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WORK Work Group

3.00
0.00 (0.00%)
26 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Work Group LSE:WORK London Ordinary Share GB00B0VP0707 ORD 2P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 3.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Work Group plc Final Results (6036H)

19/08/2016 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Work Group (LSE:WORK)
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TIDMWORK

RNS Number : 6036H

Work Group plc

19 August 2016

19 August 2016

Work Group plc

(the "Company" or the "Group")

Final results for the year ended 31 December 2015

Work Group plc (LSE - AIM: "WORK") announces its final results for the year ended 31 December 2015.

Continuing and discontinued operations:

   --      Sale of overseas subsidiaries and UK business to Capita plc on 31 December 2015 
   --      Re-admitted to trading on the AIM market as "Investing Company" under AIM Rule 15 
   --      Managed preservation of shareholder value in business despite heavy trading losses in UK 

-- Focus in 2016 on achieving successful reverse takeover of profitable and sizeable business to enhance cash value of business.

Financial headlines - continuing and discontinued operations

 
                              Year            Year        Year        Year   Change 
                             ended           ended       ended       ended 
--------------------- 
                         31-Dec-15       31-Dec-15   31-Dec-15   31-Dec-14 
--------------------- 
                        Continuing   Discontinuing       Total       Total 
---------------------  -----------  --------------  ----------  ----------  ------- 
                              GBPm            GBPm        GBPm        GBPm     GBPm 
 
 Revenue                         -             7.1         7.1         7.6    (0.5) 
 Gross profit 
  (net fee income)^              -             4.5         4.5         4.3      0.2 
 Operating 
  (loss)/profit 
  before exceptional 
  items                      (0.7)               -       (0.7)       (1.2)      0.5 
 Operating 
  (loss)/profit 
  after exceptional 
  item                       (0.9)               -       (0.9)       (3.4)      2.5 
 (Loss)/profit 
  after tax                  (0.9)             1.5         0.6       (3.6)      4.2 
 Cash                          1.7               -         1.7         0.1      1.6 
 
 (Losses)/earnings 
  per share                (3.26)p           5.26p       2.00p    (12.41p)   14.41p 
 
 

^ References in the report to "net fee income" represent gross profit.

Copies of the annual report are today being posted to shareholders, and can also be viewed on the Group's website, www.workgroupplc.com

Following posting of the Company's annual report and account to shareholders, the Company's shares will be restored to trading on AIM, which is expected to occur later today. A further announcement will be made confirming this.

Simon Howard, Executive Chairman, said: "Following the sale of the Groups' businesses to Capita in December 2015, management has been working to manage the remaining assets and liabilities to maximise cash. At 30 June 2016 the Group's cash balances were approximately GBP850,000 but there were significant debtor sums outstanding which are being successfully collected. The tail of remaining liabilities, including the lease on premises in Hale Cheshire, are being managed to reduce their cash impact."

Enquiries:

 
 Work Group                 Tel: +44 (0)20 3700 9210 
  Simon Howard, Executive 
  Chairman 
 
 Allenby Capital Limited    Tel: +44 (0)20 3328 5656 
  (Nominated Adviser & 
  Broker) 
  Jeremy Porter 
  James Thomas 
 

Chairman's review

Overview

The sale of the Company's trading operations to Capita plc in December 2015 was the culmination of an extremely difficult year. The trends witnessed during 2014 continued through 2015 - thus we experienced increasingly challenging trading in the UK which was in part offset by progress overseas, especially in the United States. We were fortunate to be able to support the overseas growth by utilising our deep well of experience in London.

What became clear on a strategic level was that significant changes were occurring for most suppliers of purely people-based advisory services in the UK. This meant that we were working in marketplaces where clients were doing more for themselves and pulling activities in-house; and consequently, the external business that was available was increasingly on a project basis. At the same time, external budgets were being cut and the effect of prolonged and ever more complex procurement procedures meant that working capital was under pressure as never before.

These changes particularly affected us as an SME without its own IP and with fewer continuing contracts delivering 'annuity income' than had previously been the case. Hence in both the employee engagement and the recruitment process outsourcing markets, we witnessed an accelerating trend of employers either taking more recruitment activities in-house or outsourcing their resourcing on a global basis to major global suppliers.

Therefore, it became clear to the Board that the trading activities of the Group could only survive as part of a much larger organisation.

Financial results

Operating loss on continuing operations, before exceptional items of (GBP0.2) million (2014: GBP2.3 million), was (GBP0.7 million) (2014: loss GBP1.2 million).

Loss before tax from continuing operations was GBP1.1 million (2014: loss GBP3.4 million). Cash at year end was GBP1.7 million (2014: GBP0.1 million)

The struggle for SME survival

Throughout the course of 2015, we were without doubt struggling to survive and I must thank our people for their commitment and endeavours in achieving the outcome that we did. However, our difficult trading conditions were exacerbated by some truly appalling corporate behaviour in the UK.

During 2014, we had concluded that our former bankers would not be the source of any short-term working capital on acceptable terms. We therefore entered into a confidential invoice discounting arrangement with another provider. However, in practice, the numerous conditions attached to these facilities, despite our client base containing many of the largest companies in the UK, meant that the facility was restricted to 18 per cent of our overall debtor book. This pressure on cash flow prevented us from shrinking our cost base to match our revenues.

This situation was aggravated by more of our working capital being tied up with UK clients which either required us to negotiate labyrinthine procurement and authorisation procedures or to accept ever longer payment terms. This culminated in a situation at the end of October when the amounts overdue (i.e. more than 60 days) from two UK clients amounted to three times our UK payroll. As an SME with large UK corporate clients, we were quite simply exploited - a situation which we did not experience in the United States or Hong Kong. The positive cash flow from these overseas offices in reality prevented the Group from having to declare insolvency.

I am afraid that I also have to reflect that our former bankers did little to support us despite a relationship going back many years. Their constant change in personnel, interpretation of facility limits to the narrowest extent possible and, on two occasions, failure to respond to requests to the point where we were forced to elevate our request to senior management within the bank is a sad reflection on the state of a once reliable business partner. The reality is that they did nothing to help us and in practice nearly caused our demise.

Sadly, the outcome for a number of our smaller suppliers was that we ourselves became late payers and for that I can only apologise. But I fear that this is a situation which will only continue to deteriorate in the UK.

The Future

Since the year end we have been winding down the remains of the UK business, relocating in London to small short term serviced offices and ensuring the business passed to Capita plc as contracted.

After a protracted negotiation, we have managed to finalise the consideration details which resulted in Capita retaining the amount of GBP500,000 held, subject to an audit of closing working capital, from the GBP2 million purchase price. This adjustment was as expected. Very careful cash flow management prior to completion saw significant cash withdrawn from our overseas subsidiaries which thereby reduced their normalised working capital.

Cash at 31 December 2015 was GBP1.7 million, with nil borrowings, after having settled some substantial transaction costs, although we did have significant accumulated creditor payments to satisfy after the year end.

The liabilities relating to warranties and indemnities given under the contract for sale ended on 30 June 2016 and no claims were received.

While some liabilities stand to be settled, our attention in recent months has turned to planning a future for the Group which will deliver the greatest value to shareholders. In particular, we have been reviewing the option for acquiring a significant new business into the Company which would constitute a "reverse takeover" under the AIM Rules for Companies and require shareholder approval. Provided we can clearly demonstrate that such a transaction would provide significant added value over our net cash value, we believe this would be a preferred option for shareholders. Our investing policy in this regard is set out earlier in this report. The alternative of an orderly liquidation of the Group is in practice complex, would diminish cash and can take up to 12 months.

We are currently evaluating possible reverse takeover acquisition targets and will report further on this as soon as we are able. The Directors aim to conclude a transaction as early in the second half of 2016 as is feasible notwithstanding the need to conduct extensive and appropriate due diligence.

Simon Howard

Chairman

18 August 2016

Strategic report

Work Group plc

The business model

Work Group plc was a human capital consulting group which provided a range of services built principally on employee engagement and recruitment outsourcing activities.

The employee engagement activities were conducted through operating subsidiaries in the UK, Hong Kong and USA. The client base for these services was principally made up of large corporate entities and government bodies where we would typically work with internal HR or Resourcing functions. In the case of recruitment outsourcing, this was a service delivered only in the UK and focused on the provision of specialist programme-based support.

On 31 December 2015, the Company completed the sale of the Hong Kong and New York subsidiaries and the UK business conducted through its wholly owned subsidiary Work Group Resources Limited to Capita Resourcing Limited and Capita International Limited (both wholly owned subsidiaries of Capita plc).

On the same day, the Company was re-admitted to trading on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange as a Rule 15 Investing Company (cash shell). Under the terms of the re-admission the Company has until 31 December 2016 to conclude a reverse takeover acquisition under the AIM Rules to enable it to maintain its quotation on AIM.

Strategy and Objectives

The core elements of the Group's strategy, following the disposal of its trading subsidiaries and operations are:

   -     To preserve and enhance shareholder value through a successful reverse takeover transaction; 
   -     To ensure that the enlarged group is capable of trading profitably in the future; and 
   -     To ensure that the enlarged group operates in a market offering attractive growth prospects. 

Results for the financial year

Group revenue for the year was GBP7.1 million, a 6.5% reduction from 2014 (2014: GBP7.6 million). This relates to discontinued operations only and is shown as part of the loss from discontinued operations.

Operating expenses (excluding exceptional items) fell from GBP5.5 million to GBP0.7 million which could not offset the decline in revenue thereby resulting in a pre-exceptional operating loss of GBP0.7 million (2014: loss GBP1.2 million).

After exceptional items (principally costs associated with the disposal of the businesses) and before taxation, the group recorded a profit of GBP0.6 million (2014: loss GBP3.6 million).

Cash flow and balance sheet

Net cash inflow was GBP1.6 million, of which GBP1.7 million was proceeds of the sale of subsidiaries and business to Capita plc. The balance from operations in 2014 was an outflow of GBP1.1 million.

Despite the very heavy cash outflows resulting from the poor trading in the UK and the costs associated with maintaining the Company's AIM listing, a combination of careful cash management and exceptional cash generation in the overseas subsidiaries resulted in a net inflow before proceeds of sale are taken into account.

The restrictive terms attached to the Group's limited borrowing facilities meant that the full contracted facilities were rarely available during the year which resulted in significant penalties for late payment of both PAYE and VAT.

Year-end net cash balances were GBP1.7 million (2014 GBP0.1 million).

Earnings per Share and Dividends

The earnings per share was in 2015 2.00p (2014 loss: 12.41p), as the result of the disposal of the operations of all operations of the Group.

No dividend is recommended due to the deficit on distributable reserves (2014: nil).

Going Concern

Following the completion of the sale of the Company's trading operations and subsidiaries on 31 December 2015, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate available resources to continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future.

For these reasons, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing their annual report and financial statements.

Monitoring, risk and KPIs

At present, following the disposal of the Company's trading operations on 31 December 2015, the focus of monitoring risk and KPI's relate solely to the preservation of cash and the search for a suitable reverse acquisition opportunity.

To preserve cash, the Group has sought to eliminate all unnecessary overheads, reduced property rental obligations and concentrated on the collection of all sums owed to the Group following the sale of the business.

The search for a suitable acquisition opportunity that meets the Company's investing policy has involved wide ranging contact with brokers and other professional advisers operating in the AIM market.

Business environment

The principal risk faced by the Group would be the failure to execute its chosen strategy of finding a suitable candidate for a reverse takeover before 31 December 2016.

The principal uncertainty will relate to stock market and general economic conditions which would affect the ability to complete a transaction.

The Directors are aware that to maximise shareholders' value requires a combination of preserving cash and optimising a reverse takeover. This would thereby increase the value compared to the alternative of liquidating itself and returning remaining cash to shareholders.

Future focus

The Directors are currently evaluating a limited number of opportunities to acquire a profitable and sizeable business into the Group as a reverse takeover to provide shareholders with an opportunity to participate in an attractive investment opportunity. The Directors aim to conclude a transaction as early in the second half of 2016 as is feasible notwithstanding the need to conduct extensive and appropriate due diligence.

   Simon Howard                                                                           Neil McClure 

Executive Chairman Company Secretary

Consolidated income statement

Work Group plc

For the year ended 31 December 2015

 
 
                               Note      2015          2014 
 
                                      GBP'000       GBP'000 
 
   Continuing operations 
   Revenue                      2           -   *     7,575 
   Cost of sales                            -       (3,278) 
  --------------------------  -----  --------      -------- 
   Gross profit (net 
    fee income)                             -         4,297 
   Net operating expenses               (896)       (7,742) 
   Operating loss                       (896)       (3,445) 
  --------------------------  -----  --------      -------- 
 
   Analysed as: 
   Operating loss before 
    exceptional items                   (692)       (1,184) 
   Exceptional items            4       (204)       (2,261) 
  --------------------------  -----  --------      -------- 
 
   Finance costs                         (16)           (4) 
  --------------------------  -----  --------      -------- 
   Loss before taxation                 (912)       (3,449) 
   Income tax expense           7        (22)         (103) 
  --------------------------  -----  --------      -------- 
   Loss from continuing 
    operations                  5       (934)       (3,552) 
  --------------------------  -----  --------      -------- 
   Discontinued operations 
   Profit from discontinued 
    operations, net 
    of tax                      6       1,506             - 
  --------------------------  -----  --------      -------- 
   Profit/(Loss) for 
    the year attributable 
    to owners of the 
    company                               572       (3,552) 
  --------------------------  -----  --------      -------- 
 
   Basic profit/(loss) 
    per share (pence) 
   From continuing 
    operations                         (3.26)       (12.41) 
   From discontinued                     5.26             - 
    operation 
                                8        2.00       (12.41) 
  --------------------------  -----  --------      -------- 
 
 
 
 
  * excludes Work Group Ltd, Work group Inc. 
  and Work Group Resources Ltd 
 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Work Group plc

For the year ended 31 December 2015

 
                                          2015      2014 
                                       GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------------------   --------  -------- 
 
 Profit/(loss) for the year                572   (3,552) 
 
 Other comprehensive income 
 Currency translation differences         (57)        17 
 Total comprehensive profit/(loss) 
  for the year attributable to 
  owners of the company                    515   (3,535) 
------------------------------------ 
 

Consolidated and parent company statements of financial position

Work Group plc

For the year ended 31 December 2015

 
                          Note      Group      Group    Company    Company 
                                     2015       2014       2015       2014 
                                 GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Assets 
 Non-current 
  assets 
 Property, plant 
  and equipment            10           2        134          -         18 
 Intangible 
  assets                   9            -        100          -          - 
 Investment 
  in subsidiaries          11           -          -          -         29 
 Deferred tax 
  asset                    12           -         21          -         21 
                                        2        255          -         68 
-----------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Current assets 
 Inventories               13           -        108          -          - 
 Trade and other 
  receivables              14         482      1,640        603      1,294 
 Cash and cash 
  equivalents              21       1,699        140      1,702         69 
                                    2,181      1,888      2,305      1,363 
-----------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Liabilities 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other 
  payables                 16     (1,388)    (1,863)    (2,565)    (1,951) 
 
 Net current 
  assets/(liabilities)                793         25      (260)      (588) 
-----------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Net assets                           795        280      (260)      (520) 
-----------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Shareholders' 
  equity 
 Ordinary share 
  capital                  17         572        572        572        572 
 Share premium                      8,240      8,240      8,240      8,240 
 Special reserve           18       2,826      2,826      2,826      2,826 
 Shares held 
  by EBT                            (312)      (312)          -          - 
 Foreign exchange 
  reserves                 18           -         57          -          - 
 Accumulated 
  losses                         (10,531)   (11,103)   (11,898)   (12,158) 
 Total equity                         795        280      (260)      (520) 
-----------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 

Consolidated and parent company statements of changes in equity

Work Group plc

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Group

 
 
                    Note                                    Treasury    Shares     Foreign                   Total 
                           Ordinary                           shares      held    exchange                Reserves 
                              share      Share    Special                   by     reserve    Retained 
                            capital    premium    reserve                  EBT                earnings 
 
                            GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000 
 At 1 January 
  2014                          572      8,240      2,826          -     (312)          40     (7,551)       3,815 
                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Loss for 
  the year                        -          -          -          -         -           -     (3,552)     (3,552) 
 Foreign 
  exchange                        -          -          -          -         -          17           -          17 
                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 At 31 December 
  2014                          572      8,240      2,826          -     (312)          57    (11,103)         280 
                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Profit for 
  the year                        -          -          -          -         -           -         572         572 
 Foreign 
  exchange                        -          -          -          -         -        (57)           -        (57) 
                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Comprehensive 
  profit for 
  the year                        -          -          -          -         -        (57)         572         515 
                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 At 31 December 
  2015                          572      8,240      2,826          -     (312)           -    (10,531)         795 
                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 

Company

 
                    Ordinary 
                       share       Share     Special     Treasury     Retained      Total 
                     capital     premium     reserve       shares     earnings     equity 
                     GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000      GBP'000      GBP'000    GBP'000 
----------------   ---------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  --------- 
 
 At 1 January 
  2014                   572       8,240       2,826            -      (7,037)      4,601 
-----------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  --------- 
 (Loss) for 
  the year                 -           -           -            -      (5,121)    (5,121) 
 At 31 December 
  2014                   572       8,240       2,826            -     (12,158)      (520) 
-----------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  --------- 
 Profit for 
  the year                 -           -           -            -          260        260 
 At 31 December 
  2015                   572       8,240       2,826            -     (11,898)      (260) 
-----------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  --------- 
 
 

Consolidated and parent company statements of cash flow

Work Group plc

For the year ended 31 December 2015

 
                                      Group   Company     Group   Company 
                                                                     2014 
                             Note      2015      2015      2014 
                                    GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
--------------------------  -----  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Cash flows from 
  operating activities 
 Cash generated 
  by/(used in) operations      20     (123)       176   (1,075)     (706) 
 Interest paid                         (22)       (5)       (4)       (4) 
 Net cash (used 
  in)/generated 
  by operating activities             (145)       171   (1,079)     (710) 
 Cash flows from 
  investing activities 
 Purchase of property, 
  plant and equipment                  (14)         -      (59)      (41) 
 Proceeds from                           36         -         -         - 
  disposal of property, 
  plant and equipment 
 Proceeds for disposal 
  of business                         1,682     1,462         -         - 
--------------------------  -----  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Net cash generated 
  by / (used in) 
  investing activities                1,704     1,462      (59)      (41) 
--------------------------  -----  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Net increase / 
  (decrease) in 
  cash and cash 
  equivalents in 
  the year                            1,559     1,633   (1,138)     (751) 
--------------------------  -----  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Cash and cash 
  equivalents at 
  start of year                         140        69     1,278       820 
--------------------------  -----  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Cash and cash 
  equivalents at 
  end of year                         1,699     1,702       140        69 
--------------------------  -----  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 

Notes to the financial statements

Work Group plc

For the year ended 31 December 2015

1 Summary of significant accounting policies

Work Group plc is a public limited company incorporated in England and Wales, domiciled in the United Kingdom and listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

Basis of preparation

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union, International Financial Reporting Interpretation Committee (IFRIC) interpretations and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

Going concern

These accounts have been prepared on the basis on the principle of going concern.

Adoption of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards

In the current year, the Group has assessed the possible impact that the new IFRS standards and interpretations that have been issued, but are not yet effective will have on the Group's financial statements. At this stage given the transitional nature of the group at the year end, the impact of the new standards is assessed as not being significant. This will be reconsidered and reassessed as the circumstances of the group change and evolve over the coming months.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements

To be able to prepare financial statements according to IFRS, management and the Board of Directors must make estimates and assumptions that affect the asset and liability items and revenue and expense items recorded in the financial statements as well as other information. These estimates are based on historical experience and various other assumptions that management and the Board believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgements about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.

In preparing these financial statements, the directors have made the following significant judgements:

-- In preparing the accounts on a going concern basis the directors have had to consider the possibility that the Company will not fulfil its investing strategy and instead should liquidate the remaining assets and pay off all liabilities thereby returning any net proceeds to its shareholders. The potential impact of not adopting a going concern basis is that the Company should, in addition to the impairments it has already undertaken, consider additional impairments and provide for the costs associated with the liquidation of the Company.

-- Determine whether there are indicators of impairment of the group's or company's tangible and intangible assets, including goodwill. Tangible fixed assets are depreciated over their useful lives taking into account residual values, where appropriate. The actual lives of the assets and residual values are assessed annually and may vary depending on a number of factors. In re-assessing asset lives, factors taken into consideration in reaching such a decision are future market conditions, use of the asset, the remaining life of the asset and projected disposal values. For the year ended 31 December 2015 following the disposal of the overseas trading subsidiaries and the trade and assets of Work Group Resources Limited as at 31 December 2015, any remaining assets have been fully impaired.

-- Determine whether there are indicators of impairment or write off of the group's or company's current assets or liabilities. For the year ended 31 December 2015 following the disposal of the overseas trading subsidiaries and the trade and assets of Work Group Resources Limited as at 31 December 2015, any remaining current assets and liabilities have been reviewed for indicators of impairment and appropriate actions taken as needed.

-- Determine whether, at Work Group plc and company level, there are indicators of impairment of investments. In determining this amount, the Group applies the overriding concept that fair value is the amount for which an asset can be exchanged between knowledgeable willing parties in an arm's length transaction. The nature, facts and circumstance of the investment drives the valuation methodology. For the year ended 31 December 2015 following the disposal of the overseas trading subsidiaries and the trade and assets of Work Group Resources Limited as at 31 December 2015, any remaining current assets and liabilities have been reviewed for indicators of impairment and appropriate actions taken as needed.

Following the sale of the Company's businesses and operations, the critical accounting estimates and judgements will be reviewed once the nature of any possible reverse acquisition transaction is clear or failing that an orderly liquidation.

Basis of consolidation

The Group financial statements comprise a consolidation of the financial statements of the holding Company and all of its subsidiary undertakings. The results of subsidiary undertakings acquired are included in the consolidated income statement and consolidated balance sheet using the acquisition method of accounting from the effective date that control is obtained.

As a result, the consolidation includes the profit and loss for the foreign subsidiaries Work Group Inc. and Work Group Ltd until the disposal date 31 December 2015.

The consolidation parameters have not changed with the new IFRS 10 standard implemented in 2013. Work Group plc controls and consequently consolidates all its subsidiaries as it is composed, and has the rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the entities and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The group is considered to have power over its subsidiaries as it owns 100% of their voting shares and its Board has ability to direct the relevant activities.

Revenue and cost of sales

Revenue is stated net of value added tax.

Revenue in respect of the Work Business Unit segment is recognised when the right to the consideration is earned based on the terms of each client contract agreement. Revenue from advertising is recognised after the cover date of an advertisement is established or the right to cancellation of an advertisement has expired.

Unbilled revenue on client assignments is included as accrued income within trade and other receivables. Where individual on account billings exceed revenue recognised on client assignments, the excess is classified as deferred income within trade and other payables.

Invoices issued as agreed with the client are shown in advance billing in the event that related work has not been performed.

Certain client contracts allow for volume discounts and is dependent on the value of media purchased through the Company. The discounts are provided for during the year based on anticipated media spend.

Cost of sales represents costs from third party suppliers.

Exceptional items

Exceptional items are those income or costs recognised as one-off or non-recurring in nature, and substantial in size. The separate reporting of exceptional items helps provide a better indication of the Group's underlying business performance.

Finance costs

Finance costs are calculated on amounts outstanding or owing to the Group, and at the effective interest rate applicable.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at historic purchase cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of property, plant and equipment, less their estimated residual values, on a straight-line basis over the expected useful economic lives of the assets concerned. The principal annual rates used for this purpose are:

 
 Leasehold improvements       over the term of the lease 
 Fixtures and fittings        20% 
 Computer equipment           33% 
 Assets under construction    Nil 
 

When the asset under construction is ready for his intended use, it is transferred to the relevant category of assets and the depreciation commences from this point.

The assets' residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period. An asset's carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset's carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount. Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised within net operating expenses in the income statement.

In 2015, all remaining assets after the disposal of the business have been impaired, except the assets that were sold after the year end and the useful computer equipment (see note 10).

Intangible assets

Goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Cost represents the difference between the fair value of the consideration paid on acquisition of a business and the fair value of the Group's share of the net identifiable assets acquired. As permitted by IFRS 1, goodwill arising on acquisitions prior to 1 January 2006 (the IFRS transition date) has been frozen at its UK GAAP carrying value at that date.

Within other intangible assets, software licences are stated at historic cost less accumulated amortisation. Amortisation is calculated so as to write off the cost of the licences, less their estimated residual values, on a straight line basis over the expected useful economic lives of the licence concerned. The principal annual rate used for this purpose is 20%. No amortisation is charged until the software licences are available and brought into use.

Impairment of non-financial assets

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment, or earlier if circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. The impairment reviews are performed at the cash-generating unit (CGU) level and goodwill is assigned to CGUs for the purpose of such reviews.

At each reporting date, a review for impairment of other non-current assets is carried out to determine if any events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the non-current assets may not be recoverable. See paragraph on 'Critical accounting estimates and judgements' for detail.

Impairment reviews comprise a comparison of the carrying amount of the non-current asset with its recoverable amount (the higher of the fair value less cost to sell and value in use). To the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount, the non-current asset is impaired and an impairment loss is recognised in the income statement. See paragraph on 'Critical accounting estimates and judgements' for detail.

Trade receivables

Trade receivables are non-derivative assets of fixed and determinable amounts that are not quoted in an active market and arise through the provision of goods and services to customers. They are recognised initially at fair value, subsequent measurement assesses the carrying value less impairment losses. A provision for impairment of trade receivables is established when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect any or a proportion of amounts due according to the original terms of receivables. The amount of the provision is the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the estimated discounted future cash flows. The amount of the provision is recognised in the income statement.

Taxation

Income tax on the profit for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity. Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted, or substantively enacted, at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. Deferred taxation is provided using the balance sheet liability method in respect of all temporary differences at the balance sheet date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their respective carrying values. Deferred taxation is determined using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted, or substantively enacted, by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset or liability is realised or settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits and future capital gains will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents as presented in the balance sheet, consist solely of cash balances. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Group's cash management are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purposes of the cash flow statement.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Work in progress represents unbilled costs incurred in respect of revenue not recognised and is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

Trade payables

Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade payables are measured at fair value.

Operating leases

Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Rents payable under operating leases are charged in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

Pensions

The Group operates a defined contribution scheme, the costs of which are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they relate. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group in an independently administered scheme.

Foreign currencies

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group's entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates ('the functional currency'). The consolidated financial statements are presented in Sterling, which is the Company's functional and the Group's presentation currency.

Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into functional currency at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into functional currency at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Exchange differences are recognised in the income statement as they arise.

The results and financial position of all the Group entities (none of which has the currency of a hyperinflationary economy) that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

-- assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that balance sheet;

-- income and expenses for each income statement are translated at average exchange rates (unless this average is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the rate on the dates of the transactions); and

   --       all resulting exchange differences are recognised in Other Comprehensive Income. 

Share based payment

The Group issued equity-settled, share-based payments, in the form of share options, to certain employees. In accordance with IFRS 2, such options are measured at fair value at the date of grant. Fair value is measured using the Black-Scholes pricing model and is expensed on a straight line basis in the income statement over the vesting period, based on the Group's value of these options at the grant date and estimate of the number of shares that will eventually vest.

These plans expired as part of the sale agreement to Capita group.

Dividends

Dividend distributions to the Company's shareholders are recognised in the financial statements in the year in which the distribution is authorised. Interim dividends are recognised when paid.

Reserves

The reserves comprise a share premium account and a special reserve. None of these reserves are distributable.

Ordinary share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity when the Company has no obligation to pay the holders cash or other financial assets. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds. The shares held by the EBT are treated as shares held in treasury.

2 Geographical segmental reporting

The sales analysis in the table below is based on the location of the customer. All significant assets and capital expenditure are located in the UK.

 
                            2015        2014 
                         GBP'000     GBP'000 
--------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 UK                        4,109       5,625 
 USA and Canada            1,903         935 
 Europe                        -          53 
 Hong Kong and Asia        1,111         962 
--------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Total operations          7,123       7,575 
--------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

The current year revenue is reflected within discontinued operations. In the prior year, this all related to continuing operations.

3 Key management and employee information

At the end of 2015, there are three employees in relation to the continuing operations.

In 2015, staff costs (including directors) were as follows:

 
 Group 
                             2015      2014 
                          GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------  --------  -------- 
 Wages and salaries         3,167     3,342 
 Social security costs        360       381 
 Other pension costs           93        90 
-----------------------  --------  -------- 
                            3,620     3,813 
-----------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 
  Company 
                           2015      2014 
                        GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Wages and salaries         387     1,641 
 Social security 
  costs                      22       190 
 Other pension costs          3        49 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
                            412     1,880 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Key management remuneration

Key management personnel are identified as the members of the 'Group operating board'. This group comprises the directors of the operating businesses.

 
 Group and Company 
                           2015      2014 
                        GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Salaries, including 
  bonus                     590       598 
 Employers' NI 
  contribution               35        35 
 Benefits                     7         7 
 Pension costs               17        11 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
                            649       651 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 

For the year, pension contributions were made for two directors of the operating businesses (2014: two).

The Companies Act 2006 disclosure in respect of the directors' remuneration can be found in the Directors' remuneration report.

4 Exceptional items

The exceptional costs of GBP204,000 (2014: 2,261,000 costs) relates to professional costs associated with the business sale and the write off of assets and liabilities that are no longer relevant in the context of the continuing operations.

 
                                    2015                 2014 
                             Continuing   Total   Continuing   Total 
                                GBP'000              GBP'000 
-------------------------   -----------  ------  -----------  ------ 
 
 Risk accrual release                 -       -        (218)   (218) 
 Office and system 
  costs                               -       -          335     335 
 Goodwill impairment 
  charge                              -       -        2,144   2,144 
 Net write off of 
  assets following 
  disposal of businesses            204     204            -       - 
                                    204     204        2,261   2,261 
 -------------------------  -----------  ------  -----------  ------ 
 
 
 
 5 (Loss) from continuing operations            2015      2014 
                                             GBP'000   GBP'000 
------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 (Loss) from continuing operation 
  is stated after charging/(crediting): 
 Impairment of intangible assets                  78     2,144 
 Depreciation on plant, property 
  and equipment/write off 
       - Depreciation                             80       194 
        - Impairment                              31         - 
 Amortisation of intangible assets: 
      - Owned                                     22         8 
 Operating lease rentals: 
      - Plant and machinery                       60        45 
      - Land and buildings                       371       408 
 Foreign exchange losses                          52       129 
 Auditors' remuneration 
 - Fees payable to company auditors 
  for the audit of parent company 
  and consolidated financial statements           15        29 
 - Fees payable to company auditors 
  for the audit of company's subsidiaries 
  pursuant to legislation                         15         5 
 - Fees payable to the company's 
  auditor and its associates for 
  other services pursuant to legislation          39        13 
 

6 Profit from discontinued operations net of tax

 
 Profit from discontinued operations 
  net of tax is calculated as:                GBP'000 
 
 Consideration received                         1,500 
 Settlement of intercompany balances            (195) 
 Net liabilities assumed by acquirer              402 
 Professional fees associated with sale 
  of business                                   (201) 
                                            _________ 
 
 Reported Profit                                1,506 
                                            _________ 
 

7 Taxation

 
                                 2015      2014 
                              GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Current tax 
---------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Current year tax                   -         - 
 Adjustment to prior years         22       103 
---------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Total current tax                 22       103 
---------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Total tax charge                  22       103 
---------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. The standard rate of corporation tax in the UK for the year was 20.25% (2014: 21.49%), having qualified for the small profits tax rate. The differences are explained below:

 
                                         2015      2014 
                                      GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 (Loss) before taxation                 (912)   (3,449) 
 (Loss) before taxation multiplied 
  by standard rate of corporation 
  tax in the UK of 20.25% (2014: 
  21.49%)                               (185)     (741) 
 Effects of: 
 Expenses not deductible for tax 
  purposes                                 10       159 
 Adjustments in respect of prior 
  periods                                  22       103 
 Losses carried forward                   175       582 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Tax charge                                22       103 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

8 Earnings/(loss) per share

 
                                         2015                                 2014 
 
                           Profit/        Weighted       Per      Profit/     Weighted        Per 
                            (loss)         average     share       (loss)      average      share 
                                            number    amount                    number     amount 
                                         of shares                           of shares 
                           GBP'000            '000     pence      GBP'000         '000      pence 
-----------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  -----------  -----------  --------- 
 Basic Profit/(loss) 
  per share including 
  shares held by 
  EBT                          572          28,622      2.00      (3,552)       28,622    (12.41) 
-----------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  -----------  -----------  --------- 
 Less weighted average 
  shares held by 
  EBT                            -         (3,594)      0.16            -      (3,595)     (1.78) 
-----------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  -----------  -----------  --------- 
 Basic Profit/(loss) 
  per share excluding 
  shares held by 
  EBT                          572          25,028      2.16      (3,552)       25,028    (14.19) 
-----------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  -----------  -----------  --------- 
 

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year excluding treasury shares and shares held by the EBT which are treated as treasury shares.

No further shares have been issued since 31 December 2014.

9 Intangible assets

 
 Group                   Other intangible   Goodwill     Total 
                                    asset 
                                  GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Cost and carrying 
  amount 
 At 1 January 2014                    108      2,144     2,252 
----------------------  -----------------  ---------  -------- 
 Amortisation for the 
  year                                (8)          -       (8) 
 Impairment                             -    (2,144)   (2,144) 
----------------------  -----------------  ---------  -------- 
 At 31 December 2014                  100          -       100 
----------------------  -----------------  ---------  -------- 
 Amortisation for the 
  year                               (22)          -      (22) 
 Impairment                          (78)          -      (78) 
----------------------  -----------------  ---------  -------- 
 At 31 December 2015                    -          -         - 
----------------------  -----------------  ---------  -------- 
 

During the year, the Group has recognised an impairment loss for the remaining amount of the software licences of the ERP system for GBP78,000, in addition to the depreciation of the year, as the system is no longer usable, a value in use was assessed and found to be nil.

 
 Company                           Other   Goodwill     Total 
                              intangible 
                                   asset 
                                 GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Cost and carrying amount 
--------------------------  ------------  ---------  -------- 
 At 1 January 2014                   108        966      1074 
--------------------------  ------------  ---------  -------- 
 Impairment                            -      (966)     (966) 
--------------------------  ------------  ---------  -------- 
 Transfer to Work Group 
  Resources                        (108)          -     (108) 
--------------------------  ------------  ---------  -------- 
 At 31 December 2014                   -          -         - 
--------------------------  ------------  ---------  -------- 
 At 31 December 2015                   -          -         - 
--------------------------  ------------  ---------  -------- 
 

The goodwill was attributed to The Resourceful Group Limited, Park Human Resources Limited and Recruitment Communications Company Limited (GBP966,000). Following a strategic review at the group and company level, the directors concluded in 2014 that an impairment was required of this goodwill due to the outcome of a strategic review conducted, the continuing tough market conditions and the future plans for the group.

10 Property, plant and equipment

 
 Group 
                             Leasehold        Fixtures     Computer           Asset     Total 
                          Improvements    and Fittings    Equipment           under 
                                                                       construction 
 
                               GBP'000         GBP'000      GBP'000         GBP'000   GBP'000 
----------------------  --------------  --------------  -----------  --------------  -------- 
 
 Cost 
 At 1 January 
  2014                             152             210          426             120       908 
 Exchange differences                -               4            2               -         6 
 Additions                           -               2           57               -        59 
 Transfer/disposals                  5            (94)           95           (120)     (114) 
 At 31 December 
  2014                             157             122          580               -       859 
----------------------  --------------  --------------  -----------  --------------  -------- 
 Exchange differences                1               4            -               -         5 
 Additions                           -               -           14               -        14 
 Disposals                           -            (23)        (339)               -     (362) 
 At 31 December 
  2015                             158             103          255               -       516 
----------------------  --------------  --------------  -----------  --------------  -------- 
 
 Accumulated 
  depreciation 
 At 1 January 
  2014                              58             148          314               -       520 
 Exchange differences                1               1            3               -         5 
 Charge for 
  the year                          66              34           94               -       194 
 Disposals                          14            (78)           70               -         6 
 At 31 December 
  2014                             139             105          481               -       725 
----------------------  --------------  --------------  -----------  --------------  -------- 
 Exchange differences                1               1            4               -         6 
 Charge for 
  the year                          10              19           51               -        80 
 Impairment                          8               -           23               -        31 
 Disposals                           -            (22)        (306)               -     (328) 
 At 31 December 
  2015                             158             103          253               -       514 
----------------------  --------------  --------------  -----------  --------------  -------- 
 
 Net book amount 
 At 31 December 
  2014                              18              17           99               -       134 
----------------------  --------------  --------------  -----------  --------------  -------- 
 At 31 December 
  2015                               -               -            2               -         2 
----------------------  --------------  --------------  -----------  --------------  -------- 
 

Company

 
 
                                            Fixtures     Computer          Assets     Total 
                           Leasehold    and fittings    equipment           under 
                        improvements                                 construction 
 
                             GBP'000         GBP'000      GBP'000         GBP'000   GBP'000 
-------------------  ---------------  --------------  -----------  --------------  -------- 
 Cost 
  At 1 January 
   2014                          152             193          351             120       816 
  Additions                        -               2           39               -        41 
  Disposals                        3           (195)        (387)           (120)     (699) 
-------------------  ---------------  --------------  -----------  --------------  -------- 
  At 31 December 
   2014                          155               -            3               -       158 
 
  At 31 December 
   2015                          155               -            3               -       158 
-------------------  ---------------  --------------  -----------  --------------  -------- 
 
  Accumulated 
   depreciation 
  At 1 January 
   2014                           58             136          251               -       445 
  Charge for 
   the year                       65              22           53               -       140 
  Disposal                        14           (158)        (301)               -     (445) 
-------------------  ---------------  --------------  -----------  --------------  -------- 
  At 31 December 
   2014                          137               -            3               -       140 
 Charge for 
  the year                        10               -            -               -        10 
 Impairment                        8               -            -               -         8 
  At 31 December 
   2015                          155               -            3               -       158 
-------------------  ---------------  --------------  -----------  --------------  -------- 
 
  Net book amount 
-------------------  ---------------  --------------  -----------  --------------  -------- 
  At 31 December 
   2014                           18               -            -               -        18 
-------------------  ---------------  --------------  -----------  --------------  -------- 
  At 31 December                   -               -            -               -         - 
   2015 
-------------------  ---------------  --------------  -----------  --------------  -------- 
 
 

As at 31 December 2015, following the disposal of the overseas subsidiaries to Capita International Ltd and the UK trading operations undertaken by Work Group Resources Limited to Capita Resourcing Limited, all assets not specifically transferred under the terms of the sale and purchase agreements were fully impaired at both Group and Company level. A full assessment of assets held by the Group and the Company after the sale of the businesses to Capita PLC lead to an impairment charge to reflect the remaining value in use.

11 Investments in subsidiaries

Company

 
 
                                           GBP'000 
-------------------------------------  ----------- 
  Cost 
  At 1 January 2014                          3,489 
  Impairment                               (3,489) 
  Hive down in respect of Work Group 
   Resources Ltd                                29 
 
  At 31 December 2014                           29 
-------------------------------------  ----------- 
  Impairment                                  (29) 
  At 31 December 2015                            - 
-------------------------------------  ----------- 
 

Following the sale of the trade and assets of Work Group Resources Limited as at 31 December 2015 and a review of the carrying value of this investment, an impairment charge has been included to write this investment down to nil carrying value.

Below is the list of Parent Company's investments in subsidiaries:

 
                                       Principal    Class of   Percentage 
                                        activity      Equity    of equity 
                                                                  held at 
                                                                     2015 
----------------------------------  ------------  ----------  ----------- 
 Work Group Resources                   Employer 
  Limited                              marketing    Ordinary         100% 
 Work Group Inc. (incorporated 
  in US state of Delaware               Employer 
  *                                    marketing    Ordinary         100% 
 Work Group Limited (incorporated       Employer 
  in Hong Kong) *                      marketing    Ordinary         100% 
 The Resourceful Group 
  Limited #                              Dormant    Ordinary         100% 
 Cobragon Associates 
  Limited #                              Dormant    Ordinary         100% 
 Park Human Resources 
  Limited #                              Dormant    Ordinary         100% 
 Vine Potterton Limited 
  #                                      Dormant    Ordinary         100% 
 Cobragon Limited #                      Dormant    Ordinary         100% 
 The Recruitment Communications 
  Company Limited #                      Dormant    Ordinary         100% 
----------------------------------  ------------  ----------  ----------- 
 

The value of investments in foreign subsidiaries, amounting to GBP3,489,000, was fully impaired in 2014 and were disposed off to a third party as at 31 December 2015.

All subsidiary undertakings are included in the consolidation. The proportion of the voting rights in the subsidiary undertakings held directly by the parent company does not differ from the proportion of ordinary shares held.

Note:

*investment disposed of as at 31 December 2015

# company has been dissolved post year end

12 Deferred tax asset

The following table represents the ageing analysis of the deferred tax asset.

 
                         Group    Group  Company  Company 
                          2015     2014     2015     2014 
                       GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000 
Deferred tax asset 
 less than 1 year            -        3        -        3 
Deferred tax asset 
 greater than 1 year         -       18        -       18 
---------------------  -------  -------  -------  ------- 
Total deferred tax 
 asset                       -       21        -       21 
---------------------  -------  -------  -------  ------- 
 
 
Group                             Book depreciation      Share    Total 
                                          in excess    options 
                                         of capital 
                                          allowance 
                                            GBP'000    GBP'000  GBP'000 
--------------------------------  -----------------  ---------  ------- 
At 1 January 2015                                12          9       21 
Charged to the Income statement                (12)        (9)     (21) 
--------------------------------  -----------------  ---------  ------- 
At 31 December 2015                               -          -        - 
--------------------------------  -----------------  ---------  ------- 
 
 
 
Company                           Book depreciation 
                                          in excess 
                                         of capital 
                                          allowance 
                                                        Share    Total 
                                                      options 
                                            GBP'000   GBP'000  GBP'000 
--------------------------------  -----------------  --------  ------- 
At 1 January 2015                                12         9       21 
Charged to the Income statement                (12)       (9)     (21) 
--------------------------------  -----------------  --------  ------- 
At 31 December 2015                               -         -        - 
--------------------------------  -----------------  --------  ------- 
 

Deferred income tax assets are recognised for tax losses and other timing differences to the extent that the Directors believe that the realisation of related tax benefit through future taxable profits is probable.

Deferred taxes were charged back to the Income Statement this year due to fundamental change in the nature of the business.

13 Inventories

 
 Group                   2015      2014 
                      GBP'000   GBP'000 
------------------  ---------  -------- 
 Work in progress           -       108 
 
 
 
 Company               2015      2014 
                    GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------  --------  -------- 
 Work in progress         -         - 
 
 
 

All inventories are carried at lower of cost or net realisable value.

14 Trade and other receivables

 
 
                                               2015                      2014             2015      2014 
                                              Group                     Group          Company   Company 
 
                                            GBP'000                   GBP'000          GBP'000   GBP'000 
-------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ---------------  -------- 
 Net trade receivables                          374                     1,278              406       982 
 Other receivables                              100                       101               90        58 
 Prepayments and accrued 
  income                                          8                       261                8        56 
 Amounts owing from 
  group undertakings                              -                         -               99       198 
                                                482                     1,640              603     1,294 
-------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ---------------  -------- 
 

The amount owing from group undertakings relates to the loan made by the Company to the EBT. No interest is applied to this balance.

A review of the remaining trade receivables has been undertaken, leading to an impairment of GBP19,000 for the year ended 31 December 2015.

15 Financial instruments

The Group's financial instruments comprise cash and other items such as trade and other receivables and trade and other payables that arise directly from its operations. Further detail is set out below. The main purpose of holding cash is to finance the Group's future investments and operations. It is and has been throughout the years presented the Group's policy that no trading in financial instruments shall be undertaken.

The fair value of financial assets and liabilities is not materially different to their book value.

The Group manages its capital to ensure entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern.

The Group monitors and manages the financial risk relating to its operations on a regular basis. These risks include market risk (including foreign currency risk and interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group engages in regular review of policies and practices to bring these risks down to a minimum.

The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves as well as the use of an overdraft facility if needed. Monthly cash flow and working capital projections are derived to ensure sufficient funds are available to meet obligations and capital expenditure requirements as they fall due.

Interest rate risk is managed by minimising external debt and periodically reviewing the competitiveness of debt facilities.

The Group continually reviews its exposure to exchange rate movements and has put in place methods to reduce the exchange rate risk wherever it sees such methods as beneficial.

The Group has adopted a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties and obtaining sufficient collateral, where appropriate, as a means of mitigating the credit risk.

Trade receivables consist of a large number of customers spread across diverse industries. On-going credit evaluation is performed on the financial condition of trade receivables.

 
                                  Group     Group   Company   Company 
                                   2015      2014      2015      2014 
                                GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Trade and other receivables        482     1,640       603     1,294 
 Cash and cash equivalents        1,699       140     1,702        69 
-----------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Total financial assets           2,181     1,780     2,305     1,363 
-----------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

These equate to the fair value for the financial assets.

The Group's financial assets comprise trade and other receivables and cash and cash equivalents.

The net amount of trade and other receivables at Group level includes this year an impairment provision of GBP19,000 that was established when there is some doubt that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due.

As of 31 December 2015, Group trade receivables of GBP433,000 (2014: GBP635,000) were not yet due.

The remaining Group trade receivables of GBP68,000 (2014: GBP643,000) were past due and an amount of GBP19,000 was provided for in respect of the year ended 31 December 2015, based on a case by case review. The ageing analysis of these trade receivables is as follows:

 
 Overdue             Group     Group   Company   Company 
---------------- 
                      2015      2014      2015      2014 
---------------- 
                   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
----------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Up to 3 months         64       544        50       466 
 3 to 6 months           4        96         -        41 
 Over 6 months           -         3         -         - 
                        68       643        50       507 
----------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

At 31 December 2015, trade receivables denominated in foreign currencies were negligible after the disposal of the foreign subsidiaries (2014: 13% of Group trade receivables). No interest was accrued for trade and other receivables.

The Group's financial liabilities consist of trade and other payables. A detailed description of these financial liabilities is given below:

 
                                2015      2014      2015      2014 
                               Group     Group   Company   Company 
                             GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
                            --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Trade and other payables      1,388     1,863     2,565     1,951 
                            --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

Cash facilities were as follows:

 
 Group                     2015       2014 
                        GBP'000    GBP'000 
--------------------  ---------  --------- 
 Factoring facility           5        128 
--------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Company 
--------------------  ---------  --------- 
 Factoring facility           5        128 
--------------------  ---------  --------- 
 

During the year ended 31 December 2014, Work Group plc signed a factoring contract on all UK based debtors billing. The factoring company was financing 55% of UK debtors until payment for a maximum of 90 days from date of invoice. This above represents the security held by the factoring facility.

There is a debenture in place with Barclays Bank Plc in respect of the banking arrangements. This was discharged post year end.

16 Trade and other payables

 
                             2015      2014      2015      2014 
                            Group     Group   Company   Company 
                          GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Trade payables               493       501       176        51 
 Taxation and social 
  security costs              261        29       (7)      (31) 
 Other payables                23       693         3       124 
 Accruals and deferred 
  income                      611       640       331       113 
 Amounts owed to Group 
  undertakings                  -         -     2,062     1,694 
-----------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 TOTAL                      1,388     1,863     2,565     1,951 
-----------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

The amounts owed to Group undertakings relate mainly to:

- The hive up of the Recruitment Communication Company Limited (GBP1,178,000) in 2007. No interest is applied on these balances which are repayable on demand.

   -      Cash transfers from the subsidiaries Work Group Resources and Work Group plc. 

17 Ordinary share capital

 
 Group and Company            2015       2015         2014       2014 
                            Number    GBP'000       Number    GBP'000 
---------------------  -----------  ---------  -----------  --------- 
 Authorised ordinary 
  shares of 2p each     75,000,000      1,500   75,000,000      1,500 
 Issued and fully             2015       2015         2014       2014 
  paid                      Number    GBP'000       Number    GBP'000 
---------------------  -----------  ---------  -----------  --------- 
 1 January and 31 
  December 2015         28,622,473        572   28,622,473        572 
---------------------  -----------  ---------  -----------  --------- 
 

18 Reserves

The foreign exchange reserve represents the revaluation of the intercompany net assets in the foreign subsidiaries.

The special reserve was created in 2005. With the sanction of an Order of the High Court effective from 28 November 2005 the ordinary shares of GBP1 each and the cumulative preferred ordinary shares of GBP1 each were both reduced to 10p per share and the share premium account was cancelled. This created a special reserve of GBP2,946,869.

The accumulated deficit on the Company's profit and loss account as at the effective date of 28 November 2005 was reduced to nil by a transfer from the special reserve, reducing the special reserve by (GBP121,063). The special reserve then amounted to GBP2,825,806.

19 Share based payments

Group and Company

The Employee share ownership plan (ESOP) was established in 2003 and renewed in 2010. Under the scheme the trustee, Louvre Trustees Limited, purchased the company's ordinary shares in the market using a GBP323,967 loan granted to Work Group plc by the trust.

Details of directors' share options are included in the Directors' remuneration report.

At 31 December 2015, no employees held share options (2014: 11), under the terms of the purchase and sale agreement with Capita all share options were deemed lapsed at completion on 31 December 2015. Options were previously valued using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.

 
 Grant Date                              2 Nov   14 Jan 2010 
                                          2005 
-----------------------------------  ---------  ------------ 
                                      EMI Plan           EMI 
                                                        Plan 
 Share price at grant date             GBP0.20      GBP0.145 
 Exercise price                        GBP0.20     GBP0.0625 
 Number of employees                         1            11 
 Shares under option                     5,000       693,200 
 Vesting period (years)                      3             3 
 Expected volatility                    26.07%        26.07% 
 Option life (years)                        10            10 
 Expected life (years)                       4             4 
 Risk free rate                          4.70%         2.93% 
 Fair value per option                GBP0.057      GBP0.090 
 Possibility of ceasing employment 
  before vesting                           30%           30% 
-----------------------------------  ---------  ------------ 
 
 
 Share options 
                                    Number    Weighted-average         Number    Weighted-average 
                                of options            exercise     of options            exercise 
                                      '000               price           '000               price 
                                      2015                2015           2014                2014 
---------------------------  -------------  ------------------  -------------  ------------------ 
 Outstanding at 
  1 January                            694            GBP0.063            699            GBP0.064 
 Lapsed                              (694)            GBP0.063            (5)            GBP0.063 
Outstanding 31 December                  -            GBP0.063            694            GBP0.063 
 
Exercisable at 31 December               -            GBP0.063            694            GBP0.063 
 

20 Reconciliation of profit/(loss) to cash used in operations

 
                                                                     Group    Group       Company  Company 
                                                                      2015     2014          2015     2014 
                                                                   GBP'000  GBP'000       GBP'000  GBP'000 
 
Profit/(loss) for the year                                             572  (3,552)           260  (5,121) 
Adjustments: 
Taxation                                                                22      103            22      103 
Finance costs                                                           16        4             5        4 
Depreciation of plant property and equipment/write off of assets       111      194            18      135 
Amortisation/impairment of intangible assets                           100        8            29        - 
Decrease/(increase) in inventories                                     108     (40)             -      346 
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables                   1,158      400           691     (37) 
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables                      (475)    (336)           614    (716) 
Write off of loan asset                                                  -        -             -      126 
Decrease in investments                                                  -        -             -    3,488 
Discontinued operations                                            (1,735)        -       (1,463)        - 
Impairment of goodwill                                                   -    2,144             -      966 
 
Cash (used in)/generated by operations                               (123)  (1,075)           176    (706) 
 

21 Cash and cash equivalents

 
                               Group     Group   Company   Company 
                                2015      2014      2015      2014 
                             GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
Cash and cash equivalents      1,699       140     1,702        69 
 

22 Leases

Operating leases

The Group and Company lease all of its properties. The Group and Company also lease plant and machinery under non-cancellable operating lease agreements.

The total future minimum lease payments are due as follows:

 
Group                                 Land and building  Plant and machinery  Land and building  Plant and machinery 
                                                   2015                 2015               2014                 2014 
                                                GBP'000              GBP'000            GBP'000              GBP'000 
 
 
Total commitments under non- 
cancellable operating leases: 
Payable within one year                             231                   19                300                   31 
Payable between one and five years                   39                   10                248                   30 
                                                    270                   29                548                   61 
 
 
Company                               Land and building  Plant and machinery  Land and building  Plant and machinery 
                                                   2015                 2015               2014                 2014 
                                                GBP'000              GBP'000            GBP'000              GBP'000 
 
 
Total commitments under non- 
cancellable operating leases: 
Payable within one year                             231                   19                203                   27 
Payable between one and five years                   39                   10                249                   29 
                                                    270                   29                452                   56 
 

23 Employee benefit trust

The Resourceful Group Limited Employee Benefit Trust 1995 holds GBP1,431 (2014: GBP1,431) in cash offshore for the benefit of employees.

The cash has been recognised in the consolidated balance sheet on the basis that Work Group plc is deemed to be the sponsoring employer of the trust. A corresponding liability for payments to be made for the benefit of employees has been recognised in other payables.

At 31 December 2015 the total EBT interest free loan was GBP323,967 (2014: GBP323,967) and the EBT held 3,594,808 (2014: 3,594,808) shares in Work Group plc.

An impairment charge of GBP99,000 has been included to reduce the carrying value to its considered recoverable amount as at 31 December 2015 (2014: impairment of GBP126,252). The carrying value of this loan as at 31 December 2015 is GBP99,000.

24 Related party transactions

The Company conducts numerous transactions each year with its subsidiaries: Work Group Inc., Work Group Limited and Work Group Resources Limited.

For the year ended 31 December 2015, Work Group Plc charged GBP39,319 commission on sales (2014: GBP17,909) to Work Group Resources Limited to recognise the client contracts held by the parent company before the business hive down which were not subsequently assigned.

Total other sales of GBPnil (2014: GBPnil) were made to Work Group Inc. and Work Group Limited. Recharges relating to operating activities and support team's costs of GBP38,093 were made by Work Group Resources Limited to Work Group Ltd (2014: GBP8,815) and of GBP589,797 to Work Group Inc. (2014: GBP8,455) in 2015.

In 2015, as in 2014, Work Group Resources relied upon central services supplied by the parent company Work Group Plc, these charges amounted to GBP145,812 (2014: GBP138,989) for this period.

Under the terms of the Sale and Purchase agreement with Capita International Limited balances owing to Work Group plc and Work Group Resources Ltd, by the overseas subsidiaries Work Group Ltd and Work Group Inc. were repaid in full as part of the purchase consideration.

In total, GBP1,456,156 was owed by Work Group Resources Ltd to the parent company at the end of the year (2014: GBP3,153,225). This has been fully provided for in the parent company's financial statements.

All transactions related to directors during the year can be found in the Directors' remuneration report.

25 Post balance sheet events

Since the year end the remaining assets and liabilities, following the sale of business to Capita plc, have been managed to optimise the Group's cash position. Excess leases have been terminated where possible. Acquisition opportunities which would allow the Company to fulfil its objectives as an Investing Company under Aim rules have and continue to be reviewed.

26 Company income statement

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption in Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 from publishing a separate income statement and statement of comprehensive income. A profit of GBP260,000 (2014: loss of GBP5,121,000) before dividends has been reported for the current year.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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August 19, 2016 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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