16 April 2024
Gattaca
plc
("Gattaca"
or "the
Group")
Interim Results for the six
months ended 31 January 2024
"Focus on our core
strengths"
Gattaca plc, the specialist
staffing business, today announces its financial results for the
six months ended 31 January 2024 ("2024 H1").
Financial Highlights
Continuing
operations
|
2024 H1
|
2023 H1
(restated2)
|
Variance
|
Revenue (£m)
|
188.4
|
192.8
|
-2%
|
Net Fee Income (NFI)1
(£m)
|
19.7
|
22.5
|
-13%
|
Operating (loss) / profit
(£m)
|
(0.1)
|
0.4
|
-
|
Underlying profit before
tax3 (£m)
|
0.8
|
0.7
|
+10%
|
Profit before tax (£m)
|
0.5
|
0.6
|
-16%
|
Profit after tax (£m)
|
0.2
|
0.4
|
-44%
|
|
|
|
|
Loss after tax from discontinued
operations
|
-
|
(0.2)
|
-
|
Group profit after tax
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
+9%
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per share
(pence)
|
0.7
|
0.6
|
+17%
|
Net cash (£m)
|
22.3
|
20.9
|
+7%
|
Highlights
|
|
·
|
Group NFI of £19.7 million, a
decrease of 13% year-on-year ("YoY")
|
o
|
UK NFI down 10% at £19.1 million
(2023 H12: £21.3 million)
|
o
|
Defence performed strongly with
12% year-on-year growth when excluding a Recruitment Process
Outsourcing ("RPO") contract we chose to exit in the prior
year
|
o
|
Technology, Media & Telecoms
("TMT") showed 10% growth in 2024 H1
|
o
|
Contract & Statement of
Work ("SoW") vs Perm split 76% / 24% of Group NFI (2023 H1: 68% /
32%)
|
o
|
Contract NFI down 3% YoY, however
exiting 2024 H1 with a growing contract book
|
o
|
Permanent NFI down 36% YoY, due to
challenging market conditions and against a strong comparative
including £0.9m from the RPO account we chose to exit
|
o
|
Gattaca Projects Statement of Work
("SOW") NFI up 14% year-on-year, due to phasing on long-term
contracts in 2024 H1; full-year NFI expected to be in line with
FY23
|
·
|
Group underlying profit before tax
of £0.8m (2023 H12: £0.7m), offsetting NFI
underperformance with focus on cost management
|
·
|
Total sales headcount of 306 at
the end of the period down 1% versus 31 July 2023 and 11% down
versus 31 January 2023; rebalancing in our Energy and Business
Development teams whilst reducing headcount in non-core
areas
|
·
|
Net cash of £22.3 million (31 July
2023: £21.6 million)
|
·
|
No interim dividend (2023 H1: nil
pence)
|
|
| |
Strategic update
Continued emphasis on developing
the four identified strategic priorities for sustainable profitable
growth:
External Focus
·
|
Built and deployed our new
Business Development team as part of our investment in front-line
sales capability and doubled our Energy sales team with a focus on
Renewables, increasing our efforts in our core markets
|
·
|
Implemented two new major
Solutions accounts and retained two major accounts that retendered
during the period
|
·
|
Continued emphasis on client and
candidate service feedback surveys, with increased survey responses
and ratings of 8.8 and 8.9 (out of 10) respectively, vs 7.7 and 8.5
in FY23
|
Culture
·
|
Winner of two Business Culture
awards; Best Transformation and Leading with Purpose
|
·
|
People engagement remains stable
at 8.1 for 2024 H1 (FY23: 8.1) and attrition improved to 30% at 31
January 2024 (31 July 2023: 33%), showing our focus on culture is
fully embedded in the business
|
Operational Performance
·
|
Average NFI per sales head has
increased by +2%, and by +1% per total head YoY (excluding an RPO
perm client from 2023 H1 we chose to exit)
|
·
|
Successfully launched a series of
customer focused automations and enhanced customer platforms, which
will result in streamlined processes on the back of our digital
transformation
|
·
|
Reset Board and validated strategy
and leadership structure
|
Cost Rebalancing
·
|
Ongoing optimisation of our UK
property footprint, project to be completed in H2 with further cost
reduction to be realised
|
·
|
Support functions in North America
have been outsourced to ensure a right-sized cost base for
the region
|
·
|
Slimmed down Board cost
base
|
Progress on these strategic
priorities will continue throughout the second half of 2024 and
extend into FY25 as we focus on building sustained
growth.
Outlook
We continue to be mindful of the
macro-economic headwinds, which have impacted demand and candidate
sentiment across the recruitment sector and negatively affected
performance. We continue to see permanent recruitment subdued in
the short term and our focus remains on growing our contractor
base. As such we expect full year underlying profit before tax to
be in a range of £2.4m to
£2.7m.
Despite the current market
conditions, we are optimistic about the future for the Group. Our
proactive measures, including cost-cutting initiatives and
operational streamlining, have positioned us favourably to
capitalise on market resurgence when it occurs. We are only
actively pursuing growth opportunities in sectors, services, and
geographies where we believe we can be a dominant provider. Our
strategic investments will be aimed at enhancing our capability in
those markets.
Matthew Wragg, Chief Executive Officer said:
"Our strategy to invest in
business development is starting to have a positive impact on the
business, with two large client extensions and two more Managed
Service Provider (MSP) wins for the Group in H1 and a growing
pipeline. We continue to see high engagement, staff attrition below
long-term targets and despite the market conditions, our
productivity levels improving. In H1 we have continued to focus on
specific markets and geographies. We have taken our first steps to
reduce our workforce in North America to streamline the regional
cost base and will continue to develop our international
strategy.
Economic conditions have led to a
challenging market in H1, and we have not been immune to this.
Permanent fee income is down 38% due to much lower than anticipated
volumes during late 2023 and compounded by reduced NFI from the
exiting of a major programme last year. We have yet to see signs of
improvement in the lead indicators for Permanent fee income and
expect demand to remain subdued throughout the remainder of 2024.
Contract income has remained stable, and pleasingly we are starting
to see growth in our contract book.
Recognising that short term
trading conditions are expected to remain challenging, we will
continue to keep tight control on operating costs. We are mindful
to ensure we are well placed to build market share in our chosen
sectors as the economy recovers."
The following footnotes apply, unless where otherwise
indicated, throughout these Interim Results:
1. NFI is calculated as
revenue less contractor payroll costs
2. HY23 results have been
restated for the correction of a revenue cut-off error, and the
subsequent reassessment of the Group's accounting policy over how
accrued revenue and accrued cost balances have been calculated at
each period end. The aggregated impact of these items on HY23
reported results is £0.2m reduction to reported profit before tax.
Further details are provided in Note 1.5 of the HY24 Condensed
Consolidated Interim Financial Statements.
3. Continuing underlying
results exclude the NFI and (losses) before taxation of
discontinued operations (2024 H1: nil, 2023 H1: £(0.2)m),
non-underlying items within administrative expenses primarily
related to restructuring costs (2024 H1: £0.5m, 2023 H1: £0.2m),
amortisation of acquired intangibles (2024 H1: £0.0m, 2023 H1:
£0.0m), impairment of goodwill, acquired intangibles and right of
use assets (2024 H1: £0.0m, 2023 H1: nil), and exchange gains from
revaluation of foreign assets and liabilities (2024 H1: £0.2m, 2023
H1: £0.2m).
The information contained within
this announcement is deemed by the Group to constitute inside
information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU)
No. 596/2014 as amended by the Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit)
Regulations 2019. Upon the publication of this announcement via a
Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now
considered to be in the public domain.
For further information, please contact:
Gattaca plc
|
+44 (0) 1489 898989
|
Matthew Wragg, Chief Executive
Officer
Oliver Whittaker, Chief Financial
Officer
|
|
Liberum Capital Limited (Nomad and Broker)
|
+44 (0) 20 3100 2000
|
Richard Lindley
Will King
|
|
IFC
Advisory (Financial PR and IR)
|
+44 (0) 203 934
6630
|
Tim Metcalfe
Graham Herring
Florence Chandler
|
|
Operational Performance
Net Fee Income (NFI) £m
|
2024 H1
|
Restated1
2023 H1
|
Change
|
Infrastructure
|
6.5
|
7.1
|
-9%
|
Defence
|
3.6
|
4.2
|
-12%
|
Mobility
|
2.2
|
2.2
|
+1%
|
Energy
|
1.8
|
2.1
|
-15%
|
Technology, Media &
Telecoms
|
1.4
|
1.2
|
+10%
|
Gattaca Projects
|
1.2
|
1.0
|
+14%
|
Other
|
2.4
|
3.5
|
-31%
|
Total UK
|
19.1
|
21.3
|
-10%
|
International
|
0.6
|
1.2
|
-56%
|
Continuing Total Group NFI
|
19.7
|
22.5
|
-13%
|
1. 2023 H1 results have been
restated for the correction of a revenue cut-off error, and the
subsequent reassessment of the Group's accounting policy over how
accrued revenue and accrued cost balances have been calculated at
each period end. The aggregated impact of these items on 2023 H1
reported results is £0.2m reduction to reported profit before tax.
Further details are provided in Note 1.5 of the 2024 H1 Condensed
Consolidated Interim Financial Statements.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure NFI decreased by
-9% year-on-year, with a challenging 6-month period in the
Transportation and Water sub-sectors, marginally offset by modest
growth in the Rail sub-sector. Contract demand stayed stable with
low growth across all sub-sectors and the start of an uptick seen
at the end of 2024 H1. However, the struggling permanent market had
an impact on NFI across the board and the demand for permanent
candidates was low, in line with wider market trends. Within the
water market AMP7 spend is in its delivery phase, generating an
increase in on-site work and contractor requirements. The
Government recognises the economic benefit of commitment to
infrastructure programmes, which is expected to continue past the
next General Election and Gattaca continues to be well-placed,
delivering resource into the private sector companies who are
actively working on the large regional and national projects such
as the remaining parts of HS2, the UK National Highways programme
and the many other major rail projects in progress around the
country.
Defence
Defence NFI grew £0.3m
year-on-year on a like-for-like basis excluding the £(0.9)m impact
of proactively exiting a large RPO permanent recruitment client in
the middle of FY23; overall, with this client included in the prior
period, Defence contracted by £(0.6)m year-on-year. The
sector continues to perform with steady demand for talent and
contract labour needs having seen the most growth in 2024
H1.
Resource demand in the UK Defence
sector continues to increase over 2024 H1, accompanied by the
increases seen in salaries and pay rates. The UK government's
budget announcements show continued commitment to a further £11bn
of Defence spend over the next five years. The market is well
recognised for stability during economic fluctuations and Gattaca's
access to the major UK market is strong, serving over half of the
UK MoD's top 100 suppliers, across engineering, technology,
manufacturing, and IT skills, with demand specifically for systems
and software engineering, and cyber security talent.
Mobility
NFI in our Mobility market for
2024 H1 was up 1% against last half-year. This was balanced, with
challenges in contract demand offset by a surge forward in
permanent recruitment opportunity in 2024 H1 as Aerospace solutions
clients increased demand. However, at the turn of the calendar
year, we have seen a tightening in clients' staffing plans and some
temporary hiring freezes coming into place, indicating a tough 2024
H2 ahead for this sector. Longer term, the increase in the
airframe order book across the Aerospace sub-sector remains strong
and the demand for quality, manufacturing and production skills
remains high. We are also seeing the need for software, power
electronics and systems engineering skills remaining high across
the Automotive sub-sector, along with increasing levels of
businesses looking for talent to support battery, fuel cells and
propulsion systems development as well as manufacturing skills for
low or zero carbon emitting vehicles.
Energy
Energy NFI was down 15%
year-on-year, largely attributed to shortages in demand for
offshore oil and gas contractors in North America after a strong
2023 H1. Pressure on global energy production continues to create
opportunity in the UK market, and sector investment focus is
increasing on green energy generation and updates and technological
advancements to improve transmission. Gattaca is well positioned to
capture market opportunities in renewables, transmission and
distribution, nuclear and oil and gas markets. In this half year,
we have doubled our Energy team to start to capitalise on this
opportunity.
Technology, Media & Telecoms
(TMT)
TMT NFI has increased by 10%
year-on-year, against a weaker 2023 H1 when mass lay-offs were seen
across the UK, European and North American markets; this increase
in 2024 H1 was largely driven by demand for contract roles. The
demand for experienced labour remains competitive and market focus
remains around skills in digital transformation, development,
cloud, and cyber security from all types and sizes of businesses in
a hostile cyber environment.
Gattaca Projects
Gattaca Projects' statement of
work NFI has grown by 14% year-on-year. The growth is attributed to
the completion of a significant multi-year contract and the
successful acquisition of numerous smaller short-term contracts.
Gattaca continues to invest in the subcontracting market as we see
growth opportunity with our specialism in project management,
supply chain management and quality assurance packages of work. We
are continuing to commit additional resource to this team as the
pipeline of work grows, and our capability increases, as this adds
stronger margin to our business mix.
UK Other
NFI across the aggregation of our
other smaller markets was down 31% year-on-year partly driven by a
reduction in Barclay Meade, our permanent recruitment biased
professional services brand, which experienced a continued drop-off
in permanent market conditions for skill sets across accounting and
finance, procurement, HR, and sales. This aligns with broader
patterns observed in the UK staffing market. Trading in our Smart
Manufacturing and Public Sector sectors was similarly behind, due
to sharp downturns in production at some large blue-collar contract
clients and permanent hiring demand down as in other sectors.
However, we secured a new contract MSP at the end of 2024 H1,
bringing volume to the contract book in Smart Manufacturing which
we expect to deliver increased NFI in 2024 H2.
International
International NFI was down 56%
year-on-year, primarily driven by the end of a large RPO permanent
deal in the US technology sector in the prior year and the decision
to reduce the US sales workforce; we continue to review our
strategy in this country. We are increasing our focus on the
Infrastructure and Energy contract sector in Canada, working
closely with our team in the UK.
Group contractor and permanent fee mix
Contract fees accounted for 70% of
continuing underlying NFI in 2024 H1 (2023 H1 restated: 63%, FY23:
69%). During the period, the contract base grew by 2.5%, to
approximately 4,220 contractors.
Permanent fees accounted for 24%
of continuing underlying NFI in 2024 H1 (2023 H1 restated: 32%,
FY23: 26%). In 2024 H1, we saw a reduction in demand for permanent
hires in our contingent and solutions business across almost all
our sectors, a reversal of the trend in FY22 and FY23. Aligned to
the wider recruitment sector, we have observed several clients
temporarily halting recruitment programmes due to nervousness about
the UK economy.
Statement of Work NFI, from
Gattaca Projects, was 6% of continuing underlying NFI in 2024 H1
(2023 H1 restated: 5%. FY23: 5%). Phasing on long-term contracts
can impact NFI generation but our pipeline of projects delivering
project management, supply chain management and quality assurance
work packages remains strong and is widening to operate with
clients across our Defence and Energy sectors.
People
As at 31 January 2024 Gattaca's
headcount was 446, marking a reduction of 51 employees (-10%)
compared to 31 January 2023. This decrease was due to performance
management actions undertaken in the sales teams. The ratio of
sales to support staff was 69:31 at both 31 January 2024 and 31
January 2023. The Group is committed to growing sales staff above
75% of overall employees.
Financial Overview
Revenue for the period was £188.4
million (2023 H1 restated: £192.8 million, FY23: £385.2 million),
down 2.3% year-on-year. NFI of £19.7 million (2023 H1 restated:
£22.5 million, FY23: £43.4 million) represented a 12.8%
year-on-year decrease. Contract NFI margin of 8.1% (2023 H1
restated: 8.1%, FY23: 8.5%) was flat compared with the same period
in the prior year; due to a marginal mix change of blue and
white-collar contractors and pricing pressure on contract renewals.
Gattaca Projects SoW margin was 26.5% (2023 H1: 40.2%, FY23:
27.8%), down against the same period in the prior year due to
phasing of project costs, but consistent with FY23.
Continuing underlying profit
before tax for the period amounted to £0.8 million (2023 H1
restated: £0.7 million, FY23: £2.6 million). On a continuing basis,
the effective tax rate was 55% (2023 H1 restated: 32%). The Group's
continuing underlying effective tax rate reported at 31 July 2023
was 43%.
Basic and diluted earnings per
share from continuing operations were both 0.7 pence (2023 H1
restated: 1.3 pence) and underlying basic and diluted earnings per
share from continuing operations were 1.6 pence (2023 H1 restated:
1.6 pence).
Administrative costs
Underlying administrative costs of
£19.3 million (2023 H1: £21.8 million, FY23: £41.0 million)
represented a decrease of 11.5% during the period, largely due to
reduced staff costs, advisor fees and a reduction in the Group's
expected credit loss provision.
A breakdown of the decrease in
administrative costs is shown below:
|
£m
|
2023 H1 continuing underlying administrative
costs
|
21.8
|
Sales staff costs
|
(0.7)
|
Commissions, bonuses and
incentives
|
(0.9)
|
Trade receivables and accrued
income expected credit loss provision release
|
(0.5)
|
Legal and professional
fees
|
(0.3)
|
Other costs
|
(0.1)
|
2024 H1 continuing underlying administrative
costs
|
19.3
|
Non-underlying costs and
discontinued operations
The continuing non-underlying
costs of £0.5 million (2023 H1: £0.3 million, FY23: credit of
£(0.2) million), relate predominantly to employee restructuring
costs in North America in 2024 H1.
In 2024 H1, no operational results
have been presented as discontinued on the basis that ongoing
closure costs are immaterial. In the prior periods, the loss
before tax from discontinued operations of £(0.2)m in 2023 H1
(FY23: £(0.5)m) arose from ongoing closure costs in connection with
the Group's recruitment operations in South Africa, Mexico and Asia
which were either sold or closed in prior periods.
Financing costs
Net finance income of £0.4 million
(2023 H1: net finance costs of £0.0 million, FY23: net finance
income of £0.2 million) reflected sustained lower utilisation of
the working capital facility and increased interest income on money
market deposits.
Debtors, cash flow, net cash /
(debt) and financing
Net cash at 31 January 2024 was
£22.3 million (31 July 2023: £21.6 million; 31 January 2023: £20.9
million).
The Group's trade and other
receivables balance was £46.8 million at 31 January 2024 (31 July
2023: £52.2 million), of which debtor and accrued income balances
were £44.1 million (31 July 2023: £47.2 million), a £3.1 million
reduction over the 6-month period from 31 July 2023. The Group's
days sales outstanding ("DSO") over this period (on a weekly based
countback method) increased by 10 days from 43 to 53 days at 31
January 2024, although 6 days lower than the DSO position at 31
January 2023. The DSO position at 31 July 2023 is considered to
have been near optimal levels; there is consistently a seasonal
increase in DSO following the Christmas and New Year
period.
In 2024 H1, £0.5m of cash was
returned to shareholders through a share buyback programme, a total
of 422,586 shares were purchased and cancelled at an average price
of 118 pence per share.
Capital expenditure in the period
amounted to £0.1 million (2023 H1: £0.1 million, FY23: £0.2
million).
As at 31 January 2024, the Group
had a working capital facility of £50 million (31 July 2023: £50m,
31 January 2023: £60m). This facility includes both recourse and
non-recourse elements. Under the terms of the non-recourse
facility, the trade receivables are assigned to and owned by HSBC
and so are not recognised in the Group's statement of financial
position. In addition, the non-recourse working capital facility
does not meet the definition of loans and borrowings under IFRS.
The utilisation of this facility at 31 January 2024 was £2.0
million in credit on the recourse facility and £(4.6) million
borrowing on the non-recourse facility.
Dividend
The Board is mindful of the
importance of dividends to shareholders. The Board has not proposed
an interim dividend for 2024 (2023 H1: nil). The Board will review
in line with our policy at the year end.
Risks
The Board considers strategic,
financial, and operational risks and identifies actions to mitigate
those risks. Key risks and their mitigations were disclosed on
pages 58 to 65 of the Annual Report for the year ended 31 July
2023.
We continue to manage several
potential risks and uncertainties including contingent liabilities
as noted in the interim accounts - many of which are common to
other similar businesses - which could have a material impact on
our longer-term performance.
Outlook
We continue to be mindful of
the macro-economic headwinds, which have impacted demand and
candidate sentiment across the recruitment sector and negatively
affected performance. We continue to see permanent recruitment
subdued in the short term and our focus remains on growing our
contractor base. As such we expect full year underlying profit
before tax to be in a range of £2.4m to £2.7m.
Despite the current market
conditions, we are optimistic about the future for the Group. Our
proactive measures, including cost-cutting initiatives and
operational streamlining, have positioned us favourably to
capitalise on market resurgence when it occurs. We are only
actively pursuing growth opportunities in sectors, services, and
geographies where we believe we can be a dominant provider. Our
strategic investments will be aimed at enhancing our capability in
those markets.
Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
For the period ended 31 January
2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 months to
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
Restated2
6 months
to
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
12 months to
31/07/2023
|
|
Note
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Continuing operations
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
2
|
188,443
|
192,786
|
385,174
|
Cost of sales
|
|
(168,780)
|
(170,243)
|
(341,773)
|
Gross profit
|
2
|
19,663
|
22,543
|
43,401
|
Administrative
expenses1
|
|
(19,801)
|
(22,122)
|
(40,967)
|
(Loss)/profit from continuing operations
|
4
|
(138)
|
421
|
2,434
|
Finance income
|
|
671
|
242
|
408
|
Finance cost
|
|
(26)
|
(61)
|
(87)
|
Profit before taxation
|
|
507
|
602
|
2,755
|
Taxation
|
5
|
(280)
|
(194)
|
(1,004)
|
Profit after taxation from continuing
operations
|
|
227
|
408
|
1,751
|
Discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the period from
discontinued operations (attributable to equity holders
of the
Company)
|
6
|
-
|
(199)
|
(522)
|
Profit for the period
|
|
227
|
209
|
1,229
|
1 Administrative
expenses from continuing operations includes net impairment
releases on trade receivables and accrued income of £843,000
(period ending 31 January 2023: £393,000, year ending 31 July 2023:
£334,000).
2 HY23 results have
been restated as explained further in Note 1.5.
Profits for the periods to 31
January 2024, 31 January 2023 and the year to 31 July 2023 are
wholly attributable to equity holders of the parent.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 months
to
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
Restated1
6 months
to
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
12 months
to
31/07/2023
|
Earnings per ordinary share
|
Note
|
pence
|
pence
|
pence
|
Basic earnings per
share
|
7
|
0.7
|
0.6
|
3.8
|
Diluted earnings per
share
|
7
|
0.7
|
0.6
|
3.8
|
Reconciliation to adjusted profit measure
Underlying profit is the Group's
key adjusted profit measure; profit from continuing operations is
adjusted to exclude non-underlying income and expenditure as
defined in the Group's accounting policy, amortisation and
impairment of goodwill and acquired intangibles, impairment of
leased right-of-use assets and net foreign exchange gains or
losses.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 months
to
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
Restated1
6 months
to
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
12 months
to
31/07/2023
|
|
Note
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
(Loss)/profit from continuing operations
|
|
(138)
|
421
|
2,434
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
Non-underlying items included
within administrative expenses
|
4
|
480
|
300
|
(175)
|
Amortisation of acquired
intangibles
|
4
|
32
|
35
|
68
|
Depreciation of property, plant
and equipment, leased right-of-use assets and amortisation of
software and software licences
|
4
|
766
|
734
|
1,475
|
Underlying EBITDA
|
|
1,140
|
1,490
|
3,802
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation of property, plant
and equipment, leased right-of-use assets and amortisation of
software and software licences
|
|
(766)
|
(734)
|
(1,475)
|
Net finance income/(costs)
excluding foreign exchange gains and losses
|
|
443
|
(10)
|
241
|
Underlying profit before taxation
|
|
817
|
746
|
2,568
|
Underlying taxation
|
|
(303)
|
(222)
|
(1,096)
|
Underlying profit after taxation from continuing
operations
|
|
514
|
524
|
1,472
|
1 HY23 results have
been restated as explained further in Note 1.5.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive
Income
For the period ended 31 January
2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restated1
|
|
|
6 months
to
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
6 months
to
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
12 months
to
31/07/2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Profit for the period
|
227
|
209
|
1,229
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or
loss:
|
|
|
|
Exchange differences on
translation of foreign operations
|
(23)
|
(285)
|
(243)
|
Other comprehensive loss for the period
|
(23)
|
(285)
|
(243)
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period attributable
to equity holders of the parent
|
204
|
(76)
|
986
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 months
to
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
Restated1
6 months
to
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
12 months
to
31/07/2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Attributable to:
|
|
|
|
Continuing operations
|
204
|
108
|
1,708
|
Discontinued operations
|
-
|
(184)
|
(722)
|
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period attributable
to equity holders of the parent
|
204
|
(76)
|
986
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
1 HY23 results have
been restated as explained further in Note 1.5.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial
Position
As at 31 January 2024
|
|
|
Restated1
|
|
|
|
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
31/07/2023
|
|
Note
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill and intangible
assets
|
|
1,897
|
2,007
|
1,962
|
Property, plant and
equipment
|
|
848
|
1,243
|
1,024
|
Right-of-use assets
|
|
1,732
|
2,391
|
1,873
|
Deferred tax assets
|
|
410
|
465
|
440
|
Total non-current assets
|
|
4,887
|
6,106
|
5,299
|
Current assets
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other
receivables
|
9
|
46,758
|
49,243
|
52,168
|
Corporation tax
receivables
|
|
132
|
1,133
|
534
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
|
23,893
|
24,304
|
23,375
|
Total current assets
|
|
70,783
|
74,680
|
76,077
|
Total assets
|
|
75,670
|
80,786
|
81,376
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax
liabilities
|
|
(19)
|
(9)
|
(101)
|
Provisions
|
10
|
(389)
|
(661)
|
(366)
|
Lease liabilities
|
|
(930)
|
(1,886)
|
(964)
|
Total non-current liabilities
|
|
(1,338)
|
(2,556)
|
(1,431)
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other
payables
|
|
(43,504)
|
(45,090)
|
(46,895)
|
Provisions
|
10
|
(816)
|
(951)
|
(1,046)
|
Current tax liabilities
|
|
(388)
|
(287)
|
(330)
|
Lease liabilities
|
|
(689)
|
(1,175)
|
(857)
|
Bank loans and
borrowings
|
|
-
|
(342)
|
-
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
(45,397)
|
(47,845)
|
(49,128)
|
Total liabilities
|
|
(46,735)
|
(50,401)
|
(50,559)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets
|
|
28,935
|
30,385
|
30,817
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
Share capital
|
11
|
316
|
323
|
319
|
Share premium
|
|
8,706
|
8,706
|
8,706
|
Capital redemption
reserve
|
|
8
|
-
|
4
|
Merger reserve
|
|
224
|
224
|
224
|
Share-based payment
reserve
|
|
204
|
348
|
334
|
Translation reserve
|
|
673
|
852
|
696
|
Treasury shares reserve
|
|
(479)
|
(214)
|
(331)
|
Retained earnings
|
|
19,283
|
20,146
|
20,865
|
Total equity
|
|
28,935
|
30,385
|
30,817
|
1 HY23 results have
been restated as explained further in Note 1.5.
The accompanying notes form part
of these interim financial statements.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in
Equity
For the period ended 31 January
2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restated1
|
|
Share
capital
|
Share
premium
|
Capital redemption reserve
|
Merger
reserve
|
Share-based payment
reserve
|
Translation
reserve
|
Treasury shares
reserve
|
Restated1
Retained
earnings
|
Restated1
Total
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
At 1 August 2022, as originally presented
|
323
|
8,706
|
-
|
224
|
350
|
1,137
|
(147)
|
19,404
|
29,997
|
|
Retrospective adjustments to
revenue cut-off (Note 1.5)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
456
|
456
|
|
Restated total equity at 1 August 2022
|
323
|
8,706
|
-
|
224
|
350
|
1,137
|
(147)
|
19,860
|
30,453
|
|
Profit for the period
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
210
|
210
|
|
Other comprehensive
loss
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(285)
|
-
|
-
|
(285)
|
|
Total comprehensive loss
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(285)
|
-
|
210
|
(75)
|
|
Share-based payments
charge
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
75
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
75
|
|
Share-based payments reserve
transfer
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(77)
|
-
|
-
|
77
|
-
|
|
Deferred tax movement in respect
of share options
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1)
|
(1)
|
|
Purchase of treasury
shares
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(67)
|
-
|
(67)
|
|
Transactions with owners
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(2)
|
-
|
(67)
|
76
|
7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total equity at 31 January 2023 (unaudited)
|
323
|
8,706
|
-
|
224
|
348
|
852
|
(214)
|
20,146
|
30,385
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restated total equity at 1 August 2022
|
323
|
8,706
|
-
|
224
|
350
|
1,137
|
(147)
|
19,860
|
30,453
|
|
Profit for the year
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,229
|
1,229
|
|
Other comprehensive
loss
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(243)
|
-
|
-
|
(243)
|
|
Total comprehensive (loss)/ income
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(243)
|
-
|
1,229
|
986
|
|
Share-based payments
credit
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(64)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(64)
|
|
Share-based payments reserve
transfer
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
48
|
-
|
-
|
(48)
|
-
|
|
Deferred tax movement in respect
of share options
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
126
|
126
|
|
Purchase of treasury
shares
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(184)
|
-
|
(184)
|
|
Purchase and cancellation of own
shares2
|
(4)
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(500)
|
(500)
|
|
Translation reserve movements on
disposal of foreign operations
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(198)
|
-
|
198
|
-
|
|
Transactions with owners
|
(4)
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
(16)
|
(198)
|
(184)
|
(224)
|
(622)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total equity at 31 July 2023
|
319
|
8,706
|
4
|
224
|
334
|
696
|
(331)
|
20,865
|
30,817
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total equity at 1 August 2023
|
319
|
8,706
|
4
|
224
|
334
|
696
|
(331)
|
20,865
|
30,817
|
|
Profit for the period
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
227
|
227
|
|
Other comprehensive
loss
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(23)
|
-
|
-
|
(23)
|
|
Total comprehensive (loss)/ income
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(23)
|
-
|
227
|
204
|
|
Share-based payments
charge
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
80
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
80
|
|
Share-based payments
transfer
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(210)
|
-
|
-
|
210
|
-
|
|
Deferred tax movement in respect
of share options
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
50
|
50
|
|
Shares issued on exercise of LTIP
share options
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
Purchase of treasury
shares
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(148)
|
-
|
(148)
|
|
Purchase and cancellation of own
shares2
|
(4)
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(503)
|
(503)
|
|
Dividend paid
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1,566)
|
(1,566)
|
|
Transactions with owners
|
(3)
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
(130)
|
-
|
(148)
|
(1,809)
|
(2,086)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total equity at 31 January 2024 (unaudited)
|
316
|
8,706
|
8
|
224
|
204
|
673
|
(479)
|
19,283
|
28,935
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
1 HY23 results have
been restated as explained further in Note 1.5.
2 During the periods
ended 31 January 2024 and 31 July 2023, Gattaca plc undertook a
public share buyback and a capital redemption reserve was created
as a result of the subsequent cancellation of these shares, as
discussed in Note 11.
Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
For the period ended 31 January
2024
|
6 months
to
31/01/23
unaudited
|
Restated
6 months
⁽¹⁾ ⁽²⁾
to
31/01/22
unaudited
|
Restated
12 months
⁽¹⁾
to
31/07/22
|
|
6 months
to
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
Restated1
6 months
to
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
12 months
to
31/07/2023
|
Note
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Cash flows from operating activities
|
|
|
|
Profit after taxation
|
227
|
209
|
1,229
|
Adjustments for:
|
|
|
|
Depreciation of property, plant
and equipment and amortisation of
intangible assets, software and
software licences
|
322
|
284
|
591
|
Depreciation of
leased right-of-use assets
|
476
|
485
|
952
|
Loss on
disposal of property, plant and equipment
|
5
|
14
|
17
|
Loss on
disposal of software and software licences
|
-
|
8
|
8
|
Reversal of
impairment on right-of-use assets
|
(42)
|
-
|
-
|
Profit on
reassessment of lease term
|
-
|
-
|
(672)
|
Profit on
reassessment of dilapidation asset
|
-
|
-
|
(58)
|
Interest
income
|
(469)
|
(52)
|
(328)
|
Interest
costs
|
26
|
61
|
87
|
Taxation
expense recognised in the income statement
|
279
|
188
|
1,007
|
Decrease in
trade and other receivables
|
5,377
|
9,225
|
6,243
|
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables
|
(3,391)
|
(1,333)
|
476
|
Decrease in
provisions
|
(207)
|
(88)
|
(285)
|
Share-based
payment charge/(credit)
|
80
|
75
|
(64)
|
Foreign
exchange (losses)/gains
|
(55)
|
(199)
|
37
|
Cash generated from
operations
|
2,628
|
8,877
|
9,240
|
Interest paid
|
(1)
|
(23)
|
(19)
|
Interest on lease
liabilities
|
(25)
|
(38)
|
(68)
|
Interest received
|
469
|
52
|
328
|
Income taxes repaid
|
188
|
5
|
61
|
Cash generated from operating activities
|
3,259
|
8,873
|
9,542
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property, plant and
equipment
|
(87)
|
(129)
|
(178)
|
Sublease rent receipts
|
76
|
-
|
130
|
Cash used in investing activities
|
(11)
|
(129)
|
(48)
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities
|
|
|
|
Lease liability principal
repayment
|
(557)
|
(614)
|
(1,200)
|
Purchase of treasury
shares
|
(148)
|
(67)
|
(184)
|
Purchase of own shares for
cancellation
|
(503)
|
-
|
(500)
|
Working capital facility
repaid
|
-
|
(1,459)
|
(1,801)
|
Dividends paid
|
(1,566)
|
-
|
-
|
Cash used in financing activities
|
(2,774)
|
(2,140)
|
(3,685)
|
|
|
|
|
Effects of exchange rates on cash
and cash equivalents
|
44
|
(68)
|
(202)
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
518
|
6,536
|
5,607
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the
period
|
23,375
|
17,768
|
17,768
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the
period
12
|
23,893
|
24,304
|
23,375
|
1 HY23 results have
been restated as explained further in Note 1.5.
Net decrease in cash and cash
equivalents from discontinued operations was £nil (6 months to 31
January 2023: decrease of £253,000, year to 31 July 2023: decrease
of £281,000).
NOTES
Forming part of the condensed
consolidated interim financial statements
1 Basis of preparation and
significant accounting policies
1.1 General
information
Gattaca plc ('the Company') and
its subsidiaries (together 'the Group') is a human capital
resources business providing contract and permanent recruitment
services in the private and public sectors across the UK, Europe
and North America regions. The Company is a public limited company,
which is listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) and is
incorporated and domiciled in England, United Kingdom. The
Company's registered office address is 1450 Parkway, Solent
Business Park Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 7AF. The Company's
registration number is 04426322.
1.2 Basis of
preparation
These unaudited condensed
consolidated interim financial statements are for the six months
ended 31 January 2024 and do not constitute statutory accounts as
defined by section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. The interim
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the AIM
rules and IAS 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting'. Whilst the
financial information included in the interim financial statements
has been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International
Accounting Standards, the interim financial statements do not
include all of the information required for full annual financial
statements, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2023 which have
been filed with the Registrar of Companies and are available from
the Group's website, www.gattacaplc.com/investors. The statutory
financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2023 received an
unqualified report from the auditors and did not contain a
statement under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.
The accounting policies applied in
the interim financial statements are consistent with those used in
the preparation of the Group's consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 July 2023, as described in the latest Annual
Report and Accounts. No alterations have been made to the Group's
accounting policies as a result of adopting new standards,
amendments and interpretations which became effective in the
period, as these were either not material or not relevant to the
Group.
1.3 Going
concern
The Group's business activities,
together with the factors likely to affect its future development,
performance and position are set out in the Strategic Report of the
Group's Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2023.
The financial position of the Group, its cash flows and liquidity
are described in the Chief Financial Officer's Report of the 2023
Annual Report.
At the half year the Group
reported a strong balance sheet with statutory net cash of £22.3m.
The Group ensures the availability of working capital through close
management of customer payment terms. There is sufficient headroom
on our working capital facilities to absorb a level of customer
payment term extensions, but we would also manage supply to the
customer if payment within an appropriate period was not being
made. Whilst there is no evidence that it would occur, a
significant deterioration in average payment terms has the
potential to impact the Group's liquidity.
The Directors have prepared
detailed cash flow forecasts, covering a period of at least 12
months from the date of approval of these interim financial
statements. This base case is prepared with appropriate regard for
the current macroeconomic headwinds and particular circumstances in
which the Group operates, including demand and candidate sentiment
across the recruitment sector and the economic outlook for STEM
markets in the UK in which our customers operate. The base case
assumes sustained growth in NFI and cost rebalancing aligned with
the Group's strategic priorities.
We continue to see permanent
recruitment remaining subdued, in line with our peers, and our
focus remains on contractor growth, which takes longer to reflect
in NFI. As such we expect profitability will be weighted to the
second half of the year. Strong contract pipelines in Defence and
Mobility sectors, combined with increasing customer demand for
Statement of Work contracts, underpin the Group's Net Fee Income
expectations for the second half of FY24 and beyond.
A key assumption in preparing the
cash flow forecasts is the continued availability of Group's
invoice financing facility throughout the forecast period. The
unutilised facility headroom at 31 January 2024 was £22.9m. The
current £50m facility has no contractual renewal date; the
Directors remain confident that the facility will remain
available.
The output of the base case
forecasting process has been used to perform sensitivity analysis
on the Group's cash flows to the potential effects should principal
risks actually occur. The sensitivity analysis modelled a severe
but plausible scenario including:
- Reduced NFI growth, including
nil growth beyond the end of the current financial year;
- Increased operating costs by
between 5% and 10%; and
- Customer payment terms extended
by five days.
The effects of commercial
mitigating actions that the Directors would implement in response
to adverse changes in the Group's profitability and liquidity were
excluded.
The sensitised forecasts
illustrate that the Group's liquidity is resilient to adverse
changes in profitability and customer payment terms. The sensitised
forecasts show a 44% reduction in net cash at 31 July 2025, to
£10.0m, compared with the base case. The sensitised forecasts
confirm management's expectation that the Group will remain in a
positive net cash position for at least the next 12
months.
After making appropriate enquiries
and considering key judgements and assumptions described above, the
Directors have a reasonable expectation at the time of approving
these interim financial statements that the Group and the Company
have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for
the foreseeable future. Following careful consideration the
Directors do not consider there to be a material uncertainty with
regards to going concern and consider it is appropriate to adopt
the going concern basis in preparing these financial
statements.
1.4 Accounting estimates and
judgements
Preparation of the interim
financial statements requires the Directors to make assumptions and
estimates that affect the application of accounting policies. The
critical accounting judgements and key assumptions and sources of
estimation uncertainty identified by the Directors were consistent
with those identified in the Group's Annual Report and Accounts for
the year ended 31 July 2023.
1.5 Prior period
restatement
Whilst reviewing the Group's
revenue cut-off policy during the 2023 year end, management
identified a revenue cut-off error affecting the prior financial
year. Data relating to late timesheet approvals and permanent
placements was, due to human error, incorrectly extracted from the
Group's ERP system during the July 2022 year end close process.
This resulted in a £204,000 understatement of Net Fee Income (NFI)
in the Income Statement for the year ended 31 July 2022, comprising
an understatement of accrued income of £1,668,000 and associated
accrued costs of £1,464,000. The Group's financial position at 31
July 2022 and the results and cash flows for the year then ended
have been restated for correction of this error. Reversal of the
revenue cut-off error has impacted results previously reported for
the six-month period ended 31 January 2023.
Identification of this error led
management to reassess how accrued revenue and accrued cost
balances have been calculated at each period end. The Group's
upgraded ERP system, implemented during 2021 allowed for a more
accurate assessment of the Group's revenue and contractor cost
cut-off position. On this basis, management concluded that it would
have been appropriate to have extended the cut-off period for late
receipt of approved timesheets.
In line with the treatment
prescribed in IAS 8 and IAS 1, this change has been applied
retrospectively, restating the Group's opening reserves at 1 August
2022, its financial position as at 31 January 2023, and the results
and cash flows of the Group for the six-month period year then
ended. The impact of the change as at 31 January 2023 is to
increase Group net assets and retained earnings by £297,000,
increase accrued income (trade and other receivables) by £1,522,000
and increase contractor wages payable (trade and other payables) by
£1,247,000. The combined impact of these changes is detailed
below.
Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
For the period ended 31 January
2023
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As previously
reported
|
Extension of cut-off period
assessment
|
Adjustment
due to
incorrect FY22 cut-off
data
|
As
restated
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Revenue
|
|
194,742
|
(288)
|
(1,668)
|
192,786
|
Cost of sales
|
|
(172,009)
|
302
|
1,464
|
(170,243)
|
Gross profit
|
|
22,733
|
14
|
(204)
|
22,543
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit before taxation from continuing
operations
|
|
792
|
14
|
(204)
|
602
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Taxation
|
|
(242)
|
(4)
|
53
|
(193)
|
Profit after taxation from continuing
operations
|
|
550
|
10
|
(151)
|
409
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit for the year
|
|
351
|
10
|
(151)
|
210
|
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As previously
reported
|
Extension of cut-off period
assessment
|
Adjustment
due to
incorrect FY22 cut-off
data
|
As
restated
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Total equity at 1 August
2022
|
|
29,997
|
283
|
173
|
30,453
|
Profit for the period
|
|
351
|
10
|
(151)
|
210
|
Balance at 31 January 2023
|
|
30,070
|
293
|
22
|
30,384
|
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial
Position
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As previously
reported
31 January
2023
|
Extension
of cut-off period
assessment
|
Adjustment due to incorrect
FY22 cut-off data
|
As
restated
31 January
2023
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets
|
|
474
|
(31)
|
22
|
465
|
Total non-current assets
|
|
6,115
|
(31)
|
22
|
6,106
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other
receivables
|
|
47,721
|
1,522
|
-
|
49,243
|
Total current assets
|
|
73,158
|
1,522
|
-
|
74,680
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
79,273
|
1,491
|
22
|
80,786
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other
payables
|
|
(43,743)
|
(1,257)
|
-
|
(45,090)
|
Current tax liabilities
|
|
(336)
|
49
|
-
|
(287)
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
(46,647)
|
(1,198)
|
-
|
(47,845)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
(49,203)
|
(1,198)
|
-
|
(50,401)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets
|
|
30,070
|
293
|
22
|
30,385
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained earnings
|
|
19,831
|
293
|
22
|
20,146
|
Total equity
|
|
30,070
|
293
|
22
|
30,385
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 Segmental Information
An operating segment, as defined
by IFRS 8 'Operating segments', is a component of the Group that
engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and
incur expenses. The Gattaca plc group defines its operating
segments by reference to the sectors in which it operates.
Segmentation of the Group's activities by sector is consistent with
the segmentation of information provided internally to the chief
operating decision maker, being the Board of Directors of Gattaca
plc. Reportable segments are identified by reference to
quantitative and qualitative thresholds prescribed in IFRS 8. There
were no operating segments that met the criteria for aggregation
with other operating segments.
6
months to 31 January 2024 unaudited
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All amounts in £'000
|
Mobility
|
Energy
|
Defence
|
Technology, Media &
Telecoms
|
Infra-
structure
|
Gattaca
Projects
|
Inter-
national1
|
Other
|
Continuing underlying
operations
|
Revenue (Note 3)
|
16,404
|
18,874
|
44,452
|
14,455
|
72,874
|
4,386
|
2,633
|
14,365
|
188,443
|
Gross profit
|
2,224
|
1,786
|
3,633
|
1,360
|
6,516
|
1,164
|
560
|
2,420
|
19,663
|
Operating contribution
|
951
|
1,036
|
2,080
|
265
|
2,919
|
757
|
(502)
|
652
|
8,158
|
Depreciation and
amortisation
|
(67)
|
(77)
|
(181)
|
(59)
|
(295)
|
(18)
|
(11)
|
(58)
|
(766)
|
Central overheads
|
(916)
|
(381)
|
(1,039)
|
(645)
|
(2,022)
|
(214)
|
(606)
|
(1,195)
|
(7,018)
|
Profit/(loss) from
operations
|
(32)
|
578
|
860
|
(439)
|
602
|
525
|
(1,119)
|
(601)
|
374
|
Finance income, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
443
|
Profit before tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
817
|
All amounts in £'000
|
Continuing underlying
operations
|
Non-recurring items and
amortisation of acquired intangibles
|
Discontinued
|
Total
Group
|
Revenue (Note 3)
|
188,443
|
-
|
-
|
188,443
|
Gross profit
|
19,663
|
-
|
-
|
19,663
|
Operating contribution
|
8,158
|
-
|
-
|
8,158
|
Depreciation and
amortisation
|
(766)
|
(32)
|
-
|
(798)
|
Central overheads
|
(7,018)
|
(480)
|
-
|
(7,498)
|
Profit/(loss) from
operations
|
374
|
(512)
|
-
|
(138)
|
Finance income, net
|
443
|
202
|
-
|
645
|
Profit before tax
|
817
|
(310)
|
-
|
507
|
6
months to 31 January 2023 restated2 unaudited
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All amounts in £'000
|
Mobility
|
Energy
|
Defence
|
Technology, Media &
Telecoms
|
Infra-
structure
|
Gattaca
Projects
|
Inter-
national1
|
Other
|
Continuing underlying
operations
|
Revenue (Note 3)
|
21,081
|
20,767
|
38,530
|
13,843
|
73,919
|
2,538
|
3,800
|
18,308
|
192,786
|
Gross profit
|
2,211
|
2,105
|
4,151
|
1,239
|
7,146
|
1,020
|
1,279
|
3,392
|
22,543
|
Operating contribution
|
1,058
|
1,422
|
2,337
|
179
|
2,847
|
639
|
(484)
|
908
|
8,906
|
Depreciation and
amortisation
|
(80)
|
(79)
|
(147)
|
(53)
|
(281)
|
(10)
|
(14)
|
(70)
|
(734)
|
Central overheads
|
(768)
|
(355)
|
(1,097)
|
(629)
|
(2,350)
|
(185)
|
(744)
|
(1,288)
|
(7,416)
|
Profit/(loss) from
operations
|
210
|
988
|
1,093
|
(503)
|
216
|
444
|
(1,242)
|
(450)
|
756
|
Finance (costs)/income,
net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10)
|
Profit before tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
746
|
All amounts in £'000
|
Continuing underlying
operations
|
Non-recurring items and
amortisation of acquired intangibles
|
Discontinued
|
Total
Group
|
Revenue (Note 3)
|
192,786
|
-
|
-
|
192,786
|
Gross profit
|
22,543
|
-
|
-
|
22,543
|
Operating contribution
|
8,906
|
-
|
-
|
8,906
|
Depreciation and
amortisation
|
(734)
|
(35)
|
-
|
(769)
|
Central overheads
|
(7,416)
|
(300)
|
(208)
|
(7,924)
|
Profit/(loss) from
operations
|
756
|
(335)
|
(208)
|
213
|
Finance (costs)/income,
net
|
(10)
|
191
|
4
|
185
|
Profit before tax
|
746
|
(144)
|
(204)
|
398
|
12 months to 31 July 2023
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All amounts in £'000
|
Mobility
|
Energy
|
Defence
|
Technology, Media &
Telecoms
|
Infra-
structure
|
Gattaca
Projects
|
Inter-
national1
|
Other
|
Continuing underlying
operations
|
Revenue (Note 3)
|
40,387
|
40,605
|
80,652
|
27,660
|
148,843
|
5,512
|
6,543
|
34,972
|
385,174
|
Gross profit
|
4,536
|
4,119
|
8,003
|
2,569
|
14,094
|
2,091
|
2,165
|
5,824
|
43,401
|
Operating contribution
|
2,227
|
2,624
|
4,768
|
580
|
5,776
|
1,364
|
(994)
|
1,580
|
17,925
|
Depreciation and
amortisation
|
(155)
|
(155)
|
(309)
|
(106)
|
(570)
|
(21)
|
(25)
|
(134)
|
(1,475)
|
Central overheads
|
(1,588)
|
(685)
|
(2,018)
|
(1,160)
|
(4,473)
|
(346)
|
(1,424)
|
(2,429)
|
(14,123)
|
Profit/(loss) from
operations
|
484
|
1,784
|
2,441
|
(686)
|
733
|
997
|
(2,443)
|
(983)
|
2,327
|
Finance (costs)/income,
net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
241
|
Profit before tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,568
|
All amounts in £'000
|
Continuing underlying
operations
|
Non-recurring items and
amortisation of acquired intangibles
|
Discontinued
|
Total
Group
|
Revenue (Note 3)
|
385,174
|
-
|
-
|
385,174
|
Gross profit
|
43,401
|
-
|
-
|
43,401
|
Operating contribution
|
17,925
|
-
|
-
|
17,925
|
Depreciation and
amortisation
|
(1,475)
|
(68)
|
-
|
(1,543)
|
Central overheads
|
(14,123)
|
175
|
(186)
|
(14,134)
|
Profit/(loss) from
operations
|
2,327
|
107
|
(186)
|
2,248
|
Finance (costs)/income,
net
|
241
|
80
|
(333)
|
(12)
|
Profit before tax
|
2,568
|
187
|
(519)
|
2,236
|
A segmental analysis of total
assets has not been included as this information is not used by the
Board; the majority of assets are centrally held and are not
allocated across the reportable segments.
1 International segment
revenue and gross profit is generated from the location of the
commission-earning sales consultant, as opposed to the domicile of
the respective subsidiary by which they are employed.
2 HY23 results have been
restated as explained further in Note 1.5.
Geographical information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Group
revenue
|
|
Non-current
assets
|
All amounts in £'000
|
6 months to
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
Restated1
6 months to
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
12 months to
31/07/2023
|
|
6 months to
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
Restated1
6 months to
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
12 months to
31/07/2023
|
UK
|
184,660
|
187,445
|
375,436
|
|
4,808
|
5,847
|
5,173
|
Rest of Europe
|
369
|
404
|
775
|
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
Middle East and Africa
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
34
|
24
|
Americas
|
3,414
|
4,937
|
8,963
|
|
61
|
224
|
100
|
Total
|
188,443
|
192,786
|
385,174
|
|
4,887
|
6,106
|
5,299
|
1 HY23 results have
been restated as explained further in Note 1.5.
Revenue and non-current assets are
allocated to the geographic market based on the domicile of the
respective subsidiary.
3 Revenue from Contracts with
Customers
Revenue from contracts with
customers is disaggregated by major service line and operating
segment, as well as timing of revenue recognition as
follows:
Major service lines - continuing underlying
operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6
months to
31 January 2024 unaudited
|
Mobility
£'000
|
Energy
£'000
|
Defence
£'000
|
Technology, Media &
Telecoms
£'000
|
Infra-
structure
£'000
|
Gattaca
Projects
£'000
|
Inter-
national
£'000
|
Other
£'000
|
Continuing underlying
operations
£'000
|
|
Temporary placements
|
15,350
|
18,789
|
43,631
|
13,997
|
72,146
|
1,981
|
2,323
|
13,175
|
181,392
|
|
Permanent placements
|
995
|
43
|
589
|
458
|
700
|
-
|
268
|
1,190
|
4,243
|
|
Other
|
59
|
42
|
232
|
-
|
28
|
2,405
|
42
|
-
|
2,808
|
|
Total
|
16,404
|
18,874
|
44,452
|
14,455
|
72,874
|
4,386
|
2,633
|
14,365
|
188,443
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6
months to
31 January 2023 unaudited
restated 1
|
Mobility
£'000
|
Energy
£'000
|
Defence
£'000
|
Technology, Media &
Telecoms
£'000
|
Infra-
structure
£'000
|
Gattaca
Projects
£'000
|
Inter-
national
£'000
|
Other
£'000
|
Continuing underlying
operations
£'000
|
|
Temporary placements
|
20,142
|
20,560
|
36,863
|
13,436
|
72,525
|
1,099
|
2,966
|
16,402
|
183,993
|
|
Permanent placements
|
806
|
175
|
1,524
|
423
|
1,177
|
-
|
671
|
1,875
|
6,651
|
|
Other
|
133
|
32
|
143
|
(16)
|
217
|
1,439
|
163
|
31
|
2,142
|
|
Total
|
21,081
|
20,767
|
38,530
|
13,843
|
73,919
|
2,538
|
3,800
|
18,308
|
192,786
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year to 31 July 2023
|
Mobility
£'000
|
Energy
£'000
|
Defence
£'000
|
Technology, Media &
Telecoms
£'000
|
Infra-
structure
£'000
|
Gattaca
Projects
£'000
|
Inter-
national
£'000
|
Other
£'000
|
Continuing underlying
operations
£'000
|
|
Temporary placements
|
38,426
|
40,155
|
77,916
|
26,660
|
146,584
|
2,572
|
5,353
|
31,896
|
369,562
|
|
Permanent placements
|
1,771
|
268
|
2,427
|
778
|
1,978
|
-
|
1,190
|
3,037
|
11,449
|
|
Other
|
190
|
182
|
309
|
222
|
281
|
2,940
|
-
|
39
|
4,163
|
|
Total
|
40,387
|
40,605
|
80,652
|
27,660
|
148,843
|
5,512
|
6,543
|
34,972
|
385,174
|
|
Timing of revenue recognition - continuing underlying
operations
6
months to
31 January 2024 unaudited
|
Mobility
£'000
|
Energy
£'000
|
Defence
£'000
|
Technology, Media &
Telecoms
£'000
|
Infra-
structure
£'000
|
Gattaca
Projects
£'000
|
Inter-
national
£'000
|
Other
£'000
|
Continuing underlying
operations
£'000
|
Point in time
|
16,404
|
18,874
|
44,452
|
14,455
|
72,874
|
1,981
|
2,633
|
14,365
|
186,038
|
Over time
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,405
|
-
|
-
|
2,405
|
Total
|
16,404
|
18,874
|
44,452
|
14,455
|
72,874
|
4,386
|
2,633
|
14,365
|
188,443
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6
months to
31 January 2023 unaudited
restated1
|
Mobility
£'000
|
Energy
£'000
|
Defence
£'000
|
Technology, Media &
Telecoms
£'000
|
Infra-
structure
£'000
|
Gattaca
Projects
£'000
|
Inter-
national
£'000
|
Other
£'000
|
Continuing underlying
operations
£'000
|
|
Point in time
|
21,081
|
20,767
|
38,530
|
13,843
|
73,919
|
1,099
|
3,800
|
18,308
|
191,347
|
|
Over time
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,439
|
-
|
-
|
1,439
|
|
Total
|
21,081
|
20,767
|
38,530
|
13,843
|
73,919
|
2,538
|
3,800
|
18,308
|
192,786
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year to 31 July 2023
|
Mobility
£'000
|
Energy
£'000
|
Defence
£'000
|
Technology, Media &
Telecoms
£'000
|
Infra-
structure
£'000
|
Gattaca
Projects
£'000
|
Inter-
national
£'000
|
Other
£'000
|
Continuing underlying
operations
£'000
|
|
Point in time
|
40,387
|
40,605
|
80,652
|
27,660
|
148,843
|
2,572
|
6,543
|
34,972
|
382,234
|
|
Over time
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,940
|
-
|
-
|
2,940
|
|
Total
|
40,387
|
40,605
|
80,652
|
27,660
|
148,843
|
5,512
|
6,543
|
34,972
|
385,174
|
|
1 HY23 results have been
restated as explained further in Note 1.5.
No single customer contributed
more than 10% of the Group's revenues (6 months to 31 January 2023
and year ended 31 July 2023: none).
Revenue recognised over time is
recognised based on costs incurred to date as a proportion of total
forecast costs.
4
Profit/(loss) from Total Operations
|
6 months to
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
6 months to
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
12 months to
31/07/2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Profit/(loss) from total operations is stated after
charging/(crediting):
|
|
|
|
Depreciation of property, plant
and equipment
|
257
|
228
|
489
|
Depreciation of right-of-use
leased assets
|
476
|
485
|
952
|
Amortisation of acquired
intangibles
|
32
|
35
|
68
|
Amortisation of software and
software licences
|
33
|
21
|
34
|
Release of sales ledger
credits1
|
(31)
|
(396)
|
(538)
|
Loss on reassessment of lease
term
|
-
|
-
|
(672)
|
Net impairment release on trade
receivables and accrued income (Note 8)
|
(843)
|
(393)
|
(334)
|
Loss on disposal of property,
plant and equipment
|
5
|
14
|
17
|
Loss on disposal of software and
software licences
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
Plant and machinery rental
expenses for leases out-of-scope of IFRS 16
|
40
|
-
|
59
|
Non-recourse working capital bank
facility charges
|
293
|
243
|
515
|
Share-based payment
charges/(credits)
|
86
|
75
|
(64)
|
1The Group holds
unclaimed aged sales ledger credits on the balance sheet that arise
in the course of normal trading operations due to the high volume
of timesheet invoices and customer receipts. The Group releases any
unclaimed sales ledger credits to the Income Statement after all
reasonable steps have been taken to return funds to the customer
and two years have elapsed since receipt of the funds.
Non-underlying items included
within administrative expenses were as follows:
|
6 months to
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
6 months to
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
12 months to
31/07/2023
|
Continuing operations
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Restructuring
costs2
|
452
|
172
|
249
|
Net costs/(income) associated with
exiting properties3
|
16
|
128
|
(614)
|
Write down of acquired working
capital balances4
|
-
|
-
|
190
|
Reversal of impairment of
right-of-use leased assets5
|
(42)
|
-
|
-
|
Cost relating to ongoing closure
of group undertakings6
|
54
|
-
|
-
|
Non-underlying items included in
profit/(loss) from continuing operations
|
480
|
300
|
(175)
|
|
|
|
|
Discontinuing operations
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Cost relating to discontinuation
of group undertakings6
|
-
|
207
|
184
|
Advisory
fees7
|
-
|
1
|
2
|
Non-underlying items included in
loss from discontinued operations
|
-
|
208
|
186
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-underlying items
|
408
|
508
|
11
|
2 Restructuring costs were recognised in connection with
personnel re-organisations throughout the business.
3 Costs have been recognised in relation to the exit of a
number of UK office buildings that are no longer in use by the
business. During the year ended 31 July 2023, the net gain includes
£672,000 profit on reassessment of lease term resulted from the
exercise of a break clause on a property that had previously been
fully impaired.
4 Write down of unsupportable and uncollectable working capital
balances in subsidiaries acquired during previous years' business
combinations.
5 A gain of £42,000 was recognised on partial reversal of the
impairment of a right-of-use leased property asset following its
sublease. The impairment was initially recognised in during the
year ended 31 July 2022 and was included in non-underlying
items.
6 Ongoing costs relating to closure of entities affected by the
closure of the contract Telecoms Infrastructure business in 2018 as
well as the closure of the Group's operations in Russia, South
Africa, including late filing penalties in Qatar. Presented in
discontinued operations in prior periods, the Group has presented
these costs as continuing items for the period ended 31 January
2024, as discussed further in Note 6.
7 Legal fees incurred in previous periods relating to the
Group's co-operation with certain voluntary enquiries from the US
Department of Justice, as discussed in further detail in Note
14.
5 Taxation
|
|
22
|
|
|
6 months
to
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
Restated1
6 months
to
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
12 months
to
31/07/2023
|
Analysis of tax charge in the period
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Profit before tax from continuing
operations
|
507
|
602
|
2,755
|
|
|
|
|
Profit before tax multiplied by
the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25.0% (31 January
2023 and 31 July 2023: 21.0%)
|
128
|
126
|
579
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses not deductible for tax
purposes
|
73
|
26
|
145
|
Income not taxable
|
(8)
|
(28)
|
(182)
|
Effect of share-based
payments
|
(1)
|
(1)
|
(1)
|
Irrecoverable withholding
tax
|
-
|
1
|
2
|
Overseas losses not recognised as
deferred tax assets
|
84
|
82
|
563
|
Difference between UK and overseas
tax rates
|
11
|
2
|
(45)
|
Adjustment to tax charge in
respect of prior periods
|
-
|
(27)
|
(41)
|
Changes in tax rate
|
(7)
|
13
|
(16)
|
Total taxation charge for the period for continuing
operations
|
280
|
194
|
1,004
|
|
|
|
|
Total taxation (credit)/charge for the period for
discontinued operations
|
-
|
(5)
|
3
|
1 HY23 results have
been restated as explained further in Note 1.5.
The forecast average annual tax
rate for continuing operations for the year to 31 July 2024 used to
estimate the tax charge for the period to 31 January 2024 is 41.0%
(period to 31 January 2023: forecast average annual tax rate of
28.9%, year to 31 July 2023: actual tax rate of 36.5%). The
increase in the effective tax rate for the period to 31 January
2024 is primarily driven by the increase in the UK tax rate and an
increase in non-deductible costs.
6 Discontinued Operations
During the period, the Group has
incurred ongoing closure costs associated with discontinued
businesses, including its contract Telecomm Infrastructure business
(closed in 2018) and operations in Malaysia, Singapore and the
Middle East (closed in 2018), China (closed in 2020), and Mexico
closure and South African sub-group sale (closed in 2021). No new
operations have been discontinued in the current period or prior
year.
No trading activities remain for
the discontinued businesses, however the Group continues to incur
costs associated with closure of the subsidiary statutory entities.
The Group has considered the nature and amount of these costs in
the current period and has classified all as continuing operations.
Costs associated with closure of discontinued businesses are
reported within non-underlying items in line with the Group's
accounting policy.
Financial performance
|
6 months
to
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
6 months
to
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
12 months to
31/07/23
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Revenue
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Cost of sales
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Gross profit
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
Administrative
expenses1
|
-
|
(208)
|
(186)
|
Loss from operations
|
-
|
(208)
|
(186)
|
|
|
|
|
Finance income
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Finance costs
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Exchange gains/(losses)
|
-
|
4
|
(333)
|
Loss before taxation
|
-
|
(204)
|
(519)
|
|
|
|
|
Taxation
|
-
|
5
|
(3)
|
Loss for the period after taxation from discontinued
operations
|
-
|
(199)
|
(522)
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange differences on
translation of discontinued operations
|
-
|
15
|
(200)
|
Other comprehensive loss from discontinued
operations
|
-
|
(184)
|
(722)
|
1 For the periods ending 31 January 2023 and 31 July 2023, all
administrative expenses from discontinued operations are presented
as non-underlying items, as detailed in Note 4.
Cash flows from discontinued operations
|
6 months
to
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
6 months
to
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
12 months to
31/07/23
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Net cash outflow from operating
activities
|
-
|
(116)
|
(281)
|
Net cash outflow from investing
activities
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Net cash outflow from financing
activities
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Effect of exchange rates on cash
and cash equivalents
|
-
|
(137)
|
-
|
Net cash used by discontinued operations
|
-
|
(253)
|
(281)
|
7 Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share (EPS) has been
calculated by dividing the consolidated profit or loss 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 into
ordinary shares has been added to the denominator. The Group's
potential ordinary shares, being the Long Term Incentive Plan
Options, are deemed outstanding and included in the dilution
assessment when, at the reporting date, they would be issuable had
the performance period ended at that date.
The effect of potential ordinary
shares is reflected in diluted EPS only when they are dilutive.
Potential ordinary shares are considered to be dilutive when the
monetary value of the subscription rights attached to the
outstanding share options is less than the average market share
price of the Company's shares during the period. Furthermore,
potential ordinary shares are only considered dilutive when their
inclusion in the calculation would decrease earnings per share, or
increase loss per share, in accordance with IAS 33. There are no
changes to the profit numerator as a result of the dilution
calculation.
The earnings per share information
has been calculated as follows:
|
|
6 months to
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
Restated1
6 months to
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
12 months to
31/07/2023
|
Total earnings
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Total profit attributable to
ordinary shareholders
|
|
227
|
209
|
1,229
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of shares
|
|
000's
|
000's
|
000's
|
Basic weighted average number of
ordinary shares in issue
|
|
31,649
|
32,294
|
32,196
|
Dilutive potential ordinary
shares
|
|
565
|
348
|
487
|
Diluted weighted average number of shares
|
|
32,214
|
32,642
|
32,683
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restated1
|
|
Total earnings per share
|
|
pence
|
pence
|
pence
|
Earnings per ordinary
share
|
- Basic
|
0.7
|
0.6
|
3.8
|
- Diluted
|
0.7
|
0.6
|
3.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restated1
|
|
Earnings from continuing operations
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Total profit for the period from
continuing operations
|
|
227
|
408
|
1,751
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restated1
|
|
Total earnings per share for continuing
operations
|
|
pence
|
pence
|
pence
|
Earnings per ordinary share from
continuing operations
|
- Basic
|
0.7
|
1.3
|
5.4
|
- Diluted
|
0.7
|
1.3
|
5.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restated1
|
|
Earnings from discontinued operations
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Total loss for the period from
discontinued operations
|
|
-
|
(199)
|
(522)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restated1
|
|
Total earnings per share for discontinued
operations
|
|
pence
|
pence
|
pence
|
Loss per ordinary share from
discontinued operations
|
- Basic
|
-
|
(0.6)
|
(1.6)
|
- Diluted
|
-
|
(0.6)
|
(1.6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restated1
|
|
Earnings from continuing underlying
operations
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Total profit for the period from
continuing underlying operations
|
514
|
524
|
1,472
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restated1
|
|
Total earnings per share from continuing underlying
operations
|
pence
|
pence
|
pence
|
Earnings per ordinary share from
continuing underlying operations
|
- Basic
|
1.6
|
1.6
|
4.6
|
- Diluted
|
1.6
|
1.6
|
4.5
|
1 HY23 results have
been restated as explained further in Note 1.5.
8 Goodwill and Intangible
Assets
Impairment
Testing
Goodwill and intangible assets are
reviewed and tested for impairment on an annual basis or more
frequently if it is determined that there is an indication of
impairment. For the purpose of impairment testing, the recoverable
amount of the cash generating unit (CGU), including goodwill,
intangible assets and right-of-use assets, is determined as the
higher of its value in use or fair value less costs to
sell.
Trading results for the Energy CGU
in H1 2024, in line with other areas of the business, have been
adversely affected by softening of the permanent recruitment
market, resulting in management's trading forecasts now being lower
than previously expected. This was considered an indication of
impairment, so an impairment test has been performed at the
half-year.
At 31 January 2024, the
recoverable amount of the Energy CGU's non-current assets was
£3,173,000, an excess of £1,004,000 above the carrying amount. The
Directors have therefore concluded that the CGU's non-current
assets are not
impaired.
The key assumptions and estimates
used when calculating a CGU's value-in-use are as
follows:
Cash flows from
operations
Discounted cash flows from
operations were prepared based on the Group's Board-approved
business plan for FY24-FY26, starting with management's FY24
forecast and applying over-arching NFI and cost growth rates in
FY27 and FY28. The Group prepares cash flow forecasts adjusted for
allocations of group overhead costs, and extrapolates cash flows
into perpetuity based on long-term growth rates. The Group's
working capital requirement is expected to increase proportionately
with revenue
growth.
Discount
rates
The pre-tax rate used to discount
the forecast cash flows was 18.7% (FY23: 18.7%) reflecting the
Group's weighted average cost of capital, adjusted for specific
risks associated with the asset's estimated cash flows. The nominal
discount rate is based on the weighted average cost of capital
(WACC). The risk-free rate, based on UK Government bond rates, is
adjusted for equity and industry risk premiums, reflecting the
increased risk compared to an investor who is investing the market
as a whole. Net present values are calculated using pre-tax
discount rates derived from the Group's post-tax WACC of 14.1%
(FY23:
14.1%).
Growth
rates
The medium-term growth rates are
based on management forecasts, reflecting past experience and the
economic environment. Long-term growth rates are based on external
sources of an average estimated growth rate of 2.0% (FY23: 2.0%),
using a weighted average of operating country real growth
expectations.
Sensitivity analysis
The Directors have considered and
assessed reasonably possible changes in the key assumptions and
have performed sensitivity analysis on the estimates of recoverable
amount.
Cash flows from operations for
value-in-use are influenced by the forecast level of operating
contribution (NFI and direct operating costs) of the CGU across the
5-year forecast period. Scenarios modelled by management illustrate
a range of outcomes, some of which indicated a possible impairment,
include a 12-month delayed return to overall NFI growth or a
sustained period of subdued NFI growth and operating cost growth.
The latter, a reduction of expected NFI growth (75% down in FY25,
50% down in FY26-FY28) and operating cost growth (50% down in FY25,
33% down in FY26-FY28), resulted in possible impairment of the
CGU's non-current assets of £551,000 at 31 January
2024.
The following changes in other key
assumptions, when considered individually or in aggregate, do not
indicate a possible impairment of the non-current assets of the
CGU:
• 200 basis points
increase in the pre-tax discount rate; and
• 20 basis points
decrease in the long-term growth
rate.
9 Trade and Other Receivables
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
Restated1
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
31/07/2023
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
Trade receivables from contracts
with customers, net of loss allowance
|
27,442
|
28,589
|
31,905
|
|
Other receivables
|
1,196
|
2,195
|
3,714
|
|
Finance lease
receivables
|
113
|
160
|
95
|
|
Prepayments
|
1,392
|
1,376
|
1,145
|
|
Accrued income
|
16,615
|
16,923
|
15,309
|
|
Total
|
46,758
|
49,243
|
52,168
|
|
1 HY23 results have
been restated as explained further in Note 1.5.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
The Directors consider that the
carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates to
their fair value
Other receivables includes
retentions of £494,000 (31 January 2023: £835,000, 31 July 2023:
£2,838,000) on trade receivable balances assigned to HSBC under the
non-recourse invoice financing facility.
Accrued income relates to the
Group's right to consideration for temporary and permanent
placement made but not billed at the period end. These transfer to
trade receivables once billing occurs.
Impairment of trade receivables from contracts with
customers
|
|
|
|
|
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
31/07/2023
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
Trade receivables from contracts
with customers, gross amounts
|
28,315
|
30,247
|
33,538
|
|
Loss allowance
|
(873)
|
(1,658)
|
(1,633)
|
|
Trade receivables from contracts with customers, net of loss
allowance
|
27,442
|
28,589
|
31,905
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Trade receivables are amounts due
from customers for services performed in the ordinary course of
business. They are generally settled within 30-60 days and are
therefore all classified as current.
The Group uses a third party
credit scoring system to assess the creditworthiness 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.
Trade receivables are subject to
the expected credit loss model. The Group applies the IFRS 9
simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses which uses
a lifetime expected loss allowance for all trade
receivables.
To measure the expected credit
losses, trade receivables have been grouped based on shared credit
risk characteristics by geographical region or customer
industry.
The expected loss rates are based
on the payment profiles of sales over a period of 36 months before
the relevant period end and the corresponding historical credit
losses experienced within this period. The historic loss rates are
adjusted to reflect any relevant current and forward-looking
information expected to affect the ability of customers to settle
the receivables. Additionally, external economic forecasts along
with other macroeconomic factors have been taken into account when
assessing the credit risk profiles for specific industries and
geographies.
During the period ending 31
January 2024, the Group reduced its general expected loss rates to
reflect a lower historical credit loss rate, supported by economic
forecasts. The reduction in general expected loss rates gave rise
to credits to the Income Statement on release of loss allowances of
£386,000 for trade receivables and £87,000 for accrued
income.
The loss allowance for trade
receivables was determined as follows:
31 January 2024 unaudited
|
Current
|
More than 30 days past
due
|
More than 60 days past
due
|
More than 90 days
due
|
Total
|
Weighted expected loss rate
(%)
|
2.0%
|
3.1%
|
6.9%
|
94.7%
|
|
Gross carrying amount - trade
receivables (£'000)
|
27,555
|
350
|
87
|
323
|
28,315
|
Loss allowance (£'000)
|
550
|
11
|
6
|
306
|
873
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 January 2023 unaudited
|
Current
|
More than 30 days past
due
|
More than 60 days past
due
|
More than 90 days
due
|
Total
|
Weighted expected loss rate
(%)
|
3.8%
|
5.5%
|
5.5%
|
61.2%
|
|
Gross carrying amount - trade
receivables (£'000)
|
28,283
|
659
|
457
|
848
|
30,247
|
Loss allowance (£'000)
|
1,078
|
36
|
25
|
519
|
1,658
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 July 2023
|
Current
|
More than 30 days past
due
|
More than 60 days past
due
|
More than 90 days
due
|
Total
|
Weighted expected loss rate
(%)
|
3.6%
|
3.7%
|
15.4%
|
69.5%
|
|
Gross carrying amount - trade
receivables (£'000)
|
31,973
|
903
|
13
|
649
|
33,538
|
Loss allowance (£'000)
|
1,147
|
33
|
2
|
451
|
1,633
|
The loss allowance for trade
receivables at the period end reconciles to the opening loss
allowance as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
6 months
to
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
6 months
to
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
12 months to
31/07/2023
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
Opening loss allowance
|
1,633
|
2,077
|
2,077
|
|
Decrease in loss allowance
recognised in profit and loss during the period1
|
(680)
|
(290)
|
(156)
|
|
Receivables written off during the
period as uncollectible
|
(80)
|
(129)
|
(288)
|
|
Closing loss allowance
|
873
|
1,658
|
1,633
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
1 Includes a credit of
£386,000 relating to the reduction of general expected loss
rates.
Impairment of accrued income
|
|
|
|
|
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
Restated1
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
31/07/2023
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
Gross accrued income
|
16,956
|
17,502
|
15,813
|
|
Loss allowance
|
(341)
|
(579)
|
(504)
|
|
Accrued income, net of loss allowance
|
16,615
|
16,923
|
15,309
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
The loss allowance for accrued
income was determined as follows:
31 January 2024 unaudited
|
Current
|
More than 30 days past
due
|
More than 60 days past
due
|
More than 90 days
due
|
Total
|
Weighted expected loss rate
(%)
|
1.9%
|
1.7%
|
0.0%
|
58.6%
|
|
Gross carrying amount - accrued
income (£'000)
|
16,803
|
115
|
9
|
29
|
16,956
|
Loss allowance (£'000)
|
322
|
2
|
-
|
17
|
341
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 January 2023 unaudited
restated1
|
Current
|
More than 30 days past
due
|
More than 60 days past
due
|
More than 90 days
due
|
Total
|
Weighted expected loss rate
(%)
|
2.3%
|
2.5%
|
2.5%
|
33.1%
|
|
Gross carrying amount - accrued
income (£'000)
|
15,840
|
867
|
239
|
556
|
17,502
|
Loss allowance (£'000)
|
367
|
22
|
6
|
184
|
579
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 July 2023
|
Current
|
More than 30 days past
due
|
More than 60 days past
due
|
More than 90 days
due
|
Total
|
Weighted expected loss rate
(%)
|
2.3%
|
2.8%
|
18.3%
|
98.5%
|
|
Gross carrying amount - accrued
income (£'000)
|
15,476
|
143
|
60
|
134
|
15,813
|
Loss allowance (£'000)
|
357
|
4
|
11
|
132
|
504
|
1 HY23 results have
been restated as explained further in Note 1.5.
The loss allowance for accrued
income at the period end reconciles to the opening loss allowance
as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 months
to
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
6 months
to
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
12 months
to
31/07/2023
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
Opening loss allowance
|
504
|
682
|
682
|
|
Decrease in loss allowance
recognised in profit and loss during the period1
|
(163)
|
(103)
|
(178)
|
|
Closing loss allowance
|
341
|
579
|
504
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
1 Includes a credit of
a £87,000 relating to the reduction of general expected loss
rates.
10 Provisions
|
|
|
|
|
Dilapidations
|
Other
Provisions
|
Total
|
|
6
months to 31 January 2024 unaudited
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
Balance at the start of the
period
|
677
|
735
|
1,412
|
|
Provisions made in the
period
|
5
|
281
|
286
|
|
Provisions utilised
|
(55)
|
(98)
|
(153)
|
|
Provisions released
|
-
|
(340)
|
(340)
|
|
Effect of movements in exchange
rates
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Balance at the end of the period
|
627
|
578
|
1,205
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dilapidations
|
Other
Provisions
|
Total
|
|
As at 31 January 2024 unaudited
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
Non-current
|
352
|
37
|
389
|
|
Current
|
275
|
541
|
816
|
|
Total
|
627
|
578
|
1,205
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Dilapidations
|
Other
Provisions
|
Total
|
|
6
months to 31 January 2023 unaudited
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
Balance at the start of the
period
|
880
|
824
|
1,704
|
|
Provisions made in the
period
|
154
|
141
|
295
|
|
Provisions utilised
|
(353)
|
(30)
|
(383)
|
|
Provisions released
|
(1)
|
-
|
(1)
|
|
Effect of movements in exchange
rates
|
(1)
|
(2)
|
(3)
|
|
Balance at the end of the period
|
679
|
933
|
1,612
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dilapidations
|
Other
Provisions
|
Total
|
|
As at 31 January 2023 unaudited
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
Non-current
|
661
|
-
|
661
|
|
Current
|
18
|
933
|
951
|
|
Total
|
679
|
933
|
1,612
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dilapidations
|
Other
Provisions
|
Total
|
|
12 months to 31 July 2023
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
Balance at the start of the
period
|
880
|
824
|
1,704
|
|
Provisions made in the
period
|
187
|
194
|
381
|
|
Provisions utilised
|
(353)
|
(79)
|
(432)
|
|
Provisions released
|
(35)
|
(199)
|
(234)
|
|
Effect of movements in exchange
rates
|
(2)
|
(5)
|
(7)
|
|
Balance at the end of the period
|
677
|
735
|
1,412
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dilapidations
|
Other
Provisions
|
Total
|
|
As at 31 July 2023
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
Non-current
|
347
|
19
|
366
|
|
Current
|
330
|
716
|
1,046
|
|
Total
|
677
|
735
|
1,412
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Dilapidation provisions are held
in respect of the Group's office properties where lease obligations
include contractual obligations to return the property to its
original condition at the end of the lease term, ranging between
one and four years.
Other provisions made during the
period ending 31 January 2024 relate primarily to restructuring
activities for both UK and US operations, as discussed further in
Note 4. In addition to the restructuring provisions raised during
the period, other provisions held as at 31 January 2024 relate to
claims for certain legal and tax
matters.
11 Share capital
|
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
31/07/2023
|
Authorised share capital
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
40,000,000 Ordinary shares of
£0.01 each
|
400
|
400
|
400
|
|
|
|
|
|
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
31/07/2023
|
Allotted, called up, and fully paid
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
31,525,525 Ordinary shares of
£0.01 each
(31 January 2023: 32,303,612, 31
July 2023: 31,856,612)
|
316
|
323
|
319
|
The movement in the number of
shares in issue is shown below:
|
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
31/07/2023
|
|
'000
|
'000
|
'000
|
In issue at the start of the
period
|
31,857
|
32,290
|
32,290
|
Exercise of LTIP share
options
|
91
|
14
|
14
|
Shares cancelled
|
(423)
|
-
|
(447)
|
In issue at the end of the
period
31,525
32,304
|
31,857
|
The Company has one class of
ordinary shares. Each share is entitled to one vote in the event of
a poll at a general meeting of the Company. Each share is entitled
to participate in dividend distributions.
Share buyback and cancellation
During the period the Company made
market purchases of and subsequently cancelled 422,586 of its own
ordinary shares as part of a public share buyback. The buyback and
cancellation were approved by shareholders at the Annual General
Meeting held in December 2022. The shares were acquired at an
average price per share of £1.18, with prices ranging from £1.05 to
£1.29. The total cost of the share buyback, financed from the
Group's cash reserves, was £503,000 which has been deducted from
retained earnings. On cancellation of the shares, the aggregate
nominal value of shares was transferred out of share capital to a
capital redemption reserve.
Share options
During the period the Group
granted share options under the Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP")
for Executive Directors and senior management. 643,305 share
options with an exercise price of £0.01 each were granted on 6
December 2023 to members of staff to be held over a three-year
vesting period and are subject to various performance conditions.
All share options have a life of 10 years from grant date and are
equity settled on exercise.
12 Net Cash
Net cash is the total amount of
cash and cash equivalents less interest-bearing loans and
borrowings, including lease liabilities.
Net cash flows include the net
drawdown of loans and borrowings and cash interest paid relating to
loans and
borrowings.
|
01/08/2023
|
Net cash
flows
|
Non-cash
movements
|
31/01/2024
|
31 January 2024 unaudited
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
23,375
|
474
|
44
|
23,893
|
Working capital
facilities
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Lease liabilities
|
(1,821)
|
557
|
(355)
|
(1,619)
|
Total net cash
|
21,554
|
1,031
|
(311)
|
22,274
|
|
01/08/2022
|
Net cash
flows
|
Non-cash
movements
|
31/01/2023
|
31 January 2023 unaudited
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
17,768
|
6,604
|
(68)
|
24,304
|
Working capital
facilities
|
(1,801)
|
1,459
|
-
|
(342)
|
Lease liabilities
|
(3,625)
|
614
|
(50)
|
(3,061)
|
Total net cash/(debt)
|
12,342
|
8,677
|
(118)
|
20,901
|
|
01/08/2022
|
Net cash
flows
|
Non-cash
movements
|
31/07/2023
|
31 July 2023
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
17,768
|
5,809
|
(202)
|
23,375
|
Working capital
facilities
|
(1,801)
|
1,801
|
-
|
-
|
Lease liabilities
|
(3,625)
|
1,200
|
604
|
(1,821)
|
Total net cash
|
12,342
|
8,810
|
402
|
21,554
|
Restricted cash
Included in cash and cash
equivalents is the following restricted cash which meets the
definition of cash and cash equivalents but is not available for
use by the Group:
|
31/01/2024
unaudited
|
31/01/2023
unaudited
|
31/07/2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Balances arising from the Group's
non-recourse working capital arrangements
|
196
|
1,173
|
253
|
Cash on deposit in accounts
controlled by the Group but not available for immediate
drawdown
|
1,103
|
1,370
|
1,101
|
Total restricted cash
|
1,299
|
2,543
|
1,354
|
Included within restricted cash is
£382,000 (31 January 2023: £508,000, 31 July 2023: £391,000) held
on deposit in a Russian bank account, to which the Group currently
has no access. Following legal consultation, the Directors have
implemented a plan to regain access to this account with a view to
repatriating the cash to the UK at the earliest
opportunity.
13 Transactions with Related
Parties
There were no related party
transactions during the period with entities outside of the Group
(6 months to 31 January 2023 and year ended 31 July 2023: none) and
no related party balances at 31 January 2024 (31 January 2023 and
31 July 2023: none).
During the period, Matchtech Group
(Holdings) Limited purchased 1 ordinary share of Matchtech Group
(UK) Limited, being the entire minority interest in the subsidiary,
from George Materna, a then-director of Gattaca plc (resigned 6
December 2023). The share purchase was made at market
value.
14 Contingent Liabilities
We continue our cooperation with
the United States Department of Justice and in the 6 month period
to 31 January 2024 no costs were incurred (6 months to 31 January
2023: £1,000, and year to 31 July 2023: £2,000) in advisory fees on
this matter. The Group is not currently in a position to know what
the outcome of these enquiries may be and therefore we are unable
to quantify the likely outcome for the Group.
The Directors are aware of other
potential claims against the Group from a client which may result
in a future liability. The Group considers that at the date of
approval of these financial statements, the likelihood of a future
material economic outflow is not probable and an estimate of any
future economic outflow cannot be measured reliably, therefore no
provision is being made.
15 Statement of Directors'
Responsibilities
The Directors' confirm that these
condensed interim financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standard 34,
'Interim Financial Reporting' and that the interim management
report includes a fair view of the information required by DTR
4.2.7 and DTR 4.2.8,
namely:
• an indication of
important events that have occurred during the first six months and
their impact on the condensed set of financial statements, and a
description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the
remaining six months of the financial year; and
• material related-party
transactions in the first six months and any material changes in
the related-party transactions described in the last Annual
Report.