TIDMRST

RNS Number : 9619T

Restore PLC

28 July 2022

28 July 2022

Restore plc

("Restore" or the "Group" or "Company")

Half Year Results 2022

Strategy delivering organic momentum and acquisition expansion

Restore plc (AIM: RST), the UK's leading provider of digital and information management and secure lifecycle services, is pleased to announce its unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2022 ("H1" or "the period").

OVERVIEW

Restore continued to deliver strategic progress with substantial revenue growth of 32% in the first half, driven by strong organic momentum (+19%) and the successful integration of acquisitions made in 2021 and H1 2022 (+13%).

Digital and Information Management achieved revenue growth of 41% as a result of strategic contract wins in the last 18 months and excellent operational delivery in H1. Secure Lifecycle Services grew revenue by 20% with Technology growing strongly (+40%) and Datashred also performing well (+33%). The Group also successfully managed inflationary cost pressures during the period through proportionate price rises, whilst driving cost reductions across the Group.

With strong organic momentum, three further acquisitions completed in H1 and substantial financial capacity to make further acquisitions, the Group continues to grow capability and scale and management remain confident of delivering its stated objective to reach annual revenues of GBP450 million and double EBITDA to GBP150m in the medium term.

 
 FINANCIAL SUMMARY                    H1 2022     H1 2021   Change 
--------------------------------   ----------  ----------  ------- 
 Revenue                            GBP140.3m   GBP106.1m     +32% 
 Adjusted Profit Before Tax*         GBP21.2m    GBP15.6m     +36% 
 Statutory Profit Before Tax         GBP14.1m     GBP8.9m     +58% 
 Adjusted EBITDA*                    GBP40.3m    GBP33.2m     +21% 
 Net Debt                           GBP103.5m    GBP91.6m     +13% 
 Adjusted* Earnings Per Share**         12.6p        9.8p     +29% 
 Statutory Earnings Per Share            7.5p        1.5p    +400% 
 Dividend per share                      2.6p        2.5p      +4% 
---------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------- 
 

* stated before exceptional items and amortisation

**calculated using a standard tax charge

HIGHLIGHTS

Strong business momentum and organic expansion resulting from high customer satisfaction and innovation

   --      Increasing demand and activity continuing from 2021 
   --      Major contract wins in Digital and Information Management 
   --      Substantial evolution of the Group's product range in Digital and Technology businesses 
   --      'Restoring our World', ESG strategy on track 

Excellent progress in acquisition strategy

   --      Successful integration of prior year acquisitions, all on track or ahead of plan 
   --      Two bolt-on investments in Records Management for GBP0.7m during H1 
   --      Strategic acquisition of Ultratec for an enterprise value of GBP9.3m in May 
   --      Well developed pipeline of acquisition opportunities 

Substantial financial growth

   --      Revenue of GBP140.3m (+32%) from organic growth (+19%) and acquisitions (+13%) 

-- Strong profit delivery of GBP21.2m (+36%) with price and productivity mitigation of cost pressures

   --      Adjusted EPS of 12.6p (+29%) 
   --      Annualised run rate revenue increased to c.GBP280m per annum 

Strong cash management with leverage reduced to 1.7x as at 30 June 2022, with substantial headroom for further investment.

Interim dividend declared of 2.6p per share (2021:2.5p).

Management remain confident the Group will deliver strong growth for FY22.

Growth strategy on track to double EBITDA to GBP150m.

OUTLOOK

The Board is pleased with the Group's strategic progress during H1 and the delivery of sustained organic momentum and successful integration of acquisitions made during the last 18 months.

Management remain confident that the Group will deliver strong growth for FY22, with activity levels increasing and pricing adjustments offsetting cost increases. However, rising interest rates are leading to higher finance charges and it is anticipated that interest costs will be GBP1.0 million to GBP2.0 million greater than planned for the year.

Looking further ahead, the critical services that the Group provides in digital transformation, information management and secure lifecycle services are in high demand and Restore is in a strong position to capitalise on its market leading positions. The Group's strategy to grow through organic expansion, strategic acquisition and margin improvement remains on track to deliver a larger, responsible and highly profitable business in the medium term.

CHARLES BLIGH, CEO, commented:

"I am delighted with the growth achieved in the first half which demonstrates that our strategy and execution is on track. Across the Group we are seeing increasing sales activity and significant customer contract wins. Our staffing levels have grown substantially in the last 6 months in order to support delivery and I want to thank the whole team for doing such a great job and ensuring customer experience continues to be at the heart of what we do.

In addition to our confidence in future organic growth, we have a well developed pipeline of acquisition opportunities and, with our strong balance sheet, we are looking forward to completing further investments in H2 and continuing to deliver great results for our shareholders and customers."

For further information please contact:

 
 Restore plc                                   www.restoreplc.com 
 Charles Bligh, CEO 
  Neil Ritchie, CFO                            +44 (0) 207 409 2420 
 
 Investec (Nominated Adviser and Joint         www.investec.com 
  Broker) 
 Carlton Nelson 
  James Rudd                                   +44 (0) 207 597 5970 
 
 Canaccord Genuity (Joint Broker, Corporate    www.canaccordgenuity.com 
  Advisor) 
 Max Hartley 
  Chris Robinson                               +44 (0) 207 523 8000 
 
 Citi (Joint Broker)                           www.citigroup.com 
 Stuart Field 
  Laura White                                  +44 (0) 207 986 4074 
 
 Buchanan Communications (PR enquiries)        www.buchanan.uk.com 
 Charles Ryland 
  Stephanie Whitmore                           +44 (0) 207 466 5000 
 

BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

The Group achieved a strong performance in H1, with revenue up 32% vs the same period in 2021 and importantly showing sequential improvement with an increase of 13% in Q2 over Q1.

Restore has a clear, high growth strategy, with ambitious but achievable strategic growth objectives. The financial performance of the business is clearly showing delivery against the stated growth pillars of organic expansion, strategic acquisitions and margin enhancement through scale and productivity, despite the headwinds resulting from the global pandemic and macro-economic uncertainty.

Digital and Information Management

Our Digital and Information Management division comprises Restore Records Management and Restore Digital.

For the period, the division achieved an adjusted operating profit of GBP24.6m (H1 2021: GBP18.8m) on turnover of GBP87.1m (H1 2021: GBP61.9m).

Restore Records Management - Revenue GBP55.9m up 17% YoY (H1 2021: GBP47.7m)

Revenue increased strongly at +17% YoY driven by organic growth of 11% and acquisition related growth of 6%.

Activity levels increased YoY and are now above pre-covid levels. Within this activity, BAU service levels (normal pickups and file deliveries) are down on pre-covid levels which was expected given part of the period was impacted by covid ways of working but this was more than offset by the increase in projects with customers. The contract with DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) to audit and consolidate c.27million files started on the 1 April 2022 and is on track to be completed at the end of this year.

Our insight from customers in the last six months is consistent with pre-covid research that customers are still looking for long term storage while they look to transform their businesses. They find it difficult to know where to start in the digital transformation and are looking to Restore to help them to effectively use their highly valuable and long-term data held in a physical form with new data held in a digital form.

Positive organic net box growth was achieved plus additional box growth of 78k boxes through two 'pick and lift' storage acquisitions. Restore is winning new business in the market with c.140 new customers in H1 2022, which is three times the pre-covid levels seen in 2019, clearly showing successful and strong sales execution from the team. Of these new c.140 accounts, 70% are customers with un-vended boxes. New Box intake and Organic growth were up substantially from H1 2021 and destructions are back to pre-covid levels while perm-out (where a customer permanently checks out a box) have decreased vs pre-covid levels. Restore started the year with 22m boxes in storage and we are expecting the full year organic box growth to be between 1-2% plus acquisition related increases in box storage driving strong revenue growth.

The storage utilisation rate of 91% reflects the addition of new capacity (in H2 2021) which will cater for our organic growth over the next 18 months plus ongoing consolidation of the property estate. The Group emptied three sites with over 320k boxes moved in H1 and is progressing the exit from a further three sites with over 500k boxes into existing, larger facilities. We are currently working through further additional lease and warehouse expansion opportunities to underpin the growth and consolidation strategy including a planning application to significantly extend our freehold site in Sittingbourne.

The pipeline of acquisitions continues to develop and we have started H2 2022 strongly with a number of customer awards for large projects.

Restore Digital - Revenue GBP31.2m up 120% YoY (H1 2021: GBP14.2m)

As a result of the transformation of Restore Digital (scale and scope of services) over the last two years, the business showed exceptional revenue growth of 120%, and delivered turnover of GBP31.2m for the period. This increase comprised of organic growth of 65% from strong project revenues and underlying sales growth, and acquisition related growth of 55% as a result of the EDM acquisition in April 2021.

Strong growth in H1 2022 was underpinned by a substantial contract award from HMRC, a successful Public Sector Government contract delivered in partnership with APS Group, and the return of the examination scanning activities for RM Education. To deliver these contracts, over 500 staff were successfully onboarded during H1. As Restore Digital exits the period, staffing levels are 26% higher than H1 2021.

Last year's acquisition of EDM Group has extended the breadth of services and the newly combined business has achieved three significant pipeline additions to digital mailroom services during the period. Integration of these businesses has progressed according to plan and is delivering substantial synergies in line with expectations. To support further growth plans, the Leadership Team has recently been strengthened by the addition of senior Finance and Service Delivery Directors.

Restore Digital won 226 deals in the period and total contract value increased by 11% compared with H1 2021. This included two significant public sector digitisation contracts. Our organic growth strategy is underpinned by a significant pipeline (600 deals) of business, with over 17% of the pipeline consisting of strategically important complex digital transformation projects. Our sales focus continues to be on high volume complex contracts in regulated sectors where customers value the high quality and security of Restore's services. Customer retention levels are excellent and three of our top ten customers signed contract extensions in the period.

Further opportunity for growth is available through acquisitions with a number of opportunities under consideration.

Secure Lifecycle Services

Our Secure Lifecycle Services division comprises Restore Technology, which is now the market leader in IT Lifecycle Services, Restore Datashred, a leading National shredding business, and Restore Harrow Green, the UK's market leader in office and commercial relocations.

For the period the division achieved an operating profit of GBP5.6m up 19% (H1 2021: GBP4.7m) on turnover of GBP53.2m up 20% (H1 2021: GBP44.2m).

Restore Technology - Revenue GBP17.2m up 40% YoY (H1 2021: GBP12.3m)

Revenue significantly increased by 40% supported by strong organic growth of 14% and acquisition related growth of 26%. Restore Technology saw continued strong demand for IT investment which requires customers to decommission older equipment in both the office environment but also from the upgrade of data centres and data networks. Although a significant proportion of our services involve end of life activity, we are building out our capability selectively in the pre and mid-life services area and in H1 2022 pre & mid-life revenue was up 50% with a strong pipeline of deals for the next 12 months.

With the transformed scale (we are four times larger compared with three years ago) and increased breadth of capability, Restore Technology is now competing for and winning much larger and longer projects and also strengthening strategic partnerships. In H1 2022 a selection of the wins include a large IT infrastructure contractor (GBP1.0m), an IT support and solutions consultancy (GBP0.6m), a large investment bank for destruction work (GBP0.5m) and a large telco contract renewal (GBP1.0m).

A strategic focus is building a strong channel (indirect business) with IT Vendors and Resellers and Network vendors and resellers and we are delighted with the growing pipeline of business from this investment in people, capability and focus.

Feedback from customers shows a growing emphasis from direct clients on assurance and governance as clients seek more transparency around ESG (specifically supply chain risk, secure erasure of data and disposal of assets). Many large clients require completion of complex and detailed submissions with greater assurance in bids and tenders which is a favourable trend for the Group given our leading market position and credentials.

Restore Technology is also seeing significant interest to offer its lifecycle services to partners to extend their services propositions and it was pleasing to see large public sector clients won recently in partnership with our channel as a result.

We continue to invest and transform the business as we grow. A new Operations Director and Marketing Director are due to join in early Q3 2022 to further strengthen the team. With a fleet of over 90 ICE vehicles (and growing), Restore Technology is working hard to drive adoption of new EV vehicles as we optimise the routing of the business. The Group is investing in a major upgrade of the IT platform to be completed in H1 2023 to support the expected significant growth in the business over the next few years.

Ultratec Ltd was acquired in May 2022 for an enterprise value of GBP9.3m. Ultratec is the pre-eminent Hard Disk lifecycle business in the UK with a unique capability from a product called Genesis which is a software and appliance for the erasure and importantly restoration of failed hard drives and also Nemesis, which has the same capability for network devices (switches and routers) which is a growing security concern for many organisations. We have a number of acquisitions in the pipeline to continue to build our scale and scope of services as the Group looks to double the size of Restore Technology over the medium term.

Restore Datashred - Revenue GBP18.3m up 33% YoY (H1 2021: GBP13.8m)

Revenue increased 33% YoY and vs H2 2021 revenue increased sequentially by 12% which shows the continual increase in activity levels and also stronger paper prices for recycled paper delivered to the paper mills.

Activity levels increased c.30% YoY which is very encouraging, although remain slightly lower (9%) than pre-covid levels. We expect continued growth as more people return to work and even with more work from home activity going forward, we believe the business will continue to grow as a result of growing data management requirements and that we are winning in the market.

The tonnage of paper collected is lower than pre-covid levels but paper pricing remains high with the average price per tonne at c.GBP230. It is extremely difficult to forecast paper pricing but in the short term we expect to sustain these pricing levels given the substitute of paper from virgin forests is less sustainable and less competitive as shipping prices around the world remaining high.

We continue to focus relentlessly on operational efficiency with route density (number of visits per vehicle per day) improved 19% YoY with mileage per visit down 21% which drove down fuel and maintenance costs of the fleet. Restore Datashred also introduced new online capability for new sales from existing customers which enables them to increase self service, improving customer experience and reducing costs. This additional functionality is part of a wider IT platform upgrade which will enable Restore Datashred to drive even greater optimisation of operations and deliver further customer experience benefits.

The NPS customer experience continued to improve from 71 to 74 over the last 12 months, and we are seeing excellent Trustpilot reviews from customers which is very encouraging given the significant improvements that have been made. With the future plans laid out and additional changes management have identified, we know there is further potential to improve.

Restore Harrow Green - Revenue GBP17.7m down 2% YoY (H1 2021: GBP18.1m)

Revenue was slightly lower at 2% YoY reflecting the loss of one contract with Defence DAS (MoD staff relocations) but activity levels overall remained stable. Restore Harrow Green saw good performances in its regional locations but the London relocation market remained soft with few large projects. This was mainly offset by many small/medium projects. We have a number of large relocations that have been delayed due to slower building works in the last two years but indications from customers are they will resume these relocations over the next 12 months.

Pricing in the market is competitive and Restore Harrow Green has seen a number of large customers engage after having experienced poor delivery with competitors who had offered lower pricing during the pandemic. This recognition that certainty of delivery is the key priority, positions Restore Harrow Green strongly as the class leader in execution. With the labour market remaining tight we are seeing increased costs but with price increases and with a dedicated and well-established team, we are confident that as the larger project activity returns, we will be able to deliver for customers.

Proposal activity remains strong with companies looking at their real estate footprint/usage and starting to make decisions about what they change over the next several years. With a national presence and pre-eminence in the market for large and complex moves Restore Harrow Green is ideally placed over the next few years for the significant changes in real estate locations and mix of use for organisations.

Storage of items (largely large crate and pallet storage) has increased with revenues up 12% to GBP2.2m. We store items in nine locations across the UK with c.95% utilisation. This market will increase in size and we are investing strongly to increase our storage facilities.

We have invested heavily in specific high growth segments such as the R&D and Pharmaceuticals industry and as a result we are building key relationships and winning new types of contracts in the sector. We are expanding our facility in Cambridge and looking at further investments to meet the growth we are experiencing.

STRATEGIC UPDATE

To deliver the high growth strategy the Group is organised across two divisions.

In the Digital and Information Management Division the growth trends are strong with increasing demand for secure storage, flexible work practices and the ongoing digitisation by organisations to drive down costs and respond to changing demand. As the number two in the Records Management sector and as the number one Digital business Restore provides market leading solutions to customers to solve their need for physical, hybrid physical/digital or a pure digital service.

In Restore's Secure Lifecycle Services division, the market is also large and growing with very positive underlying trends based on organisations' requirements for assurance in securely destroying data (on paper or technology assets), and ESG trends in recycling and reusing IT assets as well as workplace transformation. We service these markets as the leading provider with Restore Datashred the number two national shredding business, Restore Technology the number one IT lifecycle/recycling business and Restore Harrow Green the number one commercial relocation and storage business servicing mid-market, enterprise and public sector customers.

Resilience with significant opportunity underpins our growth strategy

Restore's business model is highly resilient and this is particularly important in uncertain economic times. The Group delivers essential services to mid-market, FTSE100 businesses and public sector organisations, and their demand for our services is increasing as they grow or restructure. Our services cannot be delivered by in-house teams and we use the scale of our operations to drive down costs and provide savings to customers which is greatly valued in the currently uncertain economic backdrop.

Restore sees significant opportunity in all our markets to grow share organically and acquire in highly fragmented markets. We believe that continued organic growth is a foundation for shareholder value and this underpins our acquisition strategy. When acquiring businesses, a fundamental principle is to integrate the acquisitions quickly into each business unit in order to enhance customer experience and deliver synergies. As such, our acquisition model is generally to acquire businesses in full at the transaction date, subject to modest retentions for completion matters, and we avoid earn-out deals which prevent strategic integration.

Organic Growth

The foundation of the organic growth strategy is to deliver exceptional customer service at the right price using the scale of our business to drive down costs. By delivering for customers every day we have the opportunity to cross sell from the wider Group services and so the virtuous circle continues which further drives our growth. Our markets overall are growing at 3%+ and our plan is to grow at a minimum of 4% per annum although we are investing with a view to drive above this to 8%+ (before the effects of potentially higher inflation). Restore has delivered consistent growth giving confidence in the platform to reliably deliver and during the pandemic we continued to grow and win new customers which gives the Group assurance that we can continue this trend. We are also expanding heavily into high growth segments such as in our Digital and Technology business units.

Acquisition growth

We have a very strong M&A platform with a highly qualified and dedicated M&A team and the business unit management teams have the experience and structure to integrate acquisitions quickly. Restore operates in large and extremely fragmented markets where we look for companies that add scale to our business (which means there are significant synergies) and/or add extra capability to enhance our products and services and provide significant synergy benefits. All acquisitions are earnings accretive and with multiple opportunities in each market and, due to Restore's well-earned reputation as a trusted buyer, we can buy good quality business at fair prices with the sellers knowing we will complete a deal and successfully integrate the acquired asset.

Margin Expansion

The focus as Restore grows is to improve margins and we have a detailed plan to achieve this. With inflationary pressures costs are increasing but we have significant ability to pass these on to customers while being customer centric in how this is executed. At the same time we are using our scale to drive down costs and market test what we procure continually as one company with its total scale versus each of the five business units independently procuring services with lower buyer leverage. A hallmark of the Company and the leadership team's focus is very tight cost control.

A significant cost to the business is property where we operate in 95 sites. We have a clear plan to ensure we drive significant utilisation as we grow at the various operating sites and rationalise the number of properties over time. This is especially true in Restore Records Management where in a select number of cases proximity is needed to deliver service levels but increasingly for low activity records we can store in lower cost and larger facilities. We currently have capacity for c.24m boxes and we are planning on this being 30m+ boxes in the medium to long term to meet growth objectives. We are adding larger capacity sites (as we consolidate from smaller sites) with higher eaves heights which will drive greater density and lower unit costs.

A main source of productivity is in the use of better technology and the significant information we know about customer activity and needs. This is enabling Restore to design more efficient routes, improve SLAs and develop the profile of services which is driving significant optimisation of the current operations, improve productivity and enhance customer experience.

Compelling investment case delivering shareholder value

Our strategy is to drive significant increases in profitability over the medium term and in the last three years we have demonstrated this through especially challenging times. In addition to this underlying growth momentum, we also have significant defensive qualities due to the critical nature of the services we provide, and the cash generative nature of our business model.

Our business model to deliver shareholder value is based on;

-- Highly recurring and long term contracted revenues with high levels of customers satisfaction

-- Delivery of essential services that are growing with outsourced services that in house teams cannot do at scale

   --      Attractive and growing operating margins with strong free cash conversion 
   --      Competitive advantage through our scale leading to cost advantage 
   --      Significant barriers to entry with scale and security 
   --      Ambitious ESG Strategy 'Restoring our World' 
   --      Leading position in growth markets 
   --      Fragmented markets with significant acquisition opportunity 
   --      Strong management team with demonstrated delivery of results. 

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Financial overview

Restore delivered a strong financial performance in the first half, with underlying organic expansion and accretive acquisitions contributing to high levels of revenue and profit growth.

The increasing scale and capability of the Group were strongly demonstrated in H1 with several major contract wins and expansion of recurring business resulting in high levels of organic momentum. Additionally, the Group continued to make strategic investments and deployed GBP9.5 million (net of cash acquired) during the period across the Records Management and Technology businesses. These acquisitions continue to increase the scale of the Digital and Information Management division and have added further capability to our Secure Lifecyle Services business.

As a result of these factors, the Group's annualised run rate revenues have increased to GBP280 million with further progress anticipated in H2.

An interim dividend of 2.6p per share (2021: 2.5p) has been declared and will be paid on 14 October 2022 to shareholders on the register at 16 September 2022.

Income Statement

Revenue for the first half was GBP140.3 million, an increase of 32% compared with the corresponding period in the prior year. This strong year on year growth reflects organic momentum of GBP20.1 million and acquisition related growth of GBP14.1 million.

The Group's organic expansion is the result of sustained box growth in Restore Records Management, together with the benefit from a number of large project wins in Digital and Records Management, emphasising the division's increased capability to provide complex project and business support services.

Acquisition expansion added further growth to Records Management, Digital and Technology and reflects the successful integration of the eight businesses acquired during 2021. The Digital and Technology businesses also saw strong market demand and continued to expand the variety of services they provide and their capability to meet customer requirements.

In the other businesses, Restore Datashred has seen its collection activity largely recover to pre-covid levels and although paper volume is lower, this was offset by higher prices for the bales of recycled paper it produces. Finally, Restore Harrow Green transitioned out from a large Defence DAS (MoD staff relocation) contract in H1 and largely offset lost revenue through increased activity elsewhere particularly in Life Sciences sector work and commercial storage income.

 
  Revenue                           H1       H1    Organic    Acquisition     YoY 
                                  2022                 YoY 
                                  GBPm     2021          %            YoY       % 
                                           GBPm                         % 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ---------  -------------  ------ 
  Restore Records Management      55.9     47.7        11%             6%    +17% 
  Restore Digital                 31.2     14.2        65%            55%   +120% 
 Digital and Information 
  Management                      87.1     61.9        23%            18%    +41% 
  Restore Technology              17.2     12.3        14%            26%    +40% 
  Restore Datashred               18.3     13.8        32%             1%    +33% 
  Restore Harrow Green            17.7     18.1        -2%              -     -2% 
 Secure Lifecycle Services        53.2     44.2        13%             7%    +20% 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ---------  -------------  ------ 
 Total                           140.3    106.1        19%            13%    +32% 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ---------  -------------  ------ 
 

Adjusted profit before tax for the period was GBP21.2 million (2021: GBP15.6 million), an increase of 36% year on year. The profit growth reflects the substantial growth in activity and net effect of pricing and costs in the period.

 
                                          GBPm 
----------------------------------  ---------- 
 H1 2021 Adjusted Profit Before 
  Tax                                     15.6 
  Interest                               (0.6) 
  Cost increases                         (2.2) 
  Price increases                          1.6 
  Non-cash accounting adjustments        (0.2) 
  Activity growth                          7.0 
----------------------------------  ---------- 
 H1 2022 Adjusted Profit Before 
  Tax                                     21.2 
----------------------------------  ---------- 
 

With significant cost pressures across the UK and the Global economy, the Group has been active in managing pricing and costs in the first half. Operating margin of 18.4% is consistent with H1 2021 with the Digital and Information Management division margin down slightly from 30.4% to 28.2% as a result of dilution from the increased digital mix whilst Secure Lifecyle Services at 10.5% is broadly in line with H1 2021.

Prices to customers have been increased at higher than ordinary rates across the businesses in 2022. The benefit of price increases in H1 are estimated at +GBP1.6 million with cost increases estimated at GBP2.2 million to give a net effect on profit for H1 of -GBP0.6 million. This gap reflects the time lag of pricing increases when compared with the more immediate impact of cost increases. Pricing remains a significant area of focus as management look ahead.

In terms of cost exposure, the main areas of cost for the Group are people, property and operation of the Group's fleet. As highlighted above, the business has a number of pricing levers to mitigate cost pressure in the short term and in the medium term the Group has a number of strategic initiatives to improve margin through productivity, scale, consolidation of property and transition of the fleet.

During H1, progress has continued to be made on these strategic objectives with property consolidation opportunities in the North West and South East, increasing yields from operating facilities in Restore Digital and Restore Technology and further increases in network efficiency in Restore Datashred.

On a statutory basis, profit before tax was GBP14.1 million (2021: GBP8.9 million). Statutory profit before tax is stated after taking into account charges for amortisation of GBP5.9 million (2021: GBP5.0 million) and exceptional items of GBP1.2 million (2021: GBP1.7m).

Adjusted basic earnings per share increased by 29% to 12.6 pence (2021: 9.8 pence) with statutory basic earnings per share increased to 7.5 pence (2021: 1.5 pence).

Adjusting items

Due to the one-off nature of exceptional costs and the non-cash nature of certain charges, the Directors believe that an adjusted measure of profit before tax and earnings per share provides shareholders with a useful representation of underlying earnings from the Group's business.

The adjusting items in arriving at the underlying adjusted profit before tax are as follows:

 
                                      H1 2022   H1 2021   Change 
                                         GBPm      GBPm 
-----------------------------------  --------  --------  ------- 
 Exceptional items                        0.9       1.7     -47% 
 Exceptional finance costs                0.3         -        - 
 Amortisation of intangible assets        5.9       5.0     +18% 
 Total adjusting items                    7.1       6.7      +6% 
-----------------------------------  --------  --------  ------- 
 

Exceptional items incurred in H1 2022 are primarily acquisition related restructuring costs (GBP0.8 million), acquisition related transaction costs (GBP0.1 million) and non-cash incremental write-off of bank charges on refinancing of the RCF (GBP0.3 million).

Balance Sheet and Cashflow

The Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2022 remains strong, with key ratios across working capital and trade debt consistent with prior periods. The growth in scale of the business is shown in the increase in net assets to GBP270.9 million. (2021: GBP259.2 million).

The Group continues to generate strong operating cashflows which increased from GBP25.8 million in H1 2021 to GBP28.5 million for H1 2022 after increased working capital of GBP12.7 million (2021: GBP6.6 million) to support revenue growth.

After investment in acquisitions of GBP9.5 million (net of cash acquired) and increased finance charges, the Group net debt increased from GBP100.8 million at 31 December 2021 to GBP103.5 million. As a result of the business expansion, the resulting net debt to pro-forma EBITDA leverage has reduced from 1.8x at 31 December 2021 to 1.7x at 30 June 2022.

The Group refinanced in January 2022 and agreed a new credit facility, increasing its credit line to GBP200 million with improved terms and the potential to increase this by a further GBP50 million through the activation of an accordion agreement.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the six months ended 30 June 2022

 
                                                     Unaudited     Unaudited 
                                                    six months    six months         Audited 
                                                         ended         ended      year ended 
                                                       30 June       30 June     31 December 
                                           Note           2022          2021            2021 
                                                         GBP'm         GBP'm           GBP'm 
-------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Revenue - continuing operations           2             140.3         106.1           234.3 
 Cost of sales                                          (78.7)        (58.3)         (127.1) 
 Gross profit                                             61.6          47.8           107.2 
 Administrative expenses                                (35.8)        (28.2)          (61.0) 
 Amortisation of intangible assets                       (5.9)         (5.0)          (10.7) 
 Exceptional items                         3             (0.9)         (1.7)           (4.4) 
 Operating profit                                         19.0          12.9            31.1 
-------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Finance costs                                           (4.6)         (4.0)           (8.1) 
 Exceptional finance costs                 3             (0.3)             -               - 
 Profit before tax                                        14.1           8.9            23.0 
-------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Taxation                                  4             (3.8)         (6.9)          (11.5) 
-------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Profit after tax                                         10.3           2.0            11.5 
 Other comprehensive income                                  -             -               - 
-------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Profit and total comprehensive 
  income for the period attributable 
  to owners of the parent                                 10.3           2.0            11.5 
-------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Earnings per share attributable 
  to owner of the parent (pence) 
 Total 
 - Basic                                   5              7.5p          1.5p            8.7p 
 - Diluted                                 5              7.3p          1.5p            8.4p 
-------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 
 

The reconciliation between the statutory results shown above and the non-GAAP adjusted measures are shown below:

 
 Operating profit - continuing 
  operations                            19.0    12.9    31.1 
--------------------------------      ------  ------  ------ 
 Adjustments for: 
 Amortisation of intangible 
  assets                                 5.9     5.0    10.7 
 Exceptional items                 3     0.9     1.7     4.4 
 Adjustments                             6.8     6.7    15.1 
--------------------------------      ------  ------  ------ 
 Adjusted operating profit              25.8    19.6    46.2 
--------------------------------      ------  ------  ------ 
 
 Depreciation of property, 
  plant and equipment and 
  right-of-use assets                   14.5    13.6    28.0 
--------------------------------      ------  ------  ------ 
 Earnings before interest, 
  taxation, depreciation, 
  amortisation, impairment 
  and exceptional items 
  (EBITDA)                              40.3    33.2    74.2 
--------------------------------      ------  ------  ------ 
 Profit before tax                      14.1     8.9    23.0 
 Adjustments (as stated 
  above)                                 6.8     6.7    15.1 
 Exceptional finance costs         3     0.3       -       - 
--------------------------------      ------  ------  ------ 
 Adjusted profit before 
  tax                                   21.2    15.6    38.1 
--------------------------------      ------  ------  ------ 
 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

As at 30 June 2022

 
                                                            Unaudited                              Audited 
                                                              30 June      Unaudited           31 December 
                                                                 2022   30 June 2021                  2021 
                                                Note            GBP'm          GBP'm                 GBP'm 
                                                      ---------------  -------------  -------------------- 
 
  ASSETS 
  Non-current assets 
  Intangible assets                                             330.7          320.6                 327.2 
  Property, plant and equipment                                  78.6           74.0                  78.8 
  Right-of-use assets                                            93.3          105.1                 102.5 
  Deferred tax asset                                              5.3            4.5                   5.9 
--------------------------------------------  ------  ---------------  -------------  -------------------- 
                                                                507.9          504.2                 514.4 
--------------------------------------------  ------  ---------------  -------------  -------------------- 
  Current assets 
  Inventories                                                     2.3            1.2                   1.4 
  Trade and other receivables                                    72.6           55.0                  56.9 
  Corporation tax receivable                                        -            0.1                     - 
  Cash and cash equivalents                                      29.9           22.0                  32.9 
--------------------------------------------  ------  ---------------  -------------  -------------------- 
                                                                104.8           78.3                  91.2 
--------------------------------------------  ------  ---------------  -------------  -------------------- 
  Total assets                                   2              612.7          582.5                 605.6 
--------------------------------------------  ------  ---------------  -------------  -------------------- 
 
  LIABILITIES 
  Current liabilities 
  Trade and other payables                                     (55.7)         (48.8)                (45.5) 
  Financial liabilities - lease liabilities                    (20.2)         (17.7)                (18.2) 
  Other financial liabilities                                       -              -                     - 
  Current tax liabilities                                       (2.6)              -                 (1.5) 
  Provisions                                                    (1.4)          (1.1)                 (0.9) 
--------------------------------------------  ------  ---------------  -------------  -------------------- 
                                                               (79.9)         (67.6)                (66.1) 
--------------------------------------------  ------  ---------------  -------------  -------------------- 
  Non-current liabilities 
  Financial liabilities - borrowings             9            (133.4)        (113.6)               (133.7) 
  Financial liabilities - lease liabilities                    (87.4)        (100.6)                (98.8) 
  Deferred tax liabilities                                     (33.2)         (34.4)                (33.9) 
  Provisions                                                    (7.9)          (7.1)                 (7.9) 
--------------------------------------------  ------  ---------------  -------------  -------------------- 
                                                              (261.9)        (255.7)               (274.3) 
--------------------------------------------  ------  ---------------  -------------  -------------------- 
  Total liabilities                              2            (341.8)        (323.3)               (340.4) 
--------------------------------------------  ------  ---------------  -------------  -------------------- 
  Net assets                                                    270.9          259.2                 265.2 
--------------------------------------------  ------  ---------------  -------------  -------------------- 
 
  EQUITY 
  Share capital                                                   6.8            6.8                   6.8 
  Share premium account                                         187.9          187.9                 187.9 
  Other reserves                                                  8.8            7.3                   7.0 
  Retained earnings                                              67.4           57.2                  63.5 
--------------------------------------------  ------  ---------------  -------------  -------------------- 
  Equity attributable to owners of 
   parent                                                       270.9          259.2                 265.2 
--------------------------------------------  ------  ---------------  -------------  -------------------- 
 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the six months ended 30 June 2022

 
                                        Attributable to owners of the parent 
                               ------------------------------------------------------ 
                                   Share      Share       Other    Retained     Total 
                                 capital    premium    reserves    earnings    equity 
                                   GBP'm      GBP'm       GBP'm       GBP'm     GBP'm 
-----------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 
 Balance at 1 January 
  2021 (audited)                     6.3      150.3         6.0        56.0     218.6 
 Loss for the period                   -          -           -         2.0       2.0 
-----------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  loss for the period                  -          -           -         2.0       2.0 
-----------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Transactions with owners 
 Issue of shares during 
  the year                           0.5       39.5           -           -      40.0 
 Issue costs                           -      (1.9)           -           -     (1.9) 
 Share-based payments 
  charge                               -          -         0.9           -       0.9 
 Deferred tax on share-based 
  payments                             -          -       (0.3)           -     (0.3) 
 Purchase of treasury 
  shares                               -          -       (0.1)           -     (0.1) 
 Disposal of treasury 
  shares                               -          -         0.8       (0.8)         - 
-----------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Balance at 30 June 2021 
  (unaudited)                        6.8      187.9         7.3        57.2     259.2 
-----------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Balance at 1 July 2021              6.8      187.9         7.3        57.2     259.2 
 Profit for the period                 -          -           -         9.5       9.5 
-----------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income for the period                -          -           -         9.5       9.5 
-----------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Transactions with owners 
 Dividends                             -          -           -       (3.4)     (3.4) 
-----------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Share-based payments 
  charge                               -          -         1.3           -       1.3 
 Deferred tax on share-based 
  payments                             -          -         0.9           -       0.9 
 Current tax on share-based 
  payments                             -          -         0.2           -       0.2 
 Transfer*                             -          -       (0.2)         0.2         - 
 Purchase of treasury 
  shares                               -          -       (2.5)           -     (2.5) 
-----------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Balance at 31 December 
  2021 (audited)                     6.8      187.9         7.0        63.5     265.2 
-----------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Balance at 1 January 
  2022                               6.8      187.9         7.0        63.5     265.2 
 Profit for the period                 -          -           -        10.3      10.3 
-----------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income for the period                -          -           -        10.3      10.3 
-----------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Transactions with owners 
 Dividends                             -          -           -       (6.4)     (6.4) 
 Share-based payments 
  charge                               -          -         1.8           -       1.8 
-----------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Balance at 30 June 
  2022 (unaudited)                   6.8      187.9         8.8        67.4     270.9 
-----------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 

* In 2021 a net amount of GBP0.2m was reclassified from share-based payment reserve to retained earnings in respect of lapsed and exercised options.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the six months ended 30 June 2022

 
                                         Note         Unaudited        Unaudited          Audited 
                                                     six months       six months       year ended 
                                                          ended            ended      31 December 
                                                   30 June 2022     30 June 2021             2021 
--------------------------------------  ----- 
                                                          GBP'm            GBP'm            GBP'm 
--------------------------------------  -----  ----------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 
 Cash generated from operations           7                28.5             25.8             59.9 
 Net finance costs*                                       (5.9)            (3.8)            (7.0) 
 Income taxes paid                                        (2.8)            (2.4)            (5.2) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ----------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Net cash generated from operating 
  activities                                               19.8             19.6             47.7 
 Cash flows from investing 
  activities 
 Purchase of property, plant 
  and equipment and applications 
  software                                2               (5.1)            (2.8)            (8.8) 
 Purchase of subsidiary, net 
  of cash acquired                        8               (8.8)           (71.1)           (85.8) 
 Purchase of trade and assets             8               (0.7)                -            (0.9) 
 Cash flows used in investing 
  activities                                             (14.6)           (73.9)           (95.5) 
 Cash flows from financing 
  activities 
 Dividends paid                                               -                -            (3.4) 
 Net proceeds from share issue                                -             38.1             38.1 
 Purchase of treasury shares                                  -            (0.1)            (2.6) 
 Repayment of revolving credit 
  facility                                                    -           (45.0)           (65.0) 
 Drawdown of revolving credit 
  facility                                                  1.0             66.0            106.0 
 Principal element of lease 
  repayments                                              (9.2)            (9.1)           (18.8) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ----------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Net cash (used) / generated 
  in financing activities                                 (8.2)             49.9             54.3 
--------------------------------------  -----  ----------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Net (decrease) / increase 
  in cash and cash equivalents                            (3.0)            (4.4)              6.5 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at start of period                                       32.9             26.4             26.4 
--------------------------------------  -----  ----------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at the end of period                    9                29.9             22.0             32.9 
--------------------------------------  -----  ----------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 A reconciliation between the statutory results shown above and the 
  non-GAAP free cashflow measure is shown below: 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
 Net cash generated from operations                        19.8             19.6             47.7 
--------------------------------------  -----  ----------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Less: Purchase of property, 
  plant and equipment and application 
  software                                                (5.1)            (2.8)            (8.8) 
 Less: Principal element of 
  lease repayments                                        (9.2)            (9.1)           (18.8) 
 Add: Exceptional costs                   3                 0.9              1.7              4.4 
 Add: One-off refinancing cash 
  outflow*                                3                 1.7                -                - 
--------------------------------------  -----  ----------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Free cashflow                                              8.1              9.4             24.5 
--------------------------------------  -----  ----------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 

*Net finance costs include a one-off cash outflow of GBP1.7m in relation to fees for the Group's refinancing in January 2022.

Notes to the Consolidated Interim report

For the six months ended 30 June 2022

   1           Basis of Preparation 

The half year report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting, adopting accounting policies that are consistent with those of the previous financial year and corresponding half year reporting period,

   2           Segmental Analysis 

The Group is organised into two main operating segments, Digital and Information Management and Secure Lifecycle Services and incurs central costs. The vast majority of trading of the Group is undertaken within the United Kingdom. Segment assets include intangibles, property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets, inventories, receivables and operating cash. Central assets include deferred tax and head office assets. Segment liabilities comprise operating liabilities. Central liabilities include income tax and deferred tax, corporate borrowings and head office liabilities. Capital expenditure comprises additions to computer software, property, plant and equipment. Segment assets and liabilities are allocated between segments on an actual basis.

 
 
 Revenue - Continuing operations 
==================================== 
                                       Unaudited   Unaudited        Audited 
                                         30 June     30 June    31 December 
                                            2022        2021           2021 
                                           GBP'm       GBP'm          GBP'm 
====================================  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 Restore Records Management                 55.9        47.7          101.4 
 Restore Digital                            31.2        14.2           36.9 
====================================  ==========  ==========  ============= 
 Digital and Information Management         87.1        61.9          138.3 
====================================  ==========  ==========  ============= 
 Restore Technology                         17.2        12.3           28.1 
 Restore Datashred                          18.3        13.8           30.2 
 Restore Harrow Green                       17.7        18.1           37.7 
------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 Secure Lifecycle Services                  53.2        44.2           96.0 
====================================  ==========  ==========  ============= 
 Total revenue                             140.3       106.1          234.3 
====================================  ==========  ==========  ============= 
 

The revenue from external customers was derived from the Group's principal activities primarily in the UK (where the Company is domiciled).

 
 
 Profit before tax 
--------------------------------------- 
                                                   Unaudited         Unaudited                 Audited 
                                                     30 June           30 June             31 December 
                                                        2022              2021                    2021 
                                                       GBP'm             GBP'm                   GBP'm 
---------------------------------------  -------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 Digital and Information Management                     24.6              18.8                    42.5 
 Secure Lifecycle Services                               5.6               4.7                    11.7 
 Head office                                           (2.6)             (2.7)                   (5.2) 
 Amortisation of intangible assets                     (5.9)             (5.0)                  (10.7) 
 Share-based payment charge (including 
  related NI)                                          (1.8)             (1.2)                   (2.8) 
 Exceptional items                                     (0.9)             (1.7)                   (4.4) 
 Operating profit                                       19.0              12.9                    31.1 
 Finance costs                                         (4.6)             (4.0)                   (8.1) 
 Exceptional finance costs                             (0.3)                 -                       - 
---------------------------------------  -------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 Profit before tax                                      14.1               8.9                    23.0 
=======================================  ===================  ================  ====================== 
 

Segmental information

 
                                                                                            Unaudited 
                                Digital and Information  Secure Lifecycle                30 June 2022 
                                             Management          Services  Head Office          Total 
                                                  GBP'm             GBP'm        GBP'm          GBP'm 
==============================  =======================  ================  ===========  ============= 
Segment assets                                    441.3             152.3         19.1          612.7 
Segment liabilities                               117.2              52.6        172.0          341.8 
Capital expenditure                                 3.9               1.2            -            5.1 
Depreciation and amortisation                      14.2               6.1          0.1           20.4 
==============================  =======================  ================  ===========  ============= 
                                                                                            Unaudited 
                                                                                         30 June 2021 
==============================  =======================  ================  ===========  ============= 
Segment assets                                    444.9             125.0         12.6          582.5 
Segment liabilities                                76.8              37.8        208.7          323.3 
Capital expenditure                                 2.0               0.6          0.2            2.8 
Depreciation and amortisation                      13.1               5.5            -           18.6 
==============================  =======================  ================  ===========  ============= 
                                                                                              Audited 
                                                                                          31 December 
                                                                                                 2021 
==============================  =======================  ================  ===========  ============= 
Segment assets                                    447.5             146.3         11.8          605.6 
Segment liabilities                               121.0              51.8        167.6          340.4 
Capital expenditure                                 5.7               2.7          0.4            8.8 
Depreciation and amortisation                      26.2              12.1          0.4           38.7 
==============================  =======================  ================  ===========  ============= 
 
   3               Exceptional items 

For the six months ended 30 June 2022, exceptional costs were GBP1.2m, including GBP0.8m acquisition related restructuring costs and GBP0.1m acquisition related transaction costs. Exceptional finance costs of GBP0.3m relate to the incremental deferred finance write-off costs recognised in the income statement from the Group extinguishing its GBP160m facility and replacing it with a new GBP200m revolving credit facility in January 2022.

For the six months ended 30 June 2021, exceptional costs were GBP1.7m, including GBP0.9m of acquisition related transaction costs, GBP0.5m of acquisition related restructuring costs and GBP0.3m in respect of a legacy legal liability.

For the year ended 31 December 2021, GBP4.4m of exceptional costs were incurred, comprising of GBP1.2m acquisition related costs, GBP2.4m acquisition related restructuring costs, and GBP0.8m other exceptional items.

   4               Taxation 

The current tax charge for the period to 30 June 2022 is anticipated to be GBP3.8m, based on the estimated effective tax rate for the Group.

   5              Earnings per ordinary share 

Basic earnings per share have been calculated on the profit for the period after taxation and the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

 
                                          Unaudited       Unaudited        Audited 
                                         six months      six months     year ended 
                                              ended           ended    31 December 
                                       30 June 2022    30 June 2021           2021 
                                              GBP'm           GBP'm          GBP'm 
-----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------- 
 Weighted average number of 
  shares in issue                       136,674,067     129,129,492    132,932,784 
-----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------- 
 Total profit for the period               GBP10.3m         GBP2.0m       GBP11.5m 
-----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------- 
 Total basic earnings per ordinary 
  share                                        7.5p            1.5p           8.7p 
-----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------- 
 Weighted average number of 
  shares in issue                       136,674,067     129,129,492    132,932,784 
 Share options                            4,777,957       4,725,584      4,736,714 
 Weighted average fully diluted 
  number of shares in issue             141,452,024     133,855,076    137,669,498 
-----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------- 
 Total fully diluted earnings 
  per share                                    7.3p            1.5p           8.4p 
-----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------- 
 

Adjusted earnings per share

The Directors believe that adjusted earnings per share provide a more appropriate representation of the underlying earnings derived from the Group's business. The adjusting items are shown in the table below:

 
                                                                                Unaudited                      Audited 
                                                   Unaudited                   six months                   year ended 
                                            six months ended                        ended                  31 December 
                                                30 June 2022                 30 June 2021                         2021 
                                                       GBP'm                        GBP'm                        GBP'm 
------------------------  ----------------------------------  ---------------------------  --------------------------- 
 Continuing profit 
  before 
  tax                                                   14.1                          8.9                         23.0 
 Adjustments: 
 Amortisation of 
  intangible 
  assets                                                 5.9                          5.0                         10.7 
 Exceptional items                                       0.9                          1.7                          4.4 
 Exceptional finance                                     0.3                            -                            - 
  costs 
 Adjusted continuing 
  profit for the period                                 21.2                         15.6                         38.1 
------------------------  ----------------------------------  ---------------------------  --------------------------- 
 

The adjusted earnings per share, based on weighted average number of shares in issue during the period, 136.7m (2021: 129.1m) is calculated below:

 
                                         Unaudited      Unaudited       Audited 
                                        six months     six months    year ended 
                                             ended          ended   31 December 
                                      30 June 2022   30 June 2021          2021 
-----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Adjusted profit before tax (GBP'm)            21.2           15.6          38.1 
Tax at 19.0% (GBP'm)                         (4.0)          (3.0)         (7.2) 
-----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Adjusted profit after tax (GBP'm)             17.2           12.6          30.9 
-----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Adjusted basic earnings per share            12.6p           9.8p         23.2p 
-----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Adjusted fully diluted earnings 
 per share                                   12.2p           9.4p         22.4p 
-----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
   6              Dividends 

In respect of the current period, the Directors declare an interim dividend of 2.6p per share (2021: GBP2.5p). The estimated dividend to be paid is GBP3.6m (2021: GBP3.4m) and will be paid to shareholder on 14 October 2022 to shareholders on the register on 16 September 2022.

   7              Cash generated from operating activities 
 
                                             Unaudited    Unaudited 
                                            six months   six months  Audited year 
                                                 ended        ended         ended 
                                               30 June      30 June   31 December 
                                                  2022         2021          2021 
                                                 GBP'm        GBP'm         GBP'm 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
Continuing operations 
Profit before tax                              14.1         8.9          23.0 
Depreciation of property, plant and 
 equipment and right-of-use assets             14.5         13.6         28.0 
Amortisation of intangible assets              5.9          5.0          10.7 
Net finance costs (including exceptional 
 finance costs)                                4.9          4.0           8.1 
Share-based payments charge                    1.8          0.9           2.2 
Increase in inventories                       (0.1)        (0.1)         (0.3) 
Increase in trade and other receivables       (14.8)       (5.9)         (7.8) 
Increase / (decrease) in trade and other 
 payables                                      2.2         (0.6)         (4.0) 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
Cash generated from operating activities       28.5         25.8         59.9 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
 
   8              Business combinations 

On 3 May 2022, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Ultratec (Holdings) Limited, together with its subsidiaries ("Ultratec"). Ultratec is a Technology business that provides secure data erasure and physical data destruction services, bespoke technology recycling solutions, hard drive parts supply and Data Centre focussed hardware maintenance services. As the Group is still in the process of establishing the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired in respect of these acquisitions, the fair values presented in the interim results are provisional. These provisional fair values are set out below:

 
                                   Ultratec 
                                      GBP'm 
---------------------------------  -------- 
Intangibles - goodwill, customer 
 relationships and other               10.2 
Property, plant and equipment           0.5 
Right of use assets                     0.9 
Inventories                             0.8 
Trade and other receivables             0.7 
Cash and cash equivalents               2.3 
Trade and other payables              (1.1) 
Lease liabilities                     (0.9) 
Deferred tax liabilities              (1.7) 
Provisions                            (0.2) 
---------------------------------  -------- 
Net assets acquired                    11.5 
---------------------------------  -------- 
Consideration 
Satisfied by: 
Cash to vendors                        10.8 
Deferred consideration                  0.7 
Total consideration                    11.5 
---------------------------------  -------- 
 

On 4 May 2022 and 20 May 2022, the Group acquired the trade and assets of Secure Records & Data Management Limited and UK Archive Limited respectively, which are both Records Management businesses. Total consideration of GBP0.7m was paid across both of these trade and asset purchases. Customer relationships of GBP0.7m were recognised on acquisition.

During the year, deferred consideration of GBP0.3m was paid in relation to the 2021 acquisition of The Document Warehouse (UK) Limited.

   9              Financial liabilities - borrowings 
 
                               Unaudited                       Audited 
                                 30 June      Unaudited    31 December 
                                    2022   30 June 2021           2021 
                                   GBP'm          GBP'm          GBP'm 
-------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
Non-current 
Bank loans - secured               135.0          114.0          134.0 
Deferred financing costs           (1.6)          (0.4)          (0.3) 
-------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
                                   133.4          113.6          133.7 
-------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

Analysis of net debt

 
 
Cash at bank and in hand                   29.9            22.0            32.9 
Bank loans due within one year                -               -               - 
Bank loans due after one year           (133.4)         (113.6)         (133.7) 
-------------------------------  --------------  --------------  -------------- 
                                        (103.5)          (91.6)         (100.8) 
-------------------------------  --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 

ENDS

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