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ELE Electric Word

3.825
0.00 (0.00%)
26 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Electric Word LSE:ELE London Ordinary Share GB0003083622 ORD 1P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 3.825 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Electric Word PLC Final Results (2775U)

06/04/2016 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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TIDMELE

RNS Number : 2775U

Electric Word PLC

06 April 2016

6 April 2016

ELECTRIC WORD PLC

Preliminary Results to 30 November 2015

Electric Word, the specialist information business with divisions operating in the Education and Sport sectors, today announced audited results for the year ended 30 November 2015.

HIGHLIGHTS

-- Significant strategic progress with the disposals of the businesses of Radcliffe Solutions, Radcliffe Publishing and post year end, the 70% stake in iGaming Business for a total cash consideration of GBP14.9m.

-- Management and reporting restructured around two market-facing divisions (Sport and Education) following sale of stake in iGaming Business.

-- Adjusted EBITA* for continuing and discontinued operations increased by 75% to GBP937k (2014: GBP536k).

-- Outcome of external review of Optimus business in 2016 leads to refocus on conferences and premium subscription products.

-- Net cash increased from GBP389k debt in 2014 to cash of GBP449k in 2015, excluding GBP12.1m post year end receipts from sale of stake in iGaming Business.

* EBITA denotes adjusted EBITA as defined in Note 5 and excludes amortisation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, restructuring and acquisition-related credits and costs, and share based payment costs, as well as the tax impact of those adjusting items and any non-cash tax credits and charges. This definition applies throughout the Annual Report and Financial Statements.

Julian Turner, Chief Executive of Electric Word, commented:

"We made progress in 2015 in simplifying the Group and have transformed our balance sheet through the sale of iGaming Business Ltd, which demonstrated the group's ability to add value to its businesses. SportBusiness is also showing the benefit of our investments in digital development and the strategic move towards more subscription-based revenues. Trading in 2016 will be affected by higher unallocated central costs than in 2015 but net margins in both Sport and Education are currently running slightly ahead of Board expectations as a result of tighter cost control."

 
 Financial summary (GBP'000)                            2015        2014 
                                                     GBP'000     GBP'000 
                                                                Restated 
 Continuing operations 
 Revenue                                               6,893       7,076 
 Adjusted EBITA*                                     (1,333)     (1,063) 
 Margin                                                 -19%        -15% 
 
 Discontinued operations 
 Revenue                                               6,914       7,295 
 Adjusted EBITA*                                       2,270       1,599 
 Margin                                                  33%         22% 
 
 Continuing and Discontinued operations 
 Revenue                                              13,807      14,371 
 Adjusted EBITA*                                         937         536 
 Margin                                                   7%          4% 
 
 
 Continuing operations 
 Revenue                                               6,893       7,076 
 Gross profit                                          3,843       3,777 
 Adjusted EBITA*                                     (1,333)     (1,063) 
------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Amortisation                                          (470)       (471) 
 Impairment expense                                  (1,000)           - 
 Restructuring costs                                       -        (91) 
 Share-based payment charges                            (66)       (270) 
------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 
   Loss before tax from continuing operations        (2,885)     (1,930) 
================================================  ==========  ========== 
 
   Loss for the financial year from continuing 
   operations                                        (2,666)     (1,671) 
================================================  ==========  ========== 
 
   Loss for the financial year from continuing 
   and discontinued operations                       (2,292)     (1,289) 
================================================  ==========  ========== 
 
 * Adjusted figures (note 5) exclude amortisation, 
  impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, acquisition-related 
  and restructuring credits and costs, share based 
  payment costs, as well as the tax impact of those 
  adjusting items and any non-cash tax credits and 
  charges. 
 
 

Comparative figures for the year to 30 November 2014 have been reclassified to reflect the results of Radcliffe Solutions, Radcliffe Publishing and iGaming Business Ltd as discontinued operations as a result of their disposals. See note 9.

The audited report and accounts of the Company for the year ended 30 November 2015 have been posted to the Company's website at www.electricwordplc.com. The printed version, together with details of the Annual General Meeting, will be posted to shareholders in due course.

ENDS

Enquiries:

 
 Electric Word 
  Julian Turner, Chief Executive 
  020 7265 4170 
 
 Panmure Gordon 
  Andrew Potts 020 7459 3600 
 
 
 
 

Notes to Editors

Electric Word plc is a specialist media group supporting professional development, management effectiveness and market intelligence through a wide range of digital, print and live formats. Our approach is to identify niche communities within our market sectors and fulfil our customers' key information needs to enable them to make better-informed decisions and so improve their performance. We achieve this by developing a deep understanding of our sectors and our customers' challenges and information requirements.

The Group provides content in many different formats, including market data, subscription websites, magazines, conferences, face-to-face training, online training, books, special reports, bespoke research and consultancy.

Following the disposal of the Group's stake in iGaming Business, it is now composed of two market-facing divisions:

Education

Optimus Education supports the professional development of teachers and school leaders through an online subscription-based information and training service and through live conferences. Speechmark specialises in resources for speech therapists, mental health professionals and teachers.

Sport

SportBusiness Group provides business insight, data and analysis to executives in the global business of sport. It supports sports industry professionals who work in governing bodies, the media, sports marketing, sponsorship and club and event management through market data, subscription websites, magazines, special reports, bespoke research and consultancy.

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

Dear shareholders,

2015 was a significant year for Electric Word during which the Group continued its plan to simplify and focus the business. The year started with the completion of the sale of Radcliffe Solutions Ltd in January, which provided IT services to the Health sector and continued with the sale in April of Radcliffe Publishing, which produced books for medics and other health professionals. After the year end, the Group exited from the online gaming sector after many years of successful growth.

The sale of the Group's 70% interest in iGaming Business enabled Electric Word to realise the value in an asset whose market sector carries a different risk profile to that of the Group's other businesses. The business also had a minority shareholder and was therefore an enterprise over which the Group did not have full control. Nevertheless, the Group was able to achieve a full valuation of GBP13.8m for its shareholding on the back of 18% revenue growth and a 24% improvement in adjusted EBITA in 2015. iGaming Business was originally acquired as part of SportBusiness Group at the end of 2005 for a total consideration of GBP2.7m and has grown considerably since that time as part of Electric Word. The board would like to thank the staff and management of iGaming Business for their excellent work over many years.

Trading overall across all businesses, including those sold, was solid with revenues broadly flat at GBP13.8m and Adjusted EBITA up 75% to GBP937k. We were particularly pleased with the performance of the continuing Sport division which saw revenues up 23% and a turnaround in profitability to an Adjusted EBITA of GBP152k. Trading in Education however continued to be difficult with an adjusted EBITA loss of GBP717k. This division is facing significant market change with tight customer budgets and the rapid consolidation of local authority managed schools into Multiple Academy Trusts (MATs or large groups of academies).

Outlook

In prior years, the Health division included the Radcliffe and Speechmark businesses. Speechmark publishes books and other resources for speech therapists, mental health professionals and special needs co-ordinators in schools. Schools are a significant market for Speechmark and as a result of the sale of Radcliffe Solutions, Radcliffe Publishing and iGaming Business Ltd, the Directors have restructured the management of the Group's continuing operations and now organise its management and reporting around two divisions: Sport and Education. The Education division now comprises Speechmark and Optimus Education.

In December 2015, the Group announced that it had commissioned an external review of the Optimus Education business, including underlying performance and growth opportunities. The review highlighted a number of options for bringing that business back to profitability which included focusing on developing its conferences and online training membership services and reducing its investment in the Knowledge Centre database of articles and case studies.

(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires

April 06, 2016 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

Following the sale of iGaming Business in January 2016, we are a smaller business so the Group is undertaking a comprehensive review of its infrastructure, systems and processes to ensure that its central costs are appropriate for the businesses they are there to support. Although we anticipate reducing central costs where possible, it is likely that central costs be higher than in 2015 as a result of higher property costs and costs which were previously allocated to the businesses which have been sold.

In the circular to shareholders dated 18 December 2015, the Board noted that it was mindful that the Company's cash balance following the sale of the stake in iGaming Business could exceed the Company's expected capital requirements for the foreseeable future and that it was giving consideration to making a capital return to shareholders. However, the Board is also mindful of the continuing adjusted EBITA losses reported for 2015, the increase in central costs and that the timing of the Group's return to profitability is uncertain. The Board considers that any such capital return to shareholders would be enhanced by improvements to profitability in the Optimus business. It has also received various views from shareholders and advisors which it is in the process of assessing. The Board continues to review the options available to them, taking into account consideration of risks and returns, and does not consider that a return of capital would be appropriate while this review is ongoing. Shareholders will be updated in due course.

On behalf of shareholders and the Board I would like to thank the staff and other stakeholders for their hard work this year as the group has continued to focus its activities, develop more coherence and build greater value in its most strategic areas.

Andrew Brode

Chairman

5 April 2016

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S STATEMENT

BUSINESS MODEL AND STRATEGY

Business model

Electric Word plc is a specialist media group supporting management development and decision-making through a wide range of digital, live and paper formats. Our approach is to identify niche communities within our market sectors and fulfil their key information, professional development and best practice needs.

Our business model starts with the customer. By better understanding our customers' aspirations and challenges we can provide increasingly valuable information products that support their critical decisions and key objectives. We serve our customers' needs through many different formats, including subscription websites, events, face-to-face training, online training, books, magazines, special reports, bespoke research and consultancy. Competencies developed in one sector can then be transferred to another as opportunities arise. Within this mix we favour high-quality revenue streams from digital subscription services, tools that connect directly with customer work requirements and live events with the scale to build brand presence in their markets.

We aim to increase the value of the services that we deliver over the lifetime of each customer relationship. We deliver this by increasing the penetration of our information within each customer organisation and also by innovating and developing new products.

Group Strategy

Our business model requires focus and investment, so it is important that the activities we select for strategic development are scalable and will ultimately generate high margins.

The deep knowledge of customers and markets needed to deliver our business model also means that we concentrate on a small number of market sectors and activities. We are therefore focusing the business on doing fewer things, each at a greater scale, to seek to achieve higher margins. Our objective is a simpler business that is better able to capitalise on the opportunities in our markets and the changing technology underpinning our sector. During 2015, we simplified the business further by disposing of Radcliffe Solutions Ltd and the Radcliffe Publishing business which operated in the Health sector. On 4 January 2016, we also disposed of our interests in iGaming Business Ltd thereby exiting from the gaming sector.

As a result of this simplification of the business we have embarked on a programme of improving efficiency to ensure that costs in all businesses are at a level appropriate to their growth objectives.

GROUP PERFORMANCE

 
 Total Group                                   2015   Change        2014 
                                            GBP'000        %     GBP'000 
                                                                Restated 
 Continuing operations 
----------------------------------------  ---------  -------  ---------- 
 Revenue                                      6,893      -3%       7,076 
----------------------------------------  ---------  -------  ---------- 
 Adjusted EBITA*                            (1,333)      25%     (1,063) 
----------------------------------------  ---------  -------  ---------- 
 Margin                                        -19%                 -15% 
----------------------------------------  ---------  -------  ---------- 
 
 Discontinued operations 
----------------------------------------  ---------  -------  ---------- 
 Revenue                                      6,914      -5%       7,295 
----------------------------------------  ---------  -------  ---------- 
 Adjusted EBITA*                              2,270      42%       1,599 
----------------------------------------  ---------  -------  ---------- 
 Margin                                         33%                  22% 
----------------------------------------  ---------  -------  ---------- 
 
 Continuing and Discontinued operations 
----------------------------------------  ---------  -------  ---------- 
 Revenue                                     13,807      -4%      14,371 
----------------------------------------  ---------  -------  ---------- 
 Adjusted EBITA*                                937      75%         536 
----------------------------------------  ---------  -------  ---------- 
 Margin                                          7%                   4% 
----------------------------------------  ---------  -------  ---------- 
 
 

Comparative figures for the year to 30 November 2014 have been reclassified to reflect the results of the Radcliffe Solutions, Radcliffe Publishing and iGaming businesses as discontinued operations as a result of their disposals. See note 9.

Revenues

Revenues from continuing operations were 3% lower than 2014 as growth in Sport was counterbalanced by reduced sales from Education. Subscriptions revenue grew by 8% and now accounts for 40% of total revenues from continuing operations (36% in 2014).

Revenues from discontinued operations reduced by 5% compared to 2014. This was driven by strong growth in iGaming revenues offset by lower book sales as a result of the Radcliffe Publishing disposal on 31 May 2015 and the impact of the Radcliffe Solutions disposal on 28 January 2015.

Profitability

In the continuing businesses, adjusted profit margins fell in Education but improved in Sport which returned to profit. Overall, Group Adjusted EBITA for continuing operations is down to a loss of GBP1.3m from a loss of GBP1.1m in 2014.

Adjusted EBITA from discontinued operations improved by 42% as a result of strong profit performance in the Gaming business. This improvement enabled the Group to realise the full value of this business when it was sold after year end.

Divisional PERFORMANCe - CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Following the disposal of iGaming Business in January 2016, the Directors have restructured the management of the Group's continuing operations and now organises its management and reporting around two market-facing divisions: Sport and Education.

SPORT DIVISION

 
                                2015   Change        2014 
   Continuing Operations     GBP'000        %     GBP'000 
                                                 Restated 
-------------------------  ---------  -------  ---------- 
 Revenue                       2,366      23%       1,917 
-------------------------  ---------  -------  ---------- 
 Adjusted EBITA*                 152    -643%        (28) 
-------------------------  ---------  -------  ---------- 
 Margin                           6%                  -1% 
-------------------------  ---------  -------  ---------- 
 

The table above excludes the results of the iGaming Business Ltd which was sold on 4 January 2016 - see note 9.

The Sport division provides market information and knowledge to professionals in the global business of sport, particularly on media rights, sponsorship and event hosting.

Revenue in this division grew by 23%, with 59% of revenue from live or digital services in 2015 (53% in 2014). Subscriptions grew by 26% and now account for 67% of the revenue in this division (65% in 2014). Revenue from bespoke consulting projects also grew significantly and accounted for 11% of revenue (6% in 2014), whereas advertising reduced from 24% to 18% of divisional revenue. During the year the online sponsorship deals database was redeveloped to enhance the value of the Sports Sponsorship Insider service and the coverage of the Rights Tracker online database was broadened by further research.

The increase in revenues brought the division into profit in 2015, whilst still maintaining investment in development of our digital products and staff.

(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires

April 06, 2016 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

EDUCATion DIVISION

 
                                2015   Change        2014 
   Continuing Operations     GBP'000        %     GBP'000 
                                                 Restated 
-------------------------  ---------  -------  ---------- 
 Revenue                       4,527     -12%       5,159 
-------------------------  ---------  -------  ---------- 
 Adjusted EBITA*               (717)     175%       (261) 
-------------------------  ---------  -------  ---------- 
 Margin                         -16%                  -5% 
-------------------------  ---------  -------  ---------- 
 

The table above now includes the results of the Speechmark business which was previously reported in the Health segment. The results of the Incentive Plus business which was sold on 15 October 2014 have been excluded- see note 9.

The Education division now includes the Optimus and Speechmark businesses. Optimus supports teachers' professional development requirements through an online subscription-based information and training service and through live conferences. Speechmark publishes books and other resources for speech and language therapists, mental health professionals and teachers in schools.

This business evolved further in 2015. New premium membership services were developed: Premium CPD, launched in 2014, is a subscription service providing schools with downloadable training courses and Unlimited CPD, launched in October 2015, gives access to all online membership services as well as Optimus conferences. These premium membership services grew through the year while subscriptions to the Knowledge Centre database of articles and case studies continued to decline. The conferences business had a more difficult year than in 2014 and book sales were lower following a decision to divest from this lower value activity. Following an external review, the business will now focus on conferences for a narrower group of school senior leaders alongside the Premium CPD and Unlimited services.

Speechmark revenues were down slightly although UK book sales increased by 8% driven by growing Amazon sales and a number of strong second editions.

Central costs

These costs represent those central group costs which have not been recharged to the divisions and are therefore not included in the divisional results. They include Board fees and costs related to being both a public company and a Group as well as some of the costs of central functions such as HR, IT and unallocated property costs.

 
                                              2015   Change       2014 
                                           GBP'000        %    GBP'000 
---------------------------------------  ---------  -------  --------- 
 Adjusted EBITA*                             (768)      -1%      (774) 
---------------------------------------  ---------  -------  --------- 
 As % of Group revenue from continuing 
  operations                                   11%                 11% 
---------------------------------------  ---------  -------  --------- 
 Net interest payable                         (16)                (35) 
---------------------------------------  ---------  -------  --------- 
 

The Group maintained its central costs at broadly flat levels in 2015. For the current year, although we anticipate reducing central costs where possible, it is likely that central costs will be higher than in 2015 as a result of higher property costs and costs which were previously allocated to the businesses which have been sold.

Net interest payable is consistent with the reduction in the Group's debt due to loan repayments made in 2014 and 2015.

Julian Turner

Chief Executive

5 April 2016

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

 
 Financial summary (GBP'000)                            2015        2014 
                                                     GBP'000     GBP'000 
                                                                Restated 
 Continuing operations 
 Revenue                                               6,893       7,076 
 Adjusted EBITA*                                     (1,333)     (1,063) 
 Margin                                                 -19%        -15% 
 
 Discontinued operations 
 Revenue                                               6,914       7,295 
 Adjusted EBITA*                                       2,270       1,599 
 Margin                                                  33%         22% 
 
 Continuing and Discontinued operations 
 Revenue                                              13,807      14,371 
 Adjusted EBITA*                                         937         536 
 Margin                                                   7%          4% 
 
 
 Continuing operations 
 Revenue                                               6,893       7,076 
 Gross profit                                          3,843       3,777 
 Adjusted EBITA*                                     (1,333)     (1,063) 
------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Amortisation                                          (470)       (471) 
 Impairment expense                                  (1,000)           - 
 Restructuring costs                                       -        (91) 
 Share-based payment charges                            (66)       (270) 
------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 
   Loss before tax from continuing operations        (2,885)     (1,930) 
================================================  ==========  ========== 
 
   Loss for the financial year from continuing 
   operations                                        (2,666)     (1,671) 
================================================  ==========  ========== 
 
   Loss for the financial year from continuing 
   and discontinued operations                       (2,292)     (1,289) 
================================================  ==========  ========== 
 
 * Adjusted figures (note 5) exclude amortisation, 
  impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, acquisition-related 
  and restructuring credits and costs, share based 
  payment costs, as well as the tax impact of those 
  adjusting items and any non-cash tax credits and 
  charges. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 

A summary of the Group's financial results is given in the table above. Further details on revenue and adjusted profit performance are given in the Chief Executive's statement.

CONTINUING AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

As noted in the Chairman's statement, during 2015 the Group disposed of Radcliffe Solutions and Radcliffe Publishing Ltd, and on 4 January 2016 the Group's 70% interest in iGaming Business Ltd was sold for GBP13.8m.

As the sale of the stake in iGaming Business Ltd was after the date of the balance sheet, its assets and liabilities have been separately classified as held for sale in the Consolidated Group Statement of Financial Position (see note 9). The Group will recognise the profit on the sale of its interest in iGaming Business in its 2016 results which will also show the sale's impact on cash balances.

The results of Radcliffe Solutions, Radcliffe Publishing and iGaming Business have been classed as discontinued operations in 2015 as they no longer form part of the Group and our 2014 results have been restated accordingly. The total net profit from discontinued operations (net of tax) included in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income is GBP374,000 (2014: GBP382,000).

The profit from discontinued operations in 2015 is net of a tax charge of GBP1.2m arising from de-recognition of a deferred tax asset as a result of the disposal of iGaming Business. In accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, the deferred tax charge has been recognised at 30 November 2015 as the reduction in the value of the deferred tax asset was reasonably foreseeable, whilst the profit on disposal will be recognised in 2016 aligned with the date the transaction completed.

Further details of results from discontinued operations are given in notes 9 and 26.

ADJUSTED AND STATUTORY RESULTS

In these results we refer to adjusted and statutory results. Adjusted results are prepared to provide a more comparable indication of the Group's underlying business performance. A reconciliation of statutory results to adjusted results is given in note 5, and further details of adjusting items are given below.

Amortisation

Amortisation of intangible fixed assets for continuing operations charged in 2015 amounted to GBP470,000 (2014: GBP471,000). Details of intangible fixed assets are given in note 12.

Impairment charges

An impairment expense of GBP1m has been recognised in 2015 against the carrying value of goodwill in the Optimus business. This reflects declining subscriptions to the Knowledge Centre product and the decision to focus the business on the conference and premium subscription products following an external review of the business. Further details are given in note 11.

There were no impairment charges recognised in 2014 in continuing operations. Impairment charges of GBP778,000 were booked in 2014 discontinued operations comprising GBP414,000 and GBP364,000 in impairments recognised on Radcliffe Solutions Ltd's goodwill and intangible assets respectively.

Restructuring costs

There were no restructuring costs in 2015 in relation to continuing operations. In 2014, a restructuring charge of GBP91,000 was incurred relating to the cost of making changes to the Education senior management and content teams.

Share-based payment charges

Share-based payment charges are recognised to spread the fair value of each award over the vesting period on a straight-line basis, after allowing for an estimate of the share awards that will actually vest. The expense recognised in 2015 was GBP66,000 (2014: GBP270,000).

OTHER KEY FINANCIAL ITEMS

Capital expenditure

(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires

April 06, 2016 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

During the year, the Group has invested an additional GBP286,000 in web development and enhancing its digital products (2014: GBP511,000). The majority of web development spend this financial year has concentrated on launching major enhancements to the Education subscriptions website, and further development of digital subscription products in Sports Business.

The Group also incurred GBP95,000 of additions to property, plant and equipment, the majority of which related to the fit-out of a new office (2014: GBP12,000).

Debt and cash flow

Net cash (note 27) at 30 November 2015 was GBP449,000 (2014: net debt of GBP389,000). The Group has gross bank debt (note 18) of GBP94,000 at November 2015 (2014: GBP389,000). This is being repaid over equal monthly instalments to May 2017.

Cash conversion rate

 
 GBP'000                                        2015        2014 
                                             GBP'000     GBP'000 
                                                        Restated 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------- 
 
 Cash from operating activities before 
  interest and tax                               496         500 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------- 
 Net cash outflow from restructuring 
  costs                                            -          91 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------- 
 
 Adjusted cash from operating activities 
  before interest and tax                        496         591 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------- 
 
 Adjusted EBITA from Continuing and 
  Discontinued operations                        937         536 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------- 
 Adjusted cash conversion of operating 
  profits for year                               53%        110% 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------- 
 

The high cash conversion rate in 2014 was primarily a result of significant pre-billing of 2015 events during 2014 and cash collection of annual subscriptions. In 2015, cash conversion was impacted by lower levels of cash collected against the iGaming 2016 London conference compared to the prior year, lower amounts of cash collected against annual Education subscriptions and the disposal of the Radcliffe Solutions business which used to bill software licences in advance.

In addition, Group cash flow has been impacted by GBP1,078,000 proceeds from the disposal of discontinued activities, bank loan repayments of GBP292,000 and the payment of GBP185,000 of dividends to the minority shareholder of iGaming Business Ltd.

Earnings per share

Statutory diluted earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations are 0.62p loss (2014: 0.35p loss). Adjusted diluted earnings per share (calculated using adjusted profit from continuing operations) are 0.33p loss (2014: 0.28p loss) reflecting the net impact of trading performance and investments made during the year as noted in the Business and Performance Review section of the Strategic Report.

Dividends

The Directors have not proposed a dividend to be paid in respect of 2015 (2014: GBPnil).

William Fawbert

Finance Director

5 April 2016

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the year ended 30 November 2015

 
                                                      2015        2014 
                                         Notes     GBP'000     GBP'000 
                                                              Restated 
--------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------- 
 CONTINUING OPERATIONS 
 Revenue                                     2       6,893       7,076 
 
 Cost of Sales - Direct costs                      (2,182)     (2,384) 
 Cost of Sales - Marketing expenses                  (868)       (915) 
--------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------- 
 GROSS PROFIT                                2       3,843       3,777 
 
 Other operating expenses                    7     (5,169)     (5,030) 
 Restructuring costs                         5           -        (91) 
 Depreciation expense                        7        (73)        (80) 
 Amortisation expense                        7       (470)       (471) 
 Impairment charges                          7     (1,000)           - 
 
 Total administrative expenses                     (6,712)     (5,672) 
 
 OPERATING LOSS                                    (2,869)     (1,895) 
 
 Finance costs                               6        (16)        (35) 
 
 LOSS BEFORE TAX                             7     (2,885)     (1,930) 
 
 Taxation                                    8         219         259 
 
 LOSS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR FROM 
  CONTINUING OPERATIONS                            (2,666)     (1,671) 
 
 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 
 PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR FROM 
  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX        9         374         382 
--------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------- 
 
  LOSS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR                      (2,292)     (1,289) 
======================================  ======  ==========  ========== 
 
 Attributable to: 
 
 - Equity holders of the parent                    (2,523)     (1,405) 
 - Non-controlling interest                            231         116 
--------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------- 
 
  Total comprehensive LOSS                         (2,292)     (1,289) 
======================================  ======  ==========  ========== 
 
 
 LOSS PER SHARE 
 From continuing and discontinued 
  operations 
 Basic                                      10     (0.62)p     (0.35)p 
 Diluted                                    10     (0.62)p     (0.35)p 
 
 
 From continuing operations 
 Basic                                      10     (0.66)p     (0.41)p 
 Diluted                                    10     (0.66)p     (0.41)p 
======================================  ======  ==========  ========== 
 

2014 results have been restated to show the effect of operations which have been discontinued in the current period.

Of the profit for the financial year from discontinued operations, GBP143,000 (2014: GBP266,000) is attributable to equity holders of the parent and GBP231,000 (2014: GBP116,000) is attributable to the non-controlling interest.

CONSOLIDATED GROUP AND COMPANY STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the year ended 30 November 2015

 
 GROUP                                                      Reserve 
                                        Share                   for                                   Non- 
                             Share    premium     Merger        own    Retained                controlling      Total 
                           capital    account    reserve     shares    earnings       Total       interest     equity 
                           GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000    GBP'000 
-----------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -------------  --------- 
 At 1 December 
  2013                       4,068      7,531        105      (123)     (3,960)       7,621            268      7,889 
 Total comprehensive 
  income                         -          -          -          -     (1,405)     (1,405)            116    (1,289) 
 Tax credited 
  directly to 
  equity (note 
  15)                            -          -          -          -         112         112              -        112 
                             4,068      7,531        105      (123)     (5,253)       6,328            384      6,712 
 Dividend paid 
  by subsidiary                  -          -          -          -           -           -          (303)      (303) 
 Share issues                    8          -          -          -           -           8              -          8 
 Share based 
  payments                       -          -          -          -         270         270              -        270 
 At 30 November 
  2014                       4,076      7,531        105      (123)     (4,983)       6,606             81      6,687 
 
   Total comprehensive 
   income                        -          -          -          -     (2,523)     (2,523)            231    (2,292) 
 Tax debited 
  directly to 
  equity (note 
  15)                            -          -          -          -       (112)       (112)              -      (112) 
                             4,076      7,531        105      (123)     (7,618)       3,971            312      4,283 
 Dividend paid 
  by subsidiary                  -          -          -          -           -           -          (185)      (185) 
 Share based 
  payments                       -          -          -          -          66          66              -         66 
 At 30 November 
  2015                       4,076      7,531        105      (123)     (7,552)       4,037            127      4,164 
=======================  =========  =========  =========  =========  ==========  ==========  =============  ========= 
 
 
 COMPANY                                          Share 
                                       Share    premium    Retained      Total 
                                     capital    account    earnings     equity 
                                     GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000 
---------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 At 1 December 2013                    4,068      7,531     (6,184)      5,415 
 Total comprehensive income                -          -     (2,569)    (2,569) 
 Tax credited directly to equity 
  (note 15)                                -          -         112        112 
                                       4,068      7,531     (8,641)      2,958 
 Share issues                              8          -           -          8 
 Share based payments                      -          -         270        270 

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---------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 At 30 November 2014                   4,076      7,531     (8,371)      3,236 
 Total comprehensive income                -          -     (2,035)    (2,035) 
 Tax debited directly to equity 
  (note 15)                                -          -       (112)      (112) 
                                       4,076      7,531    (10,518)      1,089 
 Share based payments                      -          -          66         66 
 At 30 November 2015                   4,076      7,531    (10,452)      1,155 
=================================  =========  =========  ==========  ========= 
 

CONSOLIDATED GROUP AND COMPANY STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

As at 30 November 2015

 
                                                 Group              Company 
                                              2015      2014       2015      2014 
                                   Notes   GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 ASSETS 
 Non-current assets 
 Goodwill                             11     3,050     4,869          -         - 
 Intangible assets                    12       882     1,754         34        23 
 Property, plant and equipment        13        46        24         46        23 
 Investments                          14         -         -      4,736     6,380 
 Deferred tax assets                  15       637     1,804          -       248 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
                                             4,615     8,451      4,816     6,674 
 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                          16       622     1,267          -         - 
 Trade and other receivables          17     1,987     2,777      3,741     6,729 
 Cash and cash equivalents            27       542         -        468       152 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
                                             3,151     4,044      4,209     6,881 
 Assets classified as 
  held for sale                        9     1,544        81          -         - 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Total current assets                        4,695     4,125      4,209     6,881 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 
 
 TOTAL ASSETS                                9,310    12,576      9,025    13,555 
================================  ======  ========  ========  =========  ======== 
 
 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 
 Capital and Reserves 
 Called up ordinary share 
  capital                             23     4,076     4,076      4,076     4,076 
 Share premium account                       7,531     7,531      7,531     7,531 
 Merger reserve                                105       105          -         - 
 Reserve for own shares               24     (123)     (123)          -         - 
 Retained earnings                         (7,552)   (4,983)   (10,452)   (8,371) 
 Equity attributable to 
  equity holders of the 
  parent                                     4,037     6,606      1,155     3,236 
 
 Non-controlling interest             25       127        81          -         - 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 TOTAL EQUITY                                4,164     6,687      1,155     3,236 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Borrowings                           18        28        94         28        94 
 Deferred tax liabilities             15        50       178          -         - 
                                                78       272         28        94 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Borrowings                           18        66       295         66       292 
 Current tax liabilities                         -        61          -         - 
 Trade payables and other 
  payables                            19     1,640     2,543      7,716     9,873 
 Provisions                           21        60        60         60        60 
 Deferred income                      20     1,934     2,481          -         - 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
                                             3,700     5,440      7,842    10,225 
 Liabilities associated 
  with assets classified 
  as held for sale                     9     1,368       177          -         - 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Total current liabilities                   5,068     5,617      7,842    10,225 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 
 TOTAL LIABILITIES                           5,146     5,889      7,870    10,319 
 
 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES                9,310    12,576      9,025    13,555 
================================  ======  ========  ========  =========  ======== 
 

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 5 April 2016 and are signed on its behalf by:

   Julian Turner                                       William Fawbert 
   Chief Executive                                       Finance Director 

CONSOLIDATED AND COMPANY CASH FLOW STATEMENT

For the year ended 30 November 2015

 
                                                Group              Company 
                                             2015      2014      2015      2014 
                                  Notes   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
-------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 (Loss) / profit for the 
  financial year                          (2,292)   (1,289)   (2,035)   (2,569) 
 
 Taxation                                   1,196      (74)       136      (72) 
 Amortisation & impairment 
  expense, reduction in 
  goodwill                        11,12     1,582     1,470        15        44 
 Depreciation                        13        73        88        72        85 
 Impairment of investment 
  in subsidiary                      14         -         -     1,644       480 
 (Loss) / profit on disposal 
  of discontinued operations         26        27       (4)     (121)         - 
 Finance costs                                 16        35        16        35 
 Share based payment charges 
  / (credits)                         7        66       270        66       270 
 
 Operating cash flows 
  before movement in working 
  capital                                     668       496     (207)   (1,727) 
 
 Decrease / (increase) 
  in inventories                              233       343         -         - 
 Decrease / (increase) 
  in receivables                            (132)       598     2,988        89 
 (Decrease) / increase 
  in payables                               (273)     (937)   (2,157)     1,538 
 
 Cash flow from operating 
  activities before interest 
  and tax                                     496       500       624     (100) 
 
 Interest paid                        6      (16)      (35)      (16)      (35) 
 Taxation paid                              (154)     (144)         -         - 
 
 Cash inflow / (outflow) 
  from operating activities                   326       321       608     (135) 
-------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
 Purchase of property 
  plant and equipment                13      (95)      (12)      (95)      (11) 
 Purchase of intangible 
  assets                             12     (286)     (511)      (26)         - 
 Proceeds from disposal 
  of discontinued operations         26     1,078       120       121         - 
 
 Net cash inflow / (outflow) 
  from investing activities                   697     (403)         -      (11) 
-------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 FINANCING 
 Proceeds from issuance 
  of ordinary shares                 23         -         8         -         8 
 Proceeds of new borrowings          27         -       200         -       200 
 Repayments of borrowings            27     (292)     (289)     (292)     (289) 
 Payment of dividend to 
  minority interest                         (185)     (303)         -         - 
 
 Net cash outflow from 
  financing activities                      (477)     (384)     (292)      (81) 
-------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 
 NET INCREASE / (DECREASE) 
  IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                546     (466)       316     (227) 
 
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
  AT THE BEGINNING OF YEAR                    (3)       463       152       379 
 
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
  AT END OF YEAR                     27       543       (3)       468       152 
===============================  ======  ========  ========  ========  ======== 
 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 30 November 2015

   1.        ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented. There have been no changes to accounting policies in the period.

BASIS OF PREPARATION

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as endorsed by the European Union ("IFRS"), IFRIC interpretations and the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

The financial statements of the Group and the Parent Company have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable accounting standards.

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A discontinued operation is a component of the Group's business, the operations and cash flows of which represents a separate major line of business. Classification of a discontinued operation occurs at the earlier of disposal or when the operation meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale. When an operation is classified as a discontinued operation, the comparative statement of profit or loss is restated as if the operation had been discontinued from the start of the prior year. Comparative figures for the year to 30 November 2014 have been reclassified to reflect the results of the Radcliffe Solutions, Radcliffe Publishing and iGaming businesses as discontinued operations as a result of their disposals.

As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, no separate income statement is presented for the Company. The Company's loss for the year was GBP2,035,000 (2014: GBP2,569,000 loss).

Operating profit is defined as profit before tax but excluding net finance and related costs and investment income.

GOING CONCERN

The Group has made a loss for the year of GBP2,292,000 (2014: GBP1,289,000) and has net assets of GBP4,164,000 (2014: GBP6,687,000); notwithstanding this it has a net current liabilities position at 30 November 2015 of GBP373,000 (2014: GBP1,492,000). The level of bank debt has however reduced to GBP94,000 (2014:GBP389,000), and the Group also received net proceeds of GBP12.1m in January 2016 from the sale of iGaming Business Ltd. The Directors have prepared group cash flow forecasts for the period ending 30 November 2018, which take into account known factors in the business including the disposal of iGaming Business Ltd in January 2016. These forecasts indicate that the Group will continue to meet its liabilities and bank debt requirements as they fall due for the foreseeable future. The business is currently trading in line with these forecasts. In the event of forecast trading levels not being met due to a weaker economic climate than forecast, the Directors have the scope to take further actions to enable the group to meet its liabilities as they fall due for the foreseeable future and for it to remain within its financial covenants and financial facilities. On this basis the Directors believe that it remains appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS

Within the consolidated and company financial statements there are a number of areas where management has to include their best estimate of likely outcomes based on their first-hand knowledge of the markets and situation. The preparation of consolidated and company financial statements will require management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

In preparing these consolidated and company financial statements, the significant judgements made by management in applying the accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were:

-- Valuation and asset lives of intangible assets - which are based on management's considered opinion of what has been bought and what value it is to the Group in the future. Valuation methodologies include the use of discounted cash flows, revenue and profit multiples, whilst asset lives are estimated on the type of asset acquired or generated and range between three and ten years;

-- Impairment of assets - assets are subject to at least annual impairment reviews and testing, and the running of these tests and the numbers that form part of them will be based as far as possible on actual known results but will by nature include predictions of future outcomes. The asset carrying values are compared to estimates of the assets' value in use. This value in use is calculated by looking at the cash generating units underlying the assets and management estimating the future cash flows after applying a suitable discount factor. The estimates of future cash flows are based on detailed forecasts produced by management. Assumptions on the goodwill assets are given in note 11;

-- Provisioning: both trade receivables for bad debt and inventories for returns and obsolescence are reviewed for potential write down. The provisions created to cover these areas are based on managements' experience and considered opinion of the assets' current value;

-- Contingent consideration: provisions are made at the Directors' best estimate of what the consideration will be but as based on future results it can only be assessed on current knowledge and expectations with no certainty. The provisions made are considerably under the maximum amounts which could be payable

-- Valuation of share based payments - which are calculated from modelling including estimates of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations, including such factors as the volatility of the Company's share price. These inputs and the methods are set out in note 28;

-- Deferred tax: both assets and liabilities require judgement in determining the amounts to be recognised, in particular the extent to which assets should be recognised in consideration of the timing and level of future taxable income.

 
 2   REVENUE AND COST OF SALES 
 

An analysis of the Group's income from continuing operations is as follows:

 
                                          2015        2014 
                                       GBP'000     GBP'000 
                                                  Restated 
------------------------------------  --------  ---------- 
 Revenue 
 Sale of goods                           1,726       2,019 
 Rendering of services                   5,167       5,057 
------------------------------------  --------  ---------- 
                                         6,893       7,076 
 Cost of sales 
 Change in inventories of finished 
  goods                                  (233)       (343) 
 Raw materials and consumables used    (1,949)     (2,041) 
 Marketing costs                         (868)       (915) 
------------------------------------  --------  ---------- 
                                       (3,050)     (3,299) 
 
 Gross profit                            3,843       3,777 
------------------------------------  --------  ---------- 
 
 
 3   SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS 
 

Segmental information is presented in respect of the Group's business divisions. This format is based on the Group's management and internal reporting structure, as reviewed by the Board when reviewing performance, allocating resources and making strategic decisions. Following the disposal of iGaming Business Ltd, the Directors have restructured the management of the Group's continuing operations and now organises its management and reporting around two market-facing divisions: Education and Sport.

   --        Sport (S): provides insight, data and analysis to the business communities behind sport. 

-- Education (E): provides professional education, development, training and resources to professional communities in schools and other institutions including school managers, teachers, speech and language therapists and special needs co-ordinators.

-- Central costs (PLC): the group function represents central costs which are not directly related to the Divisions' trading and are not recharged. Finance costs and investment income are also included here as these are driven by central policy which manages the cash position across the Group.

Operating profit is defined in note 1. The sector analysis includes the adjusted operating profit (note 5) to allow shareholders to gain a further understanding of the trading performance of the Group and is considered by the Board alongside operating profit and profit before tax to assess performance and review strategy.

As described in note 9, three businesses have been classed as discontinued in the current year. The information in the table below excludes amounts relating to discontinued activities and 2014 comparatives have been restated accordingly

 
 Analysis by                              Year ended 30 November                         Year ended 30 November 
  market sector                                    2015                                      2014 - Restated 
  - continuing 
  operations 
                              S           E         PLC       Total           S           E         PLC      Total 
                        GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000 
-------------------   ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------- 
 
 Revenue                  2,366       4,527           -       6,893       1,917       5,159           -      7,076 
--------------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------- 
 
 Adjusted operating 
  (loss) /profit 
  (note 5)                  152       (717)       (768)     (1,333)        (28)       (261)       (774)    (1,063) 
 Share based 
  payment 
  credits/(charges)           -           -        (66)        (66)           -           -       (270)      (270) 
 Restructuring 
  costs                       -           -           -           -           -        (91)           -       (91) 
 Amortisation 
  of intangible 
  assets                  (112)       (342)        (16)       (470)       (126)       (300)        (45)      (471) 
 Impairment 
  expense                     -     (1,000)           -     (1,000)           -           -           -          - 
 Operating 
  (loss) / profit            40     (2,059)       (850)     (2,869)       (154)       (652)     (1,089)    (1,895) 
 Finance costs                -           -        (16)        (16)           -           -        (35)       (35) 
 (Loss) / profit 

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  before tax                 40     (2,059)       (866)     (2,885)       (154)       (652)     (1,124)    (1,930) 
====================  =========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ========= 
 
 
 3   SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS (continued) 
 
 
 Analysis by market                  Year ended 30                      Year ended 30 November 
  sector - continuing                November 2015                          2014 - Restated 
  operations 
                               S         E       PLC     Total         S         E       PLC     Total 
                         GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
----------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 Depreciation 
  and amortisation           112       343        87       542       126       295       130       551 
 Impairment expense            -     1,000         -     1,000         -         -         -         - 
 Expenditure on 
  intangible fixed 
  assets                      81       157        26       264       115       276         -       391 
 Expenditure on 
  property, plant 
  and equipment                -         -        94        94         -         1        11        12 
 
 
 Analysis by market sector         Assets            Liabilities 
                                 2015      2014      2015      2014 
                              GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 Sport                            347       221       677       528 
 Education                      2,093     2,671     1,784     2,133 
                                2,440     2,892     2,461     2,661 
 Discontinued operations        1,474     1,730     1,604     1,928 
 Group function                 4,759     6,150       760       675 
 Gross debt and taxation 
  (current and deferred)          637     1,804       321       625 
                                9,310    12,576     5,146     5,889 
===========================  ========  ========  ========  ======== 
 

The UK is the Group's country of domicile and the majority of revenues from external customers is generated there. There are no inter-segmental sales. An analysis of continuing revenues split by customers' country of origin is given below.

 
                             2015      2014 
                          GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------  --------  -------- 
 UK                         4,905     5,273 
 Europe (excluding UK)      1,347     1,041 
 North America                222       235 
 Rest of the World            419       527 
                            6,893     7,076 
=======================  ========  ======== 
 
 
 4   EMPLOYEES 
 

The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the Group during the year, analysed by category, was as follows:

 
                                    2015     2014 
                                  Number   Number 
-------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 Sales and marketing                  45       51 
 Content and production               49       55 
 Administration and management        33       33 
                                     127      139 
===============================  =======  ======= 
 

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

 
                                           2015      2014 
                                        GBP'000   GBP'000 
-------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Wages and salaries                       5,136     5,510 
 Social security costs                      518       535 
 Pension costs                               86        55 
 Equity-settled share-based payments 
  and related costs / (credits)              66       270 
                                          5,806     6,370 
=====================================  ========  ======== 
 
 
 4   EMPLOYEES (continued) 
 

This remuneration is included in other operating expenses except for: GBP1,314,000 (2014: GBP1,759,000) in discontinued operations, GBP24,000 (2014: GBP144,000) included in cost of sales - direct costs; GBP220,000 (2014: GBP131,000) included in cost of sales - marketing expenses; GBPnil (2014: GBP91,000) included in restructuring costs and GBP170,000 (2014: GBP328,000) capitalised in intangible fixed assets for web site development.

The Group considers that the Board of Directors are the key management personnel. Their remuneration is summarised in the Remuneration Report on page 22.

 
 5   ADJUSTED PROFIT 
 

Adjusted profits are presented to allow shareholders to gain a further understanding of the trading performance of the Group. Profits are adjusted for items not considered by management to be part of the underlying trends in the business together with the related tax effect of those items. The adjustments add back items which have no cash impact or are not trade related and of a non-recurring type.

Adjusted figures exclude amortisation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, restructuring and acquisition-related costs, and share based payment costs, as well as the tax impact of those adjusting items and any non-cash tax charges.

As noted in the Strategic Report, the Group has disposed of the Radcliffe Solutions Ltd and the Radcliffe Publishing business during 2015, whilst the Group's 70% stake in iGaming Business Ltd was disposed of post year end. The results of these businesses have therefore been classed as discontinued and excluded from adjusted amounts in both 2015 and 2014 - see note 9. During 2014, the Group also incurred a restructuring charge of GBP91,000 related to the Education division.

The 2014 restructuring costs were considered to be taxable items for corporation tax and thus attributable tax has been included in the period 21.7% of their value.

A reconciliation of operating profit to Adjusted EBITA split between continuing and discontinued operation is given in the table below. Further detail on discontinued operations is given in note 9.

 
                                       2015      2015      2015          2014        2014        2014 
                                 Continuing    Disc'd     Total    Continuing      Disc'd       Total 
                        Note        GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000 
                                                                     Restated    Restated    Restated 
---------------------  ------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Operating (loss) 
  / profit                7         (2,869)     1,816   (1,053)       (1,895)         563     (1,332) 
---------------------  ------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Amortisation 
  of intangible 
  assets                  7             470       112       582           471         221         692 
 Impairment expense     11,12         1,000         -     1,000             -         778         778 
 Restructuring 
  costs                                   -       342       342            91          37         128 
 Share based payment 
  charges                 7              66         -        66           270           -         270 
 
 Adjusting items 
  to operating 
  profit                              1,536       454     1,990           832       1,036       1,868 
 
 Adjusted operating 
  profit for the 
  year (Adjusted 
  EBITA)                            (1,333)     2,270       937       (1,063)       1,599         536 
 
 Depreciation             7              73         -        73            80           8          88 
 
 Adjusted earnings 
  before interest, 
  tax, depreciation 
  and amortisation 
  for the year                      (1,260)     2,270     1,010         (983)       1,607         624 
=====================  ======  ============  ========  ========  ============  ==========  ========== 
 
 
 5   ADJUSTED PROFIT (continued) 
 
 
                                                2015        2014 
                                             GBP'000     GBP'000 
                                                        Restated 
---------------------------------------   ----------  ---------- 
 
   Loss before tax for the year from 
   continuing operations                     (2,885)     (1,930) 
----------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Adjusting items to operating loss             1,536         832 
 
 Adjusting items to loss before 
  tax                                          1,536         832 
 
 Adjusted loss before tax for the 
  year from continuing operations            (1,349)     (1,098) 
========================================  ==========  ========== 
 
 
 Loss for the year attributable 
  to equity holders of the parent            (2,523)     (1,405) 
 Deduct profit for the year from 
  discontinued operations attributable 
  to equity holders of the parent              (143)       (266) 
----------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 
   Loss for the year attributable 
   to equity holders of the parent 
   from continuing operations                (2,666)     (1,671) 
----------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Adjusting items to operating loss             1,536         832 
 Attributable tax expense on adjusting 
  items                                            -        (20) 
 Exclude movements on deferred tax 
  assets and liabilities taken to 
  income statement                             (219)       (259) 
 Adjusting items to profit for the 
  year                                         1,317         553 
 
 Adjusted loss for the year                  (1,349)     (1,118) 
========================================  ==========  ========== 
 
 
 6   FINANCE COSTS 
 
 
                                             2015      2014 
                                          GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

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 Interest on bank loans and overdrafts         16        35 
=======================================  ========  ======== 
 
 
 7   LOSS BEFORE TAXATION FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 
 
 
                                               2015        2014 
                                            GBP'000     GBP'000 
                                                       Restated 
-----------------------------------------  --------  ---------- 
 
 Loss before taxation from continuing 
  operations is stated after charging: 
 Depreciation and amounts written off 
  property, plant and equipment - owned 
  assets                                         73          80 
 Amortisation of intangible fixed assets        470         471 
 Impairment of goodwill                       1,000           - 
 Operating lease rentals: 
     - Land and buildings                       123         112 
     - Plant and equipment                        6           4 
 Share based payment charges                     66         270 
=========================================  ========  ========== 
 

Other operating expenses as disclosed on the face of the income statement include staff costs (note 4) of GBP4,078,000 (2014: GBP3,917,000) and premises costs of GBP463,000 (2014: GBP390,000).

In 2015, impairment charges of GBP1,000,000 have been recognised in respect of goodwill as described in note 11 (2014: GBPnil).

There were no impairment charges recognised in discontinued operations in 2015. In 2014, impairment charges of GBP778,000 were recognised in respect of Radcliffe Solutions included in discontinued operations. GBP414,000 related to goodwill and GBP364,000 was in respect of intangible fixed assets.

Amounts payable to KPMG LLP and their associates in respect of both audit and non-audit services are as follows:

 
                                                 2015      2014 
                                              GBP'000   GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Fees payable to the company's auditor 
  for the audit of the company's annual 
  accounts                                         31        31 
 Fees payable to the company's auditor 
  and its associates for other services: 
 - the audit of the company's subsidiaries 
  pursuant to legislation                          37        41 
 - other services relating to taxation             10         - 
                                                   78        72 
===========================================  ========  ======== 
 
 
 8   TAXATION 
 
 
                                                 2015        2014 
                                              GBP'000     GBP'000 
                                                         Restated 
-------------------------------------------  --------  ---------- 
 Current tax: 
 UK corporation tax on profits of the               -           - 
  year from continuing operations 
 
 Total current tax                                  -           - 
 
 Deferred taxation: 
 Origination and reversal of timing 
  differences                                   (219)       (259) 
 
 Total deferred tax                             (219)       (259) 
 
 Tax credit on loss on ordinary activities 
  from continuing operations                    (219)       (259) 
===========================================  ========  ========== 
 

UK corporation tax is calculated at 20.3% as 21% for the first four months of the financial year and then 20% for the remainder (2014: 21.7% as 23% for the first four months of the financial year and then 21% for the remainder) of the estimated assessable profit for the year.

 
 8   TAXATION (continued) 
 

Reductions in the UK corporation tax rate from 20% to 19% (effective from 1 April 2017) and 18% (effective from 1 April 2020) were substantively enacted on 26 October 2015. A further reduction to the UK corporation tax rate was announced in the 2016 Budget to further reduce the tax rate to 17% (to be effective from 1 April 2020). This will reduce the company's future current tax charge accordingly. The deferred tax assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date have been calculated based on the rate of 18% substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

The total tax charge can be reconciled to the accounting profit as follows:

 
 Factors affecting tax charge for the         2015        2014 
  year 
                                           GBP'000     GBP'000 
                                                      Restated 
----------------------------------------  --------  ---------- 
 
 Loss on ordinary activities before tax 
  from continuing operations               (2,885)     (1,930) 
 
 Loss on ordinary activities multiplied 
  at the standard rate of corporation 
  tax in the UK of 20.3% (2014 - 21.7%)      (586)       (418) 
 Effect of: 
 (Credits)/charges not deductible for 
  tax purposes                                (34)         173 
 Recognition of / (reduction to) prior 
  year tax losses                              146        (36) 
 Change in tax rate                            255          22 
 
 Tax credit and effective rate for the 
  year                                       (219)       (259) 
========================================  ========  ========== 
 
 
 9    DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE 
 
       On 28 January 2015, the Group disposed of the Radcliffe 
       Solutions Ltd for cash consideration of GBP125,000 
       less a GBP4,000 working capital adjustment. At 30 
       November 2014, the net assets of Radcliffe Solutions 
       were classified as assets held for sale. This business 
       was included within the Health reportable segment. 
 
       On 19 June 2015, the Group disposed of the Radcliffe 
       Publishing trade and assets for cash consideration 
       of GBP957,000. The contractual effective date of 
       the disposal, and the date on which control over 
       the business passed to the buyer was 31 May 2015. 
       This business was included within the Health reportable 
       segment. 
 
       Details of the assets and liabilities disposed of, 
       and the calculation of the profit and loss on disposal, 
       are disclosed in note 26. 
 
       On 4 January 2016, the Group disposed of its 70% 
       interest in iGaming Business Ltd for cash consideration 
       of GBP13,797,000 plus an adjustment for net working 
       capital which will be determined at a later date. 
       As at 30 November 2015, the net assets of iGaming 
       Business Ltd were classified as assets held for 
       sale. 
 
       In 2014, the Group disposed of the Peak Performance 
       and Sports Injury Bulletin businesses operated through 
       its subsidiary P2P Publishing Ltd. These businesses 
       were included within the Health reportable segment. 
       The Group also disposed of the Incentive Plus business. 
       This business was included within the Education 
       reportable segment. 
 
       The combined results of the discontinued operations 
       (ie Peak Performance, Sports Injury Bulletin, Incentive 
       Plus, Radcliffe Solutions, Radcliffe Publishing 
       and iGaming Business Ltd) included in the results 
       for the current and preceding year are set out below. 
       The comparative profit and cash flows from discontinued 
       operations have been restated to include those operations 
       classified as discontinued in the current year. 
                                                        2015      2014 
       Profit for the year from discontinued         GBP'000   GBP'000 
        activities 
      --------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
       Revenue                                         6,914     7,295 
       Expenses                                      (5,098)   (5,954) 
       Impairment losses                                   -     (778) 
       Profit before tax                               1,816       563 
       Attributable tax charge                       (1,415)     (185) 
      --------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
                                                         401       378 
       (Loss) / profit on disposal of operation 
        (note 26)                                       (27)         4 
      --------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
       Profit for the year from discontinued 
        operations                                       374       382 
      ============================================  ========  ======== 
 
 
 
 
 
   9      DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE 
          (continued) 
 
          The total profit before tax of GBP1,816,000 comprises 
          profit from iGaming of GBP2,374,000, GBP482,000 
          losses from Radcliffe Publishing, GBP80,000 losses 
          from Radcliffe Solutions and GBP4,000 of profits 
          from disposals made in prior years. In 2014, profits 
          before tax of GBP563,000 comprised iGaming profits 
          of GBP1,922,000, GBP330,000 losses from Radcliffe 
          Publishing, GBP967,000 losses from Radcliffe Solutions 
          and GBP62,000 losses from other disposals. Central 
          costs of GBP437,000 were allocated to discontinued 
          businesses in 2015 (2014: 406,000). 
 
          The 2015 tax charge attributable to discontinued 
          operations includes GBP1,163,000 arising from de-recognition 
          of a deferred tax asset as a result of the disposal 
          of iGaming Business. In accordance with International 
          Financial Reporting Standards, the deferred tax 
          charge has been recognised at 30 November 2015, 
          despite the disposal after the balance sheet date. 
                                                              2015      2014 
         Cash flows from discontinued activities           GBP'000   GBP'000 
        -----------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 
         Net cash (outflows) / inflows from 

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          operating activities                               (599)        24 
         Net cash inflows from investing activities            835       121 
         Net cash outflows from financing                    (185)     (303) 
        ===============================================  =========  ======== 
         Net cash inflows / (outflows)                          51     (158) 
        ===============================================  =========  ======== 
 
 
 

As noted above, at 30 November 2015, the net assets related to iGaming Business Ltd have been classified as held for sale. At 30 November 2014 the net assets of Radcliffe Solutions Ltd were classed as held for sale. The major classes of assets and liabilities classed as held for sale are as follows:

 
                                               2015      2014 
                                            GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Goodwill                                       500         - 
 Other intangible assets                         75         5 
 Trade receivables                              638        42 
 Prepayments and accrued income                 330        33 
 Cash and bank balances                           1         1 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
   Assets classified as held for sale         1,544        81 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Trade payables                                 346        54 
 Taxation                                       164         - 
 Other payables                                  28         6 
 Accruals                                       380        34 
 Deferred income                                437        83 
 Deferred taxation                               13         - 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
   Liabilities associated with assets 
   held for sale                              1,368       177 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
   Net assets / (liabilities) classified 
   as held for sale                             176      (96) 
=========================================  ========  ======== 
 
 
 
   10     EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE 
 

The calculation of earnings per ordinary share is based on the following:

 
                                                2015          2014 
                                              Number        Number 
-------------------------------------   ------------  ------------ 
 
 Weighted average number of shares       407,590,795   406,921,466 
 Adjustment in respect of SIP shares       (619,749)     (684,925) 
 Weighted average number of shares 
  used in basic earnings per share 
  calculations                           406,971,046   406,236,541 
--------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 Dilutive effect of share options         13,265,034    14,459,961 
 
 Weighted average number of shares 
  used in diluted earnings per share 
  calculations                           420,236,080   420,696,502 
--------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 
                                                    2015        2014 
                                                 GBP'000     GBP'000 
                                                            Restated 
-------------------------------------------   ----------  ---------- 
 Loss for the year from continuing 
  and discontinued operations attributable 
  to equity holders of the parent                (2,523)     (1,405) 
 Profit from discontinued operations 
  attributable to equity holders of 
  the parent                                       (143)       (266) 
--------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Loss for the period from continuing 
  operations                                     (2,666)     (1,671) 
 Adjustment to earnings (Note 5)                   1,317         553 
--------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Adjusted loss for the period from 
  continuing operations                          (1,349)     (1,118) 
--------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 
 
                                                  2015        2014 
                                               GBP'000     GBP'000 
                                                          Restated 
 Loss per share from continuing and 
  discontinued operations 
 Basic loss per share                          (0.62)p     (0.35)p 
============================================  ========  ========== 
 Diluted loss per share                        (0.62)p     (0.35)p 
============================================  ========  ========== 
 
 Loss per share from continuing operations 
 Basic loss per share                          (0.66)p     (0.41)p 
============================================  ========  ========== 
 Diluted loss per share                        (0.66)p     (0.41)p 
============================================  ========  ========== 
 
 Loss per share from discontinued 
  operations 
 Basic loss per share                          (0.00)p     (0.00)p 
============================================  ========  ========== 
 Diluted loss per share                        (0.00)p     (0.00)p 
============================================  ========  ========== 
 
 Adjusted loss per share 
 Adjusted basic loss per share                 (0.33)p     (0.28)p 
============================================  ========  ========== 
 Adjusted diluted loss per share               (0.33)p     (0.28)p 
============================================  ========  ========== 
 
 
 11   GOODWILL 
 
 
                                              Group 
                                           2015      2014 
                                        GBP'000   GBP'000 
-------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Cost 
 1 December                              10,797    11,211 
 Disposals                                (319)         - 
 Reclassified as held for sale (note 
  9)                                      (500)     (414) 
 30 November                              9,978    10,797 
-------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Accumulated impairment provisions 
 1 December                               5,928     5,928 
 Impairment charges for the year          1,000       414 
 Reclassified as held for sale (note 
  9)                                          -     (414) 
 30 November                              6,928     5,928 
-------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Carrying amount 
 30 November                              3,050     4,869 
=====================================  ========  ======== 
 

Goodwill by segment

Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated, at acquisition, to the cash generating units ('CGUs') that are expected to benefit from that business combination. CGU are identified as individual operating units with specific market and product types, usually derived from the original acquisition. The carrying amount has been allocated to the operating segments as follows:

 
                      2014   Disposals   Impairment   Reclassified      2015 
                   GBP'000     GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000   GBP'000 
                  Restated 
--------------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------  -------- 
 Education           2,580           -      (1,000)              -     1,580 
 Sport               1,470           -            -              -     1,470 
 Discontinued 
  operations           819       (319)            -          (500)         - 
--------------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------  -------- 
                     4,869       (319)      (1,000)          (500)     3,050 
==============  ==========  ==========  ===========  =============  ======== 
 

Goodwill has been restated in the table above to reflect the change in reportable operating segments described in note 3. During the year, goodwill has been reduced by GBP319,000 as a result of the sale of the Radcliffe Publishing business and goodwill associated with Optimus Education has been impaired by GBP1,000,000 to reflect the uncertainty in the future profitability of the Optimus subscriptions business. Goodwill of GBP500,000 relating to iGaming Business Ltd has been reclassified to assets held for sale - see note 9.

Impairment testing methodology

The Group tests each CGU's goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be impaired. The impairments in the periods reported are as disclosed in note 7.

The recoverable amounts of the CGU are determined from value in use calculations which are estimated using a discounted cash flow model. The Group prepares cash flow forecasts derived from the most recent financial budgets approved by management for the next 3 years and extrapolates further cash flows based on estimated long-term growth of 3%. The rates do not exceed the average long-term growth rate for the relevant markets. The pre-tax rate used to discount the cash flows for SportBusiness and Speechmark is 8.5%, Optimus has used a discount rate of 10.5% which reflects the greater market challenges and risks with these businesses. In 2014, a pre-tax discount rate of 8.5% was used for all CGUs.

The key assumptions across the CGU for the value in use calculations are those regarding revenue growth, profit margin, cash conversion, discount rate and terminal growth rate. The Group has formally approved the budgets used for the initial three years. The terminal growth rates are based on industry growth forecasts. Management estimate discount rates using pre-tax rates that reflect the Group's weighted average cost of capital and the risks specific to the CGU.

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Management has also conducted sensitivity analysis taking into consideration the impact of reasonably possible changes in the discount factor, budgeted cash flows and growth assumptions. The results of this analysis indicate no further impairments are required.

 
 12   INTANGIBLE ASSETS 
 
 
                                            Group                                           Company 
                                     Other 
                    Publishing    acquired       Web    Computer                     Web    Computer 
                        titles      assets    design    software     Total        design    software     Total 
                       GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------  -----------  ----------  --------  ----------  --------      --------  ----------  -------- 
 Cost 
 1 December 
  2013                   4,842       1,235     1,476         200     7,753           176         142       318 
 Additions                   -           -       511           -       511             -           -         - 
 Disposals                   -           -     (126)           -     (126)             -           -         - 
 Written off           (1,235)           -         -           -   (1,235)             -           -         - 
 Reclassified 
  as held for 
  sale (note 
  9)                     (364)           -       (7)           -     (371)             -           -         - 
-----------------  -----------  ----------  --------  ----------  --------      --------  ----------  -------- 
 30 November 
  2014                   3,243       1,235     1,854         200     6,532           176         142       318 
 Additions                   -           -       286           -       286            26           -        26 
 Disposals               (714)           -     (321)           -   (1,035)             -           -         - 
 Written off             (230)           -     (279)       (181)     (690)         (122)       (142)     (264) 
 Reclassified 
  as held for 
  sale (note 
  9)                         -           -     (166)           -     (166)             -           -         - 
-----------------  -----------  ----------  --------  ----------  --------      --------  ----------  -------- 
 30 November 
  2015                   2,299       1,235     1,374          19     4,927            80           -        80 
-----------------  -----------  ----------  --------  ----------  --------      --------  ----------  -------- 
 
 Amortisation 
  and impairment 
 1 December 
  2013                   3,387       1,192       623         152     5,354           141         110       251 
 Charge for 
  the year 
  Impairment               292          43       309          48       692            13          31        44 
                           364           -         -           -       364             -           -         - 
 Disposals                   -           -      (31)           -      (31)             -           -         - 
 Written off           (1,235)           -         -           -   (1,235)             -           -         - 
 Reclassified 
  as held for 
  sale (note 
  9)                     (364)           -       (2)           -     (366)             -           -         - 
 30 November 
  2014                   2,444       1,235       899         200     4,778           154         141       295 
 Charge for 
  the year                 200           -       382           -       582            14           1        15 
 Disposals               (395)           -     (139)           -     (534)             -           -         - 
 Written off             (230)           -     (279)       (181)     (690)         (122)       (142)     (264) 
 Reclassified 
  as held for 
  sale (note 
  9)                         -           -      (91)           -      (91)             -           -         - 
 30 November 
  2015                   2,019       1,235       772          19     4,045            46           -        46 
-----------------  -----------  ----------  --------  ----------  --------      --------  ----------  -------- 
 
 Carrying 
  amount 
 30 November 
  2015                     280           -       602           -       882            34           -        34 
=================  ===========  ==========  ========  ==========  ========      ========  ==========  ======== 
 
 30 November 
  2014                     799           -       955           -     1,754            22           1        23 
=================  ===========  ==========  ========  ==========  ========      ========  ==========  ======== 
 

The carrying value of publishing titles at 30 November 2015 relates to over three hundred product title rights acquired as part of the Speechmark Publishing Limited acquisition. These will be fully amortised in 2 years (2014: 3 years).

During the year the Group has written off GBP690,000 of intangible assets and amortisation associated with old assets that have GBPnil net book value and are no longer used. Of this value GBP264,000 was held in the Company. Major additions in 2015 include the enhancement of the Education and Sport subscription products.

The Group tests the assets annually for impairment or more frequently if there are indications that they might be impaired following the impairment methodology set out in note 11. In 2014, intangible assets held by Radcliffe Solutions were impaired by GBP364,000 to a carrying value of GBPnil as a result of its disposal on 28 January 2015. Radcliffe Solutions Ltd's assets and liabilities were classified as held for sale at 30 November 2014 and iGaming Business assets and liabilities were classified as held for sale at 30 November 2015 - see note 9.

Management has also conducted sensitivity analysis taking into consideration the impact of reasonably possible changes in the discount factor, budgeted cash flows and growth assumptions. The results of this analysis indicate no further impairments are required.

 
 13   PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 
 
 
 Group                    Leasehold                   Fixtures, 
                           property     Computer       fittings 
                       improvements    equipment    & equipment     Total 
                            GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000   GBP'000 
------------------   --------------  -----------  -------------  -------- 
 Cost 
 1 December 2013                140           61             78       279 
 Additions                        -            6              6        12 
 Disposals                     (27)            -            (3)      (30) 
 Reclassified as 
  held for sale 
  (note 9)                        -          (2)              -       (2) 
 30 November 2014               113           65             81       259 
 Additions                       82           13              -        95 
 Written off                  (113)         (60)           (68)     (241) 
 Reclassified as                  -            -              -         - 
  held for sale 
  (note 9) 
 30 November 2015                82           18             13       113 
-------------------  --------------  -----------  -------------  -------- 
 
 Depreciation and 
  impairment 
 1 December 2013                 58           56             65       179 
 Charged in the 
  year                           70            5             13        88 
 Disposals                     (27)            -            (3)      (30) 
 Reclassified as 
  held for sale 
  (note 9)                        -          (2)              -       (2) 
 30 November 2014               101           59             75       235 
 Charged in the 
  year                           61            9              3        73 
 Written off                  (113)         (60)           (68)     (241) 
 Reclassified as                  -            -              -         - 
  held for sale 
  (note 9) 
 30 November 2015                49            8             10        67 
-------------------  --------------  -----------  -------------  -------- 
 
 Net book value 
 30 November 2015                33           10              3        46 
===================  ==============  ===========  =============  ======== 
 
 30 November 2014                12            6              6        24 
===================  ==============  ===========  =============  ======== 
 
 
 Company                    Leasehold                   Fixtures, 
                             property     Computer       fittings 
                         improvements    equipment    & equipment     Total 
                              GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000   GBP'000 
----------------  ---  --------------  -----------  -------------  -------- 
 Cost 
 1 December 
  2013                             94           56             53       203 
 Additions                          -            5              6        11 
 30 November 
  2014                             94           61             59       214 
 Additions                         82           13              -        95 
 Written off                     (94)         (57)           (52)     (203) 
 30 November 
  2015                             82           17              7       106 
---------------------  --------------  -----------  -------------  -------- 
 
 Depreciation 
 1 December 
  2013                             12           43             51       106 
 Charged in 
  the year                         71           12              2        85 
 30 November 
  2014                             83           55             53       191 
 Charged in 
  the year                         60            9              3        72 
 Written off                     (94)         (57)           (52)     (203) 
 30 November 
  2015                             49            7              4        60 
---------------------  --------------  -----------  -------------  -------- 
 
 Net book value 
 30 November 

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  2015                             33           10              3        46 
=====================  ==============  ===========  =============  ======== 
 
 30 November 
  2014                             11            6              6        23 
=====================  ==============  ===========  =============  ======== 
 
 
 
 14   INVESTMENTS 
 

The Company holds more than 20% of the share capital of the following companies, all of which are incorporated in England apart from IGaming Business North America Inc and SAM Media LLC which are incorporated in the USA:

 
                                                   Class      % of    Nature of 
  Subsidiary                             of shareholding    shares     business 
  undertakings:                                               held 
-----------------------------          -----------------  --------  ----------- 
 Optimus Professional                           Ordinary      100%    Publisher 
  Publishing Limited 
 SBG Companies                                  Ordinary      100%    Publisher 
  Limited 
 iGaming Business                               Ordinary       70%    Publisher 
  Limited^ 
 Incentive                                      Ordinary      100%   Mail order 
  Plus Limited 
 P2P Publishing Limited                         Ordinary      100%    Publisher 
 Speechmark Publishing                          Ordinary      100%    Publisher 
  Limited 
 Radcliffe Publishing Limited                   Ordinary      100%    Publisher 
 iGaming Business North                         Ordinary       70%    Publisher 
  America Inc. * 
  SAM Media LLC*                                Ordinary       35%       Events 
 

^ Indirectly held through SBG Companies Limited

* Indirectly held through iGaming Business Limited

As described in note 30, the Group disposed of its holdings in iGaming Business Limited, iGaming Business North America Inc. and SAM Media LLC on 4 January 2016.

 
 Company                              2015                                        2014 
                            Shares            Loans                     Shares            Loans 
                     in subsidiary    to subsidiary              in subsidiary    to subsidiary 
                      undertakings     undertakings     Total     undertakings     undertakings     Total 
                           GBP'000          GBP'000   GBP'000          GBP'000          GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------  ---------------  ---------------  -------- 
 Cost: 
 At 1 December              13,791            2,595    16,386           13,791            2,595    16,386 
 Disposal                    (480)                -     (480)                -                -         - 
-----------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------  ---------------  ---------------  -------- 
 At 30 November             13,311            2,595    15,906           13,791            2,595    16,386 
-----------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------  ---------------  ---------------  -------- 
 
 Amounts written 
  off: 
 At 1 December              10,006                -    10,006            9,526                -     9,526 
 Impairment 
  in the year                1,644                -     1,644              480                -       480 
 Disposal                    (480)                -     (480)                -                - 
-----------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------  ---------------  ---------------  -------- 
 At 30 November             11,170                -    11,170           10,006                -    10,006 
-----------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------  ---------------  ---------------  -------- 
 
 Net book 
  value: 
-----------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------  ---------------  ---------------  -------- 
 At 30 November              2,141            2,595     4,736            3,785            2,595     6,380 
=================  ===============  ===============  ========  ===============  ===============  ======== 
 

The Group tests the investments annually for impairment or more frequently if there are indications that they might be impaired following the impairment methodology set out in note 11. In 2014, the investment in Radcliffe Solutions Ltd was fully impaired as a result of the sale of its shares on 28 January 2015. In 2015 the investment in Radcliffe Publishing Ltd was fully impaired as a result of its sale on 19 June 2015 from GBP1,227,000 to GBPnil (note 9) and the investment in Speechmark was impaired by GBP417,000 to GBP1,600,000 to reflect the Board's estimate of its net realisable value. Management has also conducted sensitivity analysis taking into consideration the impact of reasonably possible changes in the discount factor, budgeted cash flows and growth assumptions. The results of this analysis indicate no further impairments are required.

 
 15   DEFERRED TAX 
 
 
                                       Group              Company 
                                    2015      2014      2015      2014 
                                 GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Deferred tax assets 
 Current                               -        69         -        14 
 Non-current                         637     1,735         -       234 
------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
                                     637     1,804         -       248 
------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 Deferred tax liabilities 
 Current                               -         -         -         - 
 Non-current                        (63)     (178)         -         - 
 Classified as liabilities            13         -         -         - 
  associated with assets held 
  for sale (note 9) 
------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
                                    (50)     (178)         -         - 
------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 Net position at 30 November         587     1,626         -       248 
==============================  ========  ========  ========  ======== 
 
 
 Group                                                   Goodwill 
                                                              and 
                                  Capital       Tax    Intangible 
                               allowances    losses        assets     Other     Total 
                                  GBP'000   GBP'000       GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------------  ------------  --------  ------------  --------  -------- 
 
 1 December 2013                      120     1,408         (290)        19     1,257 
 Credit to income 
  for the year                         51        20           132        54       257 
 Credit to equity 
  for the year                          -         -             -       112       112 
 
 30 November 2014                     171     1,428         (158)       185     1,626 
---------------------------  ------------  --------  ------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Debit to income for 
  the year                           (78)     (916)           108      (54)     (940) 
 Debit to equity for 
  the year                              -         -             -     (112)     (112) 
 Classified as liabilities 
  associated with assets 
  held for sale (note 
  9)                                   13         -             -         -        13 
 
 30 November 2015                     106       512          (50)        19       587 
---------------------------  ------------  --------  ------------  --------  -------- 
 

There are accumulated losses of GBP11,105,000 (2014: GBP9,448,000) which, subject to agreement with the HM Revenue & Customs, are available to offset future profits of the same trade. Of this, the Group has not recognised tax losses of GBP8,246,000 (2014: GBP7,142,000) as management does not believe that recovery is probable.

 
 Company                              Capital 
                                   allowances     Other     Total 
                                     GBP'0000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
-------------------------------  ------------  --------  -------- 
 
 1 December 2013                           63         1        64 
 Credit to income for the year             17        55        72 
 Credit to equity for the year              -       112       112 
 
 30 November 2014                          80       168       248 
-------------------------------  ------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Charge to income for the year           (80)      (56)     (136) 
 Charge to equity for the year              -     (112)     (112) 
 
 30 November 2015                           -         -         - 
-------------------------------  ------------  --------  -------- 
 
 
 16   INVENTORIES 
 
 
                             Group              Company 
                          2015      2014      2015      2014 
                       GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 ------------------   --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Book inventories          622     1,267         -         - 
===================   ========  ========  ========  ======== 
 

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Inventories were written down by GBP285,000 (2014: GBP158,000) from a carrying amount of GBP285,000 (2014: GBP158,000) down to GBPnil (2014: GBP nil). The cost of inventories, including the write-down, is included within cost of sales.

 
 17   TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 
 
 
                                             Group              Company 
                                          2015      2014      2015      2014 
                                       GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 Due within one year: 
 Trade receivables                       1,069     1,734         4         - 
 Amounts owed by group undertakings          -         -     3,391     6,477 
 Other receivables                         585       562       151       168 
 Prepayments and accrued 
  income                                   333       481       195        84 
------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
                                         1,987     2,777     3,741     6,729 
====================================  ========  ========  ========  ======== 
 

The average credit period taken on sales of goods is 36 days (2014: 37 days). Standard terms are thirty days but many of the Group's goods and services, such as subscription renewals and events, are invoiced in advance of the delivery date. An allowance is maintained for estimated irrecoverable amounts and has been made with reference to past default experience. The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair values.

The Group's exposure to credit risk and impairment losses related to trade and other receivables are disclosed in note 22.

The Group holds no collateral against these receivables at the balance sheet date and charges no interest on its overdue receivables.

 
 18   BORROWINGS 
 
 
                                    Group              Company 
                                 2015      2014      2015      2014 
                              GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 Non-current 
 Bank loans                        28        94        28        94 
---------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
                                   28        94        28        94 
---------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 Current 
 Bank overdraft                     -         2         -         - 
 Cash balance reclassified          -         1         -         - 
  as held for sale (note 
  9) 
---------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
                                    -         3         -         - 
 Bank loans                        66       292        66       292 
                                   66       295        66       292 
---------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
                                   94       389        94       386 
===========================  ========  ========  ========  ======== 
 

The effective interest rates and applicable balances at the balance sheet dates are as follows:

 
                                   Group              Company 
                                2015      2014      2015      2014 
                             GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
--------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 Bank overdraft facility           -         3         -         - 
  (4.50% over the lending 
  Bank's base rate) 
 Bank loan A (4.25% over 
  LIBOR)                           -       225         -       225 
 Bank loan B (4.73% over 
  the lending Bank's base 
  rate)                           94       161        94       161 
                                  94       389        94       386 
==========================  ========  ========  ========  ======== 
 
 
 18   BORROWINGS (continued) 
 

At 30 November there were the following committed undrawn borrowing facilities expiring as follows:

 
                                     Group              Company 
                                  2015      2014      2015      2014 
                               GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
----------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 In one year or less - Bank 
  overdraft facility               750       747       750       747 
============================  ========  ========  ========  ======== 
 

The weighted average interest rate implicit in the group's bank loans at 30 November 2015 was 5.23% (2014: 4.97%) and the weighted average period until maturity was 0.7 years (2014: 0.9 years). The Directors estimate that the fair value of the Group's borrowings is not significantly different to the carrying value.

The bank overdraft facility for GBP750,000 (2014: GBP747,000) is, when utilised, repayable on demand.

Bank loan A was fully repaid in November 2015. Bank loan B is guaranteed by material subsidiaries of the Group and is repayable over 1.5 years ending in May 2017. The repayment profile is given in note 22.

 
 19   TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 
 
 
                                            Group              Company 
                                         2015      2014      2015      2014 
                                      GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 Trade payables                           415       929       147       140 
 Amounts due to group undertakings          -         -     7,046     9,158 
 Other payables                           307       265       260       274 
 Accruals                                 918     1,349       263       301 
 
 Total current                          1,640     2,543     7,716     9,873 
===================================  ========  ========  ========  ======== 
 

Trade, other payables, and accruals principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade and ongoing costs. The average credit period taken for trade purchases is 34 days (2014: 39 days).

 
 20   DEFERRED INCOME 
 
 
                                    Group              Company 
                                 2015      2014      2015      2014 
                              GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 Subscription and events 
  fees received in advance      1,934     2,481         -         - 
===========================  ========  ========  ========  ======== 
 
 
 21   PROVISIONS 
 
 
                                          Group              Company 
                                       2015      2014      2015      2014 
                                    GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 1 December                              60       127        60         - 
 Increase in year                        60        60        60        60 
 Release of provisions in 
  year                                 (60)      (18)      (60)         - 
 Utilised during the year                 -     (109)         -         - 
 Unwinding of discount                    -         -         -         - 
---------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 30 November                             60        60        60        60 
=================================  ========  ========  ========  ======== 
 
 Included in current liabilities         60        60        60        60 
=================================  ========  ========  ========  ======== 
 
 

Provisions of GBP60,000 were made at 30 November 2014 to reflect anticipated costs arising reflect an estimate of dilapidation costs due on termination of a lease during 2015. This provision was released during 2015, but a further provision of GBP60,000 has been raised to cover estimated dilapidation costs relating to a lease due to terminate in 2016.

 
 22   FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
 

The Group's activities expose the Group to a number of risks including capital risk management, market risk (foreign currency risk and interest rate risk), liquidity risk and credit risk. The policies for managing these risks are regularly reviewed and agreed by the Board.

It is, and has been throughout the year under review, the Group's policy that no trading in financial instruments shall be undertaken.

Capital management

The Group's main objective when managing capital is to protect returns to shareholders by ensuring the Group will continue to trade in the foreseeable future. The Group also aims to maximise its capital structure of debt and equity so as to minimise its cost of capital. The Group in particular reviews its levels of borrowing (note 18) and the repayment dates, setting these out against forecast cash flows and reviewing the level of available funds.

The capital structure of the Group consists of debt, cash and cash equivalents and equity attributable to holders of the parent, comprising issued share capital, reserves and retained earnings. Consistent with others in the industry, the Group reviews the gearing ratio to monitor the capital. This ratio is calculated as the net debt divided by total capital. Net debt is calculated as total borrowings less cash and cash equivalents. Total capital is calculated as equity (including capital, reserves and retained earnings). This gearing ratio will be considered in the wider macroeconomic environment. With the current restraints on the availability of finance and economic pressures the Group has lowered its gearing ratio expectations and has reduced debt considerably in the last five years.

 
 22   FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued) 
 

Categories of financial instruments

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Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of measurement and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised in respect of each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument are disclosed in Note 1 to the financial statements.

 
                                                 Group              Company 
                                              2015      2014      2015      2014 
                                   Notes   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Financial assets 
 Loans and receivables 
        Trade receivables           17       1,069     1,734         4         - 
        Other receivables           17         585       562     3,542     6,645 
        Accrued income                          15        70         -         - 
 Cash and cash equivalents          27         542         -       468       152 
 Assets held for sale                9         737        59         -         - 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Total financial assets                      2,948     2,425     4,014     6,797 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 Financial liabilities 
 Amortised cost 
      Bank loans and overdrafts     18          94       389        94       386 
      Current tax liabilities                    -        61         -         - 
      Trade payables                19         415       929       147       140 
      Other payables                19         307       265     7,306     9,432 
      Accruals                      19         918     1,349       263       301 
      Provisions                    21          60        60        60        60 
      Deferred income               20       1,934     2,481         -         - 
      Liabilities associated 
       with assets held for 
       sale                          9       1,355       177         -         - 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Total financial liabilities                 5,083     5,711     7,870    10,319 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

Liquidity risk

Cash balances are placed so as to maximise interest earned while maintaining the liquidity requirements of the business. When seeking borrowings, the Directors consider the commercial terms available and consider whether such terms should be fixed or variable and are appropriate to the business. The Directors review the placing of cash balances on an ongoing basis. Any surplus cash balances during the year were kept in standard accounts at standard bank interest rates. The financial assets of the group at 30 November 2015 were mainly designated in sterling and earned floating rate standard bank interest.

The Group aims to ensure that sufficient cash is generated in the operating cycle to meet the contractual cash flows through effective cash management. In addition, the Group maintains a committed bank facility of GBP750,000 (2014: GBP750,000) which can be accessed as considered necessary. This facility is subject to annual renewal and any borrowings under it are repayable on demand.

Interest rate risk

The Group and company's interest rate exposure arises mainly from interest bearing borrowings. Contractual agreements entered into at floating rates expose the entity to cash flow risk while any fixed rate borrowings would expose the entity to fair value risk.

The tables below show the Group's financial assets and liabilities split by those bearing fixed and floating rates and those that are non-interest bearing.

 
 22   FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued) 
 
 
                                Floating   Non-interest 
 Interest rate risk                 rate        bearing     Total 
                                 GBP'000        GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------------  ---------  -------------  -------- 
 At 30 November 2015 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents           542              -       542 
 Trade and other receivables           -          1,669     1,669 
 Assets held for sale                  1            736       737 
-----------------------------  ---------  -------------  -------- 
                                     543          2,405     2,948 
=============================  =========  =============  ======== 
 
 Trade and other payables              -          1,640     1,640 
 Deferred income                       -          1,934     1,934 
 Borrowings                           94              -        94 
 Provisions                            -             60        60 
 Liabilities associated with 
  assets held for sale                 -          1,355     1,355 
                                      94          4,989     5,083 
=============================  =========  =============  ======== 
 
 At 30 November 2014 
 
 Trade and other receivables           -          2,366     2,366 
 Assets held for sale                  1             58        59 
-----------------------------  ---------  -------------  -------- 
                                       1          2,424     2,425 
=============================  =========  =============  ======== 
 
 Current tax liabilities               -             61        61 
 Trade and other payables              -          2,543     2,543 
 Deferred income                       -          2,481     2,481 
 Borrowings                          389              -       389 
 Provisions                            -             60        60 
 Liabilities associated with 
  assets held for sale                 -            177       177 
                                     389          5,322     5,711 
=============================  =========  =============  ======== 
 

The Group has derived a sensitivity analysis based on a 1% change in the floating interest rate:

 
                                            2015      2014 
                                         GBP'000   GBP'000 
--------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Impact on equity and profit after 
  tax 
 1% increase in base rate of interest        (1)       (4) 
 1% decrease in base rate of interest          1         4 
--------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

The undiscounted contractual cash flows, including interest payments, are set out in the tables below.

 
 UNDISCOUNTED CONTRACTUAL 
  CASH FLOWS 
                                        Between   Between 
                              In less       one       two 
                                 than       and       and 
                                  one       two      five 
 Group                           year     years     years     Total 
                              GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 Bank loans and overdrafts         72        30         -       102 
 Provisions                        60         -         -        60 
 Other liabilities              4,929         -         -     4,929 
 At 30 November 2015            5,061        30         -     5,091 
===========================  ========  ========  ========  ======== 
 
 
 Bank loans                       307        72        30       409 
 Provisions                        60         -         -        60 
 Other liabilities              5,262         -         -     5,262 
 At 30 November 2014            5,629        72        30     5,731 
===========================  ========  ========  ========  ======== 
 
 
 22   FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued) 
 
 
 UNDISCOUNTED CONTRACTUAL 
  CASH FLOWS 
                                       Between   Between 
                             In less       one       two 
                                than       and       and 
                                 one       two      five 
 Company                        year     years     years     Total 
                             GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
--------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 Bank loans                       72        30         -       102 
 Other liabilities             7,776         -         -     7,776 
 At 30 November 2015           7,848        30         -     7,878 
==========================  ========  ========  ========  ======== 
 
 
 Bank loans                      307        72        30       409 
 Other liabilities             9,933         -         -     9,933 
 At 30 November 2014          10,240        72        30    10,342 
==========================  ========  ========  ========  ======== 
 

The terms, security and repayment information on these borrowings are given in note 18. Provisions and other liabilities are not interest bearing and are unsecured.

Foreign exchange risk

The Group and Company operates principally in the United Kingdom and as such the majority of the Group and Company's financial assets and liabilities are denominated in sterling and there is no material exposure to exchange risks.

The Group and Company does suffer some exposure to exchange risk as a proportion of its business is overseas. Where the Group and Company enters into significant contracts denominated in overseas currencies it is not currently the Group and Company's policy to mitigate exchange risk by entering into forward currency contracts. The Group and Company attempt to mitigate its exposure by offsetting liabilities against foreign currency receipts as far as is possible.

Credit risk

The Group's principal financial assets are cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and accrued income which represent the Group's maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to financial assets.

The Group's credit risk primarily relates to trade and other receivables and accrued income. The amounts presented in the balance sheet are net of allowances for doubtful receivables, as estimated by the Group's management.

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The credit risk on liquid funds is limited because the counterparties are banks with high credit ratings assigned by international credit rating agencies.

The Group has no significant concentration of credit risk, with exposure spread over a large number of counterparties and customers.

The following table provides analysis of trade receivables that were past due at 30 November, but not impaired. The Group believes that the balances are ultimately recoverable based on a review of past payment history and the current financial status of the customers.

 
 Ageing of receivables past due but 
  not impaired 
                                          2015      2014 
                                       GBP'000   GBP'000 
------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 30-60 days                                300       353 
 60-90 days                                153       179 
 90-120 days                                65        23 
 Greater than 120 days                       -         - 
------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
                                           518       555 
====================================  ========  ======== 
 

The Group's policy is that debt is payable within 30 days. The older debt above includes conferences and subscription renewals, which have been billed in advance of delivery so some payments may be delayed by customers.

Movement in the provision for impairment for trade receivables:

 
                                            2015      2014 
                                         GBP'000   GBP'000 
--------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Opening balance at 1 December             (158)      (97) 
 Provision for receivables impairment 
  charged                                   (90)      (61) 
 Receivables written off during the            -         - 
  year 
 
 Closing balance at 30 November            (248)     (158) 
======================================  ========  ======== 
 

Fair value

The Directors consider that the fair values of the Group's financial instruments do not significantly differ from their book values.

 
 23   SHARE CAPITAL 
 

The Company does not have an authorised share capital in either year.

 
 Allotted, issued and fully paid:        2015       2014 
                                     Ordinary   Ordinary 
                                       shares     shares 
                                      GBP'000    GBP'000 
----------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 As at 1 December                       4,076      4,068 
 Issue of share capital                     -          8 
 
 As at 30 November                      4,076      4,076 
==================================  =========  ========= 
 

A reconciliation of the movements in issued ordinary share capital is as follows:

 
                                              Number      Total       Share 
                                           of shares      share       price 
                                                        capital    at issue 
                                              Number    GBP'000       Pence 
----------------  --------------------  ------------  ---------  ---------- 
 At 1 December 
  2013                                   406,781,838      4,068 
 
 29 September      Share issue at 1.0 
  2014              pence per share          808,957          8       3.62p 
 
 At 30 November 
  2014                                   407,590,795      4,076 
 
 At 30 November 
  2015                                   407,590,795      4,076 
======================================  ============  =========  ========== 
 

The share issue on 29 September 2014 related to the exercise of share options by various employees. There have been no shares issued since the year end.

 
 24   RESERVES 
 

The reserve for own shares relates to the employee Share Incentive Plan (note 28a) under which the Group owns 1,465,391 shares (2014: 1,712,938 shares).

 
 25   NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST 
 

The Group's non-controlling interest in both 2015 and 2014 was composed entirely of equity interests and represents the non-controlling interest of 30% in iGaming Business Limited.

 
 26   BUSINESS COMBINATIONS 
 

As described in note 9, on 28 January 2015, the Group disposed of Radcliffe Solutions Ltd ("RSL") and on 19 June 2015, the Group disposed of the Radcliffe Publishing business ("RP"). The contractual effective date of the disposal, and the date on which control over the business passed to the buyer was 31 May 2015. Details of the assets and liabilities disposed of, and the calculation of the profit and loss on disposal are given in the table below.

 
                                       2015      2015      2015 
                                    GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
                                        RSL        RP     Total 
-------------------------------    --------  --------  -------- 
 
   Non-current assets 
 Goodwill                                 -       319       319 
 Intangible assets                        -       502       502 
 Property, plant and equipment            5         -         5 
 
 
   Current assets 
 Inventories                              -       412       412 
 Other debtors                           29         -        29 
 
   Current liabilities 
 Other payables                        (33)       (5)      (38) 
 Deferred income                       (49)      (75)     (124) 
---------------------------------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 Net (liabilities) / assets 
  disposed of                          (48)     1,153     1,105 
 
 Profit / (loss) on disposal 
  included in discontinued 
  operations                            169     (196)      (27) 
---------------------------------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Consideration received                 121       957     1,078 
=================================  ========  ========  ======== 
 
 
 27   ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET (DEBT) / CASH 
 
 
 Group                        At 1 December   Cash flow   Non-cash       At 30 
                                       2014                changes    November 
                                                                          2015 
                                    GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000 
---------------------------  --------------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 
 Cash at bank and in 
  hand                                    -         542          -         542 
 Overdraft                              (2)           2          -           - 
 Classified as held 
  for sale                              (1)           2          -           1 
---------------------------  --------------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents              (3)         546          -         543 
 
 Bank loans due within 
  one year                            (292)         292       (66)        (66) 
---------------------------  --------------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Debt due within one 
  year                                (292)         292       (66)        (66) 
 
 Bank loans due after 
  one year                             (94)           -         66        (28) 
 Debt due after one 
  year                                 (94)           -         66        (28) 
 
 Net (debt) / cash                    (389)         838          -         449 
===========================  ==============  ==========  =========  ========== 
 

Non-cash changes represent reclassifications from due after one year to due within one year and recognition of overdraft positions where the right of set-off does not apply. The terms related to debt are set out in note 18.

 
 28   SHARE BASED PAYMENTS 
 

The Company has the following option or share ownership schemes and warrants in issue. All the schemes use the Monte Carlo valuation method with the exception of the Long Term Incentive Plan which uses the Black Scholes Method. The relevant inputs for each scheme have been outlined below:

 
                               2015                        2014 
------------------  -------------------------  ---------------------------- 
                          Black   Monte Carlo   Black Scholes   Monte Carlo 
                        Scholes 
------------------  -----------  ------------  --------------  ------------ 
 
 Expected life           3.00 -                        3.00 - 
  (years)                  3.25          4.80            3.25          4.80 
 Risk free rate          4.8039                        4.8039 
  (%)                  - 4.9315             3        - 4.9315             3 
                         30.473                        30.473 
 Volatility (%)       - 31.1165         49.66       - 31.1165         49.66 
 Dividend yield 
  (%)                         0             0               0             0 
 Weighted average 
  share price (p)          2.10          2.38            2.10          2.38 
 Weighted average 
  exercise price 
  (p)                      1.00          1.50            1.00          1.50 
 

The volatility of the Company's share price on each date of grant was calculated as the average of the standard deviations of daily continuously compounded returns on the stock of the Company, calculated back over a period commensurate with the expected life of the option. The risk-free rate used is the yield to maturity on the date of grant of a UK Gilt Strip, with term to maturity equal to the expected life of the option. It was assumed that options would be exercised within two years of the date on which they vest. The number of options exercisable for each scheme at the year-end is based on the year end share price.

There have been no transactions with non-employees.

 
 a   Share Incentive Plan 
 

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In September 2005, the Group introduced a Share Incentive Plan (SIP) and has run it in three further years (2006, 2007 and 2010). Under this plan the employees are eligible to acquire shares in the following ways:

   --      Free Shares 
   --      Partnership Shares 
   --      Matching Shares 

The Free shares were available to all eligible employees and the shares must be held in the trust for a minimum period of 3 years unless the employee leaves the Company, in which case the Free shares may either be forfeited or withdrawn from the Plan.

Partnership shares were available for purchase by employees at current market value. Employees could invest any amount from between GBP10 - GBP1,500 (or 10% of the employee's salary if lower). The Partnership shares were matched by the Matching shares on a 1 for 1 basis in 2010 (2 for 1 basis in 2006 and 2005).

The Partnership and Matching shares must be held in the Trust for a minimum of 3 years unless the employee leaves the Company in which case the Free shares may either be forfeited or withdrawn from the Plan. All of the shares were purchased at fair value in the market and the cash cost of the Partnership shares was expensed in the year of issue. The total fair value of the options granted in the year was GBPnil (2014: GBPnil).

 
                                          2015                      2014 
                                      Number    Weighted        Number    Weighted 
                                  of options     average    of options     average 
                                                exercise                  exercise 
                                                   price                     price 
------------------------------  ------------  ----------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Outstanding at the beginning 
  of the period                      684,925        6.75       967,282        6.79 
 Withdrawn during the period        (65,176)        5.46     (282,357)        6.88 
 Outstanding at the end 
  of the period                      619,749        6.89       684,925        6.75 
==============================  ============  ==========  ============  ========== 
 
 Exercisable at the end 
  of the period                      619,749        6.89       684,925        6.75 
==============================  ============  ==========  ============  ========== 
 

The weighted average remaining contractual life of share options outstanding at the end of the period was 3 years (2014: 3 years). The exercise price of the outstanding options ranges from 4.75 - 10.37 pence, but was paid at the outset on these options and nothing will be receivable by the Group.

 
 b   Long Term Incentive Plan 
 

In November 2007, the Group introduced a Long Term Incentive Plan ('LTIP'), under which at that time 14 members of senior management were granted a maximum of 5,658,824 share options dependent on performance criteria. The options, all with an exercise price of 1 pence, vested in February 2010 as the performance criteria of the Company achieving an average of at least 15% annualised adjusted earnings per share growth over the three years to November 2009 was met, although the maximum criteria which required growth of 25% per year was not. There were no movements during the year and 969,174 of the vested options remain at 30 November 2015 (2014: 969,174). The weighted average remaining contractual life of these options is 2 years (2014: 3 years).

In 2010 a new LTIP scheme was launched in two parts, a Profit Growth Plan ('PGP') and a Share Price Growth Scheme ('SPGS').

 
 28   SHARE BASED PAYMENT (continued) 
 

Under the PGP, 8 members of senior management were granted a maximum of 9,650,000 options in April 2010 to acquire shares in the Company at nominal value under a new 2010 Company Share Option Plan ("2010 Plan"). The scheme was subject to performance conditions relating to the growth in adjusted operating profit (note 5) in the business unit for which the participant was responsible over the two years to 30th November 2011 or, in the case of Directors, the Group as a whole. Vesting rights in these options accrued if profit growth exceeded certain minimum growth thresholds that were set for each individual business unit and ranged from 3% to 8% per annum. The number of shares that have vested under the Profit Growth Plan is 1,500,000 (2014: 1,500,000) and relate to one individual only. There were no movements during the year and the weighted average remaining contractual life of these options is 4 years (2014: 4 years).

 
                                          2015                       2014 
                                      Number    Weighted         Number    Weighted 
                                  of options     average     of options     average 
                                                exercise                   exercise 
                                                   price                      price 
------------------------------  ------------  ----------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Outstanding at the beginning 
  of the period                    2,469,174        1.00     15,407,731        1.00 
 Forfeited during the 
  period                                   -        1.00   (12,209,600)        1.00 
 Exercised during the                      -           -      (728,957)           - 
  period 
 Expired during the period                 -           -              -           - 
 Outstanding at the end 
  of the period                    2,469,174        1.00      2,469,174        1.00 
==============================  ============  ==========  =============  ========== 
 
 Exercisable at the end 
  of the period                    2,469,174        1.00      2,469,174        1.00 
==============================  ============  ==========  =============  ========== 
 

The weighted average remaining contractual life of share options outstanding at the end of the period was 3 years (2014: 4 years). For all share options outstanding at the year end the exercise price was 1.0p

 
 c   Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme 
 

These options were awarded to key members of management and staff and are exercisable, subject to various trigger price restriction, at any time between the third and tenth anniversaries of the date of grant. During 2014, 790,000 options were forfeited and 80,000 options were exercised. There were no remaining options at 30 November 2014 or 30 November 2015.

 
                                           2015                       2014 
                                                  Weighted                  Weighted 
                                                   average                   average 
                                       Number     exercise        Number    exercise 
                                   of options        price    of options       price 
------------------------------  -------------  -----------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Outstanding at the beginning 
  of the period                             -            -       870,000        3.01 
 Forfeited during the period                -            -     (790,000)        3.22 
 Exercised during the period                -            -      (80,000)        1.00 
 Outstanding at the end                     -            -             -           - 
  of the period 
==============================  =============  ===========  ============  ========== 
 
 Exercisable at the end                     -            -             -           - 
  of the period 
==============================  =============  ===========  ============  ========== 
 
 
 d   The 2013 Award 
 

In December 2013, the Group made a new award of share options ("2013 Award"). Options were granted to the two Executive Directors, the non-Executive Chairman and two other members of management. Options under this plan are exercisable at the 2012 placing price of 1.5p and will vest according to a scale if the Company's average share price, over any four-month period after the date of grant, exceeds a target share price. The target share price is 3.5p for 27.1% of the options, 5.0p for 20.8% of the options, 6p for 13.0% of the options, 7p for 13.0% of the options, 8p for 13.0% of the options and 9p for the remaining 13.0% of the options. A maximum of 78,090,157 ordinary shares may be issued under the 2013 Award. Where individual options have vested, up to 10% of the vested shares may be exercised from 12 months following vesting, up to 20% from two years and up to 30% from three years. Subject to the vesting conditions, unexercised options may be exercised from September 2018 until they expire in September 2022.

 
                                          2014                      2013 
                                      Number    Weighted        Number    Weighted 
                                  of options     average    of options     average 
                                                exercise                  exercise 
                                                   price                     price 
------------------------------  ------------  ----------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Outstanding at the beginning 
  of the period                   75,513,182         1.5             -           - 
 Options granted during 
  the period                               -         1.5    78,090,157         1.5 
 Forfeited during the period               -         1.5   (2,576,975)         1.5 
 Outstanding at the end 
  of the period                   75,513,182         1.5    75,513,182         1.5 
==============================  ============  ==========  ============  ========== 
 
 Exercisable at the end 
  of the period                    2,044,306         1.5             -         1.5 
==============================  ============  ==========  ============  ========== 
 

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The weighted average remaining contractual life of share options outstanding at the end of the period was 7 years (2014: 8 years). The exercise price of the outstanding options is 1.5p.

 
 29   COMMITMENTS UNDER OPERATING LEASES 
 

The minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating lease rentals are in aggregate as follows:

 
 Land and buildings                  Group              Company 
                                  2015      2014      2015      2014 
                               GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
----------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 Within one year                    69        19        69        19 
 Between two and five years          -         -         -         - 
                                    69        19        69        19 
============================  ========  ========  ========  ======== 
 

Operating lease payments represent rentals payable by the Group for its office properties. Leases are negotiated for an average term, excluding break clauses, of 1 year (2014: 1 year) and rentals are fixed for an average of 1 year (2014: 1 year).

 
 Plant and machinery                 Group              Company 
                                  2015      2014      2015      2014 
                               GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
----------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Within one year                     4         4         4         4 
 Between two and five years          2         6         2         6 
                                     6        10         6        10 
============================  ========  ========  ========  ======== 
 

Operating lease payments represent rentals payable by the Group for printers and copiers. Leases are negotiated for an average term, excluding break clauses, of 3 years (2014: 3 years) and rentals are fixed for an average of 3 years (2014: 3 years).

 
 30   POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS 
 

As described in note 9, on 4 January 2016, the Group's 70% interest in iGaming Business Ltd was disposed of for cash consideration of GBP13,797,000 plus an adjustment for net working capital which will be determined at a later date. At the balance sheet date, the assets and liabilities of iGaming Business Ltd have been classified as held for sale. As a result of the disposal, a contract between iGaming Business Ltd and SBG Companies Ltd, whereby SBG Companies Ltd provided support to iGaming Business Ltd in return for a share of revenues has been terminated for no consideration as SBG Companies Ltd is no longer in a position to fulfil its contractual obligations.

 
 31   CAPITAL COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 
 

There are no capital commitments at the balance sheet date (2014: GBPnil).

 
 32   RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 
 

Group related party balances held at November 2015 and 2014 are unsecured.

Subsidiaries

Its 70% (2014: 70%) owned subsidiary, iGaming Business Ltd, is owed by other Group undertakings GBP7,774,000 (2014: GBP5,765,000) and owes GBP6,078,000 at 30 November 2015 (2014: GBP4,678,000), including debt due from the Company of GBP6,078,000 (2014: GBP5,227,000), after being charged costs and allocated staff time in the year of GBP1,157,000 (2014: GBP1,341,000).

Advisory Services

From time to time, the Board receives financial advice from Trillium Partners Limited ("Trillium Partners"). Trillium Partners is a specialist media advisory firm, in which voting control of 50.0% (2014: 45.0%) is held by Stephen Routledge, a non-executive Director of Electric Word, and as such is a related party. The total fee charged in 2015 for advice is GBPnil (2014: GBP6,000). As set out in the 18 December 2015 shareholder circular, the Group was charged fees of GBP480,000 in January 2016 in connection with the disposal of iGaming Business Ltd as disclosed in note 30. The Directors (other than Stephen Routledge) having consulted with Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited, its nominated adviser, considered that the fees payable to Trillium Partners were fair and reasonable.

 
 32   RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued) 
 

Company

The table below sets out the transactions and balances with other group undertakings:

 
                                         Balance              Transactions 
                                                                 in year 
                                       Receivable        Income / (expenditure) 
                                       / (payable) 
                                       2015      2014          2015         2014 
                                    GBP'000   GBP'000       GBP'000      GBP'000 
---------------------------------  --------  --------  ------------  ----------- 
 iGaming Business Limited           (1,696)   (5,227)         3,531        (674) 
 Incentive Plus Limited                   -      (14)            14        (475) 
 Speechmark Publishing Limited        (939)   (3,917)         2,978      (1,244) 
 Optimus Professional Publishing 
  Limited                             3,220     2,891           329        1,441 
 P2P Publishing Limited                 (9)        33          (42)          305 
 SBG Companies Limited              (4,402)       785       (5,187)        (754) 
 Radcliffe Publishing Limited             -     2,597       (2,597)          522 
 Radcliffe Solutions Limited              -         -             -        (662) 
 Electric Word Employee 
  Benefit Trust                         171       171             -            - 
                                   --------  -------- 
                                    (3,655)   (2,681) 
                                   --------  -------- 
 

The nature of the transactions with group undertakings comprises salary recharges, recharges of various trading activities, and cash draw downs. All intra-group balances are payable on demand and non-interest bearing.

Key management personnel

For details of related party transactions with key management personnel see the Remuneration Report.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 06, 2016 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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