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MTW Mattioli Woods Plc

792.00
0.00 (0.00%)
Last Updated: 07:37:29
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Mattioli Woods Plc LSE:MTW London Ordinary Share GB00B0MT3Y97 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% 792.00 790.00 794.00 792.00 792.00 792.00 22,201 07:37:29
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Finance Services 111.18M 7.65M 0.1474 53.73 411.14M

Mattioli Woods PLC Final Results (6408Z)

04/09/2018 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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RNS Number : 6408Z

Mattioli Woods PLC

04 September 2018

 
   4 September 2018 
 

Mattioli Woods plc

("Mattioli Woods", "the Company" or "the Group")

Final results

Mattioli Woods plc (AIM: MTW.L), the specialist wealth management and employee benefits business, today reports its final results for the year ended 31 May 2018.

Financial highlights

   --     Revenue up 16.2% to GBP58.7m (2017: GBP50.5m) 
   --     Organic revenue growth(1)  of 15.6% (2017: 11.6%) 
   --     Recurring revenues(2) of 84.8% (2017: 85.1%) 
   --     EBITDA(3) up 22.1% to GBP12.7m (2017: GBP10.4m): 

- EBITDA margin of 21.6% (2017: 20.6%)

   --     Adjusted EBITDA(4)  up 15.7% to GBP12.5m (2017: GBP10.8m): 

- Adjusted EBITDA margin of 21.3% (2017: 21.4%)

   --     Profit before tax up 27.3% to GBP9.8m (2017: GBP7.7m) 
   --     Basic EPS up 27.3% to 31.2p (2017: 24.5p) 
   --     Adjusted EPS(5) up 11.1% to 37.0p (2017: 33.3p) 
   --     Proposed total dividend up 20.6% to 17.0p (2017: 14.1p) 
   --     Strong financial position with net cash(6) of GBP20.2m (2017: GBP23.0m) 

1. Excluding acquisitions completed in the current and prior financial years.

2. Annual pension consultancy and administration fees; ongoing adviser charges; level and renewal commissions; banking income; property, discretionary portfolio and other annual management charges.

3. Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation and impairment, excluding share of profit from associates.

4. Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation, impairment, changes in valuation of derivative financial instruments and acquisition-related costs, including share of profit from associates (net of tax).

5. Before acquisition-related costs, amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles, changes in valuation

of derivative financial   instruments and notional finance income and charges. 

6. Excluding GBP3.5m of VAT reclaimed on behalf of and to be repaid to clients.

Operational highlights and recent developments

   --     Reducing client costs while maintaining target EBITDA margin 
   --     Total client assets(7) up 10.1% to GBP8.73bn (2017: GBP7.93bn): 

- Lowered custody charges for all clients using our core investment platform

- Gross discretionary AuM up 29.3% to GBP2.34bn (2017: GBP1.81bn)

- GBP115.4m (2017: GBP98.4m) inflows into the Mattioli Woods Structured Products Fund

- GBP103.8m inflows into Amati funds

- GBP49.1m (2017: GBP76.0m) of new equity raised by Custodian REIT

   --     Over 1,300 (2017: 1,200) new clients chose the Group's services in year 
   --     134 (2017: 115) consultants at year end 
   --      Recent acquisitions performing well 
   --      Extending strategic geographic footprint: 

- Moved to new Manchester office in May 2018

- Opening new Edinburgh office in September 2018

- Moving to new Leicester office in October 2018

   --      Continued investment in technology, compliance and training 

7. Includes GBP286.0m (2017: GBP153.8m) of funds under management by the Group's associate, Amati Global Investors Limited, excluding GBP27.0m (2017: GBP12.1m) of Mattioli Woods' client investment and GBP12.1m (2017: GBP9.8m) of cross-holdings between the TB Amati Smaller Companies Fund and the Amati AIM VCT plc.

Commenting on the results, Ian Mattioli MBE, Chief Executive Officer, said:

"I am pleased to report another year of strong and sustainable growth, with revenue up 16.2% to GBP58.7m (2017: GBP50.5m). Organic revenue growth of 15.6% or GBP7.7m (2017: 11.6% or GBP4.4m) was primarily driven by the flow of new business generated by our consultancy team, with over 1,300 new SIPP, SSAS and personal clients choosing Mattioli Woods during the year.

"Strong growth in revenue translated into strong growth in Adjusted EPS, up 11.1% to 37.0p (2017: 33.3p). Accordingly, the Board is pleased to recommend the payment of an increased final dividend of 11.5 pence per share (2017: 9.4 pence). This makes a proposed total dividend for the year of 17.0 pence (2017: 14.1 pence), a year-on-year increase of 20.6% (2017: 12.8%), demonstrating our desire to deliver value to shareholders and confidence in the outlook for our business.

"Recent acquisitions and investments continue to perform well. Organic growth was supplemented by full-year revenues of GBP1.7m (2017: GBP1.2m) from the MC Trustees pension administration business acquired in September 2016 and our share of profits from Amati increased to GBP0.2m (2017: GBP0.1m). Amati has enjoyed strong growth in gross assets under management, which increased from GBP175.7m at the start of the year to GBP325.1m at the year end.

"Last month we announced the acquisition of Broughtons Financial Planning, which has a similar culture to Mattioli Woods and gives us new opportunities to grow and develop the client offering of the combined business. With increasing complexity and continuing consolidation across the key markets in which we operate, we expect there will be further opportunities to accelerate our growth by acquisition.

"We continue to invest in the Group as we look to build upon our success to date. I am delighted with the performance of our business over the last financial year and believe we are well-positioned to progress further towards the ambitious longer-term goals we have set."

For further information please contact:

 
 Mattioli Woods plc 
 Ian Mattioli MBE, Chief Executive 
  Officer 
 Nathan Imlach, Chief Financial      Tel: +44 (0) 116 240 8700 
  Officer 
                                         www.mattioliwoods.com 
 
 
 Canaccord Genuity Limited 
 Sunil Duggal 
 David Tyrrell               Tel: +44 (0) 20 7523 8000 
 Emma Gabriel                 www.canaccordgenuity.com 
 

Media enquiries:

 
 Camarco 
 Ed Gascoigne-Pees   Tel: +44 (0) 20 3757 4984 
                               www.camarco.com 
 

Analyst presentation

There will be an analyst presentation to discuss the results at 09:30am today at Canaccord Genuity Limited, 88 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7QR.

Those analysts wishing to attend are asked to contact Ed Gascoigne-Pees at Camarco on +44 (0) 20 3757 4984 or at ed.gascoigne-pees@camarco.co.uk.

Chairman's statement

Another year of growth

I am pleased to report another successful year of growth for Mattioli Woods, with a strong flow of organic new business from individuals and corporates choosing to use the range of specialist services we provide, coupled with continued demand for advice from existing clients. Revenue growth of 16.2% on the prior year translated into growth in Adjusted EPS(8) of 11.1% to 37.0 pence (2017: 33.3 pence).

We are proud of the strong shareholder returns we have delivered over many years and remain committed to growing the dividend, while maintaining an appropriate level of dividend cover. Accordingly, the Board is pleased to recommend the payment of an increased final dividend of 11.5 pence per share (2017: 9.4 pence). This makes a proposed total dividend for the year of 17.0 pence (2017: 14.1 pence), a year-on-year increase of 20.6%.

Our aim is to create a long-term sustainable business of which our clients, shareholders, people and suppliers are proud to be a part and the Group's recent achievements have been recognised with a number of professional awards for individual and corporate achievements. I would like to congratulate Paul Jourdan on being named best UK Smaller Companies Fund Manager at the FE Alpha Manager of the Year Awards in May, Mark Fuller and Ben Wattam on the Mattioli Woods' Structured Products Fund being named Retail Investment Product of the Year at the Risk Awards 2018 and Ian Mattioli on winning CEO of the Year at the 2018 City of London Wealth Management Awards. Other achievements included the Group winning Apprenticeship Employer of the Year at the 2017 Leicester Apprenticeship Hub Graduation Ceremony.

8. Basic EPS up 27.3% to 31.2p (2017: 24.5p).

Our strategy

Previously, we have set out our ambitions to grow revenue to GBP100m and total client assets to GBP15bn, while maintaining an EBITDA margin of 20%. As we work towards these goals our strategy remains focused on the pursuit of organic growth, supplemented by strategic acquisitions that enhance value and broaden or deepen our expertise and services. Recent acquisitions are performing well and we were delighted to announce the acquisition of Broughtons Financial Planning last month. We continue to review a diverse pipeline of potential acquisition opportunities, believing further consolidation within our core markets remains likely.

Our focus remains on delivering great outcomes for our clients as we address their changing needs, with our ambition being to see our brand become an even stronger force in the UK financial services sector.

Our people

We are a business built on the integrity and expertise of our people. As an Investors in People company we are committed to developing our people and building the capacity to deliver sustainable growth. Over the past year our people have responded admirably as the business has evolved and the financial services industry continues to go through a period of unprecedented regulatory change, including the changes brought about by the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II ("MiFID II"), the General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR") and Packaged Retail and Insurance-Based Investment Products ("PRIIPs").

We are dedicated to maintaining our culture of putting clients first, encouraging a collegiate approach and preserving our integrity. I would like to thank all our staff for their continued commitment, enthusiasm and professionalism in dealing with our clients' affairs.

Governance and the board

During the year, as part of the Board's commitment to developing the corporate governance and management structures of the Group to ensure they continue to meet the changing needs of the business we undertook internal and external reviews of the effectiveness of the Board, its sub-committees and the Group's senior executive management framework. We created a new Senior Executive Team ("SET(GO) ") to execute the strategy determined by the Board, bringing together a senior team with responsibility for all our key operational areas.

As part of these changes, Mark Smith and Alan Fergusson stepped down from the Board in August 2017 to eliminate duplication between the Board and SET(GO) , ensuring clearer lines of responsibility within the management team and creating a balanced Board of three executive directors and three non-executive directors. We believe these changes give the business the optimal management structure to secure continued growth.

Shareholders

During the year we have engaged with shareholders through various channels, including company-hosted events, group meetings and one-to-one meetings. We are fortunate to have a number of supportive institutional shareholders with a significant investment in the Group and welcome opportunities to talk to all our shareholders, large and small. We will continue to maintain a regular and constructive dialogue with them, while seeking to broaden our shareholder base.

Outlook

We continue to invest in the Group as we look to build upon our success to date and grow our business both organically and through strategic acquisitions that share our culture and values. I am delighted with the performance of our business over the last financial year and believe we are well-positioned to progress further towards the ambitious longer-term goals we have set.

Joanne Lake

Chairman

3 September 2018

Chief Executive's review

Introduction

I am pleased to report another year of strong and sustainable growth, with revenue for the year ended 31 May 2018 up 16.2% to GBP58.7m (2017: GBP50.5m). Organic revenue growth of 15.6% or GBP7.7m (2017: 11.6% or GBP4.4m) was primarily driven by the flow of new business generated by our consultancy team, with over 1,300 new SIPP, SSAS and personal clients choosing Mattioli Woods during the year.

We continue to enjoy strong client retention and have seen sustained demand for advice from clients, driven by lifestyle, increasing longevity, tax and other legislative changes, including the pension freedoms that introduced more flexibility as to how and when people can access their pension savings.

Total client assets under management, administration and advice increased by over 10% to GBP8.73bn (2017: GBP7.93bn) and we continue to develop our investment and asset management proposition. Strong inflows of new money combined with positive investment performance to increase the Group's gross discretionary assets under management to GBP2.34bn (2017: GBP1.81bn) at the year end.

In meeting our clients' investment needs we generally use third parties' funds, but where we have the particular expertise required we look to meet those needs in-house. This approach has led to the development of our Private Investors Club, Custodian REIT plc ("Custodian REIT") and the Mattioli Woods Structured Products Fund, in addition to the funds managed by our associate company Amati Global Investors Limited ("Amati"). Where appropriate, we intend to expand upon these opportunities.

The value of assets held within our Discretionary Portfolio Management service increased by 17.5% to GBP1.34bn (2017: GBP1.14bn), of which GBP121.0m or 9.0% is invested within funds managed by the Group and its associates. We reduced the custody charge for all those clients using our core investment platform with effect from 1 August 2017, which coincided with the launch of our new range of multi asset funds designed to improve investment efficiency, administration and reporting for clients.

Prior to this, in June 2017 we renewed the terms of the Investment Management Agreement for Custodian REIT, the UK real estate investment trust managed by our subsidiary Custodian Capital, to secure both a cost reduction for investors and an important long-term revenue stream for the Group.

In addition to being manager of Custodian REIT, Custodian Capital facilitates direct property ownership on behalf of pension schemes and private clients and manages our Private Investors Club, which offers alternative investment opportunities to suitable clients by way of private investor syndicates. The value of Custodian Capital's assets under management increased to GBP0.54bn at the year end (2017: GBP0.45bn).

The Mattioli Woods' Structured Products Fund was named Retail Investment Product of the Year at the Risk Awards 2018, with the fund offering investors the benefits of collateralisation, instant diversification, continuous availability and liquidity. A combination of new client investment and money from maturing structured product plans increased the fund's value to GBP213.8m at 31 May 2018 (2017: GBP98.4m).

I believe securing economies of scale, such as rebates on fund managers' charges, and the benefits of operating our integrated model will allow us to further improve client outcomes and reduce clients' total expense ratios ("TERs"), while maintaining our target profit margin.

Recent acquisitions and investments continue to perform well. Organic growth was supplemented by full-year revenues of GBP1.7m (2017: GBP1.2m) from the MC Trustees pension administration business acquired in September 2016 and our share of profits from Amati increased to GBP0.2m (2017: GBP0.1m). We were delighted when Amati's Paul Jourdan was named best UK Smaller Companies Fund Manager at the FE Alpha Manager of the Year Awards in May. Paul is manager of the TB Amati UK Smaller Companies Fund, which won the UK Smaller Companies category at the Investment Week Fund Manager of the Year Awards last year. Amati has enjoyed strong growth in gross assets under management, which increased from GBP175.7m at the start of the year to GBP325.1m at the year end.

We are delighted to welcome Gary Bond and his experienced team into the Group following the acquisition of Broughtons Financial Planning Limited ("Broughtons") earlier this month. Broughtons adds a further 250 clients with over GBP120m of assets under advice and the transaction is expected to be earnings enhancing in the first full year of ownership.

Our success has been based upon the delivery of quality advice, growing our clients' assets and enhancing their financial outcomes. As the business grows, we will continue to develop new products and services so we can better deal with our clients' needs, using the best of what we have and what other providers can offer.

We have many challenges coming up, including further changes in regulation and legislation, moving to new offices in Leicester and the ongoing development of our technology infrastructure. The foundation of our success has been the development of our people and I am very proud of how we deal with our clients and how we interact between ourselves. I believe we have created a business our clients are proud to be a part of, our people feel proud to work for and is one that recognises and rewards talent and hard work.

Market overview

Mattioli Woods operates within the UK's financial services industry, which is subject to the effects of volatile markets and economic conditions. Our markets are highly fragmented and serviced by a wide range of suppliers offering diverse services to both individual and corporate clients. These markets remain highly competitive and in recent years we have seen changes in regulation, legislation and client needs as the demand for advice and the potential market for our products and services continue to grow. We continue to be proactive in relation to the opportunities this creates, with our specialists dedicated to keeping up with the pace of change.

Both MiFID II and the GDPR came into effect in the first half of this calendar year and we continue to prepare for other regulatory and legislative changes already in train, such as the Senior Managers and Certification Regime ("SM&CR").

The Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") recently published proposals in response to the findings of its Retirement Outcomes Review ("ROR"), which are designed to help people think about their drawdown choices earlier, create investment pathways to help them with their choices and make costs and charges easier to understand, including the possible introduction of a charge cap. I believe our advice-led model, integrating administration and investment management, is aligned with the regulator's proposals and positions us well to continue reducing client costs and deliver improved client outcomes.

The ROR and the latest consultation are part of a wider package of FCA activity covering the pensions and retirement income sectors, including work on defined benefit pension transfers. As previously reported, following consideration of the increasing costs of professional indemnity insurance, additional regulatory controls and the resources we would have to dedicate to this small part of our business, we have stopped giving pension transfer advice to individuals with safeguarded or defined benefits. The impact of this decision on the Group's financial performance is not expected to be material, with pension transfer advice to individuals with safeguarded benefits contributing approximately 1.6% of direct revenues for the year, and less to profit given the significant compliance costs associated with this activity.

The Financial Advice Market Review ("FAMR") published by the FCA and HM Treasury in March 2016 made a series of recommendations designed to tackle barriers to consumers engaging with financial advice and help the profession develop more cost-effective ways of delivering advice, particularly through the use of technology, while the FCA's recent review of the asset management market and interim report on its investment platform market study published in July this year both highlight concerns over pricing.

We continue to invest in the development of our IT platform and anticipate that the adoption of innovative technology may drive some margin compression in the wider market. Although development of the Group's technology infrastructure has taken longer than we initially anticipated, the costs of this development remain in line with our original expectations. Investing in technology, while securing the economies of scale and operational efficiencies that we have previously outlined are key elements of our stated aim to reduce clients' TERs, while maintaining fair and sustainable profits for our shareholders.

Our industry is experiencing a period of significant regulatory change. The fair treatment of clients is at the core of all that we do and we will further invest in our regulatory and compliance capabilities to ensure we can continue to deliver great client outcomes.

Our services

Our core pension and wealth management offering serves the higher end of the market, including controlling directors and owner-managed businesses, professionals, executives and retirees. Our broad range of employee benefit services is targeted towards medium-sized and larger corporates. The Group has developed a broader wealth management proposition in recent years, grown from its strong pensions advisory and administration expertise. The mix of income derived from the Group's four key revenue streams changed slightly during the year, summarised as follows:

   --     42.7% investment and asset management (2017: 41.6%); 
   --     37.1% pension consultancy and administration (2017: 37.4%); 
   --     10.1% employee benefits (2017: 10.7%); and 
   --     10.1% property management (2017: 10.3%). 

We aim to operate a seamless structure, allowing us to cover all aspects of wealth management and employee benefits, without confusing strategy for individual service lines, such as our advice-led SSAS and SIPP proposition.

Assets under management, administration and advice

Total client assets under management, administration and advice increased by 10.1% to GBP8.73bn at 31 May 2018 (2017: GBP7.93bn) as follows:

 
 Assets under 
 management,                                                     Personal wealth and 
 administration and     SIPP and SSAS(10)   Employee benefits           other assets   Sub-total   Amati(11)     Total 
 advice(9)                           GBPm                GBPm                   GBPm        GBPm        GBPm      GBPm 
---------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 
 At 1 June 2017                   5,031.3             1,102.3                1,638.1     7,771.7       153.8   7,925.5 
 
 Net inflow, 
  including market 
  movements                         454.6               135.6                   81.3       671.5       132.2     803.7 
 
 At 31 May 2018                   5,485.9             1,237.9                1,719.4     8,443.2       286.0   8,729.2 
---------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 

9. Certain pension scheme assets, including clients' own commercial properties, are only subject to a statutory valuation at a benefit crystallisation event.

10. Value of funds under trusteeship in SIPP and SSAS schemes administered by Mattioli Woods and its subsidiaries.

11. Assets under management of GBP286.0m (2017: GBP153.8m) excludes GBP27.0m (2017: GBP12.1m) of Mattioli Woods' client investment included within SIPP and SSAS, employee benefits and personal wealth and other assets and excludes GBP12.1m (2017: GBP9.8m) of cross-holdings between the TB Amati Smaller Companies Fund and the Amati AIM VCT plc.

The growth in total assets under management, administration and advice of GBP803.7m during the year is analysed as follows:

-- An increase of GBP454.6m in SIPP and SSAS funds under trusteeship, with net organic growth of 5.1% in the number of schemes being administered at the year end, comprising a 13.5% (2017: 11.8%) increase in the number of direct(12) schemes to 5,834 (2017: 5,140) and a 3.7% decrease (2017: 1.6% increase) in the number of schemes the Group operates on an administration-only basis to 4,699 (2017: 4,881). In recent years we have been appointed to operate or wind-up a number of SIPP portfolios following the failure of their previous operators, with lost schemes including the transfer of certain members of these distressed portfolios to more appropriate arrangements;

-- An GBP135.6m increase in the value of assets held in the corporate pension schemes advised by our employee benefits business, although revenues in our employee benefits business are not linked to the value of client assets in the way certain of our wealth management revenue streams are;

-- An GBP81.3m increase in personal wealth and other assets under management and advice, with the 291 (2017: 350) new personal clients won during the year driving a 3.4% increase in the total number of personal clients to 4,925 (2017: 4,763); and

-- An GBP132.2m increase in Amati's funds under management (excluding Mattioli Woods' client investments), primarily through the growth of the TB Amati UK Smaller Companies Fund to GBP166.3m (31 May 2017: GBP69.3m) at 31 May 2018.

We extended our asset management business through our purchase of 49% of Amati in February 2017, an award-winning specialist fund management business based in Edinburgh, focusing on UK small and mid-sized companies. Amati is the manager of the TB Amati UK Smaller Companies Fund; Amati AIM VCT plc and an AIM IHT portfolio service.

12. SIPP and SSAS schemes where the Group acts as pension consultant and administrator.

Key performance indicators

The directors consider the key performance indicators ("KPIs") for the Group are as follows:

 
 Strategy/objective            Performance indicator                Further explanation 
----------------------------  -----------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
 Organic growth                Revenue - total income (excluding    See 'Introduction'. 
  and growth by acquisition     VAT) from all revenue streams. 
----------------------------  -----------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
 Operating efficiency          Adjusted EBITDA margin -             See 'Profit for the 
                                profit generated from the            year and earnings per 
                                Group's operating activities         share'. 
                                before financing income 
                                or costs, taxation, depreciation, 
                                amortisation, impairment, 
                                changes in valuation of 
                                derivative financial instruments 
                                and acquisition-related 
                                costs, including share of 
                                profit from associates (net 
                                of tax), divided by revenue. 
----------------------------  -----------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
 Shareholder value             Adjusted Earnings Per Share          See 'Profit for the 
  and financial performance     ("EPS") - total comprehensive        year and earnings per 
                                income for the year, net             share'. 
                                of taxation, attributable 
                                to equity holders of the 
                                Company, adjusted to add 
                                back acquisition-related 
                                costs, gain on revaluation 
                                of derivative financial 
                                assets, notional finance 
                                charges on the unwinding 
                                of discounts on long--term 
                                provisions and the amortisation 
                                of acquired intangible assets, 
                                divided by the weighted 
                                average number of ordinary 
                                shares in issue. 
----------------------------  -----------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
 Growth in the value           Assets under management,             See 'Assets under management, 
  of assets under               administration and advice            administration and advice'. 
  management, administration    - the value of all client 
  and advice                    assets the business gives 
                                advice upon, manages or 
                                administers. 
----------------------------  -----------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
 Excellent client              Client loss rate - the number        See 'Segmental review'. 
  service and retention         of direct SSAS and SIPP 
                                schemes lost as a result 
                                of death, annuity purchase, 
                                external transfer or cancellation 
                                as a percentage of average 
                                scheme numbers during the 
                                period). 
----------------------------  -----------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
 Financial stability           Debtors' days - this is              See 'Cash flow'. 
                                the average number of days' 
                                sales outstanding in trade 
                                receivables at any time. 
----------------------------  -----------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
 Financial stability           Surplus on regulatory capital        At 31 May 2018 the total 
                                requirement - this is the            regulatory capital requirement 
                                aggregate surplus on the             across the Group was 
                                total regulatory capital             GBP10.9m (2017: GBP10.0m) 
                                requirement of the Group.            and the Group had an 
                                                                     aggregate surplus(13) 
                                                                     of GBP18.8m (2017: GBP13.4m) 
                                                                     across all regulated 
                                                                     entities. 
----------------------------  -----------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
 

13. Including shares issued during the year and admitted to Core Equity Tier 1 capital following the year end, proposed final dividend and retained earnings for the year.

Financial performance and future developments

Revenue

Total Group revenue was up 16.2% to GBP58.7m (2017: GBP50.5m), with sustained demand for the Group's services reflected by revenue growth across each of the Group's operating segments, as explained in more detail below.

Employee benefits expense

As in previous years, the major component of the Group's operating costs is our employee benefits expense of GBP32.1m (2017: GBP28.7m) representing 54.7% of revenue (2017: 56.8%). During the year we saw an increase in the average number of employees from 553 to 618. We continue to invest in our IT systems, compliance and training across all parts of the Group, with the aim of delivering further operational efficiencies and benefiting from further economies of scale.

Other administrative expenses

Other administrative expenses increased to GBP12.3m (2017: GBP9.5m), primarily due to additional costs associated with the impending move from the Group's existing offices at Grove Park to a new office in the centre of Leicester, increased IT costs as a result of moving to a hosted infrastructure, changes in revenue mix increasing irrecoverable VAT and various other costs increasing in line with headcount.

Share based payments

Share based payments costs fell to GBP1.5m (2017: GBP1.9m) following the settlement of all outstanding cash-settled options during the period, with strong share price growth having increased the costs associated with these options in the prior year.

Net finance costs

The Group has maintained a positive net cash position throughout the year, with net finance costs of GBP0.1m (2017: GBP0.2m) reflecting the impact of GBP0.2m (2017: GBP0.3m) of notional finance charges on the unwinding of discounts on long--term provisions.

Taxation

The effective rate of taxation on profit on ordinary activities was 16.2% (2017: 16.9%), below the standard rate of tax, primarily due to research and development relief claimed for the two years ended 31 May 2017, with a lower effective rate in the equivalent period last year resulting from the reversal of deferred tax liabilities on acquired intangibles following cuts in the UK corporation tax rate. The net deferred taxation liability carried forward at 31 May 2018 was GBP2.8m (2017: GBP2.8m).

Profit for the year and earnings per share

Strong growth in revenue translated into strong growth in EBITDA, up 22.1% to GBP12.7m (2017: GBP10.4m), with EBITDA margin of 21.6% (2017: 20.6%) despite further investment in the infrastructure and sustainability of our business.

Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted profit after tax and adjusted EPS are non-GAAP alternative performance measures, considered by the Board to be a better reflection of true business performance than looking at the Group's results on a statutory basis only. These measures are widely used by research analysts covering the Company.

Adjusted EBITDA(14) increased 15.7% to GBP12.5m (2017: GBP10.8m), while adjusted EBITDA margin was 21.3% (2017: 21.4%). To facilitate a like-for-like comparison with prior years a gain of GBP0.5m (2017: GBP0.1m) on revaluation of the Amati option, GBP0.2m (2017: GBP0.3m) of notional finance costs on the unwinding of discounts on long term provisions and acquisition-related costs of GBP0.1m (2017: GBP0.4m) have been added back in calculating adjusted EBITDA, with amortisation of acquired intangibles added back in the calculation of adjusted profit after tax ("PAT") and adjusted EPS, which are reconciled to the statutory figures as follows:

 
                                         Profit     EPS   Profit     EPS 
                                           2018    2018     2017    2017 
                                           GBPm     pps     GBPm     pps 
--------------------------------------  -------  ------  -------  ------ 
 
 Statutory profit before tax                9.8    37.2      7.7    29.5 
 Income tax expense                       (1.6)   (6.0)    (1.3)   (5.0) 
 
 Statutory PAT / Basic EPS                  8.2    31.2      6.4    24.5 
 
 Amortisation on acquired intangibles       1.7     6.7      1.7     6.7 
 Gain on revaluation of Amati 
  option                                  (0.5)   (2.0)    (0.1)   (0.4) 
 Notional finance costs                     0.2     0.6      0.3     1.0 
 Acquisition-related costs                  0.1     0.5      0.4     1.5 
 
 Adjusted PAT / Adjusted EPS                9.7    37.0      8.7    33.3 
--------------------------------------  -------  ------  -------  ------ 
 

As explained in Note 9, client portfolios acquired through business combinations are recognised as intangible assets. The total amortisation charge for the year of GBP1.7m (2017: GBP1.7m) associated with these intangible assets has been excluded from adjusted PAT and adjusted EPS as the directors consider these costs can distort the results of a particular period.

Adjusted EPS(15) increased 11.1% to 37.0p (2017: 33.3p), while basic EPS was up 27.3% to 31.2p (2017: 24.5p), with growth in operating profits stated after recognising a gain on revaluation of the Amati option, notional finance costs and acquisition-related costs.

Diluted EPS increased 27.5% to 31.1p (2017: 24.4p), with the exercise of 256,686 options issued under the Company's share option plans during the year.

14. Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation, impairment, changes in valuation of derivative financial instruments and acquisition-related costs, including share of profit from associates (net of tax).

15. Before acquisition-related costs, amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles, changes in valuation of derivative financial instruments and notional finance costs.

Dividends

The Board is pleased to recommend the payment of an increased final dividend of 11.5 pence per share (2017: 9.4 pence). This makes a proposed total dividend for the year of 17.0 pence (2017: 14.1 pence), a year-on-year increase of 20.6% (2017: 12.8%), demonstrating our desire to deliver value to shareholders and confidence in the outlook for our business. The Board remains committed to growing the dividend, while maintaining an appropriate level of dividend cover. If approved, the final dividend will be paid on 26 October 2018 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 21 September 2018, having an ex-dividend date of 20 September 2018.

The Company offers shareholders the option to invest their dividends in a Dividend Reinvestment Plan ("DRIP"). The DRIP is administered by the Company's registrar, Link Asset Services ("Link"), which uses cash dividend payments to which participants in the DRIP are entitled to purchase shares in the market, which means the Company does not need to issue new shares and avoids diluting existing shareholdings.

For the DRIP to apply to the proposed final dividend for the year ended 31 May 2018, shareholders' instructions must be received by Link by 5 October 2018.

Cash flow

Cash generated from operations increased to GBP18.2m or 143% of EBITDA (2017: GBP10.4m or 100%), with an improved cash conversion ratio despite a slight fall in the Group's operating profit margin before changes in working capital and provisions to 23.3% (2017: 24.3%).

The Group's working capital requirement fell by GBP4.5m (2017: increase of GBP1.8m) following the receipt of a further GBP3.3m of VAT reclaimed on behalf of clients prior to the year end and improved credit control, with the decrease in working capital comprising:

   --     GBP5.1m (2017: GBP1.8m) increase in trade and other payables, primarily due to: 

- GBP3.3m increase in other payables due to VAT reclaims received on behalf of clients, which were repaid to clients following the year end;

- GBP1.3m increase in accruals and deferred income, with a GBP1.0m increase in accrued staff bonuses following another successful year, a change to the timing of directors' bonus payments and increased headcount across the Group;

- GBP0.3m increase in other trade payables due to the timing of stage payments payable on the fit-out of the Group's new office in Leicester; and

- GBP0.1m increase in social security and other taxes outstanding at the year end.

-- GBP1.0m (2017: GBP2.0m) increase in trade and other receivables (excluding a GBP0.3m increase in loans advanced to investment syndicates) following further growth in our direct pension business (where fees are typically invoiced six months in arrears), with the higher value of clients' assets under management and advice increasing accrued income in our investment and asset management business; and

-- GBP0.4m increase (2017: GBP1.5m decrease) in provisions, with the recognition of additional costs associated with exiting the Group's existing premises in Leicester offsetting the settlement of contingent deferred consideration on acquisitions and cash-settled LTIP awards during the year.

Cash balances at 31 May 2018 totalled GBP23.7m (2017: GBP23.0m), with GBP3.5m (2017: GBP2.3m) of contingent deferred consideration on historic acquisitions paid during the year and a total of GBP3.5m of client VAT reclaims to be repaid following the year end.

Outstanding trade receivables fell to 32 days' sales (2017: 40 days), with an increase in investment and asset management revenues and a continued focus on credit control, while trade payables reduced to 24 days' purchases (2017: 52 days).

Capital expenditure of GBP8.8m (2017: GBP8.8m) was in line with expected spend, with the most significant cash outflows being GBP7.0m incurred on the development of the Group's new offices in Leicester, GBP1.2m investment in new computer hardware, software and office equipment and GBP0.5m on the purchase of new company cars following further expansion of the consultancy team.

Investment in the Group's infrastructure continues as we progress the implementation of our hosted IT architecture, which offers enhanced data security, business continuity and scalability for future growth. Our Manchester office moved to a new central city location to accommodate our expanding team in May and we have also agreed terms to move into a new Edinburgh office, which will house both Mattioli Woods' consultants and the Amati team.

The move to our new Leicester premises is scheduled to commence this month. We are delighted that construction of the 50,000 sq ft office was completed to our specification and at the budgeted total cost of GBP12.4m, with the subsequent fit-out of the new site currently running slightly ahead of schedule and in line with expected total costs of GBP1.6m. This development enables the Group to maintain its regulatory capital whilst efficiently using its surplus cash not available for distribution to shareholders. In addition, we will benefit from future rental savings of GBP0.85m per annum and a more flexible working environment, which will allow us to continue to grow the business and realise further operational efficiencies. The bespoke infrastructure of our new building will assist us to ensure our client services continue to be first class.

Bank facilities

The Group does not have an overdraft facility due to the headroom the Group's current cash balances provide on its working capital requirements. Management will continue to review the level of bank facilities the Group may require going forward.

Capital structure

The Group's capital structure is as follows:

 
                                     2018       2017 
                                   GBP000     GBP000 
------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Cash and short-term deposits    (23,668)   (22,979) 
 Shareholders' equity              78,950     72,595 
 
 Capital employed                  55,282     49,616 
------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 

The Group continues to maintain a net cash position, with net cash balances increasing to GBP23.7m (2017: GBP23.0m).

Regulatory capital

The Board considers it prudent for the Group to target headroom of circa 25% over the FCA regulatory capital requirement. The Group's regulatory capital requirement has increased in recent years, and in addition its capital is eroded when it makes acquisitions due to the requirement for intangible assets arising on acquisition to be deducted from Tier 1 Capital.

The Group continues to enjoy significant headroom on its increased regulatory capital requirement allowing us to pursue further acquisition opportunities.

Segmental review

Investment and asset management

Investment and asset management revenues generated from advising clients on both pension and personal investments increased 19.5% to GBP25.1m (2017: GBP21.0m), representing 42.7% (2017: 41.6%) of total Group revenues.

The Group's gross discretionary assets under management ("AuM"), including the multi asset funds which now sit at the heart of our discretionary portfolio management service ("DPM"), Custodian REIT, the Mattioli Woods Structured Products Fund ("MW SPF") and the funds managed by our associate company, Amati, increased by 29.3% to GBP2.34bn (2017: GBP1.81bn) as follows:

 
                                                                                              Cross-holdings 
 Assets under           DPM   Custodian REIT   MW SPF   Amati   Gross AuM    Cross-holdings         in Amati   Net AuM 
 management            GBPm             GBPm     GBPm    GBPm        GBPm        in DPM(16)        funds(17)      GBPm 
-----------------  --------  ---------------  -------  ------  ----------  ----------------  ---------------  -------- 
 
 At 1 June 2017     1,144.8            391.4     98.4   175.7     1,810.3            (76.9)            (9.8)   1,723.6 
 
 Inflows              273.7             49.1    115.4   103.8       542.0            (44.1)            (2.3)     495.6 
 Outflows            (88.7)                -        -   (2.9)      (91.6)                 -                -    (91.6) 
 Market movements      11.3             22.1        -    48.5        81.9                 -                -      81.9 
 
 At 31 May 2018     1,341.1            462.6    213.8   325.1     2,342.6           (121.0)           (12.1)   2,209.5 
-----------------  --------  ---------------  -------  ------  ----------  ----------------  ---------------  -------- 
 

16. Comprises GBP30.4m (2017: GBP28.3m) invested in Custodian REIT, GBP69.2m (2017: GBP36.7m) in MW SPF and GBP21.4m (2017: GBP11.9m) in Amati funds.

17. Cross-holdings between the TB Amati Smaller Companies Fund and the Amati AIM VCT plc.

Income from both initial and ongoing portfolio management charges increased to GBP14.2m (2017: GBP10.7m), as the value of clients' assets in discretionary portfolios increased 17.5% to GBP1.34bn (2017: GBP1.14bn).

Fees for services provided by Custodian Capital to Custodian REIT are included in the 'Property management' segment, with annual management charges on the MW SPF increasing to GBP0.8m (2017: GBP0.2m) due to growth in the fund's AuM to GBP213.8m (2017: GBP98.4m).

Adviser charges based on the value of assets under advice were GBP10.1m (2017: GBP10.1m), with the revenue impact of gross assets under advice increasing to GBP2.04bn (2017: GBP1.52bn) offset by an increasing proportion of assets under advice being invested in Custodian REIT, the MW SPF and Amati funds, which has resulted in lower client adviser charges and TERs. We continue to see some migration of assets under advice to AuM as clients from acquired portfolios engage with our DPM service.

Growth in total assets under management and advice continues to enhance the quality of earnings through an increase in recurring revenues, with the proportion of investment and asset management revenues which are recurring being 81.7% (2017: 81.0%). As with other firms, these income streams are linked to the value of funds under management and advice, and are therefore affected by the performance of financial markets.

Pension consultancy and administration

We continue to see demand for advice from clients, driven by lifestyle, increasing longevity, tax and other legislative changes, including the pension freedoms that introduced a major shift in how people can access their pensions, which in turn has driven further growth in pension consultancy and administration revenues. Our client base primarily comprises owner-managers, executives and members of the professions. Additional fees are generated from the provision of specialist consultancy services.

Pension consultancy and administration revenues were up 15.3% to GBP21.8m (2017: GBP18.9m), representing 37.1% (2017: 37.4%) of Group revenues of which 87.7% (2017: 91.0%) were recurring, with the growth in revenues driven by the total number of SIPP and SSAS schemes administered by the Group increasing 5.1% to 10,533 (2017: 10,021).

New client wins, sustained demand for advice, increased staff utilisation and improved billing recoveries helped drive direct(18) pension consultancy and administration fees up 17.7% to GBP16.6m (2017: GBP14.1m). Retirement planning is often central to our clients' wealth management strategies and the number of direct schemes increased to 5,834 (2017: 5,140), with 875 new schemes gained in the year (2017: 764), continuing the momentum of new business wins seen in prior periods. Our focus remains on the quality of new business, with the average value of a new scheme maintained at GBP0.4m (2017: GBP0.4m). We also maintained strong client retention, with an external loss rate(19) of 1.5% (2017: 2.1%) and an overall attrition rate(20) of 2.6% (2017: 3.6%).

18. SIPP and SSAS schemes where Mattioli Woods acts as pension consultant and administrator.

19. Direct schemes lost to an alternative provider as a percentage of average scheme numbers during the year.

20. Direct schemes lost as a result of death, annuity purchase, external transfer or cancellation as a percentage of average scheme numbers during the year.

The number of SSAS and SIPP schemes the Group operates on an administration-only basis fell to 4,699 (2017: 4,881) at the year end, with lost schemes including the transfer of members of distressed portfolios acquired in the last few years to alternative arrangements. Mattioli Woods was appointed to administer the SIPPs previously operated by Stadia Trustees Limited in 2016. A number of clients who transferred illiquid pension fund assets from their Stadia Trustees' SIPP to a Mattioli Woods scheme have now received compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme due to the failings of Stadia Trustees Limited and we continue to process claims on behalf of over 400 other clients. Similar to the way in which the Group dealt with members of the HD SIPP, these clients' pension funds may now be reactivated, generating additional revenues for the Group.

Work also continues in connection with the wind up of the Freedom SIPP, which we were appointed to provide administration and consultancy services to by the scheme's liquidators, PricewaterhouseCoopers, in 2010. Overall, third party administration fees increased 4.3% to GBP4.8m (2017: GBP4.6m), with GBP0.4m of additional revenues representing the impact of a full year's contribution from MC Trustees.

The Group's banking revenue was GBP0.4m (2017: GBP0.2m), reflecting that the Bank of England base rate increased to 0.5% from a historic low of 0.25% at the start of November 2017.

Property management

Property management revenues increased 13.5% to GBP5.9m (2017: GBP5.2m), representing 10.1% of total revenue (2017: 10.3%), with our subsidiary Custodian Capital having assets under management and administration of GBP542.9m (2017: GBP444.8m) at 31 May 2018. Recurring annual management charges represented 89.8% (2017: 90.4%) of property management revenues, the majority of which are derived from the services provided by Custodian Capital to Custodian REIT. The fund seeks to provide investors with an attractive level of income, coupled with the potential for capital growth from a diversified portfolio of commercial real estate properties in the UK.

In addition, Custodian Capital continues to facilitate direct property ownership on behalf of pension schemes and private clients and also manages our "Private Investors Club", which offers alternative investment opportunities to suitable clients by way of private investor syndicates. This initiative continues to be well supported, with GBP26.3m (2017: GBP20.4m) invested in the eight (2017: five) new syndicates completed during the year.

Employee benefits

Employee benefits revenues were up 9.3% to GBP5.9m (2017: GBP5.4m), representing 10.1% of total revenue (2017: 10.7%). There is growing recognition from organisations of the importance of investing in employee benefits. Employers are increasingly encouraging staff wellbeing and retirement savings, which we expect to drive a period of steady growth in the UK employee benefits market, and we believe the Government's emphasis on workplace advice presents new opportunities for us to realise further synergies between our employee benefits and wealth management businesses.

Acquisitions

We have invested GBP50m since our admission to AIM in 2005 in bringing 21 businesses or client portfolios into the Group, developing considerable expertise and a strong track record in the execution and subsequent integration of such transactions.

The two businesses acquired during the previous financial year have integrated well and contributed positively to the Group's trading results since acquisition, increasing earnings and enhancing value. Our most recent acquisition, Broughtons, has a similar culture to Mattioli Woods and the transaction gives us new opportunities to grow and develop the client offering of the combined business.

With increasing complexity and continuing consolidation across the key markets in which we operate, we expect there will be further opportunities to accelerate our growth by acquisition. Our strong balance sheet gives us the flexibility to make further value-enhancing acquisitions.

Relationships

The Group's performance and value to our shareholders are influenced by other stakeholders, principally our clients, suppliers, employees, the Government and our strategic partners. Our approach to all these parties is founded on the principle of open and honest dialogue, based on a mutual understanding of needs and objectives.

Relationships with our clients are managed on an individual basis through our client relationship managers and consultants. Employees have performance development reviews and employee forums also provide a communication route between employees and management, including SET(GO) . Mattioli Woods also participates in trade associations and industry groups, which give us access to client and supplier groups and decision-makers in Government and other regulatory bodies. Mattioli Woods is a member of the Association of Member-directed Pension Schemes and the Quoted Companies Alliance.

Resources

The Group aims to safeguard the assets that give it competitive advantage, including its reputation for quality and proactive advice, its technical competency and its people.

Our core values provide a framework for integrity, leading to responsible and ethical business practices. Structures for accountability from our administration and consultancy teams through to SET(GO) and the Group's Board are clearly defined. The proper operation of the supporting processes and controls are regularly reviewed by the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and take into account ethical considerations, including procedures for 'whistle-blowing'.

Our people

As we continue to grow, our "Big to Better" initiative will enable us to retain our core principles as a business built on the integrity, expertise and passion of our people. Our total headcount at 31 May 2018 had increased to 622 (2017: 568) and we continue to invest in our graduate recruitment programme, with 20 (2017: 25) new graduates and 24 (2017: 16) apprentices joining the Group during the year. We are also developing programmes for 'life served' people seeking exciting opportunities for a change in career or a return to work. We continue to expand our consultancy and technical teams to take advantage of new business opportunities, with the number of consultants having increased to 134 (2017: 115) at the year end.

In June 2018 we were delighted to announce the appointment of Saira Chambers to lead our employee benefits team as Employee Benefits Director. Saira brings extensive experience across all aspects of employee benefits, both as a consultant and in senior leadership roles, and this blend of knowledge and experience will enable us to transform this area of our business as part of our long-terms plans.

We enjoy a strong team spirit and facilitate employee equity ownership through the Mattioli Woods plc Share Incentive Plan ("the Plan") and other share schemes. At the year end the proportion of eligible staff invested via the Plan remained high at 58% (2017: 58%) and we will continue to encourage broader participation in the Plan.

Forward-looking statements

The strategic report is prepared for the members of Mattioli Woods and should not be relied upon by any other party for any other purpose. Where the report contains forward-looking statements these are made by the directors in good faith based on the information available to them at the time of their approval of this report. Consequently, such statements should be treated with caution due to the inherent uncertainties, including both economic and business risks underlying such forward-looking statements and information. The Group undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Principal risks and uncertainties

There are a number of potential risks which could hinder the implementation of the Group's strategy and have a material impact on its long--term performance. These arise from internal or external events, acts or omissions which could pose a threat to the Group. The principal risks identified as having a potential material impact on the Group are detailed below, together with the principal means of mitigation. The risk factors mentioned do not purport to be exhaustive as there may be additional risks that materialise over time that the Group has not yet identified or deemed to have a potentially material adverse effect on the business:

 
 Industry risks 
                                                                                                                 Change 
 Risk type     Description       Mitigating factors                                            Chance   Impact    in risk 
------------  ----------------  ------------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 Changes       Volatility                                                                      Medium   Medium   No 
 in            may adversely       *    Majority of clients' funds held within registered                        change 
 investment    affect trading           pension schemes or ISAs, where less likely to 
 markets       and/or the               withdraw funds and lose tax benefits. 
 and poor      value of the 
 investment    Group's assets 
 performance   under               *    Broad range of investment solutions enables clients 
               management,              to shelter from market volatility through 
               administration           diversification, while continuing to generate 
               and advice,              revenues for the Group. 
               from which 
               we derive 
               revenues.           *    Market volatility is closely monitored by the Asset 
                                        Management Executive Committee. 
              ----------------  ------------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 Changing      The Group                                                                       High     High     No 
 markets       operates in         *    Consolidating market position develops the Group's                       change 
 and           a highly                 pricing power. 
 increased     competitive 
 competition   environment 
               with evolving       *    Control over scalable and flexible bespoke pension 
               characteristics          administration platform. 
               and trends. 
 
                                   *    Experienced management team with a strong track 
                                        record. 
 
 
                                   *    Loyal customer base and strong client retention. 
 
 
                                   *    Broad service offering gives diversified revenue 
                                        streams. 
              ----------------  ------------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 Evolving      The Group's                                                                     Medium   High     No 
  technology   technology          *    We partner with leading software providers to assist                     change 
               could become             in our systems development. 
               obsolete if 
               we are unable 
               to develop          *    High awareness of the importance of technology at 
               our systems              Board level. 
               to accommodate 
               changing client 
               needs, new          *    Expanded systems development with phased 
               products and             implementation of Group-wide platform. 
               the emergence 
               of new industry 
               standards. 
              ----------------  ------------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 Regulatory    The Group                                                                       Medium   Medium   Increase 
  risk         may be              *    Strong compliance culture.                                      / High 
               adversely 
               affected as 
               a result of         *    External professional advisers are engaged to review 
               new or revised           and advise upon control environment. 
               legislation 
               or regulations 
               or by changes       *    Business model and culture embraces FCA principles, 
               in the                   including treating clients fairly. 
               interpretation 
               or enforcement 
               of existing         *    Decision to withdraw from providing advice on 
               laws and                 safeguarded pensions. 
               regulations. 
 
                                   *    Financial strength provides comfort should capital 
                                        resource requirements be increased. 
              ----------------  ------------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 Changes       Changes in                                                                      Low      Medium   No 
  in tax       tax legislation    *    The Government has a desire to encourage long-term                        change 
  law          could reduce            savings to plan for an ageing population, which is 
               the                     currently under-provided for. 
               attractiveness 
               of long-term 
               savings via        *    Changes in pension legislation create the need for 
               pension                 clients to seek advice. 
               schemes, 
               particularly 
               SSASs and          *    The development of the Group's investment and asset 
               SIPPs.                  management services has reduced dependency on pension 
                                       planning. 
              ----------------  ------------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 
 
 Operational risks 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
                                                                                                                Change 
 Risk type      Description     Mitigating factors                                            Chance   Impact    in risk 
-------------  --------------  ------------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 Damage to      There is a                                                                    Medium   High     No 
  the Group's   risk of           *    Strong compliance culture with a focus on positive                       change 
  reputation    reputational           customer outcomes. 
                damage as a 
                result of 
                employee          *    High level of internal controls, including checks on 
                misconduct,            new staff. 
                failure to 
                manage inside 
                information       *    Well-trained staff who ensure the interests of 
                or conflicts           clients are met in the services provided. 
                of interest, 
                fraud, 
                improper 
                practice, 
                poor 
                client 
                service 
                or advice. 
               --------------  ------------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 Errors,        Serious or                                                                    High     High     No 
 breakdown      prolonged         *    Ongoing review of data security.                                         change 
 or security    breaches, 
 breaches       errors or 
 in respect     breakdowns        *    IT performance, scalability and security are deemed 
 of the         in the                 top priorities by the Board. 
 Group's        Group's 
 software       software or 
 or             information       *    Experienced in-house team of IT professionals and 
 information    technology             established name suppliers. 
 technology     systems could 
 systems        negatively 
                impact 
                customer 
                confidence. 
                It could also 
                breach 
                contracts 
                with 
                customers 
                and data 
                protection 
                laws, 
                rendering 
                us liable to 
                disciplinary 
                action by 
                governmental 
                and 
                regulatory 
                authorities, 
                as well as 
                to claims by 
                our clients. 
               --------------  ------------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 Data quality   Inaccurate                                                                    High     Medium   New risk 
                data or voids     *    Ongoing initiatives to clean data 
                in our data 
                could result 
                in inaccurate     *    Development of data warehouse to standardise data 
                regulatory             tables and create 'one source of truth' 
                and/or client 
                reporting 
               --------------  ------------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 Business       In addition                                                                   Medium   Medium   No 
  continuity    to the           *    Periodic review of Business Continuity Plan,                              change 
                failure               considering best practice methodologies. 
                of IT 
                systems, 
                there is a       *    Disaster recovery plan and a disaster recovery team 
                risk of               in place. Business impact analysis has been conducted 
                disruption            by department. 
                to the 
                business 
                as a result      *    Business interruption insurance. 
                of power 
                failure, 
                fire, flood, 
                acts of 
                terrorism, 
                re-location 
                problems and 
                the like. 
               --------------  ------------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 Fraud risk     There is a                                                                    Medium   Medium   No 
                risk an          *    The Group ensures the control environment mitigates                       change 
                employee              against the misappropriation of client assets. 
                or third 
                party 
                defrauds         *    Strong corporate controls require dual signatures for 
                either                all payments, SET(GO) approval for all expenditure 
                the Group or          greater than GBP5,000 and Board approval for all 
                a client.             expenditure greater than GBP100,000. 
 
 
                                 *    Assessment of fraud risk every six months discussed 
                                      with the Audit Committee, Risk and Compliance 
                                      Committee and external auditors. 
 
 
                                 *    Clients have view-only access to information. 
 
 
                                 *    Ongoing review of risk of fraud due to external 
                                      attack on the Group's IT systems. 
               --------------  ------------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 Key            The loss of,                                                                  Low      Medium   No 
 personnel      or inability     *    Succession planning is a key consideration throughout                     change 
 risk           to recruit,           the Group. 
                key personnel 
                could have 
                a material       *    Success of the Group should attract high calibre 
                adverse               candidates. 
                effect 
                on the 
                Group's          *    Share-based schemes in operation to incentivise staff 
                business,             and encourage retention. 
                results 
                of operations 
                or financial     *    Recruitment programmes in place to attract 
                condition.            appropriate new staff. 
 
 
                                 *    Cross functional acquisition team brought into 
                                      acquisition projects at an early stage. 
 
 
                                 *    Keyman cover for company founders. 
               --------------  ------------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 Litigation     Risk of                                                                       High     Medium   Increase 
 or claims      liability         *    Appropriate levels of Professional Indemnity 
 made against   related to             insurance cover regularly reviewed with the Group's 
 the Group      litigation             advisers. 
                from clients 
                or third 
                parties           *    Comprehensive internal review procedures, including 
                and assurance          compliance sign-off, for advice and marketing 
                that a claim           materials. 
                or claims 
                will 
                not be            *    Maintenance of three charging models; time cost, 
                covered                fixed and asset based, which are aligned to specific 
                by insurance           service propositions and agreed with clients. 
                or, if 
                covered, 
                will exceed       *    Restricted status for our consultants to enable the 
                the limits             recommendation of our own products and others in the 
                of available           market. 
                insurance 
                coverage, 
                or that any 
                insurer will 
                become 
                insolvent 
                and will not 
                meet its 
                obligations 
                to provide 
                the Group 
                with 
                cover. 
               --------------  ------------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 Reliance       Any                                                                           Low      High     Increase 
  on third      regulatory        *    Due diligence is part of the selection process for 
  parties       breach or              key suppliers. 
                service 
                failure on 
                the part of       *    Ongoing review of relationships and concentration of 
                an outsourced          risk with key business partners. 
                service 
                provider 
                could expose 
                the Group to 
                the risk of 
                regulatory 
                sanctions and 
                reputational 
                damage. 
               --------------  ------------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 Strategic      Risk that                                                                     Low      Low      No 
  risk          management        *    Experienced management team with successful track                        change 
                will pursue            record to date. 
                inappropriate 
                strategies 
                or implement      *    Management has demonstrated a thorough understanding 
                the Group's            of the market and monitors this through regular 
                strategy               meetings with clients. 
                ineffectively 
                . 
               --------------  ------------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 Corporate      The risk of                                                                   High     Medium   No 
 manslaughter   breaching         *    Policies and procedures in place to provide employee                     change 
 risk           corporate              guidance when driving on company business. 
                manslaughter 
                laws as a 
                result            *    Company cars regularly maintained and serviced with 
                of management          reputable and vetted companies. 
                breach in 
                duty 
                of care.          *    Adequate insurance cover. 
 
 
                                  *    Responsible employees. 
               --------------  ------------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 
 
 Financial risks 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
                                                                                                                    Change 
 Risk type       Description         Mitigating factors                                           Chance   Impact    in risk 
--------------  ------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 Counterparty    That the                                                                         Medium   Medium   No 
  default        counterparty         *    The Group trades only with recognised, creditworthy                      change 
                 to a financial            third parties. 
                 obligation 
                 will default 
                 on repayments.       *    Customers who wish to trade on credit terms are 
                                           subject to credit verification procedures. 
 
 
                                      *    All receivables are reviewed on an ongoing basis for 
                                           risk of non-collection and any doubtful balances are 
                                           provided against. 
                ------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 Bank default    The risk that                                                                    Medium   High     Decrease 
                  a bank could         *    We only use banks with strong credit ratings. 
                  fail. 
 
                                       *    Client deposits spread across multiple banks. 
 
 
                                       *    Regular review and challenge of treasury policy by 
                                            management. 
                ------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 Concentration   A component                                                                      Medium   Medium   No 
  risk           of credit risk,       *    The client base is broad, without significant                           change 
                 arising from               exposure to any individual client or group of 
                 a lack of                  clients. 
                 diversity 
                 in business 
                 activities            *    Broad service offering gives diversified revenue 
                 or geographical            streams. 
                 risk. 
                ------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 Liquidity       The risk the                                                                     Low      Low      No 
  risk           Group is unable      *    Cash generative business.                                                change 
                 to meet 
                 liabilities 
                 as they become       *    Group maintains a surplus above regulatory and 
                 due because               working capital requirements. 
                 of an inability 
                 to liquidate 
                 assets or obtain     *    Treasury management provides for the availability of 
                 adequate funding.         liquid funds at short notice. 
                ------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 Interest        Risk of decline                                                                  Low      Medium   Increase 
  rate risk      in earnings          *    Market expectation that interest rates will rise. 
                 due to a decline 
                 in banking 
                 margin or deposit    *    Good relationships with key banking partners. 
                 rates received 
                 on surplus 
                 cash.                *    Access to competitive interest rates due to scale of 
                 Low interest              business. 
                 rates make 
                 it harder to 
                 structure 
                 compelling 
                 capital-protected 
                 products for 
                 clients. 
                ------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 Underwriting    When arranging                                                                   Low      Low      No 
  risk           new products          *    New products created in line with client demand.                        change 
                 for promotion 
                 to the Group's 
                 clients, the          *    Potential costs are carefully considered by the 
                 Group may need             Investment Committee prior to the launch of each 
                 to guarantee               product. 
                 a minimum 
                 aggregate 
                 investment 
                 to secure 
                 appropriate 
                 terms for the 
                 product. 
 
                 If actual client 
                 investment 
                 is less than 
                 the underwritten 
                 amount, we 
                 would incur 
                 the cost of 
                 either acquiring 
                 the unsold 
                 element of 
                 the product 
                 or unwinding 
                 any hedges 
                 underlying 
                 the unsold 
                 element of 
                 the product. 
                ------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------  --------- 
 

Emerging risks, including legislative and regulatory change, have the potential to impact the Group and its strategy. The senior management team continues to monitor emerging risks and threats to the financial services sector including, for example, cyber threats, regulatory change and scenarios potentially arising from geopolitical developments, including Brexit.

Management's current assessment is that the direct impacts of Brexit are not expected to have a direct material adverse impact on our business, given the Group's UK-based business model. However, we are conscious this position might change and could raise unexpected challenges, including those arising from any broader impact that Brexit might have on the UK economy as a whole.

Corporate social responsibility

We believe that running a profitable and growing business, which creates jobs and contributes to the economic success of the areas in which it operates, is a good platform for good corporate social responsibility.

Charities and communities

Mattioli Woods has a long-standing commitment to ensure our staff can engage with their local communities, playing a valuable role by forming innovative partnerships with other organisations and charities. This social awareness is present throughout the business, from our employees to our clients, our professional connections and the suppliers we use.

We have a high level of engagement within our local communities. Each year, we sponsor business, sports and community awards. Our business has benefited greatly from winning numerous awards and we feel it's right to help other businesses reap the rewards of such accolades. In addition, we sponsor a variety of local clubs, business and sports related events across the country. We believe this brings many benefits to the local community and beyond.

The Group is pleased to continue sponsoring the Rothley 10k, one of the most celebrated charity road running races in Leicestershire. This year proved to be a record-breaking year, with the race attracting a best ever 1,171 runners in June 2018, raising over GBP28,000 of essential funds for a variety of local causes including LOROS, Rainbows, County Air Ambulance Service, Age UK, Eye Camps and RNLI.

In 2015 we chose our first national charity, Breast Cancer Now, the UK's largest breast cancer charity dedicated to funding research into this devastating disease. By tackling the disease in the labs, on the political agenda, through public health information and with the health service, it believes it can transform the outlook for everyone affected by breast cancer. To date, the Group has raised over GBP200,000 for the charity.

We also continue to sponsor wheelchair racer Sammi Kinghorn, who set a new 200m T53 world record last year. Sammi helped us celebrate our switch to new offices in the heart of Glasgow and proudly displayed two gold medals and a bronze won at the world para athletics championships in London in 2017.

In addition, we support many other smaller charities. An employee at our Solihull office has set up a 'Little Free Library' in the village she lives in to provide a free book exchange for local children. We continue to support Newmarket's Open Door initiative, which provides vulnerable people with supported housing and training opportunities; Rainbow House in Preston, a comprehensive programme for children, young people and adults with neurological conditions and Project Luangwa, an international charity supported by our Solihull team that provides education in Zambia through the construction of schools, sponsoring of students and provision of educational materials.

Employees

The Group continues to create opportunities for young people through both its Financial Services Development scheme and apprenticeship recruitment, winning Apprenticeship Employer of the Year at the 2017 Leicester Apprenticeship Hub Graduation Ceremony. This year, we are looking to recruit 24 graduates and 20 apprentices. We have also given 19 students the opportunity to work with us to gain valuable work experience during the year.

During the year we lost a well-respected leader in our Employee Benefits business when Mike Reid sadly lost his battle against cancer. Mike will be greatly missed by all his workmates, clients and suppliers that he worked with during his 12 years with the Group.

Diversity and inclusion

We are an equal opportunities employer and it is our policy to ensure that all job applicants and employees are treated fairly and on merit regardless of race, sex, marital/civil partnership status, age, disability, religious belief, pregnancy, maternity, gender reassignment or sexual orientation.

Modern slavery

Mattioli Woods is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all its activities, and to ensuring its supply chains are free from modern slavery and human trafficking. We welcomed the introduction of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and publish a Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement on our website. We have also developed policies, reviewed our due diligence processes for suppliers and provided training to staff.

A copy of our Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement can be found on our website.

Anti-bribery policy

We value our reputation for ethical behaviour and upholding the utmost integrity and we comply with the FCA's clients' best interests rule. We understand that in addition to the criminality of bribery and corruption, any such crime would also have an adverse effect on our reputation and integrity.

Mattioli Woods has a zero tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and we ensure all our employees and suppliers are adequately trained as to limit our exposure to bribery by:

   --     Setting out clear anti-bribery and corruption policies; 
   --     Providing mandatory training to all employees; 

-- Encouraging our employees to be vigilant and report any suspected cases of bribery in accordance with the specified procedures; and

-- Escalating and investigating instances of suspected bribery and assisting the police or other appropriate authorities in their investigations.

Gender pay reporting

The Equality Act 2010 (Gender Pay Gap Information) Regulations 2017 requires all employers with 250 or more employees in the UK to publish details of their gender pay gap. Its aim is to achieve greater transparency about gender pay difference. The analysis is based on data as at 5 April of each year and shows the differences in the average pay between men and women. The Group has submitted its data on gender pay to the government and published these details on our website.

Approval

The strategic report contains certain forward-looking statements, which are made by the Directors in good faith based on the information available to them at the time of their approval of this annual report. Statements contained within the strategic report should be treated with some caution due to the inherent uncertainties (including but not limited to those arising from economic, regulatory and business risk factors) underlying any such forward-looking statements. The strategic report has been prepared by Mattioli Woods to provide information to its shareholders and should not be relied upon for any other purpose.

The strategic report in its entirety has been approved by the Board of Directors and signed on its behalf by:

Ian Mattioli MBE

Chief Executive Officer

3 September 2018

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 31 May 2018

 
 
 
 
                                                                      2018       2017 
                                                           Note     GBP000     GBP000 
--------------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 
 Revenue                                                    4       58,669     50,533 
 
 Employee benefits expense                                        (32,148)   (28,711) 
 Other administrative expenses                                    (12,833)    (9,558) 
 Share based payments                                       11     (1,497)    (1,902) 
 Amortisation and impairment                                9      (2,225)    (1,996) 
 Depreciation                                               7        (822)      (606) 
 Loss on disposal of property, plant & equipment                      (67)       (61) 
 Gain on revaluation of derivative financial instrument     10         540         93 
 
 Operating profit before financing                                   9,617      7,792 
--------------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 
 Finance revenue                                                        73         45 
 Finance costs                                                       (154)      (291) 
 
 Net finance costs                                                    (81)      (246) 
 
 Share of profit from associate, net of tax                 10         240        103 
 
 Profit before tax                                                   9,776      7,649 
 Income tax expense                                                (1,586)    (1,293) 
 
 
 Profit for the year                                                 8,190      6,356 
 Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax                     -          - 
 
 Total comprehensive income for the year, net of tax                 8,190      6,356 
--------------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Equity holders of the parent                                        8,190      6,356 
 
 
 Earnings per ordinary share: 
 
 Basic (pence)                                              6         31.2       24.5 
 Diluted (pence)                                            6         31.1       24.4 
 
 Proposed total dividend per share (pence)                  7         17.0       14.1 
 

The operating profit for each period arises from the Group's continuing operations. The parent company has taken advantage of section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not included its own statement of comprehensive income in these financial statements.

   Consolidated and Company Statements of Financial Position          Registered number: 3140521 

As at 31 May 2018

 
                                                                           2018                2017 
                                                                       Group   Company    Group   Company 
                                                              Note    GBP000    GBP000   GBP000    GBP000 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  --------  -------  -------- 
 Assets 
 Property, plant and equipment                                   8    16,483     2,892    9,671     2,209 
 Intangible assets                                               9    43,199    40,931   44,444    36,743 
 Deferred tax asset                                                      674       664      798       777 
 Investments in subsidiaries                                               -    18,572        -    18,572 
 Investment in associate                                        10     3,725     3,725    3,476     3,476 
 Derivative financial asset                                     12       650       650      110       110 
 
 Total non-current assets                                             64,731    67,434   58,499    61,887 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  --------  -------  -------- 
 
 Trade and other receivables                                          16,946    28,906   15,692    22,767 
 Investments                                                              81        81       86        86 
 Cash and short-term deposits                                   13    23,668    17,880   22,979    12,172 
 
 Total current assets                                                 40,695    46,867   38,757    35,025 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  --------  -------  -------- 
 
 Total assets                                                        105,426   114,301   97,256    96,912 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  --------  -------  -------- 
 
 Equity 
 Issued capital                                                 14       261       261      258       258 
 Share premium                                                  14    31,283    31,283   30,314    30,314 
 Merger reserve                                                 14     8,781     8,781    8,781     8,781 
 Equity - share based payments                                  14     3,010     3,010    2,571     2,571 
 Capital redemption reserve                                     14     2,000     2,000    2,000     2,000 
 Retained earnings                                              14    33,615    28,468   28,671    23,892 
 
 Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent            78,950    73,803   72,595    67,816 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  --------  -------  -------- 
 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Deferred tax liability                                                3,455     3,218    3,600     2,692 
 Financial liabilities and provisions                           15       596    17,506    2,842    11,337 
 
 Total non-current liabilities                                         4,051    20,724    6,442    14,029 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  --------  -------  -------- 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                                             17,988    15,972   12,862    10,501 
 Income tax payable                                                      695       101      957       259 
 Financial liabilities and provisions                           15     3,742     3,701    4,400     4,307 
 
 Total current liabilities                                            22,425    19,774   18,219    15,067 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  --------  -------  -------- 
 
 Total liabilities                                                    26,476    40,498   24,661    29,096 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  --------  -------  -------- 
 
 Total equities and liabilities                                      105,426   114,301   97,256    96,912 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  --------  -------  -------- 
 

The profit of the Company for the financial year, after taxation, was GBP7.8m (2017: GBP4.5m).

The financial statements were approved by the Board of directors and authorised for issue on 3 September 2018 and are signed on its behalf by:

   Ian Mattioli MBE                                                        Nathan Imlach 
   Chief Executive Officer                                               Chief Financial Officer 

Consolidated and Company Statements of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 May 2018

 
                                                               Equity -       Capital 
                       Issued         Share        Merger   share based    redemption           Retained 
                      capital       premium       reserve      payments       reserve           earnings         Total 
                    (Note 14)     (Note 14)     (Note 14)     (Note 14)     (Note 14)          (Note 14)        equity 
 Group                 GBP000        GBP000        GBP000        GBP000        GBP000             GBP000        GBP000 
---------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -----------------  ------------ 
 
 As at 1 June 
  2016                    252        27,765         8,531         1,642         2,000             25,391        65,581 
 
 Profit for the 
  year                      -             -             -             -             -              6,356         6,356 
---------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -----------------  ------------ 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                    -             -             -             -             -              6,356         6,356 
 Transactions 
 with owners of 
 the Group, 
 recognised 
 directly in 
 equity 
 Share of other 
  comprehensive 
  income from 
  associates                -             -             -             -             -                  5             5 
 Issue of share 
  capital                   6         2,549           250             -             -                  -         2,805 
 Share-based 
  payment 
  transactions              -             -             -           949             -                  -           949 
 Deferred tax 
  recognised in 
  equity                    -             -             -            52             -                  -            52 
 Current tax 
  taken to 
  equity                    -             -             -           237             -                  -           237 
 Reserves 
  transfer                  -             -             -         (309)             -                309             - 
 Dividends                  -             -             -             -             -            (3,390)       (3,390) 
 
 As at 31 May 
  2017                    258        30,314         8,781         2,571         2,000             28,671        72,595 
 
 Profit for the 
  year                      -             -             -             -             -              8,190         8,190 
---------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -----------------  ------------ 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                    -             -             -             -             -              8,190         8,190 
 Transactions 
 with owners of 
 the Group, 
 recognised 
 directly in 
 equity 
 Share of other 
  comprehensive 
  income from 
  associates                -             -             -             -             -                  9             9 
 Issue of share 
  capital                   3           969             -             -             -                  -           972 
 Share-based 
  payment 
  transactions              -             -             -         1,020             -                  -         1,020 
 Deferred tax 
  derecognised 
  in equity                 -             -             -          (62)             -                  -          (62) 
 Current tax 
  taken to 
  equity                    -             -             -            92             -                  -            92 
 Reserves 
  transfer                  -             -             -         (611)             -                611             - 
 Dividends                  -             -             -             -             -            (3,866)       (3,866) 
 
 As at 31 May 
  2018                    261        31,283         8,781         3,010         2,000             33,615        78,950 
---------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -----------------  ------------ 
 

Consolidated and Company Statements of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 May 2018 (continued)

 
                                                                  Equity -       Capital 
                        Issued          Share         Merger   share based    redemption       Retained 
                       capital        premium        reserve      payments       reserve       earnings 
                     (Note 14)      (Note 14)      (Note 14)     (Note 14)     (Note 14)      (Note 14)   Total equity 
 Company                GBP000         GBP000         GBP000        GBP000        GBP000         GBP000         GBP000 
---------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 As at 1 June 
  2016                     252         27,765          8,531         1,642         2,000         22,487         62,677 
 
 Profit for the 
  year                       -              -              -             -             -          4,481          4,481 
---------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                     -              -              -             -             -          4,481          4,481 
 Transactions 
 with owners of 
 the Company, 
 recognised 
 directly in 
 equity 
 Share of other 
  comprehensive 
  income from 
  associates                 -              -              -             -             -              5              5 
 Issue of share 
  capital                    6          2,549            250             -             -              -          2,805 
 Share-based 
  payment 
  transactions               -              -              -           949             -              -            949 
 Deferred tax 
  recognised in 
  equity                     -              -              -            52             -              -             52 
 Current tax 
  taken to 
  equity                     -              -              -           237             -              -            237 
 Reserves 
  transfer                   -              -              -         (309)             -            309              - 
 Dividends                   -              -              -             -             -        (3,390)        (3,390) 
 
 As at 31 May 
  2017                     258         30,314          8,781         2,571         2,000         23,892         67,816 
 
 Profit for the 
  year                       -              -              -             -             -          7,822          7,822 
---------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                     -              -              -             -             -          7,822          7,822 
 Transactions 
 with owners of 
 the Company, 
 recognised 
 directly in 
 equity 
 Share of other 
  comprehensive 
  income from 
  associates                 -              -              -             -             -              9              9 
 Issue of share 
  capital                    3            969              -             -             -              -            972 
 Share-based 
  payment 
  transactions               -              -              -         1,020             -              -          1,020 
 Deferred tax 
  derecognised 
  in equity                  -              -              -          (62)             -              -           (62) 
 Current tax 
  taken to 
  equity                     -              -              -            92             -              -             92 
 Reserves 
  transfer                   -              -              -         (611)             -            611              - 
 Dividends                   -              -              -             -             -        (3,866)        (3,866) 
 
 As at 31 May 
  2018                     261         31,283          8,781         3,010         2,000         28,468         73,803 
---------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

Consolidated and Company Statements of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 May 2018

 
                                                                                  Group   Company      Group   Company 
                                                                                   2018      2018       2017      2017 
                                                                        Note     GBP000    GBP000     GBP000    GBP000 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Operating activities 
 Profit for the year 
  Adjustments for:                                                                8,190     7,822      6,356     4,481 
 Depreciation                                                              8        822       815        606       596 
 Amortisation and impairment                                               9      2,225     2,004      1,996     1,655 
 Investment income                                                                 (73)     (458)       (45)     (150) 
 Interest expense                                                                   154       551        291       494 
 Share of profit from associate                                           10      (240)     (240)      (103)     (103) 
 Gain on revaluation of derivative financial asset                     10,12      (540)     (540)       (93)      (93) 
 Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment                                   67        68         61        61 
 Equity-settled share-based payments                                      11      1,378     1,378      1,241     1,241 
 Cash-settled share-based payments                                                  119       119        661       661 
 Dividend income                                                                      -   (2,500)          -     (800) 
 Income tax expense                                                               1,586       886      1,293       706 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Cash flows from operating activities before changes in working 
  capital and provisions                                                         13,688     9,905     12,264     8,749 
 Increase in trade and other receivables                                          (957)   (5,043)    (2,018)   (9,140) 
 Increase in trade and other payables                                             5,100     5,187      1,762     1,944 
 Increase/(decrease) in provisions                                                  344       325    (1,544)   (1,536) 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Cash generated from operations                                                  18,175    10,374     10,464        17 
 Interest paid                                                                      (1)       (1)        (2)       (2) 
 Income taxes paid                                                              (1,840)   (1,419)    (1,700)     (875) 
 Net cash flows from operating activities                                        16,334     8,954      8,762     (860) 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Investing activities 
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment                                 72        68        126       126 
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment                                 8    (7,773)   (1,627)    (8,225)   (1,004) 
 Purchase of software                                                      9      (980)     (980)      (616)     (612) 
 Consideration paid on acquisition of subsidiaries                              (3,506)   (3,506)    (3,490)   (3,490) 
 Investment in subsidiary                                                             -         -          -   (1,000) 
 Consideration paid for shares in associate                                           -         -    (1,646)   (1,646) 
 Cash transferred on hive up of group companies                                       -     3,765          -     1,289 
 Cash received on acquisition of subsidiaries                                         -         -        172         - 
 Other investments                                                                    9         9          -         - 
 Loans advanced to property syndicates                                          (2,332)   (2,332)      (541)     (541) 
 Loan repayments from property syndicates                                         2,032     2,032        571       571 
 Interest received                                                                   73        65         39        24 
 Dividends received                                                                   -     2,500          -       800 
 Net cash flows from investing activities                                      (12,405)       (6)   (13,610)   (5,483) 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Financing activities 
 Proceeds from the issue of share capital                                           626       626        524       524 
 Repayment of borrowings acquired in business combinations                            -         -        884         - 
 Dividends paid                                                            7    (3,866)   (3,866)    (3,390)   (3,390) 
 Net cash flows from financing activities                                       (3,240)   (3,240)    (1,982)   (2,866) 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                               689     5,708    (6,830)   (9,209) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at start year                                  13     22,979    12,172     29,809    21,381 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                 13     23,668    17,880     22,979    12,172 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 

Notes to the financial statements

   1       Corporate information 

Mattioli Woods plc ("the Company") is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales, whose shares are publicly traded on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange plc. The nature of the Group's operations and its principal activities are set out in the Chief Executive's Review.

   2       Basis of preparation and accounting policies 
   2.1    Basis of preparation 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the European Union ("EU") and in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

The financial statements comprise the financial statements of Mattioli Woods plc and its subsidiaries ("the Group") as at 31 May each year. The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for certain financial instruments that are measured at fair value, and are presented in pounds, with all values rounded to the nearest thousand pounds (GBP000) except when otherwise indicated.

The principal accounting policies adopted are set out in this note and, unless otherwise stated, have been applied consistently to all periods presented in the financial statements. The financial statements were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the directors on 3 September 2018.

   2.2    Developments in reporting standards and interpretations 

Standards affecting the financial statements

There have been no new or revised standards and interpretations that have been adopted in the current year and have affected the amounts reported in these financial statements.

Standards not affecting the financial statements

The following new and revised standards and interpretations have been adopted in the current year:

 
 Standard or interpretation                                          Periods commencing on or after 
------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------- 
 
 Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014-2016 Cycle                                        1 January 2017 
 IAS 7    Disclosure Initiative                                                      1 January 2017 
 IAS 12   Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses                   1 January 2017 
 

Their adoption has not had any significant impact on the amounts reported in these financial statements but may impact the accounting for future transactions and arrangements, or give rise to additional disclosures.

Future new standards and interpretations

A number of new standards and amendments to standards and interpretations will be effective for future annual periods and, therefore, have not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements. At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following standards and interpretations which have not been applied in these financial statements were in issue but not yet effective:

 
 Standard or interpretation                                                Periods commencing on or after 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------- 
 
 Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014-2016 Cycle                                              1 January 2018 
 IFRS 2 (amended) Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payments                   1 January 2018 
 IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers                                             1 January 2018 
 IFRS 9 Financial Instruments                                                              1 January 2018 
 IAS 40 (amended) Transfers of Investment Property                                         1 January 2018 
 IFRIC 22 Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration                          1 January 2018 
 IFRS 16 Leases                                                                            1 January 2019 
 IFRIC 23 Accounting for uncertain tax treatments                                          1 January 2019 
 IAS 28 (amended) Long Term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures                     1 January 2019 
 Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2015-2017 Cycle                                              1 January 2019 
 IAS 19 (amended) Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement                                1 January 2019 
 Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards                    1 January 2020 
 IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts                                                               1 January 2021 
 

IFRS 16 'Leases' is expected to have a significant effect on the condensed consolidated interim financial statements and the consolidated financial statements of the Group, as explained below. Other than to expand certain disclosures within the financial statements, the Directors do not expect the adoption of the other standards and interpretations listed above will have a material impact on the financial statements of the Group in future periods.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

IFRS 9 'Financial instruments' was issued in July 2014, is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018, was adopted by the Group on 1 June 2018 and therefore will impact the Group's financial statements for the year ending 31 May 2019.

IFRS 9 introduces changes to the classification of financial assets and a new impairment model for financial assets, which will result in earlier recognition of impairment losses. Under the expected credit loss model, loss allowances equal to either the 12 month or lifetime expected credit losses are recognised on initial recognition of financial assets, depending on assessed credit risk. The latter is applied where there has been a significant deterioration in credit quality of the asset, although a simplified approach for calculating expected credit losses on trade receivables and contract assets is available, which looks only at lifetime expected credit losses. Additional disclosure requirements include both quantitative and qualitative disclosures supporting the basis and recognition of loss allowances, and the recognition of the loss allowance within provisions.

The Group has assessed the impact of the following accounting changes that will arise under IFRS 9:

-- Provisions for impairment losses against financial assets will be recognised sooner as lifetime expected credit losses are recognised on initial recognition of those financial assets.

-- The Group's trade receivables and accrued income ('contract assets' under IFRS 15) are generally short term and do not include a financing component. As a result, the Group expects to apply the simplified approach and reflect lifetime expected credit losses.

Provisional evaluation of the application of IFRS 9 indicates an expected reduction to opening equity and the carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities recognised in the consolidated financial statements of GBP0.4m. The classification of financial assets held by the Group is not expected to change.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

IFRS 15 'Revenue from Contracts with Customers' was issued in May 2014, is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018, was adopted by the Group on 1 June 2018 and therefore will impact the Group's financial statements for the year ending 31 May 2019.

IFRS 15 changes the way revenue from some customer contracts is recognised, impacting both the timing at which revenue may be recognised, and the value of revenue recognised. Customer contracts are broken down in to separate performance obligations, with contractual revenues being allocated to each performance obligation and revenue recognised on a basis consistent with the transfer of control of goods or services. Additional disclosure requirements include the reporting of disaggregated revenues, and the recognition of contract assets and contract liabilities on the face of the statement of financial position.

The Group has assessed the impact of the following accounting changes that arise under IFRS 15:

-- Timing of recognition of some non-recurring revenues may be deferred where contract performance conditions are deemed not to have been met at the reporting date.

-- Contract balances will be reclassified in the statement of financial position, but this is not expected to impact the value of net current assets reported.

-- Additional disclosures will be included in the annual report to disclose revenues from customer contracts on a disaggregated basis.

Provisional evaluation of the application of IFRS 15 suggests that no adjustments are required to opening equity or the carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities recognised in the consolidated financial statements.

IFRS 16 Leases

IFRS 16 'Leases' was issued in January 2016, is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019, will be adopted by the Group on 1 June 2019 and therefore will impact the Group's financial statements for the year ending 31 May 2020.

IFRS 16 will primarily change lease accounting for lessees. Lease agreements will give rise to the recognition of an asset representing the right to use the leased item and a loan obligation for future lease payables. Lease costs will be recognised in the form of depreciation of the right-of-use asset and interest on the lease liability. Lessee accounting under IFRS 16 will be similar in many respects to existing IAS 17 accounting for finance leases, but will be substantially different to existing accounting for operating leases where rental charges are currently recognised on a straight-line basis and no lease asset or lease loan obligation is recognised.

Lessor accounting under IFRS 16 is similar to existing IAS 17 accounting and is not expected to have a material impact for the Group. The Group is assessing the impact of the following accounting changes that will arise under IFRS 16:

-- Right-of-use assets will be recorded for assets that are leased by the Group; currently no lease assets are included on the Group's consolidated statement of financial position for operating leases.

-- Liabilities will be recorded for discounted future lease payments in the Group's consolidated statement of financial position for the "reasonably certain" period of the lease, which may include future lease periods for which the Group has extension options. Currently liabilities are generally not recorded for future operating lease payments, which are disclosed as commitments unless they are considered onerous. The amount of lease liabilities will not equal the lease commitments reported on 31 May 2018, but may not be dissimilar.

-- Lease expenses will be recognised as depreciation of right-of-use assets and interest on lease liabilities; interest will typically be higher in the early stages of a lease and reduce over the term. Currently operating lease rentals are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term within operating expenses.

-- Operating lease cash flows are currently included within operating cash flows in the consolidated statement of cash flows; under IFRS 16 these will be recorded as cash flows from financing activities reflecting the repayment of lease liabilities (borrowings) and related interest.

The Group is continuing to assess the impact of these and other accounting changes that will arise under IFRS 16 and expects the changes highlighted to have a material impact on the consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of financial position and consolidated statement of cash flows after adoption on 1 June 2019:

-- EBITDA is likely to rise because the lease expense under IAS 17 for operating leases will be removed and replaced with additional depreciation and finance costs. The profit profile of the business will also change as more expense is recognised in earlier periods and less in later periods compared to the straight-line amount recognised under IAS 17.

-- For leases classified as operating leases under IAS 17, there will be a significant impact on the Statement of Financial Position as these assets and corresponding liabilities have to be recognised. This will impact on gearing levels and potentially on covenants provided to prospective lenders and others.

Application of IFRS 9, IFRS 15 and IFRS 16

When IFRS 9, IFRS 15 and IFRS 16 are adopted, they can be applied either on a fully retrospective basis, requiring the restatement of the comparative periods presented in the financial statements, or with their cumulative retrospective impact applied as an adjustment to equity on the date of adoption; when the latter approach is applied it is necessary to disclose the impact of IFRS15 and IFRS 16 on each line item in the financial statements in the reporting period.

Depending on the adoption method that is utilised, certain practical expedients may be applied on adoption. The Group has not yet determined which method will be adopted or which expedients will be applied on adoption of these standards.

   2.3       Principal accounting policies 

Basis of consolidation

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains control, and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the parent company, using consistent accounting policies. All intra-group balances, income and expenses and unrealised gains and losses resulting from intra-group transactions are eliminated in full.

Business combinations

Business combinations are accounted for using the purchase accounting method. This involves assessing whether any assets acquired meet the criteria for recognition as separately identifiable intangible assets. Intangible assets are measured on initial recognition at their fair value at the date of acquisition. Client portfolios are valued by discounting their expected future cash flows over their expected useful lives, based on the Group's historic experience. Expected future cash flows are estimated based on the historic revenues and costs associated with the operation of that client portfolio. The discount rates used estimate the cost of capital, adjusted for risk.

Associates

The Company's share of profits from associates is reported separately in the Statement of Comprehensive income and the investment is recognised in the Statement of Financial Position using the equity method. The investment is initially recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted to reflect the Company's share of the cumulative profits of the associate since acquisition. Appropriate adjustments to the Company's share of the profits or losses after acquisition are made to account for additional amortisation of the associate's amortisable assets based on the excess of their fair values over their carrying amounts at the time the investment was acquired.

Group re-organisations

On 31 December 2017 the trade and assets of the Boyd Coughlan Limited were transferred to the Company. The trade and assets were exchanged for loan notes equal to the book value of the assets and assumed liabilities of Boyd Coughlan Limited as at 31 December 2017, attracting annual interest on the outstanding principal at a rate of 3% above the Bank of England base rate.

On 31 August 2016 the trade and assets of the Taylor Patterson Group Limited and its subsidiaries Taylor Patterson Financial Planning Limited and Taylor Patterson Associates Limited (together "the Business") were transferred to the Company. The trade and assets were exchanged for loan notes equal to the book value of the assets and assumed liabilities of the Business as at 31 August 2016, attracting annual interest on the outstanding principal at a rate of 3% above the Bank of England base rate.

   2.4       Key sources of judgements and estimation uncertainty 

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. If in the future such estimates and assumptions, which are based on management's best judgement at the date of preparation of the financial statements, deviate from actual circumstances, the original estimates and assumptions will be modified as appropriate in the period in which the circumstances change. The areas where a higher degree of judgement or complexity arises, or where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements, are discussed below.

Impairment of client portfolios

The Group reviews whether acquired client portfolios are impaired at least on an annual basis. This comprises an estimation of the fair value less cost to sell and the value in use of the acquired client portfolios. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows expected to arise from each client portfolio are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to that asset.

The key assumptions used in respect of value in use calculations are those regarding growth rates and anticipated changes to revenues and costs during the period covered by the calculations. Changes to revenue and costs are based upon management's expectation. The Group prepares its annual budget and five-year cash flow forecasts derived therefrom, thereafter extrapolating these cash flows using a terminal growth rate of 2.5% (2017: 2.5%), which management considers conservative against industry average long-term growth rates.

The key assumption used in arriving at a fair value less costs to sell requires a valuation based on earnings multiples and values based on assets under management. These have been determined by looking at valuations of similar businesses and the consideration paid in comparable transactions. Management has used a range of multiples resulting in an average of 7.5x EBITDA (2017: 7.5x) to arrive at a fair value.

The carrying amount of client portfolios at 31 May 2018 was GBP23.5m (2017: GBP25.2m). No impairment provisions have been made during the year (2017: GBPnil) based upon the directors' review.

Impairment of goodwill

The Group determines whether goodwill is impaired at least on an annual basis. This requires an estimation of the value in use of the cash-generating units to which the goodwill has been allocated. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the cash-generating unit are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to that asset.

The key assumptions used in respect of value in use calculations are those regarding growth rates and anticipated changes to revenues and costs during the period covered by the calculations, based upon management's expectation. The carrying amount of goodwill at 31 May 2018 was GBP17.3m (2017: GBP17.3m). No impairment provisions have been made during the year (2017: GBPnil) based upon the directors' review.

Internally generated capitalised software

The costs of internal software developments are capitalised where they are judged to have an economic value that will extend into the future and meet the recognition criteria in IAS38. Internally generated software is then amortised over an estimated useful life, assessed by taking into consideration the useful life of comparable software packages. The carrying amount of internally generated capitalised software at 31 May 2018 was GBP1.0m (2017: GBP1.1m).

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax assets include temporary differences related to employee benefits settled via the issue of share options. Recognition of the deferred tax assets assumes share options will have a positive value at the date of vesting, which is greater than the exercise price. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets at 31 May 2018 was GBP0.7m (2017: GBP0.8m).

Derivative financial assets

The Group entered into an option agreement to acquire the remaining 51% of the share capital of Amati in the two years following 6 February 2019. The fair value of the option is calculated by a third party valuation expert using Monte Carlo simulation software and involves some estimation and uncertainty in determining the key inputs into the valuation model. In particular, the key judgemental areas include the expected timing of the exercise of the option, the value of Amati as at the date of exercise and the value of shares payable as consideration on exercise. The carrying amount of the derivative financial instrument at 31 May 2018 was GBP0.7m (2017: GBP0.1m).

Interests in associates

Associates are entities in which the Group owns less than 100% of voting rights and has significant influence, but not control or joint control over the financial and operating policies. In determining whether control exists, this requires significant judgements in assessing factors such as the structure of the investment and the contractual agreement. The existence of significant influence is evidenced by the Group having representation on the board and the ability to participate in decisions but not being able to control the vote. The carrying amount of the investment in associate at 31 May 2018 was GBP3.7m (2017: GBP3.5m).

Recoverability of accrued time costs and disbursements

The Group recognises accrued income in respect of time costs and disbursements incurred on clients' affairs during the accounting period, which have not been invoiced at the reporting date. This requires an estimation of the recoverability of the time costs and disbursements incurred but not invoiced to clients. The carrying amount of accrued time costs and disbursements at 31 May 2018 was GBP5.6m (2017: GBP4.5m).

Accrued income

Accrued income is recognised in respect of fees, adviser charges and commissions due to the Group on investments and bank deposits placed during the accounting period which have not been received at the reporting date. This requires an estimation of the amount of income that will be received subsequent to the reporting date in respect of the accounting period, which is based on the value of historic receipts and investments placed by clients under management and advice. The carrying amount of accrued income at 31 May 2018 was GBP3.9m (2017: GBP3.2m).

Acquisitions and business combinations

When an acquisition arises the Group is required under IFRS to calculate the Purchase Price Allocation ("PPA"). The PPA requires companies to report the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired and it establishes useful lives for identified assets. The identification and the valuation of the assets and liabilities acquired involves estimation and judgement when determining whether the recognition criteria are met. The classification of consideration payable as either purchase consideration or remuneration is an area of judgement and estimate.

Subjectivity is also involved in PPA with the estimation of the future value of brands, technology, customer relationships and goodwill.

Contingent consideration payable on acquisitions

The Group has entered into certain acquisition agreements that provide for a contingent consideration to be paid. A financial instrument is recognised for all amounts management anticipates will be paid under the relevant acquisition agreement. This requires management to make an estimate of the expected future cash flows from the acquired business and determine a suitable discount rate for the calculation of the present value of any deferred contingent consideration payments. The carrying amount of contingent consideration provided for at 31 May 2018 was GBP0.9m (2017: GBP4.4m).

Provisions

As detailed in Note 15, the Group recognises provisions for client claims, contingent consideration payable on acquisitions, commission clawbacks, cash-settled share based payment awards and other obligations which exist at the reporting date. These provisions are estimates and the actual amount and timing of future cash flows are dependent on future events. Management reviews these provisions at each reporting date to ensure they are measured at the current best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation. Any difference between the amounts previously recognised and the current estimate is recognised immediately in the statement of comprehensive income.

The move to the Group's new central Leicester office is scheduled to complete in October 2018. An onerous lease provision was recognised during the year as the Group intends to vacate its existing premises in Leicester after the Group takes occupation of its new office at New Walk. Management estimated the value of the onerous lease provision making assumptions about the amount and timing of the cash flows associated with serving notice on one lease that was being held over and surrendering two unexpired leases. The carrying amount of onerous lease costs provided for at 31 May 2018 was GBP0.9m (2017: GBPnil).

3. Business combinations

The Group did not complete any acquisitions during the year. Transaction costs of GBP0.1m (2017: GBP0.4m) incurred on the review of potential acquisitions have been expensed and are included in administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and operating cash flows in the consolidated statement of cash flows in the period in which they were incurred.

Contingent consideration

The Group has entered into certain acquisition agreements that provide for contingent consideration to be paid. These agreements and the basis of calculation of the net present value of the contingent consideration are summarised below. While it is not possible to determine the exact amount of contingent consideration (as this will depend on the performance of the acquired businesses during the period), the Group estimates the fair value of the remaining contingent consideration payable is GBP0.9m (2017: GBP4.4m).

On 7 September 2016 the Group acquired MC Trustees for total consideration of up to GBP2.5m, comprising initial consideration of GBP1.23m in cash plus 38,081 new ordinary shares of 1p each in Mattioli Woods plus contingent consideration of up to GBP1.0m payable in cash in the two years following completion if certain financial target based on growth in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation are met. The Group estimates the fair value of the remaining contingent consideration at 31 May 2018 to be GBP0.5m (2017: GBP0.9m) using cash flows approved by the Board covering the contingent consideration period and expects the maximum contingent consideration will be payable.

On 8 September 2015 the Group acquired Taylor Patterson for an initial consideration comprising cash of GBP2.1m (excluding cash acquired with the business) and 419,888 shares in Mattioli Woods, plus contingent consideration of up to GBP3.3m payable in cash in the three years following completion if certain revenue and profit targets are met. The Group estimates the fair value of the remaining contingent consideration at 31 May 2018 to be GBP0.4m (2017: GBP2.2m) using cash flows approved by the Board covering the contingent consideration period. The maximum contingent consideration was paid following the year end, after the early achievement of all revenue and profit targets.

On 23 June 2015 the Group acquired Boyd Coughlan for initial consideration comprising cash of GBP3.9m (excluding cash acquired with the business) and 235,742 shares in Mattioli Woods, plus contingent consideration of up to GBP2.5m payable in cash in the two years following completion if certain profit targets are met. At 31 May 2018 no further consideration is payable (2017: GBP1.2m) with the maximum contingent consideration having been paid.

4. Revenue

Revenue disclosed in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income is analysed as follows:

 
                           2018     2017 
                         GBP000   GBP000 
----------------------  -------  ------- 
 
Rendering of services    56,645   49,070 
Commission income         2,024    1,463 
 
                         58,669   50,533 
----------------------  -------  ------- 
 

Rendering of services includes consultancy and administration fees, employee benefits fee income, adviser charges, DPM and fund management charges.

5. Segment information

The Group's objective is to fully integrate the businesses it acquires, to enable it to deliver holistic solutions across its wide and diverse client base. During the year, the Group transferred the trade and assets of Boyd Coughlan Limited into Mattioli Woods. The Group's operating segments comprise the following:

-- Pension consultancy and administration - fees earned by Mattioli Woods for setting up and administering pension schemes. Additional fees are generated from consultancy services provided for special one-off activities and the provision of bespoke scheme banking arrangements;

-- Investment and asset management - income generated from the management and placing of investments on behalf of clients;

-- Property management - income generated where Custodian Capital manages collective property investment vehicles, facilitates direct commercial property investments on behalf of clients or acts as the external discretionary manager for Custodian REIT plc; and

   --     Employee benefits - income generated by the Group's employee benefits operations. 

Each segment represents a revenue stream subject to risks and returns that are different to other operating segments, although each operating segment's products and services are offered to broadly the same market. The Group operates exclusively within the United Kingdom.

Operating segments

The operating segments defined above all utilise the same intangible assets, property, plant and equipment and the segments have been financed as a whole, rather than individually. The Group's operating segments are managed together as one business. Accordingly, certain costs are not allocated across the individual operating segments, as they are managed on a group basis. Segment profit or loss reflects the measure of segment performance reviewed by the Board of Directors (the Chief Operating Decision Maker).

The following tables present revenue and profit information regarding the Group's operating segments for the two years ended 31 May 2018 and 2017 respectively.

 
                  Investment          Pension 
                         and      consultancy 
                       asset              and      Property       Employee        Total      Corporate 
 Year ended       management   administration    management       benefits     segments          costs    Consolidated 
 31 May 2018          GBP000           GBP000        GBP000         GBP000       GBP000         GBP000          GBP000 
-------------  -------------  ---------------  ------------  -------------  -----------  -------------  -------------- 
 
 Revenue 
  External 
  client              25,096           21,822         5,918          5,833       58,669              -          58,669 
 
 Total 
  revenue             25,096           21,822         5,918          5,833       58,669              -          58,669 
-------------  -------------  ---------------  ------------  -------------  -----------  -------------  -------------- 
 
 Results 
  Segment 
  profit 
  before tax           8,306            3,714         1,016            113       13,149        (3,373)           9,776 
-------------  -------------  ---------------  ------------  -------------  -----------  -------------  -------------- 
 
 
                  Investment          Pension 
                         and      consultancy 
                       asset              and      Property       Employee        Total      Corporate 
 Year ended       management   administration    management       benefits     segments          costs    Consolidated 
 31 May 2017          GBP000           GBP000        GBP000         GBP000       GBP000         GBP000          GBP000 
-------------  -------------  ---------------  ------------  -------------  -----------  -------------  -------------- 
 
 Revenue 
  External 
  client              21,079           18,869         5,178          5,407       50,533              -          50,533 
 
 Total 
  revenue             21,079           18,869         5,178          5,407       50,533              -          50,533 
-------------  -------------  ---------------  ------------  -------------  -----------  -------------  -------------- 
 
 Results 
  Segment 
  profit 
  before tax           5,008            3,569         1,198            458       10,233        (2,584)           7,649 
-------------  -------------  ---------------  ------------  -------------  -----------  -------------  -------------- 
 

Segment assets

The following table presents segment assets of the Group's operating segments:

 
                                             31 May   31 May 
                                               2018     2017 
                                             GBP000   GBP000 
----------------------------------------   --------  ------- 
 
 Pension consultancy and administration      23,790   23,831 
 Investment and asset management             23,023   22,870 
 Property management                          1,159    1,360 
 Employee benefits                           11,177   11,649 
 
 Total segments                              59,149   59,710 
 
 Corporate assets                            46,278   37,546 
 
 Total assets                               105,427   97,256 
-----------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 

Segment assets exclude property, plant and equipment, certain items of computer software, investments, current and deferred tax balances and cash balances, as these assets are considered corporate in nature and are not allocated to a specific operating segment.

 
                                        31 May   31 May 
                                          2018     2017 
 Reconciliation of assets               GBP000   GBP000 
-----------------------------------   --------  ------- 
 
 Segment operating assets               59,149   59,710 
 
 Property, plant and equipment          16,483    9,671 
 Intangible assets                       2,475    1,964 
 Deferred tax asset                        675      798 
 Derivative financial asset                650      110 
 Prepayments and other receivables       2,246    1,938 
 Investments                                81       86 
 Cash and short-term deposits           23,668   22,979 
 
 Total assets                          105,427   97,256 
------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 

Acquired intangibles and amortisation thereon relate to a specific transaction and are allocated between individual operating segments based on the headcount or revenue mix of the cash generating units at the time of acquisition. The subsequent delivery of services to acquired clients may be across a number or all operating segments, comprising different operating segments to those the acquired intangibles have been allocated to.

Liabilities have not been allocated between individual operating segments, as they cannot be allocated on anything other than an arbitrary basis.

Corporate costs

Certain administrative expenses including acquisition costs, amortisation of software, depreciation of property, plant and equipment, irrecoverable VAT, legal and professional fees and professional indemnity insurance are not allocated between segments that are managed on a unified basis and utilise the same intangible and tangible assets.

Finance income and expenses, gains and losses on the disposal of assets, taxes, intangible assets and certain other assets and liabilities are not allocated to individual segments as they are managed on a group basis. Capital expenditure consists of additions of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.

 
                                                        31 May   31 May 
                                                          2018     2017 
 Reconciliation of profit before tax                    GBP000   GBP000 
---------------------------------------------------   --------  ------- 
 
 Total segments                                         13,149   10,233 
 
 Increase in provisions                                (1,029)     (85) 
 Irrecoverable VAT                                       (829)    (531) 
 Depreciation                                            (822)    (606) 
 Amortisation and impairment                             (469)    (259) 
 Professional indemnity insurance                        (466)    (489) 
 Acquisition-related costs                               (132)    (378) 
 Finance costs                                           (154)    (291) 
 Loss on disposal of assets                               (67)     (61) 
 Bank charges                                             (18)     (22) 
 Finance income                                             73       45 
 Gain on revaluation of derivative financial asset         540       93 
 
 Group profit before tax                                 9,776    7,649 
----------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 

Country-by-country reporting

HM Treasury has transposed the requirements set out under the Capital Requirements Directive IV ("CRD IV") and issued the Capital Requirements Country-by-Country Reporting Regulations 2013, effective 1 January 2014. The legislation requires Mattioli Woods plc (together with its subsidiaries) to publish certain additional information split by country, on a consolidated basis, for the year ended 31 May 2018.

Mattioli Woods plc and its subsidiaries are all incorporated in and operate from the United Kingdom. All employees of the Group hold contracts of employment in the United Kingdom. All turnover (revenue) and profit before tax is recognised on activities based in the United Kingdom. All tax paid and any subsidies received are paid to and received from UK institutions.

6. Earnings per ordinary share

Basic earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing net profit for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.

Diluted earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year plus the weighted average number of ordinary shares that would be issued on the conversion of all the dilutive potential ordinary shares into ordinary shares.

The income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations is as follows:

 
                                                                                     2018     2017 
                                                                                   GBP000   GBP000 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 
Net profit and diluted net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company     8,190    6,356 
 
 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares:                                          000s     000s 
 
Issued ordinary shares at start period                                             25,789   25,205 
Effect of shares issued during the year ended 31 May 2017                               -      455 
Effect of shares issued during the year ended 31 May 2018                             455      291 
 
Basic weighted average number of shares                                            26,244   25,951 
 
Effect of dilutive options at the statement of financial position date                 53      101 
 
Diluted weighted average number of shares                                          26,297   26,052 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

The Company has granted options under the Share Option Plan, the Consultants' Share Option Plan and the LTIP to certain of its senior managers and directors to acquire (in aggregate) up to 3.26% of its issued share capital (see Note 11). Under IAS 33 Earnings Per Share, contingently issuable ordinary shares are treated as outstanding and included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share if the conditions (the events triggering the vesting of the option) are satisfied. At 31 May 2018 the conditions attached to 787,202 options granted under the LTIP were not satisfied (2017: 777,480). If the conditions had been satisfied, diluted earnings per share would have been 30.2p per share (2017: 24.0p).

Since the reporting date and the date of completion of these financial statements the following transactions have taken place involving ordinary shares or potential ordinary shares:

-- The issue of 77,171 ordinary shares as part of the initial consideration for the acquisition of Broughtons Financial Planning Limited (Note 17);

   --     The issue of 26,247 ordinary shares to satisfy the exercise of options under the LTIP; and 
   --     The issue of 23,578 ordinary shares under the Mattioli Woods plc Share Incentive Plan. 

7. Dividends paid and proposed

 
                                                         2018     2017 
                                                       GBP000   GBP000 
----------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 
Declared and paid during the year: 
Equity dividends on ordinary shares: 
- Final dividend for 2017: 9.4p (2016: 8.65p)           2,430    2,187 
- Interim dividend for 2018: 5.5p (2017: 4.7p)          1,436    1,203 
 
Dividends paid                                          3,866    3,390 
----------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 
  Proposed for approval by shareholders at the AGM: 
Final dividend for 2018: 11.5p (2017: 9.4p)             3,022    2,430 
----------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

8. Property, plant and equipment

 
                                Assets under   Computer and office 
                                construction             equipment           Fixtures and     Motor vehicles 
                                                                                 fittings                        Total 
 Group                                GBP000                GBP000                 GBP000             GBP000    GBP000 
----------------------  --------------------  --------------------  ---------------------  -----------------  -------- 
 Gross carrying 
 amount: 
 At 1 June 2016                            -                 1,642                    918              1,069     3,629 
 
 Arising on 
  Acquisitions                             -                    14                      4                  -        18 
 Additions                             7,438                   443                    106                462     8,449 
 Disposals                                 -                  (75)                   (98)              (320)     (493) 
 
 At 31 May 2017                        7,438                 2,024                    930              1,211    11,603 
 
 Additions                             7,019                   227                     30                495     7,773 
 Disposals                                 -                 (116)                      -              (214)     (330) 
 
 At 31 May 2018                       14,457                 2,137                    960              1,492    19,046 
----------------------  --------------------  --------------------  ---------------------  -----------------  -------- 
 
 Depreciation: 
 At 1 June 2016                            -                   722                    583                327     1,632 
 
 Charged for the year                      -                   306                     80                220       606 
 On disposals                              -                  (51)                   (87)              (168)     (306) 
 
 At 31 May 2017                            -                   977                    576                379     1,932 
 
 Charged for the year                      -                   391                    192                239       822 
 On disposals                              -                  (52)                      -              (139)     (191) 
 
 At 31 May 2018                            -                 1,316                    768                479     2,563 
----------------------  --------------------  --------------------  ---------------------  -----------------  -------- 
 
 Carrying amount: 
 At 31 May 2018                       14,457                   821                    192              1,013    16,483 
----------------------  --------------------  --------------------  ---------------------  -----------------  -------- 
 
 At 31 May 2017                        7,438                 1,047                    354                832     9,671 
----------------------  --------------------  --------------------  ---------------------  -----------------  -------- 
 
 At 31 May 2016                            -                   920                    335                742     1,997 
----------------------  --------------------  --------------------  ---------------------  -----------------  -------- 
 
 
                                                            Computer and 
                        Assets under         Leasehold            office      Fixtures and 
                        construction      improvements         equipment          fittings    Motor vehicles     Total 
 Company                      GBP000            GBP000            GBP000            GBP000            GBP000    GBP000 
------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  -------- 
 Gross carrying 
 amount: 
 At 1 June 2016                    -                 -             1,460               826             1,060     3,346 
 
 Transfer from 
  group companies                  -                 -                45                20                 -        65 
 Additions                         -                56               437                48               463     1,004 
 Disposals                         -                 -              (74)              (98)             (321)     (493) 
 
 At 31 May 2017                    -                56             1,868               796             1,202     3,922 
 
 Transfer from 
  group companies                  -                 -                 7                 -                 -         7 
 Reclassification                  -              (56)                 -                56                 -         - 
 Additions                       877                 -               225                30               495     1,627 
 Disposals                         -                 -             (116)                 -             (199)     (315) 
 
 At 31 May 2018                  877                 -             1,984               882             1,498     5,241 
------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 Depreciation: 
 At 1 June 2016                    -                 -               588               511               323     1,422 
 
 Charged for the 
  year                             -                 1               301                78               216       596 
 On disposals                      -                 -              (51)              (88)             (166)     (305) 
 
 At 31 May 2017                    -                 1               838               501               373     1,713 
 
 Reclassification                  -               (1)                 -                 1                 -         - 
 Charged for the 
  year                             -                 -               386               190               239       815 
 On disposals                      -                 -              (52)                 -             (127)     (179) 
 
 At 31 May 2018                    -                 -             1,172               692               485     2,349 
------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 Carrying amount: 
 At 31 May 2018                  877                 -               812               190             1,013     2,892 
------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 At 31 May 2017                    -                55             1,030               295               829     2,209 
------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 At 31 May 2016                    -                 -               872               315               737     1,924 
------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  -------- 
 

9. Intangible assets

 
                                 Internally generated 
                                             software                Client portfolios 
                                               GBP000    Software               GBP000    Goodwill     Other     Total 
  Group                                                    GBP000                           GBP000    GBP000    GBP000 
--------------------------  -------------------------  ----------  -------------------  ----------  --------  -------- 
Gross carrying amount: 
At 1 June 2016                                  1,434       1,080               31,832      16,361        35    50,742 
 
Arising on acquisitions                             -           -                1,522         869         -     2,391 
Additions                                         155         461                    -          23         -       639 
 
At 31 May 2017                                  1,589       1,541               33,354      17,253        35    53,772 
 
Additions                                         104         876                    -           -         -       980 
 
At 31 May 2018                                  1,693       2,417               33,354      17,253        35    54,752 
--------------------------  -------------------------  ----------  -------------------  ----------  --------  -------- 
 
Amortisation and 
impairment: 
At 1 June 2016                                    349         557                6,391           -        35     7,332 
 
Amortisation during the 
 year                                             145         114                1,737           -         -     1,996 
 
At 31 May 2017                                    494         671                8,128           -        35     9,328 
 
Amortisation during the 
 year                                             162         307                1,756           -         -     2,225 
 
At 31 May 2018                                    656         978                9,884           -        35    11,553 
--------------------------  -------------------------  ----------  -------------------  ----------  --------  -------- 
 
Carrying amount: 
At 31 May 2018                                  1,037       1,439               23,470      17,253         -    43,199 
--------------------------  -------------------------  ----------  -------------------  ----------  --------  -------- 
 
At 31 May 2017                                  1,095         870               25,226      17,253         -    44,444 
--------------------------  -------------------------  ----------  -------------------  ----------  --------  -------- 
 
At 31 May 2016                                  1,085         523               25,441      16,361         -    43,410 
--------------------------  -------------------------  ----------  -------------------  ----------  --------  -------- 
 
 
 
                                Internally generated software 
                                                       GBP000                Client portfolios 
                                                                 Software               GBP000    Goodwill     Total 
  Company                                                          GBP000                           GBP000    GBP000 
------------------------------  -----------------------------  ----------  -------------------  ----------  -------- 
Gross carrying amount: 
At 1 June 2016                                          1,434         973               20,567      10,771    33,745 
 
Transfer from group companies                               -           -                4,693       4,120     8,813 
Additions                                                 155         457                    -           -       612 
 
At 31 May 2017                                          1,589       1,430               25,260      14,891    43,170 
 
Transfer from Group companies                               -           -                3,719       1,493     5,212 
Additions                                                 104         876                    -           -       980 
 
At 31 May 2018                                          1,693       2,306               28,979      16,384    49,362 
------------------------------  -----------------------------  ----------  -------------------  ----------  -------- 
 
Amortisation and impairment: 
At 1 June 2016                                            349         485                3,938           -     4,772 
 
Amortisation during the year                              145         106                1,404           -     1,655 
 
At 31 May 2017                                            494         591                5,342           -     6,427 
 
Amortisation during the year                              162         287                1,555           -     2,004 
 
At 31 May 2018                                            656         878                6,897           -     8,431 
------------------------------  -----------------------------  ----------  -------------------  ----------  -------- 
 
Carrying amount: 
At 31 May 2018                                          1,037       1,428               22,082      16,384    40,931 
------------------------------  -----------------------------  ----------  -------------------  ----------  -------- 
 
At 31 May 2017                                          1,095         839               19,918      14,891    36,743 
------------------------------  -----------------------------  ----------  -------------------  ----------  -------- 
 
At 31 May 2016                                          1,085         488               16,629      10,771    28,973 
------------------------------  -----------------------------  ----------  -------------------  ----------  -------- 
 

Software

Software is amortised over its useful economic life of four years on a reducing balance basis. Internally generated software represents the development costs of the Group's bespoke customer relationship management, administration and trading platform. The directors believe this technology will be the principal technology platform used throughout the Group for the foreseeable future. Internally generated software is amortised on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of 10 years.

Client portfolios

Client portfolios represent individual client portfolios acquired through business combinations. Client portfolios are amortised on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of between 10 and 25 years, based on the Group's historic experience.

Goodwill

Goodwill arises where the price paid for an acquisition is greater than the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill arising on business combinations is subject to annual impairment testing.

Other intangibles

Other intangibles represent external costs incurred in obtaining a licence. Other intangibles are amortised on a straight-line basis over a useful economic life of three years.

10. Investment in associate and related derivative

Investment in associate

On 6 February 2017 the Group acquired 49% of the ordinary share capital of Amati Global Investors Limited ("Amati") from Amati Global Partners LLP plus an option over the remaining ordinary share capital of Amati for a total consideration of GBP3.39m, comprising GBP1.65m in cash and GBP1.74m of new ordinary shares in Mattioli Woods.

Amati is a fund management firm founded in 2010 following the management buyout of Noble Fund Managers Limited. Amati's principal place of business is the United Kingdom. It focuses on small and mid-sized companies, with a universe ranging from fully listed constituents of the FTSE Mid 250 and FTSE Small Cap indices, to stocks quoted on AIM. At the date of investment Amati had approximately GBP120m of assets under management, including the TB Amati UK Smaller Companies Fund; two AIM Venture Capital Trusts (Amati VCT plc and Amati VCT 2 plc); and an AIM IHT portfolio service.

During the year the shareholders of Amati VCT plc voted to approve its merger with Amati VCT 2 plc, which has been renamed Amati AIM VCT plc. Amati's gross assets under management at 31 May 2018 had increased to over GBP325m.

The Group exercises significant influence by virtue of its contractual right to appoint a minority of directors to Amati's board of directors. The option held by the Group to acquire the remaining shares in Amati is not exercisable until 6 February 2019. In addition, the Group has no other rights which would allow it to exercise control over Amati's operations. Therefore, the Group is not judged to control Amati and it is not consolidated.

The movement in the Group's investment in associate is as follows:

 
                                                                          2018     2017 
  Investment in associate - Group and Company                           GBP000   GBP000 
---------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 
At 1 June                                                                3,476        - 
 
Investment in Amati Global Investors Limited                                 -    3,368 
 
Share of profit for the year                                               308      120 
Amortisation of fair value intangibles                                    (68)     (17) 
 
Share of profit from associates in statement of comprehensive income       240      103 
Share of other comprehensive income                                          9        5 
 
At 31 May                                                                3,725    3,476 
---------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

Other comprehensive income represents a movement in Amati's revaluation reserve recognised directly in equity.

The results of Amati for the 12 months ended 31 May 2018 and its aggregated assets and liabilities as at 31 May 2018 are as follows:

 
                                                              Assets   Liabilities   Revenue    Profit 
 Name                            Country of incorporation     GBP000        GBP000    GBP000    GBP000   Interest held 
------------------------------  --------------------------  --------  ------------  --------  --------  -------------- 
 
 Amati Global Investors 
  Limited                        Scotland                      2,871           861     3,206       628             49% 
 
 Group's share of profit                                                                           308 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------------  --------  --------  -------------- 
 

The net assets of Amati as at 31 May 2017 were GBP1,364,382. At 31 May 2018 the net assets of Amati had increased by GBP646,148 to GBP2,010,530, increasing the Group's interest in the associate (net of tax) by GBP316,613 during the year, comprising Mattioli Woods' share of Amati's profit after tax recognised in the statement of comprehensive income and Mattioli Woods' share of the movement in Amati's revaluation reserve recognised directly in equity.

Derivative financial instruments

As part of the transaction to acquire its holding in Amati, Mattioli Woods also entered into an option agreement with the Seller which entitles Mattioli Woods to acquire the remaining 51% of Amati in the two years commencing 6 February 2019 for a mixture of cash and Mattioli Woods' ordinary shares ("the Option"). If Mattioli Woods does not exercise the Option to acquire the remaining stake from the Seller, the Seller has an option to buy Mattioli Woods' shareholding back for the original consideration paid.

The fair value of the option contract at the date of acquisition was GBP16,859. At 31 May 2018, the fair value of the option contract was GBP649,699 (2017: GBP109,974) (Note 12). The fair value of the option contract is calculated using an option valuation model.

11. Share based payments

Consultants' Share Option Plan

The Company operates the Consultants' Share Option Plan by which certain senior executives are able to subscribe for ordinary shares in the Company. Options granted under the Consultants' Share Option Plan are summarised as follows:

 
 
 
                   Exercise price  At 1 June 2017  Exercised during the year  At 31 May 2018 
  Date of grant               GBP             No.                        No.             No. 
-----------------  --------------  --------------  -------------------------  -------------- 
 
4 September 2007             2.79          38,011                   (38,011)               - 
8 September 2009             2.16          62,342                   (15,481)          46,861 
 
Outstanding                               100,353                   (53,492)          46,861 
-----------------  --------------  --------------  -------------------------  -------------- 
 
Exercisable                               100,353                   (53,492)          46,861 
-----------------  --------------  --------------  -------------------------  -------------- 
 

The exercise price of the options is equal to the market price of the shares at the close of business on the day immediately preceding the date of grant. The options vest when the option holders achieve certain individual performance hurdles. No options vested during the year as a result of the associated performance conditions being fulfilled. If the performance hurdles, which are linked to individual sales revenues, are not met over the five financial years commencing on 1 June before the date of grant, the options lapse.

Long--Term Incentive Plan

During the year, Mattioli Woods granted awards to the Company's executive directors and certain senior employees under the LTIP. Conditional share awards ("Equity-settled") grant participating employees a conditional right to become entitled to options with an exercise price of 1 pence over ordinary shares in the Company. Conditional cash awards ("Cash-settled") grant participating employees a conditional right to be paid a cash amount based on the proceeds of the sale of a specified number of Ordinary Shares following the vesting of the award. Movements in the LTIP scheme during the period were as follows:

 
                                  31 May 2018    31 May 2018      31 May 2017    31 May 2017 
                               Equity-settled   Cash-settled   Equity-settled   Cash-settled 
LTIP options                              No.            No.              No.            No. 
--------------------------    ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 
Outstanding as at 1 June              807,445        118,501          696,574        266,650 
Granted during the year               238,825              -          294,340              - 
Exercised during the year           (203,194)      (118,501)        (183,269)      (148,149) 
Forfeited during the year            (36,587)              -            (200)              - 
 
Outstanding at 31 May                 806,489              -          807,445        118,501 
----------------------------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 
Exercisable at 31 May                  19,287              -           29,965              - 
----------------------------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 

The LTIP awards are subject to the achievement of corporate profitability targets measured over a three year performance period and will vest following publication of the Group's audited results for the final performance year. The amounts shown above represent the maximum opportunity for the participants in the LTIP.

Share Incentive Plan

The Company introduced the Mattioli Woods plc Share Incentive Plan ("the SIP") in July 2008. Participants in the SIP are entitled to purchase, at market value, up to a prescribed number of new 1p ordinary shares in the Company at the end of each month for which they will receive a like for like matching share. These ordinary shares rank pari passu with existing issued ordinary shares of the Company.

A total of 103,924 (2017: 94,392) new ordinary shares were issued to the 363 (2017: 308) employees who participated in the SIP during the year. At 31 May 2018 the SIP held 593,019 (2017: 553,658) shares on their behalf.

Share based payments expense

The expense for share based payments made in respect of employee services under the LTIP is recognised over the expected vesting period of the awards. The expense recognised during the year ended 31 May 2018 is GBP1,150,465 (2017: GBP1,610,790), of which GBP1,031,168 arises from equity-settled share based payment transactions (2017: GBP949,395) and GBP119,297 arises from cash-settled share based payment transactions (2017: GBP661,395).

The expense for share based payments made in respect of employee services under the Consultants' Share Option Plan is recognised over the expected vesting period of the awards. The expense recognised during the year ended 31 May 2018 was GBPnil (2017: GBPnil), which arises entirely from equity-settled share based payment transactions.

The expense for share based payments in respect of "Matching shares" issued under the SIP is recognised in the period the shares are granted to the participating employee (see Note 14). The expense recognised during the year ended 31 May 2018 is GBP346,649 (2017: GBP291,146), which arises entirely from equity-settled share based payment transactions.

Summary of share options

The following table illustrates the number and weighted average exercise prices ("WAEP") of, and movements in, share options during the year.

 
                                           2018                2017 
                                   2018    WAEP        2017    WAEP 
   Share options                    No.     GBP         No.     GBP 
---------------------------  ----------  ------  ----------  ------ 
 
 Outstanding as at 1 June       907,798    0.27     840,499    0.43 
 
 Granted during the year        238,825    0.01     294,340    0.01 
 Exercised                    (256,686)    0.55   (226,841)    1.57 
 Forfeited during the year     (36,587)    0.01       (200)    0.01 
 
 Outstanding at 31 May          853,350    0.13     907,798    0.27 
---------------------------  ----------  ------  ----------  ------ 
 
 Exercisable at 31 May           66,148    1.53     130,318    1.85 
---------------------------  ----------  ------  ----------  ------ 
 

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the year was GBP7.96 (2017: GBP7.31). For the share options outstanding as at 31 May 2018, the weighted average remaining contractual life is 4.0 years (2017: 4.0 years). The WAEP for options outstanding at the end of the year was GBP0.13 (2017: GBP0.27), with the option exercise prices ranging from GBP0.01 to GBP2.16.

The fair value of equity-settled share options granted is estimated as at the date of grant using the Black Scholes Merton model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. The following table lists the inputs to the model used to estimate the fair value of options granted during the year ended 31 May 2018:

 
                                           LTIP 
-------------------------------------  -------- 
 
 Share price at date of grant           GBP8.41 
 Option exercise price                  GBP0.01 
 Expected life of option (years)            4.5 
 Expected share price volatility (%)       17.0 
 Dividend yield (%)                        1.84 
 Risk-free interest rate (%)                0.5 
 

The share price at date of grant for options issued under the LTIP is based on the market value of the shares on that date. The expected life of the options is based on historical data and is not necessarily indicative of exercise patterns that may occur. The expected volatility reflects the assumption that the historical volatility is indicative of future trends, which may also not necessarily be the actual outcome. No other features of options grant were incorporated into the measurement of fair value.

The share price at 31 May 2018 and movements during the year are set out in the Directors' Remuneration Report.

12. Derivative financial asset

 
                                          Group   Company    Group   Company 
                                           2018      2018     2017      2017 
                                         GBP000    GBP000   GBP000    GBP000 
--------------------------------------  -------  --------  -------  -------- 
 
 Derivative financial asset (Note 10)       650       650      110       110 
 
                                            650       650      110       110 
--------------------------------------  -------  --------  -------  -------- 
 

The only derivative financial instrument held by the Group is an option contract over shares in the Group's associate. The option contract is carried at fair value.

13. Cash and short-term deposits

For the purpose of the statement of cashflows, cash and cash equivalents comprise the following at 31 May 2018:

 
                                Group   Company     Group   Company 
                                 2018      2018      2017      2017 
                               GBP000    GBP000    GBP000    GBP000 
---------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 Cash at banks and on hand     23,668    17,880    22,979    12,172 
 Bank overdrafts                    -         -         -         - 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents     23,668    17,880    22,979    12,172 
---------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

Cash at banks earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates. Short-term deposits are made for varying periods of between one day and three months, depending on the immediate cash requirements of the Group, and earn interest at the respective short-term deposit rates. The fair value of cash and short-term deposits is GBP23.7m (2017: GBP23.0m).

Due to the headroom the Group's current cash balances provide on its projected working capital requirements, the Group has not renewed its overdraft facility. Management will continue to review the level of bank facilities the Group may require going forward.

14. Issued capital and reserves

 
                                                                  Ordinary shares 
                                                Ordinary shares             of 1p 
 Share capital                                            of 1p               GBP 
---------------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 
 Authorised 
 
 At 1 June 2016, 31 May 2017 and 31 May 2018         30,000,000           300,000 
---------------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 
 Issued and fully paid 
 
 At 1 June 2016                                      25,205,423           252,054 
 
 Exercise of employee share options                     226,841             2,268 
 Shares issued under the SIP                             94,392               944 
 Shares issued for consideration                        262,508             2,625 
 
 At 31 May 2017                                      25,789,164           257,891 
 
 Exercise of employee share options                     256,686             2,567 
 Shares issued under the SIP                            103,924             1,040 
 Shares issued for consideration                              -                 - 
 
 At 31 May 2018                                      26,149,774           261,498 
---------------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 

Rights, preferences and restrictions on shares

All ordinary shares carry equal rights and no privileges are attached to any shares in the Company. All the shares are freely transferable, except as otherwise provided by law. However:

-- The former shareholders of Taylor Patterson ("the Taylor Patterson Sellers") have entered into a lock-in deed with Mattioli Woods and its nominated adviser and broker, Canaccord Genuity Limited, restricting sales of that part of the consideration comprising 419,888 ordinary shares in Mattioli Woods during the three years ending 8 September 2018;

-- The former shareholder of Old Station Road Holdings Limited ("the MCT Seller") has entered into a lock-in deed with Mattioli Woods and its nominated adviser and broker, Canaccord Genuity Limited, restricting sales of that part of the consideration comprising 38,081 ordinary shares in Mattioli Woods during the two years ending 6 September 2018; and

-- The former shareholders of Amati Global Investors Limited ("the Amati Sellers") have entered into a lock-in deed with Mattioli Woods and its nominated adviser and broker, Canaccord Genuity Limited, restricting sales of that part of the consideration comprising 224,427 ordinary shares in Mattioli Woods during the two years ending 7 February 2019.

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the Company. All shares rank equally with regard to the Company's residual assets.

Share schemes and share incentive plan

The Company has two share schemes under which options to subscribe for the Company's shares have been granted to certain executives and senior employees (Note 11).

The Company also operates a share incentive plan. Participants in the SIP are entitled to purchase up to a prescribed number of new ordinary shares in the Company in any year. At the Directors' discretion, the Company may also award additional shares to participants in the SIP. Ordinary shares issued under the SIP rank pari passu with existing issued ordinary shares of the Company. Dividends paid on shares held within the SIP are used to buy new ordinary shares in the Company of 1p each.

Other reserves

Movements recognised in other reserves in the year are disclosed in the statement of changes in equity. The following table describes the nature and purpose of each reserve within equity:

 
 Reserve                         Description and purpose 
------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------ 
 
 Share premium                   Amounts subscribed for share capital in 
                                  excess of nominal value less any associated 
                                  issue costs that have been capitalised. 
 
 Merger reserve                  Where shares are issued as consideration 
                                  for shares in another company, the excess 
                                  of the fair value of the shares acquired 
                                  over the nominal value of the shares issued 
                                  is recognised in the merger reserve. 
 
 Capital redemption reserve      Amounts transferred from share capital 
                                  on redemption of issued shares. 
 
 Equity - share based payments   The fair value of equity instruments granted 
                                  by the Company in respect of share based 
                                  payment transactions less options exercised. 
 
 Retained earnings               All other net gains and losses and transactions 
                                  with owners (e.g. dividends) not recognised 
                                  elsewhere. 
 

The Company has issued options to subscribe for the Company's shares under two employee share schemes (Note 11). The cost of exercised or lapsed share options has been derecognised from equity-share based payments and re-allocated to retained earnings as required by IFRS2 Share-based Payments.

15. Financial liabilities and provisions

 
                                                                      Employers' 
                                                                          NIC on                     LTIP 
                    Contingent   Client                                    share     Onerous         cash     FSCS 
                 consideration   claims   Dilapidations   Clawbacks      options   contracts    liability     levy     Total 
 Group                  GBP000   GBP000          GBP000      GBP000       GBP000      GBP000       GBP000   GBP000    GBP000 
--------------  --------------  -------  --------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  -------  -------- 
 
 At 1 June 
  2016                   5,800      532             413         308          624         152        1,263        -     9,092 
 
 Unwinding of 
  discount                 242        -               -           -            -           -           31        -       273 
 Arising 
  during the 
  year                     890      510              90         132          419           -          661        -     2,702 
 Acquisitions                -       63              30           -            -           -            -        -        93 
 Paid during 
  the year             (2,250)    (387)               -           -        (306)           -      (1,111)        -   (4,054) 
 Unused 
  amounts 
  reversed               (264)    (191)            (16)       (316)            -        (77)            -        -     (864) 
 
 At 31 May 
  2017                   4,418      527             517         124          737          75          844        -     7,242 
 
 Unwinding of 
  discount                 142        -              12           -            -           -           13        -       167 
 Arising 
  during the 
  year                       -      697             122         181          315         913          132      100     2,460 
 Paid during 
  the year             (3,506)    (225)            (13)       (181)        (401)           -        (989)        -   (5,315) 
 Unused 
  amounts 
  reversed               (168)     (17)             (7)           -         (24)           -            -        -     (216) 
 
 At 31 May 
  2018                     886      982             631         124          627         988            -      100     4,338 
--------------  --------------  -------  --------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  -------  -------- 
 
 Current 2017            2,830      527               -         124            -          75          844        -     4,400 
 Non-current 
  2017                   1,588        -             517           -          737           -            -        -     2,842 
 
 At 31 May 
  2017                   4,418      527             517         124          737          75          844        -     7,242 
--------------  --------------  -------  --------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  -------  -------- 
 
 Current 2018              886      982             316         124          346         988            -      100     3,742 
 Non-current 
  2018                       -        -             315           -          281           -            -        -       596 
 
 At 31 May 
  2018                     886      982             631         124          627         988            -      100     4,338 
--------------  --------------  -------  --------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  -------  -------- 
 
 
 
                                                                               Employers' 
                                                                                   NIC on                    LTIP 
                   Loan      Contingent   Client                                    share     Onerous        cash     FSCS 
                   note   consideration   claims   Dilapidations   Clawbacks      options   contracts   liability     levy     Total 
 Company         GBP000          GBP000   GBP000          GBP000      GBP000       GBP000      GBP000      GBP000   GBP000    GBP000 
-------------  --------  --------------  -------  --------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  -------  -------- 
 
 At 1 June 
  2016                -           5,800      457             350         294          624         118       1,263        -     8,906 
 
 Finance 
  costs             202             242        -               -           -            -           -          31        -       475 
 Arising 
  during the 
  year            8,323             890      489              90         127          419           -         661        -    10,999 
 Transfer 
  from Group 
  companies           -               -       50              62           1            -          35           -        -       148 
 Paid during 
  the year            -         (2,250)    (353)               -           -        (306)           -     (1,111)        -   (4,020) 
 Unused 
  amounts 
  reversed            -           (264)    (191)            (15)       (316)            -        (78)           -        -     (864) 
 
 At 31 May 
  2017            8,525           4,418      452             487         106          737          75         844        -    15,644 
 
 Finance 
  costs             397             142        -              12           -            -           -          13        -       564 
 Arising 
  during the 
  year            8,018               -      698              89         177          315         913         132      100    10,442 
 Transfer 
  from Group 
  companies           -               -       25              33          13            -           -           -        -        71 
 Paid during 
  the year            -         (3,506)    (212)            (13)       (177)        (401)           -       (989)        -   (5,298) 
 Unused 
  amounts 
  reversed            -           (168)     (17)             (7)           -         (24)           -           -        -     (216) 
 
 At 31 May 
  2018           16,940             886      946             601         119          627         988           -      100    21,207 
-------------  --------  --------------  -------  --------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  -------  -------- 
 
 Current 2017         -           2,830      452               -         106            -          75         844        -     4,307 
 Non-current 
  2017            8,525           1,588        -             487           -          737           -           -        -    11,337 
 
 At 31 May 
  2017            8,525           4,418      452             487         106          737          75         844        -    15,644 
-------------  --------  --------------  -------  --------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  -------  -------- 
 
 Current 2018         -             886      946             316         119          346         988           -      100     3,701 
 Non-current 
  2018           16,940               -        -             285           -          281           -           -        -    17,506 
 
 At 31 May 
  2018           16,940             886      946             601         119          627         988           -      100    21,207 
-------------  --------  --------------  -------  --------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  -------  -------- 
 

Loan notes due to subsidiary undertakings

On 31 December 2017 the trade and assets of Boyd Coughlan Limited were transferred to the Company. The trade and assets were exchanged for loan notes equal to the book value of the assets and assumed liabilities of Boyd Coughlan Limited as at 31 December 2017, attracting annual interest on the outstanding principal at a rate of 3% above the Bank of England base rate.

The book value of the assets and liabilities of Boyd Coughlan Limited as at the date of hive up was:

 
                                                        Carrying value 
                                                                GBP000 
---------------------------------------------------    --------------- 
 
 Property, plant and equipment                                       7 
 Intangible assets                                               5,212 
 Deferred tax assets                                                20 
 Trade and other receivables                                       383 
 Cash and short-term deposits                                    3,765 
 Trade and other payables                                        (666) 
 Deferred tax liability                                          (632) 
 Financial liabilities and provisions                             (71) 
 
 Carrying value of assets and liabilities hived up               8,018 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------------- 
 

On 31 August 2016 the trade and assets of the Taylor Patterson Group Limited and its subsidiaries Taylor Patterson Financial Planning Limited and Taylor Patterson Associates Limited (together "the Taylor Patterson Group") were transferred to the Company. The trade and assets were exchanged for loan notes equal to the book value of the assets and assumed liabilities of the Taylor Patterson Group as at 31 August 2016, attracting annual interest on the outstanding principal at a rate of 3% above the Bank of England base rate.

Contingent consideration

The Group has entered into certain acquisition agreements that provide for contingent consideration to be paid. Details of these agreements and the basis of calculation of the net present value of the contingent consideration is summarised in Note 3. The Group estimates the net present value of the financial liability payable within the next 12 months is GBP0.9m (2017: GBP2.8m).

Client claims

A provision is recognised for the estimated potential liability when the Group becomes aware of a possible client claim. No discount rate is applied to the projected cash flows due to their short term nature.

Dilapidations

Under the terms of the leases for the Group's premises, the Group has an obligation to return the properties in a specified condition at the end of the lease term. The Group provides for the estimated net present value of the cost of any dilapidations. The discount rate applied to the cash flow projections is 5.0%.

Clawbacks

The Group receives certain initial commissions on indemnity terms and hence the Group provides for the expected level of clawback, based on past experience. No discount rate is applied to the projected cash flows due to their short term nature.

Onerous contracts

Mattioli Woods plc has entered into three commercial leases for its premises at Grove Park, Enderby ("the Grove Park leases") as set out in Note 16. Onerous lease provisions are recognised when a leased property is expected to become vacant and no longer used in the Group's operations. Amounts recognised in the period represent the Group's best estimate of the unavoidable costs committed to under the Grove Park leases, based on the expected costs to be incurred as a result of the premises being vacated and the leases surrendered once the Group takes occupation of its new office at New Walk.

The future minimum rentals payable under the Grove Park leases as at 31 May 2018 totalled GBP1.6m, comprising GBP1.5m for MW House and GBP0.1m for Gateway House.

LTIP cash liability

The Group has granted cash settled options to certain Executive Directors. The amount of any cash entitlement on vesting of an award will be directly linked to the value of a specified number of the Company's shares at the vesting date. At 31 May 2018 there were no cash awards outstanding.

FSCS levy

The arrangements put in place by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme ("FSCS") to protect depositors and investors from loss in the event of failure of financial institutions have resulted in significant levies on the industry in recent years.

There is uncertainty over the level of future FSCS levies as they depend on the ultimate cost to the FSCS of industry failures. The Group contributes to the investment intermediation levy class and accrues levy costs for future levy years when the obligation arises. A provision of GBP0.1m has been made in these financial statements for FSCS interim levies expected in the year ending 31 May 2019.

16. Commitments and contingencies

Operating lease agreements - Group as lessee

Mattioli Woods plc has entered into three commercial leases for its premises at Grove Park, Enderby. The lease for the Registered Office, MW House, has a duration of 20 years, from 10 June 2005. The amount of annual rental is reviewed at three-yearly intervals, with the outstanding June 2017 rent review being settled following the year end at GBP205,200, an increase of GBP19,200 from the passing rent of GBP186,000 (Note 17).

The first lease for part of the ground floor of Gateway House (an office building adjacent to MW House) had a duration of ten years from 1 February 2008. A second lease for part of the ground floor of Gateway House has a duration of ten years from 1 December 2009. For both leases, the amount of annual rental is to be reviewed at the end of the fifth year.

Mattioli Woods plc has entered into an intra-group lease, with subsidiary Mattioli Woods (New Walk) Limited as lessor, for its premises under construction at New Walk, Leicester. The lease carries an annual rental of GBP875,000 and expires on 28 February 2019. The Group intends to extend this lease beyond its current agreed term.

Mattioli Woods plc has also entered into commercial leases for its premises at:

   --     Aberdeen, 8 Queens Terrace, which expires 31 May 2023.  The annual rental is GBP148,000; 

-- Newmarket, Cheveley House, Fordham Road, which expires on 24 December 2023, with next break on 24 December 2018. The annual rental is GBP115,500;

-- Preston, Lanson House, Winckley Gardens, Mount Street, which expires on 31 July 2022. The annual rental is GBP62,000;

-- Buckingham, Investment House, 22-26 Celtic Court, Ballmoor, which expires on 11 April 2022. The annual rental is GBP35,000;

-- Glasgow, 120 West Regent Street, which expires on 31 January 2022. The annual rental is GBP48,844 plus GBP2,500 per annum for car parking;

-- Manchester, Suite 310, 76 King Street, lease term is a rolling 6 months. The annual rental is GBP31,800;

-- London, 3(rd) Floor, 87/89 Baker Street, lease expires on 31 October 2021. The annual rental is GBP92,500; and

-- Solihull, Enterprise House, Units 1, 2 & 3, lease expires on 13 June 2022, with a break on 14 June 2019. The annual rental is GBP63,434.

As part of certain acquisitions, the Group acquired operating lease obligations for office equipment. No restrictions were placed upon the Group by entering into these leases. Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases as at 31 May are as follows:

 
                                                  Office equipment     Land and buildings 
                                                    2018      2017        2018       2017 
   Group                                          GBP000    GBP000      GBP000     GBP000 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ----------  --------- 
 
 Not later than one year                             151         1         845        867 
 After one year but not more than five years         525         1       2,802      3,052 
 More than five years                                  -         -         491        966 
 
                                                     676         2       4,138      4,885 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ----------  --------- 
 
 
                                                  Office equipment     Land and buildings 
                                                    2018      2017        2018       2017 
   Company                                        GBP000    GBP000      GBP000     GBP000 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ----------  --------- 
 
 Not later than one year                             150         1       1,438        804 
 After one year but not more than five years         522         1       2,610      2,798 
 More than five years                                  -         -         491        964 
 
                                                     672         2       4,539      4,566 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ----------  --------- 
 

Group operating lease charges during the year were GBP938,847 (2017: GBP863,044) for land and buildings and GBP90,839 (2017: GBP18,553) for office equipment.

Capital commitments

At 31 May 2018 the Group had capital commitments amounting to GBP0.8m (2017: GBP7.6m). In August 2015, Mattioli Woods (New Walk) Limited entered into a development agreement with Ingleby (1245) Limited, a company owned and controlled by Sowden Group Limited to build a new 50,000 square foot office on the site of the former Leicester City Council headquarters at New Walk, Leicester.

Construction achieved practical completion on 28 February 2018, with transfer of title of the land subsequently passing from Leicester City Council to Mattioli Woods on 30 May 2018. The overall cost of the development is GBP14.1m excluding irrecoverable VAT, which has been funded through a combination of existing cash resources and operating cashflows. Total construction costs to completion were GBP12.5m, with a further GBP1.6m set aside for fit-out costs. The fit-out is in progress and is expected to complete in September 2018, at which time the Group's Leicester operations are scheduled to commence moving from Grove Park to New Walk.

Sponsorship agreement

In July 2016, the Group entered in to a three-year sponsorship agreement with rugby giants Leicester Tigers to strengthen the Group's brand awareness. The agreement includes shirt sponsorship on the Tigers' home and away shirts, a dedicated Mattioli Woods stand at the 26,000 capacity Welford Road stadium, corporate hospitality rights and the provision of exclusive content to Tigers fans. As at 31 May 2018 this agreement had just over one year to run.

Client claims

The Group operates in a legal and regulatory environment that exposes it to certain litigation risks. As a result, the Group occasionally receives claims in respect of products and services provided and which arise in the ordinary course of business. The Group provides for potential losses that may arise out of contingencies (Note 16).

In-specie pension contributions

As has been widely reported in the media, HMRC has recently challenged all SIPP providers on whether pension contributions could be made in-specie. As a result there are a number of tax relief claims made on behalf of our clients that have been challenged and we have received or are awaiting assessment notices which are expected to amount to GBP0.9m. These assessments have been appealed, with proceedings stayed pending the outcome of HMRC's appeal against the First-Tier Tribunal's ruling in favour of another SIPP operator in a similar case.

Irrespective of the result of HMRC's appeal, the impact on the financial position of the Group is expected to be neutral.

17. Events after the reporting date

Grove Park rent review

Mattioli Woods has entered into three commercial leases for its premises at Grove Park, Enderby. The lease for the Registered Office, MW House, has a duration of 20 years, from 10 June 2005. The amount of annual rental is reviewed at three-yearly intervals, with the outstanding June 2017 rent review being settled in July 2018 at GBP205,200, an increase of GBP19,200 from the passing rent of GBP186,000.

Acquisition of Broughtons Financial Planning Limited

On 8 August 2018, Mattioli Woods acquired the entire issued share capital of Broughtons Financial Planning Limited ("Broughtons"), a financial planning and wealth management business based in Oldbury in the West Midlands.

The provisional fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities of Broughtons as at the date of acquisition are set out in the table below. Due to the proximity of the date of acquisition to the date of issue of these consolidated financial statements, the provisional fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities of Broughtons are estimates and remain subject to the agreement of completion accounts by the buyer and seller:

 
                                       Provisional fair value         Provisional fair value 
                                    recognised on acquisition                    adjustments   Previous carrying value 
                                                       GBP000                         GBP000                    GBP000 
------------------------------  -----------------------------  -----------------------------  ------------------------ 
 
 Property, plant and equipment                             10                              -                        10 
 Client portfolio                                       2,296                          2,296                         - 
 Cash at bank                                             757                              -                       757 
 Prepayments and accrued 
  income                                                  110                              -                       110 
 Other receivables                                        304                              -                       304 
 
 Assets                                                 3,477                          2,296                     1,181 
------------------------------  -----------------------------  -----------------------------  ------------------------ 
 
 Trade and other payables                                (27)                              -                      (27) 
 Accruals and deferred income                            (31)                              -                      (31) 
 Other taxation and social 
  security                                                (3)                              -                       (3) 
 Income tax                                             (147)                              -                     (147) 
 Provisions                                              (25)                              -                      (25) 
 Deferred tax liability                                 (390)                          (390)                         - 
 
 Liabilities                                            (623)                          (390)                     (233) 
------------------------------  -----------------------------  -----------------------------  ------------------------ 
 
 Total identifiable net assets 
  at fair value                                         2,854 
 Goodwill                                               1,493 
 
 Total acquisition cost                                 4,347 
------------------------------  ----------------------------- 
 
 Analysed as follows: 
 Initial cash consideration                             2,100 
 Acquired net assets 
  adjustment to initial 
  consideration                                           448 
 New shares in Mattioli Woods                             600 
 Contingent consideration                               1,300 
 Discounting of contingent 
  consideration                                         (101) 
 
 Total acquisition cost                                 4,347 
------------------------------  ----------------------------- 
 
 Cash outflow on acquisition 
------------------------------  ----------------------------- 
 
 Cash paid                                              2,100 
 Cash acquired                                          (757) 
 Acquired net assets 
  adjustment                                              448 
 Acquisition costs                                         68 
 
 Net cash outflow                                       1,859 
------------------------------  ----------------------------- 
 

Broughtons specialises in the provision of bespoke wealth management services and impartial advice. It is an excellent cultural and strategic fit with Mattioli Woods' existing business, providing services to clients with over GBP120m of assets under advice. The acquisition brings additional scale to Mattioli Woods' existing operations and offers the opportunity to promote additional services to existing and prospective clients of Broughtons.

In addition, the acquisition adds further specialist expertise to the Group and Broughtons experienced staff have remained with the business. The goodwill recognised above is attributed to the expected benefits from combining the assets and activities of Broughtons with those of the Group. The primary components of this residual goodwill comprise:

   --     Revenue synergies expected to be available to Mattioli Woods as a result of the transaction; 
   --     The workforce; 
   --     The knowledge and know-how resident in Broughtons' modus operandi; and 

-- New opportunities available to the combined business, as a result of both Broughtons and the existing business becoming part of a more sizeable listed company.

None of the recognised goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The client portfolio will be amortised on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life based on the Group's historic experience.

New Edinburgh office

On 14 August 2018, Mattioli Woods entered into a 10 year lease, with a break in five years, for new office premises at 8 Coates Crescent, Edinburgh, EH3 7AL. The annual rental will be GBP101,850 with a rent review on 14 August 2023.

18. Financial information

The financial information set out above does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the years ended 31 May 2018 or 2017 but is derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for 2017 have been delivered to the registrar of companies, and those for 2018 will be delivered in due course. The auditor has reported on those accounts; their reports were (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and (iii) did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

19. Distribution of the annual report and accounts to members

The annual report and accounts will be posted to shareholders in due course, and will be available on our website (www.mattioliwoods.com) and for inspection by the public at the Group's registered office address: MW House, 1 Penman Way, Grove Park, Enderby, Leicester LE19 1SY during normal business hours on any weekday. Further copies will be available on request.

Please note that the Group's registered office address is due to change to 1 New Walk Place, Leicester, LE1 6RU ("New Walk") with effect from 8 October 2018. Shareholders will be notified of the change at the Company's Annual General Meeting to be held at New Walk at 10.00am on 25 October 2018.

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

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