FIH Group PLC Final Results

RNS Number : 6295Z

FIH Group PLC

08 August 2024

 

FIH group plc

("FIH" or the "Group")

Final Results

FIH, the AIM quoted international specialist services group with businesses in the Falkland Islands and the UK, is pleased to announce the Group's audited results for the year ended 31 March 2024 ("the period").

Highlights

·      Revenue broadly in line with prior year at £52.5 million (2023: £52.7 million)

·      Underlying pre-tax profit increasing by £0.2 million to £3.4 million (2023: £3.2 million).

·      Pre-tax profit of £2.8 million (2023: £4.0 million) including non-trading items.

·      Group cash balances of £9.7 million (2023: £12.8 million) reflecting timing differences in working capital and increased dividends paid compared to the prior year.

·      Underlying earnings per share of 19.4p (2023: 20.1p) reflecting increase in UK corporation tax from 19% to 25%.

·      A final dividend of 5.5 pence per share will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting, taking the total regular dividend for the year to 6.75 pence per share (2023: 6.5 pence per share).

·      In order to maintain an appropriate balance between cash returns to shareholders and investment in the business, the Board will also be recommending a special dividend of 10.0 pence per share, to be paid with the proposed final dividend. This will take the total dividend for the year to 16.75 pence per share (2023: 6.5 pence).

 

Board and Governance

·      Nick Henry appointed non-executive director on 14 August 2023 and Chairman at the 2023 Annual General Meeting.

 

Stuart Munro, Chief Executive, said:

"For the period under review, the Group has delivered an underlying pre-tax profit that is marginally ahead of the prior year and the Board are proposing to return surplus cash to shareholders via a special dividend.  Looking ahead, we are focused on the challenges our businesses face in the current year and on taking prompt action to address them. Specifically, we are being impacted by delays in construction tender opportunities in the Falkland Islands, but the potential for these projects remains strong."

Enquiries:

FIH group plc Stuart Munro, Chief Executive Reuben Shamu, Chief Financial Officer     Tel: [phone]   Zeus Capital Ltd - NOMAD and Broker to FIH Chris Fielding / James Bavister     Tel: [phone]   Novella Communications Tim Robertson / Chris Marsh     Tel: [phone]

 

 

 

Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the UK version of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended ("MAR"). Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

The person responsible for arranging the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company is Stuart Munro Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

 

 

Chairman's Statement

I am pleased to report an underlying pre-tax profit* for the year of £3.4m and a reported profit before tax of £2.8m.

Despite facing a complex and challenging global environment, a continued focus on operational excellence, together with the inherent resilience of our diversified business model, has sustained performance, ensuring the delivery of value to both shareholders and stakeholders.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Board and our management teams and employees for their unwavering support and dedication throughout the year.

Dividend

Following the payment of an interim dividend of 1.25 pence per share in January 2024 and reflecting the increased profit in the second half of the year, a final dividend of 5.5 pence per share will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. This will take the total regular dividend for the year ended 31 March 2024 to 6.75 pence per share (2023: 6.5 pence per share).

In addition, the directors will also be proposing a special dividend of 10 pence per share, to be paid together with the final dividend, to maintain an appropriate balance between cash returns to shareholders and investment in the business.

Together with the interim dividend, the proposed final dividend and the special dividend, the total dividend for the year ended 31 March 2024 will be 16.75 pence per share (2023: 6.5 pence).

Board and Governance

I was delighted to join the Board as a non-executive director on 14 August 2023 and to assume the role of chairman following Robin Williams' resignation at the 2023 Annual General Meeting. My past business experience, particularly in sectors closely related to FIH Group's activities, will, I hope, prove beneficial as we navigate the Group through these evolving times.

As noted in the 2023 Chairman's statement, Holger Schröder was appointed as a non-executive director on 1 June 2023. His expertise and insights are already proving valuable, and we look forward to his continued contributions.

Outlook and strategy

In addition to meeting the challenges presented by the current economic and trading environment, the Board remains focused on strategic initiatives that will drive long-term growth and value for our shareholders.

 

 

 

Nick Henry
Chairman

7 August 2024

 

 

 

 

Strategic Report

Overview

Total revenue of £52.5 million was marginally below prior year, with growth in Portsmouth Harbour Ferry Company ("PHFC") offset by shortfalls in the Falkland Islands Company ("FIC") and in Momart.

Underlying profit before tax increased by 6% to £3.4 million (2023: £3.2 million) and pre-tax profit was £2.8 million (2023: £4.0 million).

Net cash inflow from operating activities was £2.0 million compared to £7.5 million in the prior year, largely due to timing differences on receipts and payments.

 

Group Trading Results for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

A summary of the trading performance of the Group is given in the table below.

Group revenue Year ended 31 March	2024 £'m	2023 £'m	Change %
Falkland Islands Company	29.0	29.4	(1.4)
Momart	19.3	19.5	(1.0)
Portsmouth Harbour Ferry	4.2	3.8	10.5
Total revenue	52.5	52.7	(0.4)
Group underlying pre‑tax profit* Falkland Islands Company**	1.7	1.9	(10.5)
Momart**	1.0	1.0	-
Portsmouth Harbour Ferry**	0.7	0.3	133.3
Total underlying profit before tax*	3.4	3.2	6.3
Non-trading items (see notes below)***	(0.6)	0.8	(175.0)
Reported profit before tax	2.8	4.0	(30.0)

 

*           Underlying pre-tax profit is defined as profit before tax before non-trading items.

**          As in prior years, the profits reported for each operating company are stated after allocation of head office management and plc costs which have been applied to each subsidiary consistently.

***         Non-trading items were comprised of the following:

-          £0.3 million accrual in Momart in respect of employee-related taxes relating to previous years (2023: £nil).

-          £0.2 million people-related costs in FIC for which management consider separate presentation is appropriate (2023: £0.1 million).

-          £0.2 million adverse fair value movements on derivative financial instruments (2023: £0.9 million favourable ).

-          £0.1 million release of old credit balances.

 

 

Group Operating Company Performance

Falkland Islands Company ("FIC")

Total revenue decreased by £0.4 million to £29.0 million with reductions in Falkland Building Services ("FBS") and Falklands 4x4 partially offset by improvements in Retail and Support Services. The number of rental properties remained broadly the same and hence the related revenue remained consistent.

Underlying profit before tax decreased to £1.7 million as a result of lower activity in FBS and Falklands 4x4, together with a change in the mix of activities in Support Services, which were partly offset by growth in tourism‑related business and lower overhead costs.

Reported profit before tax was £1.7 million (2023: £1.9 million).

 

FIC Operating Results Year ended 31 March	2024 £'m	2023 £'m	Change %
Revenues
FBS (housing and construction)	11.0	12.1	(9.1)
Retail	10.7	9.9	8.1
Falklands 4x4	2.7	3.1	(12.9)
Support services	3.6	3.3	9.1
Property rental	1.0	1.0	-
Total FIC revenue	29.0	29.4	(1.4)
FIC underlying operating profit	1.7	2.0	(15.0)
Net interest expense	-	(0.1)	100.0
FIC underlying profit before tax	1.7	1.9	(10.5)
FIC underlying operating profit margin	5.9%	6.8%	(13.2)
FIC reported profit before tax	1.7	1.9	(10.5)

 

FIC Divisional Activity

FBS activity was lower than the prior year, with a number of tender opportunities delayed, withdrawn by the client or not pursued for commercial reasons. On the contract to build a total of 70 houses for the Falkland Islands Government ("FIG") and the Ministry of Defence ("MOD"), the rate of production at the MOD Mount Pleasant Complex ("MPC") was lower than originally anticipated, due to third party delays in the provision of services to the building plots, although a total of 5 houses had been completed by year end. Progress on the Bennetts Paddock site for FIG was in line with expectations with 21 units completed.

Retail made good progress, but continued to be impacted by cost of living pressures. Revenue grew by 8% with most of the growth coming from the retail unit at MPC, tourism -related business and encouragingly, from the West Store food hall. Operations were also expanded by opening a seasonal trading market at the jetty where tourists arrive onto the island. The market also gave local small businesses the opportunity to promote and sell their products.

At Falklands 4x4, the decline in revenue reflected difficulties experienced in sourcing both new and used vehicles. 61 units were sold compared to 82 in the previous year and the supply issue also restricted availability for the rental fleet. Initiatives are underway to address the availability of vehicle stock.

In Support Services, revenue growth arose mainly in FIC's tourism business, Penguin Travel. Despite cruise ship passenger numbers remaining broadly in line with the prior year, investment in the bus fleet increased capacity and Penguin Travel's ability to capitalise on demand. In Property Rental, renovations to several houses restricted availability for part of the year, resulting in overall rental income remaining in line with the prior year.

 

 

 

 

FIC Key Performance Indicators and Operational Drivers

Year ended 31 March	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Staff numbers (FTE 31 March)*	214	206	232	242	238
Capital expenditure £'000	2,685	1,060	2,434	1,206	1,337
Retail sales growth %	3.1	(3.0)	(0.1)	2.1	8.1
Number of FIC rental properties**	65	75	83	85	88
Average occupancy during the year %	89	93	86	90	90
Number of vehicles sold	71	71	81	82	61
Number of 3rd party houses sold***	22	15	11	14	1
Illex squid catch in tonnes (000's)	57.6	106.1	123.8	66.8	112.3
Cruise ship passengers (000's)	72.1	Nil	Nil	73.4	73.2

 

*           Re-presented to include FIC staff in the UK.

**          Includes ten mobile homes rented to staff.

***         Relates to kit home sales to third parties and excludes houses built under contract for Falkland Island Government.

 

Momart

Amid global economic uncertainty, art buyers returned to the safer havens of established artists with sellers having to be more pragmatic about their price expectations and buyers mulling much longer over major purchases. Despite this, Gallery Services delivered revenue growth through a series of proactive business development initiatives.

A squeeze on public finances saw reduced funding to institutions, whose ticket sales and related revenues were also impacted by the cost-of-living. Museum Exhibitions revenue was therefore slightly down on the prior year.

Demand for storage continues to be high with existing clients indicating their intention to continue with and expand their storage space, while enquiries from new clients are growing.

Underlying profit before tax remained at the same level as the previous year. Reported profit before tax was £0.7 million.

 

Momart Operating results

Year ended 31 March	2024 £'m	2023 £'m	Change %
Revenues
Museum Exhibitions	9.1	9.5	(4.2)
Gallery Services	7.4	7.3	1.4
Storage	2.8	2.7	3.7
Total Momart revenue	19.3	19.5	(1.0)
Momart underlying operating profit	1.4	1.4	-
Net Interest expense	(0.4)	(0.4)	-
Momart underlying profit before tax	1.0	1.0	-
Momart underlying operating profit margin	7.3%	7.2%	1.4
Momart reported profit before tax	0.7	0.9	(22.2)

 

 

 

 

Momart Key Performance Indicators

Year ended 31 March	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Staff numbers (FTE 31 March)	133	107	99	110	129
Capital expenditure £'000	638	540	258	573	769
Warehouse % fill vs capacity	86.9%	82.9%	84.0%	86.4%	85.2%
Momart services charged out £'m	10.8	6.5	9.1	10.8	11.7
Revenue from overseas clients £'m	6.2	2.7	5.5	6.7	7.2
Exhibition sales growth %	(2.1)	(58.3)	64.4	28.4	(4.2)
Gallery Services sales growth %	(22.4)	(41.4)	70.6	25.9	1.4
Storage sales growth %	5.8	9.1	0.0	12.5	3.7
Total sales growth %	(8.7)	(45.5)	51.5	25.0	(1.5)

 

Portsmouth Harbour Ferry Company ("PHFC")

Passenger numbers at PHFC were broadly in line with the prior year, with inflationary fare rises in April 2023 being largely responsible for revenue increasing by £0.4 million to £4.2 million.

Careful management of costs resulted in an underlying and reported profit before tax of £0.7 million (2023: £0.3 million).

A number of capital projects were completed within the year, most notably the complete replacement of the fenders at the Portsea pontoon and the dredging of berths at both the Gosport pontoon and the maintenance facility.

PHFC Operating results

Year ended 31 March	2024 £'m	2023 £'m	Change %
Revenues
Ferry fares & other revenue	4.2	3.8	10.5
Total PHFC revenue	4.2	3.8	10.5
PHFC underlying operating profit	0.9	0.6	50.0
Pontoon lease liability & Boat loan finance expense	(0.2)	(0.3)	(33.3)
PHFC underlying profit before tax	0.7	0.3	133.3
PHFC reported profit before tax	0.7	0.3	133.3
Passengers carried (000s)	1,956	1,948	0.4

 

 

PHFC Key Performance Indicators and Operational Drivers

Year ended 31 March	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Staff numbers (FTE at 31 March)	36	25	26	26	26
Capital expenditure £'000's	65	-	52	205	364
Ferry reliability (on time departures)	99.8	99.9	99.9	99.8	99.5
Number of weekday passengers '000's	1,706	613	1,188	1,372	1,356
% change on prior year	(7.0)	(64.1)	93.8	15.4	(1.2)
Number of weekend passengers '000's	659	195	500	576	600
% change on prior year	(8.7)	(70.4)	156.4	15.2	4.2
Total number of passengers '000's	2,365	808	1,688	1,948	1,956
% change on prior year	(7.5)	(65.8)	108.9	15.4	0.4
Revenue growth %	(5.5)	(65.9)	114.2	19.0	9.4%
Average yield per passenger journey*	£1.69	£1.76	£1.76	£1.91	£2.08

 

* Total ferry fares divided by the total number of passengers

 

Trading Outlook

Demand for accommodation in the Falkland Islands continues to be strong, with a shortage of suitable housing units for both local residents and contractors on upcoming projects and potential new business ventures. These provide FIC with opportunities to grow by securing additional infrastructure projects, expanding on retail and travel services to the tourism market and investing further in the rental accommodation portfolio. In addition, the breadth and depth of capabilities within FIC puts the business in prime position to offer its services to those seeking to develop or enhance both existing and new activities in the Falkland Islands.

However, as announced in July 2024, trading in the current year for the FBS housing and construction division within FIC has been significantly impacted by delays in tender opportunities and to a lesser extent, the impact of third party delays in the provision of services to the building plots at MPC on the existing contract to build 70 houses for FIG and the MOD. In response, management focus is being directed towards securing delayed tender opportunities once issued, as well as securing other profitable construction work. In addition, we will evaluate the utilisation of any short-term spare capacity within FBS to expand our own rental accommodation portfolio.

Whilst trading conditions remain challenging for Momart, a renewed focus on business development and process efficiency is already yielding positive results and there are potential opportunities to expand the storage business.

As demonstrated this year at PHFC, available capacity means that future passenger growth can be accommodated without a commensurate increase in cost, which would further improve profitability. Opportunities to maximise secondary revenues continue to be targeted and costs and fare pricing will continue to be carefully managed.

Overall, the longer term outlook for the Group remains positive.

 

Group Strategy

The aim of the Board is to build a Group of greater scale, providing consistent earnings growth and cash generation that will provide shareholders with both predictable capital growth and regular dividend income. To deliver this, the Group strategy has three key strands:

Build the profits of the existing businesses back to and beyond the pre-COVID position. The underlying pre-tax profit for the year was only slightly ahead of last year and hence more remains to be done. However, it is an indication of the inherent resilience of the Group, resulting from its diverse range of activities, that the global economic situation has not had a more significant impact on the results.

Invest in developing the existing businesses. The Board continues to be focused on capitalising on potential opportunities for further work for FIG and the MOD, building on the £17.3 million housing contract awarded in November 2021. In addition, potential opportunities to maximise returns from existing FIC land assets are being explored. The potential for additional opportunities arising from the development of the Sea Lion oil field continues to progress with expressions of interest requested by the potential developer. However, the Board does not rely in its planning on any such development due to the uncertain and lengthy timescales involved and the undefined nature of any benefit which might accrue to FIC.

Explore the potential for strategic acquisitions. This could provide a step change in the scale of FIH, but acquisitions will only be considered if they either add to existing activities or bring growth potential from other attractive sectors, can be secured at an appropriate price and are within the capacity of the senior executive team to integrate and optimise without negatively impacting the performance of the existing businesses. A number of opportunities were reviewed during the year, but none met the required criteria.

 

Risk Management, Principal Risks and Impact

The Board is ultimately responsible for setting the Group's risk appetite and for overseeing the effective management of risk. The Group faces a diverse range of risks and uncertainties which could have an adverse effect on results if not managed. The principal risks facing the Group have been identified by the Board and the mitigating actions agreed with senior management and are discussed in the following table:

 

OPERATIONAL RISKS
Risk	Comment	Overall Impact
CYBER RISK A cyber security breach can result in unauthorised access to company information, potential misuse of information systems, technology or data.	There is a growing level of sophistication, scale and volume of targeted cyber incidents which could impact on group trading and potential loss of assets. A full review of the IT security environment has been commissioned to modernise prevention measures across the Group.	Moderate - unchanged
DATA PRIVACY Failure to comply with legal or regulatory requirements relating to data privacy in the course of business activities potentially leading to adverse consequences, penalties or consequential litigation.	Governance and oversight protocols are regularly reviewed to maintain vigilance in protection of the Group's customer and staff data.	Low - unchanged
HEALTH AND SAFETY The Group is required to comply with laws and regulation governing occupational health and safety matters. Furthermore, accidents could happen which might result in injury to an individual, claims against the Group and damage to our reputation.	Health & Safety ("HSE") matters are considered a key priority for the Board of FIH and all its operating companies. All staff receive relevant HSE training when joining the Group and receive refresher and additional training as is necessary. Training courses cover maritime safety, lifting and manual handling, asbestos awareness and fire extinguisher training. External HSE audits are conducted on a regular basis.	Low - unchanged
COMPLIANCE
Failure to comply with the frequently changing regulatory environment could result in reputational damage or financial penalty.	The regulatory environment continues to become increasingly complex. The Group uses specialist advisers to help evolve appropriate policies and practices. Close monitoring of regulatory and legislations changes is maintained to ensure our policies and practices continue to comply with relevant legislation. Staff training is provided where required.	Low - unchanged
POLITICAL RISKS
Historically, Argentina has maintained a claim to the Falkland Islands and this dispute has never been officially resolved.	Relations between the UK and Argentina continue to be strained. However, the security afforded by the UK Government's commitment to the Islands upholds the freedom and livelihood of the people of the Falkland Islands and thereby of FIC. Provided UK Government support is maintained the security of the people of the Falkland Islands is judged to at low risk.	Low - unchanged
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
Inflationary pressures across all Group businesses impact the cost of wages, services and products.	Continued focus on cost efficiency. Customer and supplier contracts structured to limit or pass on inflation risk. Cost inflation monitored closely and passed on to customers via price increases wherever possible.	Medium - decreased

 

 

 

COMPETITION RISK
Risk	Comment	Potential Impact
FIC is considered by the senior management to be a market leader in a number of business activities but faces competition from local entrepreneurs in many sectors in which it operates. Momart sits in a highly competitive market, with both UK and international competitors investing for growth.       Large capital infrastructure investment projects may entice larger overseas businesses to look at the opportunities available and reduce the ability of FIC to undertake the work.	Local competition is healthy for FIC and stimulates continuing business improvement.       The current global economic uncertainty presents a challenge, but a focus on process efficiency and pro-active business development, whilst maintaining the high quality of service for which Momart is renowned, puts the business in a strong position to compete. FIC has been successful in winning work against overseas competitors and has built up strong links with FIG and MOD. Being located in the Falkland Islands gives FIC a competitive advantage against overseas companies.	Low - unchanged       Moderate - unchanged   Moderate - unchanged
FOREIGN CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE RATE RISK
Momart is exposed to foreign currency risk arising from trading and other payables denominated in foreign currencies. The Group is exposed to interest rate risks on large loans. FIC retail outlets accept foreign currency and are exposed to fluctuations in the value of the dollar and the euro.	Forward exchange contracts are used to mitigate this risk, with exchange rate fixed for all significant contracts. Interest rate risk on large loans is mitigated by the use of interest rate swaps.	Low - unchanged
INVENTORY
Inventory risk relates to losses on realising the carrying value on ultimate sale. Losses include obsolescence, shrinkage or changes in market demand such that products are only saleable at prices that produce a loss. FIC is the only Group business that holds significant inventories and faces this risk in the Falkland Islands, where it is very expensive to return excess or obsolete stock back to the UK.	Reviews of old and slow-moving stock in Stanley are regularly undertaken by senior management and appropriate action taken.	Low - unchanged
PEOPLE
Loss of one or more key members of the senior management team or failure to attract and retain experienced and skilled people at all levels across the business could have an adverse impact on the business.	None of the Group's businesses is reliant on the skills of any one person. The wide spread of the Group's operations further dilutes the risk.	Low - unchanged
FIC has a reliance on being able to attract staff from overseas including many from St Helena. Development of those locations might reduce the pool of available staff.	The development of tourism on St Helena has been slow and the Falkland Islands remain an attractive location for St Helenian people to work.	Low - decreased
All Group companies are experiencing a shortage of skilled employees as the businesses grow and recover from the pandemic. In the UK, Momart has suffered from shortages in drivers and art technicians.	This has driven wages costs up.	Moderate - unchanged

 

 

Financial Review

Revenue

Group revenue of £52.5 million was broadly in line with the previous year.

Operating Profit

Underlying operating profit was £4.0 million (2023: £4.0 million).

Non-trading items in the year of £0.4 million included a £0.3 million accrual in Momart in respect of employee-related taxes in respect of previous years and £0.2 million in people related costs in FIC, which were partly offset by a £0.1 million credit release relating to old credit balances in FIC. As a consequence, the operating profit was £3.6 million (2023: £3.9 million).

Net Finance Expense

The Group's net finance expense of £0.9 million was £1.0 million higher than the prior year, due mainly to the difference in the fair value movement of the Group's financial instrument to hedge against interest changes on Group borrowings.

Reported Pre-tax Profit

Reported pre-tax profit for the year ended 31 March 2024 was £2.8 million (2023: £4.0 million). The Group's underlying profit before tax before non-trading items was £3.4 million (2023: £3.2 million). Non-trading items in the year included £0.2 million adverse fair value movements on derivative financial instruments in addition to the items referred to above in operating income.

Taxation

Tax on current year profits decreased by £0.1 million from the prior year due to a lower level of assets eligible for capital allowances.

Earnings per Share

Basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") derived from reported profits was 15.7 pence per share (2023: 24.9 pence per share). Basic and diluted EPS derived from underlying profits was 19.4 pence per share (2023: 20.1 pence per share). The decrease in underlying EPS is due to the increase in UK corporation tax from 19% to 25%.

Balance Sheet

The Group's balance sheet remained strong, with total net assets growing to £45.1 million from £44.0 million in the previous year

Net Debt Year ended 31 March	2024 £'m	2023 £'m	Change £'m
Bank loans	(12.3)	(13.3)	1.0
Cash and cash equivalents	9.7	12.8	(3.1)
Net debt	(2.6)	(0.5)	(2.1)
Lease liabilities	(6.1)	(6.4)	0.3
Net debt after lease liabilities	(8.7)	(6.9)	(1.8)

 

Bank loans reduced to £12.3 million (2023: £13.3 million) as a result of scheduled loan repayments of £0.9 million. Group cash balances decreased to £9.7 million reflecting timing differences in working capital and higher dividends paid compared to the previous year. Consequently, net debt before lease liabilities increased to £2.6 million (2023: £0.5 million) which includes a mortgage on the Leyton property of £12.1 million (2023: £12.7 million).

The Group's outstanding lease liabilities totalled £6.1 million (2023: £6.4 million) with £4.2 million of the balance (2023: £4.6 million) relating to the 50-year lease from Gosport Borough Council and associated ground rent, which run until June 2061.

The net book value of the investment properties and undeveloped land of £7.7 million (2023: £7.9 million) had a fair value of approximately £12.8 million (2023: £12.6 million).

There were minor movements in inventory which represents stock held for sale.

Trade and other receivables of £10.9 million at 31 March 2024 were broadly in line with the prior year (2023: £10.2 million), with a £1.6 million increase in construction contract balances offsetting lower trade receivables. Construction contract balances increased due to timing differences on the finalisation and submission of applications for payment. Momart trading activity in March was lower than last year and trade receivables outstanding at year end were lower as a result.

Trade and other payables decreased by £2.6 million to £11.1 million (2023: £13.7 million). The majority of the reduction was due to the timing of a small number of large recurring payments around year end.

The Group's defined benefit pension liability decreased by £0.3 million which was mainly due to pension payments and a transfer out of the FIC defined benefit scheme. Finance costs on the scheme were largely offset by the re‑measurement of the pension liability.

 

Cash Flows

Net cash inflow from operating activities of £2.0 million was £5.5 million lower than the prior year. The reduction was largely due to an increase in working capital of £4.6 million, additional tax payments of £0.8 million and £0.3 million increase in non-trading items.

The working capital movement of £4.6 million in the year ended 31 March 2024 included a debtor of £2.2 million which was collected after the year end. The other main difference related to large payables at 31 March 2023 which were settled in the following year.

The Group's cash flows can be summarised as follows

Year ended 31 March	2024 £'m	2023 £'m	Change £'m
Underlying profit before tax	3.4	3.2	0.2
Depreciation & amortisation	2.6	2.6	0.0
Gain on disposal of fixed asset	0.0	(0.3)	0.3
Net interest payable	0.6	0.8	(0.2)
Underlying EBITDA*	6.6	6.3	0.3
Non-trading, cash items	(0.4)	(0.1)	(0.3)
Decrease in Finance lease receivable	0.1	0.2	(0.1)
(Increase) / Decrease in working capital	(3.2)	1.4	(4.6)
Tax paid and other	(1.1)	(0.3)	(0.8)
Net cash inflow from operating activities	2.0	7.5	(5.5)‌‌
Financing and investing activities
Capital Expenditure	(2.2)	(2.0)	(0.2)
Disposal of fixed assets	0.1	0.4	(0.3)
Net bank and lease liability interest paid	(0.6)	(0.8)	0.2
Net bank and lease liability repayments	(1.6)	(1.5)	(0.1)
Dividends paid	(0.8)	(0.4)	(0.4)
Net cash outflow from financing and investing activities	(5.1)	(4.3)	(0.8)
Net cash (outflow) / inflow	(3.1)	3.2	(6.3)
Cash balance b/fwd	12.8	9.6	3.2
Cash balance c/fwd	9.7	12.8	(3.1)‌‌

 

* EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest and tax after adding depreciation and amortisation

Financing and Investing Activities

During the year the Group invested £2.2 million of capital expenditure, comprising plant and equipment and vehicles.

The bank and lease repayments were higher by £0.1 million in the year with more lease contracts in Momart.

 

 

 

 

Statement by the Directors under Section 172(1) Companies Act 2006

As an experienced Board, our intention is to behave responsibly and we consider that we, both as individuals and as a collective Board, as representatives of FIH group plc, during the year ended 31 March 2024 have acted in good faith, to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole, having regard to the wider stakeholders as set out in s172 of the Companies Act.

Section 172 (1) of the Companies Act obliges the directors to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of the Company's members as a whole.

The section specifies that the directors must act in good faith when promoting the success of the Company and in doing so have regard (amongst other things) to:

a)       the likely consequences of any decision in the long term;

b)       the interests of the Company's employees;

c)       the need to foster the Company's business relationship with suppliers, customers and others;

d)       the impact of the Company's operations on the community and environment;

e)       the desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct; and

f)       the need to act fairly as between members of the Company.

The Board is collectively responsible for the decisions made towards the long-term success of the Company and how the strategic, operational and risk management decisions have been implemented throughout the business is detailed in this Strategic Report.

Stakeholder Engagement

The directors engage with the Group's stakeholders on material issues relating to their business, taking into consideration current and future events and principal decisions. The engagement supports the directors in understanding the impact of their decisions and identify any material issues. This aligns with the Group's purpose and strategy. The details of the Group's interaction with its wider stakeholders are as follows:

Customers:

FIC demonstrates its customer focus through surveys and regular meetings with key customers to understand their requirements and to build long-term relationships. During the financial year ended 31 March 2024, Board members met with the Governor of the Falkland Islands and the Chief Executive of FIG. They also met with the UK MOD.

PHFC maintains close contact with its customer base via social media and regularly tweets and posts information about local events of interest to the local community and visiting tourists. PHFC also maintains close links to the Navy based in Portsmouth.

Momart engage with industry working groups to propose and implement sustainability improvements in delivering fine art logistics services.

Colleagues:

We have an experienced, diverse and dedicated workforce which we recognise as a key asset of our businesses. Therefore, it is important that we continue to create the right environment to encourage and create opportunities for individuals and teams to realise their full potential.

We have an open, collaborative and inclusive management structure and engage regularly with our employees. We do this through an appraisal process, structured career conversations, employee surveys, company presentations and away days.

Suppliers:

The Board acknowledges that a strong business relationship with suppliers is a vital part of growth. Across the Group, we aim to build long-term relationships with our suppliers that help ensure the continued delivery of the high-quality services the Group provides. We are clear about our payment practices. We expect our suppliers to adopt similar practices throughout their supply chains to ensure fair and prompt treatment of all creditors. All suppliers are vetted to ensure compliance with the Group's zero tolerance approach to modern slavery.

Communities:

We are committed to supporting the communities in which we operate, including local businesses, residents and the wider public.

In the Falkland Islands and in Gosport/Portsmouth (where PHFC provide the ferry service), the subsidiaries of the Group work closely with local communities. Momart, is an active and founding member of several art communities and its employees give talks at conferences, sharing their experiences on the import and export of artwork.

We engage with the local communities in Gosport/ Portsmouth and in the Falkland Islands through our community donations and providing employment and work experience opportunities.

PHFC also work closely with local government to ensure representation in local transport developments.

Environment:

The Group is committed to doing its part to protect the local and global environment, minimising the environmental impacts of its activities, products and services, and to the continual improvement of its environmental performance.

Steps already taken include:

FIC

•        Use of ground heat source systems on new housing developments and fitting solar panels.

•        Elimination of plastic bags from all retail outlets and use of paper cups, straws, and other recyclable packaging in the FIC cafes wherever possible.

•        LED lighting in offices, warehouses and retail outlets.

•        Utilisation of best practice insulation methods for building construction and renovation.

Momart

•        An accredited member of the Galleries Climate Coalition, one of only two Fine Art Shippers to have attained this level.

•        Engaged a specialist consultancy to analyse all current impacts and further develop the existing overall environmental strategy.

•        Conversion of vehicles to meet the Euro 6 emissions standard.

•        LED lighting and movement sensors across all warehouse units.

•        Renewable energy from solar panels installed at the Leyton warehouse unit 14.

•        Sourcing of materials for packing cases from sustainable sources wherever possible.

•        Wood waste repurposed or burnt for energy rather than going to landfill.

PHFC

•        Installation of new exhaust cleaners on the vessels reducing NOx and Co2 emissions.

•        Smart LED lighting across the estate.

•        Provision of coffee cup recycling.

•        Investigation of smart apps to promote environmentally friendly journey planning.

Governments and Regulatory Authorities

FIC's work brings us into regular contact with the MOD, FIG and local authorities, as we deliver construction projects, repairs and other work. We strive to be proactive and transparent, consulting with them to ensure that our planning reflects local sensitivities.

PHFC staff attend meetings with local government members and Gosport Borough Council.

The Momart Business Process and Compliance Manager attends industry forums, such as Logistics UK, discussing developments in the industry with the forum and any attending HMRC officers. The Momart Security Manager liaises with the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure that Momart's security procedures and staff training remain compliant.

Media

All businesses are active on social media, using X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Non-governmental Organisations:

PHFC is a Heritage Committee member.

Momart is a member of the UK Registrars' Group, which is a non-profit association providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and expertise between registrars, collection managers and other museum professionals in the United Kingdom, Europe and worldwide.

Momart representatives attend the UK Registrars' Group conference and the European Registrars' Group conference and speak on issues such as customs procedures, Brexit, or specialised export licences, such as the "Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora", and includes the import export of items made out of ivory, rosewood, tortoiseshell, ebony and mahogany.

With over 40 years of experience and expertise in handling, transportation and storage of art, Momart has held a Royal Warrant for work with the Royal Collection since 1993.

Momart is a founding member of ARTIM, "The Art Transporter International Meeting" and attends the annual conference to discuss the best practices and the key business issues concerning the packing, transportation and movement of works of art.

Shareholders and Analysts:

The Board places equal importance on all shareholders and recognises the significance of transparent and effective communications with them. The Company values the views of its shareholders, and the directors are keen to engage and work with them so that they are aligned with the strategy for the growth of the business.

The primary communication tool with shareholders is through the Regulatory News Service ("RNS") on regulatory matters and matters of material substance. The Company's website provides details of the business, investor presentations, details of the Board and Board Committees, changes to major shareholder information and QCA Code disclosure updates under AIM Rule 26. Changes are published promptly on the website to enable shareholders to be kept abreast of Company's affairs. The Company's Annual Report and Notice of Annual General Meetings (AGM) are available to all shareholders. The Interim Report and other investor presentations are also available on the Company's website.

The AGM is an annual opportunity for shareholders and analysts to meet the Board face-to-face and receive an update on the business. There is full transparency of the voting on the resolutions at the AGM, with the Company disclosing the proxy votes received on each resolution in the RNS released shortly after the AGM.

Beyond the Annual General Meeting, the Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer and the Chairman offer to meet with all significant shareholders after the release of the half year and full year results. The Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer and the Chairman are the primary points of contact and are available to answer queries over the phone or via email from shareholders throughout the year.

Debt Providers:

The Group has several debt facilities provided by HSBC, who are kept fully informed on all relevant areas of the business, through regular meetings and presentations. The relationship with HSBC dates back to the Company's incorporation in 1997.

Maintaining High Standards of Business Conduct

FIH is incorporated in the UK and governed by the Companies Act 2006. The Board guides management and the employees to conform with relevant statutory and regulatory provisions in the United Kingdom and the Falkland Islands.

The Company has adopted the Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code 2018 which the Board believes is the most appropriate corporate governance code for FIH. The Board recognises the importance of maintaining a good level of corporate governance, which together with the requirements to comply with the AIM Rules ensures that the interests of the Company's stakeholders are safeguarded.

The Group is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethics and integrity in conducting its business. It is committed to operating legally, honestly, and fairly across all the businesses within the Group and requires all employees to carry out their duties in accordance with these principles.

The Group has a zero-tolerance attitude to bribery, fraud, dishonesty, illegal or improper activity amongst its employees, partners, subcontractors, or suppliers.

Accordingly, our objectives are to:

•        Comply with all laws and regulations applicable to our business activities.

•        Ensure that all business activities across the Group are conducted in an ethical manner.

•        Maintain and protect the reputation of the Group with clients, suppliers, contractors, employees, and all other parties with whom the Group has dealings or who may be affected by our activities.

•        Provide our staff with guidance on how to perform their duties and, where appropriate, training to equip them with the skills to identify and report any improper activities.

 

The Strategic Report has been approved by the Board of Directors.

 

 

Stuart Munro
Chief Executive

7 August 2024

 

 

 

 

Directors' Report

The directors present their annual report and the financial statements for the Company and for the Group for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Results and Dividend

As set out in the Consolidated Income Statement, the Group profit for the year after taxation amounted to £1,966,000 (2023: £3,122,000). Basic earnings per share were 15.7 pence (2023: 24.9 pence).

The Board is pleased to announce that a final dividend of 5.5 pence per share will be recommended for approval at the Annual General Meeting. Together with the interim dividend of 1.25 pence paid on 12 January 2024, the proposed dividend will take the total dividend for the year ended 31 March 2024 to 6.75 pence per share (2023: 6.5 pence).

In addition, the Board is pleased to announce that it will be recommending a special dividend of 10 pence per share for approval at the Annual General Meeting. The Board believes in maintaining an appropriate balance between cash returns to shareholders and investment in the business and following a review of the Group's net cash position, it has decided to declare a special dividend of 10 pence per share amounting to a total of £1,251,990 to be returned to shareholders.

Together with the interim dividend, the proposed final dividend and proposed special dividend, the total dividend for the year ended 31 March 2024 will be 16.75 pence per share (2023: 6.5 pence).

Principal Activities

The business of the Group during the year ended 31 March 2024 was general trading in the Falkland Islands, the operation of a passenger ferry across Portsmouth Harbour and the provision of international arts logistics and storage services. The principal activities of the Group are discussed in more detail in the Strategic Report.

The principal activity of the Company is that of a holding company.

Qualifying Indemnity Provisions

A Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance policy is maintained for all directors and each director has the benefit of a Deed of Indemnity.

Future Developments

Details of future developments are presented within the Strategic Report.

Matters of Strategic Importance

Details of matters of strategic importance are presented within the Strategic Report.

Financial risk management

Details of the Group's financial instruments and its policies with regard to financial risk management are given in note 26 to the financial statements.

Directors

The directors of the Company who served during the year and to the date of this report were as follows:

Nick Henry (appointed 14 August 2023)
Robin Williams (resigned 28 September 2023)
Stuart Munro
Reuben Shamu
Robert Johnston
Dominic Lavelle
Holger Schröder (appointed 1 June 2023)
Relevant details of the directors, which include committee memberships, are set out on pages 21 and 22.

 

 

Directors' Interests in Shares

The interests of the directors, their immediate families and related trusts in the shares of the Company according to the register kept pursuant to the Companies Act 2006 were as shown below:

	Ordinary shares as at 31 March 2024	Ordinary shares as at 31 March 2023
Nick Henry (appointed 14 August 2023)	-	-
Robin Williams (resigned 28 September 2023)	n/a	5,625
Stuart Munro	4,400	4,400
Reuben Shamu	-	-
Robert Johnston*	3,656,553	3,656,553
Dominic Lavelle	2,000	2,000
Holger Schröder** (appointed 1 June 2023)	1,451,998	n/a

 

*           Robert Johnston holds 60,000 shares in his own name, and as he is also the representative of the Company's largest shareholder, "The Article 6 Marital Trust, created under the First Amended and Restated Jerry Zucker Revocable Trust dated 4-2-07", which holds 3,596,553 Shares, Robert Johnston is interested in 3,656,553 shares in total, representing 29.2 percent of the Company's 12,519,900 total voting rights.

**          Holger Schröder is the representative of Janser Group which holds 1,451,998 shares and a further 125,327 held personally by Martin Janser, representing 12.6% of the ordinary share capital of FIH.

 

At 31 March 2024, Stuart Munro had 55,814 LTIP share options with an exercise price of 10 pence, a 3-year vesting period and an expiry date of 3 December 2026. No other directors have any share options.

The exercise of LTIP awards is subject to achieving share price performance and earnings targets which have been determined by the Remuneration Committee, after discussion with the Company's advisers. No LTIP share options were granted during the year.

Share Capital and Substantial Interests in Shares

During the year, no shares were issued. Further information about the Company's share capital is given in note 25. Details of the Company's executive share option scheme can be found in note 24.

The Company has been notified of the following interests in 3% or more of the issued ordinary shares of the Company as at 7 August 2024:

 

	Number of shares	Percentage of shares in issue
The Article 6 Marital Trust created under the First Amended and Restated Jerry Zucker Revocable Trust dated 2 April 2007	3,596,553	28.73
Janser Group	1,577,325	12.60
Quaero Capital Funds (Lux) - Argonaut	1,213,684	9.69
J.F.C. Watts	797,214	6.37
Fortuna Limited	505,674	4.04
Interactive Investor Services Limited	453,494	3.62
Christian Struck	440,444	3.55

Health and Safety

The Group is committed to the health, safety and welfare of its employees and third parties who may be affected by the Group's operations. The focus of the Group's effort is to prevent accidents and incidents occurring by identifying risks and employing appropriate control strategies. This is supplemented by a policy of investigating and recording all incidents. The Board reviews Health and Safety performance at every Board meeting.

Employees

The Board is aware of the importance of good relationships and communication with employees. The Board also recognises the importance of communication with employees to motivate them and involve them fully in the business. Staff are kept informed of major developments and are encouraged to discuss these matters openly within the Company. Where appropriate, employees are consulted about matters which affect the progress of the Group and which are of interest and concern to them as employees.

Members of the Board regularly engage with FIC, Momart and PHFC senior management employees to update them on Group matters and to ensure that they feel engaged in the Group. Members of the Board also visit Momart and PHFC regularly to engage with senior management employees. As part of the regular communication with employees, emphasis is placed on developing greater awareness of the financial and economic factors which affect the performance of the Group. Employment policy and practices in the Group are based on non-discrimination and equal opportunity irrespective of age, race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, colour and marital status.

In particular, the Group recognises its responsibilities towards disabled persons and does not discriminate against them in terms of job offers, training or career development and prospects. If an existing employee were to become disabled during the course of employment, every practical effort would be made to retain the employee's services with whatever retraining is appropriate.

The Group's pension arrangements for employees are summarised in note 23.

Suppliers

Information regarding the Group's engagement with suppliers is included in the Directors' statement under Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006.

The policy of the Company and each of its trading subsidiaries, in relation to all its suppliers, is to settle the terms of payment when agreeing the terms of the transaction and to abide by those terms, provided that it is satisfied that the supplier has provided the goods or services in accordance with agreed terms and conditions. The Group does not follow any code or standard payment practice. As a holding company, the Company had £320,000 of trade creditors at 31 March 2024 (2023: £6,000).

Charitable and Political Donations

Charitable donations made by the Group during the year amounted to £17,646 (2023: £15,802), these were largely paid to local community charities in the Falkland Islands. There were no political donations in the year (2023: nil).

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The 2018 Regulations introduced requirements under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 for large unquoted companies to disclose their annual energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and related information. However, the Group has applied the option permitted to exclude any energy and carbon information relating to its subsidiaries which any subsidiary would not itself be obliged to include if reporting on its own account. This applies to all subsidiaries within the Group. FIH group plc itself consumes less than 40MWh and, as a low energy user, is not required to make the detailed disclosures of energy and carbon information but is required to state, in its relevant report, that its energy and carbon information is not disclosed for that reason. FIH group plc's annual energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and related information has not been disclosed in this annual report as it is a low energy user.

Auditors

In accordance with Section 489 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution for the re-appointment of Grant Thornton UK LLP as auditors of the Company is to be proposed at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 27 September 2024.

Disclosure of Information to the External Auditor

The directors who held office at the date of this Directors' Report confirm that, so far as they are each aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's external auditor is unaware; and each director has taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a director to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's external auditor is aware of that information.

 

Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

 

 

AMBA Secretaries Limited
7 August 2024

Kenburgh Court
133-137 South Street
Bishop's Stortford
Hertfordshire
CM23 3HX

 

Board of Directors and Secretary

Nicolas Henry, Non-executive Chairman

Nick joined the Board on 14 August 2023 and was appointed non-executive Chairman after the 2023 AGM. He was CEO of James Fisher & Sons plc from 2004 to 2019, a global supplier of specialist marine engineering services across a number of different industries. Prior to that, Nick had an international career with P&O, working in Europe, South Asia, the Far East and Australasia. He is currently a non-executive director of Ark Topco Limited, the holding company of Survitec Group Limited and non-executive Chairman of Giles W. Pritchard‑Gordon & Co. Limited. Nick is a member of the Audit and Risk and Remuneration Committees and is Chairman of the Nominations Committee.

Stuart Munro, Chief Executive

Stuart joined the Board on 28 April 2021 as Chief Financial Officer before taking over as Chief Executive on 14 April 2022. He qualified as a chartered accountant with Ernst & Young and worked as a divisional finance director in number of UK companies including Balfour Beatty, Alfred McAlpine Infrastructure Services and FirstGroup as well as Transport for London. From 2015 until joining FIH group, Stuart provided strategic, financial and operational consultancy to a number of medium sized Private Equity backed services companies across a variety of sectors.

Reuben Shamu, Chief Finance Officer

Reuben joined the Board on 12 September 2022 as Chief Financial Officer. He qualified as a chartered accountant with KPMG and worked in professional practice for 12 years before moving into industry in 2008. For 4 years he was a Commercial Director for the UK operations of privately-owned CP Holdings Group, which has interests in hotels and leisure, commercial office real estate, engineering and construction. His previous roles include Finance Director at Sturrock and Robson Group, Financial Planning and Analysis Director at Smiths Detection Group and Group Financial Controller at Veolia Water UK.

Robert Johnston, Non-executive director

Robert joined the Board on 13 June 2017. He is an experienced non-executive director and investment professional and has served on the boards of several quoted companies in both North America and in UK, including Fyffes PLC and Supremex Inc. Robert has been the Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President at The InterTech Group, Inc. and has over 20 years of experience in various financial and strategic roles. He is the principal representative of the Jerry Zucker Revocable Trust. Robert brings experience on many transactions at both the corporate and asset level, including debt and equity, and his experience in the finance sector will prove invaluable to developing the Group. Robert represents the Company's largest shareholder, "The Article 6 Marital Trust, created under the First Amended and Restated Jerry Zucker Revocable Trust dated 4-2-07", which has a beneficial holding of 3,596,553 ordinary Shares, representing 28.7% of the Company's issued share capital.

He is currently on the boards of Colabor Group Inc, Supremex Inc. (where he is Chairman), Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Inc and RGC Resources Inc. Robert is a member of the Nominations and Audit and Risk Committees and is Chairman of the Remuneration Committee.

Dominic Lavelle, Non-executive director

Dominic joined the Board on 1 December 2019. He brings to FIH a wide breadth of corporate experience. Most recently, Dominic was Chief Financial Officer of SDL plc from 2013 to 2018. He has over 15 years' experience as a UK plc Main Board Director and has been Finance Director/Chief Financial Officer of seven UK publicly traded companies including Mothercare plc, Alfred McAlpine plc, Allders plc and Oasis plc. His experience, in both permanent roles and turnaround and restructuring projects across several business sectors is a great benefit to the Group, particularly with the various business streams operated by FIC.

After graduating in Civil and Structural Engineering from the University of Sheffield in 1984, Dominic trained with Arthur Andersen and qualified as a chartered accountant in 1989. He is currently senior independent non-executive director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of the AIM quoted Fulcrum Utility Services Limited and a director of Steenbok Newco 10 SARL, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Steinhoff Group. Dominic is a member of the Nominations and Remuneration Committees and is Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee.

Holger Schröder, Non-executive director

Holger joined the Board on 1 June 2023. He has over 28 years' experience gained in a variety of predominantly Swiss companies, most recently as the CFO and a board member of Janser Group, a family-owned real estate and investment business based in Switzerland, where he has been for the last six years. Janser Group controls 12.6% of the ordinary share capital of FIH (which comprises 1,451,998 shares in FIH held by Janser Group and a further 125,327 held personally by Martin Janser). Holger is a member of the Audit and Risk, Nominations and Remuneration Committees.

Company Secretary

AMBA Secretaries Limited
400 Thames Valley Park Drive
Reading
Berkshire
RG6 1PT

 

 

Corporate Governance Statement

Dear Shareholder,

As Chairman of the Company, my role is to ensure that the Group has both sound corporate governance and an effective Board. My responsibilities as Chairman include leading the Board effectively, overseeing the Group's corporate governance model, communicating with shareholders and ensuring that good information flows freely between the executive and non‑executive directors in a timely manner.

The FIH group plc Board values include embedding a culture of ethics and integrity, and the adoption of higher governance standards, to maintain its reputation by fostering good relationships with employees, shareholders and other stakeholders to deliver long term business success.

Beyond the Annual General Meeting, the Chief Executive and the Chief Financial Officer offer to meet with all significant shareholders after the release of the half year and full year results and the Chairman and the non-executive directors are available throughout the year. The Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer and the Chairman are the primary points of contact for the shareholders and are available to answer queries over the phone or via email from shareholders throughout the year.

Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code

The Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code ("QCA Code") is the Company's chosen corporate governance code to comply with.

In November 2023, the QCA published a new version of its corporate governance code (2023 Code) which retains the structure of the previous QCA Code (2018 Code) but has evolved to keep pace with investor expectations, particularly around ESG, internal controls, board composition and director remuneration. Given the 2023 Code will apply to financial years commencing on or after 1 April 2024, this report sets out our approach to the 2018 Code and governance.

The QCA Code has ten principles of corporate governance that the Company has committed to apply within the foundations of the business.

The Company's statement in relation to the QCA Corporate Governance code can be found on the Company's website at: www.fihplc.com/company-profile/corporate-governance.php

 

The QCA principles are:

	Principles	Company Response
(1)	Establish a strategy and business model which promote long-term value for shareholders	The Group's business model and strategy is set out within the Strategic Report. The Group's strategy and business model are developed by the Chief Executive and his team, and approved by the Board which has held a number of sessions during the year dedicated to strategy. The management team, led by the Chief Executive, is responsible for implementing the strategy and managing the business of the Group.
(2)	Seek to understand and meet shareholder needs and expectations.	See the Strategic Report and website disclosures
(3)	Take into account wider stakeholder and social responsibilities and their implications for long-term success	See the Strategic Report and website disclosures
(4)	Embed effective risk management, considering both opportunities and threats, throughout the organisation	See section on Risk Management, Principal Risks and Impact in the Strategic Report
(5)	Maintain the Board as a well-functioning balanced team led by the Chairman	See 'Board of Directors and Secretary', and the Corporate Governance Statement
(6)	Ensure that between them the directors have the necessary up-to-date experience, skills and capabilities	See the Corporate Governance Statement
(7)	Evaluate Board performance based on clear and relevant objectives, seeking continuous improvement	See the Corporate Governance Statement
(8)	Promote a corporate culture that is based on ethical values and behaviours	The Board firmly believes that sustained success will best be achieved by adhering to our corporate culture of treating all our stakeholders, including our employees, fairly and with respect. Accordingly, in dealing with each of the Company's principal stakeholders, we encourage our staff to operate in an honest and respectful manner. See website disclosures
(9)	Maintain governance structures and processes that are fit for purpose and support good decision-making by the Board	See website disclosures
(10)	Communicate how the Company is governed and is performing by maintaining a dialogue with shareholders and other relevant stakeholders	See the Strategic Report.

 

Board Directors

The Board comprises Nick Henry, the non-executive Chairman, Stuart Munro, the full time Chief Executive, Reuben Shamu, the full time Chief Financial Officer and three other non-executive directors, Robert Johnston, Dominic Lavelle and Holger Schröder.

Director Independence

The Board considers itself sufficiently independent. The QCA Code suggests that a board should have at least two independent non-executive directors. The Board has considered each non-executive director's length of service and interests in the share capital of the Group and considers that Nick Henry, Holger Schröder, Robert Johnston and Dominic Lavelle are independent of the executive management and free from any undue extraneous influences which might otherwise affect their judgement. All Board members are fully aware of their fiduciary duty under company law and consequently seek at all times to act in the best interests of the Company as a whole.

Whilst the Company is guided by the provisions of the QCA Code in respect of the independence of directors, it gives regard to the overall effectiveness and independence of the contribution made by directors to the Board in considering their independence, and does not consider a director's period of service in isolation to determine this independence.

The Board acknowledges that Robert Johnston, who joined the Board on 13 June 2017, represents the Company's largest shareholder, "The Article 6 Marital Trust, created under the First Amended and Restated Jerry Zucker Revocable Trust dated 4-2-07", (the "Zucker Trust"), which has a beneficial holding of 3,596,553 ordinary Shares, representing circa 29% of the Company's issued share capital. The Board has considered Mr Johnston's independence, given his representation of this shareholding and all Board members have satisfied themselves that they consider Mr Johnston to be independent. This is as a consequence of (i) the fact that Mr Johnston has considerable international investment expertise, and (ii) that the shareholding of his employer in FIH represents only a small part of its wider portfolio, but nonetheless aligns him with the interests of FIH shareholders generally.

The Board also acknowledges that Holger Schröder, who joined the Board on 1 June 2023, represents one of the Company's major shareholders, the Janser Group which controls 12.6% of the Company's equity. The Board has considered Mr Schröder's independence, given his representation of this shareholding and all Board members have satisfied themselves that they consider Mr Schröder to be independent. This is as a consequence of (i) Mr Schröder being employed by the operational side of the Janser Group and (ii) Janser Group having a division involved in the investor-side decision making process which is separate from its operational activities, where Mr Schröder is employed.

In line with the updates made to the 2023 Code, shareholders will be asked to provide approval of the appointment and re-appointment of all directors at the Annual General Meeting.

Any non-executive directors who have served on the Board for at least nine years are subject to annual re-election.

Time Commitment of Directors

Stuart Munro, Chief Executive and Reuben Shamu, Chief Financial Officer are the only executive directors. Nick Henry, Robert Johnston, Dominic Lavelle and Holger Schröder have all been appointed on service contracts for an initial term of three years. Overall, it is anticipated that non-executive directors spend 10-15 days a year on the Group's business after the initial induction, which includes a trip to the Group's subsidiary in the Falkland Islands. However, the non-executive directors and the Chairman in particular, spend significantly more time than this on the business of the Group.

All directors are expected to attend all Board meetings, the Annual General Meeting and any extraordinary general meetings. Non-executive directors are expected to devote additional time in respect of any ad hoc matters, such as significant investment opportunities, responding to market changes, consideration of any business acquisitions, and any significant recruitment or corporate governance changes.

Skills and Qualities of Each Director

The Chairman believes that the Board has a suitable mix of skills and competencies in order to drive the Group's strategy and is best placed to secure the future of the Company and create long-term value for all stakeholders. The Board has significant industry, financial, public markets and governance experience, possessing the necessary mix of experience, skills, personal qualities and capabilities to deliver the strategy of the Company for the benefit of the shareholders over the medium to long-term.

The Board is kept informed of ongoing changes relating to governance and compliance by the Company's lawyers, and of updates to AIM Rules for companies, QCA Code, the UK Market Abuse Regulations and other statutory and regulatory developments by Zeus Capital Limited, the Company's Nominated Adviser and the Company Secretary. The Group's auditors, Grant Thornton, meet with the Board as a whole twice a year and keep the Board updated with any regulatory changes in finance and accounting.

Internal Advisory Responsibilities

The Chief Executive and the Chief Financial Officer help keep the Board up to date on areas of new governance and liaise with the Nominated Adviser on areas of AIM requirements, and with the Company's lawyers on areas such as Modern Slavery, Data Protection and other legal matters. They also liaise with the Company's tax advisers with regards to tax matters and with the Group's auditors with respect to the application of current and new accounting standards, and on the status on compliance generally around the Group. The Chief Executive has frequent communication with the Chairman and is available to other members of the Board as and when required.

Any External Advice Sought by the Board

RSM Tenon, the Group's tax advisors ensure compliance with taxation law and transfer pricing and the Company's lawyers advised on a number of areas.

Board Meetings

The Board holds five scheduled board meetings throughout the year and ad-hoc board meetings are scheduled as and when the business demands. Attendances of directors at board and committee meetings convened in the year, and which they were eligible to attend, are set out below:

 

Director	Board Meetings (8 in total, scheduled & ad-hoc)	Remuneration Committee (1 in total)	Audit Committee (5 in total)
Nick Henry (appointed 14 August 2023)	5*	-	2
Robin Williams (resigned 28 September 2023)	5	1	3
Stuart Munro	8	1**	5**
Reuben Shamu	8	1**	5**
Robert Johnston	8	1*	5
Dominic Lavelle	8	1	5*
Holger Schroder (appointed 1 June 2023)	6	-	3

 

* Chairman

** Directors attended a number of meetings of Committees of which they were not members during the course of the year at the invitation of the Committee chairman.

The Nominations Committee meets on an ad-hoc basis to consider Board composition and succession and did not meet during the year to 31 March 2024.

Board Performance Evaluation

The Company continues to monitor the performance of the Board, ensuring that the required skill set and balance of independent non-executive directors is present. Whilst the Company has not undertaken a formal Board evaluation in the year, regular consideration is given by the Board to its performance to ensure the requirements of the business are met.

 

Nick Henry
Non-executive Chairman

7 August 2024

 

Audit and Risk Committee Report

The Audit and Risk Committee comprises the four non-executive directors: Dominic Lavelle, Robert Johnston, Holger Schröder and Nick Henry, and is chaired by Dominic Lavelle.

Purpose and Responsibility

The purpose of the Audit and Risk Committee is:

•        To ensure that the Group's accounting and financial policies and controls are appropriate and effective;

•        To review and challenge the process of identification of risks and opportunities, and the adequacy of risk mitigation structures and processes across the Group;

•        To ensure that external auditing processes are properly co-ordinated and work effectively and to monitor compliance with statutory requirements for financial reporting; and

•        To review the half year and annual financial statements before they are presented to the Board for approval;

The Committee meets at least three times a year and, in the year, ended 31 March 2024, it met five times. The Group's auditors attend the meeting to present the annual audit plan and the meeting to review the annual results.

It is the Audit and Risk Committee's role to provide formal and transparent arrangements, to consider how to apply financial reporting under UK-adopted International Accounting Standards, the Companies Act 2006, and the requirements of the QCA Code and also to maintain an appropriate relationship with the independent auditor of the Group.

The current terms of reference of the Audit and Risk Committee were reviewed and updated in June 2023.

Activities of the Audit and Risk Committee

In the year ended 31 March 2024, the activities of the Audit and Risk Committee included:

•        Reviewing the financial reporting judgements and key accounting estimates associated with the Group's full and half-year results;

•        Reviewing and making recommendations to the Board regarding dividends to be paid to shareholders by the Company during the course of the year;

•        Ensure that risk management procedures and controls over financial reporting remained appropriate; and

•        Reviewing and updating the Audit and Risk Committee Terms of Reference.

Effectiveness of the External Audit Process

The Audit and Risk Committee is committed to ensuring that the external audit process remains effective on a continuing basis by:

•        Reviewing the independence of the incumbent auditor;

•        Considering if the audit engagement planning, including the team quality and numbers is sufficient and appropriate;

•        Ensuring that the quality and transparency of communications with the external auditors are timely, clear, concise and relevant and that any suggestions for improvements or changes are constructive;

•        Exercising professional scepticism, including but not limited to, looking at contrary evidence, the reliability of evidence, the appropriateness and accuracy of management responses to queries, considering potential fraud and the need for additional procedures and the willingness of the auditor to challenge management assumptions; and

•        Receiving feedback from the external auditor after the full year audit with one-to-one discussions held beforehand between the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee and the audit firm partner. The Committee also holds sessions with the external auditor without management present whenever it deems it appropriate to do so.

External Auditor

The external auditors, Grant Thornton UK LLP, were appointed in 2023 at the Company's Annual General Meeting. The analysis of the auditor's remuneration is shown in note 6.

Tax advisory services are provided by RSM Tenon UK Tax and Accounting Limited.

Non-audit Services Provided by the External Auditor

The Audit and Risk Committee keeps the appointment of external auditors to perform non-audit services for the Group under continual review. In the year ended 31 March 2024, there were no non-audit fees paid to the auditors Grant Thornton UK LLP (2023: £nil).

Emerging Risks

The risk management approach is subject to continuous review and updates in order to reflect new and developing issues which might impact business strategy. Emerging or topical risks are examined to understand their significance to the business. Risks are identified and monitored at the Group level and discussed at Audit and Risk Committee meetings.

Areas of Judgement and Estimation

In making its recommendation that the financial statements be approved by the Board, the Audit and Risk Committee has taken account of the following significant areas of estimation and judgement and judgements involving estimation:

Long term construction contracts

Significant estimation is involved in determining the revenue and profit to be recognised on long term contracts. This includes determining percentage completion at the balance sheet date by estimating the total expected costs to complete each contract along with their future profitability. These estimates directly influence the revenue and profit that can be recognised on such contracts.

Inventory Provisions

An inventory provision is booked when the realisable value from sale of the inventory is estimated to be lower than the inventory carrying value, or where the stock is slow-moving, obsolete or damaged, and is therefore unlikely to be sold. The quantification of the inventory provision requires the use of estimates and judgements and if actual future demand were to be lower or higher than estimated, the potential amendments to the provisions could have a material effect on the results of the Group.

Defined Benefit Pension Liabilities

A significant degree of estimation is involved in predicting the ultimate benefit payments to pensioners in the FIC defined benefit pension scheme. Actuarial assumptions have been used to value the defined benefit pension liability (see note 23). Management have selected these assumptions from a range of possible options following consultations with independent actuarial advisers. The actuarial valuation includes estimates about discount rates and mortality rates, and the long-term nature of these plans, make the estimates subject to significant uncertainties.

There are nine pensioners currently receiving a monthly pension under the scheme and two deferred members.

 

 

Dominic Lavelle
Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee

7 August 2024

 

 

Remuneration Committee Report

 

The Remuneration Committee comprises the four non-executive directors: Robert Johnston, Dominic Lavelle, Holger Schröder and Nick Henry, and is chaired by Robert Johnston.

The Committee meets at least once a year to consider all material elements of remuneration policy, share schemes and the remuneration and incentivisation of executive directors and senior management.

The current terms of reference of the Remuneration Committee were reviewed and updated in June 2024.

Remuneration Policy

The Group's policy is to provide remuneration packages that will attract, retain and motivate its executive directors and senior management. This consists of a basic salary, ancillary benefits and other performance-related remuneration appropriate to their individual responsibilities and having regard to the remuneration levels of comparable posts. The Remuneration Committee determines the contract term, basic salary, and other remuneration for the members of the Board and the senior management team.

Executive Directors - Remuneration package

The Chief Executive, Stuart Munro, participates in an annual performance related bonus arrangement, with the potential during the year to earn up to 60% of his salary. The Chief Finance Officer, Reuben Shamu, participates in an annual performance related bonus arrangement, with the potential during the year to earn up to 30% of his salary. The bonuses are subject to the achievement of specified corporate and personal objectives and are payable in cash.

Non-Executive Directors - Fees

The Company pays non-executive directors fees which are set at a level in line with market and appropriate to the size of the business.

Details of Directors' Remuneration and Emoluments

The remuneration of non-executive directors consists only of annual fees for their services, both as members of the Board, and of Committees on which they serve.

An analysis of the remuneration and taxable benefits in kind (excluding share options) provided for and received by each director during the year to 31 March 2024 and in the preceding year is as follows:

 

	Salary / Fees £'000	Health insurance £'000	Bonus £'000	Total £'000	Pension Contributions £'000	2024 Total £'000	2023 Total £'000
Nick Henry*	38	-	-	38	-	38	-
Robin Williams**	30	-	-	30	-	30	60
Stuart Munro	275	1	-	276	-	276	359
Reuben Shamu	170	1	-	171	17	188	116
Jeremy Brade	-	-	-	-	-	-	14
John Foster	-	-	-	-	-	-	8
Robert Johnston	30	-	-	30	-	30	30
Dominic Lavelle	33	-	-	33	-	33	30
Holger Schröder***	25	-	-	25	-	25	-
Total	601	2	-	603	17	620	617

 

*           Appointed 14 August 2023

**          Resigned 28 September 2023

***         Appointed 1 June 2023

 

Share Options

No LTIP share options were granted during the year.

Approved for issue by the Board of Directors and signed on its behalf:

 

 

Robert Johnston
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

7 August 2024

 

 

 

 

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities in Respect of the Annual Report and the Financial Statements

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report, Strategic Report, Directors' Report, and the Group and Company financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare Group and parent Company financial statements for each financial year. Under the AIM Rules of the London Stock Exchange, they are required to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards and applicable law and they have elected to prepare the parent Company financial statements on the same basis.

Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and parent Company and of the Group's profit or loss for that period. In preparing each of the Group and parent Company financial statements, the directors are required to:

•        select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

•        make judgements and estimates that are reasonable, relevant and reliable;

•        state whether they have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards;

•        assess the Group and parent Company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern; and

•        use the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the parent Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the parent Company and enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

Under applicable law and regulations, the directors are also responsible for preparing a Strategic Report and a Directors' Report that complies with that law and those regulations.

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company's website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Income Statement
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

 

Notes		Underlying 2024 £'000	Non-trading Items (Note 5) 2024 £'000	Total 2024 £'000	Underlying 2023 £'000	Non-trading Items (Note 5) 2023 £'000	Total 2023 £'000
4	Revenue	52,460	-	52,460	52,712	-	52,712
	Cost of sales	(30,000)	-	(30,000)	(31,588)	-	(31,588)
	Gross profit	22,460	-	22,460	21,124	-	21,124
	Operating expenses	(18,444)	(371)	(18,815)	(17,111)	(79)	(17,190)
	Operating profit / (loss)	4,016	(371)	3,645	4,013	(79)	3,934
8	Finance income	125	-	125	3	-	3
8	Finance expense	(764)	(244)	(1,008)	(798)	907	109
	Profit / (loss) before tax	3,377	(615)	2,762	3,218	828	4,046
9	Taxation	(949)	153	(796)	(705)	(219)	(924)
4	Profit / (loss) for the year attributable to equity holders of the company	2,428	(462)	1,966	2,513	609	3,122
10	Earnings per share
	Basic			15.7p			24.9p
	Diluted			15.7p			24.9p

 

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

 

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

 

Notes		2024 £'000	2023 £'000
	Profit for the year	1,966	3,122
	Amortisation of hedge reserve	13	13
17	Deferred tax on derivative financial instruments and other financial liabilities	(28)	(3)
	Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss	(15)	10
23	Re-measurement of the FIC defined benefit pension scheme	99	553
17	Movement on deferred tax asset relating to the pension scheme	(26)	(176)
	Items which will not ultimately be recycled to the income statement	73	377
	Total other comprehensive income	58	387
	Total comprehensive income	2,024	3,509

 

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet
AT 31 MARCH 2024

 

Notes		2024 £'000	2023 £'000
	Non-current assets
11	Intangible assets	4,407	4,376
12	Property, plant and equipment	38,664	38,677
13	Investment properties	7,710	7,922
15	Investment in joint venture	259	259
16	Finance lease receivable	557	681
17	Deferred tax assets	428	482
26	Derivative financial instruments	1,328	1,559
	Total non-current assets	53,353	53,956
	Current assets
18	Inventories	6,698	6,876
19	Trade and other receivables	10,898	10,189
16	Finance lease receivable	403	397
	Corporation tax receivable	89	-
20	Cash and cash equivalents	9,650	12,800
	Total current assets	27,738	30,262
	TOTAL ASSETS	81,091	84,243
	Current liabilities
22	Trade and other payables	(11,112)	(13,718)
21	Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	(1,535)	(1,520)
	Corporation tax payable	(185)	(599)
	Total current liabilities	(12,832)	(15,837)
	Non-current liabilities
21	Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	(16,847)	(18,214)
23	Employee benefits	(1,647)	(1,978)
17	Deferred tax liabilities	(4,679)	(4,215)
	Total non-current liabilities	(23,173)	(24,407)
	TOTAL LIABILITIES	(36,005)	(40,244)
	Net assets	45,086	43,974
25	Capital and reserves
	Equity share capital	1,251	1,251
	Share premium account	17,590	17,590
	Other reserves	703	703
	Retained earnings	25,613	24,514
	Hedging reserve	(71)	(84)
	Total equity	45,086	43,974

 

 

These financial statements, of which the accompanying notes form part, were approved by the Board of Directors on 7 August 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

 

 

 

S I Munro	R Shamu
Director	Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company Balance Sheet
AT 31 MARCH 2024

 

Notes		2024 £'000	2023 £'000
	Non-current assets
13	Investment properties	18,541	18,751
14	Investment in subsidiaries	26,735	26,757
19	Loans to subsidiaries	11,207	10,257
26	Derivative financial instruments	1,328	1,559
	Total non-current assets	57,811	57,324
	Current assets
19	Trade and other receivables	30	11
	Corporation tax receivable	-	189
20	Cash and cash equivalents	2,639	3,307
	Total current assets	2,669	3,507
	TOTAL ASSETS	60,480	60,831
	Current liabilities
22	Trade and other payables	(7,026)	(5,939)
	Corporation tax payable	(185)	-
21	Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	(529)	(529)
	Total current liabilities	(7,740)	(6,468)
	Non-current liabilities
21	Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	(11,094)	(11,617)
17	Deferred tax	(1)	(391)
	Total non-current liabilities	(11,095)	(12,008)
	TOTAL LIABILITIES	(18,835)	(18,476)
	Net assets	41,645	42,355
25	Capital and reserves
	Equity share capital	1,251	1,251
	Share premium account	17,590	17,590
	Other reserves	5,389	5,389
	Retained earnings	17,486	18,209
	Hedging reserve	(71)	(84)
	Total equity	41,645	42,355

 

As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, a separate profit and loss account of the Parent Company has not been presented. The Parent Company's profit for the financial year is £214,000 (2023: profit of £440,000).

These financial statements, of which the accompanying notes form part, were approved by the Board of Directors on 7 August 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

 

 

 

 

S I Munro	R Shamu
Director	Director

 

Registered company number: 03416346

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

 

Notes		2024 £'000	2023 £'000
	Cash flows from operating activities
	Profit for the year after taxation	1,966	3,122
	Adjusted for:
	Cash items:
	Bank interest payable	403	424
	Bank interest receivable	(125)	-
	Non-cash items:
11	Amortisation	20	10
12	Depreciation: Property, plant and equipment	2,337	2,420
13	Depreciation: Investment properties	219	210
23	Interest cost on pension scheme liabilities	87	70
24	Equity-settled share-based payment (income) / expenses	(93)	41
	Fair value movement in derivative financial instrument	244	(907)
	Loss / (gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment	35	(337)
	Exchange losses on cash balances	19	26
	Lease liability finance expense	274	304
	Decrease in finance lease receivable	118	158
	Corporation and deferred tax expense	796	924
	Cash and non-cash items	4,334	3,343
	Operating cash flow before changes in working capital	6,300	6,465
	Increase in trade and other receivables	(709)	(2,198)
	Decrease / (increase) in inventories	178	(136)
	(Decrease) / increase in trade and other payables	(2,606)	3,748
	Changes in working capital	(3,137)	1,414
	Cash generated from operations	3,163	7,879
23	Payments to pensioners	(319)	(101)
	Corporation taxes paid	(835)	(243)
	Net cashflow from operating activities	2,009	7,535
	Cash flows from investing activities
12	Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(2,154)	(1,859)
11	Purchase of Intangibles	(51)	(115)
13	Purchase of investment properties	(7)	(10)
	Bank interest receivable	125	-
	Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	53	378
	Net cash flow from investing activities	(2,034)	(1,606)

 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

 

Notes		2024 £'000	2023 £'000
	Cash flow from financing activities
	Repayment of bank loans	(929)	(928)
	Bank interest paid	(403)	(424)
	Repayment of lease liabilities principal	(681)	(618)
	Lease liabilities interest paid	(274)	(304)
	Dividends paid	(819)	(401)
	Net cash flow from financing activities	(3,106)	(2,675)
	Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents	(3,131)	3,254
	Cash and cash equivalents at start of year	12,800	9,572
	Exchange losses on cash balances	(19)	(26)
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	9,650	12,800

 

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

 

Company Cash Flow Statement
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

 

Notes		2024 £'000	2023 £'000
	Cash flows from operating activities
	Company profit for the year	214	440
	Adjusted for:
	Bank interest receivable	(125)	-
	Bank interest payable	362	368
	Fair value movement in financial derivative instrument	244	(907)
	Equity-settled share-based payment expenses	(71)	47
13	Depreciation: Investment properties	210	210
	Corporation and deferred tax expense	116	250
	Cash and non-cash items	736	(32)
	Operating cash flow before changes in working capital	950	408
	(Increase) / decrease in trade and other receivables	(19)	34
	Decrease in trade and other payables	(65)	(95)
	Changes in working capital	(84)	(61)
	Cash generated from operations	866	347
	Corporation taxes paid	(157)	(105)
	Net cash flow from operating activities	709	242
	Cash flow from investing activities
	Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-	(5)
	Bank interest receivable	125	-
	Net cash flow from investing activities	125	(5)
	Cash flow from financing activities
	Bank loan repaid	(523)	(522)
	Interest paid	(362)	(368)
	Cash (outflows) / inflows in inter-company borrowing	(950)	185
	Cash inflows / (outflows) in inter-company borrowing	1,152	(200)
	Dividends paid	(819)	(401)
	Net cash flow from financing activities	(1,502)	(1,306)
	Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(668)	(1,069)
	Cash and cash equivalents at start of year	3,307	4,376
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	2,639	3,307

 

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

 

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

 

	Equity share capital £'000	Share premium account £'000	Other reserves £'000	Retained earnings £'000	Hedge reserve £'000	Total equity £'000
Balance at 1 April 2022	1,251	17,590	703	21,378	(97)	40,825
Profit for the year	-	-	-	3,122	-	1,485
Amortisation of hedge reserve	-	-	-	-	13	13
Deferred tax on derivative financial instruments and other financial liabilities	-	-	-	(3)	-	(3)
Re-measurement of the defined benefit pension liability, net of tax	-	-	-	377	-	377
Total comprehensive income	-	-	-	3,496	13	3,509
Transactions with owners in their
capacity as owners:
Share based payments	-	-	-	41	-	41
Dividends paid	-	-	-	(401)	-	(401)
Total transactions with owners	-	-	-	(360)	-	(360)
Balance at 31 March 2023	1,251	17,590	703	24,514	(84)	43,974
Profit for the year	-	-	-	1,966	-	1,966
Amortisation of hedge reserve	-	-	-	-	13	13
Deferred tax on derivative financial instruments and other financial liabilities	-	-	-	(28)	-	(28)
Re-measurement of the defined benefit pension liability, net of tax	-	-	-	73	-	73
Total comprehensive income	-	-	-	2,011	13	2,024
Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:
Share based payments	-	-	-	(93)	-	(93)
Dividends paid	-	-	-	(819)	-	(819)
Total transactions with owners	-	-	-	(912)	-	(912)
Balance at 31 March 2024	1,251	17,590	703	25,613	(71)	45,086

 

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 

Company Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

 

	Equity share capital £'000	Share premium account £'000	Other reserves £'000	Retained earnings £'000	Hedge reserve £'000	Total equity £'000
Balance at 1 April 2022	1,251	17,590	5,389	18,128	(97)	42,261
Profit for the year	-	-	-	440	-	440
Amortisation of hedge reserve	-	-	-	-	13	13
Total comprehensive income	-	-	-	440	13	453
Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:
Share based payments	-	-	-	42	-	42
Dividends paid	-	-	-	(401)	-	(401)
Total transactions with owners	-	-	-	(359)	-	(359)
Balance at 31 March 2023	1,251	17,590	5,389	18,209	(84)	42,355
Profit for the year	-	-	-	214	-	214
Deferred tax on derivative financial instrument and other financial liabilities	-	-	-	(25)	-	(25)
Amortisation of hedge reserve	-	-	-	-	13	13
Total comprehensive expense	-	-	-	189	13	202
Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners
Share based payments	-	-	-	(93)	-	(93)
Dividends paid	-	-	-	(819)	-	(819)
Total transactions with owners	-	-	-	(912)	-	(912)
Balance at 31 March 2024	1,251	17,590	5,389	17,486	(71)	41,645

 

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

 

 

Notes to the Financial Statements

1.       Accounting policies

General information

FIH group plc (the "Company") is a public company limited by shares incorporated and domiciled in the UK.

Reporting entity

The Group financial statements consolidate those of the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the "Group"). The Parent Company financial statements present information about the Company as a separate entity and not about its Group. The consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 March 2024 were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the directors on 7 August 2024.

Basis of preparation

The financial information set out above does not constitute the Group's statutory accounts for the years ended 31 March 2024 or 2023 but is derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023 have been delivered to the registrar of companies, and those for the year ended 31 March 2024 will be delivered in due course. The auditor has reported on those accounts; their reports were (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. These condensed preliminary financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement requirements of UK-adopted international financial reporting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, in line with the Group's statutory accounts.

Both the Parent Company financial statements and the Group financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards ("Adopted IFRS"). On publishing the Parent Company financial statements together with the Group financial statements, the Company is taking advantage of the exemption in s408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present its individual income statement and related notes that form a part of the approved financial statements.

The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise stated, been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.

Judgements made by the directors in the application of these accounting policies that have a significant effect on the financial statements and estimates with a significant risk of material adjustment next year are discussed in note 30.

The financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, rounded to the nearest thousand and are prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial instruments held at fair value.

The cash flows between the parent Company and its subsidiaries have been classified as either financing or investing activities, depending on whether they relate to subsidiaries in a net payable or net receivable position respectively.

Going concern

The directors are responsible for preparing a going concern assessment covering a period of at least 12 months with the directors having assessed the period to 31 March 2026 (the going concern period). The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which the directors consider to be appropriate for the following reasons.

As at 31 March 2024 the Group had net current assets of £14.9 million, cash balances of £9.7 million and net debt of approximately £7.4 million.

Cash flow forecasts for the Group have been prepared covering the going concern period and the directors have considered downside scenarios to the base case forecasts to reflect emerging risks and uncertainties as a result of global economic conditions. Both base and sensitised forecasts indicate that the business has sufficient funds to meet liabilities and comply with covenants within the going concern period.

Consequently, the directors are confident that the Group and Company will have sufficient funds to continue to meet its liabilities as they fall due within the going concern period.

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of FIH group plc and its subsidiaries (the "Group"). A subsidiary is any entity FIH group plc has the power to control. Control is determined by FIH group plc's exposure or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the subsidiary and the ability to affect those returns through its power over the subsidiary. The financial statements of subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the Parent Company. The accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed, when necessary, to align them with the policies adopted by the Group.

Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group and cease to be consolidated from the date on which control is transferred out of the Group.

All intra-company balances and transactions, including unrealised profits arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated in full in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Investments in subsidiaries within the Company balance sheet are stated at impaired cost.

Presentation of income statement

Due to the non-prescriptive nature under IFRS as to the format of the income statement, the format used by the Group is explained below.

Operating profit is the pre-finance profit of continuing activities and acquisitions the Group, and in order to achieve consistency and comparability, is analysed to show separately the results of normal trading performance ("underlying profit"), individually significant charges and credits, changes in the fair value of financial instruments and non-trading items. Such items arise because of their size or nature.

In the year ended 31 March 2024, non-trading items were made up of £228,000 redundancy costs and £310,000 liabilities for PAYE and national insurance payments. In the year ended 31 March 2023, non-trading items were made up of £79,000 of redundancy costs. Non-trading items also included a credit release of £167,000 relating to old credit balances in FIC. Fair value movements on hedging items are included as a non-trading finance income/cost.

Foreign currencies

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the functional currencies of Group entities at exchange rates ruling at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated to the functional currency using the relevant rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date and the gains or losses thereon are included in the income statement.

Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the initial transaction.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Cost comprises purchase price and directly attributable expenses. Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property, plant and equipment. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

 

Right to use assets	5 - 50 years
Freehold buildings	20 - 50 years
Long leasehold land and buildings	50 years
Vehicles, plant and equipment	4 - 10 years
Ships	15 - 30 years

 

The carrying value of assets and their useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date. If an indication of impairment exists, the assets are written down to their recoverable amount and the impairment is charged to the income statement in the period in which it arises. Freehold land and assets under construction are not depreciated.

Investment properties - Group

Investment properties are properties held either to earn rental income or for capital appreciation or for both. Investment properties are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Cost comprises purchase price and directly attributable expenses. Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each property. The investment property portfolio in the Falkland Islands consists mainly of properties built by FIC, and these and the properties purchased are depreciated over an estimated useful life of 50 years.

Investment properties - Company

The investment property in the Company consists of the Leyton site purchased in December 2018, with five warehouses which are rented to Momart. The purchase price allocated to land has not been depreciated, and the purchase price allocated to each property has been depreciated on a straight-line basis over the expected useful life, after consideration of the age and condition of each property, down to an estimated residual value of nil.

The carrying value of assets and their useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date. If an indication of impairment exists, the assets are written down to their recoverable amount and the impairment is charged to the income statement in the period in which it arises. Freehold land is not depreciated.

Joint Ventures

Jointly controlled entities are those entities over whose activities the Group has joint control, established by contractual agreement and requiring the joint venture partners' unanimous consent for strategic financial and operating decisions. FIH group plc has joint control over an investee when it has exposure or rights to variable returns from its involvement with the joint venture and has the ability to affect those returns through its joint power over the entity.

Jointly controlled entities are accounted for using the equity method (equity accounted investees) and are initially recognised at cost. The consolidated financial statements include the Group's share of the total comprehensive income and equity movements of equity accounted investees, from the date that significant influence or joint control commences until the date that significant influence or joint control ceases. When the Group's share of losses exceeds its interest in an equity accounted investee, the Group's carrying amount is reduced to nil and recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that the Group has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of an investee.

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Goodwill arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries and businesses.

Acquisitions prior to 1 April 2006

In respect of acquisitions prior to transition to IFRS, goodwill is recorded on the basis of deemed cost, which represents the amount recorded under previous Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") as at the date of transition. Goodwill is not amortised but reviewed for impairment annually, or more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. At 31 March 2023, all goodwill arising on acquisitions prior to 1 April 2006 has either been offset against other reserves on acquisition, or written off through the income statement as an impairment in prior years.

Acquisitions on or after 1 April 2006

Goodwill on acquisition is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the cost of the business combination over the acquirer's interest in the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquired business. Following initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is not amortised but reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. Amortisation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets unless such lives are indefinite. Other intangible assets are amortised from the date they are available for use. In the year ended 31 March 2014, the directors reviewed the life of the brand name at Momart and after considerations of its strong reputation in a niche market and its history of stable earnings and cash flow, which is expected to continue into the foreseeable future, determined that its useful life is indefinite, and amortisation ceased from 1 October 2013.

Computer software

Acquired computer software is capitalised as an intangible asset on the basis of the cost incurred to acquire and bring the specific software into use. Amortisation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets from the date that they are available for use. The estimated useful life of computer software is seven years.

Impairment of non-financial assets

At each reporting date the Group assesses whether there is any indication that an asset may be impaired. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment, at least annually. Where an indicator of impairment exists or the asset requires annual impairment testing, the Group makes a formal estimate of the recoverable amount. Where the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement.

Recoverable amount is the greater of an asset's or cash-generating unit's fair value, less cost to sell or value in use. It is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset's value in use cannot be estimated and it does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets, in which case the recoverable amount is determined for the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and risks specific to the asset.

An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. In respect of other assets, impairment losses are reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset's carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

Finance income and expense

Net financing costs comprise interest payable and interest receivable which are recognised in the income statement. Interest income and interest payable are recognised as a profit or loss as they accrue, using the effective interest method.

Employee share awards

The Group provides benefits to certain employees (including directors) in the form of share-based payment transactions, whereby the recipient renders service in return for shares or rights over future shares ("equity settled transactions"). The cost of these equity settled transactions with employees is measured by reference to an estimate of their fair value at the date on which they were granted using an option input pricing model taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. The amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of share options for which the related service and non-market performance conditions are expected to be met, such that the amount ultimately recognised as an expense is based on the number of share options that meet the related service and non-market performance conditions at the vesting date. For share-based payment awards with market performance vesting conditions, the grant date fair value of the share-based payments is measured to reflect such conditions and there is no true up for differences between expected and actual outcomes.

The cost of equity settled transactions is recognised, together with a corresponding increase in reserves, over the period in which the performance conditions are fulfilled, ending on the date that the option vests. Where the Company grants options over its own shares to the employees of subsidiaries, it recognises, in its individual financial statements, an increase in the cost of investment in its subsidiaries equal to the equity settled share-based payment charge recognised in its consolidated financial statements with the corresponding credit being recognised directly in equity.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost includes all costs incurred in bringing each product to its present location and condition. The cost of raw materials, consumables and goods for resale comprises purchase cost, on a weighted average basis and where applicable includes expenditure incurred in transportation to the Falkland Islands. Work-in-progress and finished goods cost includes direct materials and labour plus attributable overheads based on a normal level of activity. Construction-in-progress is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Net realisable value is estimated at selling price in the ordinary course of business less costs of disposal.

Pensions

Defined contribution pension schemes

The Group operates defined contribution schemes at PHFC and Momart, and at FIC employees are enrolled in the Falkland Islands Pension Scheme ("FIPS"). The assets of all these schemes are held separately from those of the Group in independently administered funds. The amount charged to the income statement represents the contributions payable to the schemes in respect to the accounting period.

Defined benefit pension schemes

The Group has one pension scheme providing benefits based on final pensionable pay, which is unfunded and closed to further accrual. The Group's net obligation in respect of the defined benefit pension plan is calculated by estimating the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods; that benefit is discounted to its present value. The liability discount rate is the yield at the balance sheet date on AA credit-rated bonds that have maturity dates approximating the terms of the Group's obligations. The calculation is performed by a qualified actuary using the projected unit credit method.

The current service cost and costs from settlements and curtailments are charged against operating profit. Past service costs are recognised immediately within profit and loss. The net interest cost on the defined benefit liability for the period is determined by applying the discount rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation at the end of the period to the net defined benefit liability at the beginning of the period. It takes into account any changes in the net defined benefit liability during the period. Re-measurements of the defined benefit pension liability are recognised in full in the period in which they arise in the statement of comprehensive income.

Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables are initially recorded at transaction price and are subsequently carried at amortised cost, less provision for impairment. Any change in their value through impairment or reversal of impairment is recognised in the income statement.

Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables are stated at their cost less payments made.

Dividends

Dividends unpaid at the balance sheet date are only recognised as liabilities at that date to the extent that they are appropriately authorised and are no longer at the discretion of the Company.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet comprise cash balances and call deposits with an original maturity of three months or less.

Interest-bearing borrowings

Interest-bearing borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-bearing borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any difference between cost and redemption value being recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest basis.

Taxation

Taxation on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Current tax is recognised in the income statement, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised directly in equity or in other comprehensive income. Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted, or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The following temporary timing differences are not recognised:

•        Goodwill not deductible for tax purposes; and

•        Initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profits.

•        Temporary differences related to investments in subsidiaries, to the extent that it is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

A deferred tax asset is recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised. Deferred tax is recognised at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to the temporary differences when they reverse, based on rates that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the reporting date.

Cash-flow hedges

The effective portions of changes in the fair values of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash-flow hedges are recognised in equity. The gain or loss to any ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the income statement. Amounts accumulated in the hedging reserve are recycled to the income statement in the periods when the hedged items will affect profit or loss.

Revenue recognition

IFRS 15 Revenue, requires revenue to be recognised under a 'five-step' approach when a customer obtains control of goods or services in line with the performance obligations identified on the contract. Under IFRS 15, revenue recognition must reflect the standard's five-step approach which requires the following:

•        Identification of the contract with the customer;

•        Identification of the performance obligations in the contract;

•        Determination of the transaction price;

•        Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations;

•        Recognition of the revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied.

In accordance with the standard, revenue is recognised, net of discounts, VAT, Insurance Premium Tax and other sales related taxes, either at the point in time a performance obligation has been satisfied or over time as control of the asset associated with the performance obligation is transferred to the customer.

For all contracts identified, the Group determines if the arrangement with the customer creates enforceable rights and obligations. For contracts with multiple components to be delivered, such as the inbound and outbound leg of moving art exhibitions as well as delivering, handling and administration services, management applies judgement to consider whether those promised goods and services are:

•        distinct - to be accounted for as separate performance obligations;

•        not distinct - to be combined with other promised goods or services until a bundle is identified that is distinct; or

•        part of a series of distinct goods and services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer.

At contract inception the total transaction price is identified, being the amount to which the Group expects to be entitled and to which it has present enforceable rights under the contract. Once the total transaction price is determined, the Group allocates this to the identified performance obligations in proportion to their relative standalone selling prices and revenue is then recognised when (or as) those performance obligations are satisfied.

Discounts are allocated proportionally across all performance obligations in the contract unless directly observable evidence exists that the discount relates to one or more, but not all, performance obligations.

For each performance obligation, the Group determines if revenue will be recognised over time or at a point in time. For each performance obligation to be recognised over time, the Group applies a revenue recognition method that faithfully depicts the Group's performance in transferring control of the goods or services to the customer. This decision requires assessment of the nature of the goods or services that the Group has promised to transfer to the customer.

Revenue streams of the Group

The revenues streams of the Group have been analysed and considered in turn.

Retail revenues arising from the sale of goods and recognised at the point of sale

The retail revenues in the Falkland Islands arise from the sale of goods in the retail outlets and the sale of vehicles and parts at Falklands 4x4, are recognised at the point of sale, which is usually at the till, when the goods are paid for by cash or credit or debit card. A finance lease receivable arises on the sale of goods when the Group provides finance for the purchases as the Group is considered under IFRS 16, to be a dealer lessor.

Housing revenue is generally recognised on completion of the single performance obligation of supplying a house, once the keys are handed over on legal completion. However, larger contracts such as the construction of houses for FIG are treated as long term construction contracts as detailed below.

Transportation of art

In the UK, Momart earns revenue from fine art logistical services (transport, installations or de-installations) and storage services. Revenue is recognised for logistical services completed. Momart classifies this income into either Museum Exhibitions revenue, which includes the income from UK and International museums, or Gallery Services revenue, which includes revenue earned from art galleries and auction houses. Inbound and outbound installations are treated as separate obligations. Revenue is recognised when the service is completed.

Revenues arising from the rendering of services and recognised over a period of time

Storage of art

Storage revenue is recognised according to the time in storage, as reflected in storage agreements.

Long term construction contracts

Revenue from long term construction contracts is recognised under IFRS 15 by the application of the input method on the basis that the nature of the construction contracts which the Group typically enters into is such that work performed creates or enhances an asset which the customer controls. Construction contract revenue is measured using the direct measurement of the goods or services provided to date, including materials and labour. Un-invoiced amounts are presented as contract assets and amounts invoiced in advance of delivery are presented as contract liabilities.

Where a modification is required, the Group assesses the nature of the modification and whether it represents a separate performance obligation required to be satisfied by the Group or whether it is a modification to the existing performance obligation.

Other revenues recognised over time

Other revenues recognised over time, include rental income from the rental property portfolio at FIC, which is recognised monthly as the properties are occupied, and car hire income which is recognised over the hire period.

The majority of revenues recognised immediately from the rendering of services arise from the PHFC fare income, which is taken on a daily basis for daily tickets. Season tickets are available, however the revenue earned from these is negligible as most passengers purchase daily tickets. Quarterly and monthly season tickets are recognised over the life of the ticket with a balance held in deferred income.

Other revenues arising from the rendering of services and recognised immediately include:

•        Agency services provided to cruise or fishing vessels for supplying provisions, trips to and from the airport and medical evacuations;

•        Third party port services;

•        Car maintenance revenue, which generally arises on short term jobs;

•        Penguin travel income earned from tourist tours and airport trips, which is recognised on the day of the tour or airport trip;

•        Third party freight revenue, which is recognised when the ship arrives in the Falkland Islands;

•        Insurance commission earned by FIC for providing insurance services in the Falkland Islands under the terms of an agency agreement with Caribbean Alliance. The insurance commission is recognised in full on inception of each policy, offset by a refund liability held within accruals, for the expected refunds over the next year calculated from a review of the historic refunded premiums.

IFRS 9 Financial instruments

Impairment

Financial assets, which include trade debtors and finance lease receivables, are held initially at cost. IFRS 9 mandates the use of an expected credit loss model to calculate impairment losses rather than an incurred loss model, and therefore it is not necessary for a credit event to have occurred before credit losses are recognised.

The Group has elected to measure loss allowances utilising probability-weighted estimates of credit losses for trade receivables at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses.

IFRS 16 Leases

The Group has applied IFRS 16 in accounting for leases as follows.

At inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether it is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To assess whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, the Group uses the definition of a lease in IFRS 16.

IFRS 16 determines whether a contract contains a lease on the basis of whether the customer has the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. This is in contrast to the focus on 'risks and rewards' in IAS 17. The Group applies the definition of a lease and related guidance set out in IFRS 16 to all lease contracts entered into or changed on or after 1 January 2019 (whether it is a lessor or a lessee in the lease contract).

(a)      As a lessee

The Group:

a)       Recognises right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position, initially measured at the present value of the future lease payments;

b)      Recognises depreciation of right-of-use assets and interest on lease liabilities in the consolidated statement of profit or loss;

c)       Separates the total amount of cash paid into a principal portion (presented within financing activities) and interest (presented within financing activities) in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Lease incentives (e.g. rent-free periods) are recognised as part of the measurement of the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities.

For short-term leases (lease term of 12 months or less) and leases of low-value assets (which includes tablets and personal computers, small items of office furniture and telephones), the Group has opted to recognise a lease expense on a straight- line basis as permitted by IFRS 16. This expense is presented within 'other expenses' in profit or loss.

Right-of-use assets are tested for impairment in accordance with IAS 36 as specified by IFRS16.

(b)      As a lessor

In accordance with IFRS 16, leases where the Group is a lessor continue to be classified as either finance leases or operating leases and are accounted for differently.

When goods are purchased on finance, a finance lease receivable is recorded in FIC and the goods are removed from the balance sheet when the finance lease agreements are signed and instead, a receivable due from the customer is recorded, as the title of the vehicle, or other goods, such as furniture, white goods or other electrical items, are deemed to have passed to the customer at that point.

Finance lease receivables are shown in the balance sheet under current assets to the extent they are due within one year, and under non-current assets to the extent that they are due after more than one year, and are stated at the value of the net investment in the agreements. Finance lease income is allocated to accounting periods so as to reflect a constant periodic rate of return on the Group's net investment outstanding in respect of the leases.

The FIC rental property agreements which are only ever for a maximum of 12 months, and with titles that will never pass to the customer, continue to be classified as operating leases. Rental income from operating leases is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognised on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The rental property portfolio, which is held for leasing out under operating leases is included in investment property at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

Standards and revisions not yet adopted in the year to 31 March 2024

No standards not yet adopted are expected to have any significant impact on the financial statements of the Group or Company.

2.       Segmental Information Analysis

The Group is organised into three operating segments, and information on these segments is reported to the chief operating decision maker ('CODM') for the purposes of resource allocation and assessment of performance. The CODM has been identified as the executive directors.

The operating segments offer different products and services and are determined by business type: goods and essential services in the Falkland Islands, the provision of ferry services and art logistics and storage. Segment results, assets and liabilities include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. Segment capital expenditure is the total cost incurred during the period to acquire property, plant and equipment and intangible assets other than goodwill and any other assets purchased through the acquisition of a business.

2024	General Trading (Falkland Islands) £'000	Ferry Services (Portsmouth) £'000	Art Logistics and Storage (UK) £'000	Unallocated £'000	Total £'000
Revenue	29,028	4,177	19,255	-	52,460
Segment operating profit before non-trading items	1,766	856	1,394	-	4,016
Non-trading items	(53)	(8)	(310)	-	(371)
Profit before net financing costs	1,713	848	1,084	-	3,645
Finance income	38	38	49	-	125
Finance expense	(87)	(255)	(422)	(244)	(1,008)
Segment profit before tax	1,664	631	711	(244)	2,762
Assets and liabilities
Segment assets	35,959	9,602	31,533	3,997	81,091
Segment liabilities	(10,916)	(6,757)	(17,568)	(764)	(36,005)
Segment net assets	25,043	2,845	13,965	3,233	45,086
Other segment information
Capital expenditure:
Property, plant and equipment	1,333	364	715	-	2,412
Investment properties	7	-	-	-	7
Computer software	-	-	51	-	51
Total Capital expenditure	1,340	364	766	-	2,470
Depreciation and amortisation:
Property, plant and equipment	854	353	268	213	1,688
Investment properties	219	-	-	-	219
Computer software	-	-	20	-	20
Right of use assets	-	146	479	24	649
Total Depreciation and Amortisation	1,073	499	767	237	2,576
Underlying profit
Segment operating profit before non-trading items	1,766	856	1,394	-	4,016
Interest income	38	38	49	-	125
Interest expense	(87)	(255)	(422)	-	(764)
Underlying profit before tax	1,717	639	1,021	-	3,377

 

 

2023	General Trading (Falkland Islands) £'000	Ferry Services (Portsmouth) £'000	Art Logistics and Storage (UK) £'000	Unallocated £'000	Total £'000
Segment operating profit before non-trading items	1,955	608	1,450	-	4,013
Non-trading items	-	-	(79)	-	(79)
Profit before net financing costs	1,955	608	1,371	-	3,934
Finance income	-	-	3	907	910
Finance expense	(70)	(287)	(441)	-	(798)
Segment profit before tax	1,885	321	933	907	4,046
Assets and liabilities
Segment assets	35,933	9,519	33,889	4,877	84,218
Segment liabilities	(12,954)	(7,341)	(19,364)	(585)	(40,244)
Segment net assets	22,979	2,178	14,525	4,292	43,974
Other segment information
Capital expenditure:
Property, plant and equipment	1,115	205	539	-	1,859
Investment properties	10	-	-	-	10
Computer software	81	-	34	-	115
Total Capital expenditure	1,206	205	573	-	1,984
Depreciation and amortisation:
Property, plant and equipment	1,192	317	256	-	1,765
Investment properties	210	-	-	-	210
Computer software	-	-	10	-	10
Right of use assets	39	101	515	-	655
Total Depreciation and Amortisation	1,441	418	781	-	2,640
Underlying profit
Segment operating profit before non-trading items Interest income Interest expense	1,955 (70)	608 (287)	1,450 3 (441)	- - -	4,013 3 (798)
Underlying profit before tax	1,885	321	1,012	-	3,218

The £3,997,000 (2023: £4,877,000) unallocated assets above include £2,639,000 (2023: £3,307,000) of cash, £1,328,000 (2023: £1,559,000) of derivative financial instruments and £30,000 (2023: £11,000) of trade and other receivables held in FIH group plc. (Note 19)

The £764,000 (2023: £585,000) unallocated liabilities above consist of accruals and tax balances held within FIH group plc.

3.       Geographical analysis

The tables below analyse revenue and other information by geography:

2024	United Kingdom £'000	Falkland Islands £'000	Total £'000
Revenue (by source)	23,432	29,028	52,460
Assets and Liabilities:
Non-current segment assets, excluding deferred tax	35,693	17,232	52,925
Capital expenditure	1,130	1,340	2,470

 

2023	United Kingdom £'000	Falkland Islands £'000	Total £'000
Revenue (by source)	23,329	29,383	52,712
Assets and Liabilities:
Non-current segment assets, excluding deferred tax	36,518	16,956	53,474
Capital expenditure	778	1,206	1,984

 

 

4.       Revenue

2024	Sale of goods recognised at a point in time £'000	Rendering of services recognised at a point in time £'000	Rendering of services provided over a period of time £'000	Total Revenue £'000
Falkland Islands
Retail sales	10,721	-	-	10,721
Falklands 4x4 sales	1,790	322	584	2,696
FBS (housing and construction)	73	-	10,960	11,033
Support Services	-	2,734	851	3,585
Rental property income	-	-	993	993
FIC (Falkland Islands)	12,584	3,056	13,388	29,028
PHFC (Portsmouth)	-	4,177	-	4,177
Art logistics and storage	-	16,418	2,837	19,255
Total Revenue	12,584	23,651	16,225	52,460

 

2023	Sale of goods recognised at a point in time £'000	Rendering of services recognised at a point in time £'000	Rendering of services provided over a period of time £'000	Total Revenue £'000
Falkland Islands
Retail sales	9,937	-	-	9,937
Falklands 4x4 sales	2,275	294	485	3,054
FBS (housing and construction)	1,943	-	10,204	12,147
Support Services	-	2,423	827	3,250
Rental property income	-	-	995	995
FIC (Falkland Islands)	14,155	2,717	12,511	29,383
PHFC (Portsmouth)	-	3,817	-	3,817
Art logistics and storage	-	16,794	2,718	19,512
Total Revenue	14,155	23,328	15,229	52,712

 

 

 

 

 

5.       Non-trading items

	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Profit before tax as reported	2,762	4,046
Non-trading items:
Restructuring costs	228	79
Release of old credit balances	(167)	-
Prior year PAYE and National insurance tax liabilities	310	-
	3,133	4,125
Movements in fair value of the financial instruments	244	(907)
Underlying profit before tax	3,377	3,218

 

Restructuring costs comprise redundancy and other people-related costs. The liability for PAYE and National Insurance tax liabilities relates to employee-related taxes from previous years. The release of old credit balances relates to a reduction in future liabilities relating to costs incurred in prior years.

6.       Expenses and auditor's remuneration

The following expenses have been included in the profit and loss:

	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Direct operating expenses of rental properties	413	463
Depreciation	2,556	2,627
Amortisation of computer software	20	10
Foreign currency loss	19	26
Expected credit loss on trade and other receivables	150	13
Cost of inventories recognised as an expense	16,438	14,392

Auditor's remuneration

	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Audit of these financial statements	87	195
Audit of subsidiaries' financial statements pursuant to legislation	200	102
Total auditor's remuneration	287	297

 

Additional items of expenditure not covered above or within staff costs (note 7) which are recognised within operating profit for the year include legal and professional fees, insurance and recruitment costs.

 

 

7.       Staff numbers and cost

The average number of persons employed by the Group (including directors) during the year, analysed by category, was as follows:

		Number of employees Group		Number of employees Company
		2024	2023*	2024	2023*
PHFC		28	27	-	-
Falkland Islands:	in Stanley	224	227	-	-
	in UK	6	6	-	-
Art logistics & storage		133	114		-
Head office		2	3	2	3
Total average staff numbers		393	377	2	3

 

* Restated to exclude non-executive directors.

The aggregate payroll cost of these persons was as follows:

	Group		Company
	2024 £'000	2023 £'000	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Wages and salaries	15,409	13,929	814	780
Share-based payments (see note 24)	(93)	41	(93)	46
Social security costs	1,113	986	78	86
Contributions to defined contribution plans (see note 23)	580	535	21	14
Total employment costs	17,009	15,491	820	926

 

Details of audited directors' remuneration are provided in the Directors' Report, which forms part of these audited financial statements, under the heading 'Details of Directors' Remuneration and Emoluments'.

 

8.       Finance income and expense

	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Movements in fair value of derivative financial instrument	-	907
Bank interest receivable	125	3
Total finance income	125	910
Interest payable on bank loans	(403)	(424)
Movements in fair value of derivative financial instrument	(244)	-
Net interest cost on the FIC defined benefit pension scheme liability	(87)	(70)
Lease liabilities finance charge	(274)	(304)
Total finance expense	(1,008)	(798)
Net finance (expense) / income	(883)	112

 

 

9.       Taxation

Recognised in the income statement

	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Current tax expense
Current year	534	579
Adjustments for prior years	(202)	(99)
Current tax expense	332	480
Deferred tax expense
Origination and reversal of temporary differences	266	413
Change in UK tax rate to 25%	-	-
Adjustments for prior years	198	31
Deferred tax expense (see note 17)	464	444
Total tax expense	796	924

Reconciliation of the effective tax rate

	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Profit on ordinary activities before tax	2,762	4,046
Tax using the UK corporation tax rate of 25% (2023: 19%)	691	769
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes	99	85
Additional capital allowances - super deduction	-	(37)
Effect of increase in rate of deferred tax	9	155
Effect of higher tax rate overseas	-	20
Adjustments to tax charge in respect of previous periods	(3)	(68)
Total tax expense	796	924

Tax recognised directly and other comprehensive income

	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Movement on deferred tax asset relating to the pension scheme	26	176
Deferred tax on derivative financial instruments and other financial liabilities	28	3
Deferred tax expense recognised directly in other comprehensive income	54	179

 

In the UK, deferred tax has been calculated at 25% (2023: 25%).

The deferred tax assets and liabilities in FIC have been calculated at the Falkland Islands' tax rate of 26% (2023: 26%).

 

10.     Earnings per share

The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on profits on ordinary activities after taxation, and the weighted average number of shares in issue in the period.

The calculation of diluted earnings per share is based on profits on ordinary activities after taxation and the weighted average number of shares in issue in the period, adjusted to assume the full issue of share options outstanding, to the extent that they are dilutive.

	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Profit on ordinary activities after taxation	1,966	3,122

 

	2024 Number	2023 Number
Average number of shares in issue	12,519,900	12,519,900
Diluted weighted average number of shares	12,519,900	12,519,900

 

	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Basic earnings per share	15.7p	24.9p
Diluted earnings per share	15.7p	24.9p

 

To provide a comparison of earnings per share on underlying performance, the calculation below sets out basic and diluted earnings per share based on underlying profits.

Earnings per share on underlying profit

	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Underlying profit before tax (see note 5)	3,377	3,218
Underlying taxation	(949)	(705)
Underlying profit	2,428	2,513
Effective tax rate	28.1%	21.9%
Weighted average number of shares in issue (from above)	12,519,900	12,519,900
Diluted weighted average number of shares (from above)	12,519,900	12,519,900
Basic earnings per share on underlying profit	19.4p	20.1p
Diluted earnings per share on underlying profit	19.4p	20.1p

 

 

11.     Intangible assets

	Computer Software £'000	Brand name £'000	Goodwill £'000	Total £'000
Cost:
At 1 April 2022	631	2,823	11,576	15,030
Additions	115	-	-	115
Transfer from investment property	42	-	-	42
At 31 March 2023	788	2,823	11,576	15,187
Additions	51	-	-	51
At 31 March 2024	839	2,823	11,576	15,238
Accumulated amortisation and impairment:
At 1 Apr 2022	554	785	9,462	10,801
Amortisation	10	-	-	10
At 1 Apr 2023	564	785	9,462	10,811
Amortisation	20	-	-	20
At 31 March 2024	584	785	9,462	10,831
Net book value:
At 31 March 2023	224	2,038	2,114	4,376
At 31 March 2024	255	2,038	2,114	4,407

 

Amortisation and impairment charges are recognised in operating expenses in the income statement. The Momart brand name has a carrying value of £2,038,000 and is considered to be of future economic value to the Group with an estimated indefinite useful economic life. It is reviewed annually for impairment as part of the Art Logistics and Storage review.

Goodwill

Goodwill is allocated to the Group's Cash Generating Units (CGUs) which principally comprise its business segments. A segment level summary of goodwill for each cash-generating-unit is shown below:

	Art Logistics and Storage £'000	Falkland Islands £'000	Total £'000
Goodwill at 1 April 2022	2,077	37	2,114
Goodwill at 31 March 2023	2,077	37	2,114
Goodwill at 31 March 2024	2,077	37	2,114

Impairment

The Group tests material goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets annually for impairment or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill and/or indefinite life assets might be impaired. An impairment test is a comparison of the carrying value of the assets of a CGU to their recoverable amounts based on the higher of a value-in-use calculation and fair value less costs to sell. Goodwill is impaired when the recoverable amount is less than the carrying value.

The Art Logistics and Storage CGU is tested for impairment annually because the only material goodwill and indefinite life assets relate to this CGU. An impairment review of the Art Logistics and Storage CGU was performed and no impairment charge was deemed necessary. The recoverable amount for this assessment was determined using the fair value less costs to sell for the Art Logistics and Storage CGU. This was underpinned by the directors' valuation of the art storage warehouses in East London, which indicates a fair value in excess of the £24.4 million carrying value of the Art Logistics and Storage CGU.

 

 

 

12.     Property, plant and equipment

	Group
	Right to use assets £'000	Freehold land & buildings £'000	Long leasehold land and buildings £'000	Ships £'000	Vehicles, plant and equipment £'000	Total £'000
Cost:
At 1 April 2022	9,783	29,663	1,059	6,880	10,358	57,743
Additions	561	113	57	150	1539	2,420
Disposals	(120)	(54)	(49)	-	(585)	(808)
At 31 March 2023	10,224	29,722	1,067	7,030	11,312	59,355
Additions	258	283	13	130	1,728	2,412
Disposals	(478)	(16)	(17)	(130)	(801)	(1,442)
Reclass*	(65)	85	(51)	(255)	286	-
At 31 March 2024	9,939	30,074	1,012	6,775	12,525	60,325
Accumulated depreciation:
At 1 April 2022	3,778	4,774	527	3,033	6,913	19,025
Charge for the year	655	512	24	246	983	2,420
Disposals	(105)	(43)	(49)		(570)	(767)
At 31 March 2023	4,328	5,243	502	3,279	7,326	20,678
Charge for the year	649	515	26	262	885	2,337
Disposals	(465)	(16)	(17)	(130)	(726)	(1,354)
Reclass*	-	(343)	-	(288)	631	-
At 31 March 2024	4,512	5,399	511	3,123	8,116	21,661
Net book value:
At 1 April 2022	6,005	24,889	532	3,847	3,445	38,718
At 31 March 2023	5,896	24,479	565	3,751	3,986	38,677
At 31 March 2024	5,427	24,675	501	3,652	4,409	38,664

 

* During the year a review of property, plant and equipment assets was undertaken, resulting in a reclassification to more accurately reflect the nature of certain assets. There was no impact to total net book value.

 

Right to use assets

	Group
	Short leasehold lease £'000	Long leasehold Pontoon lease £'000	Momart Trucks £'000	Office Equipment £'000	Total £'000
Cost:
At 1 April 2022	3,241	5,216	1,308	18	9,783
Additions	548	13	-	-	561
Disposals	-	(120)	-	-	(120)
At 31 March 2023	3,789	5,109	1,308	18	10,224
Additions in year	258	-	-	-	258
Disposals	(60)	(137)	(270)	(11)	(478)
Transfer to property, plant and equipment	-	-	(65)	-	(65)
At 31 March 2024	3,987	4,972	973	7	9,939
Accumulated depreciation:
At 1 April 2022	1,972	1,227	563	16	3,778
Charge for the year	60	75	519	1	655
Disposals	(40)	(65)	-	-	(105)
At 31 March 2023	1,992	1,237	1,082	17	4,328
Charge for the year	389	102	157	1	649
Disposals	(46)	(137)	(271)	(11)	(465)
Reclass	279	86	(360)	(5)	-
At 31 March 2024	2,614	1,288	608	2	4,512
Net book value:
At 1 April 2022	1,269	3,989	745	2	6,005
At 31 March 2023	1,797	3,872	226	1	5,896
At 31 March 2024	1,373	3,684	365	5	5,427

 

No property, plant or equipment was financed by hire purchase loans in the year to 31 March 2024.

The Company has no tangible fixed assets, other than the investment property purchased in December 2018, which is included within Investment Property (note 13).

 

13.     Investment properties

	Group
	Residential and commercial property £'000	Freehold land £'000	Total £'000
Cost:
At 31 March 2022	8,566	831	9,397
Additions	10	-	10
Transfer to intangibles	(42)	-	(42)
At 31 March 2023	8,534	831	9,365
Additions	7	-	7
At 31 March 2024	8,541	831	9,372
Accumulated depreciation:
At 1 April 2022	1,233	-	1,233
Charge for the year	210	-	210
At 31 March 2023	1,443	-	1,443
Charge for the year	219	-	219
At 31 March 2024	1,662	-	1,662
Net book value:
At 1 April 2022	7,333	831	8,164
At 31 March 2023	7,091	831	7,922
At 31 March 2024	6,879	831	7,710

The investment properties, held at cost, comprise land, plus residential and commercial property held for rental in the Falkland Islands.

Estimated Fair Value

	Group
	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Estimated fair value:
Freehold land	2,177	2,177
Properties available for rent	10,585	10,420
Properties under construction	22	43
At 31 March	12,784	12,640
Uplift on net book value:
Freehold land	1,346	1,346
Properties available for rent	3,728	3,286
At 31 March	5,074	4,632
Number of rental properties
Available for rent	88	85
Under construction	-	-

 

A level 3 valuation technique has been applied, using a market approach to value these properties; the properties have been valued based on their expected market value by the directors.

Assets under construction

At 31 March 2024, updates to the Butchery plot were included in investment property assets under construction with a total cost to date of £22,000 (2023: £43,000 improvements to the FIC jetty in Stanley).

Company Investment Property

Company Cost:	Commercial property £'000
31 March 2022, 31 March 2023 and 1 April 2024	19,642
Accumulated depreciation:
At 31 March 2022	686
Charge for the year	205
At 31 March 2023	891
Charge for the year	210
At 31 March 2024	1,101
Net book value:
At 1 April 2022	18,956
At 31 March 2023	18,751
At 31 March 2024	18,541

 

The investment property in the Company consists of the five warehouses leased to Momart, the Group's art handling subsidiary, which were purchased in December 2018.

The directors consider that the market value of the property is significantly higher than book value.

 

14.     Investment in subsidiaries

	Country of incorporation	Class of shares held	Ownership at 31 March 2024	Ownership at 31 March 2023
The Falkland Islands Company Limited (1)	UK	Ordinary shares of £1	100%	100%
		Preference shares of £10	100%	100%
The Falkland Islands Trading Company Limited (1)	UK	Ordinary shares of £1	100%	100%
Falkland Islands Shipping Limited (2)(5)	Falkland Islands	Ordinary shares of £1	100%	100%
Erebus Limited (2)(5)(6)	Falkland Islands	Ordinary shares of £1	100%	100%
		Preference shares of £1	100%	100%
Paget Limited (2)(5)(6)	Falkland Islands	Ordinary shares of £1	100%	100%
The Portsmouth Harbour Ferry Company Limited (3)	UK	Ordinary shares of £1	100%	100%
Portsea Harbour Company Limited (3)(5)	UK	Ordinary shares of £1	100%	100%
Clarence Marine Engineering Limited (3)(5)	UK	Ordinary shares of £1	100%	100%
Gosport Ferry Limited (3)(5)	UK	Ordinary shares of £1	100%	100%
Portsmouth Harbour Waterbus Company Limited (3)(5)(6)	UK	Ordinary shares of £1	100%	100%
Momart International Limited (4)(6)	UK	Ordinary shares of £1	100%	100%
Momart Limited (4)(5)	UK	Ordinary shares of £1	100%	100%
Dadart Limited (4)(5)(6)	UK	Ordinary shares of £1	100%	100%

 

⁽¹⁾The registered office for these companies is Kenburgh Court, 133-137 South Street, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 3HX.

⁽²⁾The registered office for these companies is 5 Crozier Place, Stanley, Falkland Islands FIha 1ZZ.

⁽³⁾The registered office for these companies is South Street, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1EP.

⁽⁴⁾The registered office for these companies is Exchange Tower, 6th Floor, 2 Harbour Exchange Square, London E14 9GE.

⁽⁵⁾These investments are not held by the Company but are indirect investments held through a subsidiary of the Company.

⁽⁶⁾These investments have all been dormant for the current and prior year.

 

 

 

	Company
	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
At 1 April	26,757	26,762
Movement in share based payments capitalised into subsidiaries	(22)	(5)
At 31 March*	26,735	26,757

The amounts disclosed are net of a provision for impairment of £18 million (2023: £18 million).

 

15.     Investment in Joint Ventures

The Group has one joint venture (South Atlantic Construction Company Limited, "SAtCO"), which was set up in June 2012 in the Falkland Islands, with Trant Construction to bid for the larger infrastructure contracts which were expected to be generated by oil activity. Both Trant Construction and the FIC contributed £50,000 of ordinary share capital. SAtCO is registered and operates in the Falkland Islands. The net assets of SAtCO are shown below:

	Country of incorporation	Class of shares held	Ownership at 31 March 2024	Ownership at 31 March 2023
South Atlantic Support Services Limited (1) (2) (3)	Falkland Islands	Ordinary shares of £1	50%	50%

 

(1)        South Atlantic Support Services Limited's registered office is 56 John Street, Stanley, Falkland Islands FIha 1ZZ.

(2)        This investment is not held by the Company but are indirect investments held through a subsidiary of the Company.

(3)        This investment has been dormant for the current and prior year.

Joint Venture's balance sheet

	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Current assets	519	519
Liabilities due in less than one year	(1)	(1)
Net assets of SAtCO	518	518
Group share of net assets	259	259

 

There were no recognised gains or losses for the years ended 31 March 2024 (2023: none).

The current assets balances above include £17,000 of cash (2023: £16,000), £4,000 of other debtors (2023: £5,000) and £498,000 (2023: £498,000) of loans due from SAtCO's parent companies.

SAtCO had no contingent liabilities or capital commitments as at 31 March 2024 or 31 March 2023 and the Group had no contingent liabilities or commitments in respect of its joint venture at 31 March 2024 or 31 March 2023.

SATCO's registered office is 56 John Street, Stanley, Falkland Islands FIha 1ZZ

 

16.     Finance leases receivable

As lessor, FIC has sold assets to customers on finance lease agreements. The present value of the lease payments, together with any unguaranteed residual value, is recognised as a receivable, net of allowances for expected bad debt losses.

The difference between the gross receivable and the present value of future lease payments, is recognised as unearned lease income. Lease income is recognised in revenue over the term of the lease using the sum of digits method so as to give a constant rate of return on the net investment in the leases. Lease receivables are reviewed regularly to identify any impairment.

Lease receivables arise on the sale of vehicles and consumer goods, such as furniture and electrical items, by FIC. No contingent rents have been recognised as income in the period. No residual values accrue to the benefit of the lessor.

	Group
	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Non-Current: Finance lease receivable due after more than one year	557	681
Current: Finance lease receivables due within one year	403	397
Total Finance lease receivables	960	1,078

 

 

The difference between the gross investment in the finance lease receivables and the present value of future lease payments due represents unearned lease income of £311,000 (2023: £375,000). The cost of assets acquired for the purpose of renting out under hire purchase agreements by the Group during the year amounted to £472,000 (2023: £629,000).

The total cash received during the year in respect of hire purchase agreements was £774,000 (2023: £923,000).

	Group
	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Gross investment in finance lease receivables	1,301	1,484
Unearned lease income	(311)	(375)
Bad debt provision against hire purchase leases	(30)	(31)
Present value of future lease receipts	960	1,078

 

17.     Deferred tax assets and liabilities

Recognised deferred tax assets and (liabilities)

	Group
	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Property, plant & equipment	(4,385)	(3,874)
Intangible assets	(509)	(509)
Inventories (unrealised intragroup profits)	59	90
Other financial liabilities	59	54
Derivative financial instruments	(9)	(44)
Tax losses	98	-
Share-based payments	8	68
Total net deferred tax liabilities	(4,679)	(4,215)
Deferred tax asset arising on the defined benefit pension liabilities	428	482
Net tax liability	(4,251)	(3,733)

 

The deferred tax asset on the defined benefit pension scheme (see note 23) arises under the Falkland Islands tax regime and has been presented on the face of the consolidated balance sheet as a non-current asset as it is expected to be realised over a relatively long period of time. All other deferred tax assets are shown net against the non-current deferred tax liability shown in the balance sheet.

	Company
	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Derivative financial liabilities	(9)	(44)
Other temporary differences	8	(41)
Net tax liability	(1)	(85)

 

Movement in deferred tax assets / (liabilities) in the year:

	Group
	1 April 2023 £'000	Recognised in income £'000	Recognised in equity £'000	31 March 2024 £'000
Property, plant & equipment	(3,874)	(511)	-	(4,385)
Intangible assets	(509)		-	(509)
Inventories (unrealised intragroup profits)	90	(31)	-	59
Other financial liabilities	54	8	(3)	59
Derivative financial instruments	(44)	-	35	(9)
Tax losses	-	98	-	98
Share-based payments	68	-	(60)	8
Pension	482	(28)	(26)	428
Deferred tax movements	(3,733)	(464)	(54)	(4,251)

Unrecognised deferred tax assets

Deferred tax assets of £141,000 (2023: £141,000) in respect of capital losses have not been recognised as it is not considered probable that there will be suitable chargeable gains in the foreseeable future from which the underlying capital losses will reverse.

Movement in deferred tax assets / (liabilities) in the year:

	Company
	1 April 2023 £'000	Recognised in income £'000	Recognised in equity £'000	31 March 2024 £'000
Derivative financial liabilities instruments	(44)	-	35	(9)
Other temporary differences	(41)	48	1	8
Deferred tax asset movements	(85)	48	36	(1)

Movement in deferred tax assets / (liabilities) in the prior year:

	Group
	1 April 2022 £'000	Recognised in income £'000	Recognised in equity £'000	31 March 2023 £'000
Property, plant & equipment	(3,537)	(337)	-	(3,874)
Intangible assets	(509)	-	-	(509)
Inventories	81	9	-	90
Other financial liabilities	104	(47)	(3)	54
Derivative financial instruments	(27)	(61)	44	(44)
Share-based payments	108	-	(40)	68
Pension	666	(8)	(176)	482
Deferred tax movements	(3,114)	(444)	(175)	(3,733)

 

Movement in deferred tax asset in the prior year:

	Company
	1 April 2022 £'000	Recognised in income £'000	Recognised in equity £'000	31 March 2023 £'000
Derivative financial instruments	(27)	(61)	44	(44)
Other temporary differences	15	(16)	(40)	(41)
Deferred tax asset movements	(12)	(77)	(4)	(85)

 

18.     Inventories

	Group
	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Work in progress	559	225
Goods in transit	1,290	605
Goods held for resale and raw materials	4,849	6,046
Total Inventories	6,698	6,876

 

The Company has no inventories.

 

19.     Trade and other receivables

	Group		Company
	2024 £'000	2023 £'000	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Non-Current
Amount owed by subsidiary undertakings	-	-	11,207	10,257
Total trade and other receivables	-	-	11,207	10,257

 

	Group		Company
	2024 £'000	2023 £'000	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Current
Trade receivables	5,649	7,203	-	-
Rental deposits	29	116	-	-
Prepayments	1,924	1,533	30	11
Accrued income	331	433	-	-
Contract asset	2,965	904	-	-
Total trade and other receivables	10,898	10,189	30	11

 

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings to the Company are not secured and interest free with no fixed repayment date.

The accrued income relates to contracts where the work has been completed but had not been billed at the balance sheet date. No allowance for expected credit losses was recognised in respect of accrued income as the impact was assessed as being immaterial. The only significant changes in the accrued income balance during the year related to the recognition of revenue for work performed and the transfer of billed amounts to trade receivables.

 

20.     Cash and cash equivalents

2024	Group
	2023 £'000	Cash Flows	Interest	Other non-cash Changes	2024 £'000
Cash and cash equivalents	12,800	(3,131)	-	(19)	9,650
Bank loans	(13,255)	1,332	(403)	-	(12,326)
Net debt	(455)	(1,799)	(403)	(19)	(2,676)
Interest rate swap	1,559	-		(231)	1,328
Lease liabilities	(6,479)	955	(274)	(258)	(6,056)
Derivatives and lease liabilities	(4,920)	955	(274)	(489)	(4,728)
Net debt after derivatives and lease liabilities at 31 March	(5,375)	(844)	(677)	(508)	(7,404)
Movement in financial liabilities above
Financing liabilities	(18,175)	2,287	(677)	(489)	(17,054)

 

2023	Group
	2022 £'000	Cash Flows	Interest	Other non-cash Changes	2023 £'000
Cash and cash equivalents	9,572	3,254	-	(26)	12,800
Bank loans	(14,183)	1,352	(424)	-	(13,255)
Net debt	(4,611)	4,606	(424)	(26)	(455)
Interest rate swap	644	-		915	1,559
Lease liabilities	(6,536)	922	(304)	(561)	(6,479)
Derivatives and lease liabilities	(5,892)	922	(304)	354	(4,920)
Net debt after derivatives and lease liabilities at 31 March	(10,503)	5,528	(728)	328	(5,375)
Movement in financial liabilities above
Financing liabilities	(20,075)	2,274	(728)	354	(18,175)

 

 

 

2024	Company
	2023 £'000	Cash Flows	Interest	Other non-cash Changes	2024 £'000
Cash and cash equivalents	3,307	(668)	-	-	2,639
Bank loans	(12,146)	885	(362)	-	(11,623)
Net debt	(8,839)	217	(362)	-	(8,984)
Interest rate swap	1,559	-	-	(231)	1,328
Net debt after derivatives at 31 March	(7,280)	217	(362)	(231)	(7,656)
Movement in financial liabilities above
Financing liabilities	(10,587)	885	(362)	(231)	(10,295)

 

 

2023	Company
	2022 £'000	Cash Flows	Interest	Other non-cash Changes	2023 £'000
Cash and cash equivalents	4,376	(1,069)	-	-	3,307
Bank loans	(12,668)	890	(368)	-	(12,146)
Net debt	(8,292)	(179)	(368)	-	(8,839)
Interest rate swap	644	-	-	915	1,559
Net debt after derivatives at 31 March	(7,648)	(179)	(368)	915	(7,280)
Movement in financial liabilities above
Financing liabilities	(12,024)	890	(368)	915	(10,587)

 

21.     Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

This note provides information about the contractual terms of the interest-bearing loans and borrowings owed by the Group, which are stated at amortised cost. Information on the maturity of interest-bearing loans and lease liabilities and exposure to interest rate and foreign currency risk is disclosed in note 26.

	Group		Company
	2024 £'000	2023 £'000	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Non-current liabilities
Secured bank loans	11,363	12,316	11,094	11,617
Lease liabilities	5,484	5,898	-	-
Total non-current interest-bearing loans and lease liabilities	16,847	18,214	11,094	11,617
Current liabilities
Secured bank loans	963	939	529	529
Lease liabilities	572	581	-	-
Total current interest-bearing loans and lease liabilities	1,535	1,520	529	529
Total liabilities
Secured bank loans	12,326	13,255	11,623	12,146
Lease liabilities	6,056	6,479	-	-
Total interest-bearing loans and lease liabilities	18,382	19,734	11,623	12,146

Lease liabilities

	Future minimum lease payments		Interest		Present value of minimum payments
	2024 £'000	2023 £'000	2024 £'000	2023 £'000	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Less than one year	858	868	(286)	(287)	572	581
Between one and two years	701	779	(266)	(269)	435	510
Between two and five years	1,432	1,689	(649)	(725)	783	964
More than five years	8,323	9,053	(4,057)	(4,629)	4,266	4,424
Total	11,314	12,389	(5,258)	(5,910)	6,056	6,479

 

 

22.     Trade and other payables

	Group		Company
	2024 £'000	2023 £'000	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Current:
Trade payables	5,729	6,322	320	6
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings	-	-	6,421	5,269
Loan from joint venture	249	249	-	-
Other creditors, including taxation and social security	2,053	2,835	120	116
Accruals	3,044	3,950	165	548
Deferred income	37	362	-	-
Total trade and other payables	11,112	13,718	7,026	5,939

 

Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings by the company are not secured, interest free and repayable on demand.

 

23.     Employee benefits: pension plans

Defined contribution schemes

The Group operates defined contribution schemes at PHFC and Momart and current FIC employees are enrolled in the Falkland Islands Pension Scheme ("FIPS"). The assets of all these schemes are held separately from those of the Group in independently administered funds.

The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the Group to the schemes and amounted to £601,000 (2023: £535,000). There were outstanding contributions of £59,000 (2023: £44,000) due to pension schemes at 31 March 2024.

The Falkland Islands Company Limited Scheme

FIC operates a defined benefit pension scheme for certain former employees. This scheme was closed to new members in 1988 and to further accrual on 31 March 2007. The scheme has no assets and payments to pensioners are made out of operating cash flows. The contributions for the year ended 31 March 2024 are £103,066. During the year ended 31 March 2024, 9 pensioners (2023: 10) received benefits from this scheme, and there are two deferred members at 31 March 2024 (2023: three). Benefits are payable on retirement at the normal retirement age. The weighted average duration of the expected benefit payments from the Scheme is around 10 years (2023: 12 years).

An actuarial report for IAS 19 purposes as at 31 March 2024 was prepared by a qualified independent actuary, Lane Clark and Peacock LLP. The major assumptions used in the valuation were:

	2024	2023
Rate of increase in pensions in payment and deferred pensions	2.4%	2.5%
Discount rate applied to scheme liabilities	4.8%	4.8%
Inflation assumption	3.3%
Average longevity at age 65 for male current and deferred pensioners (years) at accounting date	21.6	22.0
Average longevity at age 65 for male current and deferred pensioners (years) 20 years after accounting date	23.9	24.4

 

The assumptions used by the actuary are chosen from a range of possible actuarial assumptions which, due to the timescale covered, may not necessarily be borne out in practice. Assumptions relating to life expectancy have been based on UK mortality data on the basis that this is the best available data for the Falkland Islands.

 

Sensitivity Analysis

The calculation of the defined benefit liability is sensitive to the assumptions set out above. The following table summarises how the impact of the defined benefit liability at 31 March 2024 would have increased / (decreased) as a result of a change in the respective assumptions by 1.0%.

 

	Effect on obligation 2024
	-1% pa £'000	+1% pa £'000
Discount rate	175	(150)
Inflation assumption	(5)	5

 

	Effect on obligation 2024
	-1 year £'000	+1 year £'000
Life expectancy	(70)	75

 

These sensitivities have been calculated to show the movement in the defined benefit obligation in isolation, and assume no other changes in market conditions at the accounting date.

Scheme liabilities

The present values of the scheme's liabilities, which are derived from cash flow projections over long periods and thus inherently uncertain, were:

	Value at
	2020 £'000	2021 £'000	2022 £'000	2023 £'000	2024 £'000
Present value of scheme liabilities	(2,604)	(2,842)	(2,562)	(1,978)	(1,647)
Related deferred tax assets	677	677	666	482	428
Net pension liability	(1,927)	(2,165)	(1,896)	(1,496)	(1,219)

Movement in deficit during the year:

	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Deficit in scheme at beginning of the year	(1,978)	(2,562)
Pensions paid	319	101
Other finance cost	(87)	(70)
Re-measurement of the defined benefit pension liability	99	553
Deficit in scheme at the end of the year	(1,647)	(1,978)

 

Analysis of amounts included in other finance costs:

	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Interest on pension scheme liabilities	87	70

Analysis of amounts recognised in statement of comprehensive income:

	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Experience gains arising on scheme liabilities	95	(1)
Changes in assumptions underlying the present value of scheme liabilities	4	554
Re-measurement of the defined benefit pension liability	99	553

24.     Employee benefits: share based payments

The total number of options outstanding at 31 March 2024 is 152,342 comprising (i) zero nil cost options (2023: 3,591), (ii) 152,342 options (2023: 302,063) granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan and (iii) zero (2023: 5,000) share options granted with an exercise price equal to the market price on the date of grant.

(i)       Nil cost options granted to John Foster:

Reconciliation of nil cost options:

	Number of options 2024	Number of options 2023
Outstanding at the beginning of the year	3,591	3,591
Lapsed during the year	(3,591)	-
Outstanding at the year end	-	3,591

(ii)      Incentive Plan grants at an exercise price of ten pence to directors of subsidiaries and executives:

255,304 Long-term Incentive Plan grants were issued on 3 December 2021 at an exercise price of ten pence to directors of subsidiaries and executives, and expire in five years on 3 December 2026. During the year, 15,474 of these options were forfeited (2023: 52,953) and 152,342 of these options remain outstanding at 31 March 2024. None of these grants are exercisable at 31 March 2024.

133,052 Long-term Incentive Plan grants were issued on 14 July 2020 at an exercise price of ten pence to directors of subsidiaries and executives, and expire in five years on 14 July 2025. During the year, 10,340 options were forfeited (2023: 51,434) and 61,278 options lapsed (2023: nil). None remain outstanding at 31 March 2024.

135,535 Long-term Incentive Plan grants were issued on 4 July 2019 at an exercise price of ten pence to directors of subsidiaries and executives, and expire in five years on 4 July 2024. During the year, 10,502 options were forfeited (2023: 24,793) and 52,127 options lapsed (2023: nil). None remain outstanding at 31 March 2024.

There are various performance conditions attached to the Long-term Incentive Plan grants. All have a primary performance condition of the Group share price exceeding a target threshold at the vesting date, and secondary financial performance conditions specific to the relevant operating segment. All the options have a three-year vesting period.

 

Date of Issue	Number	Exercise Price pence	Share price at grant date pence	Fair value per share pence	Total fair value £	Earliest Exercise Date	Latest Exercise Date
3 Dec 21	152,342	10.0	215.0	88.0	134,061	3 Dec 24	2 Dec 26
Total	152,342				134,061

Reconciliation of LTIPs:

	Number of options 2024	Number of options 2023
Outstanding at the beginning of the year	302,063	431,243
Options lapsed during the year	(113,405)	(129,180)
Options forfeited during the year	(36,316)	(129,180)
Outstanding at the year end	152,342	302,063
Weighted average life of outstanding options (years)	2.7	3.4

(iii)     Share options with an exercise price equal to the market price on the date of grant

Reconciliation of options with an exercise price equal to the market price on the date of grant, including the number and weighted average exercise price:

	Weighted average exercise price (£) 2024	Number of options 2024	Weighted average exercise price (£) 2023	Number of options 2023
Outstanding at the beginning of the year	2.73	5,000	2.73	5,000
Lapsed during the year	2.73	(5,000)	-	-
Outstanding at the year end	-	-	2.73	5,000
Vested options exercisable at the year end	-	-	2.73	5,000
Weighted average life of outstanding options (years)	-		1.8

 

The fair values of the options are estimated at the date of grant using appropriate option pricing models and are charged to the profit and loss account over the vesting period of the options. All options, other than certain nil cost options, are granted with the condition that the employee remains in employment for three years.

All share options are equity settled. Share options issued without share price conditions attached have been valued using the Black-Scholes model. Share price options issued with share price conditions attached have been valued using a Monte Carlo simulation model making explicit allowance for share price targets. Inputs into the valuation models include the estimated time to maturity, the risk-free rate, expected volatility, and dividend yield.

	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Total share-based payment (credit) / expense recognised in the year	(93)	41

 

 

25.     Capital and reserves

Share capital

	Ordinary Shares
	2024	2023
In issue at the start and end of the year	12,519,900	12,519,900

 

	2024	2023
Allotted, called up and fully paid Ordinary shares of 10p each	1,251	1,251

 

By special resolution at an Annual General Meeting on 9 September 2010 the Company adopted new articles of association, principally to take account of the various changes in company law brought in by the Companies Act 2006. As a consequence, the Company no longer has an authorised share capital. The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the Company.

Other reserves

The other reserves in the Group of £703,000 at 31 March 2024 comprise £5,389,000 of merger relief which arose on the 1998 Scheme of Arrangement, when the Company issued 1 share for every 300 shares that shareholders had previously held in Anglo United plc. Immediately following this Scheme of Arrangement, the Company acquired the Falkland Islands' businesses for £8.0 million and the £4,686,000 of goodwill on this acquisition was written off against the merger relief.

Dividends

The following dividends were recognised and paid in the period:

	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Final 2022: 2.0 pence per qualifying ordinary share	-	251
Interim 2023: 1.2 pence per qualifying ordinary share	-	150
Final 2023: 5.3 pence per qualifying ordinary share	663	251
Interim 2024: 1.25 pence per qualifying ordinary share	156	150
Total dividends paid in the period	819	401

 

26.     Financial instruments

(i)       Fair values of financial instruments Trade and other receivables

The fair value of trade and other receivables is estimated as the present value of future cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the balance sheet date if the effect is material.

Trade and other payables

The fair value of trade and other payables is estimated as the present value of future cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the balance sheet date if the effect is material.

Cash and cash equivalents

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents is estimated as its carrying amount where the cash is repayable on demand. Where it is not repayable on demand then the fair value is estimated at the present value of future cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the balance sheet date.

Interest-bearing borrowings

The fair value of interest-bearing borrowings, which after initial recognition is determined for disclosure purposes only, is calculated based on the present value of future principal and interest cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the balance sheet date.

Financial Instruments categories and fair values

The fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities are not materially different to the carrying values shown in the consolidated balance sheet and Company balance sheet.

The following table shows the carrying value, which management consider to be materially equal to fair value for each category of financial instrument:

	Group		Company
	2024 £'000	2023 £'000	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Cash and cash equivalents	9,650	12,800	2,639	3,307
Finance lease debtors	960	1,078	-	-
Interest rate swap asset	1,328	1,559	1,328	1,559
Trade and other receivables	5,649	7,203	-	-
Rental deposits	29	116	-	-
Total assets exposed to credit risk	17,616	22,756	3,967	4,866
Total trade and other payables	(10,804)	(12,508)	(7,026)	(5,939)
Interest-bearing borrowings at amortised cost	(18,382)	(19,734)	(11,623)	(12,146)

The interest rate swaps have been valued using a level 2 methodology.

 

(ii)      Credit Risk

Financial risk management

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations, and arises principally from the Group's receivables from customers.

Group

The Group's credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade receivables. The maximum credit exposure of the Group comprises the amounts presented in the balance sheet, which are stated net of provisions for expected credit losses. Expected credit loss provisions are based on previous experience and other evidence, including forward-looking macroeconomic information, indicative of the recoverability of future cash flows. There have been no significant changes in the estimation techniques or significant assumptions made during the reporting period. Management has credit policies in place to manage risk on an on-going basis. These include the use of customer specific credit limits.

Company

The majority of the Company's receivables are with subsidiaries. The Company does not consider these counter-parties to be a significant credit risk.

Exposure to credit risk

The carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure. Therefore, the maximum exposure to credit risk at the balance sheet date was £17,616,000 (2023: £22,085,000) being the total trade receivables, finance lease debtors, interest swap, rental deposits and cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet. The credit risk on cash balances and the interest rate swap is limited because the counterparties are banks with high credit ratings assigned by international credit-rating agencies.

The maximum exposure to credit risk for trade receivables at the balance sheet date by geographic region was:

Group	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Falkland Islands	1,136	3,167
Europe	600	617
North America	1,237	526
United Kingdom	2,206	2,492
Other	470	401
Total trade receivables	5,649	7,203

 

The Company has no trade debtors.

 

Credit quality of financial assets and expected credit losses

Group	Gross 2024 £'000	Impairment 2024 £'000	Net 2024 £'000	Gross 2023 £'000	Impairment 2023 £'000	Net 2023 £'000
Not past due	4,913	(3)	4,910	5,722	-	5,747
Past due 0-30 days	545	(6)	539	1,013	(7)	1,006
Past due 31-120 days	59	(13)	46	204	(10)	194
More than 120 days	401	(247)	154	429	(148)	281
Total trade receivables	5,918	(269)	5,649	7,368	(165)	7,203
Finance lease receivables	990	(30)	960	1,078	(31)	1,047

 

The amount of finance lease receivable that is past due is immaterial and secured on asset financed.

The movement in the allowances for impairment in respect of trade receivables and finance lease receivables during the year was:

Group	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Balance at 1 April	197	238
Impairment loss recognised	151	27
Cash received	(22)	-
Utilisation of provision (debts written off)	(27)	(69)
Balance at 31 March	299	196
Provided against finance lease receivables	30	31
Provided against trade receivables	269	165
Balance at 31 March	299	196

 

The allowance account for trade receivables is used to record impairment losses unless the Group is satisfied that no recovery of the amount owing is possible. At that point, the amounts considered irrecoverable are written off against the trade receivables directly.

No further analysis has been provided for cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables from Group companies, other receivables and other financial assets, as there is limited exposure to credit risk and expected credit losses are assessed as immaterial.

(iii)     Liquidity risk

Financial risk management

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. At the beginning of the year the Group had outstanding bank loans of £13.3 million (2023 £14.2 million). All payments due during the year with respect to these agreements were met as they fell due.

At the start of the year, the Company had one bank loan of £12.1 million (2023 £12.7 million). All payments due during the year with respect to these agreements were met as they fell due.

The Group manages its cash balances centrally at head office and prepares rolling cash flow forecasts to ensure availability of funds.

 

 

Liquidity risk - Group

The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities, including estimated interest:

		Contractual cash flows
2024	Carrying amount £'000	Total £'000	1 year or less £'000	1 to 2 years £'000	2 to 5 years £'000	5 years and over £'000
Financial liabilities
Secured bank loans	12,326	13,929	1,408	1,138	2,793	8,590
Lease liabilities	6,056	11,313	858	701	1,432	8,322
Trade payables	5,729	5,729	5,729	-	-	-
Other creditors	1,620	1,620	1,620	-	-	-
Loan from Joint Venture	249	249	249	-	-	-
Accruals	3,044	3,044	3,044	-	-	-
Total financial liabilities	29,024	35,884	12,908	1,839	4,225	16,912

 

2023	Carrying amount £'000	Total £'000	1 year or less £'000	1 to 2 years £'000	2 to 5 years £'000	5 years and over £'000
Financial liabilities
Secured bank loans	13,255	15,274	1,348	1,404	3,047	9,475
Lease liabilities	6,479	12,977	839	779	1,688	9,671
Trade payables	6,322	6,322	6,322	-	-	-
Other creditors	1,696	1,696	1,696	-	-	-
Loan from Joint Venture	249	249	249	-	-	-
Accruals	3,950	3,950	3,950	-	-	-
Total financial liabilities	31,951	40,468	14,404	2,183	4,735	19,146

Liquidity risk - Company

The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities, including estimated interest payments and excluding the effects of netting agreements:

		Contractual cash flows
2024	Carrying amount £'000	Total £'000	1 year or less £'000	1 to 2 years £'000	2 to 5 years £'000	5 years and over £'000
Financial liabilities
Secured bank loans	11,623	13,196	949	950	2,707	8,590
Trade payables	320	320	320	-	-	-
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings	6,421	6,421	6,421	-	-	-
Other creditors	89	89	89	-	-	-
Accruals	165	165	165	-	-	-
Total financial liabilities	18,618	20,191	7,944	950	2,707	8,590

 

 

		Contractual cash flows
2023	Carrying amount £'000	Total £'000	1 year or less £'000	1 to 2 years £'000	2 to 5 years £'000	5 years and over £'000
Financial liabilities
Secured bank loans	12,146	14,098	891	947	2,785	9,475
Trade payables	6	6	6	-	-	-
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings	5,269	5,269	5,269	-	-	-
Other creditors	89	89	89	-	-	-
Accruals	548	548	548	-	-	-
Total financial liabilities	18,058	20,010	6,803	947	2,785	9,475

(iv)     Market Risk

Financial risk management

Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates and equity prices will affect the Group's income or the value of its holdings of financial instruments.

Market risk - Foreign currency risk

The Group has exposure to foreign currency risk arising from trade and other payables which are denominated in foreign currencies. The Group is not, however, exposed to any significant transactional foreign currency risk. The Group's exposure to foreign currency risk is as follows and is based on carrying amounts for monetary financial instruments.

Group
2024	EUR £'000	USD £'000	Other £'000	Total Balance sheet exposure £'000	GBP £'000	Total £'000
Cash and cash equivalents	63	571	322	956	8,694	9,650
Trade payables and other payables	(418)	(392)	(338)	(1,148)	(9,964)	(11,112)
Balance sheet exposure	(355)	179	(16)	(192)	(1,270)	(1,462)

 

Group
2023	EUR £'000	USD £'000	Other £'000	Total Balance sheet exposure £'000	GBP £'000	Total £'000
Cash and cash equivalents	107	219	15	341	12,459	12,800
Trade payables and other payables	(485)	(645)	(661)	(1,791)	(11,927)	(13,718)
Balance sheet exposure	(378)	(426)	(646)	(1,450)	532	(918)

 

The Company has no exposure to foreign currency risk.

 

Sensitivity analysis

Group

A 10% weakening of the following currencies against pound sterling at 31 March 2024 would have increased/(decreased) equity and profit or loss by the amounts shown below. This calculation assumes that the change occurred at the balance sheet date and had been applied to risk exposures existing at that date. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular other exchange rates and interest rates remain constant and is performed on the same basis for year ended 31 March 2023.

	Equity		Profit or Loss
	2024 £'000	2023 £'000	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
EUR	36	38	36	38
USD	(18)	43	(18)	43

 

A 10% strengthening of the above currencies against pound sterling at 31 March 2024 would have the equal but opposite effect on the above currencies to the amounts shown above, on the basis that all other variables remain constant.

Market risk - interest rate risk

At the balance sheet date, the interest rate profile for the Group's interest-bearing financial instruments was:

	Group		Company
	2024 £'000	2023 £'000	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Fixed rate financial instruments
Leases receivable	960	1,078	-	-
Bank loans	(303)	(407)	-	-
Lease liabilities	(6,056)	(6,479)	-	-
Total fixed rate financial instruments	(5,399)	(5,808)	-	-
Variable rate financial instruments
Effect of Interest rate swap	1,328	1,559	-	-
Bank loans	(12,023)	(12,848)	(11,623)	(12,146)
Total Variable rate financial instruments	(10,695)	(11,289)	(11,623)	(12,146)

 

At 31 March 2024, the Group had four bank loans:

(i)       £11.6 million (2023: £12.1 million) ten-year loan, which was drawn down on 28 June 2019, secured against freehold property held in FIH, with interest charged at the compounded daily SONIA rate plus 1.8693%;

(ii)      £0.3 million (2023: £0.6 million) repayable over ten years until May 2025, secured against the newest vessel in PHFC, with interest charged at 2.6% above the bank of England base rate;

(iii)     £0.1 million (2023: £0.1 million) repayable over ten years until May 2025, secured against freehold property held in PHFC, with interest charged at 1.75% above the Bank of England base rate;

(iv)     £0.3 million (2023: £0.4 million) drawn down by Momart, interest has been fixed on this loan at 2.73% for the full ten years until December 2026.

 

The interest payable on the £12.1 million ten-year loan has been hedged by one interest swap, taken out on 30 December 2021 with an initial notional value of £12.625 million, with interest payable at the difference between 1.1766% and the compounded daily SONIA rate plus 0.1193%. This interest rate swap notional value decreases at £125,000 per quarter over five years until June 2024, and then at £150,000 per quarter for a further five years until June 2029 when the outstanding bullet payment of £8,525,000 is likely to be refinanced. The notional value of the swap at 31 March 2024 is £11.5 million (2023: £12.0 million).

Lease liabilities

At 31 March 2024, the Group had the following lease liabilities:

(i)       £4.6 million lease liabilities payable to Gosport Borough Council; £4.5 million for the Gosport pontoon and £0.1 million for the ground rent on the pontoon. Both of these leases run until June 2061 and finance charges accrue on these liabilities at a weighted average rate of 4.73%.

(ii)      £1.2 million of property rental leases, including two warehouses rented by Momart and the Momart and Bishop's Stortford head offices, which run for between 2 to 5 years as at 31 March 2024. The weighted average interest rate of these rental liabilities is 3.73%.

(iii)     £0.2 million of lease liabilities taken out to finance trucks by hire purchase leases at Momart. The weighted average interest rate of these truck liabilities is 3.07%.

The total blended average interest rate on the Group's lease liabilities is 4.5% per annum.

Interest rate sensitivity analysis

An increase of 100 basis points in interest rates at the balance sheet date would have increased / (decreased) equity and profit or loss by the amounts shown below. This calculation assumes that the change occurred at the balance sheet date and has been applied to risk exposures existing at that date.

This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular foreign currency rates, remain constant and considers the effect of financial instruments with variable interest rates and financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss or available-for-sale with fixed interest rates. The analysis is performed on the same basis for 31 March 2023.

 

 

 

 

	Group		Company
	2024 £'000	2023 £'000	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Equity
Interest rate swap liability	116	121	116	121
Variable rate financial liabilities	(120)	(128)	(116)	(121)
Profit or Loss
Interest rate swap liability	116	121	116	121
Variable rate financial liabilities	(120)	(128)	(116)	(121)

(v)      Capital Management

The Group's objectives when managing capital, which comprises equity and reserves at 31 March 2024 of £45,086,000 (2023: £43,806,000) are to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can continue to provide returns to shareholders and benefits to our other stakeholders.

 

27.     Operating leases

Leases as lessor

The Group leases out its investment properties, which consist of seventy eight houses and flats, ten mobile homes and three commercial properties in the Falkland Islands, these are leased to staff, fishing agency representatives and other short-term visitors to the Islands. These lease agreements generally have an initial notice period of six months, and beyond the six months initial tenancy, one month's notice can be given by either party, therefore future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases receivable are not material.

The Company had no operating lease commitments. However, as a result of the purchase of the five warehouses at Leyton, the Company had the following non-cancellable operating lease rentals receivable:

	Company
	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Less than one year	1,122	1,097
Between one and five years	4,487	4,389
More than five years	17,105	17,831
	22,714	23,317

 

28.     Capital commitments

At 31 March 2024, the Group had entered into the following contractual commitments:

•        £681,000 in Momart comprising £52,000 for enhancements to existing vehicles, £625,000 for five new vehicles, and £4,000 for IT upgrades.

At 31 March 2023, the Group had entered into the following contractual commitments:

•        £427,000 in Momart comprising £292,000 for enhancements to existing vehicles, £111,000 for two new vehicles, and £23,000 for IT upgrades.

•        £92,000 in PHFC for infrastructure replacement.

•        £42,000 in FIC for the new retail sales system.

 

29.     Related parties

The Group has a related party relationship with its subsidiaries (see note 14) and with its directors and executive officers.

Directors of the Company and their immediate relatives controlled 30.3% (2023: 30.3%) of the voting shares of the Company at 31 March 2024.

The compensation of key management personnel, which includes the FIH group plc directors and the managing directors of the subsidiaries, is as follows:

	Group		Company
	2024 £'000	2023 £'000	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
Key management emoluments including social security costs	1,345	1,010	814	600
Company contributions to defined contribution pension plans	60	47	17	9
Share-related awards	(93)	41	(72)	46
Total key management personnel compensation	1,312	1,098	759	655

 

At 31 March 2024, the Group's joint venture, SAtCO, has debtors of £498,000 due from its parent companies.

On 2 May 2017, KJ Ironside, the Managing Director of FIC, purchased a property which had been built on approximately 510 square metres of land owned by FIC. FIC provided a loan of £65,000 to Mr Ironside to purchase the freehold of this land. Mr Ironside sold the property during the year and the loan was repaid in full.

FIH group plc key transactions with subsidiary entities:

	Group
	2024 £'000	2023 £'000
FIC
Loan from subsidiary	11,207	10,257
Management fees charged annually	641	635
Momart
Loan to subsidiary	(2,830)	(1,815)
Management fees charged annually	425	120
PHFC
Loan to subsidiary	(3,055)	(2,555)
Management fees charged annually	88	240

 

 

30.     Accounting estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with adopted IFRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that effect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based upon historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of the judgements as to asset and liability carrying values which are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may vary from these estimates, and are taken into account in periodic reviews of the application of such estimates and assumptions. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

Defined benefit pension liabilities

At 31 March 2024, 10 pensioners were receiving payments from the FIC defined benefit pension scheme, and there are two deferred members. A significant degree of estimation is involved in predicting the ultimate benefits payment to these pensioners using actuarial assumptions to value the defined benefit pension liability (see note 23). Management have selected these assumptions from a range of possible options following consultations with independent actuarial advisers. There is a range of assumptions that may be appropriate, particularly when considering the projection of life expectancy post-retirement, which is a key demographic assumption, and has been based on UK mortality data, if the life expectancy assumption was one more year than the assumptions used, this would result in an increase of £70,000 in the liability. Selecting a different assumption could significantly increase or decrease the IAS19 value of the Scheme's liabilities. The projections of life expectancy make no explicit allowance for specific individual risks, such as the possible impact of climate change or a major medical breakthrough, the projections used reflect the aggregate impact of the many possible factors driving changes in future mortality rates.

The figures are prepared on the basis that both the FIC pension scheme and FIC are ongoing. If the scheme were to be wound up, the position would differ, and would almost certainly indicate a much larger deficit.

Inventory provisions

The Group makes provisions in relation to inventory value, where the net realisable value of an item is expected to be lower than its cost, due to obsolescence. Historically, the calculation of inventory provisions has entailed the use of estimates and judgements combined with mechanistic calculations and extrapolations reflecting inventory ageing and stock turn. During the year ended 31 March 2024, inventory provisions decreased to £1,064,000 (2023: £1,100,000). Inventory greater than 12 months old and with no sales in the twelve months before 31 March 2024 is provided against in full. If this provision was reduced to 50% of the gross inventory value, the provision would reduce by circa £225,000 (2023: £174,000). If this provision was extended to cover all inventory greater than six months old with no sales in the twelve months before 31 March 2024, the provision would increase by £119,000 (2023: £117,000).

 

Long term construction contracts

Significant estimation is involved in determining the revenue and profit to be recognised on long term contracts. This includes determining percentage of completion at the balance sheet date by estimating the total expected costs to complete each contract along with their future profitability. These estimates directly influence the revenue and profit that can be recognised on such contracts.

 

 

Directors and Company Information

Directors Nick Henry Non-executive Chairman Stuart Munro Chief Executive Officer Reuben Shamu Chief Financial Officer Robert Johnston Non-executive Director Dominic Lavelle Non-executive Director Holger Schröder Non-executive Director Company Secretary AMBA Secretaries Limited	Stockbroker and Nominated Adviser Zeus Capital Limited 125 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1AR Solicitors Shoosmiths LLP 1 Bow Churchyard London EC4M 9DQ Auditor Grant Thornton UK LLP 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 3AG	Registrar Link Group 10th Floor Central Square, 29 Wellington Street, Leeds LS1 4DL Financial PR Novella Communications, South Wing, Somerset House, London WC2R 1LA Registered Office Kenburgh Court 133-137 South Street Bishop's Stortford Hertfordshire CM23 3HX T: 01279 461630 E: [e-mail] W: www.fihplc.com Registered number 03416346

 

The Falkand Islands Company Stuart Munro, Director T: 00 500 27600 E [e-mail] W: www.falklandislandcompany.com www.fihplc.com

The Portsmouth Harbour Ferry Company Adam Brown, Director T: 02392 524551 E [e-mail] W: www.gosportferry.co.uk

Momart Limited Alison Jordan, Director T: 02392 524551 E [e-mail] W: www.momart.com

 

 

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