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HSP.GB Hargreaves Services

575.00
0.00 (0.00%)
26 Apr 2024 - Closed
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Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Hargreaves Services AQSE:HSP.GB Aquis Stock Exchange Ordinary Share GB00B0MTC970 Ordinary Shares 10p
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 575.00 560.00 590.00 575.00 575.00 575.00 0.00 07:01:06
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Hargreaves Services PLC Interim results (7457N)

25/01/2023 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Hargreaves Services (AQSE:HSP.GB)
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TIDMHSP

RNS Number : 7457N

Hargreaves Services PLC

25 January 2023

HARGREAVES SERVICES PLC

(the "Group", the "Company" or "Hargreaves")

Interim Results for the six months ended 30 November 2022

Hargreaves Services plc (AIM: HSP), a diversified group delivering key projects and services to the industrial and property sectors, announces its interim results for the six months ended 30 November 2022, having achieved strong trading throughout the period, profitable growth across all business sectors and reporting an increase in the interim dividend of 7.1%.

 
 KEY FINANCIAL RESULTS           Unaudited      Unaudited 
                                Six Months     Six Months 
                                     ended          ended 
                               30 Nov 2022    30 Nov 2021 
 Revenue                         GBP116.5m       GBP76.1m 
 Profit before tax ("PBT")        GBP18.7m       GBP10.4m 
 EPS                                 52.2p          31.0p 
 Interim Dividend                     3.0p           2.8p 
 Cash in hand                     GBP18.1m        GBP8.5m 
  Leasing debt                    GBP30.6m       GBP11.5m 
 Net Asset Value                 GBP196.2m      GBP149.2m 
 Net Assets per Share                 603p           462p 
 

HIGHLIGHTS

-- Strong revenue growth in Services, leading to an overall increase of 53% year on year, primarily due to HS2

   --    Growth in PBT across all business units, delivering an overall increase of 80% 
   --    Interim dividend increased by 7.1% to 3.0p 
   --    Cash in hand of GBP18.1m, up from GBP8.5m in Nov 2021. 

-- Increase in leasing debt due to investment in plant to support HS2 driven growth in revenue and PBT

   --    Net assets per share have increased by 31% over the last twelve months. 

Commenting on the interim results, Chairman Roger McDowell said: "I am delighted to report very strong results for our half-year. The outcome is both a result of great work by our team and a vindication of our strategy. Whilst conscious of the macro-economic challenges we remain confident in the strength of the business."

CEO video Q&A

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For further details:

 
 Hargreaves Services                                                                                www.hsgplc.co.uk 
  Gordon Banham, Chief Executive Officer                                                          Tel: 0191 373 4485 
  John Samuel, Group Finance Director 
 Walbrook PR (Financial PR & IR)                             Tel: 020 7933 8780 or hargreavesservices@walbrookpr.com 
  Paul McManus / Lianne Applegarth / Louis Ashe-Jepson            Mob: 07980 541 893 / 07584 391 303 / 07747 515 393 
 Singer Capital Markets (Nomad and Corporate Broker)                                              Tel: 020 7496 3000 
  Sandy Fraser/ Justin McKeegan 
 
 

About Hargreaves Services plc ( www.hsgplc.co.uk )

Hargreaves Services plc is a diversified group delivering services to the industrial and property sectors, supporting key industries within the UK and South East Asia. The Company's three business segments are Services, Hargreaves Land and an investment in a German joint venture, Hargreaves Raw Materials Services GmbH ("HRMS"). Services provides critical support to many core industries including Energy, Environmental, UK Infrastructure and certain manufacturing industries through the provision of materials handling, mechanical and electrical contracting services, logistics and major earthworks. Hargreaves Land is focused on the sustainable development of brownfield sites for both residential and commercial purposes. HRMS trades in specialist commodity markets and owns DK Recycling, a specialist recycler of steel waste material. Hargreaves is headquartered in County Durham and has operational centres across the UK, as well as in Hong Kong and a joint venture in Duisburg, Germany.

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

Introduction

The last six months have seen an increased level of operations on the HS2 contract within Services, continuing land sales at Blindwells in Hargreaves Land and further strong trading at HRMS. This has delivered profitable growth across all business sectors, despite the well-publicised challenges posed by the inflationary environment.

I am pleased that the Group has remained resilient throughout this period and continued to create opportunities to deliver value for our shareholders.

Resilience and growth

The past 12 months have seen a substantial increase in the cost of goods and services, which has put many businesses and industries under pressure, not to mention the wider population. Against this backdrop, the Group has demonstrated its resilience, particularly within the Services business, to withstand these pressures and to deliver profitable growth. With over 50 term and framework contracts in Services, most of which have inflation related escalation clauses, the Group is well insulated against the impact of inflation.

During the period, activity levels on the HS2 contract have increased, which has provided substantial growth in revenue and profitability both in earthmoving and mechanical and electrical engineering services. Even discounting the impact of HS2 earthmoving activities, revenue grew by 8.7% across the Services business due primarily to the success of the engineering projects work.

Hargreaves Land has completed another sale at Blindwells, which continues to demonstrate the recurrent nature of the revenue from that site.

Our German Joint Venture, HRMS, benefited in the prior year from very favourable commodity markets, and they have been able to continue to trade well in volatile market conditions.

Results

Group revenue increased by 53% to GBP116.5m (2021: GBP76.1m) primarily due to increased activity on the HS2 contract. The Group's PBT has increased substantially by 80% from GBP10.4m to GBP18.7m. EBITDA has increased to GBP12.9m (Nov 2021: GBP3.7m) as more profit is derived from Services and Land business segments. Whilst much of this improvement is due to the HS2 contract, the first half has also seen some non-recurring asset realisations yielding a profit of GBP2.0m. As a result, the full year results are likely to be weighted towards the first half.

Cash and debt

The Group held cash in hand of GBP18.1m on 30 November 2022 compared to GBP13.8m on 31 May 2022 (Nov 2021: GBP8.5m). This cash increase is due, in part, to the repayment of the short-term working capital funding that was provided to HRMS in the prior year, offset by investment into Hargreaves Land assets.

The only debt held by the Group is leasing debt for specific plant items. At 30 November 2022 the Group had leasing debt of GBP30.6m, which is a substantial increase on the 31 May 2022 leasing debt of GBP18.4m (Nov 2021: GBP11.5m). This increase is due to the acquisition of plant and equipment to support the HS2 contract. The total amount of leasing debt is expected to increase further before the end of the financial year as the final plant deliveries for HS2 are due to be received in the second half.

Net asset value

The net asset per share of the Group has increased to 603p from 462p representing an increase of 31% in a year.

Dividend

Following the continued strong performance of the Group, the Board is announcing a 7.1% increase in the interim dividend to 3.0p (2021: 2.8p). The interim dividend will be paid on 6(th) April 2023 to shareholders on the register at 24(th) March 2023.

Board changes

John Samuel has informed the Board of his intention to step down as Group Finance Director and Board Director on 31 July 2023.

John will be succeeded as Group Finance Director and Board Director (the latter subject to satisfactory completion of customary due diligence and approval by the Company's nominated advisor) by Stephen Craigen,(39), with effect from 1 August 2023. Stephen has been with the Group for nine years and has held the role of Group Financial Controller since 2017. The Board has great confidence in Stephen and that there will be a seamless transition of responsibilities.

Strategy and Shareholder Value

The Group has developed three strong, defined businesses through which it aims to create, deliver and realise value for shareholders.

Services

The Services business is building a sustainable and resilient profit stream through term contracts and framework agreements in the Energy, Environmental, Infrastructure and Industrial sectors. The Group currently has over 50 such contracts in place to support future performance. The business is concentrated on organic, profitable growth, with a particular focus on contract selectivity and higher margin activities. The current year has seen a notable increase in its level of operations with the ramp up at HS2 and there is a solid foundation for further sustainable growth. Additionally. I am pleased to announce that our specialist earthmoving subsidiary, Blackwell, expects to be appointed to support Balfour Beatty to deliver the 'Roads North of the Thames' package of works for the proposed Lower Thames Crossing, on behalf of National Highways. Contractual arrangements will be clarified in due course. Designed to be the greenest road project ever built in the UK, the Lower Thames Crossing will create a new connection under the River Thames, increasing road capacity and easing congestion in the South of England.

Hargreaves Land

This business is focused on maximising the inherent value of its existing portfolio, including Blindwells and the Unity joint venture, as well as developing a strong pipeline of new opportunities. In addition, the business is now starting to deliver returns from its renewable energy land portfolio.

HRMS

This business has taken advantage of strong trading conditions although, as expected, these seem likely to weaken in the second half of the financial year. It is focused on sustaining the structural improvement in profitability achieved in DK Recycling und Roheisen GmbH ("DK") and securing contracts to increase the utilisation of its Carbon Pulverisation Plant ("CPP") whilst continuing to take advantage of trading opportunities in the minerals commodity markets.

Outlook

The first six months of the year have been positive for the Group during a period of inflationary pressures and other economic uncertainties. The Board has a clear focus on the creation, delivery and realisation of value for shareholders in each business unit. The Group has demonstrated its resilience and its ability to drive organic profitable growth. I look forward to reporting further progress in the second half of the financial year and the Board is confident that results for the year will be in line with market expectations.

Roger McDowell

Chairman

25 January 2023

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REVIEW

 
 GBP'm                                   Land   HRMS   Central   Total 
                              Services                   Costs 
 
 Revenue (Nov 2022)              107.8    8.7      -         -   116.5 
                            ----------  -----  -----  --------  ------ 
 
 Revenue (Nov 2021)               70.2    5.9      -         -    76.1 
                            ----------  -----  -----  --------  ------ 
 
 Profit/(loss) before tax 
  (Nov 2022)                       8.5    1.6   10.8     (2.2)    18.7 
                            ----------  -----  -----  --------  ------ 
 Profit/(loss) before tax 
  (Nov 2021)                       3.1    0.5    9.0     (2.2)    10.4 
                            ----------  -----  -----  --------  ------ 
 

Services

The Services business recorded revenue of GBP107.8m (2021: GBP70.2m) and Profit before tax of GBP8.5m (2021: GBP3.1m). The increase in revenue is due in large part to the HS2 project, which commenced in the second half of the prior financial year. The increase in revenue attributable to earthmoving at HS2 is GBP31.5m and the remaining revenue increase of GBP6.1m represents a growth of 8.7% due to the successful award of certain engineering project works.

Profit before tax in the first half of the year includes a non-recurring gain of GBP2.0m from asset realisations, which is likely to mean that market expectations for the full year performance of this business segment will be similarly exceeded. Excluding this gain, the improvement in Profit before tax is due primarily to the HS2 contract and represents a 110% increase. The result for the full year is likely to be heavily weighted to the first half because the earthmoving season for HS2 falls into the Group's H1 and the GBP1m annual receipt from Tungsten West plc ("TW") is also a first half event.

The Services business continues to deliver good quality, resilient profits and remains focused on delivering services to our four key market sectors, Energy, Environmental, Industrial and Infrastructure.

Contract success

During the period the Group has been awarded a 10-year contract with Durham County Council and a 5-year contract with Scottish Water, both of which will help to provide a base of further Environmental business development. Elsewhere the Services business has seen success with the renewal of several other contracts in all of its key markets ranging from 1 to 5 year extensions.

The earthmoving part of the business, Blackwell, has been awarded a short-term contract to assist in the creation of a nature reserve, which is associated with the Sizewell C nuclear project. This provides an ideal opportunity to demonstrate capability on a project that will require significant future earthworks to be undertaken.

The business is carrying out the major earthworks on part of the HS2 project, working for the EKFB Joint Venture. This contract is individually significant and represents a substantial growth in the revenue and profitability of the Group as a whole. I am pleased to confirm that the project is going well and at peak operation the Group had over 400 workers on site.

In addition to the earthmoving activity, the Group has also developed and installed a five section 650m conveyor system, which will reduce the carbon emissions on HS2 by over 5,000 tonnes in total through the removal of approximately 1.15 million miles of HGV traffic from the local roads, thus reducing diesel consumption by 1.6 million litres, as well as any traffic disturbances to the local community. This innovative solution has been recognised through the team winning the EKFB C23 project of the year award in the best environmental and sustainable initiative category.

The Group has now received the second of eight annual GBP1m payments from TW relating to maintaining our capabilities on site. TW has informed the market of their progress in restarting operations at the Tungsten mine at Hemerdon in Devon. The Group continues to maintain a close relationship with TW and retains the exclusive contract for the provision of mining services should the project come to fruition.

Inflation has been high throughout the period and this has presented significant challenges for many businesses. We have reported previously that Hargreaves is well insulated against such inflationary pressures, due to many of the term contracts containing specific escalation clauses. I am pleased to confirm that during the first half, these measures have been successful in protecting the Group against loss of value through inflation as demonstrated by the strong profits recorded.

Looking to the medium term, the contract wins and renewals secured in the period as well as the recent announcement of the Balfour Beatty on Lower Thames Crossing, we continue to strengthen the sustainable and resilient revenue streams in the Services business. The business is continuing to develop its mechanical and electrical engineering offering building on the successful conveyor installation at HS2 as well as exploring opportunities for carbon sequestration on some of our Scottish land assets.

Services remains the core generator of revenue and cash flow for the Group. With a strong book of recurring contracted revenue, the business is in a strong position to deal with the ongoing economic and political uncertainties.

Hargreaves Land

Land

Hargreaves Land recorded revenue of GBP8.7m (2021: GBP5.9m) and a Profit before tax of GBP1.6m (2021: GBP0.5m). The growth in both revenue and Profit before tax is due to the timing of sales at Blindwells.

The first half saw the completion of the sale of 4.5 acres to Ogilvie Homes generating revenue of GBP3.4m. This development of 77 new homes, including 23 affordable, has now commenced and Ogilvie is the fourth housebuilder now onsite at Blindwells. Out of 480 housing plots sold to date, including 144 affordable, 100 have now been built.

At the Unity joint venture, the 650-acre mixed use development in Doncaster, work has commenced on the forward funded 191,000 sq ft logistics unit following the grant of detailed planning permission at the end of last year with the completion of this initial phase of commercial development expected to be achieved in the second half of FY24.

As reported elsewhere, market conditions tightened across virtually all sectors in the second half of 2022. However, demand from house builders for serviced development sites with planning permission in prime locations has remained resilient, although unsurprisingly we are not expecting the continuation of the aggressive land price inflation that was experienced in early 2022. We expect demand for quality residential land to return to a more normalised level in the coming year, underpinned by a shortage of available residential opportunities in the areas we operate in.

In the commercial sectors where we operate, primarily industrial/logistics and retail warehousing, occupier demand has remained reasonably robust for well-located opportunities, although investment values began to moderate from mid-2022 reflecting increased interest rates and greater uncertainty over wider economic conditions.

Hargreaves Land is currently working on contracted pipeline opportunities with an estimated Gross Development Value of over GBP200m, ranging from residential to industrial and mixed commercial use.

Renewables

I am pleased to confirm that infrastructure work is nearing completion at our site in Westfield, which has seen a capital investment of GBP5m in the period. This work is being undertaken to service an initial phase of 50 acres of consented employment land on the site. The construction of an Energy from Waste ("EfW") plant at Westfield by Brockwell Energy is underway and Hargreaves Land is receiving associated rental income on a 35-year minimum term lease, which will increase to GBP0.4m p.a. index linked at the end of the first 3 years of the lease term.

The development at Westfield is a major step in the delivery of value from our renewable land portfolio. In addition to Westfield, the Group owns circa 3,000 acres of land, which will be developed for the purpose of renewable energy generation, primarily windfarms, solar farms and battery storage. Hargreaves Land will not build out any of these projects but will be the landlord in any arrangement. Dalquhandy, the first of the windfarm projects, has now been completed and is expected to be fully operational in early 2023, with the construction of another wind farm at Broken Cross in South Lanarkshire now being developed out.

Investment in HRMS

HRMS recorded a post tax profit of GBP10.8m (2021: GBP9.0m) for the six months ended 30 November 2022. Whilst minerals trading has been strong in the first half, and ahead of the comparative period, it has not been at the level experienced in the second half of last financial year, as commodity prices and global demand have softened.

The HRMS trading business has always been skilled at maximising opportunities whilst minimising the risk profile taken. We have seen this again in the first half of the year. I can also confirm that GBP12.5m of the temporary GBP15m loan from Hargreaves Services plc that was in place on 31 May 2022 has now been repaid.

Visibility remains relatively short term for the trading team but it is likely that the second half of the financial year will be less strong than the first half as markets are expected to soften further.

The steel waste recycling business, DK has seen another good performance in the first half, albeit lower than the previous six months, as pig iron prices have reduced. Due to an unusually extended period of maintenance on the power plant additional costs were incurred on energy amounting to EUR3m. As a result, it is probable that the full year results for HRMS will be approximately GBP1.5m lower than market expectations.

Having proved the concept of the CPP and delivered high quality product, the conflict in Ukraine has impacted heavily on the pricing of raw materials, which has restricted sales of the product to new customers as brown lignite coal dust is more competitively priced. The Board of HRMS remains confident in the future of the plant, which is breaking even at present, and once markets return to a more sustainable level, expects to see return from this investment.

ESG

The Group's Cross-Business Working Group ("ESG Group") is now well established and has previously set out the following three targets for FY2023:

   --    to reduce electricity and gas usage per office based employee by 2% per annum; 
   --    to improve the kilometres per litre attained by the haulage fleet by 3% per annum; and 
   --    to reduce the idling time in yellow plant by 6% per annum. 

The ESG Group is monitoring the Group's performance against these targets and will report the outcomes in the 2023 Annual Report and Accounts.

Further, in 2022, the Group was pleased to be awarded an A "Very Good" ESG rating from Integrum ESG, an independent ratings advisor.

Summary

The contract wins and renewals in the Services business provide further resilience to the Group's profitability as we head into the second half of the financial year and beyond. Whilst there is uncertainty within the UK housing and property market more generally, I remain confident in the viability of the Hargreaves Land portfolio as we continue to see strong demand for schemes brought to market. Finally, HRMS has performed well in the last six months, however, some commodity markets have softened recently and visibility remains limited. As expected, it is likely that the contribution from HRMS in the second half will be lower than that for the first six months of the year.

I am pleased with the profitable growth the Group has delivered in the period within each of its business segments, during a period of challenging economic conditions.

Gordon Banham

Group Chief Executive

25 January 2023

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Profit and Loss and Other Comprehensive Income

for the six months ended 30 November 2022

 
                                                                     Unaudited     Unaudited     Audited 
                                                                    six months    six months        year 
                                                                         ended         ended       ended 
                                                                   30 November   30 November          31 
                                                                                                     May 
                                                                          2022          2021        2022 
                                                            Note        GBP000        GBP000      GBP000 
---------------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Revenue                                                               116,475        76,082     177,908 
 Cost of sales                                                        (94,782)      (64,196)   (148,458) 
---------------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Gross profit                                                           21,693        11,886      29,450 
 Other operating income                                                  2,844           542       1,298 
 Administrative expenses                                              (16,561)      (11,369)    (24,520) 
---------------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Operating profit                                                        7,976         1,059       6,228 
 
 Operating profit (before exceptional items)                             7,976         1,059       4,474 
 
 Exceptional items                                           5               -             -       1,754 
---------------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Operating profit                                                        7,976         1,059       6,228 
---------------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Finance income                                                            504           361         823 
 Finance expense                                                         (823)         (292)       (770) 
 Share of profit in joint ventures (net of tax)                         11,053         9,269      28,200 
---------------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Profit before tax                                                      18,710        10,397      34,481 
 Taxation                                                    6         (1,562)         (386)         347 
---------------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Profit for the period from continuing operations                       17,148        10,011      34,828 
---------------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Discontinued operations 
 Profit for the period from discontinued operations                          -             -       2,000 
---------------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Profit for the period                                                  17,148        10,011      36,828 
---------------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Other comprehensive income/(expense) 
 Items that will not be reclassified to profit 
  or loss 
 Remeasurements of defined benefit pension plans                             -             -       5,955 
 Tax recognised on items that will not be reclassified 
  to profit or loss                                                          -             -     (1,488) 
 
 Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently 
  to profit or loss 
 Foreign exchange translation differences                                1,406            45         313 
 Effective portion of changes in fair value of 
  cash flow hedges                                                           -            35          41 
 Tax recognised on items that are or may be reclassified 
  subsequently to profit or loss                                             -           (7)         (8) 
 Share of other comprehensive income of joint ventures 
  (net of tax)                                                               -             -       3,070 
---------------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Other comprehensive income for the period, net 
  of tax                                                                 1,406            73       7,883 
 
 
 Total comprehensive income for the period                              18,554        10,084      44,711 
---------------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Profit/(loss) attributable to: 
 Equity holders of the company                                          16,962        10,029      37,040 
 Non-controlling interest                                                  186          (18)       (212) 
---------------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Profit for the period                                                  17,148        10,011      36,828 
---------------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the 
  period attributable to: 
 Equity holders of the company                                          18,368        10,102      44,923 
 Non-controlling interest                                                  186          (18)       (212) 
---------------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Total comprehensive income for the period                              18,554        10,084      44,711 
---------------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 
 
 GAAP measures 
 Basic earnings per share (pence)                            8           52.15         31.04      113.80 
 Diluted earnings per share (pence)                          8           51.09         30.15      110.44 
 
 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

as at 30 November 2022

 
                                              Unaudited     Unaudited      Audited 
                                            30 November   30 November       31 May 
                                                   2022          2021         2022 
                                     Note        GBP000        GBP000       GBP000 
----------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 Non-current assets 
   Property, plant and equipment                 10,392        11,995        9,938 
   Right of use assets                           35,305        15,040       22,062 
   Investment property                           13,672         7,286        8,298 
   Intangible assets including 
    goodwill                                      5,949         4,824      4,824 
   Investments in joint ventures      10         70,541        39,873       58,383 
   Deferred tax assets                            9,657         9,662       11,063 
   Trade receivables                              4,224             -        4,224 
   Retirement benefit surplus                    11,467         3,600       10,382 
----------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
                                                161,207        92,280      129,174 
----------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 Current assets 
   Other financial assets                             -             2            - 
   Inventories                                   33,872        31,117       30,476 
   Trade and other receivables                   86,109        87,102       88,574 
   Income tax asset                                   -           629            - 
   Contract assets                                6,081         2,667        6,752 
   Cash and cash equivalents                     18,102         8,509       13,773 
----------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
                                                144,164       130,026      139,575 
----------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 Total assets                                   305,371       222,306      268,749 
----------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 Non-current liabilities 
   Other Interest-bearing loans 
    and borrowings                            ( 17,460)       (8,354)   (11,045) 
   Retirement benefit obligations              ( 2,666)       (2,831)      (2,703) 
   Provisions                                  ( 5,898)             -      (2,344) 
   Deferred tax liabilities                     (2,419)             -      (1,920) 
----------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
                                               (28,443)      (11,185)     (18,012) 
----------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 Current liabilities 
   Other Interest-bearing loans 
    and borrowings                            ( 13,140)       (3,192)    (7,326) 
   Trade and other payables                   ( 58,792)      (52,714)     (50,727) 
   Provisions                                  ( 8,844)       (6,021)      (9,440) 
   Income tax liability                               -             -        (108) 
   Other financial liabilities                        -           (7)            - 
----------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
                                               (80,776)      (61,934)     (67,601) 
----------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 Total liabilities                            (109,219)      (73,119)     (85,613) 
----------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 Net assets                                     196,152       149,187      183,136 
----------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (continued)

as at 30 November 2022

 
                                                          Unaudited     Unaudited     Audited 
                                                        30 November   30 November      31 May 
                                                               2022          2021        2022 
                                                 Note        GBP000        GBP000      GBP000 
------------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Equity attributable to 
  equity holders of the parent 
   Share capital                                              3,314         3,314       3,314 
   Share premium                                             73,972        73,955      73,972 
   Other reserves                                               211           211         211 
   Translation reserve                                       (41 3)       (2,087)     (1,819) 
   Merger reserve                                             1,022         1,022       1,022 
   Hedging reserve                                              318           313         318 
   Capital redemption reserve                                 1,530         1,530       1,530 
   Share-based payment reserve                                2,216         1,818       2,029 
   Retained earnings                                        114,018        69,139     102,781 
------------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
                                                            196,188       149,215     183,358 
 
 Non-controlling interest                                      (36)          (28)       (222) 
------------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Total equity                                               196,152       149,187     183,136 
------------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the six months ended 30 November 2021

 
                        Share     Share    Translation   Hedging      Other      Capital    Merger   Share-based   Retained     Total   Non-controlling     Total 
                      capital   premium        reserve   reserve   reserves   redemption   reserve       payment   earnings    parent          interest    Equity 
                                                                                 reserve                 reserve               equity 
                       GBP000    GBP000         GBP000    GBP000     GBP000       GBP000    GBP000        GBP000     GBP000    GBP000            GBP000    GBP000 
 
 Balance at 1 June 
  2021                  3,314    73,955        (2,132)       285        211        1,530     1,022         1,680     64,441   144,306              (10)   144,296 
                     --------  --------  -------------  --------  ---------  -----------  --------  ------------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 Total 
 comprehensive 
 income and 
 expense for the 
 period 
 Profit/(loss) for 
  the period                -         -              -         -          -            -         -             -     10,029    10,029              (18)    10,011 
 
 Other 
 comprehensive 
 income/(expense) 
 Foreign exchange 
  translation 
  differences               -         -             45         -          -            -         -             -          -        45                 -        45 
 Effective portion 
  of changes in 
  fair value of 
  cash flow hedges          -         -              -        35          -            -         -             -          -        35                 -        35 
 Tax recognised on 
  other 
  comprehensive 
  income                    -         -              -       (7)          -            -         -             -          -       (7)                 -       (7) 
                     --------  --------  -------------  --------  ---------  -----------  --------  ------------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 Total other 
  comprehensive 
  income                    -         -             45        28          -            -         -             -          -        73                 -        73 
                     --------  --------  -------------  --------  ---------  -----------  --------  ------------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income and 
  expense for the 
  period                    -         -             45        28          -            -         -             -     10,029    10,102              (18)    10,084 
                     --------  --------  -------------  --------  ---------  -----------  --------  ------------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 
 Transactions with 
 owners recorded 
 directly in equity 
 Equity settled 
  share-based 
  payment 
  transactions              -         -              -         -          -            -         -           138          -       138                 -       138 
 Dividends paid             -         -              -         -          -            -         -             -    (5,331)   (5,331)                 -   (5,331) 
                     --------  --------  -------------  --------  ---------  -----------  --------  ------------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Total 
  contributions by 
  and 
  distributions to 
  owners                    -         -              -         -          -            -         -           138    (5,331)   (5,193)                 -   (5,193) 
 
 Balance at 30 
  November 2021         3,314    73,955        (2,087)       313        211        1,530     1,022         1,818     69,139   149,215              (28)   149,187 
                     --------  --------  -------------  --------  ---------  -----------  --------  ------------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the six months ended 30 November 2022

 
                     Share      Share    Translation   Hedging      Other      Capital    Merger   Share-based   Retained     Total   Non-controlling     Total 
                   capital    premium        reserve   reserve   reserves   redemption   reserve       payment   earnings    parent          interest    Equity 
                                                                               reserve                 reserve               equity 
                    GBP000     GBP000         GBP000    GBP000     GBP000       GBP000    GBP000        GBP000     GBP000    GBP000            GBP000    GBP000 
 
 Balance at 1 
  June 2022          3,314     73,972        (1,819)       318        211        1,530     1,022         2,029    102,781   183,358             (222)   183,136 
                  --------  ---------  -------------  --------  ---------  -----------  --------  ------------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 Total 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 for the period 
 Profit for the 
  period                 -          -              -         -          -            -         -             -     16,962    16,962               186    17,148 
 
 Other 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 Foreign 
  exchange 
  translation 
  differences            -          -          1,406         -          -            -         -             -          -     1,406                 -     1,406 
                  --------  ---------  -------------  --------  ---------  -----------  --------  ------------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 Total other 
  comprehensive 
  income                 -          -          1,406         -          -            -         -             -          -     1,406                 -     1,406 
                  --------  ---------  -------------  --------  ---------  -----------  --------  ------------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income 
  for the period         -          -          1,406         -          -            -         -             -     16,962    18,368               186    18,554 
                  --------  ---------  -------------  --------  ---------  -----------  --------  ------------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 Transactions 
 with owners 
 recorded 
 directly in 
 equity 
 Equity settled 
  share-based 
  payment 
  transactions           -          -              -         -          -            -         -           187          -       187                 -       187 
 Dividends paid          -          -              -         -          -            -         -             -    (5,725)   (5,725)                 -   (5,725) 
 
 Total 
  contributions 
  by and 
  distributions 
  to owners              -          -              -         -          -            -         -           187    (5,725)   (5,538)                 -   (5,538) 
 
 Balance at 30 
  November 2022      3,314     73,972          (413)       318        211        1,530     1,022         2,216    114,018   196,188              (36)   196,152 
                  --------  ---------  -------------  --------  ---------  -----------  --------  ------------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 
 
 

Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

for the six months ended 30 November 2022

 
                                                            Unaudited     Unaudited 
                                                           six months    six months    Audited 
                                                                ended         ended       year 
                                                                                         ended 
                                                                   30   30 November         31 
                                                             November                      May 
                                                                 2022          2021       2022 
                                                               GBP000        GBP000     GBP000 
--------------------------------------------------------               ------------  --------- 
 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Profit for the period from continuing operations              17,148        10,011     34,828 
   Adjustments for: 
 Depreciation and impairment of property, plant 
  and equipment and right-of-use assets                         4,932         2,598      8,666 
   Net finance expense/(income)                                   319          (69)       (53) 
   Share of profit in joint ventures (net of tax)            (11,053)       (9,269)   (28,200) 
   Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment, 
    investment property and right-of-use assets               (2,844)         (602)    (1,298) 
   Equity settled share-based payment expense                     187           138        349 
   Income tax expense/(credit)                                  1,562           386      (347) 
   Contributions to defined benefit pension schemes           (1,170)         (768)    (2,002) 
   Retranslation of foreign denominated assets and 
    liabilities                                                    31           764        202 
--------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
                                                                9,112         3,189     12,145 
 
   Change in inventories                                      (3,398)       (3,949)    (3,308) 
   Change in trade and other receivables                        4,314      (10,495)   (19,256) 
   Change in trade and other payables                           6,622         (581)        903 
   Change in provisions and employee benefits                   2,867       (1,380)      1,000 
--------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
                                                               19,517      (13,216)    (8,516) 
 
   Interest (paid)/received                                     (271)           299         34 
   Income tax received/(paid)                                      28             -       (44) 
--------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 
 Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities           19,274      (12,917)    (8,526) 
--------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment            4,565           640        801 
 Proceeds from sale of investment property                        146           786      1,407 
 Proceeds from sale of ROU assets                                  54            33         78 
 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment                 (1,730)         (224)    (1,479) 
 Acquisition of investment property                           (5,377)          (15)    (1,070) 
 Acquisition of right of use assets                              (54)             -      (163) 
 Acquisition of subsidiaries                                  (1,447)             -          - 
 Dividends received from joint ventures                             -             -      3,917 
--------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities 
  in continuing operations                                    (3,843)         1,220      3,491 
--------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Net cash inflow from investing activities in 
  discontinued operations                                           -             -      2,000 
                                                          -----------  ------------ 
 Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities          (3,843)         1,220      5,491 
--------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
   Principal elements of lease payments                       (5,519)       (2,755)    (5,531) 
   Dividends paid                                             (5,725)       (5,331)    (6,237) 
--------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 
 Net cash outflow from financing activities                  (11,244)       (8,086)   (11,768) 
--------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 
   Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents         4,187      (19,783)   (14,803) 
   Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the 
    period                                                     13,773        28,303     28,303 
   Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash 
    held                                                          142          (11)        273 
--------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the 
  period                                                       18,102         8,509     13,773 
--------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 
 

Notes to the CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED Interim FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   1.            Basis of preparation 

The condensed consolidated interim financial information set out in this statement for the six months ended 30 November 2022 and the comparative figures for the six months ended 30 November 2021 is unaudited. This financial information does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. It does not comply with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting', as is permissible under the rules of the Alternative Investment Market.

The condensed consolidated interim financial information, which is neither audited nor reviewed, has been prepared in accordance with the measurement and recognition criteria of UK-adopted international accounting standards. This statement does not include all the information required for the annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of the Group as at and for the year ended 31 May 2022.

There are no new IFRS which apply to the condensed consolidated interim financial information.

   2.            Accounting policies 

The accounting policies applied in preparing the condensed consolidated interim financial information are the same as those applied in the preparation of the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2022, as described in those financial statements.

   3.            Status of financial information 

The comparative figures for the financial year ended 31 May 2022 are not the Group's statutory consolidated financial statements for that financial year. The statutory financial accounts for the financial year ended 31 May 2022 have been reported on by the company's auditor and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditor was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and (iii) did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

   4.            Principal risks and uncertainties 

The principal risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are unchanged from those set out in the Group's accounts for the year ended 31 May 2022. The Directors have reviewed financial forecasts and are satisfied that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the Group continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the condensed consolidated interim financial information .

   5.            Exceptional items 
 
                                                     Six months    Six months      Year 
                                                          ended      ended 30     ended 
                                                    30 November      November    31 May 
                                                           2022          2021      2022 
                                                      Unaudited     Unaudited   Audited 
                                                         GBP000        GBP000    GBP000 
-----------------------------------------------  --------------  ------------  -------- 
 Exceptional items in Administrative expenses 
 Release of accrual relating to liability from 
  the year ended 31 May 2015                                  -             -     1,754 
 Total exceptional items in Administrative 
  expenses                                                    -             -     1,754 
-----------------------------------------------  --------------  ------------  -------- 
 

There are no exceptional items in the six month period ended 30 November 2022 (30 November 2021: GBPnil).

In the year ending 31 May 2022, an aged accrual dating from the year ended 31 May 2015 totalling GBP1,754,000 was released as the potential for payment had lapsed due to time.

   6.            Taxation 

UK income tax for the period is charged at 19% (2021: 19%). The effective tax rate, after removing the impact of jointly controlled entities is 20.4% (2021: 34.2%), representing an estimate of the annual effective rate for the full year to 31 May 2023. This rate is higher than the standard rate of UK income tax due to the effect on deferred tax of the forthcoming rise in the corporate tax rate to 25% and the impact of accounting for tax related to the Unity Joint Venture, which is a Limited Liability Partnership.

   7.            Dividends 

The final dividend of 5.6p and additional dividend of 12p per ordinary share, proposed in the 2022 annual accounts and approved by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 27 October 2022, was paid on 31 October 2022. The directors have proposed an interim dividend of 3.0p per share (2021: 2.8p) which will be paid on 6 April 2023 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 24 March 2023. This will be paid out of the Company's available distributable reserves. In accordance with IAS 1, dividends are recorded only when paid and are shown as a movement in equity rather than as a charge in the income statement.

   8.            Earnings per share 
 
                                       Six months ended             Six months ended              Year ended 31 
                                       30 November 2022             30 November 2021                 May 2022 
                                          Unaudited                    Unaudited                     Audited 
                                  Earnings      EPS     DEPS   Earnings      EPS     DEPS   Earnings      EPS     DEPS 
                                    GBP000    Pence    Pence     GBP000    Pence    Pence     GBP000    Pence    Pence 
 
 Underlying earnings per 
  share                             16,962    52.15    51.09     10,029    31.04    30.15     33,407   103.23   100.18 
 Exceptional items and 
  amortisation 
  (net of tax)                           -        -        -          -        -        -      1,421     4.39     4.26 
-------------------------------  ---------  -------  -------  ---------  -------  -------  ---------  -------  ------- 
 Continuing basic earnings 
  per share                         16,962    52.15    51.09     10,029    31.04    30.15     34,828   107.62   104.44 
 Discontinued operations                 -        -        -          -        -        -      2,000     6.18     6.00 
-------------------------------  ---------  -------  -------  ---------  -------  -------  ---------  -------  ------- 
 Basic earnings per share           16,962    52.15    51.09     10,029    31.04    30.15     36,828   113.80   110.44 
                                 ---------  -------  -------  ---------  -------  -------  ---------  -------  ------- 
 Weighted average number 
  of shares                                  32,528   33,200              32,316   33,267              32,362   33,347 
-------------------------------  ---------  -------  -------  ---------  -------  -------  ---------  -------  ------- 
 

The calculation of diluted earnings per share is based on the profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the Company and on the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue in the period adjusted for the dilutive effect of the share options outstanding. The effect on the weighted average number of shares is 672,000 (2021: 951,000), the effect on continuing basic earnings per ordinary share is 1.06p (2021: 0.89p).

   9.            Segmental information 

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker has been identified as the Board of Directors since they are responsible for strategic decisions. HSEL represents Hargreaves Services Europe Limited, the holding company for the Group's investment in its German Joint Venture.

 
                                                 Services    Hargreaves   Unallocated          HSEL         Total 
                                                                   Land 
                                                Unaudited     Unaudited     Unaudited     Unaudited     Unaudited 
                                              30 November   30 November   30 November   30 November   30 November 
                                                     2022          2022          2022          2022          2022 
                                                   GBP000        GBP000        GBP000        GBP000        GBP000 
        -----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
         Revenue 
  Total revenue                                   108,000         8,700             -             -       116,700 
  Intra-segment revenue                             (225)             -             -             -         (225) 
 ------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
  Revenue from external customers                 107,775         8,700             -             -       116,475 
 ------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
  Operating profit/(loss)                           9,147         1,331       (2,502)             -         7,976 
  Share of profit in joint ventures 
   (net of tax)                                         -           242             -        10,811        11,053 
  Net finance (expense)/income                      (642)            28           295             -         (319) 
 
  Profit/(loss) before tax                          8,505         1,601       (2,207)        10,811        18,710 
 ------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
                                                 Services    Hargreaves   Unallocated          HSEL         Total 
                                                                   Land 
                                                Unaudited     Unaudited     Unaudited     Unaudited     Unaudited 
                                                       30            30            30            30            30 
                                                 November      November      November      November      November 
                                                     2021          2021          2021          2021          2021 
                                                   GBP000        GBP000        GBP000        GBP000        GBP000 
        -----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
         Revenue 
  Total revenue                                    71,043         5,846             -             -        76,889 
  Intra-segment revenue                             (807)             -             -             -         (807) 
 ------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
  Revenue from external customers                  70,236         5,846             -             -        76,082 
 ------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
  Operating profit/(loss)                           3,149           169       (2,259)             -         1,059 
  Share of profit in joint ventures 
   (net of tax)                                                     292             -         8,977         9,269 
  Net finance income                                    -             -            69             -            69 
 
  Profit/(loss) before tax                          3,149           461       (2,190)         8,977        10,397 
 ------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 

10. Investments in joint ventures

 
                                          Tower   Hargreaves      Waystone        Interests    Total 
                                   Regeneration     Services    Hargreaves    in immaterial 
                                        Limited       Europe           LLP            joint 
                                                     Limited                       ventures 
                                         GBP000       GBP000        GBP000           GBP000   GBP000 
------------------------------  ---------------  -----------  ------------  ---------------  ------- 
 At 1 June 2022                               -       53,547         4,910             (74)   58,383 
 Group's share of profit in 
  joint ventures (net of tax)                 -       10,811           241                1   11,053 
 Exchange differences                         -        1,112             -              (7)    1,105 
 At 30 November 2022                          -       65,470         5,151             (80)   70,541 
------------------------------  ---------------  -----------  ------------  ---------------  ------- 
 

11. Condensed consolidated interim financial information

The condensed consolidated interim financial information was approved by the Board of Directors on 25 January 2023. Copies of this interim statement will be sent to all shareholders and will be available to the public from the Group's registered office.

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END

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