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WSG Westminster Group Plc

2.95
0.00 (0.00%)
19 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Westminster Group Plc LSE:WSG London Ordinary Share GB00B1XLC220 ORD 0.1P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 2.95 2.90 3.00 2.95 2.95 2.95 218,007 07:36:40
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Security Systems Service 9.53M 121k 0.0004 73.75 9.75M

Westminster Group PLC Half-year Report (4984R)

22/09/2017 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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TIDMWSG

RNS Number : 4984R

Westminster Group PLC

22 September 2017

Westminster Group Plc:

Interim Results for the six months to 30 June 2017

Westminster Group Plc ("Westminster", the "Group" or the "Company"), the AIM-listed supplier of managed services and technology based security solutions to governments and government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGO's) and blue chip commercial organisations worldwide, announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2017.

Operational Highlights:

-- Significant progress on the previously announced Middle East long-term project opportunity and agreement now reached on key issues. Further announcement expected shortly

-- Managed Services now the key focus of the Group and the pipeline of major long-term project opportunities continues to grow. Discussions in progress with governments and airport authorities in various parts of the world

-- New contract awards for equipment and services to airports around the world including a six-month airport security training programme

-- Strong recovery in West Africa passenger numbers continues, several new airlines commencing services including Turkish Airlines due to commence in Q4 2017

-- Agreement reached with other main ferry operator in Sierra Leone, Sea Coach Express, to offer a combined service. Under the terms of the agreement Westminster will continue to manage and operate the ferry terminals, and Sea Coach Express will manage and operate the Sovereign ferry service, including the Sierra Princess. More vessels will be added to the Sovereign fleet

-- Board strengthened with the appointment of the Rt. Hon Sir Tony Baldry as Chairman and Martin Boden as Chief Financial Officer from 29 June 2017. Sir Malcolm Ross remains on the Board as Deputy Chairman

Financial Highlights:

-- Group revenues of GBP2.9m (H1 2016: GBP2.0m) reflect strong growth in Managed Services and the Technology Division

   --    Managed Services revenues up 41% to GBP1.8m (H1 2016: GBP1.3m) 
   --    Technology Division revenues up 41% to GBP1.0m (H1 2016: GBP0.7m) 

-- Gross margin of 59% (H1 2016: 73%) reflects a negative gross profit from the Ferry operations and the commencement of concession payments to the Sierra Leone Aviation Authority from April 2017

-- Adjusted EBITDA loss of GBP0.6m (H1 2016: profit GBP0.2m) primarily a result of losses of GBP0.4m (H1 2016: nil) on the Ferry operations

   --    Reported loss before tax GBP1.4m (H1 2016: loss of GBP0.8m) 
   --    Loss per share 1.4p (H1 2016: 1.2p) 
   --    GBP0.6m new equity raised in February 2017 and a further GBP1.0m raised in April 2017 

-- Cash balance of GBP0.8m at 30 June 2017 and GBP0.4m at 1 September 2017 (30 June 2016: GBP0.7m)

Commenting on the results and current trading Peter Fowler, Chief Executive of Westminster Group, said:

"Our financial results for the period show an improved performance by both the Managed Services and Technology Divisions, both of which achieved healthy revenue growth. The ferry operations in Sierra Leone, which commenced services in January 2017, have failed to meet our expectations.

"The first six months of the financial year have been defined by our intense focus, efforts and achievements in developing our Managed Services business which has the potential to deliver transformational growth.

"In this respect, I am pleased to report that certain Board members including the Chairman and myself have now met with, and reached agreement, with the client and other bodies involved on the key points of the Middle East project opportunity and we are now working with them to finalise the commencement programme and scope. As we have said before, with complex projects of this nature there can never be certainty as to timing or outcome, but I look forward to making a further announcement in the near future.

"In view of our focus on Managed Services I am delighted to have reached agreement with Sea Coach Express in Sierra Leone regarding the Sovereign Ferries service which will not only bring the remaining operation more in line with our core business focus but will also be commercially beneficial to the Group. Our airport security business in West Africa is performing well.

"We expect that we will need to seek funding in Q4 2017 in order to support the anticipated Middle East contract and to support the further growth of the business, for which planning is already in place."

Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014

For further information please contact:

Westminster Group plc. Tel: 01295 756300

Peter Fowler (Chief Executive Officer)

Martin Boden (Chief Financial Officer)

   S.P. Angel Corporate Finance LLP (NOMAD + Broker)                           Tel: 020 3470 0470 

Stuart Gledhill/Lindsay Mair

Beaufort Securities Limited (Joint Broker) Tel: 020 73782 8300

Elliot Hance

Walbrook PR (Financial PR) Tel: 020 7933 8780

Tom Cooper/Paul Vann 07971 221972

tom.cooper@walbrookpr.com

Notes:

Westminster Group plc is a specialist security and services group operating worldwide via an extensive international network of agents and offices in over 50 countries.

Westminster's principal activity is the design, supply and ongoing support of advanced technology security solutions, encompassing a wide range of surveillance, detection, tracking and interception technologies and the provision of long-term managed services contracts such as the management and running of complete security services and solutions in airports, ports and other such facilities together with the provision of manpower, consultancy and training services. The majority of its customer base, by value, comprises governments and government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGO's) and blue chip commercial organisations.

Chief Executive Officer's Review

Overview

The first six months of the financial year have been defined by our intense focus, efforts and achievements in developing our Managed Services business which has the potential to deliver transformational growth.

We have been working hard in 2017 to secure the major Middle East project opportunity. Since our AGM on 29(th) June 2017 certain Board members, including the Chairman and myself, have now met with, and reached agreement, with the client and other bodies involved on the key points of the project and we are now working with them to finalise the commencement programme and scope. I look forward to making a further announcement in the near future.

The progress we have now made in negotiating this complex project, which is one of several long term managed services contracts that we have been negotiating, is a major step in the transition of Westminster into a long term managed security services business, although with complex projects of this nature there can never be certainty as to timing or outcome.

Our airport security operations in West Africa performed well in the first half year as passenger numbers continue to rise and several new airlines commence services. Significant in this respect is Turkish Airlines who are looking to commence services in Q4 of 2017. This service is likely to bring in passengers from new regions and bodes well for further growth.

We are securing an increasing number of contracts to assist airport authorities around the world with their equipment and training needs, and have recently secured a six-month airport security training contract at an international airport which further enhances our prospects for our large scale, long term Managed Services opportunities.

The performance of our ferry operations, which commenced in January 2017, is not meeting the Board's expectations and future growth forecasts have been downgraded, partly due to mounting competition, with losses greater in quantum and duration than previously forecast. In view of this and the Group's focus on growing its Managed Services operations, the Board has decided to exit from its ferry operations in a responsible manner. We are very pleased to have reached agreement with Sea Coach Express, the largest ferry operator in Sierra Leone, to offer a combined service with effect from Monday 25 September 2017. Our continuing business focus will be managing and operating the ferry terminals under our 21 year managed services agreement signed with the government in 2014. Sea Coach Express will take over responsibility for management and operation of the ferry service and the Sierra Princess, expanding the Sovereign fleet with several more vessels.

We raised a total of GBP1.6m of new equity in February and April 2017, and Darwin Capital converted their remaining debt into equity in February 2017. These new funds provided financing for the pre-contract costs of the Middle East project and for the other contracts we are working on. Plans are in place to raise further funds to support the anticipated Middle East contract and other potential new contracts and we expect to complete this exercise in Q4 2017.

Managed Services

The Managed Services Division is now the key focus of the Group, particularly our airport security business, and progress continues to be made. With the ever-increasing global threats to airport security there are numerous opportunities for Westminster to target in emerging markets. Revenues from our airport security operations increased by 41% to GBP1.8m (H1 2016: GBP1.3m) with embarking passenger numbers growing by 18% to 57k (H1 2016: 48k). The EBITDA from this division amounted to GBP0.7m (H1 2016: GBP0.9m).

Passenger numbers continue to grow across all airlines with the exception of Air France who have reduced flight numbers, with their passengers being picked up by their code-share airline, KLM. Fly Mid Africa launched a new service in July 2017. Air Peace will be commencing flights to Nigeria from September 2017 and Turkish Airlines are planning a new route from Istanbul to Sierra Leone later this year, following a successful trial at the end of August/early September airlifting Hajj pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

We continue to grow our pipeline of large scale long term airport and managed services opportunities with three new Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) signed to date in 2017, two in Africa and one in Asia. Contracts of this size and nature are both time-consuming and complex and there is never certainty on timing or outcome. Given the confidential nature of these projects and the time it can take for MoU's and Letters of Intent (LoI) to progress to award of contract, we are no longer announcing any individual MoU or LoI when signed. We will update the market on material developments as appropriate.

During the first half year we have secured contracts to assist airport authorities around the world with their equipment and training needs, and have recently secured a six-month airport security training contract at an international airport. This further enhances our prospects for large scale, long term Managed Services opportunities.

Whilst airport security remains the key focus of our Managed Services Division, there are also other opportunities such as port security and other infrastructure security solutions that we are pursuing.

Ferry Operation

Our ferry services in Sierra Leone, under the branding Sovereign Ferries, commenced formal services in January 2017. In June 2017, we announced that we had secured around 3% of the addressable ferry market, with the market as a whole estimated to be worth around GBP4 million per annum in revenues and that over the next 12 months we would be seeking to grow our market share to beyond a 14% share (the level at which we anticipated the operation would be providing a positive contribution). However, passenger growth and financial performance are not meeting the Board's expectations, due in part to growing competition. Revenues amounted to GBP51k (H1 2016: nil) and the EBITDA loss amounted to GBP0.4m (H1 2016: nil). With future passenger growth forecasts being downgraded, losses would be greater in quantum and duration than previously forecast. The Board have therefore taken the decision to exit the ferry service in a manner which will not adversely affect airport passenger transfer to and from the mainland, which was one of the initial drivers for the ferry service.

We have entered into a formal agreement with Sea Coach Express, the largest ferry operator in Sierra Leone, commencing on Monday 25 September. Under this Agreement, Sea Coach will take over the Sovereign (SL) operations and responsibility for management and operation the ferry service and vessels, including the Sierra Princess, and will expand the Sovereign fleet by several more vessels.

By combining the ferry operations, the enlarged service will be able to offer the travelling public a greatly enhanced service with increased choice, routes, vessels and landing stages.

We will be jointly promoting and marketing the enlarged operation and with more vessels now available, we have cancelled the lease on our second vessel the Sierra Duchess. We will receive a share of revenues on ticket sales made through our own operations, together with a payment for all passengers travelling to and from our terminals.

We will continue to operate and manage the terminals in accordance with our 21 year agreement. We still own the Sierra Queen and given our exit from the ferry operations, we will be reviewing our options for the Sierra Queen at the earliest opportunity.

The Sierra Queen is, at this stage, excluded from the arrangement with Sea Coach. We have commissioned an inspection of the Sierra Queen and options will be considered to monetise the vessel, including a potential sale, at the earliest opportunity.

Technology Division

The Technology Division continues to secure orders for a wide range of products and services delivered to clients all over the world. We are not a manufacturer and are product agnostic, enabling us to deliver the best solution for any given application.

Revenues from the Technology Division increased by 40% to GBP1.0m (H1 2016: GBP0.7m), with a gross margin of 18% (H1 2016: 16%). After costs, the EBITDA result was break even (H1 2016: GBP0.1m profit). Around 10% of the revenues were from maintenance and service as we continue to build the recurring revenue base of the Technology Division.

We continue to have a strong enquiry bank from our international Agents and from website enquiries. These leads are followed up by our small sales team at the Group Head Office in Banbury.

The expertise of the Technology Division underpins the proposals from our Managed Services Division where we can offer best in class equipment and solutions for our potential customers in emerging markets.

Financial Highlights

Revenues for the first half year were strong at GBP2.9m (H1 2016: GBP2.0m) with a 41% growth from Managed Services at GBP1.8m (H1 2016: GBP1.3m) and a 41% growth from the Technology Division to GBP1.0m (H1 2016: GBP0.7m). The Group generated a gross profit of GBP1.7m (H1 2016: GBP1.5m) which equates to a gross margin of 59% (H1 2016: 73%). This gross margin decrease is largely due to a negative gross profit from the Ferry operations and the commencement of concession payments to the Sierra Leone Aviation Authority from April 2017.

Administrative expenses increased by 71% from GBP1.7m in H1 2016 to GBP2.9m, with the increase driven by the costs of the Ferry operations (GBP0.4m, H1 2016: nil), higher Group and central costs amounting to GBP1.0m (H1 2016: GBP0.8m), and exceptional items of GBP0.4m (H1 2016: GBP0.3m). In H1 2017 the exceptional items primarily relate to the pre-contract costs of the new Middle East contract, in H12016 they were primarily related to lost margin from lower passenger volumes as a result of the EBOLA crisis in West Africa.

The loss from operations of GBP1.2m was GBP1.0m higher than in H1 2016 and the EBITDA loss of GBP0.6m compares to an EBITDA profit of GBP0.2m in H1 2016.

Our underlying cash interest cost was GBP0.1m (H1 2016: GBP0.1m) reflecting the 10% per annum interest on the convertible loan notes. A further GBP0.1m (H1 2016: GBP0.5m) of non-cash financing charges arose from the amortisation and revaluation of the convertible loan notes. In total, the financing costs amounted to GBP0.2m (H1 2016: GBP0.6m).

Earnings per share were a loss of 1.4 pence (H1 2016: loss of 1.2 pence). Both the number of shares in issue and the loss after tax increased, resulting in the increased loss per share over H1 2016.

Statement of Financial Position and Cash Flow

The Group ended the period with a GBP0.8m cash balance, and at [1] September 2017 the cash balance was GBP0.4m. The net cash used in operating activities was GBP0.7m (H1 2016: GBP0.1m) with a further GBP0.1m of cash used in investing activities (H1 2016: GBP0.6m). GBP1.4m of cash was generated from financing activities being the GBP1.6m of new equity raised less costs (H1 2016: GBP1.2m equity and loan notes).

At the end of the period, the Group had a convertible loan note outstanding with a principal of GBP2.2m (H1 2016: GBP2.2m) and an amortised cost balance of GBP2.1m (H1 2016: GBP2.1m). The coupon is 10% payable quarterly in arrears, it has a conversion price of 35 pence and is repayable in June 2018.

Plans are in place to raise further funds to support the anticipated Middle East Managed Services contract and other potential new Managed Services contracts and we expect to complete this exercise in Q4. This fundraising will take into account the June 2018 repayment date of the convertible loan notes.

The final convertible loan notes issued to Darwin Capital Limited were converted to equity in April 2017.

At the balance sheet date, shareholders' funds stood at GBP6.7m (H1 2016: GBP7.1m).

In September 2017, an agreement was reached to sell the property transferred to the Group as part of the CTAC settlement for $132k net of selling fees. The proceeds are expected to be received in early October and the sale will result in a gain of $132k being recognised in H2 of the 2017 financial statements.

Outlook

We have a strengthened Board and an exciting pipeline of opportunities. The Middle East project opportunity, which is one of several large scale managed services opportunities we are pursuing, is expected be transformational for the Group as and when secured. Both our Managed Services and Technology Divisions are showing strong revenue growth, and the exit from ferry operations should bring us back to achieving a positive contribution from ferry ticket sales and passenger royalties from Q4 2017.

We expect to be investing in the business in 2018 and beyond as we secure new Managed Services contract awards, and the Board remains committed to delivering strong growth from 2018 onwards.

Peter Fowler

Chief Executive Officer

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)

for the six months ended 30 June 2017

 
                                       Six months   Six months 
                                            ended        ended     Year ended 
                                          30 June      30 June    31 December 
                                Note         2017         2016           2016 
                                          GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
 
 Revenue                           6        2,919        2,033          4,406 
 Cost of sales                            (1,208)        (539)        (1,296) 
 
 Gross profit                               1,711        1,494          3,110 
 Administrative expenses                  (2,864)      (1,675)        (4,499) 
 
 Operating profit/(loss)           6      (1,153)        (181)        (1,389) 
 
 Analysis of operating 
  loss 
 Add back depreciation 
  and amortisation                            207          113            234 
 Add back share option 
  expenses                                      -           36            103 
 Add back exceptional 
  items                            8          305          216          1,077 
 
 EBITDA profit/(loss) 
  from underlying operations                (641)          184             25 
-----------------------------  -----  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 
 Finance Costs                   6,9        (230)        (649)          (566) 
 
 Loss before taxation                     (1,383)        (830)        (1,955) 
 Taxation                                       -            -             46 
 
 Total comprehensive loss 
  attributable to equity 
  shareholders                            (1,383)        (830)        (1,909) 
 
 Loss per share (pence)            7       (1.37)       (1.21)         (2.46) 
 

All activities derive from continuing operations.

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position (unaudited)

As at 30 June 2017

 
                                                                       As at 
                                              As at        As at      31(st) 
                                             30(th)       30(th)    December 
                                          June 2017    June 2016        2016 
                                  Note      GBP'000      GBP'000     GBP'000 
 
 Goodwill                                       397          397         397 
 Other intangible assets                        173           32         132 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment                                   4,488        4,799       4,635 
 
 Total Non-Current Assets                     5,058        5,228       5,164 
 
 Inventories                                     48          123         198 
 Trade and other receivables                    786        1,040         894 
 Cash and cash equivalents                      759          709         152 
 
 Total Current Assets                         1,593        1,872       1,244 
 
 Total Assets                                 6,651        7,100       6,408 
 
 Share capital                      11       11,324        8,311       8,711 
 Share premium                                9,136        9,243       9,169 
 Merger relief reserve                          299          299         299 
 Share based payment 
  reserve                                       594          428         569 
 Equity Reserve on Convertible 
  Loan Note                                     186          186         186 
 Revaluation reserve                            134          134         134 
 Retained earnings                         (18,155)     (15,569)    (16,772) 
 
 Total shareholders' 
  equity                                      3,518        3,032       2,296 
 
 Non-current borrowings             12            -        2,594       3,059 
 Deferred tax liabilities                         -           54           - 
 
 Total non-current liabilities                    -        2,648       3,059 
 
 Current borrowings                 12        2,073            -           - 
 Trade and other payables                     1,055        1,411       1,026 
 Deferred Income                                  5            9          27 
 
 Total current liabilities                    3,133        1,420       1,053 
 
 Total liabilities                            3,133        4,068       4,112 
 
 Total liabilities and 
  shareholders' equity                        6,651        7,100       6,408 
 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (unaudited)

for the six months ended 30 June 2017

 
                                                          Share     Equity 
                                                          based    reserve                                       Total 
                         Share      Share     Merger    payment         on   Revaluation    Retained    share-holders' 
                       capital    premium    reserve    reserve        CLN       reserve    earnings            equity 
                       GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000           GBP'000 
 
 As at 1(st) 
  January 
  2017                   8,711      9,169        299        569        186           134    (16,772)             2,296 
 
 Issue of new 
  shares                 1,542         84          -          -          -             -           -             1,626 
 Costs of new 
  share issues               -      (117)          -          -          -             -           -             (117) 
 Warrants exercised          4          -          -          -          -             -           -                 4 
 CLN conversion          1,067          -          -          -          -             -           -             1,067 
 Warrants issued 
  in the period              -          -          -         25          -             -           -                25 
-------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------------- 
 Total transactions 
  with owners            2,613       (33)          -         25          -             -           -             2,605 
-------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------------- 
 
 Loss for the 
  period                     -          -          -          -          -             -     (1,383)           (1,383) 
 
 As at 30(th) 
  June 2017             11,324      9,136        299        594        186           134    (18,155)             3,518 
-------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------------- 
 
 As at 1(st) 
  January 
  2016                   6,345      9,170        299        258        219           134    (14,739)             1,686 
 
 Issue of new 
  shares                 1,966        109          -          -          -             -           -             2,075 
 Costs of new 
  share issues               -       (36)          -          -          -             -           -              (36) 
 Warrants issued 
  in the period              -          -          -        170       (33)             -           -               137 
-------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------------- 
 Total transactions 
  with owners            1,966         73          -        170       (33)             -           -             2,176 
-------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------------- 
 
 Loss for the 
  period                     -          -          -          -          -             -       (830)             (830) 
 
 As at 30(th) 
  June 2016              8,311      9,243        299        428        186           134    (15,569)             3,032 
-------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------------- 
 
 As at 1(st) 
  January 
  2016                   6,345      9,170        299        258        219           134    (14,739)             1,686 
 
 Issue of new 
  shares                 1,300          -          -          -          -             -           -             1,300 
 Share options 
  lapsed                     -          -          -       (37)          -             -          37                 - 
 Warrants issued 
  in the period              -          -          -        245          -             -       (150)                95 
 CLN conversion          1,066          -          -          -       (33)             -        (11)             1,022 
 Share based 
  payment 
  charge                     -          -          -        103          -             -           -               103 
 Loan notes issued           -        (1)          -          -          -             -           -               (1) 
-------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------------- 
 Total transactions 
  with owners            2,366        (1)          -        311       (33)             -       (124)             2,519 
-------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------------- 
 
 Loss for the 
  year                       -          -          -          -          -             -     (1,909)           (1,909) 
 
 As at 31(st) 
  December 2016          8,711      9,169        299        569        186           134    (16,772)             2,296 
-------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------------- 
 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement (unaudited)

for the six months ended 30 June 2017

 
                                            Six months   Six months 
                                                 ended        ended     Year ended 
                                               30 June      30 June    31 December 
                                                  2017         2016           2016 
                                     Note      GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
 
 Loss before taxation                          (1,383)        (830)        (1,955) 
 Non-cash adjustments                  10          437          798            916 
 Net changes in working capital        10          291         (30)          (638) 
 Equity settlement payment                           -            -              - 
 
 Cash outflow from operating 
  activities                                     (655)         (62)        (1,677) 
 
 Investing activities 
 Purchase of property, plant 
  and equipment                                   (47)        (568)          (531) 
 Purchase of intangible assets                    (54)            -          (105) 
 
 Cash outflow from investing 
  activities                                     (101)        (568)          (636) 
 
 Financing activities 
 Gross proceeds from the 
  issue of ordinary shares                       1,626          990          1,300 
 Costs of share issues in 
  the period                                     (117)         (40)           (45) 
 Gross proceeds from the 
  issue of convertible loan 
  notes                                              -          475          1,675 
 Costs associated with the 
  issues of secured and unsecured 
  convertible loan notes                             -         (92)          (272) 
 Borrowing repayments                             (34)         (33)           (96) 
 Interest paid                                   (112)        (111)          (247) 
 
 Cash inflow from financing 
  activities                                     1,363        1,189          2,315 
 
 Change in cash and cash 
  equivalents in the period                        607          559              2 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at the beginning of the 
  period                                           152          150            150 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at the end of the period                         759          709            152 
 
 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

for the six months ended 30 June 2016

   1.      General information and nature of operations 

Westminster Group Plc (the "Company") was incorporated on 7 April 2000 and is domiciled and incorporated in the United Kingdom and quoted on AIM. The Group's financial statements for the six month period ended 30th June 2017 consolidate the individual financial information of the parent company and its subsidiaries. The Group designs, supplies and provides on-going advanced technology solutions and services to governmental and non-governmental organisations on a global basis.

   2.      Basis of preparation 

These unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements are for the six months ended 30 June 2017. They have been prepared following the recognition and measurement of principles of IFRS as adopted by the European Union. The statements do not include all of the information required for full annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2016.

These consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies adopted in the last annual financial statements, which were for the year ended 31 December 2016.

These consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2017 have neither been audited nor reviewed by the Group's auditors. The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2016 set out in this interim report does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. The statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 have been reported on by the Company's auditors and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors was unqualified in accordance with Section 495 of the Companies Act 2006.

   3.      Going concern 

The directors have, at the time of approving this interim report, a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

   4.      Basis of consolidation 

These Group financial statements consolidate those of the Group and its subsidiary undertakings drawn up to 30 June 2017. Subsidiaries are entities over which the Group has the power to control the financial and operating policies so as to obtain benefits from their activities. The Group obtains and exercises control through voting rights. Consolidation is conducted by eliminating the investment in the subsidiary together with the parent's share of the net equity of the subsidiary.

   5.      Functional and presentational currency 

The financial information has been presented in pounds sterling, which is the Group's presentational currency. All financial information presented has been rounded to the nearest thousand.

   6.      Segmental reporting 

Operating segments

The Board considers the Group on a Business Unit basis. Reports by Business Unit are used by the chief decision-maker in the group. The Business Units operating during the year are the three main operating companies, Westminster Aviation, Westminster International and Sovereign Ferries. This split of business segments is based upon the products and services each offer.

 
 Six months ended                 Managed   Technology      Managed          Group     Group 
  30(th) June 2017               Services                  Services    and Central     Total 
                                 Aviation                 Sovereign          Costs 
                                                            Ferries 
                                  GBP'000      GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
 Supply of products 
  and solutions                         -          906            -              -       906 
 Supply and installation 
  contracts                             -           15            -              -        15 
 Maintenance and 
  service                               -           99            -              -        99 
 Airport security 
  fees                              1,755            -            -              -     1,755 
 Training and consultancy              93            -            -              -        93 
 Ferry ticket sales                     -            -           51              -        51 
 Segment revenue                    1,848        1,020           51              -     2,919 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------- 
 
 Segmental underlying 
  EBITDA                              683         (12)        (427)          (885)     (641) 
 Exceptional items                  (255)            -            -           (50)     (305) 
 Depreciation & amortisation         (73)          (8)        (102)           (24)     (207) 
 Apportionment of 
  central overheads                 (584)        (375)            -            959         - 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------- 
 Segment Operating 
  result                            (229)        (395)        (529)              -   (1,153) 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------- 
 
 Finance cost                           -            -            -          (230)     (230) 
 Segment profit/(loss) 
  for the period before 
  taxation                          (229)        (395)        (529)          (230)   (1,383) 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------- 
 
 
 Six months ended                 Managed   Technology      Managed          Group     Group 
  30(th) June 2016               Services                  Services    and Central     Total 
                                 Aviation                 Sovereign          Costs 
                                                            Ferries 
                                  GBP'000      GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
 Supply of products 
  and solutions                         -          314            -              -       314 
 Supply and installation 
  contracts                             -          232            -              -       232 
 Maintenance and 
  service                           1,303          179            -              -     1,482 
 Airport security 
  fees                                  -            -            -              -         - 
 Training and consultancy               5            -            -              -         5 
 Segment revenue                    1,308          725            -              -     2,033 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------- 
 
 Segmental underlying 
  EBITDA                              871           82            -          (769)     (184) 
 Exceptional items                  (252)            -            -              -     (252) 
 Depreciation & amortisation         (47)          (5)         (51)           (10)     (113) 
 Apportionment of 
  central overheads                 (436)        (343)            -            779         - 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------- 
 Segment Operating 
  result                              136        (266)         (51)              -     (181) 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------- 
 
 Finance cost                           -            -            -          (649)     (649) 
 Segment profit/(loss) 
  for the period before 
  taxation                            136        (266)         (51)          (649)     (830) 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------- 
 

Geographical areas

The Group's international business is conducted on a global scale, with agents present in all major continents. The following table provides an analysis of the Group's sales by geographical market, irrespective of the origin of the goods/services.

 
                              Six months   Six months 
                                   ended        ended 
                                 30 June      30 June 
                                    2017         2016 
                                 GBP'000      GBP'000 
 
 United Kingdom and Europe           489           43 
 Africa                            2,033        1,850 
 Middle East                         129           20 
 Rest of the World                   268          120 
 
 Total revenue                     2,919        2,033 
 
   7.      Loss per share 

The loss per share is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year. For diluted earnings per share the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. Only those outstanding options that have an exercise price below the average market share price in the year have been included. For each period the issue of additional shares on exercise of outstanding share options would decrease the basic loss per share and therefore there is no dilutive effect.

The weighted average number of ordinary shares is calculated as follows:

 
                        Six months   Six months     Year ended 
                          ended 30     ended 30    31 December 
                         June 2017    June 2016           2016 
                              '000         '000           '000 
 
 Number of issued 
  ordinary shares 
  at the start of 
  period                    87,107       63,455         63,455 
 Effect of shares 
  issued during the 
  period                    13,822        4,946         14,261 
 
 Weighted average 
  basic and diluted 
  number of shares 
  for period               100,929       68,401         77,716 
 
   8.      Exceptional items 
 
                                                   Six months 
                                      Six months        ended     Year ended 
                                        ended 30      30 June    31 December 
                                       June 2017         2016           2016 
                                         GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
 
 Middle East contract pre-contract 
  costs                                      255            -            220 
 Fall in passenger numbers due 
  to Ebola crisis                              -          200            272 
 Ferry setup costs not capitalised             -            -            585 
 Other                                        50           16              - 
 
 Total exceptional items                     305          216          1,077 
 
   9.      Finance costs 
 
                                          Six months   Six months 
                                               ended        ended     Year ended 
                                             30 June      30 June    31 December 
                                                2017         2016           2016 
                                             GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
 
 Interest payable on bank and 
  other borrowings                               (9)            1           (30) 
 Cash interest expenses on convertible 
  loan notes                                   (106)        (112)          (224) 
 
 Underlying finance costs                      (115)        (111)          (254) 
 Non cash amortised finance cost 
  on convertible loan notes                    (115)        (538)          (312) 
 
 Total finance costs                           (230)        (649)          (566) 
 
   10.    Cash flow adjustments and changes in working capital 

The following non-cash items and adjustments for changes in working capital have been made to loss before tax to arrive at operating cash flow:

 
                                        Six months   Six months 
                                             ended        ended     Year ended 
                                           30 June      30 June    31 December 
                                              2017         2016           2016 
                                           GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
 Adjustment for non-cash items 
 Depreciation, amortisation and 
  impairment of non-financial assets           207          113            234 
 Finance costs                                 230          649            566 
 Loss on disposal of non-financial 
  assets                                         -            -             13 
 Share-based payment expenses                    -           36            103 
 
 Total adjustments                             437          798            916 
 
 Net changes in working capital: 
 Decrease/(increase)in inventories             150         (66)          (141) 
 Decrease/(increase) in trade 
  and other receivables                        134        (245)          (410) 
 Increase/(decrease) in trade 
  and other payables                             7          281           (87) 
 
 Total changes in working capital              291         (30)          (638) 
 
   11.    Called up share capital 
 
                                     6 months to 
 Ordinary Share                        30th June             6 months to            Year to 31st 
  Capital                                   2017          30th June 2016           December 2016 
-----------------------  -----------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
                                Number   GBP'000        Number   GBP'000        Number   GBP'000 
-----------------------  -------------  --------  ------------  --------  ------------  -------- 
 
 At the beginning 
  of the period             87,107,903     8,711    63,454,538     6,345    63,454,538     6,345 
 Arising on conversion 
  or convertible 
  loan notes                10,669,227     1,067     6,659,567       666    10,653,365     1,066 
 Shares issued to 
  Beaufort Securities 
  in settlement of 
  their annual fee             250,000        25             -         -             -         - 
 Arising on exercise 
  of Share options              55,000         4             -         -             -         - 
 Other issues for 
  cash                      15,161,290     1,517    13,000,000     1,300    13,000,000     1,300 
 At the end of the 
  period                   113,243,420    11,324    83,114,105     8,311    87,107,903     8,711 
-----------------------  -------------  --------  ------------  --------  ------------  -------- 
 
   12.    Borrowings 
 
                                      Six months   Six months 
                                           ended        ended     Year ended 
                                         30 June      30 June    31 December 
                                            2017         2016           2016 
                                         GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
 Current borrowings (due < 1 year) 
 Convertible loan note                     2,073            -              - 
 
 Total current borrowings                  2,073            -              - 
 
 Non-current borrowings (due > 
  1 year) 
 Convertible loan note                         -        2,071          2,071 
 Convertible unsecured loan note               -          472            952 
 Other                                         -           51             36 
 
 Total non-current borrowings                  -        2,594          3,059 
 
 Total borrowings                          2,073        2,594          3,059 
 
   13.    Post balance sheet events 

In September 2017, an agreement was reached with Sea Coach Express Limited, to operate the Sovereign Ferries operation in Sierra Leone. This agreement is expected to generate a positive contribution to the Group from the ferry operation, but will require a write down of assets in due course. At the date of this report the write down as not been quantified but the quantum should be known when the full year results to 31 December 2017 are available.

In September 2017, an agreement was reached to sell the property transferred to the Group as part of the CTAC settlement for $132k net of selling fees. The proceeds are expected to be received in early October and the sale will result in a gain of $132k being recognised in H2 of the 2017 financial statements.

   14.    Approval of interim financial statements 

The interim financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 21 September 2017.

   15.    Copies of interim financial statements 

A copy of these interim financial statements is available on the Company's website, www.wsg-corporate.com and from the Company Secretary at the company's registered office, Westminster House, Blacklocks Hill, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX17 2BS.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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