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NBB Norman Broadbent Plc

9.25
0.00 (0.00%)
03 May 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Norman Broadbent Plc LSE:NBB London Ordinary Share GB00B3VF4Y66 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% 9.25 8.50 10.00 9.25 9.25 9.25 0.00 08:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Business Consulting Svcs,nec 8.7M -338k -0.0056 -16.52 5.62M

Norman Broadbent Plc Final Results and Annual Accounts

02/06/2017 7:58am

UK Regulatory


 
TIDMNBB 
 
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to 
constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations 
                              (EU) No. 596/2014. 
 
                                                                    2 June 2017 
 
                             Norman Broadbent plc 
 
              ("Norman Broadbent", the "Company" or the "Group") 
 
                       Final Results and Annual Accounts 
 
The board (the "Board") of Norman Broadbent (AIM: NBB) - a provider of Talent 
Acquisition and Advisory Services, consisting of board and executive search, 
senior interim management, leadership consulting and assessment, and mezzanine 
level search - is pleased to announce its final results and annual accounts for 
the year ended 31 December 2016. 
 
For further information, please contact: 
 
Norman Broadbent plc                                   020 7484 0000 
Mike Brennan/James Webber 
 
Allenby Capital                                        020 3328 5656 
Virginia Bull/Liz Kirchner 
 
 
For further information visit http://www.normanbroadbent.com/ 
 
CEO's Review for the year ended 31 December 2016 
 
RESULTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 
 
The table below summarises the results of the Group: 
 
                                                      Re-Presented 
                                          Year ended    Year ended 
                                         31 December   31 December 
                                                2016          2015 
 
                                                GBP000          GBP000 
 
CONTINUING OPERATIONS 
 
REVENUE                                        5,661         8,274 
 
Cost of sales                                  (735)       (1,747) 
 
GROSS PROFIT                                   4,926         6,527 
 
Operating expenses                           (6,149)       (6,626) 
 
GROUP OPERATING LOSS                         (1,223)          (99) 
 
Net finance cost                                (54)          (41) 
 
Exceptional Items                                  -         (194) 
 
LOSS BEFORE TAX                              (1,277)         (334) 
 
Income tax                                         -             - 
 
Profit/(Loss) from discontinued                  279         (151) 
operation 
 
LOSS AFTER TAX                                 (998)         (485) 
 
 
As the table above shows 2016 was a challenging year, in particular the second 
half due to a noticeable slowdown in trading post Brexit, coupled with the 
exiting of a number of employees and investment in strategically important new 
hires. 2016 was also a year of major long lasting change in all parts of the 
business and included the disposal of its non-core interest in Social Media 
Search ("SMS") at the year end. 
 
Strategic review and fundraising 
 
Following my appointment as Group CEO in April 2016 we carried out a granular 
review of each business within the Group, the services we provided and those 
who delivered them. This review focused on defining the Group's core brands on 
a sector-by-sector and function-by-function basis and examined how the Group's 
brands can develop complementary business practices, synergies and create cross 
selling opportunities. 
 
The Group raised GBP2.3m of new equity (before expenses) in September 2016 from 
both existing and new institutional shareholders (the "Subscription"). This 
growth capital was predominately raised to hire additional fee generating staff 
across the Group, repay GBP350,000 of secured loan notes, and to stabilise our 
working capital position. 
 
During 2016 and the early part of 2017 we significantly restructured the 
business in line with the outcome of the review. This has involved the 
recruitment and promotion of high quality leaders for our brands and has also 
resulted in circa 30 members of staff exiting the Group. These new appointments 
include an entire new Leadership Team consisting of the: 
 
·      Managing Partner of Norman Broadbent Executive Search 
 
·      Managing Director of Norman Broadbent Interim 
 
·      Group Head of Business Development 
 
·      Group Head of Research & Insight 
 
The fully integrated Leadership Team consisting of the heads of each business 
(as detailed above) plus myself, the Group CFO/COO, the Managing Director of 
Norman Broadbent Solutions (NBS) and the long-standing Head of our Board 
Practice now operationally runs the Group. 
 
2016 trading and business review 
 
In light of the fundamental changes which have been made right across the 
business there has inevitably been a short-term impact on the Group's revenue 
streams. Overall net revenues after associate and interim costs in the 
continuing businesses declined to GBP4,926,000 (2015: GBP6,527,000). Whilst 
operating expenses declined by 7% to GBP6,149,000 (2015: GBP6,626,000), the 
operating losses from continued operations increased to GBP1,223,000 (2015: Loss 
GBP99,000). 
 
Of this operating loss, circa GBP300,000 can be directly attributed to the cost 
of leavers (notice periods). In addition, although difficult to accurately 
quantify in monetary terms, typically there is a delay in new joiners starting 
to bill reflecting the impact of up to 6 months restrictive covenants 
applicable to senior movers in the industry. 
 
Note 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in the report and accounts 
provides a detailed segmental breakdown of the 2016 Group results. 
 
The overall loss was reduced by the GBP279,000 profit arising on the disposal of 
SMS on 31 December 2016. Note 9 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 
report and accounts provides further detail regarding the disposal. 
 
Norman Broadbent Executive Search ("NBES") 
 
NBES, which provides Board and Executive search services saw revenue decline by 
18% to GBP4,005,000 (2015: GBP4,885,000), resulting in a GBP328,000 loss before tax 
(2015: Profit GBP326,000). This decline reflected the significant personnel 
restructuring required to ensure that our team in the traditional core of the 
Group became more agile and better equipped to meet and exploit the changes, 
challenges and opportunities available to it. Along with the recruitment of the 
new head of NBES, we have raised - and will continue to raise - the bar 
significantly within NBES. The implementation of our strategy is seeing a 
significant reshaping of the NBES team. 
 
Norman Broadbent Leadership Consulting ("NBLC") 
 
NBLC revenues (after associate costs) were GBP252,000 (2015: GBP473,000), resulting 
in a loss before tax of GBP56,000 (2015: profit of GBP70,000). NBLC is an important 
part of our Group portfolio and offering going forward as clients seek to 
assess their existing talent, understand team dynamics, shape culture and 
de-risk new hires. 
 
Norman Broadbent Solutions ("NBS") 
 
NBS is our mezzanine-level search business. Formerly known as AGP, NBS was 
significantly restructured, repositioned and rebranded at the half year with 
the departure of the then business head and a number of senior staff. We have 
now reshaped the team by selectively promoting from within and attracting new 
talent from competitors. In light of the disruption from the staff changes 
revenue declined to GBP577,000 (2015: GBP993,000) with a loss before tax of GBP 
357,000 (2015: Loss GBP100,000). 
 
Unusually for a business operating at this level, NBS now operates on a fully 
retained basis. NBS is well positioned with a revitalised and focused team and 
a much closer working relationship with other businesses in the Group. As with 
NBES, we see significant opportunities in this part of the market as we blend 
service lines within our portfolio to provide optimal client solutions ranging 
from single hires through to longer-term team builds. 
 
Norman Broadbent Interim Management ("NBIM") 
 
NBIM operates in the senior interim management market and is complimentary to 
NBES. NBIM generated net revenues (after interim costs) of GBP191,000 (2015: GBP 
394,000), resulting in a profit before tax of GBP60,000 (2015: Loss GBP124,000). 
 
NBIM was relaunched in October 2016 with the appointment of a new Managing 
Director. Following the hiring of an entire new team, NBIM is now positioned to 
trade across most of our key areas of market and functional specialisations. 
Unlike many Interim providers NBIM is increasingly operating in high margin 
markets and in the change/transformation space. 
 
Research and Insight 
 
We have invested in Research & Insight, which, in addition to serving our own 
internal requirements, has started to provide complimentary client services 
alongside NBES, NBS, NBIM and NBLC. Clients can be provided with research and 
market insight which enables them to make more informed 'people', 
organisational or business decisions. We see this as an exciting addition to 
our portfolio and it is a service we are increasingly offering to executive 
search clients. 
 
Financial position 
 
As at 31 December 2016, consolidated net assets were GBP2,434,000 (2015: GBP 
1,205,000) with net current assets increasing to GBP825,000 from GBP166,000 in 
2015. Group cash amounted to GBP963,000 (2015: GBP448,000). 
 
Net cash outflow from operations in 2016 was GBP797,000 (2015: GBP590,000). Net 
cash inflow from financing activities amounted to GBP1,404,000 (2015: GBP595,000) 
relating primarily to the net funds received from the 2016 Subscription offset 
by the repayment of the Secured Loan Notes and reduced utilisation of the 
invoice discounting facility. 
 
At 31 December 2016 the Group had GBP444,000 of funds drawn down against the 
revolving invoice discounting facility (2015: GBP918,000) against UK trade 
receivables of GBP634,000 (2015: GBP1,264,000). Encouragingly, debtor days have 
reduced to 43 (2015: 67). 
 
Current trading 
 
Our strategic objective is the creation of multiple revenue streams (including 
some recurring/contractual revenue which is deemed to be of higher value) and 
reducing our over reliance on 'lumpy' one-off search fees. This blend of 
fee-income should allow for a re-rating giving added value to the Group. 
 
I am pleased to report that in the first quarter of 2017 overall Group revenue 
was ahead of the Board's plan. Trading was down in April in part due to the 
greater than anticipated impact of Easter. The Group has however experienced a 
recovery in May trading in line with the Board's plan. 
 
NBLC in particular has performed exceptionally well, exceeding its annual 
budget in the first four months of 2017, whilst NBIM was ahead of plan. NBS 
performed in line with our expectations in Q1 however like NBES trading was 
down in April. The business has performed strongly in May with the most 
retainer wins so far this year, and encouragingly we are seeing a noticeable 
increase in the level of referrals from our executive search business. 
 
Disappointingly NBES has underperformed against plan. As a result, the Board 
has taken decisive action which has resulted in a further significant 
restructure in Q1 2017 with a number of execution consultants leaving the 
business. We have started the process of replacing those consultants with fee 
generating consultants. Since the start of the year 3 new fee generating 
consultants have joined NBES (including the new Managing Partner in February). 
NBES has now been stabilised and is focussed on growth through the continued 
hiring of high calibre fee earners in Q2, and encouragingly new retainer wins 
in May are the highest so far this year. 
 
The benefit of the many new hires made across the Group in Q4 2016 and Q1 2017 
is expected to be realised during the second half of 2017. 
 
Mike Brennan 
 
Group Chief Executive 
 
2 June 2017 
 
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2016 
 
The business model 
 
Norman Broadbent plc is a provider of Talent Acquisition and Advisory Services, 
consisting of board and executive search, senior interim management, leadership 
consulting and assessment, and mezzanine level search. 
 
The Group operates through independently managed and separately branded 
businesses which trade independently but collectively share a set of core 
behavioural and brand values. 
 
Strategy and objectives 
 
The Groups strategy is focussed on further developing and strengthening its 
diverse portfolio of Talent Acquisition and Advisory businesses by further 
selective hires and concentrating on driving synergies via cross selling. 
 
Results for the financial year 
 
Group revenue from continued operations decreased in the year by 31% to GBP 
5,661,000 (2015: GBP8,274,000), with gross profit of GBP4,926,000 (2015: GBP 
6,527,000). NBES fees declined by 18% to GBP4,005,000 (2015: GBP4,885,000) 
reflecting the reduction in fee generating headcount due to restructure. Net 
revenues from NBLC, NBS and NBIM were GBP1,013,000 (GBP1,655,000), reflecting the 
significant restructuring of NBI and NBS during 2016. 
 
Operating expenditure decreased to GBP6,149,000 (2015: GBP6,626,000), reflecting 
the impact of the restructuring that took place in all businesses during 2016. 
 
The Group reported an operating loss from continued operations in 2016 of GBP 
1,223,000 (2015: GBP99,000) and a retained loss of GBP998,000 (2015: GBP485,000). 
 
Cash flow and balance sheet 
 
Net cash outflow from operations in 2016 was GBP797,000 (2015: GBP590,000). Group 
debtor days have decreased to 43 days with net trade receivables at the 
year-end standing at GBP697,000 (2015: GBP1,570,000). Management continue to 
monitor this Key Performance Indicator and aim to maintain debtor days at a 
level which is no higher than 60. 
 
Net cash inflow from financing activities amounted to GBP1,404,000 (2015: GBP 
595,000) relating primarily to the net funds received from the fundraising in 
September 2016. At 31 December 2016, the Group had GBP444,000 of funds drawn down 
against the revolving invoice discounting facility (2015: GBP918,000) against UK 
trade receivables of GBP634,000 (2015: GBP1,264,000). 
 
Earnings per share 
 
The retained loss for 2016 has resulted in a reported loss per share of 5.36 
pence (2015: loss per share 2.59 pence). After adding back the cost of share 
based payments the adjusted loss per share was 5.32 pence (2015: loss per share 
2.59 pence). 
 
Going concern 
 
In light of the current financial position of the Group and on consideration of 
the business' forecasts and projections, taking account of possible changes in 
trading performance, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group 
has adequate available resources to continue as a going concern for the 
foreseeable future. For these reasons, they continue to adopt the going concern 
basis in preparing their annual report and financial statements. 
 
Monitoring, risk and KPIs 
 
The directors have a responsibility for identifying risks facing each of the 
businesses and for putting in place procedures to mitigate and monitor risks. 
Board meetings incorporate, amongst other agenda items, a review of monthly 
management accounts, operational and financial KPIs and major issues and risks 
facing the business. 
 
The most important KPIs used in monitoring the business are set out in the 
following table: 
 
Key performance indicators          2016          2015 
 
Revenue (continued            GBP5,661,000    GBP8,274,000 
operations) 
 
Operating loss              GBP(1,223,000)     GBP(99,000) 
 
Revenue from new clients *           37%           26% 
 
Debtor days                      43 days       67 days 
 
* NBES Only 
 
The directors monitor revenue against annual targets, which are adjusted each 
year to ensure the Group remains on target to achieve its strategic growth 
plan. Further, given the significant investment in new headcount in NBES, NBS 
and NBI the directors expect Group revenues and operating profits to improve 
over the next few years. 
 
The principal risks faced by the Group in the current economic climate are 
considered to be financial, business environment and people related. 
 
Financial 
 
The main financial risks arising from the Group's operations are the adequacy 
of working capital, interest rate, liquidity and credit risk. These are 
monitored regularly by the Board and are disclosed further in notes 2 and 19 of 
the financial statements in the report and accounts. 
 
In September 2016, the Group raised GBP2,300,000 (before expenses) from existing 
and new institutional shareholders. This followed successful share placings in 
November 2014, October 2013, November 2012 and May 2011, raising gross amounts 
of GBP500,000, GBP700,000, GBP727,000 and GBP1,750,000 respectively, which have 
provided the Group with the financing to progress towards its stated 
objectives. 
 
The business is in the later stages of the turnaround process and is budgeted 
to be self-funding. In turnarounds there is always a risk that the process 
could take longer than anticipated which could lead to short term working 
capital pressures. In the event of such an occurrence the company anticipates 
working closely with its supportive shareholders to access short term working 
capital funding. 
 
Business Environment 
 
Demand for services is affected by global economic conditions and the level of 
economic activity in the regions and industries in which the Group operates. 
When conditions in the global economy deteriorate or economic activity slows, 
many companies hire fewer permanent employees or rely on internal human 
resource departments to recruit staff. Whilst there are signs that the global 
economy is starting to recover, should conditions deteriorate further in the 
future then demand for the services offered by the Group could weaken resulting 
in lower cash flows. 
 
The Group attempts to mitigate this risk by operating across various diverse 
sectors where demand for such services are stronger. 
 
People 
 
The Group's most vital resource remains its employees and the directors remain 
committed to retaining and recruiting quality staff who share the Group's 
culture and values. In a people intensive business, the resignation of key 
staff, which could lead to them taking clients, candidates and colleagues to 
another employer, is a significant risk. The Group aims to mitigate this risk 
by offering competitive remuneration structures, whilst also insisting on 
employment contracts that contain restrictive covenants that limit a leaver's 
ability to approach existing clients, candidates and employees. 
 
Cautionary statement 
 
This Strategic Report has been prepared solely to provide additional 
information to shareholders to assess the Company's strategies and the 
potential for those strategies to succeed. 
 
The Strategic Report contains certain forward-looking statements. These 
statements are made by the directors in good faith based on the information 
available to them up to the time of their approval of this report and such 
statements should be treated with caution due to the inherent uncertainties, 
including both economic and business risk factors, underlying any such 
forward-looking information. 
 
The directors, in preparing this Strategic Report, have complied with s414C of 
the Companies Act 2006. The Strategic Report has been prepared for the Group as 
a whole and therefore gives greater emphasis to those matters which are 
significant to Norman Broadbent plc and its subsidiary undertakings when viewed 
as a whole. 
 
Mike Brennan                                James Webber 
Director                                    Director 
2 June 2017                                 2 June 2017 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
 
For the year ended 31 December 2016 
 
                                                                            Re-presented 
 
                                            Note                     2016           2015 
 
                                                                     GBP000           GBP000 
 
  CONTINUING OPERATIONS 
 
Revenue                                      1/2                    5,661          8,274 
 
Cost of sales                                                       (735)        (1,747) 
 
Gross profit                                  2                     4,926          6,527 
 
Operating expenses                                                (6,149)        (6,626) 
 
Operating loss from continued operations                          (1,223)           (99) 
 
Net finance cost                              6                      (54)           (41) 
 
Non-recurring exceptional Items               7                         -          (194) 
 
LOSS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE INCOME     3                   (1,277)          (334) 
TAX 
 
Income tax expense                            5                         -              - 
 
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS                                   (1,277)          (334) 
 
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 
 
Profit/(Loss) from discontinued operation     8                       279          (151) 
 
LOSS FOR THE PERIOD                                                 (998)          (485) 
 
 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
 
                                                                        -              - 
Foreign currency translation differences - 
foreign operations 
 
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR                             (998)          (485) 
 
Loss attributable to: 
 
 Owners of the Company                                            (1,304)          (452) 
 
 Non-controlling interests                                            306           (33) 
 
                                                                    (998)          (485) 
Loss for the year 
 
Total comprehensive income attributable 
to: 
 
 Owners of the Company                                            (1,304)          (452) 
 
 Non-controlling interests                                            306           (33) 
 
                                                                    (998)          (485) 
Total comprehensive income for the year 
 
 
Loss per share 
 
 - Basic                                      9                   (5.36)p        (2.59)p 
 
 - Diluted                                                        (5.36)p        (2.59)p 
 
Adjusted loss per share 
 
 - Basic                                      9                   (5.32)p        (2.59)p 
 
 - Diluted                                                        (5.32)p        (2.59)p 
 
Loss per share - continuing operations 
 
 - Basic                                      9                   (5.25)p        (1.92)p 
 
 - Diluted                                                        (5.25)p        (1.92)p 
 
Adjusted loss per share - continuing 
operations 
 
 - Basic                                                          (5.21)p        (1.92)p 
 
 - Diluted                                    9                   (5.21)p        (1.92)p 
 
2015 re-presented to show the discontinued operation separately from continued 
operations as required by IFRS 5. 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 
 
As at 31 December 2016 
 
                                          Notes                     2016           2015 
 
                                                                    GBP000           GBP000 
 
Non-Current Assets 
 
Intangible assets                          11                      1,363          1,363 
 
Property, plant and equipment              12                         68             82 
 
Trade and other receivables                14                        234              - 
 
Deferred tax assets                         5                         69             69 
 
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS                                           1,734          1,514 
 
Current Assets 
 
Trade and other receivables                14                      1,347          2,172 
 
Cash and cash equivalents                  15                        963            448 
 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                                               2,310          2,620 
 
TOTAL ASSETS                                                       4,044          4,134 
 
Current Liabilities 
 
Trade and other payables                   16                      1,041          1,536 
 
Bank overdraft and interest bearing        17                        444            918 
loans 
 
Corporation tax liability                                              -              - 
 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                                          1,485          2,454 
 
NET CURRENT ASSETS                                                   825            166 
 
Non-Current Liabilities 
 
Loan notes                                 17                          -            350 
 
Provisions                                 22                        125            125 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES                                                  1,610          2,929 
 
TOTAL ASSETS LESS TOTAL LIABILITIES                                2,434          1,205 
 
EQUITY 
 
Issued share capital                       19                      6,143          5,901 
 
Share premium account                      19                     12,685         10,699 
 
Retained earnings                                               (16,394)       (15,101) 
 
EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE COMPANY                       2,434          1,499 
 
Non-controlling interests                                              -          (294) 
 
TOTAL EQUITY                                                       2,434          1,205 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
 
For the year ended 31 December 2016 
 
                                      Attributable to owners of the 
                                                 Company 
 
CONSOLIDATED GROUP                                                       Non-controlling 
                                     Share     Share  Retained     Total       interests   Total 
                                   Capital   Premium  Earnings    Equity            GBP000  Equity 
                                      GBP000      GBP000      GBP000      GBP000                    GBP000 
 
Balance at 1 January 2015            5,901    10,699  (14,649)     1,951           (261)   1,690 
 
Loss for the year                        -         -     (452)     (452)            (33)   (485) 
 
Adjustment for discontinued              -         -         -         -               -       - 
operation 
 
Total other comprehensive income         -         -         -         -               -       - 
 
Total comprehensive income for the       -         -     (452)     (452)            (33)   (485) 
year 
 
Transactions with owners of the 
Company, recognised directly in 
equity: 
 
Issue of ordinary shares                 -         -         -         -               -       - 
 
Credit to equity for share based         -         -         -         -               -       - 
payments 
 
Total transactions with owners of 
the Company, recognised directly         -         -         -         -               -       - 
in equity 
 
Total transactions with owners of        -         -         -         -               -       - 
the Company 
 
 
Balance at 31 December 2015          5,901    10,699  (15,101)     1,499           (294)   1,205 
 
Balance at 1 January 2016 
 
Loss for the year                        -         -   (1,304)   (1,304)             306   (998) 
 
Adjustment for discontinued              -         -         -         -               -       - 
operation 
 
Total other comprehensive income         -         -         -         -               -       - 
 
Total comprehensive income for the       -         -   (1,304)   (1,304)             306   (998) 
year 
 
Transactions with owners of the 
Company, recognised directly in 
equity: 
 
Issue of ordinary shares               242     1,986         -     2,228               -   2,228 
 
Credit to equity for share based         -         -        11        11               -      11 
payments 
 
Total transactions with owners of 
the Company, recognised directly       242     1,986        11     2,239               -   2,239 
in equity 
 
Change in ownership interest in 
subsidiaries 
 
Disposal of non-controlling              -         -         -         -            (12)    (12) 
interest with 
change of control 
 
Total transaction with owners of       242     1,986      11       2,239            (12)   2,227 
the Company 
 
 
Balance at 31 December 2016          6,143    12,685  (16,394)     2,434               -   2,434 
 
 
Share Capital 
 
This represents the nominal value of shares that have been issued by the 
Company. 
 
Share Premium 
 
This reserve records the amount above the nominal value received for shares 
issued by the Company. Share premium may only be utilised to write-off any 
expenses incurred or commissions paid on the issue of those shares, or to pay 
up new shares to be allotted to members as fully paid bonus shares. 
 
Retained Earnings 
 
This reserve comprises all current and prior period retained profits and losses 
after deducting any distributions made to the Company's shareholders. 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW 
 
For the year ended 31 December 2016 
 
                                                                           Re-presented 
 
                                               Notes                 2016          2015 
 
                                                                     GBP000          GBP000 
 
 
Net cash used in operating activities           (i)                 (797)         (590) 
 
Cash flows from investing activities and servicing of 
finance 
 
Net finance cost                                                     (54)          (41) 
 
Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets       12                   (24)          (22) 
 
Disposal of subsidiary, inclusive of cash        8                   (15)             - 
disposed of 
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities                                (93)          (63) 
 
Cash flows from financing activities 
 
(Repayment)/Proceeds of borrowings              17                  (350)           350 
 
Net cash inflows from equity placing            19                  2,228             - 
 
Increase/(Repayment) in invoice discounting     17                  (474)           245 
 
 
Net cash from financing activities                                  1,404           595 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                             514          (58) 
 
Net cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                  448           506 
 
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash balances held in               1             - 
foreign currencies 
 
 
Net cash and cash equivalents at end of period                        963           448 
 
Analysis of net funds 
 
Cash and cash equivalents                                             963           448 
 
Borrowings due within one year                                      (444)         (918) 
 
 
Net funds                                                           (519)         (470) 
 
Note (i) 
 
Reconciliation of operating loss to net cash from operating          2016          2015 
activities                                                           GBP000          GBP000 
 
 
Operating loss from continued operations                            (914)          (99) 
 
Operating loss from discontinued operations (note 8)                 (30)         (147) 
 
Depreciation/impairment of property, plant and equipment               38            45 
 
Exceptional items                                                       -         (194) 
 
Share based payment charge                                             11             - 
 
Decrease/(Increase) in trade and other receivables                    871         (209) 
 
Profit on sale of Investment                                        (309)             - 
 
(Decrease)/Increase in trade and other payables                     (464)            18 
 
Taxation paid                                                           -           (4) 
 
 
Net cash used in operating activities                               (797)         (590) 
 
 
1.       SIGNIFICANT 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 
both years presented unless otherwise stated. 
 
1.1     Basis of preparation 
 
The consolidated financial statements of Norman Broadbent plc ("Norman 
Broadbent" or "the Company") have been prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union 
(IFRS as adopted by the EU), IFRIC interpretations and the Companies Act 2006 
applicable to Companies reporting under IFRS. The consolidated financial 
statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified 
by the revaluation of financial assets and liabilities (including derivative 
instruments) at fair value through profit or loss. The consolidated financial 
statements are presented in pounds and all values are rounded to the nearest 
thousand (GBP000), except when otherwise indicated. 
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the 
use of certain critical accounting estimates.  It also requires management to 
exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group's accounting 
policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or 
areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated 
financial statements are disclosed in note 1.21 of the report and accounts. 
 
1.1.1  Going concern 
 
The Group reported an operating loss from continued operations in the year to 
31 December 2016 of GBP1.2m compared with an operating loss of GBP0.1m in 2015.  In 
September 2016 the Group raised GBP2.3m of new equity (before expenses) from both 
existing and new institutional shareholders which has enabled the business to 
restructure further, to hire additional fee generating staff across the Group 
and to provide a more stable working capital position. 
 
The Consolidated Statement of Financial Position shows a net asset position at 
31 December 2016 of GBP2.4m (2015: GBP1.2m) with cash at bank of GBP1.0m (2015: GBP 
0.4m). At the date that these financial statements were approved the Group had 
no overdraft facility, and the only borrowings were its receivable finance 
(Leumi ABL) which is 100% secured by the Group's trade receivables. 
 
In light of the current financial position of the Group and on consideration of 
the business' forecasts and projections, taking account of possible changes in 
trading performance, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group 
has adequate available resources to continue as a going concern for the 
foreseeable future. For these reasons, they continue to adopt the going concern 
basis in preparing their annual report and financial statements. 
 
2.       SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS 
 
Management has determined the operating segments based on the reports reviewed 
regularly by the Board for use in deciding how to allocate resources and in 
assessing performance. The Board considers Group operations from both a class 
of business and geographic perspective. Each class of business derives its 
revenues from the supply of a particular recruitment related service, from 
retained executive search through to executive assessment and coaching. 
Business segment results are reviewed primarily to operating profit level, 
which includes employee costs, marketing, office and accommodation costs and 
appropriate recharges for management time. 
 
Group revenues are primarily driven from UK operations, however when revenue is 
derived from overseas business the results are presented to the Board by 
geographic region to identify potential areas for growth or those posing 
potential risks to the Group. 
 
i)        Class of Business: 
 
The analysis by class of business of the Group's turnover and profit before 
taxation is set out below: 
 
                          Executive                            Disc.       Un- 
2016                         Search    NBLC   NBS    NBIM  Operation allocated   Total 
                               GBP000    GBP000  GBP000    GBP000       GBP000      GBP000    GBP000 
 
Revenue                       4,005     293   577     786        470         -   6,131 
 
Cost of sales                  (92)    (41)   (7)   (595)          -         -   (735) 
 
Gross profit                  3,913     252   570     191        470         -   5,396 
 
Operating expenses          (4,195)   (308) (918)   (127)      (497)     (566) (6,611) 
 
Depreciation and amort.        (29)       -   (6)       -        (3)         -    (38) 
 
Finance costs                  (17)       -   (3)     (4)          -      (30)    (54) 
 
Profit / (Loss) on                -       -     -       -        309         -     309 
disposal of investment 
 
Profit/(Loss) before tax      (328)    (56) (357)      60        279     (596)   (998) 
 
 
 
2015                      Executive                            Disc.       Un- 
                             Search    NBLC   NBS    NBIM  Operation allocated   Total 
                               GBP000    GBP000  GBP000    GBP000       GBP000      GBP000    GBP000 
 
Revenue                       4,885     601   993   1,791        488         4   8,762 
 
Cost of sales                  (17)   (128) (205) (1,397)          -         - (1,747) 
 
Gross profit                  4,868     473   788     394        488         4   7,015 
 
Operating expenses          (4,417)   (403) (879)   (510)      (630)     (377) (7,216) 
 
Depreciation and amort.        (35)       -   (5)       -        (5)         -    (45) 
 
Finance costs                  (22)       -   (4)     (8)          -       (7)    (41) 
 
Exceptional items              (68)       -     -       -          -     (126)   (194) 
 
Profit/(Loss) before tax        326      70 (100)   (124)      (147)     (506)   (481) 
 
ii)         Revenue and gross profit by geography 
 
                                                                       Gross    Gross 
                                                  Revenue   Revenue   Profit   Profit 
                                                2016 GBP000 2015 GBP000   2016 GBP   2015 GBP 
                                                                         000      000 
 
United Kingdom                                      6,030     8,607    5,295    6,859 
 
Rest of the world                                     101       155      101      156 
 
Total                                               6,131     8,762    5,396    7,015 
 
3.       LOSS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAXATION 
 
                                                                      2016          2015 
 
                                                                      GBP000          GBP000 
 
Loss on ordinary activities before taxation is stated after charging: 
 
Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment            38            45 
 
Gain on foreign currency exchange                                        -             - 
 
Staff costs (see note 4)                                             4,734         5,554 
 
Operating lease rentals: 
 
   Land and buildings                                                  424           424 
 
Auditors' remuneration: 
 
   Audit work                                                           49            49 
 
   Non-audit work                                                        -             - 
 
The Company audit fee in the year was GBP12,500 (2015: GBP12,000). 
 
4.       STAFF COSTS 
 
The average number of full time equivalent persons                    2016          2015 
(including directors) employed by the Group during the              Number        Number 
period was as follows: 
 
Sales and related services                                              45            46 
 
Administration                                                          18            21 
 
                                                                        63            67 
 
  Staff costs (for the above persons):                                GBP000          GBP000 
 
Wages and salaries                                                   4,136         4,883 
 
Social security costs                                                  450           502 
 
Defined contribution pension cost                                      137           169 
 
Share based payment expense                                             11             - 
 
                                                                     4,734         5,554 
 
The emoluments of the directors are disclosed as required by the Companies Act 
2006 on page 14 in the Directors' Remuneration Report in the report and 
accounts. The table of directors' emoluments has been audited and forms part of 
these financial statements. This also includes details of the highest paid 
director. 
 
5.         TAX EXPENSE 
 
(a)     Tax charged in the income statement 
 
                                                                     2016          2015 
Taxation is based on the loss for the year and comprises:            GBP000          GBP000 
 
 
Current tax: 
 
United Kingdom corporation tax at 20% (2014: 20.25%) based on 
loss for the year                                                       -             - 
 
Foreign Tax                                                             -             4 
 
Total current tax                                                       -             4 
 
Deferred tax: 
 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences                       -             - 
 
Tax charge/(credit)                                                     -             4 
 
 
(b)     Reconciliation of the total tax charge 
 
The difference between the current tax shown above and the amount calculated by 
applying the standard rate of UK corporation tax to the profit before tax is as 
follows: 
 
                                                                      2016          2015 
 
                                                                      GBP000          GBP000 
 
Loss on ordinary activities before                                   (998)         (481) 
taxation 
 
Tax on loss on ordinary activities at 
standard UK corporation tax rate of 20%                              (199)          (98) 
(2015: 20.25%) 
 
Effects of: 
 
Expenses not deductible                                                 27            19 
 
Foreign tax suffered                                                     -             4 
 
Substantial shareholding exemption                                    (62)             - 
 
Capital allowances in excess of                                          4             6 
depreciation 
 
Intercompany loan write off                                             66             - 
 
Pension accrual movement                                                 3           (1) 
 
Adjustment to losses carried forward                                   161            74 
 
Current tax charge for the year                                          -             4 
 
(c)     Deferred tax 
 
                                                                Tax losses         Total 
 
                                                                      GBP000          GBP000 
 
At 1 January 2015                                                     (69)          (69) 
 
Credited to the income statement in 2015                                 -             - 
 
 
At 31 December 2015                                                   (69)          (69) 
 
Credited to the income statement in 2016                                 -             - 
 
 
At 31 December 2016                                                   (69)          (69) 
 
At 31 December 2016 the Group had capital losses carried forward of GBP8,130,000 
(2015: GBP8,130,000). A deferred tax asset has not been recognised for the 
capital losses as the recoverability in the near future is uncertain. The Group 
also has GBP11,761,103 (2015: GBP11,812,042) trading losses carried forward, which 
includes GBP8,987,000 losses transferred from BNB Recruitment Consultancy Ltd in 
2011. A deferred tax asset of GBP1,357,834 (2015: GBP1,355,756) has not been 
recognised in the financial statements due to the inherent uncertainty as to 
the quantum and timing of its utilisation. 
 
The analysis of deferred tax in the consolidated balance sheet is as follows: 
 
                                                                      2016          2015 
 
Deferred tax assets:                                                  GBP000          GBP000 
 
Tax losses carried forward                                              69            69 
 
Total                                                                   69            69 
 
6.       NET FINANCE COST 
 
                                                                    2016          2015 
 
                                                                    GBP000          GBP000 
 
Interest payable on bank loans and overdrafts                         54            41 
 
Total                                                                 54            41 
 
7.       NON-RECURRING EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS 
 
                                                                   2016          2015 
                                                                   GBP000          GBP000 
 
Personnel                                                             -           194 
 
Balance at end of period                                              -           194 
 
Non-recurring exceptional items in 2015 comprised costs and contractual 
payments incurred by the Group in relation to the restructuring of the Board. 
This included the retirement of P Casey and S O'Brien and J Cameron leaving the 
Group. They are highlighted in the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income because separate disclosure is considered appropriate in understanding 
the underlying performance of the business. 
 
8.       DISCONTINUED OPERATION 
 
During 2016, the Group sold its 51% stake in Social Media Search Limited. This 
segment was not a discontinued operation or classified as held for sale at 31 
December 2015 and the comparative consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income has been re-presented to show the discontinued operation separately from 
continued operations. Under the terms of the Sale and Purchase Agreement 
("SPA"), Norman Broadbent will receive a cash consideration of GBP325,000 for 
Social Media Search. As at the end of May, the company has received GBP27,050 
which equates to 5 payments of GBP5,410. 
 
                                                                          Re-presented 
 
                                                                2016              2015 
                                                                GBP000              GBP000 
 
Results from discontinued operation 
 
Revenue                                                          470               488 
 
Operating Expenses                                             (500)             (635) 
 
Results from operating activities                               (30)             (147) 
 
Net finance cost                                                   -                 - 
 
Exceptional items                                                655                 - 
 
Tax                                                                -               (4) 
 
Profit/(Loss) on ordinary activities before                      625             (151) 
taxation 
 
 Minority Interest                                             (306)                33 
 
Profit/(Loss) attributable to the owners                         319             (118) 
 
Profit on disposal of subsidiary                                 309                 - 
 
Profit for the year from discontinued operations                 628             (118) 
(attributable to the owners) 
 
The profit from discontinued operations disclosed within the Consolidated 
Income Statement of GBP278,900 consists of the operating loss of GBP(30,000) and 
the profit on disposal of the subsidiary of GBP309,900. The exceptional item, 
relating to the write off of intercompany loan accounts, has been eliminated on 
consolidation within the Consolidated Income Statement 
 
                                                                2016              2015 
                                                                GBP000              GBP000 
 
Effect of disposal on the financial position of 
the Group 
 
Trade and other receivables                                       42                 - 
 
Cash and cash equivalents                                         15                 - 
 
Trade and other payables                                        (31)                 - 
 
Net assets and liabilities                                        26                 - 
 
   Consideration received, satisfied in cash                       -                 - 
 
   Cash and Cash equivalents disposed of                        (15)                 - 
 
Net cash outflow                                                (15)                 - 
 
9.       EARNINGS PER SHARE 
 
i)        Basic earnings per share 
 
This is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the 
Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the 
period: 
 
                                                                     2016          2015 
 
Loss attributable to owners of the                                      GBP    GBP(452,000) 
company                                                       (1,304,000) 
 
Weighted average number of ordinary                            24,316,626    17,416,487 
shares 
 
 
ii)       Diluted earnings per share 
 
This is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares 
outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. The 
Company has two categories of dilutive potential ordinary shares: share options 
and warrants. For these options and warrants, a calculation is done to 
determine the number of shares that could have been acquired at fair value 
(determined as the average annual market share price of the Company's shares) 
based on the monetary value of the subscription rights attached to the 
outstanding warrants and options. The number of shares calculated as above is 
compared with the number of shares that would have been issued assuming the 
exercise of the share options. 
 
The grants of options in 2016 have both profitability and share price exercise 
criteria. 
 
                                                                      2016          2015 
 
Loss attributable to owners of the                                       GBP    GBP(452,000) 
company                                                        (1,304,000) 
 
Weighted average number of ordinary                             24,316,626    17,416,487 
shares 
 
- assumed conversion of share options                                    -             - 
 
- assumed conversion of warrants                                         -             - 
 
Total                                                           24,316,626    17,416,487 
 
iii)      Adjusted earnings per share 
 
An adjusted earnings per share has also been calculated in addition to the 
basic and diluted earnings per share and is based on earnings adjusted to 
eliminate the effects of charges for share based payments.  It has been 
calculated to allow shareholders to gain a clearer understanding of the trading 
performance of the Group. 
 
                                          2016                          2015 
 
                                            Basic   Diluted               Basic   Diluted 
                                        pence per pence per           pence per pence per 
                                   GBP000     share     share      GBP000     share     share 
 
Basic earnings 
 
Loss after tax                  (1,304)    (5.36)    (5.36)     (452)    (2.59)    (2.59) 
 
Adjustments 
 
Share based payment charge           11      0.04      0.04         -         -         - 
 
Adjusted earnings               (1,293)    (5.32)    (5.32)     (452)    (2.59)    (2.59) 
 
10.     PROFIT OF PARENT COMPANY 
 
As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the income statement of 
the parent company is not presented as part of these accounts. The parent 
company's loss for the year amounted to GBP541,000 (2015: GBP119,000). 
 
11.     INTANGIBLE ASSETS 
 
                                                                               Goodwill 
                                                                             arising on 
                                                                          consolidation 
                                                                                   GBP000 
 
Cost 
 
Balance at 1 January 2015                                                         3,690 
 
Balance at 31 December 2015                                                       3,690 
 
Balance at 31 December 2016                                                       3,690 
 
Provision for impairment 
 
Balance at 1 January 2015                                                         2,327 
 
Balance at 31 December 2015                                                       2,327 
 
Balance at 31 December 2016                                                       2,327 
 
Net book value 
 
At 1 January 2015                                                                 1,363 
 
 
At 31 December 2015                                                               1,363 
 
At 31 December 2016                                                               1,363 
 
Goodwill acquired through business combinations is allocated to cash-generating 
units (CGU) identified at entity level.  The carrying value of intangibles 
allocated by CGU is shown below: 
 
                                                                 Human Asset 
                                                       Norman    Development 
                                                    Broadbent  International      Total 
                                                         GBP000           GBP000       GBP000 
 
At 1 January 2015                                       1,303             60      1,363 
 
At 31 December 2015                                     1,303             60      1,363 
 
At 31 December 2016                                     1,303             60      1,363 
 
HADIL has been re-branded to Norman Broadbent Leadership Consulting. 
 
In line with International Financial Reporting Standards, goodwill has not been 
amortised from the transition date, but has instead been subject to an 
impairment review by the directors of the Group. As set out in accounting 
policy note 1 on page 26 of the report and accounts, the directors test the 
goodwill for impairment annually. The recoverable amount of the Group's CGUs 
are calculated on the present value of their respective expected future cash 
flows, applying a weighted average cost of capital in line with businesses in 
the same sector. Pre-tax future cash flows for the next five years are derived 
from the approved forecasts for the 2017 financial year. 
 
The key assumption applied to the forecasts for the business is that return on 
sales for Norman Broadbent is expected to be a minimum of 9% per annum for the 
foreseeable future (2015: 15%) and 19% for Human Asset Development 
International (2015: 9%). Return on sales defined as the expected profit before 
tax on net revenue.  There are only minimal non cash flows included in profit 
before tax. The rate used to discount the forecast cash flows is 10% (2015: 
12%). 
 
The five year forecasts have been prepared using conservative revenue growth 
rates to reflect the uncertainty that is still present in the economy.  Based 
on the above assumptions, at 31 December 2016 the recoverable value of the 
Norman Broadbent CGU is GBP1,500,000 and the Human Asset Development 
International CGU is GBP611,000. Return on sales would need to fall below 8% for 
the Norman Broadbent goodwill to be impaired and below 2% for Human Asset 
Development International goodwill to be impaired. 
 
12.        PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 
 
                                      Land and Office and 
                                   buildings -   computer   Fixtures     Motor 
                                     leasehold  equipment        and  Vehicles     Total 
                                          GBP000       GBP000   fittings      GBP000      GBP000 
                                                                GBP000 
 
J 
 
Cost 
 
Balance at 1 January 2015                   84        184         47         -       315 
 
Additions                                    -         22          -         -        22 
 
Disposals                                    -          -          -         -         - 
 
Balance at 31 December 2015                 84        206         47         -       337 
 
Additions                                    -         14         10         -        24 
 
Disposals                                    -       (74)          -         -      (74) 
 
Balance at 31 December 2016                 84        146         57         -       287 
 
Accumulated depreciation 
 
Balance at 1 January 2015                   30        135         45         -       210 
 
Charge for the year                         16         28          1         -        45 
 
Disposals                                    -          -          -         -         - 
 
Balance at 31 December 2015                 46        163         46         -       255 
 
Charge for the year                         16         21          1         -        38 
 
Disposals                                    -       (74)          -         -      (74) 
 
Balance at 31 December 2016                 62        110         47         -       219 
 
Net book value 
 
At 1 January 2015                           54         49          2         -       105 
 
                                            38         43          1         -        82 
At 31 December 2015 
 
At 31 December 2016                         22         36         10         -        68 
 
The Group had no capital commitments as at 31 December 2016 (2015: GBPNil). 
 
The above assets are owned by Group companies; the Company has no fixed assets. 
 
13.       INVESTMENTS 
 
                                                                            Shares in 
Company                                                                    subsidiary 
                                                                         undertakings 
 
                                                                                 GBP000 
 
Cost 
 
Balance at 1 January 2015                                                       5,802 
 
Disposals (see note below)                                                          - 
 
Balance at 31 December 2015                                                     5,802 
 
Balance at 31 December 2016                                                     5,802 
 
Provision for impairment 
 
Balance at 1 January 2015                                                       3,926 
 
Balance at 31 December 2015                                                     3,926 
 
Balance at 31 December 2016                                                     3,926 
 
Net book value 
 
At 1 January 2015                                                               1,876 
 
At 31 December 2015                                                             1,876 
 
At 31 December 2016                                                             1,876 
 
In 2016, the Company disposed of its 51% interest in Social Media Search 
Limited for a total consideration of GBP325,000 (see note 8). 
 
At 31 December 2016 the Company held the following ownership interests: 
 
Principal Group investments:            Country of 
                                  incorporation or                     Description and 
                                  registration and                       proportion of 
                                         operation        Principal shares held by the 
                                                         activities            Company 
 
Norman Broadbent Executive       England and Wales Executive search      100% ordinary 
Search Ltd                                                                      shares 
 
Norman Broadbent Overseas Ltd    England and Wales Executive search      100% ordinary 
                                                                                shares 
 
Norman Broadbent Leadership      England and Wales      Assessment,      100% ordinary 
Consulting Limited                                     coaching and             shares 
                                                       talent mgmt. 
 
NB Solutions Ltd                 England and Wales  Mezzanine level      100% ordinary 
                                                             search             shares 
 
Bancomm Ltd **                   England and Wales          Dormant      100% ordinary 
                                                                                shares 
 
Norman Broadbent Ireland Ltd*          Republic of          Dormant      100% ordinary 
    **                                     Ireland                              shares 
 
Norman Broadbent Interim         England and Wales          Interim       75% ordinary 
Management Ltd                                           Management             shares 
 
* 100 % of the issued share capital of this company is owned by Norman 
Broadbent Overseas Ltd. 
 
** These companies are exempt from audit by virtue of provisions in the 
Companies Act 2006. Where required limited assurance procedures have been 
completed. 
 
14.               TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 
 
                                                   Group                Company 
 
                                                 2016       2015       2016       2015 
                                                 GBP000       GBP000       GBP000       GBP000 
 
Trade receivables                                 711      1,642          -          - 
 
Less: provision for impairment                   (14)       (72)          -          - 
 
Trade receivables - net                           697      1,570          -          - 
 
Other debtors                                     326        335          6          6 
 
Prepayments and accrued income                    558        267        336         10 
 
Due from Group undertakings                         -          -      4,199      3,673 
 
                                                1,581      2,172      4,541      3,689 
 
Non-Current                                       234          -        234          - 
 
Current                                         1,347      2,172      4,307      3,689 
 
Trade                                           1,581      2,172      4,541      3,689 
 
Non-current trade receivables is in relation to the cash consideration due from 
the sale of SMS. 
 
As at 31 December 2016, Group trade receivables of GBP597,000 (2015: GBP1,111,000) 
were past their due date but not impaired. They relate to customers with no 
default history. The aging profile of these receivables is as follows: 
 
                                                   Group                Company 
 
                                                 2016       2015       2016       2014 
                                                 GBP000       GBP000       GBP000       GBP000 
 
Up to 3 months                                    597      1,097          -          - 
 
3 to 6 months                                       -         14          -          - 
 
6 to 12 months                                      -          -          -          - 
 
                                                  597      1,111          -          - 
 
The largest amount due from a single trade debtor at 31 December 2016 
represents 10% (2015: 11%) of the total trade receivables balance outstanding. 
 
As at 31 December 2016, Group trade receivables of GBP14,000 (2015: GBP72,000) were 
past their due date and considered impaired. A provision for impairment for the 
full amount has been recognised in the financial statements. Movements on the 
Group's provision for impairment of trade receivables are as follows: 
 
                                                                        2016       2015 
                                                                        GBP000       GBP000 
 
At 1 January                                                              72        180 
 
Provision for receivable impairment                                       14         72 
 
Receivables written-off as uncollectable                                (72)      (180) 
 
At 31 December                                                            14         72 
 
Other than the impairment provision provided for aged trade receivables above, 
there are no other material difference between the carrying value and the fair 
value of the Group's and parent Company's trade and other receivables. 
 
15.     CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
 
                                                   Group                Company 
 
                                                 2016       2015       2016       2015 
                                                 GBP000       GBP000       GBP000       GBP000 
 
Cash at bank and in hand                          963        448        843        173 
 
Total                                             963        448        843        173 
 
There is no material difference between the carrying value and the fair value 
of the Group's and parent Company's cash at bank and in hand. 
 
16.        TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 
 
                                                   Group                Company 
 
 
                                                 2016       2015       2016       2015 
                                                 GBP000       GBP000       GBP000       GBP000 
 
Trade payables                                    244        467         41         32 
 
Due to Group undertakings                           -          -      1,536      1,360 
 
Other taxation and social security                322        368          -          - 
 
Other payables                                     65        216          -          - 
 
Accruals                                          410        485         33         43 
 
Total                                           1,041      1,536      1,610      1,435 
 
There is no material difference between the carrying value and the fair value 
of the Group's and parent company's trade and other payables. 
 
17.     BORROWINGS 
 
                                                   Group                 Company 
 
Maturity profile of borrowings 
                                                 2016        2015       2016       2015 
                                                 GBP000        GBP000       GBP000       GBP000 
 
Current 
 
Bank overdrafts and interest bearing 
loans: 
 
   Invoice discounting facility (see note         444         918          -          - 
(a) below) 
 
   Secured Loan notes                               -         350          -        350 
 
Total                                             444       1,268          -        350 
 
The carrying amounts and fair value of the Group's borrowings, which are all 
denominated in sterling, are as follows: 
 
                                              Carrying amount          Fair value 
 
 
                                                 2016        2015       2016       2015 
                                                 GBP000        GBP000       GBP000       GBP000 
 
Bank overdrafts and interest bearing 
loans: 
 
   Invoice discounting facility                   444         918        444        918 
 
   Secured Loan notes                               -         350          -        350 
 
Total                                             444       1,268        444      1,268 
 
a)       Invoice discounting facilities: 
 
Norman Broadbent Executive Search Limited, NBS and NBIM operate independent 
invoice discounting facilities, provided by Leumi ABL Limited. Leumi ABL Ltd 
holds all assets debentures for each company (fixed and floating charges) and 
also a cross corporate guarantee and indemnity deed dated 20 July 2011. The 
financial terms of the facilities are outlined below: 
 
Norman Broadbent Executive Search Limited: 
 
Funds are available to be drawn down at an advance rate of 85% against trade 
receivables of Norman Broadbent Executive Search Limited that are aged less 
than 120 days, with the facility capped at GBP1,500,000. At 31 December 2016, the 
outstanding balance on the facility of GBP331,000 (2015: GBP608,000) was secured by 
trade receivables of GBP441,000 (2015: GBP775,000). Interest is charged on the 
drawn down funds at a rate of 2.40% (2015: 2.50%) above the bank base rate. 
 
NB Solutions Limited: 
 
Funds are available to be drawn down at an advance rate of 85% against trade 
receivables of NB Solutions Limited that are aged less than 120 days, with the 
facility capped at GBP750,000. At 31 December 2016, the outstanding balance on 
the facility of GBP22,000 (2015: GBP186,000) was secured by trade receivables of GBP 
27,000 (2015: GBP264,000). Interest is charged on the drawn down funds at a rate 
of 2.40% (2015: 2.75%) above the bank base rate. 
 
Norman Broadbent Interim Management Limited: 
 
Funds are available to be drawn down at an advance rate of 90% against trade 
receivables of Norman Broadbent Interim Management Limited that are aged less 
than 120 days, with the facility capped at GBP750,000. At 31 December 2016, the 
outstanding balance on the facility of GBP92,000 (2015: GBP124,000) was secured by 
trade receivables of GBP166,000 (2015: GBP225,000). Interest is charged on the 
drawn down funds at a rate of 2.40% (2015: 2.75%) above the bank base rate. 
 
b)         Secured Loan Notes 
 
The 2015 Loan Notes were repaid in full in October 2016. 
 
18.     FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
 
The principle financial instruments used by the Group, from which financial 
instrument risk arises, are summarised below. All financial assets and 
liabilities are measured at amortised cost which is not considered to be 
materially different to fair value. 
 
                                                                    Amortised Cost 
 
Group                                                                  2016       2015 
                                                                       GBP000       GBP000 
 
 
Financial Assets 
 
Trade and other receivables                                           1,581      2,172 
 
Cash and cash equivalents                                               963        448 
 
 
Financial Liabilities 
 
Trade and other payables                                              1,052      1,536 
 
Secured loan notes                                                        -        350 
 
Invoice discounting facility                                            444        918 
 
Corporation tax liability                                                 -          - 
 
                                                                    Amortised Cost 
 
Company                                                                2016       2015 
                                                                       GBP000       GBP000 
 
 
Financial Assets 
 
Trade and other receivables                                           4,541      3,689 
 
Cash and cash equivalents                                               843        173 
 
 
Financial Liabilities 
 
Trade and other payables                                              1,621      1,435 
 
Secured loan notes                                                        -        350 
 
In common with all other businesses, the Group is exposed to risks that arise 
from its use of financial instruments. Details on these risks and the policies 
set out by the Board to reduce them can be found in Note 2 of the report and 
accounts. 
 
19.     SHARE CAPITAL AND PREMIUM 
 
                                                                       2016       2015 
Allotted and fully paid:                                               GBP000       GBP000 
 
Ordinary Shares: 
 
41,633,320 Ordinary shares of 1.0p each (2015:                          416        174 
17,416,487) 
 
Deferred Shares: 
 
23,342,400 Deferred A shares of 4.0p each (2015:                        934        934 
23,342,400) 
 
907,118,360 Deferred shares of 4.0p each (2015:                       3,628      3,628 
907,118,360) 
 
1,043,566 Deferred B shares of 42.0p each (2015:                        438        438 
1,043,566) 
 
2,504,610 Deferred shares of 29.0p each (2015:                          727        727 
2,504,610) 
 
                                                                      5,727      5,727 
 
Total                                                                 6,143      5,901 
 
Deferred A Shares of 4.0p each 
 
The Deferred A Shares carry no right to dividends or distributions or to 
receive notice of or attend general meetings of the Company. In the event of a 
winding up, the shares carry a right to repayment only after the holders of 
Ordinary Shares have received a payment of GBP10,000 per Ordinary Share. 
The Company retains the right to cancel the shares without payment to the 
holders thereof. The rights attaching to the shares shall not be varied by the 
creation or issue of shares ranking parri passu with or in priority to the 
Deferred A Shares. 
 
Deferred Shares of 4.0p each 
 
The Deferred Shares carry no right to dividends, distributions or to receive 
notice of or attend general meetings of the Company. In the event of a winding 
up, the shares carry a right to repayment only after payment of capital paid up 
on Ordinary Shares plus a payment of GBP10,000 per Ordinary Share. The Company 
retains the right to transfer or cancel the shares without payment to the 
holders thereof. 
 
Deferred B Shares of 42.0p each 
 
The Deferred B Shares carry no right to dividends or distributions or to 
receive notice of or attend general meetings of the Company. In the event of a 
winding up, the shares carry the right to repayment only after the holders of 
Ordinary Shares have received a payment of GBP10 million per Ordinary Share. The 
Company retains the right to cancel the shares without payment to the holders 
thereof. The rights attaching to the shares shall not be varied by the creation 
or issue of shares ranking parri passu with or in priority to the Deferred B 
Shares. 
 
Deferred Shares of 29.0p each 
 
The Deferred Shares carry no right to dividends or distributions or to receive 
notice of or attend general meetings of the Company. In the event of a winding 
up, the shares carry the right to repayment only after the holders of Ordinary 
Shares have received a payment of GBP10,000 per Ordinary Share. The Company 
retains the right to cancel the shares without payment to the holders thereof. 
 
A reconciliation of the movement in share capital and share premium is 
presented below: 
 
                                        Number of Ordinary   Deferred     Share 
                                         ordinary   shares     shares   premium    Total 
                                    shares (000s)     GBP000       GBP000      GBP000     GBP000 
 
At 1 January 2015                          17,416      174      5,727    10,699   16,600 
 
Proceeds from share placing (note               -        -          -         -        - 
(a) below) 
 
Transaction costs related to share              -        -          -         -        - 
placing 
 
At 31 December 2015                        17,416      174      5,727    10,699   16,600 
 
Proceeds from share placing                24,217      242          -     1,986    2,228 
 
Transaction costs related to share              -        -          -         -        - 
placing 
 
At 31 December 2016                        41,633      416      5,727    12,685   18,828 
 
a)       Share placing in September 2016: 
 
On 19 September 2016, the Company issued 24,216,833 new ordinary 1.0p shares 
for a total cash consideration of GBP2,300,599.  Transaction costs of GBP72,599 
were incurred resulting in net cash proceeds of GBP2,228,000. 
 
20.     SHARE BASED PAYMENTS 
 
 
20.1   Share Options 
 
The Company has an approved EMI share option scheme for full time employees and 
directors. The exercise price of the granted options is equal to the market 
price of the shares on the date of the grant. The Company has no legal or 
constructive obligation to repurchase or settle the options or warrants in 
cash. 
 
Options under the Company EMI scheme are conditional on the employee completing 
three years' service (the vesting period). The EMI options vest in three equal 
tranches on the first, second and third anniversary of the grant. The options 
have a contractual option term of either seven or ten years. 
 
Movements in the number of share options and their related weighted average 
exercise prices are as follows: 
 
                                                                   Approved EMI share 
                                                                     option scheme 
 
                                                                        Avg.  Number of 
                                                                    exercise    options 
                                                                   price per 
                                                                   share (p) 
 
At 1 January 2015                                                      60.72    731,213 
 
Forfeited                                                              59.76  (393,269) 
 
At 31 December 2015                                                    61.84    337,944 
 
Granted                                                                13.50  4,390,550 
 
Forfeited                                                              23.14  (510,607) 
 
At 31 December 2016                                                    16.21  4,217,887 
 
Share options outstanding at the end of the year have the following expiry date 
and exercise prices: 
 
Expiry date                                             Exercise     Share options 
                                                       price per 
                                                       share (p) 
                                                                       2015       2015 
 
2020                                                       52.50     95,237     95,237 
 
2021                                                       65.50    148,052    242,707 
 
2023                                                       13.50  3,974,597 
 
Total                                                             4,217,886    337,944 
 
Out of the 4,217,886 outstanding options (2015: 337,944), no options were 
exercisable at the year end (2015: None) as they were all 'underwater'. 
 
The significant inputs into the model in valuing the 2016 option grant were 
weighted average share price of 12 pence at the grant date, exercise price of 
13.5p, volatility of 28%, dividend yield of 0% (2011 and 2010: 0%), an expected 
option life of 10 years (2011 and 2010: 10 years) and an annual risk-free 
interest rate of 0.652%. The expected volatility was estimated by reference to 
the historical volatility of the Company's share price and those of UK quoted 
companies in a similar business sector. The risk-free interest rate is 
estimated as the yield on zero coupon UK government bonds of a term consistent 
with the contractual life of the options granted. 
 
21.     LEASES 
 
Operating leases 
 
The Group leases all its premises. The terms of the leases vary for each 
property and are tenant repairing. 
 
As at 31 December 2016, the total future value of minimum lease payments due 
are as follows: 
 
                                                                 Land and Buildings 
 
                                                                      2016       2015 
                                                                      GBP000       GBP000 
 
Within one year                                                        273        273 
 
Later than one year and not later than five years                    1,056      1,056 
 
Total                                                                1,329      1,329 
 
22.        PROVISIONS 
 
                                                   Group                Company 
 
                                                 2016       2015       2016       2015 
                                                 GBP000       GBP000       GBP000       GBP000 
 
At 1 January                                      125        125          -          - 
 
Provisions made during the year                     -          -          -          - 
 
At 31 December                                    125        125          -          - 
 
Current liability                                   -          -          -          - 
 
Non-current liability                             125        125          -          - 
 
At 31 December                                    125        125          -          - 
 
On the 6 March 2013 the Company signed a new ten year lease with a five year 
break for its main office in London. On signing the new lease the Company 
inherited the office fit-out from the previous tenant. Under the terms of the 
new lease the Company is obliged to return vacant possession to the landlord 
with the office returned to its original state. The Company has had the present 
cost of the future works required to return the office to its original state 
valued by an independent firm of advisors and this non-current liability of GBP 
125,000 is provided for in the financial period (2015). The Company received a 
one-off payment of GBP250,000 in 2013 from the previous tenant in satisfaction of 
various costs and liabilities that it inherited with the new lease. 
 
23.     PENSION COSTS 
 
The Group operated several defined contribution pension schemes for the 
business. The assets of the schemes were held separately from those of the 
Group in independently administered funds. The pension cost represents 
contributions payable by the Group to the funds and amounts to GBP137,000 (2015: 
GBP169,000). At the year end GBP11,000 of contributions were outstanding (2015: GBP 
7,000). 
 
24.     RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 
 
The following transactions were carried out with related parties: 
 
(a)      Purchase of services: 
 
                                                                      2016       2015 
                                                                      GBP000       GBP000 
 
Adelaide Capital Limited                                                 -        145 
 
Anderson Barrowcliff LLP                                                21         13 
 
Brian Stephens & Company Ltd                                            24         30 
 
Scanes Bentley & Associates Ltd                                          -         25 
 
Connecting Corporates Limited                                           25         35 
 
Total                                                                   70        248 
 
Brian Stephens & Company Ltd invoiced the Group for the provision of services 
of B Stephens of GBP20,000 and business related travel costs of GBP4,000 (2015 
total: GBP30,000). B Stephens is a director of Brian Stephens & Company Ltd. In 
the prior year consultancy services were acquired from Scanes Bentley & 
Associates Ltd, S Bentley is a director of Scanes Bentley & Associates Ltd. 
Further, in the prior year taxation and company secretarial services were 
acquired from Anderson Barrowcliff LLP, an accountancy firm of which R Robinson 
was a partner until resigning in April 2015. During the year the Group acquired 
research services from Connecting Corporates Limited GBP25,000 (2015: GBP35,000). 
The Group held a 51% stake in Connecting Corporates Limited. 
 
All related party expenditure took place via "arms-length" transactions. 
 
(a)      Sale of services 
 
                                                                      2016       2015 
                                                                      GBP000       GBP000 
 
Connecting Corporates Limited                                            -         17 
 
Total                                                                    -         17 
 
During the prior year the Group recharged group services incurred for the 
benefit of Connecting Corporates Limited to Connecting Corporates Limited at 
cost GBP17,000. 
 
All related party transactions took place at "arms-length". 
 
(b)      Provision of loans 
 
                                                                      2016       2015 
                                                                      GBP000       GBP000 
 
Connecting Corporates Limited                                            -         40 
 
Total                                                                    -         40 
 
During the prior year the Group provided additional loans of GBP40,000 to 
Connecting Corporates Limited to support working capital requirements of this 
company. The loans are non-interest bearing and are repayable on demand. At the 
prior year end, GBP345,000 was outstanding and due to the Group. 
 
(c)      Key management compensation: 
 
Key management includes Executive and Non-Executive Directors.  The 
compensation paid or payable to the directors can be found in the Directors' 
Remuneration Report on page 12 to 14 of the report and accounts. 
 
(d)      Year-end payables arising from the purchases of services: 
 
                                                                      2016       2015 
                                                                      GBP000       GBP000 
 
Adelaide Capital Limited                                                 -          - 
 
Anderson Barrowcliff LLP                                                 3          8 
 
Brian Stephens & Company Ltd                                             4          4 
 
Connecting Corporates Limited                                            -          - 
 
Total                                                                    7         12 
 
 
Payables to related parties arise from purchase transactions and are due one 
month after date of purchase.  Payables bear no interest. 
 
(e)      Year-end receivables arising from the sale of services: 
 
                                                                      2016       2015 
                                                                      GBP000       GBP000 
 
Connecting Corporates Limited                                            -         54 
 
Total                                                                    -         54 
 
Receivables owed by related parties arise from sales transactions and are due 
one month after date of purchase. Payables bear no interest. 
 
25.        CONTINGENT LIABILITY 
 
The Company is a member of the Norman Broadbent plc Group VAT scheme.  As such 
it is jointly accountable for the combined VAT liability of the Group. The 
total VAT outstanding in the Group at the year-end was GBP39,000 (2015: GBP 
211,000). 
 
26.        AVAILIBILITY OF ACCOUNTS AND NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 
 
Copies of the Final Report and Annual Accounts (including the notice of Annual 
General Meeting) will be posted to shareholders on 5 June 2017 and will shortly 
be available to view on the Company's website ( www.normanbroadbent.com/ 
information/investor-relations). 
 
Notice is hereby given that the 78th Annual General Meeting ("AGM") of Norman 
Broadbent plc will be held at 11am at the Clubhouse, 8 St James's Square, 
London, SW1Y 4JU on 28 June 2017. 
 
 
 
END 
 

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