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GATC Gattaca Plc

93.50
-1.50 (-1.58%)
Last Updated: 12:36:53
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Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Gattaca Plc LSE:GATC London Ordinary Share GB00B1FMDQ43 ORD 1P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -1.50 -1.58% 93.50 92.00 95.00 95.00 93.50 95.00 36,696 12:36:53
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Employment Agencies 385.17M 1.23M 0.0386 24.48 30.1M

Gattaca PLC Interim Results (3879L)

19/04/2018 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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RNS Number : 3879L

Gattaca PLC

19 April 2018

19 April 2018

Gattaca plc

Interim Results for the six months ended 31 January 2018

Gattaca plc ("Gattaca" or the "Group"), the specialist Engineering and Technology (IT & Telecoms) recruitment solutions business, today announces its Interim Results for the six months ended 31 January 2018.

Financial Highlights

 
                              2018 H1                     2017 H1                     Change 
==================  ==========================  ==========================  ========================== 
                     Statutory   Underlying(2)   Statutory   Underlying(2)   Statutory   Underlying(2) 
==================  ==========  ==============  ==========  ==============  ==========  ============== 
                          GBPm            GBPm        GBPm            GBPm           %               % 
==================  ==========  ==============  ==========  ==============  ==========  ============== 
 Revenue                 323.3           323.3       304.2           329.1         +7%             -2% 
==================  ==========  ==============  ==========  ==============  ==========  ============== 
 Net Fee Income 
  (NFI)(1)                39.8            39.8        35.4            39.1        +12%             +2% 
==================  ==========  ==============  ==========  ==============  ==========  ============== 
 (Loss)/profit 
  from operations       (11.5)             7.7         5.5             8.9                        -13% 
==================  ==========  ==============  ==========  ==============  ==========  ============== 
 (Loss)/profit 
  before tax            (12.7)             6.9         5.2             8.3                        -17% 
==================  ==========  ==============  ==========  ==============  ==========  ============== 
 
 Basic earnings 
  per share            (41.3)p           14.7p       10.7p           19.6p          NA            -25% 
==================  ==========  ==============  ==========  ==============  ==========  ============== 
 Diluted earnings 
  per share            (40.6)p           14.5p       10.5p           19.1p          NA            -24% 
==================  ==========  ==============  ==========  ==============  ==========  ============== 
 Interim dividend        3.00p                       6.00p                        -50% 
==================  ==========  ==============  ==========  ==============  ==========  ============== 
 Net debt at          GBP36.2m                    GBP27.9m                    -GBP8.3m 
  end of period 
==================  ==========  ==============  ==========  ==============  ==========  ============== 
 

The following footnotes apply, unless where otherwise indicated, throughout these Interim Results:

(1) NFI is calculated as revenue less contractor payroll costs

(2) Underlying results include the results for RSL as if it had been a fully owned subsidiary in 2017 H1, exclude the trading results and net proceeds of divested businesses (2018: GBP0.4m; 2017: GBPnil), amortisation of acquired intangibles (2018: GBP1.6m; 2017: GBP1.4m), impairment of acquired intangibles (2018: GBP17.1m; 2017: GBPnil), non-underlying costs (2018: GBP0.1m; 2017: GBP1.1m), exchange gains and losses from revaluation of foreign assets and liabilities (2018: GBP0.4m loss; 2017: GBP0.3m gain) and is presented on a constant currency basis.

Group performance*

 
      --   Group NFI grew 12% on a statutory basis, with 
            underlying growth in group NFI of 2% 
      --   UK Engineering NFI grew 3% on prior year 
                            o Engineering technology +24%; Automotive +15%; 
                             RSL -13% and General Engineering -11% 
                            o Growth in both contract and permanent 
      --   UK Technology NFI declined 4% on prior year 
                            o IT +3%, including strong performance in Development 
                             (+50%) and Cloud and Leadership (+28%), offset 
                             by Public Sector and ERP (-33%) 
                            o Telecoms declined by 19% 
      --   International NFI grew 5% on prior year, driven 
            by strong performance in the Americas (+30%), 
            offset by a fall in Other International of 13% 
      --   Underlying overheads 6% higher reflecting investment 
            in UK Sales (GBP1.3m higher than prior year) 
            and US (GBP0.7m higher) 
                            o Actions in place to abate the rate of increase 
                             in the second half 
      --   Continued underperformance of Technology has 
            resulted in a non-cash impairment of GBP17.1m 
            in the period, in respect of goodwill and other 
            intangible assets capitalised with the Networkers 
            acquisition 
      --   Interim dividend of 3.0 pence (2017: 6.0 pence), 
            in line with the resetting of dividend policy 
            announced on 7 February 2018. The dividend policy 
            targets a pay-out of 50% of PAT through the 
            cycle, subject to a sustained reduction in net 
            debt from the 2019 financial year onwards 
 

*All performance commentary reflects underlying performance, including treating Resourcing Solutions Limited as if it had been owned throughout 2017, and on a constant currency basis

Other highlights

 
                --   Board focused on the following key areas to 
                      both stabilise underperforming parts of the 
                      business and ensure that the Group can better 
                      execute its strategy: 
                                      o Review of International footprint and net 
                                       profitability of key customers 
                                      o Improved integration of operations across 
                                       the Group 
                                      o Repositioning of the Telecoms business 
                                      o Delivering the current phase of cost savings 
      --             Following the resignation of Brian Wilkinson 
                      as CEO in February interim leadership entrusted 
                      to Keith Lewis (COO) and Salar Farzad (CFO) 
                                      o A full search to identify a CEO has commenced 
                                       and will consider both internal and external 
                                       candidates 
 

Outlook

Our business is going through a period of significant change, in particular in UK Technology and in some International operations outside of the Americas, where we do not have critical mass. To counteract this we have instigated a program to reduce the cost base of the business within the current financial year and beyond.

In February and March the business broadly traded in line with the Board's expectations. However, the changes being implemented in the Technology division in the coming months, alongside the economic challenges facing some of our sectors and territories make the backdrop to our full year expectations, which have a final quarter weighting, more challenging than at the time of the trading update of 7 February 2018, with the consequence that the Board now expects underlying profit before tax for the full year to be approximately 15% below its previous expectations.

Commenting on the results, Patrick Shanley, Chairman of the Group said:

"Gattaca delivered an improvement in NFI in H1, and it is pleasing to see our core UK Engineering and IT businesses delivering growth and our International operations in the Americas continuing to perform well. However, the continued underperformance in Telecoms is disappointing and actions are being taken to address this.

"The Board is focussed on ensuring the Group can better execute its strategy, delivering sustainable and profitable growth in segments and markets which are scalable. We have undertaken a number of actions to improve our underlying performance; albeit at a time when the UK recruitment market continues to be challenging. We will continue working hard to strengthen the Group and build further on its solid foundations."

For further information please contact:

 
 Gattaca plc                       +44 (0) 1489 898989 
-------------------------------  --------------------- 
 Salar Farzad, Chief Financial 
             Officer 
-------------------------------  --------------------- 
 Citigate Dewe Rogerson           +44 (0) 20 7638 9571 
-------------------------------  --------------------- 
 Louise Mason-Rutherford 
  / Nick Hayns / Ellen 
  Wilton 
-------------------------------  --------------------- 
 Numis Securities Limited         +44 (0) 20 7260 1000 
-------------------------------  --------------------- 
 Michael Meade / Kevin 
  Cruickshank / Tom Ballard 
-------------------------------  --------------------- 
 

Strategic Focus

The Board believes the core parts of our strategy, which includes profitable international diversification and increasing activity in more innovative staffing models, remains sound, as does our hub and spoke model (low number of high density principal offices with small satellite sales offices). This structure has enabled Gattaca to deliver superior conversion rates over time.

However, we must better execute our strategy, especially:

 
      --   Ensuring our international presence is in markets 
            which offer scalability with a clear route to 
            sustainable, material profitability 
      --   Implementing delivery models tailored to the 
            economics of differing business lines and more 
            proactively monitoring individual customer profitability 
      --   Greater rigour around sales performance management 
      --   Targeting central support costs with more precision 
            to support business units and activities with 
            the greatest potential to deliver profitable 
            growth in the near to medium term 
 

In February we commenced a review seeking to achieve these aims better and faster than had been achieved to date. This entailed a reassessment of our international foot-print, restructuring and refocusing sales operations in Telecoms, and greater centralisation and simplification of support services.

At the end of January we closed our sales office in Germany. Whilst this market had potential, we did not have sufficient scale there and we believe much better returns can be delivered by directing resources to other markets, particularly the Americas which is achieving excellent results.

Over the coming nine months we will transfer our support activities (some 28 positions) from Bromley, Kent to our central Whiteley, Hampshire hub and have scaled back resources in Marketing and Human Resources, redirecting the efforts to better support activities that much more directly drive profits in the short and medium term. An example of this is a more structured approach to the investment in our Primary Business Systems project, which will provide global front office CRM and operational systems as well as a middle office pay, bill and credit control solutions. Once these systems are operational we expect to create additional efficiencies in transactional areas.

Profitability levels for specific customers are also under closer review, in particular where we are incurring non-recoverable withholding tax.

Whilst we look to contain and reduce costs as an ongoing process, we continue to invest in both Sales and Support functions where we believe that investment will drive profitable growth in the near term.

Operational Performance*

UK Engineering

 
 Underlying     2018    2017              Change 
  NFI             H1      H1   Change         CC 
               GBP'm   GBP'm        %          % 
 Contract       18.8    18.2      +3%      +3% 
 Permanent       5.4     5.3      +2%      +2% 
 Total          24.2    23.5      +3%      +3% 
              ------  ------  -------  ------- 
 

UK Engineering returned to growth with underlying NFI up 3% on 2017 H1.

Engineering Technology was up 24% due to a 'convergence' of the decreasing gap between traditional engineering and IT skills primarily created by the accelerating global demand for connectivity. The automotive industry in particular is going through one of its most significant landscape changes in decades with the development of electric vehicles, the reality of driverless vehicles and ever-increasing consumer demand for in car connectivity.

It is not just the Automotive element of Engineering Technology that is delivering growth. Industry 4.0, a concept launched in Germany 10 years ago and driven by connectivity, is being viewed as the 4(th) industrial revolution - the concept of smart and intelligent manufacturing that encapsulates automation technology, communication, dynamic design and cyber security.

Smart Cities has also taken the Engineering Technology Team into the Infrastructure sector. This is happening through integration of digitalization in infrastructures which are providing the platform for smarter forms of urban transport, more efficient ways to light and heat buildings and more controlled and efficient ways to deliver and monitor utility services.

Engineering Technology's growth is complemented by our traditional design and manufacturing Automotive sector which grew NFI 15% in the period. Within our current verticals, we are particularly strong within body, trim, electrical and mechanical markets. The product development of driverless cars, electric vehicles and lightweight solutions has seen us change our focus in these verticals over the past two years to service the rapidly changing market. With that strategic direction in place and our focus on productivity and quality the sector has performed well in positive market conditions.

Alderwood (our training brand) and Barclay Meade (professional services) have performed well, up 35% and 15% respectively. Alderwood is benefiting from the Government's plans to increase apprenticeships in the UK. Overseas workload is strong as training and education remains a high-profile topic throughout the globe. Barclay Meade has a clear and structured business plan to focus mainly on our existing engineering clients, which has served it well and produced a consistent and solid platform. With that base layer in place it has been able to focus business development activity on high profile non-traditional clients such as Sky and Computershare.

NFI at RSL, our focused site-based rail team, was down 13%, impacted by the bidding, award and uncertainty of the HS2 project. The Rail industry and its supply chain has been affected by a significant overspend in Control Period 5 (5 years to March 2019) and the delay in HS2; as well as delayed investment into on-going maintenance projects. In the first calendar quarter of this year, we have noted a welcome increase on the prior quarter in both our rail design and site business units.

General Engineering's NFI was down 11% as a result of a downturn in business from three larger South Coast manufacturing clients which has affected permanent NFI. This business has a higher mix of permanent income and consequently is more 'lumpy'.

Whilst still relatively small, we are very pleased to see our new Gattaca Projects business grow 137% on 2017 H1. This business is at the leading edge of how the interaction between employers, the workforce and staffing solutions companies such as Gattaca is evolving through products such as Statement of Work projects.

UK Technology

 
 Underlying     2018    2017            Change 
  NFI             H1      H1   Change       CC 
               GBP'm   GBP'm        %        % 
 Contract        6.4     7.5     -15%     -15% 
 Permanent       2.1     1.3     +62%     +62% 
 Total           8.5     8.8      -4%      -4% 
              ------  ------  -------  ------- 
 

UK Technology's NFI was down 4% on H1 2017 driven by a 19% reduction in Telecoms, offset by a 3% improvement in IT.

Telecoms continues to be a challenging area for the Group and has suffered from pricing pressures from key customers, combined with a reduction in volume. It is also the sector which has a prevalence of non-recoverable withholding tax issues.

Since the period end we have changed the leadership structure for the UK Technology business with a new hire as head of Telecoms who has already restructured his team; and internal appointments for head of Bromley IT and head of Whiteley IT. All three will report directly to our COO and this structure will facilitate greater engagement between senior executive management and these businesses. We are changing the focus of the Telco business to reduce its dependency on vendor business, the primary driver of the decline in the business unit. This includes monitoring the profitability of key contracts, particularly where those contracts generate significant non-recoverable withholding tax, and taking action accordingly.

The key drivers behind the growth in IT include a 50% increase in Development driven by an increase in contract demand in this area as well as 28% growth across Cloud and Leadership where we increased investment; tempered by reductions in Security and ERP.

Total International

 
 Underlying     2018    2017            Change 
  NFI             H1      H1   Change       CC 
               GBP'm   GBP'm        %        % 
 Contract        3.7     4.0     -10%      -7% 
 Permanent       3.4     2.8     +20%     +25% 
 Total           7.1     6.8      +3%      +5% 
              ------  ------  -------  ------- 
 

As our Americas region is currently a significant driver of our International Segment, commentary is provided below on that specific region as well as the rest of the Segment.

In terms of the mix between contract and permanent NFI in our International business, the reduction in contract income is driven by pricing reductions at a key customer which impacted China, Malaysia and South Africa. At the same time much of the growth in the US is driven by permanent income.

Americas

 
 Underlying     2018    2017            Change 
  NFI             H1      H1   Change       CC 
               GBP'm   GBP'm        %        % 
 Contract        1.8     1.7      +6%     +10% 
 Permanent       1.9     1.2     +58%     +61% 
 Total           3.7     2.9     +28%     +30% 
              ------  ------  -------  ------- 
 

Our investment in our Americas (Canada, Mexico & United States) operation continues to pay off with 2018 H1 NFI up 30% on 2017 H1. There has been great progress with personnel, structure and target markets.

The Americas leadership team has been bolstered by the addition of an experienced EVP of Sales Operations under our regional President. In addition a Regional Sales Director role was created to capture market share through cross selling and regional collaboration. The position has already produced three RPO opportunities and multiple client advancements across the region. We are currently looking to identify the next Regional Sales Director to drive the initiative forward while aligning the region with the global business.

We have aligned our hub and spoke model for growth whilst maintaining efficiencies in our cost model. Delivery centres are being developed in the US and Mexico to support regional sales offices as we expand. Two examples of this are the recent expansion of sales efforts into Austin and Houston in Texas. The former to capture the high-tech IT boom and the latter to launch the Matchtech brand in the energy and engineering markets. Both have already seen billing success and are expected to grow.

Other International

 
 Underlying     2018    2017            Change 
  NFI             H1      H1   Change       CC 
               GBP'm   GBP'm        %        % 
 Contract        1.9     2.3     -22%     -19% 
 Permanent       1.5     1.6      -7%      -3% 
 Total           3.4     3.9     -15%     -13% 
              ------  ------  -------  ------- 
 

Asia's NFI was down 14%, impacted by the closure of our Singapore office which was a 'lumpy' high value low volume Permanent business.

South Africa's NFI was down 25% following pricing changes at the very end of the 2017 financial year from a key customer and the loss of staff during 2017.

As noted above, at the end of January, we made the decision to close down our Munich, Germany sales office. The results of this operation are shown in our accounts as a discontinued business.

Global Contractor and Permanent mix

There has been a noticeable shift towards Permanent Fees; 2018 H1: 28% (2017 H1: 24%). In addition to the factors noted under international this shift is partly driven by the market and partly by our new Technology Sales business unit which is Permanent focused and our new, small Madrid, Spain presence which is also Permanent focussed.

*All operational performance commentary after further adjusting underlying results to treat Resourcing Solutions Limited as if it had been owned throughout 2017, and on a constant currency basis

Board changes

Following Brian Wilkinson's departure as CEO, the Group is currently co-led by Keith Lewis (COO) and Salar Farzad (CFO). The COO leads all Sales activity and the CFO leads all support services including Investor Relations. A full search to identify a CEO has commenced and will consider both internal and external candidates.

Keith is highly experienced in recruitment having spent 29 years in the industry, including 25 years with Gattaca. He has been COO since September 2012.

Salar joined the business and Board in June 2017 having held leadership roles in a number of well-known people based organisations (including Zodiak Media, Macmillan Science & Education, Viacom, EMI and Price Waterhouse) navigating significant change.

The Board believes Keith and Salar are best placed, together with the rest of the highly experienced senior management team, to deliver on the Group's immediate performance objectives.

Chairman Patrick Shanley remains non-Executive but has increased the amount of time he spends with the Company to support Keith and Salar.

After nearly 12 years with Gattaca, Ric Piper, Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Audit Committee will be retiring from the Board at the end of July 2018 and will be replaced by David Lawther as Chair of Audit who will join the Board from 1(st) June. Until 2016 David was Chief Executive of Interior Services Group (SIG) Plc having previously served as Finance Director. Prior to this he also served as Finance Director for Wilson Connolly Plc and held senior roles at John Mowlem & Co Plc. He is currently Chairman of Syntegra Consulting Ltd and a non-executive director of Ensemble Infrastructure India Ltd.

Roger Goodman, who was Chairman of Networkers Plc and joined the Gattaca Board in April 2015 following Gattaca's acquisition of that business, will also be stepping down from our Board at the end of July 2018. At this time the Board does not intend to appoint a replacement for Roger.

Chairman Patrick Shanley, and the rest of the Board thank Ric and Roger for their significant contributions to Gattaca and welcomes David to the Board.

People

Gattaca's permanent FTE headcount at 31 January 2018 was 870, 14 lower than 31 January 2017 on a pro-forma basis. The ratio of sales to support staff was 73%, below our target of 75%.

Financial Overview

Revenue for the period at GBP323m was 7% above 2017 H1 (GBP304m).

NFI of GBP39.8m represented a 12% increase on a statutory basis, and a 2% (GBP0.7m) increase on an underlying basis, compared to 2017 H1.

Underlying EBITA for the period at GBP7.7m is 13% lower than 2017 H1 on a pro-forma constant currency basis. This reflects the growth in NFI being more than offset by higher administrative costs, which are explained in more detail below.

Excluding the impact of the GBP17.1m intangibles impairment the effective tax rate of the group was 37.8% (2017 H1 35.5%), with the growth attributable to a lower credit in relation to expenses not chargeable for tax. Our high effective tax rate continues to be driven by non-recoverable withholding tax, principally in the Telecoms business, and notwithstanding the fact that we increase margins charged to customers where this applies, these contracts are currently being reviewed.

Adjusted basic earnings per were (41.3) p (2017 H1 10.7p) and adjusted diluted earnings per share were (40.6)p (2017 H1 10.5p).

Administrative Expenses

Investments in FY15, 16 & 17 in both Sales and Support staff were made in anticipation of NFI growing significantly ahead of the market. Whilst the business has returned to growth in H1, the rate of improvement particularly in the UK is below the level anticipated. The annualised impact of investments made during FY 2017 and early FY 2018 would have substantially increased our cost base even further for the whole of FY 2018.

Having reviewed our execution effectiveness and full year expectations since February, we have taken significant actions to rationalise that cost base.

These actions will abate the velocity of cost increase and bring greater balance between costs and expected short term NFI. Nevertheless the H1 cost variance on prior year is likely to be duplicated in H2 at a similar level to the H1 variance, albeit there will be some additional annualised benefits in 2019.

 
 H1 Administrative Expenses 
  GBP'm                                 2018    2017   Change 
                                        GBPm    GBPm     GBPm 
 As reported                            51.2    29.9   (21.3) 
 Non-underlying Items                  (0.5)   (1.1)    (0.6) 
 Amortisation of intangibles           (1.6)   (1.4)      0.2 
 Impairment of intangibles            (17.1)       -   (17.7) 
 Impact of full year consolidation 
  of RSL                                   -     2.9      2.9 
                                     -------  ------  ------- 
 Underlying Administrative 
  expenses                              32.0    30.3    (1.7) 
                                     -------  ------  ------- 
 % of Underlying pro-forma 
  NFI                                    80%     78% 
 
 Investment in UK and Central 
  Sales                                                 (1.3) 
 Investment in US Office                                (0.7) 
 Reduction Asia and MEA                                   0.7 
 Group Support staff costs                              (0.2) 
 London Office                                          (0.1) 
 Other                                                  (0.1) 
                                                        (1.7) 
                                                      ------- 
 

Non-underlying costs

The principle elements of non-underlying costs are as follows:

 
                                          GBP'm 
 Restructuring and Termination costs 
  for directors and staff                   0.1 
 Costs related to Germany discontinued 
  operation                                 0.4 
 Total                                      0.5 
                                         ------ 
 

Intangibles

Given the performance of our Technology business, we have reviewed our intangible assets and the carrying value of certain investments in our holding company accounts and as a result we have impaired these intangibles by GBP17.1m in the Group accounts.

Financing Costs

Net financing costs of GBP1.2m (2017 H1 GBP0.3m) were GBP0.9m higher primarily due to a GBP0.4m foreign exchange impact on translation of foreign currency balances within local entities and the remainder due to higher debt balances driven by the RSL acquisition in February 2017.

Debtors, cashflow, net debt and financing

A review of the Group's future financing needs led to the resetting of the Group's dividend policy which was announced on 7 February 2018.

In March we concluded new financing arrangements to better match our needs with a reduction in total excess facilities and to make greater use of our lower cost Invoice Financing facilities within the overall financing mix. These new arrangements also provide us greater flexibility on covenants. Our facilities continue to October 2020 and comprise a Revolving Credit Facility of GBP20m (previously GBP30m) and an unchanged Invoice Financing Facility of GBP75m. In return for the increased flexibility on covenants, we have agreed to a temporary increase of 50 basis points in addition to each of our main interest rates.

After dividend payments in the period of GBP5.5m and the seasonal benefits routinely seen in H1, net debt at 31 January 2018 was GBP36.2m (31 January 2017: GBP27.9m, 31 July 2017: GBP40.3m).

Capital expenditure in the period of GBP1.4m (2017 H1 GBP0.9m) increased primarily due to the refurbishment of our Whiteley offices.

Our Days Sales Outstanding at 53 days has slightly improved from 31 July 2017 (54 days). This improvement represents approximately GBP2m in working capital. Total working capital improvement was GBP7.6m and the remainder of the improvement was due to lower trade receivables due to seasonality of Christmas period billings. We have scope for improvement, especially in our international operations, in particular in North America.

Interest paid at GBP0.7m was GBP0.2m higher than 2017 H1. This was driven by higher LIBOR rates and a higher average debt during the period compared to 2017 H1 driven by the RSL acquisition.

Our insurance claim for Carillion related receivables has been submitted and is progressing. We expect to receive GBP0.7m from the insurers. Excluding this and relevant provisions, we have taken a net charge of GBP0.2m in our half year accounts which is slightly higher than our estimate of GBP0.1m which we gave on 17 January 2018.

The net increase in cash and cash equivalents was GBP4.2m. This was after a GBP1.5m charge for the effects of exchange rates on foreign currency balances within local entities.

Dividend

As announced on 7 February 2018 and as noted above, the Group will be adjusting its dividends to provide a better balance between debt reduction and continuing to offer strong returns to shareholders. Our objective is to achieve a through-the-cycle dividend pay-out of approximately 50% of profits after tax, subject to reductions in net debt of at least GBP3m per year, these reductions starting from the 2019 financial year onwards.

The Board has today declared an interim dividend of 3.0 pence per share (2016: 6.00 pence) to be paid on 22 June 2018 to shareholders on the register at 25 May 2018.

Auditors

Following a competitive tender process, PwC were appointed as Auditors in March. The Board would like to thank KPMG for its contribution as the Group's auditors since their appointment in 2011 and also the other firms who took part in the tender. We look forward to working with PwC in the future.

Risks

The Board considers strategic, financial and operational risks and identifies actions to mitigate those risks. Key risks and their mitigation were disclosed on pages 18 and 19 of the Annual Report for the year ended 31 July 2017.

Notwithstanding that no new key risks have been identified in the period, we continue to manage a number of potential risks and uncertainties - many of which are common to other similar businesses - which could have a material impact on our longer-term performance.

In particular the Board is mindful that the changes to staff, structures, systems and processes resulting from the resetting of the business by current executive management as well as pre-existing initiatives which will improve our medium and long-term profitability and capability could cause some disruption in the short term.

Outlook

Our business is going through a period of significant change, in particular in UK Technology and in some International operations outside of the Americas, where we do not have critical mass. To counteract this we have instigated a program to reduce the cost base of the business within the current financial year and beyond.

In February and March the business broadly traded in line with the Board's expectations. However, the changes being implemented in the Technology division in the coming months, alongside the economic challenges facing some of our sectors and territories make the backdrop to our full year expectations, which have a final quarter weighting more challenging than at the time of the trading update of 7 February 2018 with the consequence that the Board now expects underlying profit before tax for the full year to be approximately 15% below its previous expectations.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

 
 for the period ended 31 
  January 2018 
                                    Note       6 months       6 months      12 months 
                                            to 31/01/18    to 31/01/17    to 31/07/17 
                                              unaudited      unaudited        audited 
                                                GBP'000        GBP'000        GBP'000 
 Revenue                             2          323,298        304,211        642,365 
 Cost of Sales                                (283,532)      (268,843)      (567,657) 
---------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 GROSS PROFIT                        2           39,766         35,368         74,708 
 
 Administrative expenses                       (51,251)       (29,921)       (62,004) 
---------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 (LOSS)/PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS                 (11,485)          5,447         12,704 
 
 Profit from operations before 
  amortisation and impairment 
  of acquired intangibles 
  and non-underlying costs           2            7,728          7,979         17,388 
 Amortisation and impairment 
  of acquired intangibles            2         (18,737)        (1,432)        (3,074) 
 Non-underlying costs included 
  within administrative expenses     2            (476)        (1,100)        (1,610) 
---------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 Finance income                      3               25            278             44 
 Finance costs                       4          (1,222)          (559)        (1,240) 
---------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 (LOSS)/PROFIT BEFORE TAX                      (12,682)          5,166         11,508 
 
 Taxation                            5            (480)        (1,833)        (4,160) 
---------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 (LOSS)/PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD                  (13,162)          3,333          7,348 
---------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Equity holders of the parent                  (13,381)          3,333          7,176 
 Non-controlling interests                          219              -            172 
---------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
                                               (13,162)          3,333          7,348 
---------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

All of the activities of the Group are classed as continuing.

EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE

 
                 pence   pence   pence 
 Basic      7   (41.3)    10.7    23.4 
 Diluted    7   (40.6)    10.5    22.7 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 
 for the period ended 31 January 
  2018                                       6 months       6 months      12 months 
                                          to 31/01/18    to 31/01/17    to 31/07/17 
                                            unaudited      unaudited        audited 
                                              GBP'000        GBP'000        GBP'000 
 (LOSS)/PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD                (13,162)          3,333          7,348 
 
 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
 Exchange differences on translating 
  foreign operations                          (1,008)            419            218 
--------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (EXPENSE)/INCOME 
  FOR THE PERIOD                              (1,008)            419            218 
 TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR 
  THE PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY 
  HOLDERS OF THE PARENT                      (14,170)          3,752          7,566 
--------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Equity holders of the parent      (14,389)   3,752   7,394 
 Non-controlling interests              219       -     172 
--------------------------------  ---------  ------  ------ 
                                   (14,170)   3,752   7,566 
  ------------------------------  ---------  ------  ------ 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

as at 31 January 2018

 
                                      Note    31/01/2018   31/01/2017   31/07/2017 
                                               unaudited    unaudited      audited 
 ASSETS                                          GBP'000      GBP'000      GBP'000 
 Non-Current Assets 
 Intangible assets                     8          33,059       47,059       51,802 
 Property, plant and equipment                     3,420        1,532        2,504 
 Deferred tax assets                                 773          737          773 
-----------------------------------  -----  ------------  -----------  ----------- 
                                                  37,252       49,328       55,079 
 Current Assets 
 Trade and other receivables           9         103,523      100,587      114,997 
 Cash and cash equivalents                        10,418        6,423        5,802 
-----------------------------------  -----  ------------  -----------  ----------- 
                                                 113,941      107,010      120,799 
 
 TOTAL ASSETS                                    151,193      156,338      175,878 
-----------------------------------  -----  ------------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 LIABILITIES 
 Non-Current Liabilities 
 Deferred tax liability                          (2,565)      (3,597)      (3,914) 
 Provisions                                      (1,603)        (278)      (1,596) 
 Bank loans and overdrafts                      (20,399)     (13,608)     (20,464) 
-----------------------------------  -----  ------------  -----------  ----------- 
                                                (24,567)     (17,483)     (25,974) 
 
 Current Liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                       (35,141)     (36,663)     (38,990) 
 Current tax liability                             (255)      (1,004)        (586) 
 Bank loans and overdrafts                      (26,199)     (20,760)     (25,626) 
-----------------------------------  -----  ------------  -----------  ----------- 
                                                (61,595)     (58,427)     (65,202) 
 
 TOTAL LIABILITIES                              (86,162)     (75,910)     (91,176) 
 
 NET ASSETS                                       65,031       80,428       84,702 
-----------------------------------  -----  ------------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 EQUITY 
 Called-up equity share capital        10            322          316          318 
 Share premium account                             8,706        8,696        8,704 
 Merger reserve                                   28,750       28,750       28,750 
 Share based payment reserve                       1,051        2,526        1,415 
 Translation of foreign operations                    25        1,234        1,033 
 Retained earnings                                23,736       38,906       42,260 
 
 TOTAL EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE 
  TO EQUITY HOLDERS OF PARENT                     62,590       80,428       82,480 
-----------------------------------  -----  ------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Non-controlling interests                         2,441            -        2,222 
-----------------------------------  -----  ------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Total equity                                     65,031       80,428       84,702 
-----------------------------------  -----  ------------  -----------  ----------- 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

for the period ended 31 January 2018

 
                                                 6 months        6 months         12 months 
                                              to 31/01/18     to 31/01/17       to 31/07/17 
                                                unaudited       unaudited           audited 
                                                  GBP'000         GBP'000           GBP'000 
 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
 (Loss)/profit after taxation                    (13,162)           3,333             7,348 
 Adjustments for: 
Depreciation, impairments and 
 amortisation                                      19,259           1,901             3,970 
Profit on disposal of property, 
 plant and equipment                                  (7)            (12)               (9) 
Interest income                                      (25)           (278)              (44) 
Interest expense                                    1,222             559             1,240 
Taxation expense recognised 
 in profit and loss                                   480           1,833             4,160 
Decrease/(increase) in trade 
 and other receivables                             11,474             224           (3,774) 
Decrease in trade and other 
 payables                                         (3,856)         (1,400)           (1,221) 
Share based payment charge                             73             548               774 
------------------------------------------  -------------   -------------  ---------------- 
 Cash generated from operations                    15,458           6,708            12,444 
 Interest paid                                      (710)           (522)           (1,145) 
 Income taxes paid                                (2,280)         (2,931)           (6,034) 
------------------------------------------  -------------   -------------  ---------------- 
 NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITES                 12,468           3,255             5,265 
------------------------------------------  -------------   -------------  ---------------- 
 
 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
 Purchase of plant and equipment                  (1,280)           (711)           (1,027) 
 Purchase of intangibles                            (153)           (189)             (512) 
 Acquisitions net of cash received                      -               -          (11,162) 
 Proceeds from sale of plant and 
  equipment                                            35              39                76 
 Interest received                                     25               -                 - 
 NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES            (1,373)           (861)          (12,625) 
------------------------------------------  -------------   -------------  ---------------- 
 
 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
 Proceeds from issue of share capital                   6               7                14 
 Drawdown of term loan                                  -               -             7,106 
 Finance costs paid                                     -               -             (250) 
 Dividends paid                                   (5,474)         (5,289)           (7,195) 
------------------------------------------  -------------   -------------  ---------------- 
 NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES            (5,468)         (5,282)             (325) 
------------------------------------------  -------------   -------------  ---------------- 
 
 Effects of exchange rates on cash 
  and cash equivalents                            (1,452)              62             (695) 
 
 NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH 
  EQUIVALENTS                                       4,175         (2,826)           (8,380) 
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING 
  OF PERIOD                                      (19,891)        (11,511)          (11,511) 
------------------------------------------  -------------   -------------  ---------------- 
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT 
  OF PERIOD                                      (15,716)        (14,337)          (19,891) 
------------------------------------------  -------------   -------------  ---------------- 
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
 Cash                                              10,418           6,423             5,802 
 Bank overdrafts                                        -            (31)                 - 
 Working capital facility 
  used                                           (26,134)        (20,729)          (25,693) 
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
  IN CASH FLOW STATEMENT                         (15,716)        (14,337)          (19,891) 
------------------------------------------  -------------   -------------  ---------------- 
 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

for the period ended 31 January 2018

 
                                                   Share-based   Translation 
                                                       payment    of foreign                Non-controlling 
                     Share      Share     Merger       reserve    operations    Retained          interests 
                   capital    premium    reserve       GBP'000       GBP'000    earnings            GBP'000      Total 
                   GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000                                 GBP'000                       GBP'000 
---------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  ----------  -----------------  --------- 
 Balance at 
  1 August 
  2016                 312      8,696     28,750         2,537           815      40,504                  -     81,614 
---------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  ----------  -----------------  --------- 
 Profit for 
  the period             -          -          -             -             -       3,333                  -      3,333 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income                 -          -          -             -           419           -                  -        419 
---------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  ----------  -----------------  --------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                 -          -          -             -           419       3,333                  -      3,752 
 Dividends 
  paid in the 
  period                 -          -          -             -             -     (5,289)                  -    (5,289) 
 Deferred 
  tax movement 
  re share 
  options                -          -          -             -             -       (201)                  -      (201) 
 IFRS 2 charge           -          -          -           548             -           -                  -        548 
 IFRS 2 
  reserves 
  transfer               -          -          -         (559)             -         559                  -          - 
 Shares issued           4          -          -             -             -           -                  -          4 
 Transactions 
  with owners            4          -          -          (11)             -     (4,931)                  -    (4,938) 
 Balance at 
  31 January 
  2017                 316      8,696     28,750         2,526         1,234      38,906                  -     80,428 
---------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  ----------  -----------------  --------- 
 
 
 Balance at 
  1 August 
  2016                  312   8,696   28,750     2,537     815    40,504       -    81,614 
---------------------  ----  ------  -------  --------  ------  --------  ------  -------- 
 Profit for 
  the period              -       -        -         -       -     7,176     172     7,348 
 Other comprehensive 
  income                  -       -        -         -     218         -       -       218 
---------------------  ----  ------  -------  --------  ------  --------  ------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income                  -       -        -         -     218     7,176     172     7,566 
 Dividends 
  paid in the 
  period                  -       -        -         -       -   (7,195)       -   (7,195) 
 Deferred 
  tax movement 
  re share 
  options                 -       -        -         -       -     (121)       -     (121) 
 Deferred 
  consideration           -       -        -         -       -         -   2,050     2,050 
 IFRS 2 charge            -       -        -       774       -         -       -       774 
 IFRS 2 reserves 
  transfer                -       -        -   (1,896)       -     1,896       -         - 
 Shares issued            6       8        -         -       -         -       -        14 
 Transactions 
  with owners             6       8        -   (1,122)       -   (5,420)   2,050   (4,478) 
 Balance at 
  31 July 2017          318   8,704   28,750     1,415   1,033    42,260   2,222    84,702 
---------------------  ----  ------  -------  --------  ------  --------  ------  -------- 
 
 
                                                   Share-based   Translation 
                                                       payment    of foreign                Non-controlling 
                     Share      Share     Merger       reserve    operations    Retained          interests 
                   capital    premium    reserve       GBP'000       GBP'000    earnings            GBP'000      Total 
                   GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000                                 GBP'000                       GBP'000 
---------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  ----------  -----------------  --------- 
 Balance at 
  1 August 
  2017                 318      8,704     28,750         1,415         1,033      42,260              2,222     84,702 
---------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  ----------  -----------------  --------- 
 (Loss)/profit 
  for the 
  period                 -          -          -             -             -    (13,381)                219     13,162 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income                 -          -          -             -       (1,008)           -                  -    (1,008) 
---------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  ----------  -----------------  --------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                 -          -          -             -       (1,008)    (13,381)                219   (14,170) 
---------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  ----------  -----------------  --------- 
 Dividends 
  paid in the 
  period                 -          -          -             -             -     (5,474)                  -    (5,474) 
 Deferred 
  tax movement 
  re share 
  options                -          -          -             -             -       (106)                  -      (106) 
 IFRS 2 charge           -          -          -            73             -           -                  -         73 
 IFRS 2 
  reserves 
  transfer               -          -          -         (437)             -         437                  -          - 
 Shares issued           4          2          -             -             -           -                  -          6 
 Transactions 
  with owners            4          2          -         (364)             -     (5,143)                  -    (5,501) 
 Balance at 
  31 January 
  2018                 322      8,706     28,750         1,051            25      23,736              2,441     65,031 
---------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  ----------  -----------------  --------- 
 

Notes forming part of the financial statements

1 The Group and Company Significant Accounting Policies

i General Information

Gattaca plc is a human capital resources business dealing with contract and permanent recruitment in the private and public sectors. The Company is incorporated in the United Kingdom. The Group's address is: Gattaca plc, 1450 Parkway, Whiteley, Fareham PO15 7AF.

These financial statements were approved for issue on 18 April 2018.

ii Basis of Preparation of the Financial Statements

These interim condensed consolidated financial statements are for the six months ended 31 January 2018. They have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting". They do not include all of the information required for full annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2017. The comparative figures for the financial year ended 31 July 2017 are not the company's statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts have been reported on by the company's auditor and delivered to the registrar of companies. The report of the auditor was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and (iii) did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements ('the interim financial statements') have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out below which are based on the recognition and measurement principles of IFRS in issue as adopted by the European Union (EU) and are effective at 31 July 2018 or are expected to be adopted and effective at 31 July 2017.

These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the Group for the purposes of preparation of these condensed interim financial statements. A summary of the principal accounting policies of the group are set out below.

iii Going Concern

The Directors have reviewed forecasts and budgets for the coming year, which have been drawn up with appropriate regard for the current macroeconomic environment and the particular circumstances in which the Group operates. These were prepared with reference to historical and current industry knowledge, taking future strategy of the Group into account.

As a result, at the time of approving the Financial Statements, the Directors consider that the Company and the Group have sufficient resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, and accordingly, that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in the preparation of the Financial Statements. As with all business forecasts, the Directors cannot guarantee that the going concern basis will remain appropriate given the inherent uncertainty about future events.

iv New Standards and Interpretations

The accounting standards adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial year except as described below.

These following amendments to existing standards are applicable for the period ending 31 January 2018:

 
                                 Effective date 
                                (Annual periods 
Standard                 beginning on or after) 
--------  ------------  ----------------------- 
IAS 12    Deferred Tax           1 January 2017 
--------  ------------  ----------------------- 
 

The adoption of the above standards has had no material impact on the financial statements.

New Standards in Issue, Not Yet Effective

The following relevant standards and interpretations, which are new and yet to become mandatory, have not been applied in the Group financial statements:

 
                                                                      Effective date 
                                                           (Annual periods beginning 
Standard                                                                on or after) 
-----------------  -------------------------------------  -------------------------- 
IFRS 9             Financial Instruments                              1 January 2018 
IFRS 15            Revenue from contracts with customers              1 January 2018 
IFRS 2             Share-based Payment Transactions                   1 January 2018 
IFRS 16            Leases                                             1 January 2019 
IFRS improvements  Various                                                   Various 
-----------------  -------------------------------------  -------------------------- 
 

The Board needs to assess the impact of the above new standards, however, based on the Group's current business model and accounting policies.

The Group does not intend to apply any of these pronouncements early.

v Basis of Consolidation

The Group financial statements consolidate those of the Company and all of its subsidiary undertakings drawn up to the Statement of Financial Position date. Subsidiaries are entities over which the Group has power to control the financial and operating policies so as to obtain benefits from their activities. The Group obtains and exercises control through voting rights.

Acquisitions of subsidiaries are dealt with by the purchase method. The purchase method involves the recognition at fair value of all identifiable assets and liabilities, including contingent liabilities of the subsidiary, at the acquisition date, regardless of whether or not they were recorded in the financial statements of the subsidiary prior to acquisition. On initial recognition, the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary are included in the Group Statement of Financial Position at their fair values, which are also used as the bases for subsequent measurement in accordance with Group accounting policies.

Transactions between Group companies are eliminated on consolidation.

vi Revenue

Revenue is measured by reference to the fair value of consideration received or receivable by the Group for services provided, excluding VAT and trade discounts. Revenue on temporary placements is recognised upon receipt of a client approved timesheet or equivalent. Revenue from permanent placements, which is based on a percentage of the candidate's remuneration package, is recognised when candidates commence employment, at which point it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will be transferred. Fees for the provision of engineering services are recognised on completion of work performed in accordance with customer contracts. Other fees are recognised on confirmation from the client committing to the agreement.

vii Non-underlying Items

Non-underlying items are items that are unusual because of their size, nature or incidence and are presented within the consolidated income statement but highlighted through separate disclosure. The Group's Directors consider that these items should be separately identified within the income statement to enable a true and fair understanding of the Group's results.

Items which are included within this category include:

 
 -   costs of acquisitions; 
 -   integration costs following acquisitions; 
 -   significant restructuring costs; 
 -   other particularly significant or unusual items. 
 

viii Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment.

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset in terms of annual depreciation as follows:

 
Motor vehicles          25.0%               Reducing balance 
Fixtures, Fittings and 
 equipment              12.5% to 33.0%         Straight line 
                        Over the period 
Leasehold Improvements   of the lease term     Straight line 
----------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 

ix Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries and represents the excess of the fair value of the consideration given for a business over the Company's interest in the fair value of the net identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquiree. Goodwill is stated at cost less accumulated impairment.

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units (CGUs) and is not amortised, but is tested at least annually for impairment. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business acquisition is allocated to each of the cash generating units, or groups of CGUs that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. Each unit or group of units to which the goodwill is allocated represents the lowest level within the entity at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. Goodwill is monitored at the operating segment level.

Goodwill impairment reviews are undertaken annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment. The carrying value of goodwill is compared to the recoverable amount, which is the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell. Any impairment is recognised immediately as an expense and is not subsequently reversed. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.

Expenditure on internally generated goodwill, brands and intangibles is expensed in the Income Statement when incurred.

Customer relationships

Acquired customer relationships comprise principally of existing customer relationships which may give rise to future orders (customer relationships), and existing order books (backlog orders). Acquired customer relationships are recognised at fair value at the acquisition date and have a finite useful life. Amortisation of customer relationships is amortised in line with the expected cashflows. Acquired customer relationships are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment. Backlog orders are recognised at fair value at the acquisition date and amortised in line with the expected cash flows. Backlog orders are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment.

Trade names and trademarks

Trade names and trademarks have arisen on the consolidation of acquired businesses and are recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Where trade names and trademarks are considered to have a finite useful life, amortisation is calculated using the straight line method to allocate the cost of trade names and trademarks over their estimated useful lives. Where trade names and trademarks are considered to have an indefinite useful life, they are not subject to amortisation; they are tested annually for impairment and when there are indications that the carrying value may not be recoverable, detailed within the impairment of non-financial assets section below. Trade names and trademarks are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment.

Other

Other intangible assets acquired by the Group that have a finite life useful life are measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated losses.

Amortisation of intangible assets is recognised in the income statement under administrative expenses. Provision is made against the carrying value of intangible assets where an impairment in value is deemed to have occurred. Impairment losses are recognised in the Income Statement under administrative expenses.

Software Licences

Acquired computer software licences are capitalised on the basis of the costs incurred to acquire and bring into use the specific software. These costs are amortised using the straight line method to allocate the cost of the software licences over their useful lives of between two and five years. Software licences are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation.

x Disposal of Assets

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in the Income Statement.

xi Operating Lease Agreements

Rentals applicable to operating leases are charged against profits on a straight line basis over the lease term. Lease incentives are spread over the term of the lease.

xii Taxation

Current tax is the tax currently payable based on taxable profit for the year.

Deferred income taxes are calculated using the liability method on temporary differences. Deferred tax is generally provided on the difference between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. However, deferred tax is not provided on the initial recognition of goodwill, nor on the initial recognition of an asset or liability unless the related transaction is a business combination or affects tax or accounting profit.

Deferred tax liabilities are provided in full, with no discounting. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that the underlying deductible temporary differences will be able to be offset against future taxable income. Current and deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at tax rates that are expected to apply to their respective period of realisation, provided they are enacted or substantively enacted at the Statement of Financial Position date.

Deferred tax on temporary differences associated with shares in subsidiaries is not provided if these temporary differences can be controlled by the Group and it is probable that reversal will not occur in the foreseeable future.

Changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised as a component of tax expense in the income statement, except where they relate to items that are charged or credited directly to equity (such as share-based payments) in which case the related deferred tax is also charged or credited directly to equity.

xiii Pension Costs

The Company operates defined contribution pension schemes for employees. The assets of these schemes are held separately from those of the Company. The annual contributions payable are charged to the Income Statement as they accrue.

xiv Share-based Payments

The transitional arrangements of IFRS 1 have been applied to all grants of equity instruments after 7 November 2002 that were unvested at 1 August 2006. All share-based remuneration is ultimately recognised as an expense in the Income Statement with a corresponding credit to "share-based payment reserve". All goods and services received in exchange for the grant of any share-based remuneration are measured at their fair values. Fair values of employee services are indirectly determined by reference to the fair value of the share options awarded. Their value is appraised at the grant date and excludes the impact of non-market vesting conditions (for example, profitability and sales growth targets).

If vesting periods or other non-market vesting conditions apply, the expense is allocated over the vesting period, based on the best available estimate of the number of share options expected to vest. Estimates are subsequently revised if there is any indication that the number of share options expected to vest differs from previous estimates. Any cumulative adjustment prior to vesting is recognised in the current period. No adjustment is made to any expense recognised in prior periods if share options ultimately exercised are different to that estimated on vesting. Upon exercise of share options, proceeds received net of attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital and share premium.

The Company is the granting and settling entity in the group share-based payment arrangement where share options are granted to employees of its subsidiary companies. The Company recognises the share-based payment expense as an increase in the investment in subsidiary undertakings.

The Group operates a Share Incentive Plan (SIP) which is HMRC approved, and enables employees to purchase Company shares out of pre-tax salary. For each share purchased the Company grants an additional share at no cost to the employee. The expense in relation to these 'free' shares is recorded as employee remuneration and measured at fair value of the shares issued as at the date of grant.

xv Business Combinations Completed Prior to Date of Transition to IFRS

The Group has elected not to apply IFRS 3 Business Combinations retrospectively to business combinations prior to 1 August 2006. Accordingly the classification of the combination (merger) remains unchanged from that used under UK GAAP. Assets and liabilities are recognised as at the date of transition if they would be recognised under IFRS, and are measured using their UK GAAP carrying amount immediately post-acquisition as deemed cost under IFRS, unless IFRS requires fair value measurement. Deferred tax is adjusted for the impact of any consequential adjustments after taking advantage of the transitional provisions.

xvi Financial Assets

All financial assets are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets are recognised at fair value plus transaction costs.

In the Company financial statements, investment in the subsidiary Company is measured at cost, and provision made where an impairment value is deemed to have occurred.

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. Trade receivables are classified as loans and receivables. Loans and receivables are measured subsequent to initial recognition at amortised cost using effective interest method, less provision for impairment. Any change in their value through impairment or reversal of impairment is recognised in the Income Statement.

Provision against trade receivables is made when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due to it in accordance with the original terms of those receivables. The amount of the write-down is determined as the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows.

A financial asset is derecognised only where the contractual rights to cash flows from the asset expire or the financial asset is transferred and that transfer qualifies for derecognition. A financial asset is transferred if the contractual rights to receive the cash flows of the asset have been transferred or the Group retains the contractual rights to receive the cash flows of the asset but assumes a contractual obligation to pay the cash flows to one or more recipients. A financial asset that is transferred qualifies for derecognition if the Group transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset, or if the Group neither retains nor transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership but does transfer control of that asset.

Trade receivables subject to the invoice discounting facility are recognised in the Statement of Financial Position until they are settled by the customer.

xvii Financial Liabilities

Financial liabilities are obligations to pay cash or other financial assets and are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument and comprise trade and other payables and bank loans. Financial liabilities are recorded initially at fair value, net of direct issue costs and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

A financial liability is derecognised only when the obligation is extinguished, that is, when the obligation is discharged or cancelled or expires.

xviii Financial instruments

Financial instruments often consist of a combination of debt and equity and the Group has to decide how to attribute values to each. They are treated as equity only to the extent that they meet the following two conditions:

(i) they include no contractual obligations upon the Group to deliver cash or other financial assets or to exchange financial assets or financial liabilities with another party under conditions that are potentially unfavourable to the Group; and

(ii) where the instrument will or may be settled in the Group's own equity instruments, it is either a non-derivative that includes no obligation to deliver a variable number of the Group's own equity instruments or is a derivative that will be settled by the Group exchanging a fixed amount of cash or other financial assets for a fixed number of its own equity instruments.

To the extent that this definition is not met, the proceeds of issue are classified as a financial liability, and where such an instrument takes the legal form of the Company's own shares, the amounts presented in these financial statements for called up share capital and share premium account exclude amounts in relation to those shares.

Finance payments associated with financial liabilities are dealt with as part of finance costs. Finance payments associated with financial instruments that are classified in equity are dividends and are recorded directly in equity

The Group uses financial instruments, in particular forward currency contracts to manage the financial risks associated with the Group's underlying business activities. The forward exchange contracts are used to hedge foreign currency exposures arising on forecast receipts and payments in foreign currencies. These forward contracts are revalued to the rates of exchange at the Statement of Financial Position date and any aggregate unrealised gains and losses arising on revaluation are included in other debtors or creditors. At maturity, or when the contract ceases to be a hedge, gains and losses are taken to the Income Statement. The Group does not undertake any trading activity in financial instruments.

Fair value hierarchy

The Group analyses financial instruments carried at a fair value by valuation method. The different levels have been defined as follows:

- Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

- Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for assets or liabilities, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. directly from prices); and

- Level 3: inputs for assets or liabilities that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

xix Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand, on demand deposits, and bank overdrafts.

xx Dividends

Dividend distributions payable to equity shareholders are included in "other short term financial liabilities" when the dividends are approved in the annual general meeting prior to the balance sheet date.

xxi Foreign Currencies

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the Statement of Financial Position date. Non-monetary items that are measured at historical cost in a foreign currency are translated at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Non-monetary items that are measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value was determined.

Any exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items or on translating monetary items at rates different from those at which they were initially recorded are recognised in the profit or loss in the period in which they arise.

The assets and liabilities in the financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the rate of exchange ruling at the Statement of Financial Position date. Income and expenses are translated at the actual rate. The exchange differences arising from the retranslation of the opening net investment in subsidiaries are taken directly to "Translation of foreign operations" in equity. On disposal of a foreign operation the cumulative translation differences are transferred to the Income Statement as part of the gain or loss on disposal.

As permitted by IFRS 1, the balance on the cumulative translation adjustment on retranslation of subsidiaries' net assets has been set to zero at the date of transition to IFRS.

xxii Equity

Equity comprises the following:

"Share capital" represents the nominal value of equity shares.

"Share premium" represents the excess over nominal value of the fair value of consideration received for equity shares, net of expenses of the share issue.

"Share based payment reserve" represents equity-settled share-based employee remuneration until such share options are exercised.

"Merger reserve" represents the equity balance arising on the merger of Matchtech Engineering and Matchmaker Personnel and to record the excess fair value above the nominal value of the consideration on the acquisition of Networkers International plc

"Translation of foreign operations" represents the foreign currency differences arising on translating foreign operations into the presentational currency of the Group.

"Retained earnings" represents retained profits.

xxiii Alternative Performance Measures

Alternative performance measures used within the Group's Annual Report are explained within Note 25 to the Financial Statements.

xxiv Significant Accounting Estimates and Judgments

Estimates and assumptions concerning the future and judgments are made in the preparation of the financial statements. They affect the application of the Group's accounting policies, reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses, and disclosures made. They are assessed on an on-going basis and are based on experience and relevant factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Accounting Estimates

The accounting estimates made which, in the opinion of the Directors, are critical in drawing up the financial statements are as follows:

Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty

The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the Statement of Financial Position date are discussed below. These are included for completeness, although it is the Directors' view that none of these have significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.

Impairment Loss of Trade and Other Receivables

The Group's policy for doubtful receivables is based on the on-going evaluation of the collectability and ageing analysis of the trade and other receivables and on management's judgments. Considerable judgment is required in assessing the ultimate realisation of these receivables, including the current creditworthiness and the past collection history of each debtor. If the financial conditions of the Group's receivables were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional impairment loss of trade and other receivables may be required. The carrying amounts of these assets are shown in note 9.

Intangibles

The Group determines whether goodwill and other intangible assets (including acquired intangibles) are impaired on an annual basis or otherwise when changes in events or situations indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. This is requires an estimation of the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit to which the assets are allocated. Consideration is given to the future cash flows of each cash generating unit and the discount rate applied to calculate the present value of those cash flows.

Critical Accounting judgments

The directors consider that there no critical accounting judgments.

   2        SEGMENTAL INFORMATION 

The chief operating decision maker, as defined in IFRS 8, has been identified as the Board of Directors of Gattaca plc. The information reported below for the current period is consistent with the reports regularly provided to the Board of Directors.

 
 6 months to 31 January 2018 
 
 
                                                                                                  Amortisation 
 unaudited                                                                                                 and 
                                                                                                    impairment 
  All amounts                 UK           UK    International                  Non-underlying     of acquired      Group 
  in GBP'000         Engineering   Technology                     Underlying             items     intangibles      Total 
---------------     ------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------------  --------------  --------- 
 
 Revenue                 215,543       79,781           27,974       323,298                                      323,298 
 Gross profit             24,164        8,474            7,128        39,766                                       39,766 
 Operating 
  contribution            13,068        3,569            2,121        18,758                                       18,758 
 Central 
  overheads              (7,996)      (1,733)          (1,301)      (11,030)             (476)        (18,737)   (30,243) 
-----------------  -------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------------  --------------  --------- 
 Profit/(loss) 
  from operations          5,072        1,836              820         7,728             (476)        (18,737)   (11,485) 
 Finance cost, 
  net                                                                                                             (1,197) 
-----------------   ------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------------  --------------  --------- 
 (Loss)/profit 
  before tax                                                                                                     (12,682) 
 Depreciation, 
  impairment 
  and 
  amortisation                                                           522                            18,737     19,259 
 Segment net 
  assets                  67,359       24,855            8,715       100,929                                      100,929 
 Unallocated 
  net 
  liabilities                                                                                                    (35,898) 
----------------    ------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------------  --------------  --------- 
 Total net 
  assets                                                                                                           65,031 
-----------------   ------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------------  --------------  --------- 
 
 
 
 6 months to 31 January 2017 
 
 
 unaudited 
                                                                                                  Amortisation 
  All amounts                 UK           UK                                   Non-underlying     of acquired      Group 
  in GBP'000         Engineering   Technology    International    Underlying             items     intangibles      Total 
---------------     ------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------------  --------------  --------- 
 
 Revenue                 191,305       82,174           30,732       304,211                                      304,211 
 Gross profit             19,660        8,775            6,933        35,368                                       35,368 
 Operating 
  contribution            11,759        3,825            2,091        17,675                                       17,675 
 Central 
  overheads              (6,496)      (1,914)          (1,286)       (9,696)           (1,100)         (1,432)   (12,228) 
-----------------  -------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------------  --------------  --------- 
 Profit/(loss) 
  from operations          5,263        1,911              805         7,979           (1,100)         (1,432)      5,447 
 Finance cost, 
  net                                                                                                               (281) 
-----------------   ------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------------  --------------  --------- 
 Profit before 
  tax                                                                                                               5,166 
 Depreciation 
  and 
  amortisation               226          111              132           469                             1,432      1,901 
 Segment net 
  assets                  61,871       26,576            9,939        98,386                                       98,386 
 Unallocated 
  net 
  liabilities                                                                                                    (17,958) 
----------------    ------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------------  --------------  --------- 
 Total net 
  assets                                                                                                           80,428 
-----------------   ------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------------  --------------  --------- 
 
 
 
  12 months to 31 July 2017 
 
 
 audited 
                                                                                                   Amortisation 
 All amounts                   UK           UK                                   Non-underlying     of acquired      Group 
 in GBP'000           Engineering   Technology    International    Underlying             items     intangibles      Total 
----------------     ------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------------  --------------  --------- 
 
 Revenue                  420,782      158,374           63,209       646,365                 -               -    642,365 
 Gross 
  profit                   43,080       16,178           15,450        74,708                 -               -     74,708 
 Operating 
  contribution             23,758        7,061            5,619        36,438                 -               -     36,438 
 Central 
  overheads              (10,579)      (4,525)          (3,946)      (19,050)           (1,610)         (3,074)   (23,734) 
------------------  -------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------------  --------------  --------- 
 Profit/(loss) 
  from operations          13,179        2,536            1,673        17,388           (1,610)         (3,074)     12,704 
 Finance 
  cost, 
  net                                                                                                              (1,196) 
----------------     ------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------------  --------------  --------- 
 Profit 
  before 
  tax                                                                                                               11,508 
 Depreciation 
  and 
  amortisation                588          220               88           896                             3,074      3,970 
 Segment 
  net assets               72,696       27,361           10,920       110,977                                      110,977 
 Unallocated 
  net liabilities                                                                                                 (26,275) 
-----------------    ------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------------  --------------  --------- 
 Total 
  net assets                                                                                                        84,702 
----------------     ------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------------  --------------  --------- 
 
 

A segmental analysis of total assets has not been included as this information is not available to the Board; the majority of assets are centrally held and are not allocated across the reportable segments. Only trade receivables and acquired intangibles are reported by segment and as such they are included as segment net assets above. Unallocated net liabilities include non-current assets, other receivables, cash and cash equivalents and current liabilities.

Geographical information

 
                                  Revenue                        Non-current assets 
                  ----------------------------------------  ---------------------------- 
All amounts in        6 months      6 months     12 months 
 GBP'000           to 31/01/18   to 31/01/17   to 31/07/17  31/01/18  31/01/17  31/07/17 
----------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  --------  --------  -------- 
UK                     294,990       273,114       579,156    36,630    48,896    54,659 
Rest of Europe             334           365           773         2         -         - 
Middle East and 
 Africa                  7,408        11,357        22,378       212        69       204 
Americas                 1,878        10,012        21,150       172       159       194 
Asia Pacific             8,688         9,363        18,908       236       204        22 
----------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  --------  --------  -------- 
                       323,298       304,211       642,365    37,252    49,328    55,079 
----------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

Revenue and non-current assets are allocated to the geographic market based on the domicile of the respective subsidiary.

   3        FINANCE INCOME 
 
                                               6 months       6 months      12 months 
                                            to 31/01/18    to 31/01/17    to 31/07/17 
                                              unaudited      unaudited        audited 
                                                GBP'000        GBP'000        GBP'000 
  Interest receivable                                25              -              8 
  Foreign currency exchange differences               -            278             36 
                                          -------------  -------------  ------------- 
  Total                                              25            278             44 
                                          -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
   4        FINANCE COSTS 
 
                                                   6 months       6 months      12 months 
                                                to 31/01/18    to 31/01/17    to 31/07/17 
                                                  unaudited      unaudited        audited 
                                                    GBP'000        GBP'000        GBP'000 
  Bank interest payable                                 713            521          1,154 
  Amortisation of capitalised finance costs              65             38             86 
  Foreign currency exchange differences                 444              -              - 
                                              -------------  -------------  ------------- 
  Total                                               1,222            559          1,240 
                                              -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
   5        INCOME TAX EXPENSE 

Analysis of charge in the period:

 
                                  6 months       6 months      12 months 
                               to 31/01/18    to 31/01/17    to 31/07/17 
                                 unaudited      unaudited        audited 
                                   GBP'000        GBP'000        GBP'000 
 
  Total income tax expense             480          1,833          4,160 
                             -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

The total tax charge is higher (31 January 2017: higher; 31 July 2017: higher) than the standard rate of corporation tax. The differences are detailed below:

 
  (Loss)/profit before tax                (12,682)   5,166   11,508 
 
  Corporation tax at average 
   rate for the period 19.0% 
   (31/01/17: 19.7%, 31/07/17: 
   19.7%)                                  (2,410)   1,016    2,267 
 
  Goodwill impairment loss                   2,054       -        - 
  Expenses not (chargeable)/deductible 
   for tax purposes                           (19)   (141)     (87) 
  Irrecoverable withholding 
   tax                                         569     721    1,976 
  Difference between UK and 
   overseas tax rates                          112     132      271 
  Changes in UK tax rates                        -       -    (424) 
  Overseas losses not provided 
   for                                         129     105       57 
  Adjustments to tax charge 
   in respect of previous periods               45       -      100 
  Total tax charge                             480   1,833    4,160 
                                         ---------  ------  ------- 
 
   6        DIVIDS 
 
  Dividends on shares classed as equity:        6 months       6 months      12 months 
                                             to 31/01/18    to 31/01/17    to 31/07/17 
                                               unaudited      unaudited        audited 
                                                 GBP'000        GBP'000        GBP'000 
  Paid during the period 
  Equity dividends on ordinary shares              5,474          5,289          7,195 
                                           -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
   7          EARNINGS PER SHARE 

Earnings per share has been calculated by dividing the consolidated profit after taxation attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

Diluted earnings per share has been calculated, on the same basis as above, except that the weighted average number of ordinary shares that would be issued on the conversion of all the dilutive potential ordinary shares (arising from the Group's share option schemes) into ordinary shares has been added to the denominator. There are no changes to the profit (numerator) as a result of the dilutive calculation.

The earnings per share information has been calculated as follows:

 
                                             6 months       6 months      12 months 
                                          to 31/01/18    to 31/01/17    to 31/07/17 
                                            unaudited      unaudited 
                                              GBP'000        GBP'000        GBP'000 
 
       (Loss)/profit for the period          (13,162)          3,333          7,348 
 
       Number of Shares                         000's          000's          000's 
 
       Weighted average number of 
        ordinary shares in issue               31,858         31,078         31,453 
       Effect of dilutive potential 
        ordinary shares under option              522            823            939 
                                        -------------  -------------  ------------- 
                                               32,380         31,901         32,392 
                                        -------------  -------------  ------------- 
       Earnings per Share 
                                                pence          pence          pence 
       Earnings per ordinary share 
        from continuing operations: 
       - Basic                                 (41.3)           10.7           23.4 
       - Diluted                               (40.6)           10.5           22.7 
 
 8    INTANGIBLE ASSETS 
 
 
 
                                                        Acquired    Software 
                                         Goodwill    intangibles    licences     Total 
                                          GBP'000        GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
                     At 1 August 
 COST                 2016                 26,094         27,745       1,958    55,797 
   Additions                                    -              -         255       255 
   At 31 January 
    2017                                   26,094         27,745       2,213    56,052 
                                      -----------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 
   At 1 August 
    2016                                   26,094         27,745       1,958    55,797 
   Additions                                    -              -         512       512 
   Acquisitions                             2,645          3,635           -     6,280 
   At 1 August 
    2017                                   28,739         31,380       2,470    62,589 
                                      -----------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
   Additions                                    -              -         165       165 
   At 31 January 
    2018                                   28,739         31,380       2,635    62,754 
                                      -----------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 
 AMORTISATION 
  AND IMPAIRMENT 
  LOSSES 
                     At 1 August 
                      2016                      -          6,315       1,111     7,426 
   Charge for 
    the period                                  -          1,432         135     1,567 
                                      -----------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
   At 31 January 
    2017                                        -          7,747       1,246     8,993 
                                      -----------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 
 
     At 1 August 
     2016                                       -          6,315       1,111     7,426 
   Charge for 
    the year                                    -          3,074         287     3,361 
                                      ----------- 
   At 1 August 
    2017                                        -          9,389       1,398    10,787 
   Charge for 
    the period                                  -          1,615         171     1,786 
   Impairment 
    loss                                   10,824          6,298           -    17,122 
                                      -----------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
   At 31 January 
    2018                                   10,824         17,302       1,569    29,695 
                                      -----------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 
 NET BOOK             At 31 January 
  VALUE                2017                 26,094         19,998         967    47,059 
   At 31 July 
    2017                                   28,739         21,991       1,072    51,802 
                                      -----------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
   At 31 January 
    2018                                   17,915         14,078       1,066    33,059 
                                      -----------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 

The balances at 31 January 2017 and 31 January 2018 are unaudited, the remaining balances are audited.

Impairment of Intangible assets

An impairment loss of GBP6,060,000 has been recognised against acquired intangible assets as part of an impairment review. This loss has been included as a non-underlying cost within administrative expenses.

Recoverable amounts have been determined by comparing the carrying value of intangibles with the fair value less costs of any disposal. The key estimates for the fair value calculations are those regarding cashflow forecast, long-term growth rates and discount rates.

Cashflow forecasts are based on the Group's five year internal forecasts, the results of which were reviewed by the Board.

Long-term growth rates of 2.7% (2017: 2.5%) have been applied beyond five years based on GDP growth forecasts by recognised bodies.

Management estimated an average discount rate of 10.1% (2017: 15.4%) using pre-tax rates derived from the Group's post-tax weighted average cost of capital, as adjusted for the specific risks relating to each CGU. The reduction in the discount rate used is due to the change in the Group's capital structure and a reduction in the risk premium previously used.

The impairment review determined the following:

An impairment of GBP5,606,000 has been provided against the acquired intangibles created on the acquisition of Networkers due to the trading performance of that business against the original expectations at the time of the acquisition. This was primarily as a result of a decline in revenues from key customers since the acquisition.

An impairment of GBP454,000 has been made on the acquired intangibles recognised on the acquisition of Provanis. Due to the business being debranded and fully integrated within the Group's existing Technology business the carrying value of the acquired intangibles has been written down to zero.

Impairment of goodwill

Goodwill arising on business combinations is not amortised but is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill may be impaired. Goodwill acquired in business combinations is allocated to groups of cash generating units (CGUs) according to the level at which management monitor goodwill.

Goodwill is allocated to CGUs, which are determined as the reportable segments, as follows:

 
                                                31/01/2018              31/01/2017              31/07/2017 
                                                 unaudited               unaudited                 audited 
                                                   GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000 
            Professional Services                        -                   1,643                   1,643 
            Engineering                              4,379                   4,379                   4,379 
            Technology                              10,653                  20,072                  20,072 
            Resourcing Solutions 
             Limited                                 2,645                       -                   2,645 
                                                    17,677                  26,094                  28,739 
                                    ----------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
 

Impairment reviews have been performed comparing the carrying value of goodwill with the recoverable amount of the CGUs to which goodwill has been allocated. Recoverable amounts for cash generating units are the higher of fair value less costs of disposal, and value in use. The key estimates for the value in use calculations are those regarding cashflow forecast, long-term growth rates and discount rates.

Cashflow forecasts are based on the Group's five year internal forecasts, the results of which were reviewed by the Board.

Long-term growth rates of 2.7% (2017: 2.5%) have been applied beyond five years based on GDP growth forecasts by recognised bodies.

Management estimated an average discount rate of 10.1% (2017: 15.4%) using pre-tax rates derived from the Group's post-tax weighted average cost of capital, as adjusted for the specific risks relating to each CGU. The reduction in the discount rate used is due to the change in the Group's capital structure and a reduction in the risk premium previously used.

The impairment review determined the following:

Goodwill related to the Provanis acquisition, allocated to the Professional Services reportable segment, of GBP1,643,000 was fully impaired in the year due to the business being debranded and fully integrated within the Group's existing Technology business.

An impairment of GBP9,419,000 has been provided against Goodwill attributed to the Networkers acquisition, which is included within the Technology CGU, due to the trading performance of that operating segment against the original expectations at the time of the acquisition. This was primarily as a result of a decline in revenues from key customers since acquisition.

The impairment cost of GBP11,062,000 has been included as a non-underlying expense within administrative expenses.

Sensitivity analysis on the impairment tests of each group of cash generating units has been performed by changing key assumptions to the discount rate and long-term growth rates. No impairment losses would be required if the long-term growth rates of 4.3% were used with the discount rate of 10.1% and likewise a discount rate of 8.8% with long-term growth rates of 2.7%.

   9        TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 
 
                        31/01/2018    31/01/2017    31/07/2017 
                         unaudited     unaudited       audited 
                           GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
 
  Trade receivables        100,929        98,386       110,977 
  Other receivables            635           376         1,729 
  Prepayments                1,959         1,825         2,291 
                           103,523       100,587       114,997 
                      ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

Included in the Group's trade receivable balance are debtors with a carrying amount of GBP15,772,000 (31 January 2017: GBP12,899,000, 31 July 2017: GBP15,661,000) which are past due at the reporting date for which the Group has not provided as the Directors do not believe there has been a significant change in credit quality and consider the amounts to be recoverable in full. The Group does not hold any collateral over these balances.

The Directors consider all trade receivables not past due to be fully recoverable.

Ageing of overdue but not impaired trade receivables:

 
                             31/01/2018    31/01/2017    31/07/2017 
  Number of days overdue      unaudited     unaudited       audited 
                                GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
 
  0-30 days                       9,384         8,250         9,007 
  30-60 days                      2,648         2,304         3,233 
  60-90 days                      1,618         1,216         1,463 
  90+ days                        2,122         1,129         1,958 
                                 15,772        12,899        15,661 
                           ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
   10      SHARE CAPITAL 
 
  Authorised share capital                       31/01/2018    31/01/2017    31/07/2017 
                                                  unaudited     unaudited       audited 
                                                    GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
 
  40,000,000 Ordinary shares of GBP0.01 each            400           400           400 
                                               ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 
  Allotted, called up and fully paid             31/01/2018    31/01/2017    31/07/2017 
                                                  unaudited     unaudited       audited 
                                                    GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
 
  Ordinary shares of GBP0.01 each                       322           316           318 
                                               ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

The movement in the number of shares in issue is shown below:

 
                                  '000 
 In issue at 1 August 2016      31,167 
 Exercise of share options         422 
 In issue at 31 January 2017    31,589 
                               ------- 
 
 In issue at 1 August 2016      31,167 
 Exercise of share options         634 
 In issue at 31 July 2017       31,801 
                               ------- 
 
 In issue at 1 August 2017      31,801 
 Exercise of share options         397 
 In issue at 31 January 2018    32,198 
                               ------- 
 
   11         ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES 

Alternative performance measures are disclosed below to show the adjusted and underlying trading

performance             of the Group. 

The underlying basis is reported excluding non-recurring items, amortisation of acquired intangibles, results from divested businesses and exchange gains from balance sheet conversion.

6 months to January 2018

unaudited

 
                                              Amortisation 
All amounts        Statutory  Non-underlying   of acquired     Divested    Underlying 
 in GBP'000            basis           items   intangibles   businesses         basis 
-----------------  ---------  --------------  ------------  -----------  ------------ 
Revenue              323,298               -             -            -       323,298 
Gross profit          39,766               -             -            -        39,766 
(Loss)/profit 
 from operations    (11,485)             115        18,737          352         7,728 
-----------------  ---------  --------------  ------------  -----------  ------------ 
 

6 months to January 2017

unaudited

 
                                                    Amortisation 
                         Statutory  Non-underlying   of acquired     Divested    Underlying 
All amounts in GBP'000       basis           items   intangibles   businesses         basis 
-----------------------  ---------  --------------  ------------  -----------  ------------ 
Revenue                    304,211               -             -            -       304,211 
Gross profit                35,368               -             -            -        35,368 
Profit from operations       5,447           1,100         1,432            -         7,979 
-----------------------  ---------  --------------  ------------  -----------  ------------ 
 

12 months to July 2017

audited

 
                                          Amortisation 
All amounts    Statutory  Non-underlying   of acquired      Divested  Underlying 
 in GBP'000        basis           items   intangibles    businesses       basis 
-------------  ---------  --------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
Revenue          642,365               -             -             -     642,365 
Gross profit      74,708               -             -             -      74,708 
Profit from 
 operations       12,704           1,610         3,074             -      17,388 
-------------  ---------  --------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

The Board of Directors confirm that this condensed consolidated half year financial information has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, as adopted by the European Union.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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