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HYDG Hydrogen Group Plc

42.50
0.00 (0.00%)
07 May 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Hydrogen Group Plc LSE:HYDG London Ordinary Share GB00B1DJTV45 ORD 1P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 42.50 35.00 50.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Hydrogen Group PLC Final results for year ended 31 December 2019 (9759I)

07/04/2020 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Hydrogen (LSE:HYDG)
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TIDMHYDG

RNS Number : 9759I

Hydrogen Group PLC

07 April 2020

7 April 2020

HYDROGEN GROUP PLC

("Hydrogen" or the "Company" or the "Group")

(AIM: HYDG)

Final results for the year ended 31 December 2019

Hydrogen Group, the global specialist recruitment group, announces audited results for the year ended 31 December 2019.

Key points

   --      Group revenue to 31 December 2019 totaled GBP121.3m (2018: GBP135.6m); 
   --      Full year Net Fee Income (1)  ("NFI") fell by 3.6% to GBP29.4m (2018: GBP30.5m); 
   --      Contractor gross margin increased to 11.4% (2018: 10.8%); 
   --      Profit conversion ratio(2) fell to 9.9% (2018: 10.5% as restated(3) ); 

-- Underlying profit before tax(4) ("PBT") decreased by GBP0.3m to GBP2.9m (2018: GBP3.2m as restated(3) );

   --      Net cash generated from operations of GBP3.4m (2018: GBP7.8m as restated(3) ); 
   --      Net cash as at 31 December 2019 of GBP4.5m (31 December 2018: GBP4.9m); 
   --      Statutory profit before tax for the year of GBP1.7m (2018: GBP3.0m as restated(3) ); 

-- In light of the rapidly evolving situation with COVID-19 and impact it may have on the Group's trading, no final dividend is proposed for the year (2018: 1.0p); and

-- Basic EPS in the year of 4.0p (2018: 7.8p as restated). Underlying EPS in the year at 7.5p (2018: 8.9p as restated).

(1) Net Fee Income - which is the equivalent of gross profit

(2) Underlying PBT divided by NFI

(3) Restatement following the application of IFRS 16. Further details are set out in note 24.

(4) Underlying PBT excludes amounts in respect of NCI profit or loss, foreign exchange gains/(losses), amortisation of acquired intangibles, share based payments and exceptional items

Ian Temple, CEO, commented:

"In common with many businesses, Hydrogen currently faces unprecedented uncertainty as a result of COVID-19. While our first priority is to do everything that we can to ensure that our staff and other stakeholders are as safe as possible, we are also focussed on ensuring that we preserve cash while maintaining a critical mass in all of our key markets. Our balance sheet is strong and our stress testing shows that the business could withstand both a prolonged and material decline in revenue.

The Group faced a more challenging year in 2019, particularly during the fourth quarter when a number of external market factors in both the UK and parts of APAC combined to reduce activity levels and, in turn, the Group's net fee income and profit.

We have continued to actively manage our portfolio of niche businesses and have remained focussed on further refining our operating model based around the four key drivers of our Proposition, People, Platform and Performance, and, as a result, we are confident that the business will return to growth when the current uncertainty passes and market conditions improve."

Enquiries:

Hydrogen Group plc 020 7090 7702

Ian Temple CEO

John Hunter COO & CFO

   Shore Capital (NOMAD and Joint Broker)                                        020 7468 7904 

Edward Mansfield / James Thomas

   Whitman Howard (Joint Broker)                                                        020 7659 1234 

Hugh Rich

Notes to Editors:

Hydrogen Group's mission is to empower peoples' careers whilst powering businesses by providing their key people from a proven global platform with clients' in over 50 countries. We deliver by building market leading specialist teams that develop a deep understanding of candidate and clients' needs and developing solutions.

http://www.hydrogengroup.com

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

Coronavirus ("COVID-19")

I begin with an assessment of the risk that COVID-19 poses to the business. The Coronavirus first began to impact our operations in late January in Hong Kong, where most offices and schools have been closed since Chinese New Year. Although the impact has been less acute, our other operations elsewhere in Asia have also faced similar disruption since that time. To date, this disruption has primarily manifested itself in candidate start dates being deferred, which has in turn depressed our reported revenue. In recent days and weeks, as the situation has escalated, the impact has spread to our EMEA and US businesses, so that currently all our staff globally and a significant majority of our clients and candidates are working from home.

We have no experience of a similar crisis so there is no way of predicting the extent of the impact that the virus will have on the Group. It is not yet clear how widespread the virus will be at any one time, how long the pandemic will last and what the medium to long term effect of the pandemic may be on global business investment and demand for recruitment services.

The evidence we have to date suggests that:

-- client demand will be the biggest issue rather than our operational capability to transact work. Fortunately, we had already invested in technology throughout the Group that supports remote working and adopted flexible working practices in many of our offices;

-- permanent recruitment activity will be more impacted than contract recruitment. Our experience in Hong Kong suggests that the resulting business uncertainty may promote short term demand for contract recruitment solutions; and

-- some sectors and markets, for example the consumer sector, will be more adversely affected than others.

Our priority as we navigate the business through the crisis is to do everything we can to ensure that our staff and other stakeholders are as safe as possible and that we comply with different levels of local government restrictions as they come into place.

The Group's balance sheet is strong and we have significant, largely unutilised, banking facilities in place. As a result, our stress testing, which excludes the impact of any Government support or business interruption insurance that we may be able to draw upon, shows that the Group can withstand both a material and prolonged decline in revenue, however, there are also some material uncertainties that exist (see Going Concern review in Strategic Report). Notwithstanding this, we will continue to review activity levels throughout the Group and actively manage our cost base accordingly so as to conserve cash, while remaining mindful that we should maintain critical mass in all of our key markets so that the Group is in the best position possible to benefit from the opportunities that will present themselves when the crisis ends.

2019 Review

The Group traded satisfactorily for the first three quarters of the year. During that period, the Group's performance was impacted by weaker trading conditions in certain of its APAC businesses and by Brexit related uncertainty dampening demand in the UK, however, the resilience of its businesses in other markets and, in particular, very strong trading in its US operations, enabled the Group to continue to grow, albeit modestly.

However, trading conditions deteriorated markedly during the fourth quarter. In the UK, the effect of growing political uncertainty on demand levels was exacerbated by the impact of the proposed changes to the IR35 legislation on clients' contract hiring plans. In the Asia Pacific region, the public disorder and demonstrations in Hong Kong had a material impact on local activity levels. In the US, the Group experienced a significant slowdown in quarter-on-quarter growth rates as investment in both new staff and physical infrastructure was onboarded and bedded in. Together, these factors negated the growth experienced earlier in the year and have resulted in a reduction in both net fee income ("NFI") and profit for the year.

Notwithstanding these challenges, we have continued to invest in, and develop, our operating model, which we are confident will help support a return to growth when market conditions improve.

Performance

In 2019, Group NFI (or Gross Profit) fell by 3.6% to GBP29.4m (2018: GBP30.5m). This was driven by declining NFI in both the EMEA and APAC regions, however, the Group's performance in the US was notable. Two new offices were opened in Charlotte and Los Angeles and US NFI increased by 82%, and by 81% on a constant currency basis, during the year.

The Group has adopted IFRS 16 on a fully retrospective basis. The impact of this change in accounting policy on the comparative figures previously reported is disclosed in note 24. The change resulted in a GBP0.3m increase in net assets as at 1 January 2018 and an increase of GBP0.2m to profit before tax in 2018.

The Board considers that the Group's underlying profit before exceptional items and tax (further details are set out in the Strategic report) continues to be the best way to judge its trading performance as it excludes non-trading items and non-repeatable gains and losses. Underlying profit before exceptional items and tax decreased to GBP2.9m (2018: GBP3.2m as restated). Key adjustments include one-off exceptional expenses of GBP0.9m, as set out in note 4 (2018: net GBPnil), foreign exchange losses of GBP0.1m (2018: GBP0.1m), non-controlling loss of GBP0.1m (2018: profit of GBP0.2m), share based costs of GBP0.1m (2018: GBP0.1m) and the amortisation of acquired intangibles of GBP0.1m (2018: GBP0.1m). Underlying EPS was 7.5p (2018: 8.9p as restated). The statutory profit for the year was GBP1.3m (2018: GBP2.7m as restated).

The weak fourth quarter performance resulted in a reversal of the continued development of profit conversion that the Group had experienced in recent years. Underlying profit before tax margin (calculated as underlying profit divided by net fee income) decreased to 9.9% (2018: 10.5% as restated). Prior to Q4, profit conversion rates had been continuing to expand.

Net cash at 31 December 2019 was GBP4.5m (31 December 2018: GBP4.9m). Although a strong focus on working capital management was maintained throughout the year, the Group's net cash position was impacted by an increase in working capital as a result of changes in client payment terms. Moreover, the Group made payments during the year of approximately GBP1.3m in respect of dividends, share buy backs, and the earn out in relation to the acquisition of Argyll Scott in 2017.

Strategy

Hydrogen Group's strategy is to build market leading specialist teams in high growth markets with a focus on developing each through a journey from incubator through fast growth to market leader where they have much greater profit conversion. Globally, the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) and Professional Services markets in which we operate are being increasingly disrupted by a combination of technological, cultural, and political change. Our model allows us to efficiently identify and appraise the niche skill sets for which this disruption will drive increased demand, and conversely those where it will destroy demand, allowing us to deploy our resources accordingly.

To support this strategy, we have developed, and are continuing to refine, an operating model that, by focusing on the key drivers of our Proposition, People, Platform and Performance, is further facilitating the development of scalable market leading teams.

The Group has continued to explore selective acquisition opportunities that may have the potential to accelerate future growth plans. Strict assessment criteria relating to financial, strategic, operational, and cultural fit are applied to any potential target. No opportunities were identified during the year that the Board believes fully met these criteria.

Dividend

An interim dividend was paid in October 2019 of 0.6p (2018: 0.5p). It has been the Board's policy to pay a progressive and sustainable dividend. As noted above the Group has a robust balance sheet, however in light of the exceptional and open-ended uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the still rapidly changing environment, the Board has decided, in the interests of prudence, not to recommend a dividend (2018: 1.0p) until there is more certainty. When circumstances stabilise, the Board will review whether it is appropriate to re-instate the dividend retrospectively via a special dividend.

The Board

The Board complies with the QCA guidelines and has maintained the high standards of corporate governance appropriate to Hydrogen Group's size and market capitalisation. There were no changes in the membership of the Board during the year. In line with best practice, all Directors will stand for re-election by shareholders at the AGM.

Outlook

The challenging trading conditions experienced during the fourth quarter of 2019 have continued into the first quarter of 2020. In the UK, clients' contractor hiring plans have continued to be impacted by the new IR35 legislation in the private sector, which was planned to be implemented in April 2020 but has now been delayed until April 2021. Moreover, as reported above, since Chinese New Year disruption arising from the COVID-19 virus has impacted activity levels in the APAC region. In recent weeks this disruption has spread to our EMEA and US operations. While the impact this will have on the business is as yet unclear, it creates a material uncertainty over management's expectations for trading for the year and in line with many other quoted companies we will no longer be giving guidance.

Stephen Puckett

Chairman

6 April 2020

BUSINESS REVIEW

The key financial highlights in 2019 were:

   --      revenue decreased to GBP121.3m (2018: GBP135.6m); 
   --      NFI(1) fell by 3.6% to GBP29.4m (2018: GBP30.5m); 
   --      NFI earned outside the UK increased to 57% of total NFI from 54%; 
   --      profit conversion(2) ratio fell to 9.9% (2018: 10.5% as restated(3) ). 

-- statutory profit before tax in the year decreased by GBP1.3m to GBP1.7m (2018: GBP3.0m as restated(3) );

-- underlying profit before tax(4) in the year decreased by GBP0.3m to GBP2.9m (2018: GBP3.2m as restated(3) );

   --      net cash generated from operations of GBP3.4m (2018: GBP7.8m as restated(3) ); and 
   --      net cash as at 31 December 2019 of GBP4.5m (31 December 2018: GBP4.9m). 

(1) Net Fee Income - which is the equivalent of gross profit

(2) Underlying PBT divided by NFI

(3) Restatement following the application of IFRS 16. Further details are set out in note 24.

(4) Underlying PBT excludes amounts in respect of NCI profit or loss, foreign exchange gains/(losses), amortisation of acquired intangibles, share based payments and exceptional items. Further details are set out in the Strategic report in note 4.

The Group has continued to develop and refine its operating model during the year, which we believe will provide the basis for a return to sustainable growth moving forward as market conditions improve.

Proposition - By being closer to niche disrupted markets, we will take advantage of job creation and focus on what our clients and candidates need

The Group is committed to a multi brand strategy and to investing in developing strong operating brands with robust client and candidate propositions. Our operating brands are sub-divided into specialist niche teams each focused on a single skill set and discipline in its local market, enabling our consultants to provide genuine insight to their clients and candidates. Using objective criteria, each niche is categorised as being either an incubator, a fast growth, or a market leading business; and each is driven, through a consistent targeting and reporting model, to grow to be a market leader in its niche where both profit conversion and the sustainability of earnings are strongest.

We have actively managed the Group's portfolio of niches during the year. We closed 16 low growth teams and entered nine new niche markets with greater growth prospects, reducing the total number of niche teams from 70 to 63. In total, six teams were promoted either from incubator to fast growth or from fast growth to market leader. However, predominantly due to the more challenging conditions experienced in the final months of the year, a further eight teams were demoted either from fast growth to incubator or from market leader to fast growth.

People - Adopting a growth mindset, we develop our people so they can over-deliver and reap the rewards

We are committed to creating a genuine learning and development culture throughout the Group. Bespoke training programmes have been developed for each job function and grade that are delivered across the Group by the leadership and management teams; and which are complemented by selective third-party training. There is a clear promotion pathway for everybody in the Group. The Group has a performance management system and transparent reward at every level to promote an objective and high-performance working culture.

The leadership team and all managers of fast growth and market leading teams qualify to join the Group's minority share scheme. Currently 36 individuals are members of the scheme (2018: 35) with a further two staff expected to join during 2020. The Board is pleased with the way the scheme is impacting performance through the attraction, retention, motivation and development of key staff.

We have moderated our investment in headcount in certain of our more challenging markets during the year. As a result, group headcount decreased by 7% from 345 to 320 during the year.

As a diverse global organisation, we are in a position to support our clients to ensure they get the best people irrespective of background, gender, religion or sexual orientation and have delivered a number of initiatives to highlight positive role models and the benefits of a diverse workforce.

Platform - "Powering our business with technology to drive productivity and build closer customer relationships"

The Group operates on a single global technology and CRM platform. We have continued to invest both in the development of the CRM and in staff training in order to drive a "go to market" strategy that is both consistent and effective.

We continue to develop our digital marketing and social engagement programmes. Digital marketing supports a multi brand specialist niche business strategy by allowing the development of key client and candidate relationships on a scalable, but bespoke, one to one basis. Social engagement enables us to create and develop leads which our consultants use to facilitate sales conversions.

Furthermore, we have progressed investment in our off-shore research centre in Bangkok, which conducts some of the more transactional and lower value-add candidate identification and screening processes in support of our higher cost business centres.

Performance - Deeper understanding of data informs decisions and ensures we achieve our goals

We have continued to develop our Business Intelligence systems to combine financial and operating data. During the year we invested in a new partnership with a data analytics partner to enable us to present more insightful and focused management information to different decision maker groups across the business. We are also using innovative ways of comparing the relative performance of different managers to drive transparency, accountability and competition.

EMEA

NFI in EMEA fell by 8.5%, or GBP1.5m, to GBP16.1m (2018: GBP17.6m) during the year principally due to the impact of the proposed changes to the IR35 legislation on clients' contract hiring plans in the UK. The broader political uncertainty that was prevalent throughout the year in the UK also created trading headwinds, however, our permanent led UK businesses performed creditably despite this. Declining UK NFI was partially offset by growth in our non-UK EMEA operations, particularly in the Middle East where our business grew rapidly.

Despite the fall in NFI, operating profit before exceptional items increased by 52% to GBP4.7m (2018: GBP3.1m as restated) as a result of a strong focus on the management of our portfolio of niches in the region and on tight cost control.

APAC

The APAC region had a challenging year. NFI fell by 12%, or by 13% on a constant currency basis, to GBP9.7m (2018: GBP11.0m). The fall was driven by weaker trading conditions in both our Singapore and Hong Kong businesses, with the deterioration in the latter becoming particularly marked during the fourth quarter as the political unrest and public disorder experienced locally further impacted demand levels. Conversely, our Thai and Australian businesses have continued to grow.

As a result, operating profit before exceptional items fell from GBP1.3m in 2018 to a loss of GBP0.1m for the year.

We restructured our APAC business during Q4, and reduced costs in Hong Kong in particular.

USA

The Board continues to believe that the US market provides the Group an exciting growth opportunity. Therefore, we have continued to invest in our operational capability in the region and have opened two new offices in Charlotte and Los Angeles during the year. The Group now has five offices in the region, up from one 18 months ago. As a result, NFI grew by 82%, or 81% on a constant currency basis, to GBP3.5m (2018: GBP1.9m) during the year.

The investment contributed to a fall in operating profit before exceptional items to GBPnil (2018: profit of GBP0.1m).

Permanent and Contract

Hydrogen Group places candidates in permanent roles and provides contract solutions. Permanent placements play to the Group's experience in satisfying demand for scarce niche skills. Contract solutions provide clients with flexible resources usually to complete specific projects.

The Group's NFI that is derived from permanent placements was broadly flat at GBP17.6m (2018: GBP17.8m), while NFI derived from contract solutions declined by 7.1% to GBP11.8m (2018: GBP12.7m). These dynamics resulted in a shift of NFI to 60% permanent : 40% contract (2018: 58% permanent : 42% contract). The shift was driven principally by the impact of the planned changes to the IR35 legislation on UK contract recruitment activity supplemented by the growth in our US business where, as an immature and high growth business, reported NFI was skewed towards permanent NFI. NFI for permanent contracts is recognised in full at the start of a placement whereas contract NFI is recognised over the life of a placement. As the business matures the balance of permanent to contract NFI should stabilise.

The trend of improving contract margins experienced in recent years has continued with the Group achieving a contract margin of 11.4% in 2019 (2018: 10.8%). This growth was driven by both a change in contract client mix in the UK, and by a geographical shift in contract NFI away from the generally lower margin UK market to higher margin overseas markets, particularly Australia and the USA.

Clients and Candidates

Hydrogen Group has built strong and effective relationships with its clients based around its longstanding track record of delivery in specialist markets. We would like to thank all our clients for their support over the last year.

The Group has a very strong candidate database and a proven methodology for building candidate relationships in our niche specialist teams. The Group works with highly talented candidates and contractors and would like to thank them for trusting us to empower their careers.

Brexit

The UK is the largest geographical market for the Group, representing some 43% of NFI during 2019. Therefore, we have continued to review the possible impact on the business of the UK leaving the European Union.

Possible positive impact on the business:

   --      Continued UK talent shortages may increase the use of recruitment consultancies in the UK; 

-- The ability to use our international network to bring talent to the UK from outside the European Union due to new visa processes;

-- Business transformation projects driven by change in arrangements and regulation creating demand for our specialist staff;

-- Possible faster growth in the UK economy, increasing employment growth, as it builds trade with faster growing international markets than the EU; and

   --      Should Sterling devalue, our overseas reported revenue and profit increase. 

Possible negative impact on the business:

-- Delay of projects affecting the demand for resource until greater certainty of the future landscape;

-- Possible slowdown in the UK economy, decreasing employment growth and therefore the demand for staff; and

   --      A strengthening of Sterling decreases our reported overseas revenue and profit. 

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The Group has adopted IFRS 16, with respect to the recognition and measurement of leases, on a fully retrospective basis. The impact of this change in accounting policy on the comparative figures previously reported is disclosed in note 24. The change resulted in a GBP0.3m increase in net assets as at 1 January 2018 and an increase of GBP0.2m to profit before tax in 2018.

Revenue

Group revenue for 2019 totalled GBP121.3m (2018: GBP135.6m). The reduction was primarily driven by the fall in contract recruitment in the UK.

Key Profit Indicators

Profit conversion

Profit conversion is the underlying profit before tax (PBT adjusted for amounts in respect of NCI profit or loss, foreign exchange gains/(losses), amortisation of acquired intangibles, share based payments and exceptional items) divided by total NFI. This is key for the business to assess the level of underlying profitability.

In 2019, profit conversion in the Group fell to 9.9% (2018 as restated: 10.5%). The fall was driven by the reduction in activity levels in the fourth quarter.

Productivity per head

Productivity per head represents total NFI divided by the average number of employees. This is an important monitor of activity levels and efficiency in the business and also facilitates the identification of fee earners who are not at full productivity.

Productivity per head fell by 4.4% to GBP87,000 (2018: GBP91,000), broadly in line with the fall in NFI.

NFI split between the UK and the rest of the world

This is the NFI from the UK and that from the rest of the world expressed as a percentage of total NFI indicating the diversification of the business.

Driven by the performance of our US business, NFI from the rest of the world increased by GBP0.2m to GBP16.8m and now represents 57% of the NFI for the year (2018: 54%).

Net fee income (NFI - equivalent to gross profit)

Group NFI reduced by 3.6% to GBP29.4m (2018: GBP30.5m).

The fluctuation of sterling increased the value of reported NFI from overseas by 2% (GBP0.2m) during the year.

Operating segments

Our current management and reporting structure focusses on the performance of our three core geographic markets: EMEA, APAC & the USA. The segmental analysis disclosed in note 1 reflects this.

NFI from the EMEA operating segment totalled GBP16.1m (2018: GBP17.6m) and contributed 55% (2018: 58%) of total NFI. NFI from the APAC operating segment totalled GBP9.7m (2018: GBP11.0m) and contributed 33% of total NFI (2018: 36%). NFI from the USA operating segment totalled GBP3.5m (2018: GBP1.9m) and contributed 12% (2018: 6%) of total NFI.

Exceptional costs

Exceptional costs incurred in the year amounted to GBP0.9m (2018: net GBPnil) and principally relate t o the impairment of loans, and professional fees for non-trading M&A expenditure. Further details of exceptional costs are set out in note 4.

Finance cost/income

Group finance cost for the year decreased to GBP0.1m (2018 as restated: GBP0.2m).

Profit and loss before taxation

Reported profit before taxation (PBT) for the year was GBP1.7m (2018 as restated: GBP3.0m).

The Board's preferred measure of trading performance of the business, underlying PBT, fell to GBP2.9m (2018 as restated: GBP3.2m) during the year.

Underlying PBT is calculated as follows:

 
                                             2019     2018 
                                            GBP'm    GBP'm 
--------------------------------------    -------  ------- 
 
   Profit Before Tax                          1.7      3.0 
 Non-controlling loss/(profit)                  -    (0.2) 
 Non-trading/exceptional items*               0.9      0.1 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles         0.1      0.1 
 Share based payments                         0.1      0.1 
 Foreign exchange losses                      0.1      0.1 
----------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 
   Underlying PBT                             2.9      3.2 
----------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

*Non trading costs incurred in the year principally relate to the impairment of loans and professional fees for non-trading M&A expenditure. These are included within administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Underlying EPS is calculated as follows:

 
                                          2019    2018 
                                         GBP'm   GBP'm 
-----------------------------------    -------  ------ 
 
   Underlying PBT                          2.9     3.2 
 Tax expense                             (0.4)   (0.3) 
-------------------------------------  -------  ------ 
 Underlying PAT                            2.5     2.9 
-------------------------------------  -------  ------ 
 
 Weighted average number of shares 
  (million)                               33.5    32.6 
-------------------------------------  -------  ------ 
 Underlying EPS                           7.5p    8.9p 
-------------------------------------  -------  ------ 
 

Taxation

There was a GBP0.39m tax charge for the year (2018 as restated: GBP0.32m), giving an effective tax rate of 23% (2018 as restated: 11%).

At 31 December 2019 the Group had unutilised tax losses of GBP7.3m (2018: GBP6.5m) available to offset against future profits, for which a deferred tax asset of GBP0.2m has been recognised. Further tax assets have not been recognised due to the uncertainty of future profits being recognised where the losses have arisen.

Dividend

An interim dividend of 0.6p per share was paid in October 2019 (2018: 0.5p). In light of the rapidly evolving situation with COVID-19 and impact it may have on the Group's trading, no final dividend is proposed for the year (2018: 1.0p).

Earnings per share

The basic earnings per share was 4.0p (2018 as restated: 7.8p). Diluted earnings per share was 3.7p (2018 as restated: 7.1p).

Balance Sheet

Net assets at 31 December 2019 increased by GBP1.8m to GBP23.5m (2018 as restated: GBP21.7m).

Goodwill in the year remains flat at GBP12.2m (2018: GBP12.2m).

Current trade and other receivables decreased by 13% to GBP17.1m (2018: GBP19.7m) broadly in line with the fall in Group revenue. Within this balance, however, there was an underlying shift in the balance to trade receivables, which increased by GBP0.4m to GBP11.2m (2018: GBP10.8m), from contract assets, which reduced by GBP2.7m to GBP4.9m (2018: GBP7.4m). The shift was driven primarily by an increased proportion of the Group's contract work being invoiced weekly rather than monthly. Alongside this, days sales outstanding as at 31 December 2019 increased to 33 days (2018: 28 days) due to a small net adverse change in client payment terms.

Current trade and other payables decreased by 18% to GBP11.3m (2018: GBP13.7m as restated) principally as a result of a fall in accruals, which predominantly relate to monies owed to contract staff for time worked in December and which fell in sympathy with the lower contract activity levels experienced at the end of the year.

Non-current liabilities decreased by GBP2.1m, largely due to the revalued redemption liability in relation to the expected future earn out payments associated to the purchase of certain minority interest holdings in certain subsidiaries of Argyll Scott, the arrangements for which were in place at the time of the acquisition in 2017. Further details are set out in note 21.

Short term bank deposits remain positive at GBP4.6m (2018: GBP5.2m).

Reserves

As a result of the Group's profitable trading in the year and the impact of the revised redemption liability (note 21), net of dividends and share buy backs, total equity has increased by GBP1.8m to GBP23.5m (2018 as restated: GBP21.7m).

Treasury management and currency risk

Approximately 69% of the Group's revenue in 2019 (2018: 73%) was denominated in Sterling. The Group aims to match cost and revenue in the same currency to provide a natural hedge in its major markets.

The Group did not enter into any forward contracts and no foreign currency contracts were open as at 31 December 2019.

Cash flow and cash position

Net cash at 31 December 2019 was GBP4.5m (2018: GBP4.9m). During 2018 the Group benefited from a reduction in working capital arising from the implementation of improved invoicing and credit control processes. Although these improved processes have been maintained throughout 2019, working capital levels increased due to changes in client payment terms, which together with the lower profitability in the year led to a GBP4.4m reduction in net cash generated from operating activities of GBP3.4m (2018: GBP7.8m as restated). Furthermore, the Group made payments during the year of approximately GBP1.3m in respect of dividends, share buy backs, and the earn out in relation to the acquisition of Argyll Scott in 2017.

The Group had borrowings at year end of GBP0.2m (2018: GBP0.3m).

The Group has an Invoice Discounting facility of GBP18.0m with HSBC with a commitment to January 2022. After this date the facility shall continue until terminated by either party giving to the other not less than three months written notice.

The average facility available during the year was GBP6.3m (2018: GBP7.3m). Average utilisation in the year decreased from 42% to 2% (GBP0.1m). T he average available funds (including cash) for the Group grew by GBP2.1m to GBP10.5m.

Since 31 December 2019, the Group has further extended its facilities by entering into new working capital agreements with HSBC in the USA for USD1.5m, Australia for AUD2.0m and Singapore for SGD1.7m.

Foreign Exchange Risk

The appreciation of Sterling during the year had a negative impact on the translation of the earnings of the Group's overseas subsidiaries. The extent of the appreciation of Sterling is detailed below:

 
 Major currencies         Depreciation/(Appreciation)        2019 NFI in local 
                             in Sterling over the         currency as a proportion 
                         2019 financial year (average           of Group NFI 
                                    rates) 
 USA Dollar                           4%                            13% 
 Singapore Dollar                     3%                            11% 
 Hong Kong Dollar                     4%                            8% 
 Thai Bhat                            8%                            7% 
 Euro                                (1%)                           4% 
 Australian Dollar                   (3%)                           5% 
 United Arab Emirates 
  Dirham                              4%                            4% 
 Malaysian Ringgit                    2%                            2% 
 
 
 

The Group is currently not hedged against this translation exposure.

Going concern

As at 31 December 2019, the Group had net cash of GBP4.5m and an GBP18.0m Invoice Discounting facility with a commitment from HSBC to January 2022. The average facility available during the year was GBP6.3m (2018: GBP7.3m). This facility is subject to standard debt turn and dilution percentage covenants. Since 31 December 2019 and prior to the UK government's 'lock down' policy, the Group entered into new working capital agreements with HSBC in the USA for USD1.5m, Australia for AUD2.0m and Singapore for SGD1.7m, further increasing the Group's available facilities.

The Directors have prepared base case financial forecasts for the period ending 30 June 2021.

The uncertainty as to the future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been considered as part of the Group's adoption of the going concern basis.

Forecast stress testing scenarios, in light of COVID-19, has demonstrated that the Group could withstand both a material and prolonged decrease in revenue without breaching its banking facilities. For example, the Group could withstand a more than 60% decrease in revenues for 6 months and still operate within existing facilities. Importantly, this scenario is prior to any cost saving, other mitigating action or government support that may available to the Group. In the event that such a scenario arose, the Directors would of course take appropriate mitigating action. Such mitigating action may include furloughing staff and/or reducing overheads. On this basis, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will have sufficient cash flow and available resources to continue operating for at least 12 months from the approval date of these Financial Statements. Accordingly, the Group and the Company continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its Financial Statements.

However, if the impacts of COVID-19 are worse or more prolonged than the Directors' expectations, the Group may need to seek additional support from funders. Given the lack of certainty that COVID-19 will have on the Group's customers and the markets in which it operates, and the support from funders that may be required if pronounced sensitivity scenarios arise, these events and conditions indicate the existence of a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt on the Group's and the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments should the going concern basis of preparation be inappropriate.

Consolidate statement of comprehensive income

For the year ended 31 December 2019

 
                                                      2019           2018 
                                           Note               As restated 
                                                   GBP'000        GBP'000 
--------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------- 
 
   Revenue                                 1       121,277        135,637 
 
 Cost of sales                                    (91,865)      (105,111) 
--------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------- 
 
 Gross profit                              1        29,412         30,526 
                                                 ---------  ------------- 
 Other administrative expenses                    (27,371)       (27,925) 
 Exceptional impairment on 
  loans                                    4         (542)              - 
 Exceptional administrative 
  expenses                                 4         (333)            (1) 
                                                 ---------  ------------- 
 Administrative expenses                          (28,246)       (27,926) 
 
 Other income                              1           526            529 
 
 Operating profit before exceptional 
  items                                    1         2,567          3,130 
 Exceptional impairment on 
  loans                                    4         (542)              - 
 Exceptional administrative 
  expenses                                 4         (333)            (1) 
                                                 ---------  ------------- 
 
 
 Operating profit                                    1,692          3,129 
 
 Share of profit in associate                           66             70 
 Finance costs                             2         (108)          (192) 
 Finance income                            3            38             22 
 
 Profit before taxation                              1,688          3,029 
 
 Income tax expense                        6         (391)          (318) 
--------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------- 
 
 Profit for the year                                 1,297          2,711 
--------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------- 
 
 Other comprehensive gains 
  and losses: 
 Items that may be reclassified subsequently 
  to profit or loss: 
 Exchange differences on translating foreign 
  operations                                            86              6 
 Exchange differences on intercompany 
  loans                                              (222)          (222) 
 
 Other comprehensive (loss)/profit for the 
  year, net of tax                                   (136)            213 
-----------------------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 
 Total comprehensive gains for the 
  year                                               1,311          1,161 
-----------------------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 
 Profit attributable to: 
 Equity holders of the parent                        1,340          2,552 
 Non-controlling (loss)/interest                      (43)            159 
--------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------- 
 
 Total comprehensive income 
  attributable to: 
 Equity holders of the parent                        1,204          2,765 
 Non-controlling (loss)/interest                      (43)            159 
--------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------- 
 
 Profit per share: 
 Basic profit per share (pence)            19         4.0p           7.8p 
 Diluted profit per share (pence)          19         3.7p           7.1p 
 
 The above results relate to continuing 
  operations. 
 

Consolidated statement of financial position

As at 31 December 2019

 
 Company no: 05563206                        2019           2018           2017 
                                  Note               As restated    As restated 
                                          GBP'000        GBP'000        GBP'000 
-----------------------------  -------  ---------  -------------  ------------- 
 Non-current assets 
 
 Goodwill                         7        12,198         12,244         12,214 
 Investment in associate          8           186            120             50 
 Other intangible assets          9           739            710            789 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment                       10          857            947            882 
 Right of use assets              22        1,915          2,298          3,763 
 Deferred tax assets              11          296            282            311 
 Other receivables                12          417            274            312 
-----------------------------  -------  ---------  -------------  ------------- 
 
                                           16,608         16,875         18,321 
-----------------------------  -------  ---------  -------------  ------------- 
 Current assets 
 Trade and other receivables      12       17,133         19,709         23,765 
 Current tax receivable                         -              -            290 
 Cash and cash equivalents        13        4,620          5,227          2,770 
-----------------------------  -------  ---------  -------------  ------------- 
 
                                           21,753         24,936         26,825 
-----------------------------  -------  ---------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 Total assets                              38,361         41,811         45,146 
-----------------------------  -------  ---------  -------------  ------------- 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables         14     (11,313)       (13,748)       (14,690) 
 Redemption liability             21            -          (615)           (69) 
 Lease liabilities                23        (512)          (649)        (1,230) 
 Current tax payable                        (156)            (2)              - 
 Borrowings                       15        (154)          (293)        (3,132) 
 Provisions                       16            -              -          (602) 
-----------------------------  -------  ---------  -------------  ------------- 
 
                                         (12,135)       (15,307)       (19,723) 
-----------------------------  -------  ---------  -------------  ------------- 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Redemption liability             21        (236)        (1,640)          (951) 
 Lease liabilities                23      (2,052)        (2,641)        (3,290) 
 Deferred tax liabilities         11         (96)          (117)          (136) 
 Provisions                       16        (326)          (384)          (503) 
-----------------------------  -------  ---------  -------------  ------------- 
 
                                          (2,710)        (4,782)        (4,880) 
-----------------------------  -------  ---------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 Total liabilities                       (14,845)       (20,089)       (24,603) 
-----------------------------  -------  ---------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 Net assets                                23,516         21,722         20,543 
-----------------------------  -------  ---------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 Equity 
 Share capital                    17          343            341            334 
 Share premium                              3,607          3,520          3,520 
 Merger reserve                            19,240         19,240         19,240 
 Own shares held                  18      (1,171)        (1,546)        (1,338) 
 Share option reserve                       1,627          2,014          1,735 
 Translation reserve                        (522)          (386)          (599) 
 Forward purchase reserve                   (236)        (2,255)        (1,020) 
 Retained earnings/(Deficit)                  554            529        (1,541) 
-----------------------------  -------  ---------  -------------  ------------- 
 
                                           23,442         21,457         20,331 
 Non-controlling interest                      74            265            212 
 
 Total equity                              23,516         21,722         20,543 
-----------------------------  -------  ---------  -------------  ------------- 
 

T he financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 6 April 2020 and were signed on its behalf by:

Ian Temple

Chief Executive

 
 Consolidated 
  statement of 
  changes in 
  equity 
  As at 31 December 
  2019 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 
                                Share                    Own     Share   Trans-lation     Forward   (Deficit)/ 
                      Share   premium     Merger      shares    option        reserve    purchase     Retained                             Total 
                    capital   account    reserve        held   reserve        GBP'000     reserve     earnings     Owners        NCI      equity 
                    GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000                    GBP'000      GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000 
----------------  ---------  --------  ---------  ----------  --------  -------------  ----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 At 1 January 
  2018 (as 
  reported)             334     3,520     19,240     (1,338)     1,735          (599)     (1,020)      (1,871)     20,001        212      20,213 
 
 Prior year 
  adjustment 
  (net of tax) 
  - note 24               -         -          -           -         -              -           -          330        330          -         330 
 
 At 1 January 
  2018 (as 
  restated)             334     3,520     19,240     (1,338)     1,735          (599)     (1,020)      (1,541)     20,331        212      20,543 
 
 New shares 
  issued                  7         -          -           -       204              -           -            -        211          -         211 
 NCI purchase             -         -          -           -         -              -         142         (62)         80      (106)        (26) 
 Movement in 
  redemption 
  liability - 
  note 21                 -         -          -           -         -              -     (1,377)            -    (1,377)          -     (1,377) 
 Share 
  repurchase              -         -          -       (208)         -              -           -            -      (208)          -       (208) 
 Share option 
  charge                  -         -          -           -        75              -           -            -         75          -          75 
 Dividends                -         -          -           -         -              -           -        (420)      (420)          -       (420) 
 
   Transactions 
   with owners            7         -          -       (208)       279              -     (1,235)        (482)    (1,639)      (106)     (1,745) 
 
 Profit for 
  the year                -         -          -           -         -              -           -        2,552      2,552        159       2,711 
 Other comprehensive 
  income: 
 Exchange differences 
  on intercompany 
  loans -                           -          -           -         -            207           -            -          -        207           - 
 Foreign 
  currency 
  translation 
  charge                  -         -          -           -         -              6           -            -          6          -           6 
----------------  ---------  --------  ---------  ----------  --------  -------------  ----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 
   Total 
   comprehensive 
   profit for 
   the year               -         -          -           -         -            213           -        2,552      2,765        159       2,924 
 
 
   At 31 
   December 
   2018 (as 
   restated)            341     3,520     19,240     (1,546)     2,014          (386)     (2,255)          529     21,457        265      21,722 
 
 NCI purchase 
  - note 21               -         -          -           -         -              -         506        (460)         46       (46)           - 
 Movement in 
  redemption 
  liability 
  - note 21               -         -          -           -         -              -       1,513            -      1,513          -       1,513 
 EBT share 
  transfer                -         -          -         170         -              -           -        (440)      (270)          -       (270) 
 Share 
  contribution            -         -          -           -     (507)              -           -            -      (507)          -       (507) 
 MI scheme pay 
  out                     2        87          -         205         -              -           -          106        400          -         400 
 Share option 
  charge                  -         -          -           -       120              -           -            -        120          -         120 
 Dividends                -         -          -           -         -              -           -        (521)      (521)      (102)       (623) 
----------------  ---------  --------  ---------  ----------  --------  -------------  ----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 
   Transactions 
   with owners            2        87          -         375     (387)              -       2,019      (1,315)        781      (148)         633 
----------------  ---------  --------  ---------  ----------  --------  -------------  ----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 
 Profit for 
  the year                -         -          -           -         -              -           -        1,340      1,340       (43)       1,297 
 Other comprehensive 
  income: 
 Exchange 
  differences 
  on 
  intercompany 
  loans                   -         -          -           -         -          (222)           -            -      (222)          -       (222) 
 Foreign 
  currency 
  translation 
  charge                  -         -          -           -         -             86           -            -         86          -          86 
----------------  ---------  --------  ---------  ----------  --------  -------------  ----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 
   Total 
   comprehensive 
   profit for 
   the year               -         -          -           -         -          (136)           -        1,340      1,204       (43)       1,161 
 
 At 31 December 
  2019                  343     3,607     19,240     (1,171)     1,627          (522)       (236)          554     23,442         74      23,516 
----------------  ---------  --------  ---------  ----------  --------  -------------  ----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 
 

Consolidated statement of cash flows

For the year ended 31 December 2019

 
                                                         2019           2018 
                                          Note                   As restated 
                                                      GBP'000        GBP'000 
-------------------------------------  -------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 Cash generated from operating 
  activities                             20a            3,623          7,808 
 Income taxes paid                                      (183)           (30) 
 Net cash generated from operating 
  activities                             20a            3,440          7,778 
 
 Investing activities 
 Purchase of property, plant 
  and equipment                           10            (134)          (269) 
 Purchase of software assets              9             (208)          (102) 
 
 Net cash used in investing 
  activities                                            (342)          (371) 
-------------------------------------  -------      ---------  ------------- 
 
 Financing activities 
 Finance costs                            2              (37)          (100) 
 Finance income                           3                38             22 
 Principal paid on lease liabilities                  (1,418)        (1,392) 
 Decrease in borrowings                   15            (139)        (2,839) 
 Decrease in redemption liability 
  on NCI pay-out                          21            (506)          (142) 
 Purchase of treasury shares                            (240)          (118) 
 Equity dividends paid                    5             (521)          (420) 
 Dividends paid to NCI                                  (102)              - 
 
 Net cash (used)/generated from 
  financing activities                                (2,925)        (4,989) 
-------------------------------------  -------      ---------  ------------- 
 
 Net increase in cash and cash 
  equivalents                                             173          2,418 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 
  beginning of year                       13            5,227          2,770 
 
   Exchange (loss)/gain on cash 
   and cash equivalents                                 (780)             39 
-------------------------------------  -------      ---------  ------------- 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 
  end of year                             13            4,466          5,227 
-------------------------------------  -------      ---------  ------------- 
 
 
 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Basis of preparation

Hydrogen Group plc is the Group's ultimate parent company. The Company is a limited liability company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The registered office address and principal place of business is 30 Eastcheap, London, EC3M 1HD, England. Hydrogen Group plc's shares are listed on the AIM Market. Registered company number is 05563206.

The consolidated financial statements of Hydrogen Group plc have been prepared under the historical cost convention, apart from the treatment of certain financial assets, and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as endorsed by the European Union and also comply with IFRIC interpretations and Company Law applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The Group's accounting policies have been consistently applied to all the periods presented other than for the adoption of IFRS 16.

The factors considered by the Directors in exercising their judgement of the Group's ability to continue to operate in the foreseeable future are set out in the Annual Report and summarised in the Financial Review. The Directors have prepared base case financial forecasts for the period ending 30 June 2021. The uncertainty as to the future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been considered as part of the Group's adoption of the going concern basis.

Forecast stress testing scenarios, in light of COVID-19, has demonstrated that the Group could withstand both a material and prolonged decrease in revenue without breaching its banking facilities. For example, the Group could withstand a more than 60% decrease in revenues for 6 months and still operate within existing facilities. Importantly, this scenario is prior to any cost saving, other mitigating action or government support that may available to the Group. In the event that such a scenario arose, the Directors would of course take appropriate mitigating action. Such mitigating action may include furloughing staff and/or reducing overheads. On this basis, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will have sufficient cash flow and available resources to continue operating for at least 12 months from the approval date of these Financial Statements. Accordingly, the Group and the Company continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its Financial Statements.

However, if the impacts of COVID-19 are worse or more prolonged than the Directors' expectations, the Group may need to seek additional support from funders. Given the lack of certainty that COVID-19 will have on the Group's customers and the markets in which it operates, and the support from funders that may be required if pronounced sensitivity scenarios arise, these events and conditions indicate the existence of a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt on the Group's and the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments should the going concern basis of preparation be inappropriate.

The consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 (including comparatives) are presented in GBP '000 and were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 6 April 2020.

   1       Segment reporting 

Segment operating profit is the profit earned by each operating segment excluding the allocation of central administration costs, and is the measure reported to the Group's Board, the Group's Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM), for performance management and resource allocation purposes.

(a) Revenue, gross profit, and operating profit by discipline

For management purposes, the Group is organised into the following three operating segments based on the geography of the business unit: EMEA (covering Europe, Middle East and Africa); USA; and APAC (covering Asia and Australia). The operating segments noted reflect the information that is regularly reviewed by the Group's Chief Operating Decision Maker which is the Board of Hydrogen Group plc. All operating segments have similar economic characteristics and share a majority of the aggregation criteria set out in IFRS 8:12.

 
                             31 December 2019                                          31 December 2018 (as restated) 
                     EMEA       USA      APAC     Group      Total          EMEA       USA      APAC     Group      Total 
                  GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000 
                 --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  ------------  --------  --------  --------  --------- 
 
 Revenue           93,160     7,733    20,354        30    121,277       108,060     6,895    20,672        30    135,637 
 
 Gross profit      16,146     3,496     9,740        30     29,412        17,617     1,921    10,958        30     30,526 
 
 Depreciation 
  and 
  amortisation      (640)      (16)     (652)      (89)    (1,397)         (719)       (2)     (660)      (89)    (1,470) 
 
 Other income         526         -         -         -        526           529         -         -         -        529 
 
 Operating 
  profit 
  before 
  exceptional 
  items             4,652         9     (132)   (1,962)      2,567         3,114       148     1,347   (1,479)      3,130 
 
 Exceptional 
  items              (12)         -      (28)     (835)      (875)           (1)         -         -         -        (1) 
 
 Operating 
  profit 
  /(loss)           4,640         9     (160)   (2,797)      1,692         3,113       148     1,347   (1,479)      3,129 
                 --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  ------------  --------  --------  --------  --------- 
 
 Finance costs                                              ( 108)                                                  (192) 
 Finance income                                                 38                                                     22 
 Profit from associate                                          66                                                     70 
                                                         ---------                                              --------- 
 Profit before tax                                           1,688                                                  3,029 
                                                         ---------                                              --------- 
 
 Total Assets       7,275     2,233     5,328    23,525     38,361        12,534     1,661     6,390    21,226     41,811 
 
 Total 
  Liabilities     (6,617)     (480)   (2,015)   (5,733)   (14,845)       (7,232)     (775)   (2,251)   (9,831)   (20,089) 
 
 

Group costs represent central management costs that are not allocated to operating segments.

The majority of exceptional items included principally relate to the impairment of loans, and professional fees for non-trading M&A expenditure. Refer to note 4 for a breakdown.

Revenue reported above is generated from external customers. There were no sales between segments in the year (2018: nil).

The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as the Group's accounting policies described above. Segment profit represents the profit earned by each segment without allocation of Group administration costs, finance costs and finance income.

Other income relates to rentals receivable by the Group for the two floors subleased in its London offices.

There is one external customer that represented 14% (2018: 21%) of the entity's revenues, with revenue of GBP17.3m (2018: GBP29.1m), and approximately 4% (2018: 8%) of the Group's NFI which is included in the EMEA segment.

(b) Revenue and gross profit by geography:

 
                            Revenue          Gross profit 
----------------  --------------------      ------------- 
                       2019       2018               2019       2018 
                    GBP'000    GBP'000            GBP'000    GBP'000 
---------------   ---------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
 
 UK                  83,651     98,822             12,566     13,903 
 Rest of world       37,626     36,815             16,846     16,623 
----------------  ---------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
                    121,277    135,637             29,412     30,526 
 ---------------  ---------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
 
 

The 'Rest of world' revenue and gross profit numbers disclosed above have been accumulated for geographies outside of the UK on the basis that no one geography is significant in its entirety, other than the UK.

(c) Revenue and gross profit by recruitment classification:

 
                          Revenue        Gross profit 
-----------   --------------------  -------------------- 
                   2019       2018       2019       2018 
                GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
-----------   ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Permanent       17,648     17,828     17,645     17,802 
 Contract       103,629    117,809     11,767     12,724 
------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
                121,277    135,637     29,412     30,526 
 -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 

The information reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker, or otherwise regularly provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker, does not include information on total assets and liabilities. The cost to develop this information would be excessive in comparison to the value that would be derived.

   2      Finance costs 
 
                                               2019           2018 
                                                       As restated 
                                            GBP'000        GBP'000 
--------------------------------------    ---------  ------------- 
 
   Invoice discounting and associated 
   costs                                         37            100 
 Finance costs on lease liabilities              71             92 
----------------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 
                                                108            192 
  --------------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 
 
   3      Finance income 
 
                          2019       2018 
                       GBP'000    GBP'000 
-----------------    ---------  --------- 
 
   Bank interest            38         22 
-------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
                            38         22 
  -----------------  ---------  --------- 
 
   4      Underlying profit before tax and exceptional items 

Underlying PBT is calculated as follows:

 
                                               2019           2018 
                                                       As restated 
                                            GBP'000        GBP'000 
--------------------------------------    ---------  ------------- 
 
   Profit Before Tax                          1,688          3,029 
 Non-controlling loss/(profit)                   43          (159) 
 Non-trading/exceptional items*                 875             51 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles            89             89 
 Share based payments                           120             75 
 Foreign exchange losses                         74            101 
----------------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 
   Underlying PBT                             2,889          3,186 
----------------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 

Underlying EPS is calculated as follows:

 
                                            2019          2018 
                                                   As restated 
                                         GBP'000       GBP'000 
-----------------------------------    ---------  ------------ 
 
                       Underlying PBT      2,889         3,187 
 Tax expense                               (391)         (318) 
-------------------------------------  ---------  ------------ 
 Underlying PAT                            2,498         2,869 
-------------------------------------  ---------  ------------ 
 
 Weighted average number of shares 
  (million)                                 33.5          32.6 
-------------------------------------  ---------  ------------ 
 Underlying EPS                             7.5p          8.9p 
-------------------------------------  ---------  ------------ 
 

*Exceptional items are costs/(income) that are separately disclosed due to their material and non-recurring nature.

 
                                        2019       2018 
                                     GBP'000    GBP'000 
 --------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 Restructuring costs                      40         66 
 Rates rebate                              -      (520) 
 Right of use asset impairment             -        455 
 Impairment of loans                     542          - 
 Professional fees                       293          - 
 
   Total                                 875          1 
--------------------------------   ---------  --------- 
 
 

Non trading costs incurred in the year principally relate to the impairment of loans and professional fees for non-trading M&A expenditure. These are included within administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

   5      Dividends 
 
                                                             2019       2018 
                                                          GBP'000    GBP'000 
------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
   Amounts recognised and distributed to shareholders 
   in the year 
 Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 
  2018 of 1.0p per share (2017: 0.8p per share)               324        257 
 Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 
  2019 of 0.6p per share (2018: 0.5p per share)               197        163 
------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
                                                              521        420 
------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 

A final dividend has not been proposed for the year ended 31 December 2019.

   6      Tax 
 
 (a) Analysis of tax charge for 
  the year:                                             2019           2018 
                                                                As restated 
  The charge based on the profit                     GBP'000        GBP'000 
  for the year comprises: 
-----------------------------------------------    ---------  ------------- 
 
   Corporation tax: 
 UK corporation tax on profits 
  for the year                                           426            348 
 Adjustment to tax charge in respect 
  of previous periods                                      -           (44) 
-------------------------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 
   Foreign tax                                           426            304 
 Current tax                                               -              4 
 Total current tax                                       426            308 
-------------------------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 
 Deferred tax: 
 Origination and reversal of temporary 
  differences                                              -             62 
 Adjustment to tax charge in respect 
  of previous periods                                   (35)           (52) 
 Total deferred tax                                     (35)             10 
-------------------------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 
 Tax charge on profit for the year                       391            318 
-------------------------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 
 UK corporation tax is calculated at 19.00% (2018: 19.00%) of 
  the estimated assessable profits for the year. Taxation for 
  other jurisdictions is calculated at the rates prevailing in 
  the respective jurisdictions. 
 (b) The charge for the year can be reconciled to the profit 
  per the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income as follows: 
 
 Profit before tax                                     1,688          3,029 
-------------------------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 
 Tax at the UK corporation tax rate of 19.00% 
  (2018: 19.00%)                                         320            576 
 
 Effects of: 
 Fixed asset differences                                  17              1 
 Expenses not deductible for tax 
  purposes                                               227             80 
 Income not taxable                                    (150)           (68) 
 Effect of difference in tax rates                      (78)           (33) 
 Utilisation of tax losses and 
  other deductions                                     (100)          (224) 
 Tax losses carried forward not 
  recognised for deferred tax                            238            227 
 Adjustment to tax charge in respect 
  of prior periods                                      (83)          (216) 
 Share-based payments                                      -           (25) 
 
 Tax charge for the year                                 391            318 
-------------------------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 

Short term timing differences relate to the differences between taxable profits and total comprehensive income as stated in the financial statements throughout the Group.

In total, at the reporting date, the Group had unutilised tax losses of GBP7.3m (2018: GBP6.5m) available for offset against future profits, for which a deferred tax asset of GBP0.2m has been recognised. Further tax assets have not been recognised due to the uncertainty of future profits being recognised where the losses have arisen. There has been no deferred tax charge relating to share options charged directly to equity (2018: nil). The Group is unaware of any uncertain or irregular tax judgements or treatments that would have a material impact on the tax charge for the current or prior year.

   7      Goodwill 
 
                                                     2019        2018 
                                                  GBP'000     GBP'000 
 --------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 
   Cost 
 At 1 January                                      21,331      21,301 
 Additions                                              -          30 
 Gain of bargain purchase                            (46)           - 
--------------------------------------------   ----------  ---------- 
 
 At 31 December                                    21,285      21,331 
 
 Accumulated impairment losses 
 At 1 January                                     (9,087)     (9,087) 
 
   At 31 December                                 (9,087)     (9,087) 
 
 
 Carrying amount at 31 December                    12,198      12,244 
--------------------------------------------   ----------  ---------- 
 
 Allocation of goodwill to cash generating 
 units (CGU): 
 EMEA (including USA) Professional 
  Support Services                                 10,141      10,141 
 Argyll Scott Group                                 2,057       2,103 
--------------------------------------------   ----------  ---------- 
 
 

Goodwill arising on business combinations is tested annually for impairment or more frequently if there are indications that the value of goodwill may have been impaired. Goodwill has been tested for impairment by comparing the carrying value with the recoverable amount.

The recoverable amount is determined on a value-in-use basis utilising the value of cash flow projections over five years with a terminal value added. Multiple scenarios were tested, firstly using the 2019 actuals (of which key assumptions are detailed below) and secondly using detailed budgets prepared as part of the Group's performance and control procedures. Subsequent years are based on further extrapolations using the key assumptions listed below. Cash flows are discounted by the cash generating unit's weighted average cost of capital. Management determines that there has been no impairment in the carrying value of goodwill in 2019 (GBPnil).

The key assumptions for revenue growth rates and discount rates used in the impairment review are stated below:

 
                                                         Growth rates 
 
                                                                          Discount 
                                                                              rate 
  Net fee income growth rate on actuals           2020       2021-2024           % 
                                                     %               % 
 
 EMEA (including USA) Professional Support 
  Services                                        2.5%            2.5%       13.4% 
 Argyll Scott Group                               2.5%            2.5%       13.4% 
-------------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  ---------- 
 

For the purposes of the goodwill impairment review, the Board consider it prudent to assume a 2.5% revenue growth on pre-tax actuals for 2020 through to 2024. The revenue growth rates for 2020-2024 are the Group's own internal forecasts, supported by external industry reports. The discount rate used is an estimate of the Group's weighted average cost of capital, based on the risk adjusted average weighted cost of its debt and equity financing. The Group has sensitised both the discount rate and growth rate by 2.5% with no material impact noted. Following the outbreak of Covid-19, the Group has further sensitised the numbers which the Board are confident will have no material impact on goodwill.

   8      Investment in associate 

The following table provides summarised information of the Group's investment in the associated undertaking:

 
                             2019       2018 
                          GBP'000    GBP'000 
----------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
 1 January                    120         50 
 Share of associate's 
  profit                       66         70 
----------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
 31 December                  186        120 
----------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
 
 Principle associate         Investment            Principal              Country      Equity 
                                held by             activity     of incorporation    interest 
---------------------  ----------------  -------------------  -------------------  ---------- 
 Tempting Ventures       Hydrogen Group 
  Limited                           Plc    Advisory services                   UK         49% 
 
 
 Tempting Ventures Limited aggregated results 
                                             2019      2018 
-------------------------------------  ----------  -------- 
 Net (Liabilities)                      (GBP0.2m)     GBP0.0m 
  Assets: 
 Gross Profit:                            GBP6.0m     GBP4.7m 
 Net Profit                               GBP0.1m     GBP0.2m 
 
 
 
   9      Other intangible assets 
 
                                  Computer 
                                  software     Database       Brand       Total 
                                   GBP'000      GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000 
-----------------------------   ----------  -----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
   Cost 
 At 1 January 2018                   2,125          500         125       2,750 
 Additions                             102            -           -         102 
 
   At 31 December 2018               2,227          500         125       2,852 
 
   Additions                           208            -           -         208 
 Disposals                         (1,815)            -           -     (1,815) 
 
 
   At 31 December 2019                 620          500         125       1,245 
------------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Amortisation and impairment 
 At 1 January 2018                 (1,909)         (42)        (10)     (1,961) 
 Charge for the year                  (93)         (70)        (18)       (181) 
 
   At 31 December 2018             (2,002)        (112)        (28)     (2,142) 
 Charge for the year                  (91)         (70)        (18)       (179) 
 Disposals                           1,815            -           -       1,815 
 
 
   At 31 December 2019               (278)        (182)        (46)       (739) 
------------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Net book value at 31 
  December 2019                        342          318          79         739 
------------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
   Net book value at 31 
   December 2018                       225          388          97         710 
------------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ---------- 
 

During the year, the Group disposed of fully written down assets no longer utilised by the Group of GBP1.8m.

Amortisation of intangible assets is charged to administration expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

   10    Property, plant and equipment 
 
                                       Computer 
                                     and office       Leasehold 
                                      equipment    improvements       Total 
                                        GBP'000         GBP'000     GBP'000 
---------------------------------  ------------  --------------  ---------- 
 
   Cost 
 At 1 January 2018                          668           1,959       2,627 
 Additions                                  255              14         269 
 
   At 31 December 2018                      923           1,973       2,896 
 
 Additions                                  126               8         134 
 Disposals                                (670)           (294)       (964) 
 
   At 31 December 2019                      379           1,687       2,066 
---------------------------------  ------------  --------------  ---------- 
 
 Accumulated depreciation and 
  impairment 
 At 1 January 2018                        (544)         (1,201)     (1,745) 
 Charge for the year                      (121)            (88)       (209) 
 Exchange differences                         5               -           5 
 
   At 31 December 2018                    (660)         (1,289)     (1,949) 
 Charge for the year                      (123)            (91)       (214) 
 Disposals                                  670             294         964 
 Exchange differences                       (6)             (4)        (10) 
 
   At 31 December 2019                    (119)         (1,090)     (1,209) 
---------------------------------  ------------  --------------  ---------- 
 
 Net book value at 31 December 
  2019                                      260             597         857 
---------------------------------  ------------  --------------  ---------- 
 
   Net book value at 31 December 
   2018                                     263             684         947 
---------------------------------  ------------  --------------  ---------- 
 
   11    Deferred tax 
 
                                                     Short term 
                                                         timing 
                                      Unutilised    differences       Total 
   Deferred tax asset                 tax losses        GBP'000     GBP'000 
                                         GBP'000 
---------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 At 1 January 2019 (as restated)               -            282         282 
 
 Credited/(charged) to profit 
  or loss                                    150          (136)          14 
 
 At 31 December 2019                         150            146         296 
---------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 
 
                               Accelerated 
                                   capital     Intangible 
                                allowances         Assets       Total 
  Deferred tax (liability)         GBP'000        GBP'000     GBP'000 
---------------------------   ------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 At 1 January 2019                    (20)           (97)       (117) 
 Credited to profit or 
  loss                                   3             18          21 
 
 At 31 December 2019                  (17)           (79)        (96) 
----------------------------  ------------  -------------  ---------- 
 

In total, at the reporting date, the Group had unutilised tax losses of GBP7.3m (2018: GBP6.5m) available for offset against future profits, for which a deferred tax asset of GBP0.2m has been recognised.

   12    Trade and other receivables 
 
 Trade and other receivables are as            2019       2018 
  follows:                                  GBP'000    GBP'000 
---------------------------------------   ---------  --------- 
 
 Trade receivables                           11,151     10,780 
 Expected credit losses                       (123)      (279) 
 Contract assets                              4,921      7,414 
 Prepayments                                    645        749 
 Other taxes and social security costs          109          - 
 Other receivables: 
 - due within 12 months                         430      1,045 
 - due after more than 12 months                417        274 
 
 Total                                       17,550     19,983 
----------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
  Current                                    17,133     19,709 
 Non- current                                   417        274 
----------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 

As at 31 December 2019, the average credit period taken by clients was 33 days (2018: 28 days) from the date of invoicing, and the receivables are predominantly non-interest bearing. Expected credit losses of GBP123,000 (2018: GBP279,000) has been made for estimated irrecoverable amounts. Due to the short-term nature of trade and other receivables, the Directors consider that the carrying value approximates to their fair value.

   12    Trade and other receivables (continued) 

Contract assets principally comprises accruals for amounts to be billed for contract staff for time worked in December. Other receivables due after more than 12 months are predominantly rental deposits on leasehold properties.

The Group does not recognise expected credit losses against receivables solely on the basis of the age of the debt, as experience has demonstrated that this is not a reliable indicator of recoverability. The Group provides fully against all receivables where it has positive evidence that the amount is not recoverable.

The Group uses an external credit scoring system to assess the creditworthiness of new customers. The Group supplies mainly major companies and major professional partnerships.

Included in the Group's trade receivable balances are receivables with a carrying amount of GBP4.1m (2018: GBP2.9m) which are past due date at the reporting date for which the Group has not provided as the amounts are still considered recoverable. The Group does not hold any collateral over these balances.

 
 
 Movement in expected credit                         2019       2018 
 losses:                                          GBP'000    GBP'000 
------------------------------  ----  ----  -------------  --------- 
 
 1 January                                          (279)      (135) 
 Expected credit losses                             (123)      (279) 
 Impairment losses reversed                           279        135 
 
31 December                                         (123)      (279) 
 
 

In determining the recoverability of trade receivables, the Group considers any change in the credit quality of the trade receivable from the date credit was initially granted up to the reporting date. The Directors believe that there is no further credit provision required.

There are no individually impaired trade receivables that have been placed in administration or liquidation included in calculation of expected credit losses (2018: nil).

 
                            Gross  Expected    Total      Gross  Expected    Total 
  Ageing of expected     carrying      loss            carrying      loss 
  credit losses:           amount      rate              amount      rate 
                             2019      2019     2019       2018      2018     2018 
                          GBP'000         %  GBP'000    GBP'000         %  GBP'000 
 
0-30 days                   7,265       0.7       51      6,715       0.5       34 
31-60 days                  2,950       1.5       44      2,236       1.5       34 
61-90 days                    585       2.6       15        978       2.5       24 
90+ days                      351       3.7       13        851       3.6       31 
 
31 December                11,151                123     10,780                123 
 

As at 31 December 2019 trade receivables of nil (2018: GBP156,000) had lifetime credit losses of the full value of receivables.

As at 31 December 2019 trade receivables to a value of GBP5.7m were subject to an invoice financing facility (2018: GBP6.2m).

   13    Cash and cash equivalents 
 
Cash and cash equivalents are        2019      2018 
 as follows:                      GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
Short-term bank deposits            4,620     5,227 
 
                                    4,620     5,227 
 
 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash held by the Group and short-term bank deposits with an original maturity of three months or less, less bank overdrafts repayable on demand. The carrying amount of these assets approximates their fair value.

   14    Trade and other payables 
 
Trade and other payables are 
 as follows:                            2019           2018 
                                                As restated 
                                     GBP'000        GBP'000 
 
Trade payables                         1,216          1,516 
Other taxes and social security 
 costs                                   998          1,279 
Other payables                         1,081          1,806 
Accruals                               8,018          9,147 
 
                                      11,313         13,748 
 

Accruals principally comprise accruals for amounts owed to contract staff for time worked in December, in addition to a rental accrual and a bonus and commission accrual.

The average credit period taken on trade purchases, excluding contract staff costs, by the Group is 18 days (2018: 20 days), based on the average daily amount invoiced by suppliers. Interest charged by suppliers is at various rates on payables not settled within terms. The Group has procedures to ensure that payables are paid to terms wherever possible. Due to the short-term nature of trade and other payables, the Directors consider that the carrying value approximates to their fair value.

   15    Borrowings 
 
                          2019      2018 
                       GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
Invoice discounting        154       293 
 
 

As at 31 December 2019, the Group had one (2018: two) invoice discounting facility in operation.

The HSBC facility has a maximum drawdown of GBP18.0m with no year-end balance outstanding. Interest on the facility is charged at 1.7% over UK Base Rate on actual amounts drawn down, and the margin is fixed to January 2022.

The Barclays facility was terminated in January 2019.

   16    Provisions 
 
                             Leasehold        System      Onerous     Onerous 
                         dilapidations   Integration   short-term   contracts      Total 
                               GBP'000       GBP'000   leaseholds     GBP'000    GBP'000 
                                                          GBP'000 
At 1 January 2018 
 (as restated)                     447           217          379          62      1,105 
 
New provision                       11             -            -           -         11 
Utilised                          (74)         (217)        (379)        (62)      (732) 
 
  At 31 December 2018 
  (as restated)                    384             -            -           -        384 
 
Utilised                          (58)             -            -           -       (58) 
At 31 December 2019                326             -            -           -        326 
Current                              -             -            -           -          - 
Non-current                        326             -            -           -        326 
 

The dilapidations provisions relate to the Group's current leased offices in UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand. This provision will unwind over the course of the lease agreements which range from 2-10 years.

   17    Share capital 

The share capital at 31 December 2019 was as follows:

 
                                      2019                   2018 
 
 Ordinary shares of 1p each       Number                 Number 
                               of shares    GBP'000   of shares    GBP'000 
 
Issued and fully paid: 
At 1 January                  34,127,927        341  33,425,823        334 
Issuance of new shares           207,000          2     702,104          7 
 
31 December                   34,334,927        343  34,127,927        341 
 
 

During 2019, 100,000 options were exercised (2018: 400,000), all of which were satisfied by the issuance of new shares.

At 31 December 2019, 766,301 (2018: 1,162,051) shares were held in the EBT.

At 31 December 2019, 545,521 (2018: 385,000) shares were held in Treasury.

At 31 December 2019, 212,895 (2018: 212,895) ordinary shares were held in the Hydrogen Group plc Share Incentive Plan trust for employees.

   18    Own shares held 

During the year, there was no movement in the number of shares held by the EBT.

At 31 December 2019, the total number of ordinary shares held in the EBT and their values were as follows:

 
Shares held for share option          2019       2018 
 schemes 
 
As at 1 January                  1,162,051  1,162,051 
Transferred out                  (395,750)          - 
As at 31 December                  766,301  1,162,051 
 
                                   GBP'000    GBP'000 
Nominal value                            8         12 
Carrying value                         882      1,338 
 

At 31 December 2019, the total number of ordinary shares held in Treasury and their values were as follows:

 
Shares held in Treasury          2019     2018 
 
As at 1 January               385,000        - 
Transferred out             (379,479)        - 
New shares purchased          540,000  385,000 
 
As at 31 December             545,521  385,000 
 
                              GBP'000  GBP'000 
Nominal value                       5        4 
Carrying value                    289      208 
 

Reconciliation of own shares held

 
                         2019     2018 
                      GBP'000  GBP'000 
 
As at 1 January         1,546    1,338 
Additions                 286      208 
Transfers out           (661)        - 
As at 31 December       1,171    1,546 
 
   19    Earnings per share 

Earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the Group by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares by existing share options and share incentive plans, assuming dilution through conversion of all existing options and shares held in share plans. The Employee Benefit Trust shares are ignored for the purposes of calculating the Group's earnings per share.

 
From continuing operations            2019          2018 
                                             As restated 
                                   GBP'000       GBP'000 
Earnings 
Profit attributable to equity 
 holders of the parent               1,340         2,552 
 
  Adjusted earnings 
 
  Profit for the year                1,340         2,552 
Add back: exceptional costs            875             1 
 
                                     2,215         2,553 
 
 
 
                                                     2019        2018 
Number of shares 
Weighted average number of shares used 
 for basic and adjusted earnings per share     33,491,503  32,608,110 
Dilutive effect of share plans*                 2,338,521   3,211,955 
 
  Diluted weighted average number 
  of shares used to calculate 
  diluted and adjusted diluted 
  earnings per share                           35,830,024  35,820,065 
 
Basic profit per share (pence)                      4.00p       7.83p 
Diluted profit per share (pence)                    3.74p       7.13p 
Adjusted basic profit earnings 
 per share (pence)                                  6.61p       7.83p 
Adjusted diluted profit earnings 
 per share (pence)                                  6.18p       7.13p 
 

*The calculation of diluted earnings per share does not assume conversion, exercise, or other issue of potential ordinary shares that would have an antidilutive effect on earnings or loss per share. (An antidilution is a reduction in the loss per share or an increase in the earnings per share). No shares have been identified to have an antidilutive effect.

   20    Notes to the cash flow statement 

a. Reconciliation of profit before tax to net cash inflow from operating activities

 
                                                   2019          2018 
                                                          As restated 
                                                GBP'000       GBP'000 
 
Profit before taxation                            1,688         3,029 
Less profit from associate                         (66)          (70) 
Add back exceptional items                          875             1 
Adjusted profit                                   2,497         2,960 
Adjusted for: 
Depreciation and amortisation                     1,466         1,470 
(Decrease)/increase in non-exceptional 
 provisions                                        (58)            11 
Interest paid on lease liabilities                 (71)          (92) 
FX unrealised losses                                 26            67 
Share-based payments                                120            75 
FX realised losses                                   49            34 
Operating cash flows before movements in 
 working capital                                  4,029         4,525 
 
Increase in receivables                           2,433         4,094 
Decrease in payables                            (2,435)         (942) 
 
 
Net cash outflow from operating activities 
 before exceptional items                         4,027         7,677 
 
Cash flows arising from exceptional costs         (404)           131 
 
Net cash outflow from operating activities        3,623     7,808 
 

b. Reconciliation of net cash and borrowings:

 
                                          2019      2018 
                                       GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at the 
 end of the year                         4,620     5,227 
 
Borrowings at the start of the 
 year                                    (293)   (3,132) 
Decrease in borrowings                     139     2,045 
 
Borrowings at the end of the year        (154)     (293) 
 
Net cash at the end of the year          4,466     4,934 
 
c. Reconciliation of financing 
 cashflows 
 
 
                       At 1 January    Financing  Other non-cash  31 December 
                               2018   cash flows         changes         2018 
 
Borrowings                  (3,132)        2,839               -        (293) 
Redemption liability        (1,020)          142         (1,377)      (2,255) 
Lease liabilities           (4,520)        1,392           (162)      (3,290) 
                            (8,672)        4,373         (1,539)      (5,838) 
 
 
                       At 1 January    Financing  Other non-cash  31 December 
                               2019   cash flows         changes         2019 
 
Borrowings                    (293)          139               -        (154) 
Redemption liability        (2,255)          506           1,513        (236) 
Lease liabilities           (3,290)        1,418           (692)      (2,564) 
                            (5,838)        2,063             821      (2,954) 
 
   21    Acquisition of Argyll Scott Holdings 

On 2 June 2017, Hydrogen Group plc acquired the entire issued share capital of Argyll Scott Holdings for GBP3.2m, satisfied by the issuance of 9,034,110 ordinary shares in Hydrogen Group Plc. Net assets acquired totalled GBP1.2m with goodwill arising of GBP2.1m.

As part of the acquisition for Argyll Scott, Hydrogen Group plc has entered into an agreement to buy back the remaining shareholding in the relevant subsidiaries so that all entities are 100% owned by the Group based on a multiple of profit after tax. As a result, a forward purchase reserve has been created which represents the unconditional amounts due to the non-controlling interests together with, where relevant, the best estimate of amounts due on the satisfaction of employment conditions for certain non-controlling interests with a redemption liability included on the face of the Statement of Financial Position.

The conditions on the buy-back are as follows:

 
Entity                       Shareholding  Repayment     Consideration        Dividend 
                               buy-back      dates                             payable 
Argyll Scott International       10%       30 April        P/E Ratio           Subject 
 Ltd                                          2021       (75% of Group      to permissible 
                                                           PE with a           laws and 
                                                           floor of 5         sufficient 
                                                           and a cap        distributable 
                                                       of 7.5) multiplied     reserves, 
                                                           by average         a dividend 
                                                          PAT of 2019         of no less 
                                                        and 2020 audited       than 50% 
                                                           accounts.            of the 
                                                                              statutory 
                                                                                PAT in 
                                                                             the relevant 
                                                                              year will 
                                                                               be paid. 
Argyll Scott Technology          7.5%      30 April        P/E Ratio 
 Ltd                                          2018       (75% of Group 
 Argyll Scott International      7.5%                      PE with a 
 (Hong Kong) Ltd                            30 April       floor of 5 
 Argyll Scott Hong Kong          7.5%         2019         and a cap 
 Ltd                                                   of 7.5) multiplied 
 Argyll Scott International      7.5%       30 April       by PAT of 
 (Singapore) Ltd                              2020       previous years 
 Argyll Scott Singapore                                audited accounts. 
 Ltd                                        30 April 
 Argyll Scott Recruitment                     2021 
 (Thailand) Ltd 
 Argyll Scott Malaysia 
 Sdn Bhd 
 

During the year, Hydrogen Group plc, bought back 7.5% of the relevant entities noted on the above schedule. A total of GBP0.4m was paid out for the shares in Argyll Scott International (Hong Kong) Ltd, Argyll Scott Hong Kong Ltd, Argyll Scott International (Singapore) Ltd, Argyll Scott Singapore Ltd, Argyll Scott Recruitment (Thailand) Ltd and Argyll Scott Malaysia Sdn Bhd. Additionally, GBP0.1m was paid on an accelerated basis for the remaining 22.5% of Argyll Scott Technology.

Redemption Liability

A financial liability is recognised in respect of the forward purchase at fair value. Movements in the year are as follows:

 
                              2019      2018 
                           GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
As at 1 January              2,255     1,020 
NCI pay-out                  (506)     (142) 
Fair value adjustment      (1,513)     1,377 
 
As at 31 December              236     2,255 
 
Current                          -       615 
Non-current                    236     1,640 
 

The redemption liability relates to future consideration due in respect of the acquisition of Argyll Scott. The fair value adjustment reflects an upward revision of the Board's best estimate of Argyll Scott's further trading prospects.

   22    Right of use Asset 
 
                                                             Total 
  The following amounts where the Group was a lessee       GBP'000 
  under finance leases for office buildings 
 
  Cost 
Restated as at 1 January 2018                                6,224 
Additions                                                       70 
 
  Restated as at 31 December 
  2018                                                       6,294 
 
Additions                                                      621 
Disposals                                                    (790) 
 
  At 31 December 2019                                        6,125 
 
Accumulated depreciation and 
 impairment 
Restated as at 1 January 2018                              (2,461) 
Charge for the year                                        (1,080) 
Impairment                                                   (455) 
 
  Restated as at 31 December 
  2018                                                     (3,996) 
Charge for the year                                        (1,004) 
Disposals                                                      790 
 
  At 31 December 2019                                      (4,210) 
 
Net book value at 31 December 
 2019                                                        1,915 
 
  Net book value at 31 December 
  2018                                                       2,298 
 
   23    Lease Liabilities 

Lease liabilities are presented in the statement of financial position as follows:

 
                    2019      2018 
                 GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
Current              512       649 
Non-current        2,052     2,641 
 

All lease liabilities relate to office properties in the Group. Leases are negotiated with an average term of 4.9 years. The lease payments are discounted using the weighted average lessee's incremental borrowing rate of 2.3%. Interest payable in the year was attributable to GBP0.1m (2018: GBP0.1m).

   24    Adjustments recognised on adoption of IFRS 16 

The Group has adopted IFRS 16 with respect to the recognition and measurement of leases on a fully retrospective basis.

The impact of this change in accounting policy on the comparative figures previously reported is illustrated below on each line item of the Group financial statements that has been affected:

 
                                               Adjustments             Restated under 
             As reported under                                        the new accounting 
              previous policy                                               policy 
                        Y/E 2018  Y/E 2017  Y/E 2018  Y/E 2017             Y/E 2018  Y/E 2017 
                         GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000              GBP'000   GBP'000 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 
Gross profit              30,526                   -                         30,526 
Other administrative 
expenses                (28,237)                 312                       (27,925) 
Finance costs              (100)                (92)                          (192) 
Profit before 
 tax                       2,809                 220                          3,029 
Tax                        (358)                  40                          (318) 
Profit after 
 tax                       2,451                 260                          2,711 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 
Right of use 
 asset                         -         -     2,298     3,763                2,298     3,763 
Deferred tax 
 asset                       112       181       170       130                  282       311 
Total Assets              39,343    41,253     2,468     3,893               41,811    45,146 
 
Lease Liability                -         -   (3,290)   (4,520)              (3,290)   (4,520) 
Trade and other 
 payables               (14,705)  (15,647)      (96)      (96)             (14,801)  (15,743) 
Accruals                (10,200)  (10,346)     1,053     1,053              (9,147)   (9,293) 
Provisions                 (839)   (1,105)       455         -                (384)   (1,105) 
Total Liabilities       (18,211)  (21,040)   (1,878)   (3,563)             (20,089)  (24,603) 
 
Total Equity              21,132    20,213       590       330               21,722    20,543 
 
 
   25    Non adjusting post balance sheet event considerations 

As a result of recent developments with COVID-19, the Board has identified the following items that may have a material impact on the Net Assets of the Group:

Investment in Associate - note 8

Current market conditions make it difficult to assess the likely short-term trading performance of Tempting Ventures Limited. Although the Board is mindful that Tempting Ventures Limited may well be able to access government loans and other support, the potential impact on the Group's financial statements would be to impair this investment, which at 31 December 2019 was GBP0.2m.

Redemption liability - note 21

Current market conditions make it difficult to assess the likely trading performance on Argyll Scott in APAC, which will in turn will impact the earn out consideration that becomes payable. At 31 December 2019 the consideration that will be due to acquire the remaining 7.5% of Argyll Scott business in APAC is provided for at GBP0.2m. As trading remains uncertain and currently behind budget, it is possible that this liability will be reduced to nil.

No other items have been identified as at the date of approval of these financial statements.

   26    Statutory report classification 

The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2019 and the year ended 31 December 2018 does not constitute the company's statutory accounts for those years.

Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2019 will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the Company's Annual General Meeting.

The auditors' reports on the accounts for 31 December 2019 and 31 December 2018 were unqualified.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

END

FR FLFEDSAIRIII

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