ADVFN Logo ADVFN

We could not find any results for:
Make sure your spelling is correct or try broadening your search.

Trending Now

Toplists

It looks like you aren't logged in.
Click the button below to log in and view your recent history.

Hot Features

Registration Strip Icon for alerts Register for real-time alerts, custom portfolio, and market movers

TRB Tribal Group Plc

54.50
0.00 (0.00%)
Last Updated: 01:00:00
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Tribal Group Plc LSE:TRB London Ordinary Share GB0030181522 ORD 5P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 54.50 53.00 56.00 446 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Business Consulting Svcs,nec 83.59M -510k -0.0024 -227.08 115.66M

Tribal Group PLC Half-year Report (8818J)

15/09/2016 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Tribal (LSE:TRB)
Historical Stock Chart


From Apr 2019 to Apr 2024

Click Here for more Tribal Charts.

TIDMTRB

RNS Number : 8818J

Tribal Group PLC

15 September 2016

Tribal Group plc

15(th) September 2016

Half year results for the six months ended 30 June 2016

Highlights

 
                                     Six months       Six months 
                                          ended            ended    Change 
                                   30 June 2016     30 June 2015 
------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  -------- 
 Revenue                               GBP45.2m         GBP58.0m     (22%) 
------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  -------- 
 Adjusted operating profit(1)           GBP0.5m          GBP2.4m     (81%) 
------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  -------- 
 Statutory loss after tax             GBP(2.6)m        GBP(6.4)m       59% 
------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  -------- 
 Operating cash flow                    GBP4.6m        GBP(3.2)m      244% 
------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  -------- 
 Net cash / (debt)                      GBP5.7m       GBP(23.1)m      125% 
------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  -------- 
 
   --              First half performance as anticipated; full year expectations unchanged 
   --              New Board appointments and management team refreshed 

-- Stability restored and positive momentum returning; a number of new deals closed and major customer contract challenges de-risked, although some operational issues remain

-- Decline in revenue due mainly to winding down of QAS Ofsted contract, disposal of Synergy and closure of non-core businesses

-- Cost reduction program implemented to drive margin improvement which will impact the second half of the year. Annualised cost savings of GBP8.5m by the year end.

-- Annual recurring Software Maintenance revenues up 14%, representing 38% of total revenues (H1 2015: 26%)

-- Balance sheet strengthened, with GBP38.5m (net of costs) proceeds of rights issue, directors' share subscription and sales of Synergy business, providing financial stability and investment capacity

   --              Strategic review being undertaken, confirming: 

o Focus on software and services for education markets worldwide, delivering market-leading Student Management solutions

o Development of a Next Generation platform to offer modular Cloud infrastructure and Digital Applications to enhance the student experience

o Development of education analytics, complemented by Quality Assurance services

-- Board remains committed to a progressive dividend policy, as previously stated; dividends will only be recommenced once the Group's financial performance has improved

Ian Bowles, Chief Executive, commented:

"I am pleased to report that the first half of the year has seen progress in line with the Board's expectations, as we take actions to address the financial and operational challenges the Group faced at the beginning of the year. As previously highlighted, our profits in 2016 are weighted towards the second half of the year, as we see the H1 cost saving actions flowing through, improved utilisation in the Implementation teams, and seasonal skewing of results in Professional and Business Solutions. Our expectations for the full year are unchanged."

 
 
   Notes: 
 
   1 Adjusted Operating Profit is in respect of continuing 
   operations, excluding intangible asset amortisation 
   and impairment of GBP0.9m (H1 2015: GBP8.0m), Restructuring 
   costs of GBP1.5m (HY 2015: GBPnil), movement in deferred 
   contingent consideration of GBP0.4m (HY 2015: GBP0.1m), 
   gain on sale of Synergy of GBP0.3m (HY 2015: GBPnil), 
   and net exceptional gain of GBP0.1m (H1 2015: gain 
   of GBP0.5m). 
   2 Adjusted Operating Profit is considered a Key Performance 
   Indicator of the Group. We consider this to represent 
   the underlying performance of the business and provides 
   greater clarity to users of the accounts. 
-------------------------------------------------------------- 
 

Further Information

A presentation of these results will be made to analysts and investors at 09.30am today at the offices of Weber Shandwick, 2 Waterhouse Square, 140 Holborn, London EC1N 2AE. A copy of the presentation will be available later this morning on the Tribal Group website: www.tribalgroup.com.

 
 Tribal Group plc                Tel: 0117 311 5293 
 Ian Bowles, Chief Executive 
 Mark Pickett, Chief Financial 
  Officer 
 
 Weber Shandwick Financial       Tel: 020 7067 0700 
 Nick Oborne 
 Tom Jenkins 
 
 
 Investec Bank plc              Tel: 020 7597 4000 
 Rowena Murray 
 Sara Hale 
  Daniel Adams 
 
 N+1 Singer Capital Markets     Tel: 0207 496 3000 
  Limited 
  Shaun Dobson 
 
 
 

This Statement has been prepared for and is addressed only to our shareholders as a whole and should not be relied on by any other party or for any other purpose. Tribal, its directors, employees, agents or advisers do not accept or assume responsibility to any other person to whom this Statement is shown or into whose hands it may come and any such responsibility or liability is expressly disclaimed. This Statement may contain forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement has been made by the directors in good faith based on the information available to them up to the time of approval of this Statement and should be treated with caution due to the inherent uncertainties, including both economic and business risk factors, underlying such forward-looking information. To the extent that this Statement contains any statement dealing with any time after the date of its preparation, such statement is merely predictive and speculative as it relates to events and circumstances which are yet to occur and therefore the facts stated and views expressed may change. Tribal undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Chief Executive's Statement

Introduction

I am pleased to report that the first half of the year has seen progress in line with the Board's expectations.

We are taking decisive action to address the financial and operational challenges the Group faced at the beginning of the year and, although there is yet much to do, as these actions take effect, the Group is becoming increasingly well positioned to take advantage of an international market for Student Management Systems & Services.

The sale of the Synergy business, completed in April, and the rights issue and directors' share subscription in March, which raised a total of GBP38.5m (net of costs), restored the Group's financial position, providing both financial stability and the funds to invest in the growth of the business. I am pleased that these monies have been augmented by a much improved cash performance in the first half, with operating cash inflow of GBP4.6m (H1 2015:GBP3.2m cash outflow).

We have reviewed the Group's operations and strategy going forward. This has confirmed that Tribal's software and services portfolio, market leading position and international customer base provide a strong platform around which to build long term shareholder value. The review has also confirmed that this platform will be supported by a new vision and mission for the group, a new operating model and product strategy, refreshed management, and a revised organisational structure providing clear lines of accountability and responsibility. These either have been implemented or will be so by the year end.

Furthermore, we have identified areas where we can more effectively align the Group's resources to deliver material cost efficiencies and improve margin without impacting the Group's ability to serve our customers or drive our business forward. We anticipate achieving annualised cost savings of GBP8.5m by the end of 2016, benefiting future periods. Further cost savings, as a result of efficiencies, will be achieved in 2017.

Management changes have included significant alteration to the composition of the Board. Following the appointment of Richard Last as Chairman, and Roger McDowell as Senior Independent Director, in November 2015, Ian Bowles was appointed Chief Executive in February and Mark Pickett joined as Chief Financial Officer in June. All bring strong international experience of our industry and track records of driving shareholder value.

In May the listing of Tribal's ordinary shares on the Official list was cancelled and the shares were admitted to the Alternative Investment Market ("AIM"). This followed the Board's decision that AIM is a more appropriate market on which to develop Tribal, bringing the benefit of lower costs, and administration and regulatory requirements more appropriate to Tribal's size.

There remains a great deal of work to do to ensure we execute effectively, get closer to our customers and deliver value for all of our stakeholders. We have however made good early progress, and our expectations for the full year are unchanged.

Financial performance

Revenue

Revenue for the six months ended 30 June 2016 was GBP45.2m (H1 2015: GBP58.0m), a decrease of 22%. Our software and analytics related revenues were GBP31.8m (H1 2015: GBP34.9m), and our other revenues reduced to GBP13.4m (H1 2015: GBP23.1m), consistent with the reduction in the Ofsted contract revenues and a planned withdrawal from non-core activities through the disposal of Synergy. Revenue included for Synergy prior to its disposal is GBP1.5m (H1 2015: GBP3.3m).

Adjusted Profit and Loss

Adjusted operating profit was GBP0.5m (H1 2015: GBP2.4m). Key drivers of the change include a reduction of the amount of R&D spend capitalised from GBP2.7m to GBP0.5m which resulted in a significantly increased P&L charge than would have previously been the case; this reflects the Group's revised product strategy, as outlined in the Product Development & Customer Services section of this document. Earnings from Synergy prior to its disposal were GBP0.9m (H1 2015: GBP2.0m). Impact of foreign exchange movement was GBP0.2m (H1 2015: GBP(0.2)m)

Adjusted loss before tax was GBP(0.1)m (H1 2015: profit of GBP2.0m), and adjusted earnings per share were (0.2)p (H1 2015: 1.6p), a 113% decrease.

Statutory Profit and Loss

The loss for the period was GBP2.6m (H1 2015: loss of GBP6.4m). Financing charges for the period included interest payable of GBP0.5m (H1 2015: GBP0.5m), the write off of Bank Arrangement fees following modification of banking arrangements (GBP0.2m), and the unwinding of discount on deferred consideration (GBP0.2m) (H1 2015: GBP0.3m). There was a tax credit of GBP(0.2m) (H1 2015: charge of GBP0.3m).

Net debt and cash flow

Operating cash flow for the period was GBP4.6m (H1 2015 GBP(3.2m)). Free Cash Flow (calculated as Operating cash flow less Capital Expenditure less Capitalised Development) was GBP3.4m (H1 2015: GBP(6.8m)) due primarily to positive working capital movement. Net cash at 30 June 2016 was GBP5.7m (H1 2015: net debt of GBP23.1m; FY 2015: net debt of GBP32.5m).

Proceeds of the rights issue, directors' share subscriptions and the disposal of Synergy were GBP38.5m, net of costs. These funds were used to eliminate our bank borrowings (GBP33m). Working capital improvements generated GBP2.4m, payments of Deferred Consideration for the acquisitions of Sky software and iGraduate were GBP2.9m, and capital expenditure was GBP1.3m. Closing cash was GBP7.2m, and the Group had a loan of GBP1.5m, leaving a Net Cash position of GBP5.7m.

Going forward, the benefits of the cost reduction programme will enhance operating cash flow performance.

Following the rights issue and Synergy disposal, the Group's banking facilities have been streamlined to better match the Group's ongoing requirements. The Group now has available a revolving credit line of GBP25m with Lloyds Banking Group and Clydesdale Bank, incorporating overdraft facilities and bank guarantee lines, committed until June 2018.

Strategy and Market Review

Strategic focus

We have reviewed our strategic priorities and direction.

Tribal is a worldwide, software and services company focussed on the education market. Our portfolio of functionally rich Student Management Systems remains at the core of our business, and we will continue to deliver market-leading solutions.

Our Student Management systems are split into 4 market segments: Higher Education, Further Education & Colleges (referred to in Australia as VET), Schools and Employers (through Work-based Learning solutions), and across 3 main markets, UK, Australia and New Zealand. We will continue our expansion in Asia-Pacific (APAC), North America, and in the UK and Middle East & Africa (EMEA).

We will develop a next generation, cloud-based platform for Student Management Systems in Higher and Further (VET) sectors on which we will build modular-based applications using a common, standard technology stack, which we will sell to existing and new customers. We will continue to support and invest in all our current product set and safeguard our customers' investment in their existing systems. Our new platform will reduce both Development and Support & Maintenance costs by eliminating duplication of effort, as well as providing a roadmap for customers' Student Management systems to evolve. We will also complete the development of a new product for schools ("SchoolEdge"), and sustain our market-leading product for employers and training providers ("Maytas").

Over time, we will evolve our Licensing model to offer Software-as-a-Service subscription-based charging models. This will lead to a more predictable revenue profile, moving from separate License and Support recognition to Annual Recurring Revenue streams.

We will, however, ensure that customers have choice; migration to a cloud-based architecture will be available, but no customer will be forced to migrate from their existing Tribal systems, and the value of the existing license investment will be protected.

We will also continue to develop complementary service offerings on our Data & Analytics tools, and on our Quality Assurance Solutions, to bring our services to market more cohesively across our chosen education sectors and geographic markets.

Market overview

In our chosen regional markets and segments, overall activity levels for the replacement or enhancement of Student Management systems remain stable and we continue to see a steady stream of new customer opportunities in the Higher Education sector.

Following the UK Government's decision to permit universities, subject to certain conditions, to increase student numbers, we anticipate that the trend of Higher Education institutions becoming more commercially-focussed will continue. We note that, in a UK Government White Paper in May 2016, the UK Minister for Universities & Science set out proposals to make it quicker for new Higher Education institutions to enter the market and award their own degrees, with a new Office for Students to put competition and choice at the heart of Higher Education sector regulation.

These initiatives will drive more opportunity to provide differentiated Student Management System offerings that enhance the student experience while reducing the annual costs for the university by providing cloud-based Software-as-a-Service.

Fiscal pressures are most pronounced in the Vocational Learning and Schools sectors, although appetite for reform and restructuring in these areas will continue to drive demand over the longer term.

Operational Review

Organisational Structure

As we move into the second half of 2016, Tribal's organisational structure has been simplified to drive improved customer focus, more agile management, responsiveness to local needs, and clear accountability across our business. The beneficial impact of these changes will take some time to fully materialise, but over time our new regional organisation structure will enable us to drive efficiencies in our business, reduce overlap and duplication in our development activities, and achieve better multi-product skilling of our implementation resources to simplify and reduce our overheads.

Our EMEA regional management team has been realigned, and a leadership team has been appointed in APAC. We have also enhanced our sales and marketing leadership. Tribal will continue to go to market globally in the Higher Education sector, reflecting the fundamental characteristics of the university market, but delivery of customer projects will be driven regionally to retain close customer focus.

We have adopted a primarily regional structure, split between our Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) and Australia, New Zealand & Asia-Pacific (APAC), managed through three Lines of Business, as follows:

-- The Student Management Systems business focussed on four market segments, Higher Education, Further Education & Colleges, Schools and Employers. Product/Offerings will be split between License, Support & Maintenance, Implementation, and Cloud Operations;

-- The iGrad Data & Analytics business, including student surveys and the embryonic data analytics business;

-- Quality Assurance Solutions (QAS), including inspection and review services which support the assessment of educational delivery.

Our sales team is being rebuilt, following the loss of sales momentum during 2015. We secured a number of new customer wins during the early part of the year; our task now is to sustain our new business trajectory, whilst also re-establishing effective account management practices.

Cost Reduction

Our overall workforce has reduced at the end of the first half of 2016 by almost 15% to 1,129 heads, down from 1,323 at 31 December 2015.

These reductions resulted from both the disposal and closure of businesses and winding down of the Ofsted contract, as well as the result of specific actions taken to further reduce our costs during the first half of the year, in part to reinvest in the business. They were spread across all functions in the organisation, about 30% in the APAC region, and the remaining 70% in EMEA. The restructuring program was executed in the first half of 2016 and associated costs provided for. Most affected individuals left the organisation early in the second half of the year, so the resultant cost savings in the first half are small.

However, these cost savings will impact the second half of 2016 and, with other, non-headcount related reductions, it is anticipated that annualised costs will be reduced by cGBP8.5m. We are confident that delivery performance will not be affected.

In addition, we will identify further opportunities for cost savings in the second half of 2016 which will drive continued margin improvement in 2017 and beyond.

Major Contracts

During 2015, Tribal experienced a number of challenges associated with certain of its larger software customer contracts. We have made good progress to bring improved project management and customer communication to these programmes, and whilst more work needs to be done, we have reduced Tribal's exposure in this respect.

The TAFE Queensland contract has now been brought to an amicable conclusion following a significant change in the customer's requirements. Tribal was compensated by TAFE Queensland for costs it incurred in 2016, and as a result the end of this project had no material EBITA impact in the period.

The New South Wales Student Administration and Learning Management (SALM) programme has continued to deploy, and around 700 schools are now live on the system (from 229 at FY15), as well as all 138 TAFE campus locations. Work is continuing on the planning for the remaining 1,500 locations. In June 2016, the NSW Government made a public announcement that they will be reviewing their student enrolment system and will look to implement a new, cloud-based solution for 2018 enrolments. Tribal continues to discuss the future solution with TAFE NSW but, regardless, TAFE NSW will be a customer through into 2018, and the schools' element of SALM will continue as planned.

The Ofsted contract remains operationally good, with the expiry date remaining unchanged as March 2017. The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) act (TUPE) will apply to the individuals working directly on the Ofsted contract, so Tribal will not have a significant restructuring cost on the expiry of the contract.

There is increased risk in the UNISA contract, where we have been informed that implementation has been put on hold pending an internal review of the project, resulting in a negative impact on H1 2016 results of GBP0.7m.

Effect of Decision of UK to exit the European Union

We do not expect the decision of the UK to exit the European Union (Brexit) to have an adverse impact in the short term on demand for Student Management Systems, and the longer term potential impact remains to be seen and is dependent upon the exit terms agreed.

Following the outcome of the Brexit vote, there is expected to be some additional benefit in earnings due to the fall in the value of UK Sterling, if the current level of exchange rate is sustained through the second half of 2016.

There has also been an adverse movement in net defined assets of the pension schemes due to further reduction in gilt yields following the Brexit vote, resulting in net defined liabilities of GBP1.1m.

Divisional Performance

Product Development and Customer Services

The PD & CS division delivers software and related software support. Its work includes the enhancement and development of existing and new software products. The principal revenues generated in this division are either software licences or recurring maintenance and support revenues associated with the installed software customer base.

 
 Six months ended 30 June                     2016      2015 
                                              GBPm      GBPm 
----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Revenue 
   Licence and development fees                4.9       4.2 
========================================  ========  ======== 
   Maintenance                                17.4      15.3 
========================================  ========  ======== 
   Other                                       1.6       4.7 
========================================  ========  ======== 
                                              23.9      24.2 
========================================  ========  ======== 
 
 Adjusted operating profit                     1.5       1.3 
========================================  ========  ======== 
 Adjusted operating profit margin               6%        5% 
========================================  ========  ======== 
 
 Capitalised product development           GBP0.5m   GBP2.7m 
  investment 
----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 As a % of software-related revenues 
  (software-related revenues represent 
  those generated in our Product 
  Development and Customer Services 
  and Implementation Services segments)         2%        8% 
----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Product Development and Customer Services (PD&CS) revenues reduced by 1% to GBP23.9m (H1 2015: GBP24.2m).

PD&CS adjusted operating profit was GBP1.5m (H1 2015: GBP1.3m), and the adjusted operating margin was 6% (H1 2015: 5%). The capitalised development cost was GBP0.5m in H1 2016 (H1 2015 GBP2.7m). In 2016, limited capitalisation has taken place, in light of the significant impairments arising in 2015. Reflecting the Group's revised product strategy, it is also considered appropriate that the cost of development work relating to Statutory/Regulatory updates, local requirements of new territories entered when undertaking work for the first time, new modules for existing products, bespoke / one-off projects, and Support & Maintenance work is now expensed as incurred, with capitalisation taking place predominantly in respect of new product/platform redevelopment. Accordingly, the capitalised cost in H1 2016 relates only to the redevelopment of the SchoolEdge platform. GBP2.4m of cost capitalised in H1 2015 would have been expensed in H1 2016 under the Group's revised product strategy.

During the period we secured a number of new customers for our SITS university product, including Central European University, a private university based in Budapest, and Carleton University in Canada, our third university customer in Canada. In New Zealand, our Waikato University contract is now signed, and Massey University has moved to the next stage of its implementation programme with a major software licence drawdown in the period.

Across our university and college customer base, retention rates remained high, and as a result, our Annual Recurring Revenue base has continued to grow. Maintenance fees in the period were GBP17.4m (H1 2015: GBP15.3m), an increase of 14%.

We continue to benefit from the acquisition, in March 2015, of Callista, which is performing ahead of our expectations. Similarly, Human Edge (now renamed SchoolEdge) is performing well and exhibiting good customer retention rates, and we are now well advanced in bringing a refreshed, Cloud architected schools management system to this market.

Other revenues are GBP1.6m (H1 2015: GBP4.7m) and include other software-related service revenue streams.

Implementation Services

The Implementation Services division delivers the technical implementation of our software products at customer sites, typically working alongside customer teams. Implementation projects vary in length, and may range from a small number of days, to more than two years for more complex projects. IS revenues are typically based on day-rate fees, although we sometimes operate under fixed fee contracts for defined implementation scopes.

 
 Six months ended 30 June             2016    2015 
                                      GBPm    GBPm 
----------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Revenue                               7.0     8.5 
==================================  ======  ====== 
 
 Adjusted operating profit             0.1     0.6 
==================================  ======  ====== 
 Adjusted operating profit margin       1%      7% 
==================================  ======  ====== 
 

Implementation Services revenues reduced by 18% to GBP7.0m (H1 2015: GBP8.5m), including the impact of the revenues not being accrued in the UNISA contract, as noted above. International revenues represented 34% (H1 2015: 46%) of revenues. Adjusted operating profit was GBP0.1m (H1 2015: GBP0.6m), and the adjusted operating margin was 1% (H1 2015: 7%).

As a result of delayed deal closures at the end of 2015, our implementation services activities experienced a slow start to 2016. However, university deal closure momentum has improved over the period, and utilisation levels have improved, enhancing operating margins towards the end of the period. Whilst the end of the TAFE Queensland contract has reduced overall implementation activity levels during 2016, SALM-related activity levels remain steady. We are also pleased to have recently extended our work with the British Council.

Professional and Business Solutions

The PBS division provides a range of services for managers of universities, colleges and schools, so they are able to assess and enhance the quality of the education they provide, and improve their operational performance. Services provided by this division include:

   --              Student experience analytics 
   --              Operational benchmarking and analytics 
   --              Transformation and change advisory services 
   --              Information management services 
   --              Specialist learning management solutions 
   --              Specialist support services to enhance the provision of education and training. 

This division's activities have increasingly focused on those skills and tools that closely relate to our student management systems. Increasingly, we integrate these activities with our software offerings.

 
 Six months ended 30 June             2016    2015 
                                      GBPm    GBPm 
----------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Revenue 
   Analytics                           0.9     2.2 
==================================  ======  ====== 
   Careers advice                        -     0.8 
==================================  ======  ====== 
   Other                               2.9     4.4 
==================================  ======  ====== 
                                       3.8     7.4 
==================================  ======  ====== 
 
 Adjusted operating profit/(loss)      0.1   (0.1) 
==================================  ======  ====== 
 Adjusted operating profit margin       3%    (1)% 
==================================  ======  ====== 
 

Our Professional and Business Solutions (PBS) revenue in the period was GBP3.8m (H1 2015: GBP7.4m), a reduction of 49% as we closed our Specialist Learning Solutions and Careers Advice businesses during 2015. International revenues represented 18% (H1 2015: 6%) of total income. PBS' adjusted operating profit was GBP0.1m (H1 2015: loss of GBP(0.1)m), and adjusted operating margins were 3% (H1 2015: (1)%).

Our analytics work comprising student experience analytics and performance benchmarking, on which our strategic focus for this segment is based, performed well, supported by a NZD 5m contract extension to our benchmarking work in the New Zealand college sector, and a contract with the Lancaster Group of Universities.

Quality Assurance Solutions

QAS provides inspection services used by the Office of Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted), the UK government agency responsible for monitoring quality in settings such as colleges, schools and nurseries. These services have also been purchased by government agencies in the US and Middle East. Typically, we provide these services under multi-year contracts, with fixed and variable pricing elements. We also provide complementary services including training for prospective quality assurance inspectors, training and software tools for school leaders to prepare for inspections, online professional development tools for teachers to enhance their professional development, and other similar offerings.

 
 Six months ended 30 June             2016    2015 
                                      GBPm    GBPm 
----------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Revenue 
   Ofsted contract revenues            5.7    12.0 
==================================  ======  ====== 
   Other                               4.8     6.2 
==================================  ======  ====== 
                                      10.5    18.2 
==================================  ======  ====== 
 
 Adjusted operating profit             0.7     2.6 
==================================  ======  ====== 
 Adjusted operating profit margin       7%     14% 
==================================  ======  ====== 
 

Our Quality Assurance Solutions (QAS) revenue declined in the period, as previously indicated. Revenue was GBP10.5m (H1 2015: GBP18.2m), a reduction of 42%. International revenues represented 32% (H1 2015: 18%) of total income. QAS adjusted operating profit was GBP0.7m (H1 2015: GBP2.6m), and adjusted operating margins were 7% (H1 2015: 14%).

The reduction in Ofsted contract revenues reflects the successful conclusion of our schools assurance work during 2015. Our "Early Years" assurance work will continue until March 2017. We have continued to focus on optimising delivery efficiencies during this run off period, which is reflected in our improved operating margins in that area of the business. Our other work includes quality assurance contracts in North America and the Middle East, which continue to trade well.

Central Overheads

 
 Six months ended 30 June     2016    2015 
                              GBPm    GBPm 
--------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Central overheads             1.9     1.9 
==========================  ======  ====== 
 As a % of revenue              4%      3% 
==========================  ======  ====== 
 

Central Overheads are consistent with H1 2015, and cover cost related to Group Corporate functions, including the Board of Directors, excluding exceptional items

Board of Directors

The first half has seen major changes to the Board. Following the appointment of Richard Last as Chairman, and Roger McDowell as Senior Independent Director, in November 2015, Ian Bowles was appointed Chief Executive in February, replacing Rob Garner, Interim Chief Executive, who subsequently left the Group. Mark Pickett joined as Finance Director in June, replacing Steve Breach, who also left the Group after many years' valuable service.

It was with great sadness that we lost Duncan Lewis, who acted as a Non-Executive Director from June 2015 to the time of his death in March this year.

Since the period end, it has been announced that David Egan will stand down as a Non-Executive Director with effect from 31(st) October 2016.

We are very grateful for the excellent contribution of all our colleagues who have left the Group and are confident that the new team has the skills and experience to take the Group forward to a successful future.

Reporting Format

In the second half of the year, aligned with the new organisational structure, the format of reported results will be changed to reflect the three Lines of Business (Student Management Systems, iGrad Data & Analytics, and Quality Assurance Solutions), and with increased regional and market sector emphasis.

We will therefore no longer report under the headings of Product Development, Customer Services and Professional & Business Services. We will continue to report Implementation, but it will form part of the Student Management line of business. QAS reporting does not change.

Risks and uncertainties

Our risk management policies and key risks are set out on pages 23-33 of the Group's report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2015, which can be found at www.tribalgroup.com/investors.

Our key risks remain materially unchanged since that report, although the risks arising as a result of the Group's financial position as at 31 December 2015 have now reduced as a result of management actions in the first half of 2016.

In summary, the key risk areas faced by the Group, and examples of the consequences of risks crystallising in these areas, are:

-- Large contract tendering and delivery - uncertainties associated with timing of deal closure and meeting key contractual obligations/milestones associated with major customer programmes can lead to significant financial volatility, may require significant management time and can attract media interest which may cause reputational damage.

-- Resource allocation - which may cause substandard delivery of large contracts and customer programmes, reputational damage, and excessive resource and management stretch;

-- Competitive positioning - which may arise from aggressive commercial action by competitors or inappropriate pricing strategies in new markets;

-- Customer demands - which may change unpredictably as a result of political, economic or policy change. Changing customer demands may impact existing contracted activity, and can create uncertainty in the timing of new business wins;

-- Innovation and technology - which may render existing software products and solutions obsolete;

-- People and leadership - if the Group is unable to attract and retain key staff, or staff morale is destabilised, shortfalls in operational capabilities may arise;

-- Geographic distribution - which may cause over-stretch of management control, resource capacity challenges, foreign exchange currency risk and damage from unforeseen local market conditions;

-- Reputation - which may cause loss of key contracts, or wider loss of customer confidence and trust;

-- Intellectual property - which may result in loss of control over or infringement of key elements of our intellectual property.

Going concern

Following the recent strengthening of the Group's balance sheet, the Group has sufficient financial resources for its foreseeable requirements. Tribal maintains appropriate cash balances, and has a revolving credit facility of GBP25m that is committed until June 2018.

The Group's software products benefit from a significant installed customer base, whilst its other activities are typically delivered under the framework of long-term contracts. Collectively, the Group has a range of customers across different geographic areas, good levels of committed income and a pipeline of new opportunities. The Group's forecasts and projections, which allow for reasonable possible changes in trading performance, show that the Group will be cash generative across the forecast period.

The directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Taxation

The corporation tax charge on continuing operations was GBP0.2m (H1 2015: GBP0.5m). The tax charge for H1 2015 reflects the fact that taxable profits arose in Australia. As the Group continues to grow its activities in international jurisdictions that typically operate with a higher rate of corporation tax, it is anticipated that the tax charge on profits over the medium-term future is likely to be higher than the standard UK corporation tax rate.

Pension

Following the UK's decision to leave the EU, the Group has reviewed its defined benefit schemes with the assistance of its actuaries resulting in the net defined assets of the scheme reducing from GBP88,000 to net defined liabilities of GBP1.1m. As a result an actuarial loss of GBP1.2m has been recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and expense. This relates to deferred members of the pension scheme, previously employed in the QAS business.

Dividend

Whilst the Board remains committed to a progressive dividend policy, as previously stated dividends will only be recommenced once the Group's financial performance has improved. During the current period, the Group's focus remains on simplifying its operations and re-establishing momentum. As a result, the Board has declared no dividend in respect of the six months ended 30 June 2016 (H1 2015: 0.70p).

Related parties

Transactions with related parties during the period are set out in note 21.

Share Options

Share option charges for the six months to 30 June 2016 of GBP0.2m relate to the matching shares granted as part of the Rights Issue and share subscription exercise in April 2016. Long Term Incentive Plan options (LTIPs) were granted to the new executive management team at the end of 30 June 2016 and as such there is no charge for these share options in the period to 30 June 2016. The share option charge for all outstanding options in the second half of the year is estimated to be approximately GBP0.6m resulting in an anticipated full year charge for all share options of GBP0.8m.

Outlook

As previously highlighted, our profits in 2016 are expected to be weighted towards the second half of the year, as we see the H1 cost saving actions flowing through, improved utilisation in the Implementation teams, and seasonal skewing of results in PBS. Our expectations for the full year are unchanged.

15th September 2016

Condensed consolidated income statement

For the six months to 30 June 2016

 
                                                              Six                              Six 
                                                           months                           months 
                                                 Other      ended                 Other      ended 
                                                  (see    30 June                  (see    30 June 
                                                  note       2016                  note       2015 
                                   Adjusted         5)      Total   Adjusted         5)      Total 
                            Note    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
-------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Continuing operations 
 Revenue                       4     45,216          -     45,216     58,048          -     58,048 
 Cost of sales                     (26,640)          -   (26,640)   (37,103)          -   (37,103) 
-------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Gross profit                        18,576          -     18,576     20,945          -     20,945 
-------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Other administrative 
  expenses                         (18,120)    (1,491)   (19,611)   (18,500)    (6,847)   (25,347) 
 Amortisation of 
  IFRS 3 intangibles                      -      (891)      (891)          -      (833)      (833) 
-------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Total administrative 
  expenses                         (18,120)    (2,382)   (20,502)   (18,500)    (7,680)   (26,180) 
-------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Operating profit/(loss)       4        456    (2,382)    (1,926)      2,445    (7,680)    (5,235) 
 Investment income                       18          -         18          2          -          2 
 Finance costs                 6      (524)      (362)      (886)      (478)      (293)      (771) 
-------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 (Loss)/profit before 
  tax                                  (50)    (2,744)    (2,794)      1,969    (7,973)    (6,004) 
 Tax (charge)/credit           7      (223)        466        243      (476)        202      (274) 
-------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 (Loss)/profit for 
  the period from 
  continuing operations               (273)    (2,278)    (2,551)      1,493    (7,771)    (6,278) 
 Discontinued operations 
 Loss from discontinued 
  operations                              -          -          -          -       (81)       (81) 
-------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
  (Loss)/profit for 
   the period                         (273)    (2,278)    (2,551)      1,493    (7,852)    (6,359) 
-------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 (Loss)/Earnings 
  per share 
 From continuing 
  operations 
 Basic and diluted             8     (0.2)p     (1.6)p     (1.8)p       1.6p     (8.2)p     (6.6)p 
 From continuing 
  and discontinued 
  operations 
 Basic and diluted             8     (0.2)p     (1.6)p     (1.8)p       1.6p     (8.3)p     (6.7)p 
 
 

Condensed consolidated income statement

For the year to 31 December 2015

 
                                                          Other           Year 
                                                           (see          ended 
                                                           note    31 December 
                                     Note   Adjusted         5)           2015 
                                             GBP'000    GBP'000        GBP'000 
-----------------------------     -------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Continuing operations 
 Revenue                                4    106,725          -        106,725 
 Cost of sales                              (68,676)          -       (68,676) 
--------------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Gross profit                                 38,049          -         38,049 
--------------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Other administrative 
  expenses                                  (35,165)   (46,420)       (81,585) 
 Amortisation of IFRS 
  3 intangibles                                    -    (1,686)        (1,686) 
--------------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Total administrative 
  expenses                                  (35,165)   (48,106)       (83,271) 
--------------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Operating profit/(loss)                4      2,884   (48,106)       (45,222) 
 Investment income                                49          -             49 
 Finance costs                          6    (1,083)    (1,041)        (2,124) 
--------------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Profit before tax                             1,850   (49,147)       (47,297) 
 Tax (charge)/credit                    7      (697)      2,558          1,861 
--------------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 
 Profit/(loss) for 
  the period from continuing 
  operations                                   1,153   (46,589)       (45,436) 
 Discontinued operations 
 Loss from discontinued 
  operations                                       -       (80)           (80) 
--------------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Profit/(loss) for 
  the year                                     1,153   (46,669)       (45,516) 
--------------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 
 Earnings per share 
 From continuing operations 
 Basic and diluted                      8       1.2p    (49.3)p        (48.1)p 
 From continuing and 
  discontinued operations 
 Basic and diluted                      8       1.2p    (49.4)p        (48.2)p 
 
 

Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income and expense

For the six months to 30 June 2016

 
                                                      Six         Six 
                                                   months      months 
                                                    ended       ended           Year 
                                                       30          30          ended 
                                                     June        June    31 December 
                                                     2016        2015           2015 
                                                  GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 
   Loss for the period                            (2,551)     (6,359)       (45,516) 
 Items that will not be reclassified 
  subsequently to profit or loss: 
 Remeasurement of defined benefit pension 
  schemes                                         (1,178)           -          (169) 
 Deferred tax on measurement of defined 
  benefit pension schemes*                            212           -             34 
 Items that may be reclassified subsequently 
  to profit or loss: 
 Exchange differences on translation 
  of foreign operations                             2,034     (1,079)          (720) 
 
   Total comprehensive expense for the 
   period attributable to equity holders 
   of the parent                                  (1,483)     (7,438)       (46,371) 
---------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 

*The June 2015 prior period comparative has been restated to reclassify a deferred tax charge of GBP218,000 on share option charges taken to equity

Condensed consolidated balance sheet

As at 30 June 2016

 
                                                         (Restated)*    (Restated)* 
                                               30 June       30 June    31 December 
                                       Note       2016          2015           2015 
                                               GBP'000       GBP'000        GBP'000 
-------------------------------     -------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
 Non-current assets 
 Goodwill                                10     20,749        69,708         38,311 
 Other intangible assets                 11     15,001        23,226         14,784 
 Property, plant and equipment                   2,480         3,138          3,431 
 Retirement benefit surplus              17          -           137             88 
 Deferred tax assets                             3,897         2,021          3,213 
 Accrued income                                  1,084         1,112          1,126 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
                                                43,211        99,342         60,953 
   -------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                       183           817            133 
 Trade and other receivables             12     17,899        19,574         20,195 
 Accrued income                                  3,938        10,772          4,664 
 Current tax assets                                884             -              - 
 Cash and cash equivalents               19      7,186         4,499          3,896 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
                                                30,090        35,662         28,888 
   -------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
 Total assets                                   73,301       135,004         89,841 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                13    (7,199)      (11,787)        (7,043) 
 Deferred income                              (21,040)      (24,965)       (21,730) 
 Accruals                                      (8,500)      (11,975)        (9,671) 
 Current tax liabilities                       (1,699)       (2,664)          (169) 
 Borrowings                              19          -             -        (2,160) 
 Provisions                              14    (3,156)       (2,493)        (3,845) 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
                                              (41,594)      (53,884)       (44,618) 
   -------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
 Net current liabilities                      (11,504)      (18,222)       (15,730) 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Deferred income                                 (893)         (746)          (646) 
 Borrowings                              19    (1,500)      (27,589)       (34,207) 
 Retirement benefit obligation           17    (1,090)             -              - 
 Deferred tax liabilities                      (2,092)       (2,328)        (2,119) 
 Provisions                              14    (1,360)       (4,904)        (2,091) 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
                                               (6,935)      (35,567)       (39,063) 
   -------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
 Total liabilities                            (48,529)      (89,451)       (83,681) 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
 Net assets                                     24,772        45,553          6,160 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
 Equity 
 Share capital                           15      9,769         4,743          4,743 
 Share premium                                  14,989            21             21 
 Other reserves                                 20,174        26,823         20,503 
 Retained earnings                            (20,160)        13,966       (19,107) 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
 Total equity attributable 
  to equity holders of the 
  parent                                        24,772        45,553          6,160 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
 

* In the current period the Group has reclassified its accrued and deferred income balances, so to disclose between current and non-current assets and liabilities respectively. This has no net impact on the results for the prior period.

Condensed consolidated cash flow statement

for the six months to 30 June 2016

 
                                                                    Six 
                                                         Six     months        Year 
                                             Note     months      ended       ended 
                                                       ended         30          31 
                                                     30 June       June    December 
                                                        2016       2015        2015 
                                                     GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000 
-------------------------------------     -------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Net cash inflow/(outflow) from 
  operating activities                         18      4,633    (3,161)     (6,216) 
----------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Investing activities 
 Interest received                                        18          2          49 
 Purchases of property, plant 
  and equipment                                        (232)      (584)     (1,679) 
 Expenditure on product development 
  and business systems                               (1,049)    (3,081)     (5,138) 
 Gross proceeds from disposal                         19,421          -           - 
  of Synergy 
 Costs associated with disposal                        (872)          -           - 
  of Synergy 
 Payment of deferred consideration 
  for acquisitions net of cash 
  acquired                                           (2,907)    (3,773)     (4,510) 
----------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Net cash inflow/(outflow) from 
  investing activities                                14,379    (7,436)    (11,278) 
----------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Financing activities 
 Interest paid                                         (399)      (364)       (811) 
 Purchase of own shares                                 (91)          -           - 
 Gross proceeds on issue of shares                    22,117          -           - 
 Costs associated with issue of                      (2,123)          -           - 
  shares 
 Equity dividend paid                                      -          -     (1,794) 
 Fees for waiver of loan covenant                          -          -       (200) 
 (Repayment)/draw down of borrowings 
  and loan arrangement fees                         (33,000)      6,451      12,912 
----------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Net cash (outflow)/inflow from 
  financing activities                              (13,496)      6,087      10,107 
----------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash 
  and cash equivalents                                 5,516    (4,510)     (7,387) 
----------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 
  beginning of period                                  1,736      9,345       9,345 
 Effect of foreign exchange rate 
  changes                                               (66)      (336)       (222) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 
  end of period                                19      7,186      4,499       1,736 
----------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the six months to 30 June 2016

 
                                                              Share 
                                                   Share    Premium       Other    Retained        Total 
                                                 capital    GBP'000    reserves    earnings       Equity 
                                                 GBP'000                GBP'000     GBP'000      GBP'000 
----------------------------------  ---  ---  ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------- 
 Balance at 1 January 2015 
  (audited)                                        4,743         21      25,757      24,126     54,647 
 Total comprehensive expenses 
  for the period                                       -          -           -     (7,438)    (7,438) 
 Acquisition of own shares                             -          -       1,970           -      1,970 
 Dividends                                             -          -           -     (1,138)    (1,138) 
 Charge to equity for share-based 
  payments                                             -          -       (904)     (1,366)    (2,270) 
 Tax on charge to equity 
  for share-based payments*                            -          -           -       (218)      (218) 
-----------------------------------  ---      ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------  --------- 
 Balance at 30 June 2015 
  (unaudited)                                      4,743         21      26,823      13,966     45,553 
 
 Total comprehensive expenses 
  for the period                                       -          -           -    (38,933)   (38,933) 
 Dividends                                             -          -           -       (656)      (656) 
 Use of own shares to settle 
  share-based payment vesting 
  scheme                                               -          -           -           2          2 
 Tax on charge to equity 
  for share-based payments                             -          -           -         194        194 
 Transfer from Merger Reserve                          -          -     (6,320)       6,320          - 
-----------------------------------  ---      ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------  --------- 
 Balance at 31 December 
  2015 (audited)                                   4,743         21      20,503    (19,107)      6,160 
 Total comprehensive expense 
  for the period                                       -          -           -     (1,483)    (1,483) 
 Acquisition of own shares                             -          -        (91)           -       (91) 
 Issue of share capital                            5,026     17,091           -           -     22,117 
 Costs associated with issue 
  of share capital                                     -    (2,123)           -           -    (2,123) 
 Charge to equity for share-based 
  payments                                             -          -         171           -        171 
 Tax on charge to equity 
  for share-based payments                             -          -           -          21         21 
 Transfer from Merger Reserve                          -          -       (409)         409          - 
-----------------------------------  ---      ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------  --------- 
 Balance at 30 June 2016 
  (unaudited)                                      9,769     14,989      20,174    (20,160)     24,772 
--------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------  --------- 
 
 

*The June 2015 prior period comparative has been restated to reclassify a deferred tax charge of GBP218,000 on share option charges taken to equity

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial information

for the six months to 30 June 2016

   1.            General information 

The condensed consolidated financial information for the six months ended 30 June 2016 was approved by the Board of Directors on 15th September 2016. This condensed consolidated interim financial information does not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.

Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2015 were approved by the board of directors on 16 March 2016. A copy of the statutory accounts for that year has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditor reported on those accounts: its report was unqualified, and did not contain a statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. However, the auditor's report on those accounts did include an Emphasis of Matter paragraph concluding that whilst the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements was appropriate, conditions existed at the date of approval of those accounts which indicated the existence of a material uncertainty which may have given rise to a significant doubt over the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. The matters arising influencing the Group's going concern assumption and events taking place during the six months ended 30 June 2016 are set out in note 3 below.

   2.            Accounting policies 

The condensed consolidated set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Services Authority and International Accounting Standard 34 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union as if the company were listed on a market regulated under EU law.

The condensed consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015 which have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union.

In preparing these condensed interim financial statements, the significant judgements made by management in applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were as stated within the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015.

The accounting policies applied are consistent with those of the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015.

   3.            Going concern 

The annual report of Tribal Group plc contained substantial disclosure on the Directors' consideration of adopting the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements as the successful completion of the sale of the Synergy business and the Rights Issue and placing were critical assumptions in their assessment.

Subsequent to the publication of the annual report and as disclosed in this report, the Group completed the sale of its Synergy business generating net proceeds of GBP18.5m. In addition, the Group has raised net proceeds of GBP20.0m from the Rights Issue and placing. This has created a more appropriate capital structure which has eliminated its indebtedness.

On 30 June 2016, the Group agreed amendments to the terms of its banking facilities which remain committed until June 2018. The size of the overall credit facility has been reduced from GBP50million to GBP25million, a level more appropriate for the Group balance sheet, following the completion of the rights issue and the sale of Synergy which resulted in a significant reduction in the outstanding indebtedness, and consequently a reduction in the level of debt finance required to support the business going forwards. The most significant change to the agreement is that the maximum permissible leverage ratio (measured as the ratio of net debt to EBITDA) must not exceed 2x (previously 3x). The definition of EBITDA has also been defined to exclude certain non-cash and one-off trading impacts that have unfavourable impacts on the calculation. For the foreseeable future, the Group is forecast to operate within the bank covenant requirements set out in the facility agreements, amended with effect from 30 June 2016, after taking in to account reasonably possible downside changes in trading performance.

The directors are satisfied that the Group has sufficient resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future, a period of not less than 12 months from the date of this report. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the condensed financial statements.

   4.            Segmental analysis 

In accordance with IFRS 8 'Operating Segments' information on segment assets is not shown as this is not provided to the Chief Operating decision-maker. Inter-segment sales are charged at prevailing market prices.

 
                                      Six months   Six months           Year 
                                           ended        ended          ended 
                                         30 June      30 June    31 December 
 Geographical information: revenue          2016         2015           2015 
  from external customers                GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
-----------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 UK                                       25,770       40,184         72,350 
 Asia Pacific                             14,460       12,350         23,699 
 North America and rest of world           4,986        5,514         10,676 
 
                                          45,216       58,048        106,725 
-----------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 

The principal activities are as follows:

Product Development and Customer Services ("PD & CS"), representing revenues from sales of software and subsequent maintenance revenues, and the costs of developing and maintaining that software;

Implementation Services ("IS"), representing the results of activities through which we deploy and configure our software for our customers;

Professional and Business Solutions ("PBS"), representing a portfolio of performance improvement tools and services, including analytics, benchmarking and transformation services; and

Quality Assurance Solutions ("QAS"), representing inspection and review services which support the assessment of educational delivery.

 
                                       Total Revenue                        Adjusted segment 
                                                                            operating profit 
--------------------------  -----------------------------------  ------------------------------------- 
                                  Six        Six           Year         Six         Six           Year 
                               months     months          ended      months      months          ended 
                                ended      ended    31 December       ended       ended    31 December 
                              30 June    30 June           2015          30     30 June           2015 
                                 2016       2015        GBP'000        June        2015         GBP000 
                              GBP'000    GBP'000                       2016     GBP'000 
                                                                    GBP'000 
--------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 PD & CS                       23,937     24,217         46,131       1,508       1,296          2,023 
  IMP                           7,037      8,508         16,910         116         582          1,140 
 PBS                            3,782      7,391         13,771          61       (143)            229 
  QAS                          10,460     18,184         30,482         706       2,605          2,900 
 Inter-segment                      -      (252)          (569)           -           -              - 
--------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 
   Total                       45,216     58,048        106,725       2,391       4,340          6,292 
--------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 
 Unallocated corporate 
  expenses                                                          (1,935)     (1,895)        (3,408) 
--------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 Adjusted operating 
  profit                                                                456       2,445          2,884 
                 Amortisation of IFRS 
              3 intangibles (see note 
                                   5)                                 (891)       (833)        (1,686) 
 Other items (see 
  note 5)                                                           (1,491)     (6,847)       (46,420) 
--------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 
   Operating loss                                                   (1,926)     (5,235)       (45,222) 
--------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 
 
 
 
 

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as the Group's accounting policies. Segment profit represents the profit earned by each segment, without the allocation of central administration costs, including Directors' salaries, finance costs and income tax expense. This is the measure reported to the Group's Chief Executive for the purpose of resource allocation and assessment of segment performance.

Revenues of approximately 13% (31 December 2015: 18%) have arisen within our QAS segment from the Group's largest customer and revenues of approximately 5% (31 December 2015: 6%) have arisen within our PD&CS and Implementation segments from the Group's second largest customer.

Included within other items is goodwill impairment of GBP19.1m which relates to the disposal of the Synergy business, of which GBP14.2m arises in respect of the PD&CS segment and GBP4.9m arises in respect of the Implementation segment (31 December 2015: GBP38.8m, of which GBP23.6m arises in respect of the PD&CS segment, GBP9.7m arises in respect of the QAS segment, and GBP5.5m arises in respect of the PBS segment).

   5.            Other items 
 
                                         Six months   Six months           Year 
                                              ended        ended          ended 
                                            30 June      30 June    31 December 
                                               2016         2015           2015 
                                            GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
--------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Profit on sale of Synergy                      301            -              - 
--------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 - Acquisition costs                              -        (218)          (198) 
 - Gain on bargain purchase                       -          403            405 
 - Movement in deferred contingent 
  consideration*                              (387)         (86)          1,020 
--------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Acquisition related costs                    (387)           99          1,227 
--------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 - Impairment of goodwill                         -      (7,260)       (38,802) 
 - Impairment of development costs 
  and related charges                             -            -        (7,989) 
--------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Impairment charges                               -      (7,260)       (46,791) 
--------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 - Onerous contracts                             71          233            294 
 - Costs on closure of SLS business            (33)            -          (823) 
 - Property related                              91           81            210 
 - Restructuring and associated costs       (1,534)            -          (537) 
 Other exceptional items                    (1,405)          314          (856) 
--------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Other administrative costs                 (1,491)      (6,847)       (46,420) 
 - Amortisation of IFRS 3 intangibles         (891)        (833)        (1,686) 
--------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Total administrative costs                 (2,382)      (7,680)       (48,106) 
 - Unwinding of discount on deferred 
  contingent consideration                    (169)        (293)          (585) 
 - Bank arrangement fees written              (244)            -              - 
  off 
 - Fees associated with waiver of 
  loan covenant                                  51            -          (456) 
 Exceptional financing items                  (362)        (293)        (1,041) 
                                            (2,744)      (7,973)       (49,147) 
--------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Tax on other items                             466          202          2,558 
                                            (2,278)      (7,771)       (46,589) 
--------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 

* Included in movement in deferred contingent consideration are GBP42k of professional fees incurred in relation to valuation of contingent consideration.

IAS1, paragraph 97, requires separate disclosure of such items that are considered material by nature or value in the financial statements. As such, 'other item's are not part of the Group's underlying trading activities and include the following for the six months ended 30 June 2016:

Profit on sale of Synergy; on 29 February 2016, the Group announced that it had agreed to dispose of its Synergy children's services management information systems business to Servelec Group plc for total consideration of GBP20.25m (GBP19.4m after adjustments for working capital). Subsequent to the allocation of goodwill of GBP19.1m and costs arising in respect of the disposal, a profit on disposal of GBP0.3m was recognised in the period. Further information is provided in note 16.

Acquisition costs: during the period, a final payment was made in respect of deferred consideration payable on acquisition of iGraduate, which resulted in a true up of the amounts provided (GBP0.6m additional charge) and has also been impacted by other movements in the fair value of contingent deferred consideration.

Other exceptional items: amounts principally reflect the costs arising in respect of the restructuring of the Group's operations. The restructuring program was executed in the first half of 2016 and associated costs provided for. Amounts include provision for redundancy costs, consolidation of the Group's office portfolio as well as the costs of termination of the previous executive directors' employment contracts.

Amortisation of IFRS3 intangibles: amortisation arising on the fair value of intangible assets acquired is separately disclosed as other items.

   6.            Finance costs 
 
                                        Six months   Six months           Year 
                                             ended        ended          ended 
                                           30 June      30 June    31 December 
                                              2016         2015           2015 
                                           GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Interest on bank overdrafts and 
  loans                                        297          285            695 
 Amortisation and write off of loan 
  arrangement fees                              50          116            272 
 Other interest payable                        177           77            116 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Financing costs                               524          478          1,083 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Unwinding of discount on deferred 
  contingent consideration                     169          293            585 
 Bank arrangement fees written off             244            -              - 
 Fees associated with waiver of loan 
  covenants                                   (51)            -            456 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Other financing costs                         362          293          1,041 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 
   Total financing costs                       886          771          2,124 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 
   7.            Tax 
 
                                Six months        Six           Year 
                                     ended     months          ended 
                                   30 June      ended    31 December 
                                      2016    30 June           2015 
                                   GBP'000       2015        GBP'000 
                                              GBP'000 
-----------------------        -----------  ---------  ------------- 
 
   Current tax 
 UK corporation 
  tax                                    -       (41)            354 
 Overseas tax                          482        371            173 
 Adjustments in 
  respect of prior 
  periods                                -      (325)        (1,262) 
-----------------------------  -----------  ---------  ------------- 
 
   Deferred tax                        482          5          (735) 
 Current period                      (725)         93        (2,125) 
 Adjustments in 
  respect of prior 
  periods                                -        176            999 
-----------------------------  -----------  ---------  ------------- 
 
                                     (725)        269        (1,126) 
      -----------------------  -----------  ---------  ------------- 
 
   Tax (credit)/charge 
   on losses                         (243)        274        (1,861) 
-----------------------------  -----------  ---------  ------------- 
 

In addition to the amount charged to the income statement, a current tax credit of GBPnil (30 June 2015: GBPnil; 31 December 2015: credit of GBP195,000) and a deferred tax credit of GBP21,000 (30 June 2015: charge of GBP218,000; 31 December 2015: charge of GBP219,000) has been recognised directly in equity in relation to share schemes. A deferred tax credit of GBP212,000 (30 June 2015: GBPnil; 31 December 2015: GBP34,000) has been recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in relation to Defined Benefit pension schemes.

The Group continues to hold an appropriate corporation tax provision in relation to the Group relief claimed from Care UK for the year ended 31 March 2007.

Taxes on income in the interim periods are accrued using the tax rate that would be applicable to expected total annual earnings.

   8.            Earnings per share 

Earnings per share and diluted earnings per share are calculated by reference to a weighted average of ordinary shares calculated as follows:

 
                                            Six months   Six months           Year 
                                                 ended        ended          ended 
                                               30 June      30 June    31 December 
                                                  2016         2015           2015 
                                                   000          000            000 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 
   Basic weighted average number of 
   shares in issue                             142,383       94,435         94,435 
 Employee share options                              -            -              - 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 
   Weighted average number of shares 
   outstanding for dilution calculations       142,383       94,435         94,435 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 

Diluted earnings per share only reflects the dilutive effect of share options for which performance criteria have been met. The maximum number of potentially dilutive shares, based on options that have been granted but have not yet met vesting criteria is 6,186,216 (December 2015: 1,531,955).

The adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share figures shown on the condensed consolidated income statement are included as the directors believe that they provide a better understanding of the underlying trading performance of the Group.

A reconciliation of how these figures are calculated is set out below.

 
                             Six months ended                             Six months ended                         Year ended 31 
                                30 June 2016                                 30 June 2015                           December 2015 
----------  --------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------  --------------------------------------- 
             ContinuingGBP'000   DiscontinuedGBP'000     Total   Continuing   Discontinued     Total   Continuing   Discontinued      Total 
                                                       GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000   GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000    GBP'000 
----------  ------------------  --------------------  --------  -----------  -------------  --------  -----------  -------------  --------- 
 Net loss              (2,551)                     -   (2,551)      (6,278)           (81)   (6,359)     (45,436)           (80)     (45,516) 
----------  ------------------  --------------------  --------  -----------  -------------  --------  -----------  -------------  ----------- 
 Earnings 
 per share 
 Basic 
  and 
  diluted               (1.8)p                     -    (1.8)p       (6.6)p         (0.1)p    (6.7)p      (48.1)p         (0.1)p      (48.2)p 
 Adjusted 
 earnings 
 per share 
 Basic 
  and 
  diluted               (1.8)p                                         1.6p                                  1.2p 
----------  ------------------  --------------------  --------  -----------  -------------  --------  -----------  -------------  ----------- 
 
 
 
                                          (Loss)/profit for                     Earnings per share 
                                              the period 
-----------------------------  --------------------------------------  ------------------------------------ 
                                      Six         Six                        Six        Six 
                                   months      months            Year     months     months            Year 
                                    ended       ended           ended      ended      ended           ended 
                                  30 June          30     31 December    30 June         30     31 December 
                                     2016        June            2015       2016       June            2015 
                                  GBP'000        2015         GBP'000    GBP'000       2015         GBP'000 
                                              GBP'000                               GBP'000 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  --------------  ---------  ---------  -------------- 
 Loss for the period 
  attributable to equity 
  share holders                   (2,551)     (6,359)        (45,516)     (1.8)p     (6.7)p         (48.2)p 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  --------------  ---------  ---------  -------------- 
 Add back: discontinued 
  operations                            -          81              80          -       0.1p            0.1p 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  --------------  ---------  ---------  -------------- 
 Loss for the year 
  from continuing operations      (2,551)     (6,278)        (45,436)     (1.8)p     (6.6)p         (48.1)p 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  --------------  ---------  ---------  -------------- 
 Add back: 
 Amortisation of IFRS 
  3 intangibles (net 
  of tax)                             633         593           1,197 
 Impairment of goodwill                 -       7,260          38,802 
 Disposal of Synergy                (301)           -               - 
 Gain on bargain purchase               -       (403)           (405) 
 Impairment of development 
  costs (net of tax)                    -           -           6,323 
 Unwinding of discount 
  on deferred consideration 
  and onerous contracts               169         293             585 
 Other items (net 
  of tax)                           1,390        (58)           1,107 
 Movement in deferred 
  contingent consideration            387          86         (1,020) 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  --------------  ---------  ---------  -------------- 
 Total adjusted items 
  (net of tax)                      2,278       7,771          46,589     (1.6)p       8.2p           49.3p 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  --------------  ---------  ---------  -------------- 
 Adjusted earnings                  (273)       1,493           1,153     (0.2)p       1.6p            1.2p 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  --------------  ---------  ---------  -------------- 
 
   9.            Dividends 
 
                                           Six months   Six months           Year 
                                                ended        ended          ended 
                                              30 June      30 June    31 December 
                                                 2016         2015           2015 
                                              GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
---------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  ------------- 
 Amounts recognised as distributions 
  to equity holders in the period: 
 
   Interim dividend for the year ended 
   31 December 2015 of 0.70 pence per 
   share                                            -            -            661 
 
   Final dividend for the year ended 
   31 December 2015 of nil pence per 
   share (2014: 1.20 pence per share)               -        1,138          1,133 
---------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  ------------- 
                                                    -        1,138          1,794 
 ----------------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------- 
 

No final dividend was paid for the year ended 31 December 2015 and no interim dividend for 2016 has been proposed.

   10.          Goodwill 
 
                                                    GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------------  ---------- 
 Cost 
 At 1 January 2016                                  119,542 
 Exchange differences                                 1,545 
-----------------------------------------------  ---------- 
 
   At 30 June 2016                                  121,087 
-----------------------------------------------  ---------- 
 Accumulated impairment losses 
 At 1 January 2016                                   81,231 
 Allocation of goodwill to disposal of Synergy       19,107 
-----------------------------------------------  ---------- 
 
   At 30 June 2016                                  100,338 
-----------------------------------------------  ---------- 
 Net book value 
 At 30 June 2016                                     20,749 
-----------------------------------------------  ---------- 
 
   At 31 December 2015                               38,311 
-----------------------------------------------  ---------- 
 

On 1 April 2016 The Group disposed of its Synergy children's services management information system business to Servelec Group plc. As part of the calculation of the profit on disposal, goodwill associated with the

Synergy business has been allocated to the profit.   This amounted to GBP19.1m (see also note 16). 

The Group tests annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indicators that goodwill could be impaired. At the half year, a review has been undertaken to ascertain if any indicators have arisen of potential impairments. Based on the review performed, no impairment indicators that would require an impairment review have been noted.

   11.          Other intangible assets 
 
                                           Customer 
                                          contracts 
                                                and   Development   Business    Software 
                          Software    relationships         costs    systems    licences      Total 
                           GBP'000          GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000 
-----------------------  ---------  ---------------  ------------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 Cost 
 At 1 January 2016           6,634            6,613        30,015      5,688           -     48,950 
 Transfers                       -                -             -          -       1,369      1,369 
 Additions                       -                -           494        555          12      1,061 
 Disposals                       -                -       (3,153)          -        (36)    (3,189) 
 Exchange differences          908              387           257         12           -      1,564 
-----------------------  ---------  ---------------  ------------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 
   At 30 June 2016           7,542            7,000        27,613      6,255       1,345     49,755 
-----------------------  ---------  ---------------  ------------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 Amortisation 
 
 At 1 January 2016           2,128            3,800        23,831      4,407           -     34,166 
 Transfers                       -                -             -          -       1,084      1,084 
 Charge for the period         664              227           562         69         105      1,627 
 Disposals                       -                -       (2,664)          -        (25)    (2,689) 
 Exchange differences          351              121            89          5           -        566 
 
   At 30 June 2016           3,143            4,148        21,818      4,481       1,164     34,754 
-----------------------  ---------  ---------------  ------------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 Carrying amount 
 At 30 June 2016             4,399            2,852         5,795      1,774         181     15,001 
-----------------------  ---------  ---------------  ------------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 
   At 31 December 2015       4,506            2,813         6,184      1,281           -     14,784 
-----------------------  ---------  ---------------  ------------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 

Software and customer contract and relationships have arisen from acquisitions, and are amortised over their estimated useful lives, which are 3-6 years and 3-12 years respectively. The amortisation period for development costs incurred on the Group's product development is three to seven years, based on the expected life-cycle of the product. Amortisation of development costs is included within cost of sales; the amortisation for software, customer contracts and relationships and business systems is included within administrative expenses.

Disposals in development costs correspond to the sale of the Synergy business (see note 16).

   12.          Trade and other receivables 
 
                                      30 June    30 June   31 December 
                                         2016       2015          2015 
                                      GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000 
----------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 Amounts receivable for the sale 
  of services                          15,350     15,815        17,700 
 Allowance for doubtful debts           (722)      (284)         (655) 
----------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
                                       14,628     15,531        17,045 
 Amounts recoverable on contracts          28        111            42 
 Other receivables                        280        341           263 
 Prepayments                            2,963      3,591         2,845 
 
 
                                       17,899     19,574        20,195 
----------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 
   13.          Trade and other payables 
 
                                        30 June    30 June   31 December 
                                           2016       2015          2015 
                                        GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000 
------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 Trade payables                           2,118      4,121         2,274 
 Other taxation and social security       3,082      4,509         3,405 
 Other payables                           1,999      3,157         1,364 
 
 
                                          7,199     11,787         7,043 
------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 
   14.          Provisions 
 
                             Property         Deferred      Onerous      Legal 
                              related    consideration    contracts     claims     Restructuring       Total 
                              GBP'000          GBP'000      GBP'000    GBP'000           GBP'000     GBP'000 
--------------------------  ---------  ---------------  -----------  ---------  ----------------  ---------- 
 At 1 January 2016                617            4,717          444        158                 -       5,936 
 Increase/(release) 
  in provision                     11              345         (69)        215               811       1,313 
 Utilisation of provision       (243)          (2,907)        (179)          -                 -     (3,329) 
 Unwind of discount                 -              169            -          -                 -         169 
 Exchange rate movement             7              411            -          -                 9         427 
 
 
   At 30 June 2016                392            2,735          196        373               820       4,516 
--------------------------  ---------  ---------------  -----------  ---------  ----------------  ---------- 
 
 The provisions are 
  split as follows: 
--------------------------  ---------  ---------------  -----------  ---------  ----------------  ---------- 
                             Property         Deferred      Onerous      Legal 
                              related    consideration    contracts     claims     Restructuring       Total 
                              GBP'000          GBP'000      GBP'000    GBP'000           GBP'000     GBP'000 
--------------------------  ---------  ---------------  -----------  ---------  ----------------  ---------- 
 
 Within one year                  392            1,375          196        373               820       3,156 
 More than one year                 -            1,360            -          -                 -       1,360 
 
 
                                  392            2,735          196        373               820       4,516 
--------------------------  ---------  ---------------  -----------  ---------  ----------------  ---------- 
 

Property related provisions reflect costs associated with exiting properties leased by businesses now discontinued or closed. Costs are expected to be incurred over a period of up to one year.

Deferred consideration reflects amounts in respect of the acquisitions of subsidiary undertakings, payable over a period of up to 3 years. Certain amounts are contingent upon the performance of the acquired entities, with amounts reflecting management's best estimate of the future profitability of those entities and the resultant payments due under the terms of the Sale and Purchase Agreements. Deferred consideration is measured at fair value with gains and losses going through the income statement.

Onerous contracts represent costs anticipated from contracts, where we have withdrawn from markets but are committed to multiyear maintenance deals which necessitate a minimum level of staffing which will not be covered by contract revenues.

Legal claims reflect provisions recognised in respect of disputes arising on previously disposed of businesses, and anticipated costs to resolve other contractual disputes.

Restructuring provisions represent amounts provided in respect of the Group's restructuring and reorganisation. Amounts principally reflect redundancy costs and amounts provided in respect of the consolidation of the Group's office portfolio.

   15.          Share capital 
 
                        Six months        Six   Six months        Six 
                             ended     months        ended     months            Year            Year 
                           30 June      ended      30 June      ended           ended           ended 
                              2016    30 June         2015    30 June     31 December     31 December 
                            number       2016       number       2015            2015            2015 
                                      GBP'000                 GBP'000          number         GBP'000 
--------------------  ------------  ---------  -----------  ---------  --------------  -------------- 
 Allotted , called 
  up and fully paid 
 At beginning of 
  the period            94,849,241      4,743   94,849,241      4,743      94,849,241           4,743 
 Issued during 
  the period           100,531,058      5,026            -          -               -               - 
 At end of the 
  period               195,380,299      9,769   94,849,241      4,743      94,849,241           4,743 
--------------------  ------------  ---------  -----------  ---------  --------------  -------------- 
 

On 4 April 2016 94,849,241 Rights Issue shares were issued and on 19 April 2016 5,681,817 Subscriptions shares were issued.

   16.          Disposal of Synergy 

On 1 April 2016 The Group disposed of its Synergy children's services management information system business to Servelec Group plc.

The net assets of the Synergy business at the date of disposal were as follows:

 
                                   GBP'000 
-----------------------------     -------- 
 Intangible assets                     489 
 Tangible assets                       220 
 Trade and other receivables         1,785 
 Trade and other payables          (3,364) 
 Attributable goodwill              19,107 
 Net assets                         18,237 
 
 Cash consideration                 19,421 
 Costs associated with the 
  disposal                           (883) 
 
 
   Gain on disposal                    301 
--------------------------------  -------- 
 

Two of the Group's directors, Richard Last and Roger McDowell are also directors of Servelec Group plc; given the conflict arising in respect of the disposal of Synergy to Servelec, neither director participated in the Board's consideration of the disposal of Synergy.

Additionally, the Group has provided warranties and indemnities against certain liabilities as part of the disposal. The Group believes that a material liability arising from such warranties provided is remote.

During 2016, the Synergy business generated revenues of GBP1.5m (2015: GBP6.3m), of which GBP1.3m (2015: GBP5.2m) related to the Product Development and Customer Services segment, and included GBP1.0m (2015: GBP4.1m) of recurring software maintenance revenues. Other revenue generated by the Synergy business of GBP0.3m (2015: GBP1.1m) related to the Implementation Services segment.

The Synergy business delivered an operating profit GBP0.7m in 2016 (2015: GBP2.7m), stated before allocation of costs of central support services which have not transferred to Servelec Group plc. These non-transferring activities include IT services, HR, finance, legal, marketing and head office costs. Additionally, the operating profit for 2016 is stated before exceptional charges of GBPnil (2015: GBP1.0m).

   17.          Retirement Benefit Schemes 

Following the UK's decision to leave the EU, the Group has reviewed its defined benefit schemes with the assistance of its actuaries resulting in the net defined assets of the scheme reducing from GBP88,000 to net defined liabilities of GBP1,090,000. As a result an actuarial loss of GBP1,178,000 has been recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and expense.

   18.          Notes to the cash flow statement 
 
                                        Six months   Six months           Year 
                                             ended        ended          ended 
                                           30 June      30 June    31 December 
                                              2016         2015           2015 
                                           GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Operating loss from continuing 
  operations                               (1,926)      (5,235)       (45,222) 
 
 Operating loss from discontinued 
  operations                                     -         (30)           (80) 
 Gain on disposal of Synergy                 (301)            -              - 
 Depreciation of property, plant 
  and equipment                                756          748          1,532 
 Impairment of goodwill                          -        7,260         38,802 
 Amortisation and impairment 
  of other intangible assets                 1,627        2,834         13,437 
 Other non cash items                        1,735          450        (1,834) 
 Operating cash flows before 
  movements in working capital               1,891        6,027          6,635 
 (Increase)/decrease in inventories           (50)        (206)            478 
 Decrease in receivables                     1,341          182          5,701 
 Increase/(decrease) in payables             1,137      (8,793)       (17,203) 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Net cash from/(used in) operating 
  activities before tax                      4,319      (2,790)        (4,389) 
 Tax receipts/(paid)                           314        (371)        (1,827) 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 
   Net cash from/(used in) operating 
   activities                                4,633      (3,161)        (6,216) 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 
   Net cash from/(used in) operating 
   activities before tax can be 
   analysed as follows: 
 Continuing operations (excluding 
  restricted cash)                           4,369        3,097          2,045 
 Decrease in restricted cash                  (50)      (5,865)        (6,354) 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
                                             4,319      (2,768)        (4,309) 
 Discontinued operations                         -         (22)           (80) 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 
                                             4,319      (2,790)        (4,389) 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 
   19.          Analysis of net cash/net debt 
 
                                       30 June      30 June   31 December 
                                          2016         2015          2015 
                                       GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------ 
 Cash and cash equivalents               7,186        4,499         3,896 
 Overdrafts                                  -            -       (2,160) 
 Syndicated bank facility (net 
  of bank arrangement fees)            (1,500)     (27,589)      (34,207) 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------ 
 
   Net cash/(net debt)                   5,686     (23,090)      (32,471) 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------ 
 
   Analysis of changes in net cash/net debt. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                       30 June      30 June   31 December 
                                          2016         2015          2015 
                                       GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------ 
 Opening net debt                     (32,471)     (11,678)      (11,678) 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash 
  and cash equivalents                   5,516      (4,510)       (7,387) 
 Effect of foreign exchange rate 
  changes                                 (66)        (336)         (222) 
 Decrease/(increase) in bank loans 
  and overdrafts                        33,000      (6,450)      (12,912) 
 Amortisation of loan arrangement 
  fees and similar charges               (293)        (116)         (272) 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------ 
 
   Closing net cash/(net debt)           5,686     (23,090)      (32,471) 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ------------ 
 

As at 30 June 2016, cash and cash equivalents included restricted advance cash receipts in relation to customer programmes of GBP0.2m (30 June 2015: GBP0.8m, 31 December 2015: GBP0.2m).

   20.          Contingent liabilities 

The Group is subject to various claims which arise in the ordinary course of business. At any time, the Group is overseeing a portfolio of customer implementation projects. Such projects may be complex, multi-phase projects giving rise to significant operational risks which the Group must manage. Such risks may, in certain instances, lead to potential negotiations or disputes with customers which may give rise to consequential financial or commercial obligations or liabilities arising.

A cross-guarantee exists between Group companies in respect of bank facilities totalling GBPnil (30 June 2015: GBP28.0m, 31 December 2015: GBP36.2m).

In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries have provided performance guarantees issued by their banks on their behalf, in the ordinary course of business totally GBP6.9m (30 June 2015: GBP8.0m, 31 December 2015: GBP8.5m). These are not expected to result in any material financial loss.

   21.          Related party disclosures 

Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note.

As part of the Rights Issue, a CEO Subscription by Ian Bowles (the Company's Chief Executive) to raise GBP250,000, a NED Subscription by Richard Last and Roger McDowell (the Company's Chairman and Senior Independent Director, respectively) to raise a total of GBP1,000,000 and a Share Matching Plan to be entered into between the Company and Richard Last and Roger McDowell were executed. The Subscription Shares were admitted to listing on the Official List and admitted to trading on the Main Market on 19 April 2016.

On 28 June 2016, Tribal Group plc ("the Company") granted nil-cost options over a total of 3,591,020 ordinary shares (representing approximately 1.84% of the Company's issued shares) to its executive directors and members of the senior management team under the terms of its 2010 Long Term Incentive Plan. This included nil-cost options over 2,454,546 ordinary shares granted to Ian Bowles, the Group's Chief Executive Officer. All of the awards are subject to a performance condition measured over a maximum of a 3 year period ending on 27 June 2019.

In addition, the Company granted nil cost options to Mark Pickett, Group Chief Financial Officer, under the terms of its 2010 Long Term Incentive Plan, over a total of 1,223,241 ordinary shares (representing approximately 0.63% of the Company's issued shares). This award is subject to a performance condition measured over a maximum of a 3 year period ending on 29 June 2019.

The performance conditions for the awards to Ian Bowles, and Mark Pickett, correspond to a target share price on the third anniversary of the date of the grant. The amount of awards that vest will range between 0% and 100% of those granted based upon target share price between 60p and 80p.

The remuneration of the key management personnel of the Group is set out below in aggregate for each of the categories specified in IAS 24 'Related Party Disclosures'. The members of the Group Board and the Group's Executive Board are considered to be the key management personnel of the Group.

 
                                  30 June    30 June   31 December 
                                     2016       2015          2015 
                                  GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000 
------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 Short-term employee benefits       1,211      1,094         2,227 
 Share-based payments(1)              170      (141)         (141) 
------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
                                    1,381        953         2,086 
------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 

(1) Remuneration in respect of share based payments reflects the IFRS2 charge/(credit) to the income statement during the relevant period in respect of the directors' outstanding share options and share matching plans.

   22.          Seasonality 

Our profits in 2016 are expected to be weighted towards the second half of the year, as we see the H1 cost savings actions flowing through, improved utilisation in the Implementation teams, and seasonal skewing of results in PBS.

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

The directors' confirm that these condensed interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and that the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7 and DTR 4.2.8, namely:

-- An indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months and their impact on the condensed set of financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year; and

-- Material related-party transactions in the first six months and any material changes in the related-party transactions described in the last annual report

The directors of Tribal Group plc are listed in the Tribal Group plc Report and accounts for the 12 month period ended 31 December 2015. A list of current directors is maintained on the Tribal Group plc website: www.tribalgroup.com.

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and the integrity of the Group's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

By order of the Board

Ian Bowles Mark Pickett

Chief Executive Group Finance Director

15th September 2016

Independent review report to Tribal Group plc

Report on the condensed consolidated financial information

Our conclusion

We have reviewed Tribal Group plc's condensed consolidated financial information (the "interim financial statements") in the half-yearly financial report of Tribal Group plc for the 6 month period ended 30 June 2016. Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the interim financial statements are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and the AIM Rules for Companies.

What we have reviewed

The interim financial statements comprise:

   --              the condensed consolidated balance sheet as at 30 June 2016; 
   --              the condensed consolidated income statement and condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income and expense for the period then ended; 
   --              the condensed consolidated cash flow statement for the period then ended; 

-- the condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity for the period then ended; and

   --              the explanatory notes to the interim financial statements. 

The interim financial statements included in the half-yearly financial report have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and the AIM Rules for Companies.

As disclosed in note 2 to the interim financial statements, the financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the full annual financial statements of the Group is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

Responsibilities for the interim financial statements and the review

Our responsibilities and those of the directors

The half-yearly financial report, including the interim financial statements, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the AIM Rules for Companies which require that the financial information must be presented and prepared in a form consistent with that which will be adopted in the company's annual financial statements.

Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the interim financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review. This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and only for the company for the purpose of complying with the AIM Rules for Companies and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving this conclusion, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

What a review of interim financial statements involves

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, 'Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity' issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures.

A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and, consequently, does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the interim financial statements.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chartered Accountants

Reading

15th September 2016

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

IR AKQDQFBKDNCD

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 15, 2016 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

1 Year Tribal Chart

1 Year Tribal Chart

1 Month Tribal Chart

1 Month Tribal Chart

Your Recent History

Delayed Upgrade Clock