumptions detailed
below. The values of the Zero price options granted in the year
were calculated using a Black Scholes method along with the
assumptions as detailed below. The fair values of the SIPS and
Deferred Bonus Shares were calculated as the market values on the
date of the grant adjusted for the assumptions as detailed
below.
Share
Price Risk
on Free
the Rate
date Exercise Vesting Dividend of Fair
of grant Price Volatility Period Yield interest Value
Date of grant (GBP) (GBP) (%) (yrs) (%) (%) (GBP)
-------------- --------------- --------- -------- ---------- ------- -------- --------- ------
07/08/2012 SIP 2.03 0.01 N/A 3.00 N/A N/A 2.03
12/09/2012 SIP 2.04 0.01 N/A 3.00 N/A N/A 2.04
05/10/2012 SIP 2.21 0.01 N/A 3.00 N/A N/A 2.21
09/11/2012 SIP 2.37 0.01 N/A 3.00 N/A N/A 2.37
12/12/2012 SIP 2.33 0.01 N/A 3.00 N/A N/A 2.33
11/01/2013 SIP 2.63 0.01 N/A 3.00 N/A N/A 2.63
31/01/2013 LTIP 2.67 0.01 14.0% 2.00 5.8% 0.56% 1.76
31/01/2013 Deferred bonus 2.67 0.01 N/A 3.00 5.8% 0.56% 2.27
31/01/2013 Deferred bonus 2.67 0.01 N/A 2.00 5.8% 0.37% 2.41
Zero price
31/01/2013 bonus 2.67 0.01 14.0% 3.00 5.8% 0.56% 2.24
Zero price
31/01/2013 bonus 2.67 0.01 14.0% 3.00 5.8% 0.56% 2.24
08/02/2013 SIP 2.73 0.01 N/A 3.00 N/A N/A 2.73
12/03/2013 SIP 2.87 0.01 N/A 3.00 N/A N/A 2.87
12/04/2013 SIP 3.47 0.01 N/A 3.00 N/A N/A 3.47
10/05/2013 SIP 3.38 0.01 N/A 3.00 N/A N/A 3.38
01/01/2014 LTIP 5.75 0.01 16.8% 2.00 3.1% 1.2% 5.22
01/01/2014 LTIP 5.75 0.01 16.8% 3.00 3.1% 1.2% 5.22
Zero price
24/01/2014 bonus 5.93 0.01 17.0% 3.00 3.0% 1.2% 5.40
28/01/2015 LTIP 5.08 0.01 16.4% 2.00 3.9% 0.7% 4.51
28/01/2015 LTIP 5.08 0.01 16.4% 3.00 3.9% 0.7% 4.51
Zero price
30/01/2015 bonus 5.08 0.01 16.4% 3.00 3.9% 0.6% 4.51
26/06/2015 LTIP 5.49 0.01 16.4% 3.00 3.9% 1.1% 4.90
-------------- --------------- --------- -------- ---------- ------- -------- --------- ------
The volatility of the Company's share price on each date of
grant was calculated as the average of the annualised standard
deviations of daily continuously compounded returns on the
Company's stock, calculated over 5 years back from the date of
grant, where applicable. The risk-free rate is the yield to
maturity on the date of grant of a UK Gilt Strip, with term to
maturity equal to the life of the option. The 2013 LTIP awards are
subject to a TSR test, this 'market' based condition is taken into
account in the date of grant fair calculation.
During the year, Matchtech Group (Holdings) Limited, a
subsidiary of Matchtech Group plc, issued 1,000 shares of GBP0.001
each. These shares were issued to Executive Directors and key staff
as Employee Shareholder shares.
The share based payment charge is analysed by share scheme as
follows:
Group Company
------------------ ------------------
2015 2014 2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
VCP 178 30 178 30
LTIP 1,151 999 1,151 999
Zero price bonus 265 211 265 211
Deferred bonus (10) 32 (10) 32
SIP 39 63 39 63
Total 1,623 1,335 1,623 1,335
----------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
During the year GBP1,104,000 (2014: GBP808,000) was recycled
back to retained earnings as a result of lapsed share options.
21 Transactions with Directors and Related Parties
During the year the Group made sales of GBP114,000 (2014:
GBP268,000) to InHealth Group which is a related party by virtue of
common directorship of Richard Bradford and sales of GBP624,000
(2014:GBP261,000) to the Waterman Group by virtue of common
directorship of Ric Piper. At the year end Waterman Group has a
balance outstanding of GBP137,000 (2014: GBP30,000) and InHealth
Group has a balance outstanding of GBP20,000 (2014: GBP44,000). All
transactions were undertaken at an arm's length price.
There were no other related party transactions with entities
outside of the Group.
During the year Matchtech Group (UK) Limited charged Matchtech
Group plc GBP767,000 (2014: GBP496,000) for provision of management
services. Further details of transactions with directors are
included in the Director's Remuneration Report in the Annual Report
and Accounts.
22 Financial Instruments
The financial risk management policies and objectives including
those related to financial instruments and the qualitative risk
exposure details, comprising credit and other applicable risks, are
included within the Chief Financial Officer's report under the
heading Group financial risk management.
Maturity of Financial Liabilities
The Group financial liabilities analysis at 31 July 2015 was as
follows:
Group Company
------------------ ------------------
2015 2014 2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
In less than one year or on demand:
Bank overdrafts 14 332 - -
Working capital facility 9,223 3,346 - -
Finance costs capitalised (204) - - -
--------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Bank loans and overdrafts 9,033 3,678 - -
Trade and other payables 32,147 24,832 - -
--------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total 41,180 28,510 - -
--------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
More than one year but less than three
years
Term Loan 28,608 - 28,608 -
--------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Borrowing Facilities
The Group makes use of working capital facilities and a term
loan, details of which can be found in note 18. The undrawn
facility available at 31 July 2015 in respect of which all
conditions precedent had been met was as follows:
Group Company
------------------ ------------------
2015 2014 2015 2014
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------
Expiring in one to five years 57,169 46,654 1,392 -
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------
The Directors have calculated that the effect on profit of a 1%
movement in interest rates would be GBP420,000 (2014:
GBP285,000).
The Directors believe that the carrying value of borrowings
approximates to their fair value.
Foreign Currency Risk
The Group's main foreign currency risk is the short-term risk
associated with trade debtors denominated in US dollars and Euros
relating to the UK operations whose functional currency is
Sterling. The risk arises on the difference between exchange rates
at the time the invoice is raised to when the invoice is settled by
the client. For sales denominated in foreign currency, the Group
ensures that direct costs associated with the sale are also
denominated in the same currency. Further foreign exchange risk
arises where there is a gap in the amount of assets and liabilities
of the Group denominated in foreign currencies that are required to
be translated into sterling at the year end rates of exchange.
Where the risk to the Group is considered to be significant, the
Group will enter into a matching forward foreign exchange contract
with a reputable bank.
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