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| Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prime People Plc | LSE:PRP | London | Ordinary Share | GB00B4ZG0R74 | ORD 10P |
| Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.00 | 0.00% | 67.00 | 63.00 | 71.00 | 0.00 | 01:00:00 |
| Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | N/A | 0 |
From Apr 2019 to Apr 2024
TIDMPRP
RNS Number : 8096I
Prime People PLC
22 June 2017
22 June 2017
Prime People Plc
Results for the year ended 31 March 2017
Prime People Plc ("Prime People" or the "Group"), the global specialist recruitment business for professional and technical staff working in the Real Estate & Built Environment, Energy & Environmental and Insight & Analytics sectors, today announces its audited results for the year ended 31 March 2017.
Highlights:
Hot Features
Premium
Year ended Year ended
31 March 31 March
2017 2016
------------------------- ----------- -----------
Gross fee income GBP24.21m GBP20.75m
Net fee income ("NFI") GBP13.10m GBP12.28m
Profit before tax GBP1.90m GBP2.15m
Profit after tax GBP1.61m GBP1.70m
Fully diluted earnings
per share 12.97p 13.52p
Dividends for the 5.00p 4.84p*
year
------------------------- ----------- -----------
*Total Dividends in 2016 were 8.84p including a Special Dividend of 4p.
Peter Moore, Managing Director of Prime People, said:
"I am pleased to report a good set of results with Gross Fee Income up 16.67% and Net Fee Income up 6.68%.
Operating profit for the year was GBP1.90m, slightly down on GBP2.15m in 2016, reflecting increases in staff costs associated with conserving talent and investing to nurture future productivity across the Group. There were a number of good performances within UK property, in particular, Contract and Residential teams generated improved NFI. Our Asia business, particularly Singapore, continued to develop strongly.
We have maintained a strong cash position and propose a final dividend of 3.25p, which combined with the interim dividend of 1.75p per share, will result in a total dividend of 5.00p for the 2017 financial year. (2016: 8.84p - which included a special interim dividend of 4.00p and second interim dividend of 3.09p)
Current activity is encouraging across the group and we are confident the business is well positioned to exploit opportunities as they arise."
Annual General Meeting ("AGM")
The AGM will be held on Monday 24 July 2017 at 11.00am at 2 Harewood Place, London, W1S 1BX. All shareholders are encouraged to attend. The Notice of AGM will be posted to shareholders today and will be made available on the Company website: http://www.prime-people.co.uk/ .
-Ends-
For further information please contact:
Prime People 020 7318 1785 Robert Macdonald, Executive Chairman Peter Moore, Managing Director Donka Zaneva-Todorinski, Finance Director Cenkos Securities 020 7397 8900 Elizabeth Bowman Julian Morse (Sales/Broking)
Chairman's Statement
Performance
The year ended 31 March 2017 was overall an encouraging one with our clients continuing to compete for scarce talent. In the UK, the referendum to remain or leave the EU occurring at the end of our first quarter slowed activity both sides of 23 June 2016 but, with a good recovery in the second half we achieved a full year NFI broadly in line with 2016. NFI comprises the total placement fees of permanent candidates and the margin earned in the placement of contract staff. Our businesses in Asia performed particularly well with both NFI and profit contribution being well ahead of the prior year.
I am pleased to report we closed the year with Revenue of GBP24.21m (2016: GBP20.76m) and NFI of GBP13.10m. This is a 6.68% increase on last year (2016: GBP12.28m). NFI in the second half of the year of GBP6.77m was 7.00% higher than the first half of 2017, and it is encouraging to see a second half increase over the comparable period in 2016 of 11.55%.
There were a number of good performances within UK property. In particular, Contract and Residential teams generated improved NFI. Our Asia business, particularly Singapore, continued to develop strongly.
There was a reduction in operating profit for the year from GBP2.15m in 2016 to GBP1.90m in 2017. In the UK, our core business in property was particularly affected in quarters one and two by the considerable negative sentiment for the sector surrounding the uncertainties of the EU referendum. Our Prime Energy business, servicing the renewable market in the UK suffered difficulty following the change in government subsidy for the sector. The Group supported the team to refocus on expanding its reach in new territories. There were also costs associated with conserving talent and, whilst total headcount increase was limited, there was investment in staff to support future productivity across the Group.
The conversion rate, which compares operating profit to NFI, decreased from 17.50% to 14.54% which is in line with the costs mentioned above.
During the year NFI productivity per head rose to GBP102.33k (2016: GBP99.03k).
The ratio of NFI derived from contract as against permanent placements has slightly increased in the
year from 9:91 in 2016 to 10:90, as a result of increase in the contract team size.
Cash Flow
The Group continues to maintain a strong net cash position. At the start of the year the Group had cash of GBP0.95m which increased to GBP2.40m by the end of the year. The increase is primarily due to growth in the contract business and Asia's positive performance. Contract NFI grew by 28.32% to GBP1.45m (2016: GBP1.13m) and Asia NFI increased by 39.94% to GBP5.08m (2016: GBP3.63m).
Dividend
During the year, an interim dividend of 1.75p per share (2016: 1.75p) was paid to shareholders. The Board will be recommending a final dividend of 3.25p (2016: 0.00p) per share. This will result in a total dividend payment of 5.00p for the 2017 financial year (2016: 8.84p - which included a special interim dividend of 4.00p and a second interim dividend of 3.09p).
Share Buy Back
During the year 129,500 shares were purchased at a cost of GBP111,390 through the Group's buyback programme (2016: nil shares purchased). The Board will be seeking shareholder approval for renewal of the authority to repurchase up to 10% (2016: 10%) of the Group's issued share capital at the Annual General Meeting.
New Issue of Ordinary Shares
During the year the Company did not apply to issue new shares for admission on AIM (2016: 96,250).
Board
The Board believes it has continued to operate corporate governance standards appropriate to an AIM listed company of its size. There have been no changes to the Board during the year. Although not required to do so, the Directors have resolved that they will retire at least once every three years and seek reappointment by shareholder at the next AGM.
The Board members have a mix of skills, experience, gender and backgrounds that are considerable support to the business.
People
The average number of staff increased from 124 last year to 128 this year and we anticipate that headcount at the end of the current financial year will have increased further.
The Group has a diverse cultural and ethnic profile within the business and at the end of 2017 had a global 54:46 (2016: 52:48) male: female gender ratio.
The success of the Group is dependent on having competent and committed people and the Board would like to thank all the members of our staff for their hard work, commitment and contribution over the last year.
Current trading and outlook
Current activity is encouraging and we are confident the business is well positioned to exploit opportunities as they arise. We have continued to advance our overseas strategy by extending our reach in Asia. The Group has strong and well-established client relationships and committed talent ready to exploit current and new opportunities.
The Board is conscious of macro-economic uncertainties, such as the effects for us of the negotiations over the UK's departure from EU membership and possible turbulence in our overseas markets that may affect our clients' hiring plans. The Group continues to seek opportunities for expansion, reacting swiftly to market conditions as they affect individual revenue lines. The Group will continue to invest in people and the technology that allows us to grow shareholders returns by offering our clients innovative approaches to recruitment and globally connected service.
Robert Macdonald
Executive Chairman
Strategic Report
Overview
The Group provides permanent and contract recruitment services to selected, niche industry sectors. The built environment continues to be the Group's largest market, served through its main subsidiary, Macdonald & Company. As distinct brands, Prime Insight and Prime Energy serve the data analysis & customer insight and renewable energy & sustainability sectors respectively.
Our employees are vital to the continued success of the business and we invest heavily in them. As such, we take time to find and train the best talent that shares our ambition - to be the best, not simply the biggest.
The business is organised into teams of specialist consultants, each managed by a team leader who is responsible for performance within the operating framework approved by the Board. The Group operates a policy of open communication in the belief that its employees are well placed to suggest operational improvements and emergent strategies that will increase earnings.
The Group is committed to managing its talent on merit alone and provides equal opportunities for all current and future employees. It gives full and fair consideration to applications for employment from disabled persons, where a disabled person may adequately carry out the requirements of any position within the physical constraints of the Company's offices.
The Group has two locations in the UK, the London head office and Manchester, with offices in Hong Kong (established in 2007), Dubai (established in 2008), Singapore (established in 2012), and a franchise in South Africa (established in 2008).
Group Revenue and NFI improved in 2017. However, as referred to in the Chairman's Statement, set against this were the operational issues faced by some of our UK teams. As property sector sentiment was disturbed by the referendum in quarters one and two it was decided to hold on to staff and this together with expense associated with repositioning the Prime Energy team in the UK were major contributors to our delivering a reduced operating profit of GBP1.90m (2016: GBP2.15m). The recovery in the second half in property sector performance justified our decision in the first half of the year to maintain head-count.
The UK permanent recruitment market was adversely affected by the uncertainty in the UK property sector caused by the EU referendum. However, performance in the UK was supported by increased NFI from our Contract and Residential teams as well as a good performance from our recently established Real Estate Banking and Investment team.
From the twelve UK and Overseas teams, under which the Group operates, Hong Kong and Singapore, were the leading contributors to Group NFI, and made substantial contributions to overall Group profit.
Our Dubai business saw a decline in its revenue, as a result of general instability in the region.
As indicated above, our Asia businesses continued to mature and finished the year strongly, with the Prime Insight team there contributing materially to the growth of business in the region.
The Board remains committed in its pursuit of sustainable NFI growth and cash generation. It continues to maintain careful control on expenditure in the pursuit of profitability. Cultivating strong client relationships, investing in the best technology and employing the best people are the foundations of the Group's success. With uncertain global growth and a world economy increasingly exposed to risk it is important that we remain flexible, able to serve our clients wherever demand may be, and that we closely monitor individual NFI performance against costs. Tight management control of remuneration and expenditure, together with a focus on improved productivity per head and conversion ratios, position the Group to prosper.
Regional Performance
UK
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
Revenue 18.56 16.25
Net fee income (NFI) 7.44 7.77
Operating profit 0.82 1.53
Operating profit as % of
NFI 11.02% 19.69%
Average number of employees 87 84
UK revenue increased by 14.22% to GBP18.56m (2016: GBP16.25m) with a decrease in NFI of 4.25% to GBP7.44m (2016: GBP7.77m).
Contract represented 17.36% (2016: 14.52%) of total UK NFI in 2017 while permanent NFI declined by 9.84%
NFI for the region was flat largely as a consequence of the lack of performance in quarters one and two of our property business, affected by referendum uncertainty. As mentioned in the Chairman's Report, there were difficulties for the Prime Energy team as a result of the change in
government policy which gave rise to material costs involved in the refocusing of the team.
Additionally, we suffered staff turnover in our Manchester office causing revenue delay and profit impact.
Our Contract, Residential and Real Estate Banking & Investment teams delivered strong NFI growth during the year and performed in line with profit expectations.
Asia
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
Revenue 5.08 3.63
Net fee income (NFI) 5.08 3.63
Operating profit 1.04 0.46
Operating profit as % of
NFI 20.47% 12.67%
Average number of employees 33 33
NFI grew by 39.94% to GBP5.08m (2016: GBP3.63m).The region is covered by our offices in Hong Kong and Singapore and represents 38.78% of Group NFI (2016: 29.56 %).
Both Asia teams benefited from increased productivity and maturing business lines. In 2017, we expanded our Prime Insight team in Singapore which offers our clients broader service range and better ability to serve markets in mainland China and the region.
Rest of the World
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
Revenue 0.58 0.88
Net fee income (NFI) 0.58 0.88
Operating profit 0.05 0.16
Operating profit as % of
NFI 8.62% 18.18%
Average number of employees 4 7
The region is covered by our offices in Dubai and South Africa.
Whilst the regions covered made a small profit this year, with NFI declining and a conversion rate of 8.62%, the outlook for the regions in the new financial year looks stable and are expected to be profitable
Peter Moore
Managing Director
Financial Review
Revenue
The Group achieved a 16.62% increase in revenue to GBP24.21m (2016: GBP20.76m).
Net Fee Income (NFI)
Overall the Group delivered a 6.68% increase in total NFI to GBP13.10m (2016: GBP12.28m). NFI from permanent business increased by 5.92% to GBP11.81m (2016: GBP11.15m). Fees from our contract business, which represents 9.85% of total NFI (2016: 9.20%), increased to GBP1.29 million from GBP1.13m last year.
NFI from international placements, which is included in our permanent business, increased by 25.50% to GBP5.66m (2016: GBP4.51m). UK NFI of GBP7.44m reduced 4.26% (2016: GBP7.77m) affected by the referendum.
Administration Costs
Administration costs for the year increased by 10.46% to GBP11.19m (2016: GBP10.13m). The increase primarily related to higher staff costs.
Profit before Taxation
Profit before taxation decreased by 11.62% to GBP1.90m (2016: GBP2.15m).
Taxation
The taxation charge is GBP0.29m on profit before taxation of GBP1.90m (from ordinary activities) which gives an effective tax rate of 15.26% (2016: 21.40%). The reasons for the difference from the standard UK corporation tax rate of 20% are detailed in note 7 of the accounts.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share decreased by 5.05 % to 13.14p (2016: 13.84p). The diluted earnings per share, taking into account existing share options, decreased by 4.07% to 12.97p (2016: 13.52p).
Dividend
An interim dividend of 1.75p (2016: 1.75p) was paid on 25 November 2016 to shareholders on the register at close of business on 18 November 2016.
The interim dividend was approved by the Board on 8 November 2016.
As outlined in the Chairman's statement, the Board propose a final dividend of 3.25p per share which will, subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting be paid on 28(th) July 2017 to shareholders who are on the register on 21(st) July 2017, making a total dividend paid to shareholders for the year of 5.00p per ordinary share. (2016: 8.84p - included a special dividend of 4.00p).
Balance Sheet
Net assets at 31 March 2017 have increased to GBP15.06m (2016: GBP13.42m).
Trade receivables at the year end, were down on last year at GBP2.44m (2016: GBP2.71m) which reflects the decreased credit period taken by clients to 45 days (2016: 55 days).
Treasury Management and Currency Risk
Approximately 76.66% of the Group's revenue in 2017 (2016: 78.27%) was denominated in Sterling. Consequently the Group has a degree of currency exposure in accounting for overseas operations.
Currently, the Group policy is not to hedge against this exposure but it does seek to minimise the effect by converting into Sterling all cash balances in foreign currency that are not required for local short term working capital needs.
The Group operates a centralised treasury function, with no borrowing facilities, and is confident the net cash within the Group is sufficient to meet current and foreseeable liabilities as they fall due.
Cash Flow and Cash Position
At the start of the year the Group had cash of GBP0.95m. After net taxation payments of GBP0.52m (2016: GBP0.41m) cash generated from operations was GBP1.46m (2016: GBP1.96m).
During the year the Group spent GBP0.05m (2016: GBP0.09m) on its Customer Relationship Management systems and paid dividends to shareholders of GBP0.21m (2016: GBP1.95m).
As at 31 March 2017 the Group cash was GBP2.40m.
Whilst the Group considers Net Fee Income (NFI) to be the key indicator of the performance of the business there are other measures which were reported to senior management as follows:
-- Conversion ratio (operating profit divided by NFI) decreased to 14.54% (2016: 17.50 %)
-- Productivity (NFI divided by total average headcount) increased to GBP102.33k (2016: GBP99.03k)
-- Ratio of billing headcount to support headcount slightly reduced to 3.2 (2016: 3.4)
-- Percentage of NFI paid to staff increased to 66.26% (2016: 63.69%)
These key performance indicators form the basis for reviewing the progress of the business.
Statement of Directors' Responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the Directors' Report, the Directors' Remuneration Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union (EU) and applicable law.
Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs and profit or loss of the Company and Group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
-- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-- make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-- state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
-- prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and Company will continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the Company and its Group and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company's website; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve the consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred in the accounts since they were initially presented on the website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 March 2017
Note 2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenue 2, 3 24,213 20,755
Cost of sales (11,115) (8,475)
----------------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Net fee income 13,098 12,280
Administrative expenses (11,194) (10,131)
----------------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Operating profit 4 1,904 2,149
Profit before taxation 1,904 2,149
Income tax expense 7 (292) (459)
----------------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
1,612
Profit for the year
1,690
Other comprehensive income
Items that will or may be reclassified
to profit or loss:
Exchange profit on translating foreign operations 270 21
----------------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Other Comprehensive income
for the year, net of tax 270 21
Total comprehensive income for the year 1,882 1,711
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders of the parent 1,880 1,711
Earnings per share 9
Basic earnings per share 13.14p 13.84p
Diluted earnings per share 12.97p 13.52p
The above results relate to continuing operations
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 March 2017
Called Capital Treasury Share Merger Share Trans- Retained Total
up Redemp- shares premium reserve option lation Earnings
share tion account reserve reserve
capital reserve
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 1
April
2015 1,219 9 (21) 5,370 173 212 442 6,070 13,474
Profit
for the
year - - - - - - - 1,690 1,690
Other
comprehensive
income - - - - - - 21 - 21
Adjustment
in respect
of share
schemes - - - - - 88 - 78 166
Issues
of ordinary
shares 10 - - 1 - - - - 11
Dividend - - - - - - - (1,946) (1,946)
---------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
At 31
March
2016 1,229 9 (21) 5,371 173 300 463 5,892 13,416
---------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
Profit
for the
year - - - - - - - 1,612 1,612
Other
comprehensive
income - - - - - - 270 - 270
Adjustment
in respect
of share
schemes - - - - - (20) - 108 88
Shares
purchased
for treasury
Shares - - (111) - - - - - (111)
issued
from
treasury
- - 13 - - - - - 13
Adjustment
on share
disposal - - 98 - - - - (98) -
Dividend - - - - - - - (215) (215)
---------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
At 31
March
2017 1,229 9 (21) 5,371 173 280 733 7,299 15,073
---------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 March 2017
2017 2016
Note GBP'000 GBP'000
Assets
Non - current assets
Goodwill 11 9,769 9,769
Property, plant and equipment 10 136 229
Deferred tax asset 16 43 -
9,948 9,998
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 13 5,101 4,939
Cash at bank and in hand 21 2,409 953
--------------------------------- ----- ------------------- ---- -------------------
7,510 5,892
--------------------------------- ----- ------------------- ---- -------------------
Total assets 17,458 15,890
--------------------------------- ----- ------------------- ---- -------------------
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 15 2,310 2,216
Current tax liabilities 75 249
--------------------------------- ----- ------------------- ---- -------------------
2,385 2,465
--------------------------------- ----- ------------------- ---- -------------------
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities 16 - 9
--------------------------------- ----- ------------------- ---- -------------------
- 9
--------------------------------- ----- ------------------- ---- -------------------
Total liabilities 2,385 2,474
--------------------------------- ----- ------------------- ---- -------------------
Net assets 15,073 13,416
--------------------------------- ----- ------------------- ---- -------------------
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 March 2017
2017 2016
Note GBP'000 GBP'000
Capital and reserves attributable to the
Company's equity holders
Called up share capital 17 1,229 1,229
Capital redemption reserve fund 18 9 9
Treasury shares 18 (21) (21)
Share premium account 18 5,371 5,371
Merger reserve 18 173 173
Share option reserve 18 280 300
Translation reserve 18 733 463
Retained earnings 18 7,299 5,892
Total equity 15,073 13,416
---------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
The financial statements on pages 21 to 54 were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 21 June 2017 and are signed on its behalf by:
R J G Macdonald D Zaneva-Todorinski
Company Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 March 2017
2017 2016
Note GBP'000 GBP'000
Assets
Non-current assets
Investment in subsidiaries 12 11,156 11,176
Deferred tax asset 16 - -
---------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
11,156 11,176
---------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 13 6 14
Cash and cash equivalents 21 636 633
---------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
642 647
---------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
Total assets 11,798 11,823
---------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Other payables 15 779 959
---------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
Total liabilities 779 959
---------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
Net assets 11,019 10,864
---------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
Capital and reserves attributable to the
Company's equity holders
Called up share capital 17 1,229 1,229
Capital redemption reserve fund 18 9 9
Treasury shares 18 (21) (21)
Share premium account 18 5,371 5,371
Merger reserve 18 173 173
Share option reserve 18 280 300
Retained earnings 18 3,978 3,803
---------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
Total equity 11,019 10,864
---------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
The Company's retained earnings includes profit for the year of GBP487,456 (2016: GBP890,249).
The financial statements of Prime People Plc, Company Number 1729887 were approved by the Board and authorised
for issue on and are signed on its behalf by: R J G Macdonald D Zaneva-Todorinski
Company Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 March 2017
Company Called Capital Treasury Share Merger Share Retained Total
up Redemp- shares premium reserve option earnings
share tion account reserve
capital reserve
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 1 April
2015 1,219 9 (21) 5,370 173 15 4,844 11,609
Total comprehensive
income
for the
year - - - - - - 890 890
Issue of
ordinary
shares 10 - - 1 - - - 11
Adjustment
in respect
of share
options - - - - - (15) 15 -
Investment
in subsidiaries - - - - - 300 - 300
Dividend - - - - - - (1,946) (1,946)
--------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
At 31 March
2016 1,229 9 (21) 5,371 173 300 3,803 10,864
--------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
Total comprehensive
income
for the
year - - - - - - 488 488
Shares
issued
from treasury - - 13 - - - - 13
Shares
purchased
for treasury - - (111) - - - - (111)
Adjustment
on share
disposal - - 98 - - - (98) -
Investment
in subsidiaries - - - - - (20) - (20)
Dividend - - - - - - (215) (215)
--------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
At 31 March
2017 1,229 9 (21) 5,371 173 280 3,978 11,019
--------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
Group and Company Cash Flow Statement
For the year ended 31 March 2017
Group Company
2017 2016 2017 2016
Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Cash generated
from (used in)
underlying operations 20 1,981 2,369 (126) 1,278
Income tax paid (521) (411) (10) (6)
Net cash from/(used
by) operating
activities 1,460 1,958 (136) 1,272
------------------------ ----- -------- ---------- -------- ----------
Cash flows from
investing activities
Net purchase
of property,
plant and equipment (53) (97) - -
Dividend received - - 450 850
------------------------ ----- -------- ---------- -------- ----------
Net cash (used
in)/from investing
activities (53) (97) 450 850
------------------------ ----- -------- ---------- -------- ----------
Cash flows from
financing activities
Issue of ordinary
share capital 2 11 2 11
Shares issued
from treasury 115 - 13 -
Shares purchased
for treasury (111) - (111) -
Dividend paid
to shareholders (215) (1,946) (215) (1,946)
------------------------ ----- -------- ---------- -------- ----------
Net cash used
in financing
activities (209) (1,935) (311) (1,935)
------------------------ ----- -------- ---------- -------- ----------
Net increase/
(decrease) in
cash and cash
equivalents 1,198 (74) 3 (187)
------------------------ ----- -------- ---------- -------- ----------
Cash and cash
equivalents at
beginning of
the year 953 1,009 633 446
Effect of foreign
exchange rate
changes 258 18 - -
------------------------ ----- -------- ---------- -------- ----------
Cash and cash
equivalents at
the end of the
year 21 2,409 953 636 633
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2017
1 Nature of Operations
Prime People Plc ('the Company') and its subsidiaries (together 'the Group') is an international recruitment services organisation with offices in the United Kingdom, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific region from which it serves an international client base. The Group offers both permanent and contract specialist recruitment consultancy for large and medium sized organisations.
The Company is a public limited company which is quoted as an AIM Company and is incorporated and domiciled in the UK. The address of the registered office and the principal place of business is 2 Harewood Place, London W1S 1BX. The registered number of the Company is 1729887.
2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Preparation
The financial statements of Prime People Plc consolidate the results of the Company and all its subsidiary undertakings. As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the profit and loss account of the Company has not been included as part of these financial statements. The amount of profit after tax and before dividends dealt within the financial statements of the parent is GBP487,456 (2016: GBP890,249). The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
The consolidated financial statements of Prime People Plc have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as endorsed by the European Union and also comply with IFRIC interpretations and Company Law applicable to Companies reporting under IFRS. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention modified as necessary so as to include any items at fair value, as required by accounting standards.
The consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2017 (including comparatives) are presented in GBP '000.
The accounting polices applied by the Group in these consolidated financial statements are the same as those applied by the Group in its consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 March 2017 and are described below.
International Accounting Standards (IAS/IFRS) and Interpretations in issue but not yet EU approved
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, certain new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards have been published by the IASB but are not yet effective. These have not been adopted early by the Group and the initial assessment indicates that either they will not be relevant or will not have a material impact on the Group:
Standards
-- FRS 14 Regulatory Deferral Accounts (Issued January 2014, effective date 1 January 2016) -- IFRS 16 Leases (Issued January 2016, effective date 1 January 2019)
Amendments (Effective date for all amendments is deferred indefinitely)
-- Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28: Sales or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture (Issued on 11 September 2014)
2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
International Accounting Standards (IAS/IFRS) and Interpretations in issue but not yet EU approved
(continued)
Amendments (Effective date for all amendments listed is 1 January 2017)
-- Amendments to IAS 12: Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses (Issued January 2016)
-- Amendments to IAS 7: Disclosure Initiative (Issued January 2016)
Amendments (Effective date for all amendments listed is 1 January 2018)
-- Clarifications to IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (issued on 12 April 2016)
-- Clarifications to IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Issued April 2016, effective date 1 January 2018)
-- Amendments to IFRS 2: Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment Transactions (issued on 20 June 2016)
-- Amendments to IFRS 4: Applying IFRS 9 Financial Instruments with IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts (issued on 12 September 2016)
-- IFRIC Interpretation 22 Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration (issued on 8 December 2016)
-- Amendments to IAS 40: Transfers of Investmenty Property (issued on 8 December 2016)
International Accounting Standards (IAS/IFRS) and Amendments (and EU adopted) but not yet effective
-- IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (Issued on 24 July 2014, effective date 1 January 2018)
-- IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (issued on 28 May 2014) including amendments to IFRS 15: Effective date of IFRS 15 (issued on 11 September 2015), effective date for both is 1 January 2018
The directors do not expect the adoption of the Standards and Interpretations listed above will have a material impact on the financial statements of the Group in future periods, except for disclosure of IFRS 15 that may have an impact on revenue recognition and related disclosures. Beyond the information above it is not practicable to provide a reasonable estimate of the impact of IFRS 15 until a detailed review has been completed.
Consolidation
Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating policies, generally accompanying a shareholding of more than one half of the voting rights. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are de-consolidated from the date that control ceases.
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange, plus costs directly attributable to the acquisition. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the Group's share of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.
Inter-Company transactions and balances on transactions between Group companies are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.
Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.
Going Concern
The Directors have prepared cash flow forecasts for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements and have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Revenue recognition
a) Revenue
Revenue, which excludes value added tax ("VAT"), constitutes the value of services undertaken by the Group from its principal activities, which are recruitment consultancy and other ancillary services. These consist of:
- Revenue from contract placements, which represents amounts billed for the services of contract staff, including the salary of these staff. This is recognised when the service has been provided;
- Revenue from permanent placements, which is based on a percentage of the candidate's remuneration package and is derived from both retained assignments (income recognised on completion of defined stages of work) and non-retained assignments (income recognised at the date an offer is accepted by a candidate, a start date has been agreed but employment has not yet commenced). The latter includes revenue anticipated but not invoiced at the balance sheet date, which is correspondingly accrued on the balance sheet within prepayments and accrued income. A provision is made against accrued income based on past historical experience for possible cancellations of placements prior to, or shortly after, the commencement of employment; and
- Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable.
b) Cost of Sales
Cost of sales consists of the salary cost of contract staff and costs incurred on behalf of clients, principally advertising costs.
c) Net Fee Income
Net fee income represents revenue less cost of sales and consists of the total placement fees of permanent candidates, the margin earned on the placement of contract candidates and the margin on advertising income.
d) Foreign Currency Translation (i) Functional and Presentation Currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group's entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates ('the functional currency'). The consolidated financial statements are presented in Sterling, which is the Company's functional and presentation currency.
(ii) Transactions and Balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
(iii) Group Companies
On consolidation the results and financial position of all the Group entities that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:
-- assets and liabilities for each year end presented are translated at the closing rate of that year end;
-- income and expenses for each statement of comprehensive income are translated at average exchange rates; and
-- all resulting exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income. e) Intangible Assets (i) Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the Group's share of the net identifiable assets of the acquired subsidiary/associate at the date of acquisition. Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries is included in 'intangible assets'.
As permitted by the exception in IFRS1 'First time adoption of International Reporting Standards', the Group has elected not to apply IFRS3 'Business combinations' to goodwill arising on acquisition that occurred before the date of transition to IFRS.
Separately recognised goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment and carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Impairment losses on goodwill are not reversed. Determining whether goodwill is impaired requires an estimation of the value in use of the cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated. The value in use calculation requires the entity to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from the cash generating unit and a suitable discount rate in order to calculate present value.
(ii) Computer Software
Computer software acquired by the Group is stated at cost. These costs are amortised to write the cost off in equal annual instalments over three years.
f) Property, Plant and Equipment
All property, plant and equipment are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation less provisions for impairment. Depreciation is provided on all property, plant and equipment using the straight-line method at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual values over their estimated useful lives, as follows:
-- Leasehold improvements over the expected period of the lease. -- Furniture, fittings and computer equipment 25% - 33%
The gain or loss arising on disposal or retirement of an asset is determined by comparing the sales proceeds with the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised as income.
g) Impairment of Assets
Assets that have an indefinite useful economic life are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment. Assets that are subject to amortisation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash-generating units).
h) Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the current tax expense and deferred tax expense.
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit as reported in the statement of comprehensive income because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group's liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date.
Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled.
Deferred income tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised.
i) Leased Assets and Obligations
All of the Group's leases are operating leases and the annual rentals are charged to profit and loss on a straight line basis over the lease term.
The benefit of rent free periods received for entering into a lease is spread evenly over the lease term.
j) Pension Costs
The Group operates defined contribution pension scheme. The Group adopts the minimum legally required employer contribution rate of 1% of qualifying earnings and up to the maximum earning threshold for automatic enrolment for 2016-17, as set by the Pension Regulator.
The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group in independently administered workplace pension -NEST. The pension costs charged to the income statement represent the contributions payable by the Group to Nest during the year.
The Pension liabilities at the Balance Sheet date represent employer and employee pension contributions, that are payable to the pension provider by the 22nd date of each month.
k) Segmental Reporting
IFRS8 requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports that are regularly reviewed by the Board of Directors to allocate resources to the segment and to assess their performance.
l) Financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are recognised in the Group's balance sheet when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provision of the instrument.
m) Financial assets
The Group's financial assets comprise cash and various other receivable balances that arise from its operations. Trade receivables, loans and other receivables that have fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market are classified as loans and receivables. Loans and receivables are initially measured at fair value and subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, less any impairment. Interest income is recognised by applying the effective interest rate, except for short-term receivables when the recognition of interest would be immaterial.
Financial assets are assessed for impairment at each balance sheet date, and are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows of the investment have been impacted.
The carrying amount of the financial asset is reduced by the impairment loss directly for all financial assets with the exception of trade receivables, where the carrying amount is reduced through the use of an allowance account. When a trade receivable is considered uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against the allowance account. Changes in the carrying amount of the allowance account are recognised in the profit or loss account. If in a subsequent period the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decreases can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the previously recognised impairment loss is reversed through profit and loss to the extent that the carrying amount of the financial asset at the date the impairment is reversed does not exceed what the amortised cost would have been had the impairment not been recognised.
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand and bank deposits that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. Bank overdrafts are classified with current liabilities in the statement of financial position.
n) Financial liabilities and equity
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are initially measured at fair value and are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. Financial liabilities are subsequently measured at
amortised cost. The Group's financial liabilities comprise trade payables, borrowings, bank overdrafts and other payable balances that arise from its operations. They are classified as 'financial liabilities measured at amortised cost'.
o) Share-Based Compensation
The Group operates equity-settled share-based compensation plans.
The fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of the options is recognised as an expense. The total amount to be expensed over the vesting period is determined by reference to the fair value of the options granted, excluding the impact of any non-market vesting conditions (for example, profitability and sales growth targets). At the balance sheet date the number of outstanding options is adjusted to reflect those options that have been granted during the year or have lapsed in the year.
p) Dividend Distribution
A final dividend distribution to the Company's shareholders is recognised as a liability in the Group's financial statements in the period in which the dividends are approved by the Company's shareholders. Interim dividend distributions are recognised in the period in which they are approved and paid.
q) Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates and judgements. It also requires management to exercise judgement in the process of applying the Company's accounting policies.
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
In particular, information about significant areas of estimation uncertainty and critical judgements in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amount recognised in the financial statements are described below:
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from permanent placements is recognised when a candidate formally accepts an offer of employment, a start date has been agreed, but employment has not commenced. A 'fall-through' provision is made by management, based on historical experience, for the proportion of those placements where the offer of employment is not taken up. Management have reviewed the past assumptions made with respect to the 'fall-through' provisions and consider that they remain reasonable. The fall through provision is estimated at 18.90% of those offers where employment has yet to commence (2016: 20.02%). The Directors consider that a change in the range of possible outcomes, or sensitivity, would not have a material impact on the business.
Goodwill Impairment
The Group's determination of whether goodwill is impaired requires an estimation of the value in use of the cash generating units to which goodwill is allocated. This requires estimation of future cash flows and the selection of a suitable discount rate details of which are disclosed in note 11.
q) Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements (continued)
Trade Receivables
There is uncertainty regarding customers who may not be able to pay as their debts fall due. In reviewing the appropriateness of the provisions in respect of recoverability of trade receivables, consideration has been given to the ageing of the debt and the potential likelihood of default, taking into account current economic conditions. Details of the total amount of receivables past due and the movement in allowance for doubtful debts are disclosed in note 13.
3 Segment Reporting
a) Revenue and Net Fee Income, by Geographical Region
Revenue Net fee income
2017 2016 2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
UK 18,558 16,249 7,443 7,774
Asia 5,075 3,626 5,075 3,626
Rest of World 580 880 580 880
---------------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------
24,213 20,755 13,098 12,280
---------- --------- --------- ---------
All revenues disclosed by the Group are derived from external clients and are for the provision of recruitment services. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as the Group's accounting policies described in note 2. Segment profit before taxation represents the profit earned by each segment after allocations of central administration costs.
b) Revenue and Net Fee Income, by Classification
Revenue Net fee income
2017 2016 2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Permanent
-UK 6,004 6,653 5,991 6,645
-Asia 5,075 3,626 5,075 3,626
-Rest of World 580 880 580 880
Contract (UK) 12,554 9,596 1,452 1,129
----------------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total 24,213 20,755 13,098 12,280
----------------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
3 Segment Reporting (continued)
c) Profit before Taxation by Geographical Region
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
UK 823 1,527
Asia 1,035 460
Rest of World 46 162
------------------------ -------- --------
Operating Profit 1,904 2,149
Profit before taxation 1,904 2,149
------------------------ -------- --------
Operating profit is the measure of profitability regularly reviewed by the Board, which collectively acts as the Chief Operating Decision Maker. Consequently, no segmental analysis of interest or tax expenses is provided.
Segment operating profit is the profit earned by each operating unit and includes inter segment revenues totalling GBP0.76m (2016 GBP0.71m) for the UK, and charges of GBP0.68m (2016 GBP0.60m) for Asia and GBP0.08m (2016 GBP0.11m) for the rest of the world.
d) Segment Assets and Liabilities by Geographical Region
Total non-current assets Total liabilities
2017 2016 2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
UK 9,934 9,962 1,286 1,441
Asia 19 27 1,019 910
Rest of World 3 9 73 121
---------------- ------------- ------------ --------- ---------
Total 9,956 9,998 2,378 2,472
---------------- ------------- ------------ --------- ---------
The analysis above is of the carrying amount of reportable segment assets, liabilities and non-current assets. Segment assets and liabilities include items directly attributable to a segment and include income tax assets and liabilities. Non-current asset include property, plant and equipment and computer software.
4 Profit on ordinary activities before taxation
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
Profit for the year is arrived at after charging:
Depreciation - owned assets 158 188
Operating lease rentals - land and buildings 521 487
Loss on disposal of fixed assets 1 -
Exchange rate loss 26 33
The analysis of auditors remuneration is as follows:
Audit of company 21 21
Audit of subsidiaries 24 23
------------------------------------------------------ -------- --------
Total audit fees 45 44
Advisory Services (related to FRS102 transition) - 4
------------------------------------------------------ -------- --------
Total fees 45 48
------------------------------------------------------ -------- --------
5 Directors' emoluments
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
Emoluments for qualifying services 544 482
544 482
-------------------------------------- -------- --------
Highest paid Director:
Emoluments for qualifying services 229 229
Details of Directors' emoluments and interests, which form part of these financial statements, are provided in the Director's Remuneration report on pages 16 to 18.
6 Employees
Group 2017 2016
Number Number
The average monthly number of employees of the Group during the year, including Directors,
was as follows:
Consultants 95 91
Management and administration 25 26
Temporary staff 8 7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
128 124
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Company 2017 2016
Number Number
The average monthly number of employees of the Company during the year, including Directors,
was as follows:
Management 5 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Staff costs for all employees, including Directors, but excluding contract staff placed with clients are as follows and have been included in Administration expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income:
Group 2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
Wages and salaries 7,860 6,984
Social security costs 655 598
Pension contributions 75 73
Share option charge 89 166
8,679 7,821
----------------------- -------- --------
Remuneration of key management 2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
Short term employee benefits (excluding social security costs) 1,195 1,090
Share based payments 24 35
1,219 1,125
---------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Key management includes executive Directors and senior divisional managers
7 Taxation on Profits on Ordinary Activities
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
a) Analysis of tax charge in the year
Current tax
UK Corporation tax 209 375
Foreign tax 107 87
Foreign tax over provision in prior years 28 (4)
Total current tax 344 458
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of temporary differences (9) 1
Deferred tax on fair value share option charge (43) -
Total charge on profit for the year 292 459
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
UK corporation tax is calculated at 20% (2016: 20%) of the estimated assessable profits for
the year. Taxation for other jurisdictions is calculated at the rates prevailing in the respective
jurisdictions.
b) The charge for the year can be reconciled to the profit per the consolidated statement
of comprehensive income as follows:
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
Profit before taxation 1,904 2,149
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
Tax at UK corporation tax rate of 20% (2016: 20%) on profit on ordinary activities 381 430
Effects of:
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 22 8
Capital allowances for the period less than depreciation 14 11
Tax losses not utilised/utilised (2) 21
Tax rate differences (35) (19)
Temporary differences recognised 9 19
Overprovision in prior years (28) (4)
Tax exemption (17) -
Total current tax 344 466
Deferred Tax
Origination and reversal of temporary differences (52) (7)
Tax charge for the year 292 459
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
8 Dividends
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
Special second interim dividend for 2017: 0.00p per share (2016: 3.09p per share) - 488
Final dividend for 2016: 0.00p per share (2015: 3.09p per share) - 376
Interim dividend for 2017: 1.75p per share (2016: 1.75p per share) 215 212
Special dividend for 2017: 0.00p per share (2016: 4.00p per share) - 490
Second Interim dividend for 2017: 0.00p per share (2016: 3.09p per share) - 380
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- ---------------------
215 1,946
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- ---------------------
An interim dividend of 1.75p (2016: 1.75p) was paid on 25 November 2016 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 18 November 2016. The interim dividend was approved by the Board on 8 November 2016.
A final dividend of 3.25p per share which will, subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting be paid on 28(th) July 2017 to shareholders who are on the register on 21(st) July 2017, making a total dividend paid to shareholders for the year of 5.00p per ordinary share. (2016: 8.84p).
9 Earnings per share
Earnings per share are calculated by dividing the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.
Fully diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares by existing share options assuming dilution through conversion of all existing options.
Earnings and weighted average number of shares from continuing operations used in the calculations are shown below.
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
Profit for the year and earnings used in basic and diluted earnings per share 1,612 1,690
Number Number
Weighted average number of shares used for basic earnings per share 12,271,923 12,211,950
Dilutive effect of share options 195,634 290,730
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Diluted weighted average number of shares used for diluted earnings per share 12,467,557 12,502,680
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Pence Pence
Basic earnings per share 13.14p 13.84p
Diluted earnings per share 12.97p 13.52p
10 Property, Plant and Equipment
Fixtures, fittings and equipment Total
Group GBP'000 GBP'000
Cost
At 1 April 2015 1,057 1,057
Additions 97 97
Disposals (44) (44)
Exchange difference 8 8
------------------------ --------------------------------- --------
At 1 April 2016 1,118 1,118
Additions 53 53
FinDisposals (124) (124)
Exchange difference 28 28
------------------------ --------------------------------- --------
At 31 March 2017 1,075 1,075
------------------------ --------------------------------- --------
Depreciation
At 1 April 2015 741 741
Provision for the year 188 188
Disposals (44) (44)
Exchange rate loss 4 4
------------------------ --------------------------------- --------
At 1 April 2016 889 889
Provision for the year 158 158
Disposals (123) (123)
Exchange rate gain 15 15
------------------------ --------------------------------- --------
At 31 March 2017 939 939
Net book value
At 31 March 2017 136 136
------------------------ --------------------------------- --------
At 31 March 2016 229 229
------------------------ --------------------------------- --------
At 31 March 2015 316 316
------------------------ --------------------------------- --------
11 Goodwill
GBP'000
Cost
At 1 April 2015, 1 April 2016 and 31 March 2017 9,769
------------------------------------------------- --------
The total carrying value of goodwill is GBP9.77m, which relates to the acquisition of the Macdonald & Company Group of companies in January 2006, has been tested for impairment with the recoverable amount being determined from value in use calculations.
The assessment is based on UK projected results. The recoverable amount is determined on a value in use basis utilising the value of cash flow projections over five years with terminal value added for the UK business segment. The first year of the projections is based on detailed budgets prepared and approved by management. Subsequent years are based on extrapolations.
The key assumptions in calculating the value in use is that the Group will meet its budgeted growth in UK net fee income of 25.88% in the year to 31 March 2018. After the end of the period covered by the budget a 2.50% growth rate is applied. This growth rate represents the average rate of growth in the markets in which the Group operates. A discount rate of 6.60% has been applied which represents the weighted average costs of capital for the Group.
Based upon this analysis the asset has not been impaired since the 'recoverable amount' (being the greater of the net realisable value and the value in use) is in excess of its carrying amount by GBP3.79m. A number of potential sensitivity scenarios have been considered and these would indicate impairment in the carrying value of goodwill if the discount rate were to be increased to 11.59% or if the operating profit reduced to GBP1.07m with no future growth. Management believes the assessment is reasonable based on average UK operating profit achieved for the past 3 years above GBP1.1m.
12 Investments
Company Shares in
subsidiary
undertakings
GBP'000
Cost
At 1 April 2015 and 1 April 2016 11,176
Decrease in investment in subsidiaries from share option reserve charge (20)
As at 31 March 2017 11,156
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------
The share option reserve relates to employee share option arrangements provided to employees of the Group subsidiary companies.
12 Investments (continued)
The following are subsidiary undertakings at the end of the year and have all been included in the consolidated financial statements:
Country of Principal Registered
incorporation Activity Address
Macdonald England and Holding Company 2 Harewood
& Company Wales Place Hanover
Group Limited Square London
W1S 1BX
Macdonald England and Recruitment 2 Harewood
& Company Wales Place Hanover
Property Limited Square London
W1S 1BX
Macdonald England and Recruitment 2 Harewood
and Company Wales Place Hanover
Freelance Square London
Limited W1S 1BX
Macdonald England and Dormant 2 Harewood
and Company Wales Place Hanover
(Overseas) Square London
Limited W1S 1BX
Macdonald Hong Kong Recruitment Room 601,6/F.,
& Company Tower 1, Admiralty
Ltd Centre, 18
Harcourt Road,
Hong Kong
Ru Yi Consulting Hong Kong Dormant Room 601,6/F.,
Limited Tower 1, Admiralty
Centre, 18
Harcourt Road,
Hong Kong
Macdonald Singapore Recruitment 63 Market Street
and Company #05-02, Bank
Pte Limited of Singapore
Centre, Singapore
048942
Macdonald Australia Dormant Storey Blackwood
& Company & Co
Pty Ltd Level 4,222
Clarence Street,
Sydney NSW
2000 Australia
Macdonald South Africa Dormant 1 Emfuleni,
& Company 79 Crassula
Recruitment Crescent, Woodmead,
Proprietary Johannesburg,
Ltd 2052 South
Africa
The Prime England and Dormant 2 Harewood
Organisation Wales Place Hanover
Ltd Square London
W1S 1BX
For all undertakings listed above, the country of operation is the same as its country of incorporation.
The Group holds 100% of all classes of issued share capital. The percentage of the issued share capital held is equivalent to the percentage of voting rights for all companies.
13 Trade and other Receivables
Group Company
2017 2016 2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Current
Trade receivables 2,435 2,706 - -
Allowance for doubtful debts (24) (40) - -
Other receivables 72 69 3 -
Prepayments and accrued income 2,618 2,204 3 14
--------------------------------- --------- -------- -------- --------
5,101 4,939 6 14
-------------------------------- --------- -------- -------- --------
At 31 March 2017, the average credit period taken on sales of recruitment services was 45 days (2016: 55 days) from the date of invoicing. An allowance of GBP24,000 (2016: GBP40,000) has been made for estimated irrecoverable amounts. Due to the short-term nature of trade and other receivables, the Directors consider that the carrying value approximates to their fair value.
Prepayments and accrued income principally comprise amounts to be billed for permanent placements with a start date within three months from the start of the new financial year.
The Group does not provide against receivables solely on the basis of the age of the debt, as experience has demonstrated that this is not a reliable indicator of recoverability. The Group provides fully against all receivables where it has positive evidence that the amount is not recoverable.
The ageing of trade receivables at the reporting date was:
Gross trade Provisions Gross trade Provisions
receivables receivables
2017 2017 2016 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Not past due 1,598 15 1,607 33
Past due 0-30 days 657 2 630 -
Past due 30-90 days 166 - 469 7
Past due more than 90 days 14 7 - -
----------------------------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -----------
2,435 24 2,706 40
----------------------------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -----------
Movement in allowance for doubtful debts:
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
1 April 2016 40 102
Impairment losses recognised 24 40
Amounts written off as uncollectable (31) (97)
Amounts paid by the client (6) (5)
Impairment losses reversed (3) -
-------------------------------------- --- -------- --------
31 March 2017 24 40
14 Financial Instruments
Group Company
2017 2016 2017 2016
Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Loans and receivables
Trade and other receivables 13 4,092 4,087 2 5
Cash and cash equivalents 2,409 953 636 633
----------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
6,501 5,040 638 638
----------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash is held either on current account or on short term deposits at floating rates of interest determined by the relevant bank's prevailing base rate.
Group Company
2017 2016 2017 2016
Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Financial liabilities and fair value through profit and loss
Trade and other payables 15 438 452 1 2
438 452 1 2
-------------------------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
The Group has not renewed its borrowing facilities with Barclays Bank Plc as the Board consider that the net cash within the Group is sufficient to meet existing and foreseeable liabilities as they fall due.
There is no material difference between the book values of the Group's financial assets and liabilities and their fair values.
The Group and the Company do not hold any derivative financial instruments.
15 Trade and other Payables
Group Company
2017 2016 2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Current
Trade payables 108 267 - 1
Other payables 330 185 1 -
Amount owed to subsidiary undertakings - - 739 923
Taxation and social security 667 664 14 9
Accruals and deferred income 1,205 1,100 25 26
----------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
2,310 2,216 779 959
---------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Due to the short-term nature of the trade and other payables, the Directors consider that the carrying value approximates to their fair value. Trade payables are generally on 30-60 day terms. No payables are past their due date.
16 Deferred Tax
Group (Liability) Share Total
Options
GBP'000 GBP'000
At 1 April 2015 16 16
Credit to income (7) (7)
---------------------- -------------- --------
At 31 March 2016 9 9
Credit to income (9) (9)
---------------------- -------------- --------
At 31 March 2017 - -
------------------- -------------- --------
Group (Asset) Share Options Total
GBP'000 GBP'000
At 1 April 2016 - -
Credit to income 43 43
--------------------- -------------- --------
At March 2017 43 43
17 Share Capital
2017 2016
Number GBP'000 Number GBP'000
ALLOTTED CALLED UP
Ordinary shares of 10p each
As at 1 April 12,290,199 1,229 12,193,949 1,219
Shares issued during the year - - 96,250 10
At 31 March 12,290,199 1,229 12,290,199 1,229
Share capital includes unpaid shares of 33,000 (2016: 93,250)
The Company has one class of ordinary shares which carries no right to fixed income and which represents 100% of the total issued nominal value of all share capital.
Each share carries the right to one vote at general meetings of the company. No person has any special rights of control over the company's share capital and all its issued shares are fully paid.
Pursuant to shareholder resolutions at the AGM of the Company on 20 July 2016, the Company has the following authorities during the period up to the next AGM.
- to issue new/additional ordinary shares to existing shareholders through a rights issue up to a maximum nominal amount of GBP409,632 representing one third of the then issued share capital of the Company;
- to issue new/additional ordinary shares to new shareholders up to a maximum nominal amount of GBP409,632 representing one third of the issued shares capital of the Company
- to allot equity securities for cash, without the application of pre-emption rights, up to a maximum nominal amount of GBP61,451 representing 5% of the then issued share capital of the Company; and
- to purchase through the market up to 10% of the Company's issued share capital, subject to certain restrictions on price.
Shareholders will be asked to renew these authorities at the AGM in 2017 on 24 July 2017.
Capital Risk Management
The Group manages its capital to ensure that it will be able to continue as a going concern while maximising returns to shareholders through the optimisation of debt and equity balances. The capital structure of the Group consists of cash and cash equivalents and equity attributable to equity holders of the parent comprising issued capital reserves and earnings.
The Group manages the capital structure and makes adjustments to it in the light of changes to economic conditions and risks. In order to manage capital the Group has continued to consider and adjust the level of dividends paid to shareholders and also made purchases of its own shares which are held as Treasury Shares. As part of its strategy of seeking to optimise the Group's debt and equity balance the Group also considers the appropriate level of external borrowing and, as disclosed in Note 14, has taken the decision not to renew its overdraft facilities with Barclays Bank.
Employee Share Schemes
The Company operates two share options schemes.
Enterprise Management Incentive Share Option Scheme
At 31 March 2017 the following options had been granted and remained outstanding in respect of the Company's ordinary shares:
Year of Exercise Exercise Number of Granted Exercised Forfeited Number of Options
grant Price Period options 31 March 2017
Pence 31 March
2016
2008/9 20.77 2011-2016* 48000 - - (48,000) -
31.50 2014-2019* 100,000 - - (100,000) -
2009/10 42.00 2013-2018 8,000 - (5,000) 3,000
2011/12 68.00 2014-2019 3,000 - - - 3,000
2013/14 NilNil 2016-2021 19,000 - (7,000) - 12,000
2019-2021 81,250 - - (13,000) 68,250
2014/15 10.00 2016-2021 184,500 - (120,500) (16,000) 48,000
10.00 2019-2021 340,500 - - (61,000) 279,500
2015/16 10.00 2017-2022 20,000 - - - 20,000
10.00 2020-2022 30,000 - - - 30,000
58.00 2017-2022 52,000 - - (7,000) 45,000
58.00 2020-2022 103,000 - - (13,000) 90,000
2016/17 50.00 2019-2024 - 25,000 - - 25,000
50.00 2022-2027 - 55,000 - - 55,000
90.00 2019-2024 - 25,000 - - 25,000
90.00 2022-2027 - 40,000 - - 40,000
Total 2017 989,250 145,000 (132,500) (258,000) 743,750
Weighted average exercise price
2017 (pence) 19.64p 67.93p 11.21p 0.24p 30.37p
Total 2016 984,734 205,000 (96,250) (104,234) 989,250
-
Weighted average exercise price
2016 (pence) 15.27p 46.29p 1.31p 0.48p 19.64p
*These options have fully vested
There were 743,750 options outstanding at 31 March 2017 (2016: 989,250) which had a weighted average price per share of 30.37p (2016: 19.64p). The options vest over a period of two to five years conditional upon the option holders continued employment with the Company.
The conditions applying to those options which are fully vested have been achieved. The number of outstanding options that will vest is dependent on the achievement of a number of key performance measures of the group, measured at a regional and consolidated level for the financial years 2016 and 2017. The fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of the share options is charged to the profit and loss account over the vesting period of the share option, based on the number of options which are expected to become exercisable.
2017 2016
Option pricing model used Black-Scholes Black-Scholes
Weighted average share price at grant date (in pence) 94.00, 96.30 & 91.55 116.00
Exercise price (in pence) 50 & 90 10 & 58
Fair value of options granted during the year 41.12 104.81
Expected volatility (%) 20.0 & 24.0 30.0
Risk-free interest rate (%) 4.25 4.0
Expected life of options (years) 2 & 5 2 & 5
Expected volatility was determined by reference to historical volatility of the Company's share price.
The share based payment credit recognised within the income statement during the period was GBP88,632 (2016: expense GBP170,000).
18 Reserves
Capital Redemption Reserve Fund
The capital redemption reserve relates to the cancellation of the Company's own shares.
Treasury Shares
At 31 March 2017, the total number of ordinary shares held in Treasury and their values were as follows:
2017 2016
Number GBP'000 Number GBP'000
As at 1 April 21,276 21 21,276 21
Shares purchased for treasury 129,500 111 - -
Shares issued from treasury (132,500) (13) - -
Equity reclassification on disposal of treasury shares
- (98) - -
As at
31
March 18,276 21 21,276 21
Nominal value 2 2
Market value 16 21
The maximum number of shares held in treasury during the year was 18,276 shares representing 0.15% of the called-up ordinary share capital of the Company (2016: 21,276 representing 0.2% of the called-up ordinary share capital of the Company).
Merger Reserve
The merger reserve represents the fair value of the consideration given in excess of the nominal value of the ordinary shares issued to acquire subsidiaries.
Share Option Reserve
The reserve represents the cumulative amounts charged to profit in respect of employee share option arrangements where the scheme has not yet been settled by means of an award of shares to an individual.
Share Premium Account
The balance on the share premium account represents the amounts received in excess of the nominal value of the ordinary shares.
Translation Reserve
The foreign currency translation reserve comprises all presentation foreign exchange differences arising from translation of the financial statements of foreign operations into the presentation currency of the Group accounts.
Retained Earnings
The balance held on this reserve is the accumulated retained profits of the Group.
19 Operating Lease Commitments
As at 31 March 2017 the Group was committed to making the following total payments in respect of non-cancellable operating leases:
Land and buildings Land and
2017 buildings
2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
Amounts payable
Within one year 545 448
Within one to two years 294 408
Within two to five years 696 660
After five years 169 602
1,704 2,118
The Group leases various offices under non-cancellable operating lease agreements. The leases have varying terms as disclosed above.
20 Reconciliation of Profit before Tax to Net Cash Inflow from Operating Activities
Group Company
2017 2016 2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Profit before taxation 1,904 2,149 48 50
Adjust for:
Depreciation 158 188 - -
Share based payment expense (13) 166 - -
(Profit)/Loss on sale of tangible asset 1 - - -
Operating cash flow before changes in working capital 2,050 2,503 48 50
(Increase)/decrease in receivables (163) (401) 9 484
Increase/(decrease) in payables 94 267 (183) 744
------------------ --------
Cash generated from / (used by) underlying operations 1,981 2,369 (126) 1,278
21 Analysis of Cash less overdrafts
Group At 1 April Cash flow At 31 March 2017
2016
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Cash at bank and in hand 953 1,456 2,409
Total cash 953 1,456 2,409
Company At 1 April 2016 Cash flow At 31 March 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Cash at bank and in hand 633 3 636
Total cash 633 3 636
22 Financial Risk Management
The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the risk management policies that are applied by the business to identify and control the risks faced by the Group.
The Group has exposure from its use of financial instruments to foreign currency risk, credit risk and liquidity risk.
Foreign Currency
The Group publishes its consolidated financial statements in Sterling. The functional currencies of the Group's main operating subsidiaries are Sterling, the Singapore Dollar, the Hong Kong Dollar and the UAE Dirham.
The Group's international operations account for approximately 23.37% (2016: 21.72%) of revenue and approximately 19.70% (2016: 19.85%) of the Group's assets and consequently the Group has a degree of translation exposure in accounting for overseas operations.
Currently the Group's policy is not to hedge against this exposure but it does seek to minimise this exposure by converting into sterling all cash balances in foreign currency that are not required for capital monetary needs. The settlement of intercompany balances held with foreign operations is neither planned nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future. Therefore, exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investments are recognised in Other Comprehensive income.
Credit Risk
The Group's principal financial assets are bank balances, trade and other receivables. The Group's credit risk is primarily in respect of trade receivables. Credit risk refers to the risk that a client will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group. The Group does not have any significant credit risk exposure to any individual client. At the year end no customer represented more than 9.07% (2016: 6.82%) of the total balance of trade receivables.
In reviewing the appropriateness of the provisions in respect of recoverability of trade receivables, consideration has been given to the ageing of the debt and the potential likelihood of default, taking into account current economic conditions.
It is the Directors' opinion that no further provision for doubtful debts is required.
Liquidity Risk
The Group manages it liquidity risk by maintaining adequate cash and or credit facilities to meet forecast cash requirements of the Group. Management monitors its forecasted cash flow requirements at a Group level based on monthly returns made by the Group's operating units.
The Group has no financial liabilities other than short term trade payables and accruals as disclosed in note 16, all due within one year of the year end.
The Group has net funds of GBP2.40m (2016: GBP0.95m) which the Board consider are more than adequate to meet future working capital requirements and to take advantage of business opportunities.
23 Related Party Transactions
Prime People Plc provides various management services to its subsidiary undertakings. These services take the form of centralised finance and operations support. The total amount charged by the Company to its subsidiaries during the year is GBP200k (2016: GBP205k). The balance owed to the subsidiary undertakings at the year end is GBP739k (2016: GBP923k).
The Company also provides corporate guarantees on the subsidiary bank accounts. At 31 March 2017 amounts overdrawn by subsidiary bank accounts were GBPnil (2016: GBP222,350).
The Directors receive remuneration from the Group, which is disclosed in the Directors' Remuneration Report. As shareholders, the Directors also received dividends in the year from the Company amounting to GBP120,312 (2016: GBP605,384).
Directors
Robert Macdonald (Executive Chairman) Peter Moore (Managing Director) Donka Zaneva-Todorinski (Finance Director) Chris Heayberd (Non-Executive Director) John Lewis OBE (Non-Executive Director) Simon Murphy (Non-Executive Director)
Secretary and Registered Office
Donka Zaneva-Todorinkski, 2 Harewood Place, London, W1S 1BX.
Registered Number
1729887
Stockbrokers & Nominated Advisers
Cenkos Securities Plc, 6.7.8 Tokenhouse Yard, London, EC2R 7AS
Auditor
Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP, St Bride's House, 10 Salisbury Square, London, EC4Y 8EH
Principal Bankers
Barclays Bank Plc, Corporate Banking, 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP
Registrars
Neville Registrars Limited, Neville House, Laurel Lane, Halesowen, West Midlands, B63 3DA.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
FR DFLFLDQFBBBX
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
June 22, 2017 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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