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RTC Rtc Group Plc

100.00
0.00 (0.00%)
13 Dec 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Rtc Group Plc LSE:RTC London Ordinary Share GB0002920121 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% 100.00 95.00 105.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 5,307 07:43:20
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Employment Agencies 98.78M 1.85M 0.1262 7.92 14.62M

RTC Group PLC Interim Results (1673H)

26/07/2023 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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TIDMRTC

RNS Number : 1673H

RTC Group PLC

26 July 2023

This announcement contains inside information as stipulated under The Market Abuse Regulation (EU No. 596/2014).

26 July 2023

RTC Group Plc

("RTC", "the Company" or "the Group")

Interim Results for the Six Months Ended 30 June 2023

RTC Group Plc (AIM: RTC.L), the engineering and technical recruitment Group, is pleased to announce its unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2023.

Summary:

   --           Group revenue from continuing operations increased 33% to GBP45.6m (2022: GBP34.4m); 

-- Contract revenues increased to GBP43.0m (2022: GBP32.1m) and a strong order book in excess of GBP200m;

   --           EBITDA increased by GBP1.5m to GBP1.6m (2022: GBP0.1m); 
   --           Profit before tax increased by GBP1.4m to GBP1.0m (2022: loss of GBP0.4m); 
   --           Net assets grew by GBP0.7m to GBP6.9m (2022: GBP6.2m); 
   --           Net cash inflow from operating activities GBP2.1m (2022 outflow: GBP0.6m); 
   --           No term debt; and 
   --           Basic earnings per share 5.20p (2022:  loss per share 2.43p). 

No dividends were paid in the period (2022: Nil). The Directors propose an interim dividend of 1.0p per share (2022: Nil). The interim dividend will be paid on 1 September 2023 to shareholders on the register on 4 August 2023.

Commenting on the results, Bill Douie, Chairman, said:

"In our Annual Report and Accounts 2022 our general message was that our Rail business, which had successfully secured a further long term strategic supply contract with Network Rail, was impacted by the combination of: the tail end of enhanced costs to comply with covid restrictions; escalating fuel prices; upfront costs; and other investment activities to establish appropriate management and operational structure for our new operating routes. In addition, there was significant disruption due to industrial action across the whole rail network. I am pleased to report that, whilst industrial action remains disappointingly prevalent, albeit with less impact, our Rail business is back trading strongly and in line with our expectations. Our other businesses are also showing strong recovery and have progressed well as anticipated.

I am therefore pleased to be able to report that the Group has enjoyed a buoyant first half and that we have posted a pre-tax profit of GBP1.0m for the period.

Whilst I have been reluctant in recent years, especially given such turbulent times for the global economy, to propose the payment of dividends, given these excellent results, which represent our best-ever first half, I am proposing to make a cautious return to payment of dividends with an interim dividend of 1p per share.

Outlook

We remain cautiously confident that our progress will continue in the second half of 2023. We continue to invest in our businesses and to further strengthen our balance sheet through retained profits."

The interim report is available on the Company's website www.rtcgroupplc.co.uk .

S

Enquiries:

 
  RTC Group Plc                                                           Tel: 0133 286 1835 
  Bill Douie, Chairman 
   Andy Pendlebury, Chief Executive 
  www.rtcgroupplc.co.uk 
  SPARK Advisory Partners Limited (Nominated                             Tel: 0203 368 3550 
   Adviser) 
   Matt Davis / James Keeshan 
   www.Sparkadvisorypartners.com 
  SI Capital (Broker)                                                  Tel: 0148 341 3500 
   Nick Emerson / Sam Lomanto 
   www.sicapital.co.uk 
 

About RTC

RTC Group Plc is an AIM listed business that focuses on white and blue-collar recruitment, providing temporary and permanent labour to a broad range of industries and customers in both domestic and international markets through its geographically defined operating divisions.

UK division

Through its Ganymede and ATA Recruitment brands the Group provides a wide range of recruitment services in the UK.

Ganymede specialise in recruiting technical and engineering talent and providing complete workforce solutions to help build and maintain infrastructure and transportation for a wide range of clients. Ganymede is a market leader in providing a diverse range of people solutions to the rail, energy, construction, highways, and transportation sectors. With offices strategically located across the country, Ganymede provides its clients with the benefit of a national network of skilled personnel combined with local expertise.

ATA Recruitment provide technical recruitment solutions to the manufacturing, engineering, and technology sectors. Working as an engineering recruitment partner supporting businesses across the UK. ATA Recruitment has a strong track record of attracting and recruiting engineering talent for our clients. ATA's regional offices which are strategically located in Leicester and Leeds each have dedicated market-experts to ensure ATA delivers excellence to both our clients and candidates.

International division

Through its GSS brand the Group works with customers across the globe that are focused on delivering projects in a variety of engineering sectors. GSS has a track record of delivery in some of the world's most hostile locations. Working closely with its customers GSS provides contract and permanent staffing solutions on an international basis, providing key personnel into new projects and supporting ongoing large-scale project staffing needs. GSS typically recruit across a range of disciplines and skills from operators and supervisors, through to senior management level.

UK Central Services

The Group headquarters are located at the Derby Conference Centre which also provides office accommodation for its operating divisions in addition to generating rental and conferencing income from space not utilised by the Group.

Chairman's statement

Six months ended 30 June 2023

In our Annual Report and Accounts 2022 our general message was that our Rail business, which had successfully secured a further long term strategic supply contract with Network Rail, was impacted by the combination of: the tail end of enhanced costs to comply with covid restrictions; escalating fuel prices; upfront costs; and other investment activities to establish appropriate management and operational structure for our new operating routes. In addition, there was significant disruption due to industrial action across the whole rail network. I am pleased to report that, whilst industrial action remains disappointingly prevalent, albeit with less impact, our Rail business is back trading in line with our expectations. Our other businesses are also showing strong recovery and have progressed well as anticipated.

Ganymede Rail and Recruitment divisions are benefitting from the increasing demand for high-quality engineering personnel in the UK, driven by the growth in infrastructure expenditure. In 2021, the UK government made a funding commitment of GBP100 billion to support economic infrastructure, specifically aimed at strengthening the infrastructure sector and fostering its development.

Ganymede Energy benefits from growing demand from major energy providers for dual-fuel meter installers to support the Government's smart-meter roll-out programme. The initial programme has a target completion date of 2025 which involves the installation of 53m smart gas and electricity meters across the UK, with follow on works to replace first generation meters and to upgrade the second-generation meters to 4G capability expected to continue until 2033.

I am therefore pleased to be able to report that the Group has enjoyed a buoyant first half and that we have posted a pre-tax profit of GBP1.0m for the period.

Whilst I have been reluctant in recent years, especially given such turbulent times for the global economy, to propose the payment of dividends, given these excellent results, which represent our best-ever first half, I am proposing to make a cautious return to payment of dividends with an interim dividend of 1p per share.

Outlook

We remain cautiously confident that our progress will continue in the second half of 2023. We continue to invest in our businesses and to further strengthen our balance sheet through retained profits.

W J C Douie

Chairman

26 July 2023

Finance Director's statement

Six months ended 30 June 2023

Highlights

For the six months ended 30 June 2023, the Group delivered revenues of GBP45.6m (2022: GBP34.4m) an increase of 33% on the same period in 2022. EBITDA increased by GBP1.5m to GBP1.6m (2022: GBP0.1m) and profit before tax was GBP1.0m (2022: loss before tax: GBP0.4m) an increase of GBP1.4m versus the same period in 2022.

The key driver of the increase being contract revenue which was GBP43.0m (2022: GBP32.1m). The growth predominantly coming from our Rail and Energy divisions. Overall gross profit from contract revenues increased to GBP6.1m (2022: GBP3.7m).

UK recruitment

T he UK Recruitment segment delivered increased revenues of GBP41.8m (2022: GBP31.1m) which were converted to significantly improved profit from operations of GBP2.2m (2022: GBP0.6m).

Ganymede Rail has worked with Network Rail to successfully address issues that severely impacted the division in 2022, such as fuel and general price increases coupled with the significant disruption caused by Network Rail's decision to award all suppliers new contract delivery areas in 2022. This, together with growth with other clients, has resulted in a significantly improved performance both in terms of revenues and profits in the first half of 2023. Revenues increased to GBP28.4m (2022: GBP21.1m). Gross profit was GBP3.7m (2022: GBP2.2m) and gross margin was improved at 13% (2022: 10%). The division delivered a GBP1.5m increase in profit compared to the same period in 2022. Within the Rail division, Ganymede's signalling labour supply business continued to grow with a new regional office being opened to support that growth.

Ganymede Energy continued its growth trajectory in the first half of 2023. It increased first half revenues by 47% to GBP8.4m (2022: GBP5.7m), delivered gross profits of GBP1.8m (2022: GBP1.2m) and its gross profit margin increased to 22% (2022: 20%). The division further delivered a 75% uplift in profit compared to same period in 2022 GBP0.7m (2022: GBP0.4m).

The division's white-collar recruitment, serviced by its ATA brand continued to perform well with client demand remaining strong across permanent and temporary UK recruitment. The division delivered revenues of GBP4.3m (2022: GBP3.5m) with the increase mainly coming from growth in temporary recruitment. Gross profits overall grew to GBP1.5m (2022: GBP1.3m). As a result of the increased proportion of temporary revenues the gross margin reduced to 34% (2022: 38%). Profit for the period was maintained at GBP0.3m (2022: GBP0.3m) as the division continued to invest in staff numbers for future growth.

International recruitment

International recruitment delivered revenues of GBP2.6m (2022: GBP2.5m) , slightly higher than the same period in 2022 as they steadily have increased revenues under new framework agreements. Profit from operations also showed a slight improvement at GBP238,000 (2022: GBP169,000).

UK Central Services

Within UK Central Services, our hotel and conference centre business delivered revenues of GBP1.2m (2022: GBP0.9m) as the good levels of activity relating to conferences, events and bedroom sales seen throughout 2022 continued in the first half of 2023. Gross profit increased to GBP0.6m (2022: GBP0.5m) and gross margin was maintained at 54%. Our hotel and conference centre in Derby benefits from a long lease that was taken out in 2018 and has 10 years left to run. Rents for the entire lease period were fixed at inception and as such are now even more competitive.

Taxation

The total tax charge for the period is estimated at GBP254,000 (2022: GBP59,000). This is higher than would be expected if the standard tax rate was applied to the result for the period, as explained in note 3.

Earnings per share

The basic earnings per share figure is 5.20p (2022: loss per share of 2.43p). The diluted earnings per share is 5.19p (2022: loss per share of 2.43p).

Dividends

No dividends were paid in the period (2022: Nil). The Directors propose an interim dividend of 1.0p per share (2022: Nil). The interim dividend will be paid on 1 September 2023 to shareholders on the register on 4 August 2023.

Statement of financial position

Net working capital has increased to GBP5.4m (2022: GBP4.7m). There has been an increase in debtors reflecting the increase in revenues versus the same period last year and an improvement in key customer aged balances. Net assets have increased to GBP6.9m (2022: GBP6.2m). The Group has no term debt and is financed using its invoice discounting and overdraft facilities with HSBC. At 30 June 2023 there were no overdrafts in use and invoice discounting funds in use were significantly reduced at GBP1.5m (2022: GBP3.5m).

Cash flow

The cash inflow from operating activities of GBP2.1m (2022: outflow GBP0.6m) for the six-month period reflects increased revenues and the improvement noted above in key customer balances.

Financing

The Group's current bank facilities comprise an overdraft of GBP50,000 and a confidential invoice discounting facility of up to GBP12m with HSBC at a discount margin of 1.6% above base. The Board closely monitors the level of facility utilisation and availability to ensure there is enough headroom to manage current operations and future needs of the business. The Group continues to be focussed on cash generation and building a robust statement of financial position to protect the business.

Own shares held

The cost of the Group's own shares purchased through the Employee Benefit Trust is shown as a deduction from equity. 193,615 options were exercised during the period. The balance of GBP100,388 on the own shares held reserve within equity reflects 143,412 shares remaining in the EBT that will be used to satisfy future exercises.

Going concern

The Group's current bank facilities include a net overdraft facility across the Group of GBP50,000 and an invoice discounting facility with HSBC providing of up to GBP12m, based on a percentage of good book debts, at a margin of 1.6% above base. The Board closely monitors the level of facility utilisation and availability to ensure there is enough headroom to manage current operations and support the growth of the business.

Given the uncertainty and mixed opinion about short and medium-term prospects for the UK economy influenced by the cost-of-living crisis, widespread strike action, the looming threat of a recession and other geo-political events, in addition to the established budgeting and forecasting processes, which considers a range of plausible events and circumstances, a reverse stress test has been undertaken. This shows that, assuming a continuation of the current facilities, the Group has access to sufficient cash and facilities to withstand a 20% reduction against the 2022 revenues without any significant restructuring or other cost reduction measures.

In assessing the risks related to the continued availability of the current facilities, the Board have taken into consideration the existing relationship with HSBC and the strength of the security provided, also taking into account the quality of the Group's customer base. Based on their enquiries, the Board have concluded that sufficient facilities will continue to remain available to the Group and therefore the going concern basis of preparation remains appropriate and no material uncertainty exists.

As a result, the going concern basis continues to be appropriate in preparing the interim results.

S L Dye

Group Finance Director

26 July 2023

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income:

 
                                                Six-month     Six-month    Year-ended 
                                                   period        period            31 
                                                 ended 30      ended 30      December 
                                                June 2023     June 2022          2022 
                                                Unaudited     Unaudited       Audited 
                                      Notes       GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
----------------------------------  -------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
  Revenue                               2          45,561        34,406        71,907 
  Cost of sales                         2        (37,475)      (28,852)      (60,132) 
----------------------------------  -------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
  Gross profit                          2           8,086         5,554        11,775 
  Other operating income                2               -             -             6 
  Administrative expenses               2         (6,958)       (5,859)      (12,024) 
----------------------------------  -------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
  Profit / (loss) from operations       2           1,128         (305)         (243) 
  Finance expense                                   (127)         (101)         (212) 
----------------------------------  -------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
  Profit / (loss) before tax                        1,001         (406)         (455) 
  Tax expense                           3           (254)            59           104 
----------------------------------  -------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
  Total profit / (loss) and 
   other comprehensive income 
   for the period attributable 
   to owners of the parent                            747         (347)         (351) 
----------------------------------  -------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
  Earnings per ordinary share 
  Basic                                             5.20p       (2.43p)       (2.45p) 
----------------------------------  -------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
  Fully diluted                                     5.19p       (2.43p)       (2.45p) 
----------------------------------  -------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the six months ended 30 June 2023:

 
                             Share       Share        Own        Capital       Share     Profit      Total 
                           capital     premium     shares     redemption       based        and     equity 
                                                     held        reserve     payment       loss 
                                                                             reserve 
                           GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000        GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
                        ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
  Balance at 
   1 January 2023              146         120      (236)             50         122      5,993      6,195 
----------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
  Total comprehensive 
   income for 
   the period                    -           -          -              -           -        747        747 
----------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
  Transactions 
   with owners: 
  Share options 
   exercised                     -           -        135              -        (92)       (43)          - 
----------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
  Total transactions 
   with owners                   -           -        135              -        (92)       (43)          - 
----------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
  At 30 June 
   2023 (Unaudited)            146         120      (101)             50          30      6,697      6,942 
----------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the six months ended 30 June 2022:

 
                             Share       Share        Own        Capital       Share     Profit      Total 
                           capital     premium     shares     redemption       based        and     equity 
                                                     held        reserve     payment       loss 
                                                                             reserve 
                           GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000        GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
  Balance at 
   1 January 2022              146         120      (236)             50         146      6,320      6,546 
----------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
  Total comprehensive 
   income for 
   the period                    -           -          -              -           -      (347)      (347) 
----------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
  At 30 June 
   2022 (Unaudited)            146         120      (236)             50         146      5,973      6,199 
----------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year ended 31 December 2022:

 
                             Share       Share        Own        Capital       Share     Retained      Total 
                           capital     premium     shares     redemption       based     earnings     equity 
                                                     held        reserve     payment 
                                                                             reserve 
                           GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000        GBP'000     GBP'000      GBP'000    GBP'000 
                        ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  -----------  --------- 
  Balance at 
   1 January 
   2022                        146         120      (236)             50         146        6,320      6,546 
----------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  -----------  --------- 
  Total comprehensive 
   expense for 
   the year                      -           -          -              -           -        (351)      (351) 
----------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  -----------  --------- 
  Transactions 
   with owners: 
  Share options 
   cancelled                     -           -          -              -        (24)           24          - 
  Total transactions 
   with owners                   -           -          -              -        (24)           24          - 
----------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  -----------  --------- 
  At 31 December 
   2022                        146         120      (236)             50         122        5,993      6,195 
----------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  -----------  --------- 
 

Consolidated statement of financial position:

 
                                           As at         As at           As at 
                                         30 June       30 June     31 December 
                                            2023          2022            2022 
                                       Unaudited                       Audited 
                                                     Unaudited 
                                         GBP'000       GBP'000         GBP'000 
---------------------------------   ------------  ------------  -------------- 
  Assets 
  Non-current 
  Goodwill                                   132           132             132 
  Other intangible assets                     18            43              28 
  Property, plant, and equipment           1,504         1,574           1,544 
  Right of use assets                      2,300         2,627           2,491 
  Deferred tax asset                           8            40             210 
----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
                                           3,962         4,416           4,405 
  Current 
  Inventories                                 17            11              15 
  Trade and other receivables             15,932        13,610          15,388 
  Cash and cash equivalents                  499           681             467 
----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
                                          16,448        14,302          15,870 
  Total assets                            20,410        18,718          20,275 
----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 
  Liabilities 
  Current 
  Trade and other payables               (9,117)       (5,926)         (7,875) 
  Lease liabilities                        (303)         (176)           (303) 
  Corporation tax                           (54)            66               - 
  Current borrowings                     (1,525)       (3,547)         (3,132) 
----------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
                                        (10,999)       (9,583)        (11,310) 
  Non-current liabilities 
  Lease liabilities                      (2,277)       (2,801)         (2,576) 
  Deferred tax liabilities                 (192)         (135)           (194) 
----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
  Total liabilities                     (13,468)      (12,519)        (14,080) 
----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
  Net assets                               6,942         6,199           6,195 
----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 
  Equity 
  Share capital                              146           146             146 
  Share premium                              120           120             120 
  Capital redemption reserve                  50            50              50 
  Own shares held                          (101)         (236)           (236) 
  Share based payment reserve                 30           146             122 
  Profit and loss account                  6,697         5,973           5,993 
  Total equity                             6,942         6,199           6,195 
----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 

Consolidated statement of cash flows:

 
                                              Six-month     Six-month      Year ended 
                                                 period        period     31 December 
                                               ended 30      ended 30            2022 
                                              June 2023     June 2022         Audited 
                                              Unaudited     Unaudited 
                                                GBP'000       GBP'000         GBP'000 
  Cash flows from operating activities 
  Profit / (loss) before tax                      1,001         (406)           (455) 
  Adjustments for: 
  Depreciation, loss on disposal 
   and amortisation                                 450           413             857 
  Finance expense                                   127           101             212 
  Change in inventories                             (2)            10               6 
  Change in trade and other receivables           (544)         (129)         (1,907) 
  Change in trade and other payables              1,242         (504)           1,445 
-----------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
  Cash inflow/(outflow) from operations           2,274         (515)             158 
  Interest paid                                   (127)         (101)           (212) 
  Net cash inflow/(outflow) from 
   operating activities                           2,147         (616)            (54) 
-----------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
  Cash flows from investing activities 
  Purchases of property, plant and 
   equipment and intangibles                      (209)         (250)           (417) 
  Net cash used in investing activities           (209)         (250)           (417) 
  Cash flows from financing activities 
  Movement on invoice discounting 
   facility                                     (1,607)           823             872 
  Movement on perpetual bank overdrafts*              -         (104)           (568) 
  Payments of lease liabilities                   (299)         (118)           (312) 
  Net cash (outflow)/inflow from 
   financing activities                         (1,906)           601             (8) 
-----------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
  Net increase/(decrease) in cash 
   and cash equivalents                              32         (265)           (479) 
-----------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
   of period                                        467           946             946 
-----------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
  Cash and cash equivalents at end 
   of period                                        499           681             467 
-----------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 

*there was no perpetual bank overdraft remaining at 1 January 2023 as a result of cash inflows in 2022.

Notes to the interim statement for the six months ended 30 June 2023:

   1.    Accounting policies 
   a)    General information 

RTC Group Plc is incorporated and domiciled in England and its shares are publicly traded on AIM. The registered office address is The Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Derby, DE24 8UX. The company's registered number is 02558971. The principal activities of the Group are described in note 2.

The Board consider the principal risks and uncertainties relating to the Group for the next six months to be the same as detailed in our last Annual Report and Accounts to 31 December 2022.

                b)    Basis of preparation 

The unaudited interim Group financial information of RTC Group Plc is for the six months ended 30 June 2023 and does not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of S.435 of the Companies Act 2006. The unaudited interim Group financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the AIM rules and have not been reviewed by the Group's auditors. This report should be read in conjunction with the Group's Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022, which have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

Going concern

The Group's current bank facilities include a net overdraft facility across the Group of GBP50,000 and an invoice discounting facility with HSBC providing of up to GBP12m, based on a percentage of good book debts, at a margin of 1.6% above base. The Board closely monitors the level of facility utilisation and availability to ensure there is enough headroom to manage current operations and support the growth of the business.

Given the uncertainty and mixed opinion about short and medium-term prospects for the UK economy influenced by the cost-of-living crisis, widespread strike action, the looming threat of a recession and other geo-political events, in addition to the established budgeting and forecasting processes, which considers a range of plausible events and circumstances, a reverse stress test has been undertaken. This shows that, assuming a continuation of the current facilities, the Group has access to sufficient cash and facilities to withstand a 20% reduction against the 2022 revenues without any significant restructuring or other cost reduction measures.

In assessing the risks related to the continued availability of the current facilities, the Board have taken into consideration the existing relationship with HSBC and the strength of the security provided, also taking into account the quality of the Group's customer base. Based on their enquiries, the Board have concluded that sufficient facilities will continue to remain available to the Group and therefore the going concern basis of preparation remains appropriate and no material uncertainty exists.

As a result, the going concern basis continues to be appropriate in preparing the interim results.

These unaudited interim Group financial statements were approved for issue on 26 July 2023. No significant events, other than those disclosed in this document, have occurred between 30 June 2023 and this date.

                c)     Comparatives 

The comparative figures for the year ended 31 December 2022 do not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of S.435 of the Companies Act 2006, but they have been derived from the audited financial statements for that year, which have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditor was unqualified and did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006 nor a reference to any matters which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis of matter without qualifying their report.

   d)    Accounting policies 

In preparing these interim financial statements, the Board have considered the impact of new standards which will be applied in the 2023 Annual Report and Accounts and there are not expected to be any changes in the accounting policies compared to those applied at 31 December 2022.

A full description of accounting policies is contained with our 2022 Annual Report and Accounts which is available on our website.

This interim announcement has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS as effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023.

   2.     Segment analysis 

The business is split into three operating segments, with recruitment being split by geographical area. This reflects the integrated approach to the Group's recruitment business in the UK and independent delivery of overseas business. Three operating segments have therefore been agreed, based on the geography of the business unit: United Kingdom, International and Central Services.

This is consistent with the reporting for management purposes, with the Group organised into two reportable segments, Recruitment and Central Services, which are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed separately because each segment has a different purpose within the Group and requires different technologies and marketing strategies.

Segment operating profit is the profit earned by each operating segment defined above and is the measure reported to the Group's Board, the Group's Chief Operating Decision Maker for performance management and resource allocation purposes. The Group manages the trading performance of each segment by monitoring operating contribution and centrally manages working capital, financing, and equity.

Revenues within the recruitment operating segment have similar economic characteristics and share a majority of the aggregation criteria set out in IFRS 8:12 in particular the nature of the products and services, the type or class of customers, the country in which the service is delivered, and the processes utilised to deliver the services and the regulatory environment for the services.

The purpose of the Central Services segment is to provide all central services for the Group including the Group's head office facilities in Derby. It also generates income from excess space at the Derby site including rental and hotel and conferencing facilities.

During the first half of 2023, one customer in the UK Recruitment segment contributed 10% or more of that segment's revenues being GBP11.8m (2022: GBP9.3m) and one customer in the International Recruitment sector contributed 10% or more of that segment's revenues being GBP1.0m (2022: GBP1.0m).

Revenue, gross profit, and operating profit delivery by geography f or the six-month period ended 30 June 2023:

 
  GBP'000                                     UK           UK    International    Total Group 
                                     Recruitment      Central      Recruitment 
                                                     Services 
--------------------------------                  ----------- 
  Revenue                                 41,797        1,163            2,601         45,561 
  Cost of sales                         (34,793)        (535)          (2,147)       (37,475) 
--------------------------------  --------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------- 
  Gross profit                             7,004          628              454          8,086 
  Administrative expenses                (4,587)      (1,706)            (215)        (6,508) 
  Amortisation of intangibles               (12)            -                -           (12) 
  Depreciation of right of 
   use assets                               (74)        (125)                -          (199) 
  Depreciation                             (162)         (76)              (1)          (239) 
--------------------------------  --------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------- 
  Total administrative expenses          (4,835)      (1,907)            (216)        (6,958) 
--------------------------------  --------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------- 
  Profit from operations                   2,169      (1,279)              238          1,128 
--------------------------------  --------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------- 
 

Segment profit from operations above represents the profit earned by each segment without allocation of Group administration costs or finance costs.

Segment information for the six months ended 30 June 2022:

 
  GBP'000                                     UK           UK    International    Total Group 
                                     Recruitment      Central      Recruitment 
                                                     Services 
--------------------------------                  ----------- 
  Revenue                                 31,065          866            2,475         34,406 
  Cost of sales                         (26,321)        (396)          (2,135)       (28,852) 
--------------------------------  --------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------- 
  Gross profit                             4,744          470              340          5,554 
  Administrative expenses                (3,933)      (1,345)            (168)        (5,446) 
  Amortisation of intangibles               (12)            -                -           (12) 
  Depreciation of right of 
   use assets                               (65)        (114)                -          (179) 
  Depreciation                             (124)         (95)              (3)          (222) 
--------------------------------  --------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------- 
  Total administrative expenses          (4,134)      (1,554)            (171)        (5,859) 
--------------------------------  --------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------- 
  Profit from operations                     610      (1,084)              169            305 
--------------------------------  --------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------- 
 

Segment information for the year ended 31 December 2022:

 
  GBP'000                                       UK           UK    International    Total Group 
                                       Recruitment      Central      Recruitment 
                                                       Services 
----------------------------------                  -----------                   ------------- 
  Revenue                                   64,764        1,979            5,164         71,907 
  Cost of sales                           (54,878)        (912)          (4,342)       (60,132) 
----------------------------------  --------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------- 
  Gross profit                               9,886        1,067              822         11,775 
  Other operating income*                        -            6                -              6 
  Administrative expenses                  (7,948)      (2,883)            (341)       (11,172) 
  Amortisation of intangibles                 (46)            -                -           (46) 
  Depreciation of right of 
   use assets                                (144)        (240)                -          (384) 
  Depreciation                               (261)        (157)              (4)          (422) 
----------------------------------  --------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------- 
  Total administrative expenses            (8,399)      (3,280)            (345)       (12,024) 
----------------------------------  --------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------- 
  Profit / (loss) from operations            1,487      (2,207)              477          (243) 
----------------------------------  --------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------- 
 

*Other operating income represents Government Grants.

Recruitment revenues are generated from permanent and temporary recruitment and long-term contracts for labour supply. Within Central Services revenues are generated from the rental of excess space and hotel and conferencing at the Derby site, described as Other below. Revenue and gross profit by service classification for management purposes:

 
  Revenue                    Six months      Six months    Year ended 
                               ended 30        ended 30            31 
                              June 2023       June 2022 
                            (Unaudited)     (Unaudited) 
                                                             December 
                                                                 2022 
   GBP'000                                                  (Audited) 
  Permanent placements            1,401           1,414         2,706 
  Contract                       42,997          32,126        67,222 
  Other                           1,163             866         1,979 
-----------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
                                 45,561          34,406        71,907 
-----------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 
 
  Gross profit               Six months      Six months      Year ended 
                               ended 30        ended 30     31 December 
                              June 2023       June 2022 
                            (Unaudited)     (Unaudited) 
                                                                   2022 
                                                              (Audited) 
   GBP'000 
-----------------------  --------------  --------------  -------------- 
  Permanent placements            1,401           1,414           2,706 
  Contract                        6,057           3,670           8,002 
  Other                             628             470           1,067 
-----------------------  --------------  --------------  -------------- 
                                  8,086           5,554          11,775 
-----------------------  --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 

3. Income tax

 
                                               Six-month        Six-month    Year ended 
                                                  period           period            31 
                                                ended 30 
                                               June 2023 
                                             (Unaudited) 
                                                                 ended 30      December 
                                                                June 2022          2022 
                                                              (Unaudited) 
  Continuing operations                                                       (Audited) 
----------------------------------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------ 
                                                 GBP'000          GBP'000       GBP'000 
----------------------------------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------ 
  Analysis of tax: 
  Current tax 
  UK corporation tax                                  54             (66)             - 
                                                                     (66)             - 
  Deferred tax 
  Origination and reversal of temporary 
   differences                                       200                7         (104) 
  Tax                                                254             (59)         (104) 
----------------------------------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------ 
 

Factors affecting the tax expense

The tax assessed for the six-month period ended 30 June 2023 is higher than (2022: higher than) would be expected by multiplying profit by the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2022: 19%).

The differences are explained below:

 
                                            Six-month        Six-month      Year ended 
                                         period ended     period ended     31 December 
                                         30 June 2023     30 June 2022            2022 
                                            Unaudited        Unaudited         Audited 
------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  -------------- 
  Factors affecting tax expense               GBP'000          GBP'000         GBP'000 
------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  -------------- 
  Result for the period before 
   tax                                          1,001            (406)           (455) 
------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  -------------- 
  Profit multiplied by standard 
   rate of tax of 25% (2022: 19%)                 250             (77)            (86) 
  Non-deductible expenses                          39               18              50 
  Tax credit on exercise of options              (35)                -               - 
  Effect of change in deferred 
   tax rate                                         -                -              13 
  Adjustment in respect of previous 
   periods                                                           -            (81) 
  Tax charge for the period                       254             (59)           (104) 
------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 

4. Borrowings

Included in current borrowings are bank overdrafts and an invoice discounting facility which is secured by a cross guarantee and debenture over all Group companies. There have been no defaults or breaches of the terms of the facility during the current or prior period.

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