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WSG Westminster Group Plc

2.45
-0.05 (-2.00%)
Last Updated: 08:11:30
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Westminster Group Plc LSE:WSG London Ordinary Share GB00B1XLC220 ORD 0.1P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -0.05 -2.00% 2.45 2.40 2.50 2.50 2.45 2.50 1,226,023 08:11:30
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Security Systems Service 9.53M 121k 0.0004 61.25 8.1M

Westminster Group PLC Final Results & Investor Presentation (2457B)

01/06/2023 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Westminster (LSE:WSG)
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RNS Number : 2457B

Westminster Group PLC

01 June 2023

01 June 2023

Westminster Group Plc

('Westminster', the 'Group' or the 'Company')

Final Results for 12 months to 31 December 2022

& Investor Presentation

Westminster Group Plc (AIM: WSG), a leading supplier of managed services and technology-based security solutions worldwide, announces Final Results for the 12 months ending 31 December 2022.

Highlights:

Operational:

   --      A strong recovery in airport operations exceeding pre-pandemic levels by year end. 
   --      Training business delivered record levels of revenues. 

-- A strong recovery in our guarding business with a near doubling of revenues and return to profitability.

   --      Supplied products and solutions to 60 countries across the world . 
   --      Secured GBP300,000 contract to protect a West African Parliament building. 

-- Under Martyn's Law (amended Protect Duty) forthcoming legislation, secured two important new mass screening contracts, an iconic building in London and a theatre and exhibition complex in Northern England.

   --      Secured a $300,000 3-year contract to provide aviation support services to the UN in Mali. 
   --      $1.7m airport security contract in Southeast Africa confirmed and underway. 
   --      Westminster Arabia achieved HCIS certification required for government regulated contracts. 

Financial:

   --      35% increase in revenues to GBP9.5m (2021: GBP7.1m) 
   --      65% increase in Technology Division revenues to GBP3.2m (2021: GBP2.0m) 
   --      23% increase in Services Division revenues to GBP6.3m (2021: GBP5.1m) 

-- 99% decrease in loss after tax to an effective break-even position GBP0.0 (2021: loss of GBP1.9m).

Post period end:

   --      Q1 2023 trading ahead of internal budget. 
   --      Commenced 2023 with GBP1.8m of work in hand. 
   --      Commenced 2023 with more than GBP5m of annual recurring revenue from existing contracts. 

-- West African airport operations currently running at record levels and new terminal opened April 2023.

   --      Training & Guarding businesses performing well. 

-- Land issue resolved and construction works due to commence on West African container port project.

Commenting on the results and prospects, Peter Fowler, Chief Executive said:

"I am pleased to report that, despite the challenges from the tail end of the Covid pandemic, the impact of the Ukraine conflict and the ensuing global economic turmoil, we still delivered a 35% increase in revenues to GBP9.5m (2021: GBP7.1m) and achieved an effective break-even position with a 99% improvement in losses to GBP0.0m (2021: loss GBP1.9m), demonstrating the recovery underway and that we are heading back to a growth trajectory.

"I am also pleased to report that all areas of our business delivered growth in the year. Our Technology Division delivered a 65% increase in revenues to GBP3.2m (2021: GBP2.0m) showing strong recovery from the pandemic challenges, whilst our Services Division delivered a 23% increase in revenues to GBP6.3m (2021: GBP5.1m) underpinning our growing recurring revenue businesses.

"Not only did we significantly increase year on year revenues, but we secured and delivered some notable and important accomplishments during the year such as providing an extensive screening solution for the late Queen Elizabeth II's funeral event in September 2022, which was a great honour. We secured important new contracts in the year, significantly increased our returning customers demonstrating brand loyalty, we continued to develop our pipeline of new large-scale opportunities including some exciting, long-term prospects and we continued to progress existing projects such as DRC and our West African Port project.

"Building on our 2022 results, we believe a record year of revenues and profitability are in sight for 2023. The key to achieving this, of course, is to secure new contracts with enough time to recognise revenues in the year and we are working hard to deliver that."

Investor Presentation: 3pm on Thursday 8 June 2023

Peter Fowler (CEO) and Mark Hughes (CFO) will provide a live presentation to review the results and update on prospects at 3pm on Thursday 08 June 2023.

The presentation is open to all existing and potential shareholders. Questions can be submitted pre-event via your Investor Meet Company dashboard or at any time during the live presentation.

Investors can sign up to Investor Meet Company for free and add to meet Westminster Group Plc via:

https://www.investormeetcompany.com/westminster-group-plc/register-investor

Annual Report and Accounts - The final results announcement can be downloaded from the Company's website (www.wsg-corporate.com). The notice of the Annual General Meeting to be held on 28 June 2023 was posted to shareholders on 31 May 2023 and copies of the Annual Report and Accounts will be sent to shareholders on or before 16 June 2023 for approval at the Annual General Meeting and will be available from the Company's website ( www.wsg-corporate.com ) once posted.

For further information please contact:

 
 
  Westminster Group Plc                    Media enquiries via 
                                           Walbrook PR 
Rt. Hon. Sir Tony Baldry - Chairman 
Peter Fowler - Chief Executive Officer 
Mark Hughes - Chief Financial Officer 
 
Strand Hanson Limited (Financial & 
 Nominated Adviser) 
James Harris                             020 7409 3494 
Ritchie Balmer 
 Richard Johnson 
 
 Zeus Capital Limited (Broker) 
 Louisa Waddell 
 Simon Johnson                             020 3829 5000 
 
Walbrook (Investor Relations) 
Tom Cooper                               020 7933 8780 
Paul Vann 
Nick Rome                                Westminster@walbrookpr.com 
 

Notes:

Westminster Group plc is a specialist security and services group operating worldwide via an extensive international network of agents and offices in over 50 countries.

Westminster's principal activity is the design, supply and ongoing support of advanced technology security solutions, encompassing a wide range of surveillance, detection, tracking and interception technologies and the provision of long-term managed services contracts such as the management and running of complete security services and solutions in airports, ports and other such facilities together with the provision of manpower, consultancy and training services. The majority of its customer base, by value, comprises governments and government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGO's) and blue-chip commercial organisations.

The Westminster Group Foundation is part of the Group's Corporate Social Responsibility activities. www.wg-foundation.org

The Foundation's goal is to support the communities in which the Group operates by working with local partners and other established charities to provide goods or services for the relief of poverty and the advancement of education and healthcare particularly in the developing world.

The Westminster Group Foundation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, CIO, registered with the Charities Commission number 1158653.

Chairman's Statement

Overview

Following the challenges of the previous two years due to the global pandemic, associated lockdowns and travel restrictions, we entered 2022 with optimism. We could see that the impact of the pandemic was coming to an end and business confidence was returning.

Sadly, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the global economic turmoil that followed has created a number of new challenges, although also some opportunities.

Stock markets, particularly with small cap companies, have been impacted, access to capital has become more challenging, rising prices, inflation and global uncertainty all make for a more challenging business environment. Governments and corporations are reviewing budgets and spending plans, postponing capital expenditure and creating delays in some order placements, as we experienced with a delayed multi-million-dollar Technology project we were verbally awarded in early 2022 and was anticipated to be completed that year. Due to the country's currency issues causing budget constraints the project was delayed and will hopefully go forward in 2023.

Against that backdrop and despite the delayed Technology project mentioned above we still achieved a 35% increase in our revenues to GBP9.5m (2021: GBP7.1m) and a 99% reduction in losses to an effective break-even position GBP0.0 (2021: loss of GBP1.9m), with many areas of the business trading at new highs.

Despite other disappointments in the year, such as the continued delay in the ratification of our DRC contract, which is covered in the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) report, there were a number of notable successes and achievements. Of these I was particularly proud that Westminster was chosen to provide the security screening solution for our late Queen Elizabeth II's lying in state. This was a complex project for which Westminster had been identified and selected some time ago and we have been planning and rehearsing for the event for some time. I was impressed by the speed and professionalism with which we undertook the assignment and I wish to pay tribute to all our staff involved in that sad but prestigious event.

Corporate Conduct

As a company whose shares are traded on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange, we recognise the importance of sound corporate governance throughout our organisation, giving our shareholders and other stakeholders including employees, customers, suppliers and the wider community confidence in our business. We endeavour to deliver on our corporate Vision and Mission Statements in an ethical and sensitive manner irrespective of race, colour or creed. This is not only a requirement of a well-run public company but makes good commercial and business sense.

In my capacity as Chairman, I have ultimate responsibility for ensuring the Board adopts and implements a recognised corporate governance code in accordance with our stock market status. Accordingly, the Board has adopted, and is working to, the Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA) Corporate Governance Code 2018. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has responsibility for the implementation of governance throughout our organisation, commensurate with our size of business and worldwide operations.

The QCA Corporate Governance Code 2018 has ten key principles and we set out on our website how we apply those principles to our business, and more detailed information is provided in these accounts.

We operate worldwide with a focus on emerging markets and in a sector where discretion, professionalism and confidentiality are essential. It is important that we maintain the highest standards of corporate conduct. The Corporate Governance Report in this annual report sets out the detailed steps that we undertake to ensure that our standards, and those of our agents, can stand any scrutiny by Government or other official bodies.

Corporate and Social Responsibility

As a Group, we take our corporate and social responsibilities very seriously, particularly as we operate in emerging markets and in some cases in areas of poverty and deprivation. As highlighted in the CEO Report we are building on our environment, social and governance strategies. I am proud of the support and assistance we as a business provide in many of the regions in which we operate, and I would like to pay tribute to our employees and other individuals and organisations for their generous support and contributions to our registered charity, the Westminster Group Foundation. We work with local partners and other established charities to provide goods or services for the relief of poverty or advancement of education or healthcare making a difference to the lives of the local communities in which we operate. For more information or to donate please visit www.wg-foundation.org .

Employees and Board

Our overriding priority however is and has been the safety and wellbeing of our people around the world and to continue to provide a valuable service to our customers. To those ends, we put in place various precautionary measures, including cost reductions and are undertaking regular risk assessments for all areas of our business. We have put in place processes and safe working practices, with a number of employees working from home.

We have not made any changes to the Board this year. I do however congratulate Lorraine Hellend on her promotion to Head of Sales as of 1 January 2023.

I would finally like to extend my appreciation to our investors for their continued support and to our strategic investors who are bringing their expertise to help deliver value for all.

Rt. Hon Sir Tony Baldry DL

Chairman

Chief Executive Officer's Report

Business Description

The Westminster Group is a global integrated security services company delivering niche security solutions and long-term managed services to high growth and emerging markets around the world, with a particular focus on long term recurring revenue business.

Our target customer base is primarily governments and governmental agencies, critical infrastructure (such as airports, ports & harbours, borders and power plants), and large-scale commercial organisations worldwide.

We deliver our wide range of Land, Sea and Air solutions and services through a number of operating companies that are currently structured into two operating divisions, Services and Technology, both primarily focused on international business as follows:

Services Division

Focusing on long term (typically 10 - 25 years) recurring revenue managed services contracts such as the management and operation of security solutions in airports, ports and other such facilities, together with the provision of manpower, consultancy and training services.

Technology Division

Focusing on providing advanced technology led security solutions encompassing a wide range of surveillance, detection, tracking, screening and interception technologies to governments and organisations worldwide.

In addition to providing our business with a broad range of opportunities, these two divisions offer cost effective dynamics and vertical integration with the Technology Division providing vital infrastructure and complex technology solutions and expertise to the Services Division. This reduces both supplier exposure and cost and provides us with increasing purchasing power. Our Services Division provides a long-term business platform to deliver other cost-effective incremental services from the Group.

We have a successful track record of delivering a wide range of solutions to governments and blue-chip organisations around the world. Our reputation grows with each new contract delivered - this in turn underpins our strong brand and provides a platform from which we can expand our business.

Overview

2022 has been a year of both challenges and achievements.

Challenges from the tail end of the global pandemic and associated travel restrictions, the challenges from the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the resulting global economic turmoil and financial uncertainty, has resulted in governments and businesses reviewing their spending plans with the inevitable knock-on delays on contract awards.

I am pleased to report that, despite the challenges, we still delivered a 35% increase in revenues to GBP9.5m (2021: GBP7.1m). This was however, circa GBP4.6m short of full year expectations, set at the beginning of the year which, as reported in our 1 November 2022 update, was predominantly due the slippage of a multimillion-pound Technology project, verbally awarded in 2022 but delayed due to the country's budget constraints as a result of the economic downturn and now expects to be formally awarded and largely delivered in 2023. Despite this however we still achieved an effective break-even position with a 99% improvement in losses to GBP0.0m (2021: loss GBP1.9m), demonstrating the recovery underway from the previous years' challenges.

I am also pleased to report that all areas of our business delivered growth in the year. Our Technology Division delivered a 65% increase in revenues to GBP3.2m (2021: GBP2.0m) showing strong recovery from the pandemic challenges, whilst our Services Division delivered a 23% increase in revenues to GBP6.3m (2021: GBP5.1m) underpinning our growing recurring revenue businesses.

In terms of achievements, not only did we significantly increase year on year revenues, but we secured and delivered some notable and important accomplishments during the year such as providing an extensive screening solution for the late Queen Elizabeth II's funeral event in September 2022, which was a great honour. We secured important new contracts in the year, significantly increased our returning customers demonstrating brand loyalty, we continued to develop our pipeline of new large-scale opportunities including some exciting, long-term prospects and we continued to progress existing projects such as DRC and our West African Port project as detailed in our Divisional Review below.

Divisional Review

Services Division

Our Services Division and the growing recurring revenue base we are building is a key element to our future growth and I am pleased to report therefore that the Division has performed well with a 23% increase in turnover to GBP6.3m for the period which is at a record level despite our airport business having not fully recovered from the impact of Covid on the travel industry.

Our West African airport operations, which, like aviation across the world, had been severely impacted by lockdowns and travel restrictions during the Covid pandemic of the previous years, experienced a strong recovery from around 84% of pre-pandemic passenger numbers at the start of the year to achieving record monthly numbers by the end of the year and this trend has continued into 2023 which augers well for the future.

In addition, Summa Airports, who took over the running of Freetown International Airport in early 2023 completed the construction of an impressive new terminal which opened in April 2023, further increasing passenger experience and capacity. Westminster's contract with the government for the airport security remains in force and Westminster will, under separate contract with Summa, provide the aviation security services at the new terminal for at least the duration of Westminster's existing contract with the government, although this may be extended. Under its contract with Summa, Westminster will no longer be responsible for the cost of new or replacement security equipment and has reduced its fee accordingly, whilst SUMMA will be responsible for the cost of all required equipment and the collection of the security fees from airlines and will remit the funds based on passenger numbers in the preceding month directly to Westminster's designated bank account on a monthly basis, thereby reducing Westminster's costs and accelerating receipts. These changes, which do not affect economics of the project, are beneficial and we look forward to continuing growth from this project.

Both our guarding and training businesses were heavily impacted during the global pandemic over the previous couple of years and I am pleased to report both have rebounded strongly in 2022. Our training business has not only recovered to pre-pandemic levels but delivered record levels of revenues, securing new contracts from governments and organisations including a sizeable long-term contract for one of the UK's largest airports. The global pandemic demonstrated the importance of distance and online training and, we believe, the strategic decision we took some time ago to invest in building an online training capability, both in house and through strategic partnerships, will prove to be very beneficial and we expect this part of our business to continue to grow.

Our guarding business equally produced a remarkable recovery, not only securing important new business in the year but also a near doubling of revenues over the previous year.

As previously announced, we expected to secure one more long-term, large-scale managed services contract in 2022 and were close to achieving that. By year end we were at the final stages of negotiating a sizeable long term airport security project in West Africa. However, it is always difficult to accurately predict timing for such projects, which are complex and can involve various bodies in bureaucratic processes, but we still expect that contract to be secured and delivering a material contribution to revenues in 2023.

Frustratingly, the long overdue ratification process of our DRC contract, signed in June 2021, has still not been completed. This matter has taken far longer than anticipated, largely due to the Governments' internal procedures. However, an important step in the process was completed towards the end of 2022. We know that not only is the delay in finalising this matter a frustration for us and our shareholders but has become a significant issue for the government who recognise the importance of the project and the urgent need to improve the security of the country's airports. I would like to pay tribute not only to the tireless pursuit of this project by our staff involved but also the tremendous support we have received from the British Ambassador and Embassy staff in Kinshasa.

As previously reported, we have been waiting for our client to resolve the land issues for the construction of the new container port storage and inspection complex in West Africa, for which Westminster have been contracted to provide the screening operations under a 10-year managed services agreement, signed in June 2021. I am pleased to report that the land issue has now been resolved and construction of the port is due to commence this year.

We announced in November 2022 that the relationship with our local partners, Scanport, regarding our Ghana port project had become increasingly strained and that we were looking to resolve matters through mediation to include accelerated receipt in recompense for early termination, which would free up resources for new large-scale projects expected in 2023.

The matter is still in process. We have not included any revenues from this project in our 2023 internal projections although we anticipate reaching a settlement in the year. We will update the market on these various developments when appropriate.

Technology Division

We continue to experience healthy enquiry levels and during 2022 secured orders for our products and services from 60 countries (2021: 60) around the world.

The global economic turmoil and financial uncertainty created by the Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in governments and businesses reviewing their spending plans with the inevitable knock-on delays on contract awards. A case in point being the multi-million USD Technology project we were verbally awarded in 2022 and expected to be formally confirmed and completed by the end of the year but due to the economic situation and currency issues within the country concerned, the project keeps being delayed. This project is still a high priority for the client, and we have been informed by them that they expect to move forward in 2023. We also saw similar slippage with other large capital-intensive potential projects.

Notwithstanding the above the Division did still achieve a 65% increase in revenues to GBP3.2m (2021: GBP2.0m) and delivered some important successes.

In September 2022 we were honoured to have provided the extensive screening requirements at the late Queen Elizabeth II's lying in state. Westminster had been selected for this task some time ago and had been storing the required equipment and undertaking secret rehearsals with the police and authorities over the years in preparation. Within hours of the announcement of the Queen's passing we had mobilised and began preparations for deployment. It was a complex operation involving the deployment of a number of screening lanes and a Westminster team to be on duty at the event 24 hours a day for the duration. I am proud to say the everything ran smoothly, and credit is due to the exceptional service provided by our dedicated team. The fact we were chosen for this high profile, high security event is evidence of the reputation and professionalism associated with Westminster.

In January 2022 we announced that the $1.7m airport security contract for two airports in South-East Africa, provisionally awarded in 2021, had been formally issued. The contract, funded by the European Investment Bank, involved the upgrading of security equipment, including new x-ray screening & metal detection equipment, an advanced CCTV surveillance system and new control and command centres at both airports. Westminster is providing a full turnkey solution including the design, supply and installation of the systems and will be establishing an engineering presence in-country for future maintenance and support services. This project is well underway and will be completed in 2023. The client is extremely pleased with Westminster's performance and has expressed interest in a long-term managed services programme once the project has been completed.

Other important new contracts secured in the period include a GBP300,000 contract to supply and install an advanced people and baggage screening solution within a West African parliament building. This project was successfully delivered in the year, and we are now in discussions on a much larger project to upgrade security at that parliament. We also supplied a wide range of technology-based security products and solutions to clients around the world.

In 2022 we reported on the initiative we have been pursuing regarding the forthcoming new legislation in the UK, Martyn's Law (amended Protect Duty). Martyn's Law is named after Martyn Hett, who at 29 years was killed in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in May 2017. Martyn's mother, Figen Murray, has been a tireless campaigner and the force behind Martyn's Law legislation that will require many businesses giving access to the general public, to formally assess and take measures to address terrorism risks for the first time. Martyn's Law is set to have a profound and lasting effect on security provision in the UK - encompassing Publicly Accessible Locations (PALs) and requiring them to actively protect visitors and staff with appropriate levels of security. The Home Office estimates that 650,000 UK businesses could be affected by Martyn's Law, and this offers substantial business opportunities for Westminster's extensive portfolio of products and services.

Westminster has been supporting Figen and working on this opportunity for some time, and like many government related issues, the enactment of this legislation was delayed in 2022 it is now expected to become law in 2023. However, many organisations are proactively making arrangements to be compliant ahead of the legislation and in this respect, I am pleased that Westminster secured important new contracts. During 2022 we secured a contract to provide a 'Mass Screening' solution for an iconic building in London, and a similar contract, also for 'Mass Screening' to an important theatre and exhibition complex in the north of England. We are also in discussions with a number of important venues and sites in the UK for effective and large-scale security solutions ahead of the expected legislation. For more information on Martyn's Law see here https://www.wg-plc.com/protect-duty# or to see the latest news and video from Figen Murray see here https://www.wg-plc.com/news/figen-murray-obe-martyns-law-amended-protect-duty

Our various high profile security projects, such as the Palace of Westminster and the Tower of London, are performing well and we are discussing expanded operations.

In September 2022 Westminster Arabia was, after a long process, finally officially certified by the Saudi Arabian High Commission for Industrial Security (HCIS) for the supply, installation and maintenance of security devices. This certification is important and is required to bid for government regulated and/or funded endeavours (such as Giga Projects, critical infrastructure, transport etc.) and for the supply of products & services to Government affiliated companies. Few (if any) Saudi companies which are formed through joint ventures with foreign entities have achieved this status and the award of the licence is an important step forward for our business. Westminster Arabia remains an important component in our growth strategy.

Our German subsidiary, GLIS, situated to the Southeast of Munich, is focussed on supplying security technology and solutions to the European market. Post Brexit the business is particularly well positioned to serve the Group's EU clients. The team continues to secure a number of important new clients including US military bases and is developing substantial business opportunities in the region. Through GLIS, we continue to monitor the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action JCPOA talks and are maintaining discussions with stakeholders (including the UK and German governments) however, despite the optimism of an EU brokered deal in September 2022, the fallout from the Ukraine war and other issues have meant a deal in the short term is unlikely. However, should circumstances change and the US and international sanctions, including banking be lifted, there remains an opportunity for our German office to revisit the substantial opportunities previously created.

Our French business, Euro Ops, continues to be a valuable strategic addition to the Group. The company provides aviation focussed services such as humanitarian flights and logistics, emergency flights, flight operations, charter and storage management. The company has not only brought new skills, services and revenues to the Group but provides greatly improved access to Francophone countries for the wider Group services, with some interesting project opportunities currently being pursued. One example a $300,000 3-year contract, awarded in May 2022, to provide aviation support services and logistics for Swiftair and the UN in Mali.

Summary

On a wider front, despite the challenges we have continued to progress various existing and new large-scale managed services project opportunities around the world which can and will provide step changes in growth should they be secured. No two opportunities are the same and each can have their own idiosyncrasies and challenges. As we have previously advised, project opportunities of this size and nature, particularly in emerging markets, are not only time-consuming and involve complex negotiations with numerous commercial and political bodies, but discussions can ebb and flow over many months, with periods of intense activity which can be followed by long periods of inactivity. It is however precisely because of such challenges that competition is limited and the opportunities offer transformational growth opportunities.

Whilst there is never certainty as to timing or outcome of the many project opportunities we are pursuing, we are making progress on a number of fronts, however due to the nature of the projects and the numerous bodies involved it is notoriously difficult to forecast timing of any contract award. I know this can be frustrating at times but the upside of securing such contracts with long-term, high margin recurring revenues is worth the efforts. We obviously cannot provide regular updates or details on contract negotiations, but we will provide market updates on material developments when appropriate and in line with our regulatory responsibilities.

In summary, despite the various challenges and in some cases because of them, 2022 was a busy year and whilst our results for the year were impacted largely by one multi-million USD Technology contract, delayed through budget constraints, our business has recovered strongly from the Covid impact, with some revenue streams now trading at record levels. We have continued to develop and deliver on business opportunities and during the year supplied goods and services to numerous countries around the world, including some notable achievements. We have continued to invest in our worldwide business development programmes in order to deliver on our growth potential, particularly in our long-term major managed services projects. We believe the benefits from these achievements will begin to be seen in 2023 and beyond and the Board and I remain excited by our growth prospects.

Strategy

Our vision is to build a global business with strong brand recognition delivering advanced security solutions and long-term managed services, on Land, at Sea and in the Air, primarily to high growth and emerging markets around the world, with a particular focus on building multiple revenue streams, many of which involve long term recurring revenue business, from diverse sources in varying parts of the world, providing a degree of resilience to external events and enhancing shareholder value.

The Board considers strategy at each regular Board Meeting and has at least one 'off-site' strategy day each year to review the Company's rolling five-year Strategic Growth Plan and to consider new short-, medium- and long-term strategies that could be implemented to achieve our goals and to deal with changing global and economic issues.

As part of our strategy for growth, we will also continue to improve and enhance our Board and senior management team broadening our range of experience and expertise. If we are to maximise the substantial growth opportunities we are developing, particularly with our managed services operations, it is essential we have the right strategies, people, processes and systems in place to successfully deliver such growth.

Whilst we still believe that the opportunities we have been developing, primarily in emerging and high growth markets, are what will deliver exponential growth over the next few years, these can and do take time to develop and as we have seen, can be disproportionately impacted by global, regional and local events. Accordingly, one of the strategies we are now developing is to balance some of that risk by building more core business in the UK and developed world areas. We have made a good start with important contracts such as the Tower of London, Palace of Westminster, Scottish Parliament, HM Prisons, and the UK Border force, and we will be looking to materially increase such business through 2023 and beyond, not least by developing and delivering on opportunities created by the forthcoming Martyn's Law legislation, with two important mass screening contracts already delivered in relation to this strategy.

Given budget constraints for many companies resulting from the global economic situation another strategy we are exploring is with debt funding and leasing providers to transition large scale projects from a 'capital' purchase to a longer term, 5+ years, revenue model, which would also include maintenance and training. Given that some of these project opportunities can be multi-million dollars in value, we believe that this model brings added value which sets us apart from the competition and will be attractive to many potential clients; indeed, we are already in discussions with a few government bodies on this basis. With large scale projects such as these, there is never certainty of outcome or timing, but we are optimistic this initiative will lead to material and additional long-term revenues.

We are also looking to expand our global footprint through the development of our agent network and through strategic joint ventures (JVs) in key markets and regions, and we believe that this strategy will enable the Company to expand its sphere of operations in a controlled and cost-effective way.

Our risk strategies are developed from our Risk Committee who hold regular meetings and report to the Audit Committee. Mitigation and risk strategies are then developed to address potential risks, as we successfully did during the Covid pandemic. Covid is of course not the first and will not be the last external challenge for which we need to have strategies in place to deal with. In 2014, the world experienced the West African Ebola outbreak which caused huge problems for the region, and now the Russian invasion of Ukraine has world-wide implications. I am confident the strategies we have now and will further put in place, together with our diverse business model, will help us not only manage the challenges but seek new opportunities from them.

The challenges of the last few years have impacted our performance against our stated goals and accordingly, the Board has reset its key goals for 2023 as:

1. Improve ratio of enquiries received/quotations issued by number and quotations issued/orders received by value;

   2.   Increase product portfolio and sales achieved; 
   3.   Increase our global footprint with new offices, agents, and strategic alliances; 
   4.   Increase sales in the UK and other first world countries; 
   5.   Secure at least one more long-term managed services contract; 
   6.   Deliver another year of significant recurring revenue growth; 
   7.   Deliver a material improvement in revenue and a move to profitability; 
   8.   Deliver a sustained and material improvement in our share price; 
   9.   Develop a more formal and structured Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy; 

10. Instigate an Investors in People programme.

Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) Strategy

The Westminster Group takes its corporate and social responsibilities very seriously and recognises that sustainability across our various business sectors is important to us and our future growth, important to our shareholders and wider stakeholders. In this respect, one of our key goals for 2023 is to develop our existing corporate social responsibility and governance activities into a more formal and focussed ESG strategy.

Our people are our most valued asset, and we recognise that a happy and motivated workforce is important. We are an equal opportunities employer and endeavour to treat all our staff, equally, fairly and to assist them reach their maximum potential. We do this by having structured systems to support staff in their job roles and in providing training programmes to improve their skills. We hold regular meetings and appraisals with staff and welcome input and feedback suggestions.

We provide flexible working arrangements, including home working where possible. We provide free refreshments, allow gym time to help keep our staff healthy and provide medical support where appropriate. We organise team building and social events across our business units.

We take our social responsibilities very seriously including supporting the communities in which we operate and, in this respect, have our own registered charity - the Westminster Group Foundation - see here www.wg-foundation.org

Equally, we take our environmental responsibilities seriously and look to minimise our carbon footprint, for example by use of electric vehicles where possible. As an international business, travel has always featured heavily in our business activities. One thing the recent pandemic lockdowns have demonstrated is that some of this travel can be replaced by remote meetings and conference by systems such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom, which has now become commonplace and far more accepted across the world. Accordingly, we intend to focus, where possible, on reducing travel by continuing with remote meetings. Where international travel is still necessary, we are investigating carbon offset programmes. We are also working towards ISO 14001 Environmental Management (EMS).

Performance Indicators

The Group constantly monitors various key performance indicators for factors affecting the overall performance. At Group level, the revenues and gross margin are monitored to give a constant view of the Group's operational performance. A key focus for the Group is in building its recurring revenue base from contracted income relating to its managed services, maintenance and guarding contracts, and this is a key metric being monitored. Employment is the single largest cost base for the Group, the costs are strictly monitored to ensure best use of resources. Days Sales Outstanding is used to measure the cash conversion of revenue and identifies debtor aging issues this is low this year which is good but 2021 represents more normal levels.

The Services Division measures its performance in the four key areas of its deliverables - passengers served in its airport operations, vehicles and containers served in its port and border operations, the number of days training delivered by our training businesses and the number of guarding hours delivered by our guarding businesses.

The Technology Division measures its sales activity by reference to the number of enquiries received per month and the number of orders received. The number of countries served and number of return customers are monitored to give a view on the performance of the division. It is pleasing to see higher levels of return customers, demonstrating brand loyalty. The material increases in passengers served, training hours and guarding hours delivered are all indicators of the strong recovery from different parts of our business in 2022.

 
 Group                                  2022        2021 
 Revenue                             GBP9.5m     GBP7.1m 
                                  ----------  ---------- 
 Gross Margin                            54%         46% 
                                  ----------  ---------- 
 Recurring Revenues                  GBP5.6m     GBP5.4m 
                                  ----------  ---------- 
 Days Sales Outstanding                   30          57 
                                  ----------  ---------- 
 Number of Employees                     256         241 
                                  ----------  ---------- 
 Average Employee Cost Per Head    GBP17,016   GBP18,129 
                                  ----------  ---------- 
 
 
 Services Division                       2022      2021 
 Passengers Served ('000)                 124        77 
                                     --------  -------- 
 Vehicles/Containers Served ('000)        958     1,090 
                                     --------  -------- 
 Training Hours Delivered               5,906     1,136 
                                     --------  -------- 
 Guarding Hours Delivered              38,508    29,677 
                                     --------  -------- 
 
 
 Technology Division                   2022   2021 
 Average Enquiries Per Month            168    293 
                                      -----  ----- 
 Average Number of Orders Per Month      44     37 
                                      -----  ----- 
 Number of Countries Supplied            60     60 
                                      -----  ----- 
 Number of Return Customers             370    242 
                                      -----  ----- 
 

Current Trading & Business Outlook

We have commenced 2023 on a positive note with Q1 trading ahead of budget and, whilst remaining mindful of the global uncertainty which could yet have adverse impacts on trading, we expect 2023 to be a record year.

We commenced 2023 with GBP1.8m of work in hand which is a good start to the year, and we are experiencing increasing levels of enquiries from around the world for our products and services. Our business development teams are working on a number of exciting opportunities, and already we are seeing new contracts coming to fruition.

As mentioned in the Divisional Review above we believe the forthcoming Martyn's Law legislation which is due to become law in 2023 and which The Home Office estimates will affect circa 650,000 UK businesses, is a significant opportunity for our business and we look to build on the work we have done preparing for this and the successful contracts secured in 2022 and fully expect to secure further important new contracts in 2023.

Our West African airport operations have continued the growth we saw in 2022 and are currently running at record levels.

Our guarding and training businesses performed well in 2022 and we expect that to continue in 2023.

We traditionally secured one or two large-scale multi-million USD Technology solution sales projects each year although this has proved more challenging over the past couple of years due to customer spending constraints. However, we do have several potential projects in the pipeline, including the postponed project from 2022, which we expect to materialise in 2023.

We are focussed on building our recurring revenue base of contracted income, particularly from long term contracts, which is, and will continue to be, a key growing strength of our business. In this respect we commenced 2023 with over GBP5m of annual recurring revenues, which we expect materially increase through new contracts during the year.

As mentioned in the Divisional Review there are developments regarding the long overdue ratification of our DRC contract and we are hopeful this prolonged process will be finally concluded and the programme will move forward this year.

We are also encouraged that the land issue regarding our West African port project has been finalised and that construction on the new container storage and inspection area can commence.

As previously mentioned, we have not included any revenues from the Ghana port operation in our 2023 internal projections although we anticipate reaching a settlement during the year.

We continue to invest in our worldwide business development programmes in order to deliver on our growth potential, particularly in our long-term major managed services projects. We believe that we will secure at least one, possibly two, long-term managed services contract in 2023, each producing a multi-million dollar step change in revenues.

The foregoing, outlining the recovery and growth we are seeing in our various businesses, together with our business model and the opportunities we have been developing over the years which, despite the challenges and setbacks we have experienced in recent years, underpin our confidence for the future growth of our business. Building on our 2022 results, we believe a record year of revenues and profitability are in sight for 2023. The key to achieve this, of course, is to secure new contracts with enough time to recognise revenues in the year and we are working hard to deliver that.

Peter Fowler

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer's Report

Revenue

2022 revenues of approximately GBP9.5m (2021: GBP7.1m) are up 35% with all areas showing increases despite the Ukrainian war and general turmoil in the world. However, large projects continued to be delayed awaiting confidence that the world was returning back to more normal times.

Services revenues increased by 23% to GBP6.3m (2021: GBP5.1m). This was because of the continuing strength of our West African Airport passenger levels during the year, combined with Guarding revenues up 35% and training hours over 5 times the number in 2021 as the world needs to train to recover from staff lost in the pandemic.

Westminster's Technology Division revenues were up 65% to GBP3.2m (2021: GBP2.0m). 2021 did not have any large solutions sales whereas in 2022 the market was returning albeit a number of expected contract awards were delayed.

Gross Margin

Despite an increase in Technology Solution sales (typically at 15% to 20%), which would normally bring down the average margin; better Technology margins and the increase in higher margin Services Division sales was enough to improve the Gross Margin Percent to 54% (2021: 46%).

Operating Cost Base

Group administrative costs increased by 7% to GBP5.5m (2021: GBP5.2m) in total. A little over one third of the increase was because in 2021 we had GBP141,000 of support under the Covid furlough scheme whereas there was none in 2022. Approximately another third is the full year effect of growth initiatives started in 2021. The rest is because of the general inflationary background despite strenuous efforts to control costs.

Effect of Covid-19

Whilst Westminster has mitigated certain effects of the Covid-19 pandemic due to its multi revenue stream business model and early action taken by management to plan for the crisis, there is no doubt that Covid-19 did have a significant impact on the business and the performance in 2021. This has continued into 2022 as the prevailing economic situation has not fully returned to pre-covid levels in our sectors.

Operational EBITDA^ from underlying operations

The Group's loss from operations was GBP0.3m (2021: GBP1.9m). When adjusted for the exceptional and non-cash items and depreciation and amortisation, as set out below, the Group recorded an EBITDA^ loss from underlying operations of GBP0.1m (2021: GBP1.7m loss).

 
 Reconciliation to EBITDA^ from underlying operations       2022      2021 
                                                         GBP'000   GBP'000 
                                                           ( 325 
 Loss from operations                                          )   (1,917) 
 Depreciation, amortisation and impairment charges          25 2       244 
                                                        --------  -------- 
 Reported EBITDA                                          ( 73 )   (1,673) 
 Share based expense                                           -         - 
 Exceptional items                                             -         - 
 EBITDA^ from operations                                  ( 73 )   (1,673) 
                                                        ========  ======== 
 

^ This is an Alternative Performance Measure refer to Note 2 for further details

Finance Costs

Total finance costs for 2022 GBP0.0m (2021: GBP0.0m), because the Group has very low debts. There was an underlying cash charge of GBP0.0m (2021: GBP0.0m).

Earnings Results for the Year

The Group loss before taxation was GBP0.4m (2021: GBP1.9m). The Group loss after tax was GBP0.0m (2021: GBP1.9m loss) and the loss per share was 0.00p (2021: 0.62p).

Statement of Financial Position

The Group's gross assets amounted to GBP10.0m on 31 December 2022 compared with GBP9.3m on 31 December 2021. The main movement was a reduction in cash offsetting a GBP0.6m decrease in working capital and funding the losses.

The Group's current assets amounted to GBP5.6m on 31 December 2022 (2021: GBP5.3m) for the same reasons as the change in total Group assets.

The Group's trade and other receivables balance as at 31 December 2022 was GBP4.8m (2021: GBP3.7m). Average days sales outstanding at the year-end were 30 (2021: 57). This was improved by the large solution sale close to the year end.

Cash and cash equivalents were GBP0.3m at 31 December 2022 compared with GBP0.9m at 31 December 2021. The decrease is mainly due to losses and movement in working capital.

Trade and other payables were GBP2.6m (2021: GBP1.8m) and average creditor days were 51 (2021: 43).

A deferred tax asset of GBP1.3m (2021: GBP1.0m) was held at the year end the movement related to the increase in expected tax rate.

Total equity on 31 December 2022 stood at a surplus of GBP7.4m (2021: GBP7.5m).

Again, the large solution sale close to the year-end has distorted the figures.

Key Performance Indicators

The Key Performance Indicators by which we measure performance of our business are set out in the Chief Executive Officer's Report.

Equity Issues

There were no equity issues in 2022 (2021: Funds raised GBP2.51m).

Summary of Warrants

As at 31 December 2022 the warrants outstanding were:

 
  Number      Holder     Strike     Issued     Life   Vesting Criteria 
                          Price 
                           (p) 
                                  31 January 
  170,455    S P Angel    22.0     2018         5     At grant 
            ----------  -------  -----------  -----  ---------------------- 
                                  21 January          6 months after grant: 
 3,499,222   RiverFort    5.2      2020         4      - detachable 
            ----------  -------  -----------  -----  ---------------------- 
 

The S P Angel warrants have now lapsed.

For further details on warrants, refer to Note 21.

Cash Flow Statement

During the year, the Group had an operating cash outflow of GBP0.7m (2021: outflow GBP3.3m) which arose from the loss and an adverse working capital movement of GBP0.6m (2021: GBP1.6m adverse) which was a decrease in receivables, investment in the new projects and an increase in payables.

During the year, the Group raised nothing from the issue of new equity (2021: GBP2.51m gross).

 
 Reconciliation from adjusted EBITDA^        2022      2021 
  to normalised operating cash flow 
                                          GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Adjusted EBITDA^                          ( 73 )   (1,673) 
 L oss on asset disposal                     ( 4)         - 
 Net changes in working capital             (569)   (1,632) 
 Movement on tax                             3 54      (11) 
                                                   -------- 
 Net Cash used in underlying operating 
  activities                              (2 92 )   (3,316) 
                                         ========  ======== 
 

Net cash used in underlying operating activities is presented excluding exceptional items, share options expense, and depreciation and amortisation.

Mark L W Hughes

Chief Financial Officer

^ This is an Alternative Performance Measure refer to Note 2 for further details

Westminster Group PLC

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 31 December 2022

 
                                                Note      2022      2021 
                                                         Total     Total 
---------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
                                                       GBP'000   GBP'000 
 REVENUE                                           3     9,528     7,051 
 Cost of sales                                         (4,393)   (3,789) 
---------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
 GROSS PROFIT                                            5,135     3,262 
---------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
 Administrative expenses                               (5,460)   (5,179) 
---------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
 (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS                            5     (325)   (1,917) 
---------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
 
 Analysis of operating loss 
 Profit from operations                                  (325)   (1,917) 
 Add back amortisation                            10        56        78 
 Add back depreciation                            11       196       166 
---------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
 EBITDA^ (Loss) from underlying operations                (73)   (1,673) 
---------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
 
 Finance costs                                     4      (40)       (3) 
 
 LOSS BEFORE TAXATION                                    (365)   (1,920) 
 Taxation                                          6       354      (11) 
 
 LOSS AND TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR        ( 11)   (1,931) 
----------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 LOSS AND TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE 
  TO: 
 OWNERS OF THE PARENT                                      121   (1,921) 
 
 NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST                                (132)      (10) 
 
 LOSS AND TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME                      (11)   (1,931) 
---------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
 
 BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE                  8   (0.00p)   (0.62p) 
---------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
 

^ This is an Alternative Performance Measure refer to Note 2 for further details

Westminster Group PLC

Consolidated and Company Statements of Financial Position

As at 31 December 2022

 
 
                                           Group      Group   Company         Company 
                                            2022       2021      2022            2021 
                                  Note   GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000         GBP'000 
-------------------------------  -----  --------  ---------  --------  -------------- 
 
 Goodwill                            9       615        614         -               - 
 Other intangible assets            10       106        150        84             120 
 Property, plant and equipment      11     1,825      1,895     1,087           1,133 
 Investment in subsidiaries         13         -          -         -               - 
 Deferred tax asset                 16     1,308        953         -               - 
 TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS                  3,854      3,612     1,171           1,253 
-------------------------------  -----  --------  ---------  --------  -------------- 
 Inventories                        17       485        681         -               - 
 Trade and other receivables        18     4,808      3,661    10,683           9,830 
 Cash and cash equivalents          19       289        944      (59)             380 
------------------------------- 
 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                      5,582      5,286    10,624          10,210 
-------------------------------  -----  --------  ---------  --------  -------------- 
 Non-current receivable             18       593        424         -               - 
-------------------------------  ----- 
 TOTAL ASSETS                             10,029      9,322    11,795          11,463 
-------------------------------  -----  --------  ---------  --------  -------------- 
 Called up share capital            20       331        331       331             331 
 Share based payment reserve                 964      1,043       964           1,043 
 Revaluation reserve                         139        139       139             139 
 Retained earnings: 
 At 1 January                              6,340   (24,409)     9,307        (20,957) 
 (Loss)/profit for the 
  year                                       121    (1,921)      (23)         (2,389) 
 Other changes in retained 
  earnings                                    42     32,670        78          32,653 
 At 31 December                            6,503      6,340     9,362           9,307 
-------------------------------  -----  -------- 
 (DEFICIT)/EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE 
  TO: 
  OWNERS OF THE COMPANY                    7,937      7,853    10,796          10,820 
  NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST                 (522)      (390)         -               - 
-------------------------------  ----- 
 TOTAL (DEFICIT)/EQUITY                    7,415      7,463    10,796          10,820 
-------------------------------  -----  --------  ---------  --------  -------------- 
 Borrowings                         22        27         12         -               5 
 TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES                27         12         -               5 
-------------------------------  -----  --------  ---------  --------  -------------- 
 Contractual liabilities            23        80         87         -               - 
 Trade and other payables           23     2,507      1,760       999             638 
-------------------------------  -----                       -------- 
 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                 2,587      1,847       999             638 
-------------------------------  -----  --------  ---------  --------  -------------- 
 Liabilities of disposal                       -          -         -               - 
  group classified as held 
  for sale 
-------------------------------  -----  -------- 
 TOTAL LIABILITIES                         2,614      1,859       999             643 
-------------------------------  -----  --------  ---------  --------  -------------- 
 TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' 
  EQUITY AND LIABILITIES                  10,029      9,322    11,795          11,463 
-------------------------------  -----  --------  ---------  --------  -------------- 
 

Peter Fowler Mark L W Hughes

Director Director

Westminster Group PLC

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 December 2022

 
                   Called     Share    Merger     Share   Revaluation   Retained     Total   Non-controlling     Total 
                       up   premium    relief     based       reserve   earnings                    interest 
                    share   account   reserve   payment 
                  capital                       reserve 
 
 
                  GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000           GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
 AS AT 1 
  JANUARY 2022        331         -         -     1,043           139      6,340     7,853             (390)     7,463 
---------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Lapse of share 
  options               -         -         -      (79)             -         79         -                 -         - 
 Other 
  movements in 
  equity                -         -         -         -             -       (37)      (37)                 -      (37) 
 TRANSACTIONS 
  WITH OWNERS           -         -         -      (79)             -         42      (37)                 -      (37) 
---------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  expense 
  for the year          -         -         -         -             -        121       121             (132)      (11) 
 
 AS AT 31 
  DECEMBER 2022       331         -         -       964           139      6,503     7,937             (522)     7,415 
---------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 

Westminster Group PLC

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 December 2021

 
                    Called      Share    Merger     Share          Revaluation   Retained     Total   Non-controlling     Total 
                  up share    premium    relief     based              reserve   earnings                    interest 
                   capital    account   reserve   payment 
                                                  reserve 
 
 
                   GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000              GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000           GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
 AS AT 1 
  JANUARY 2021 
  as 
  previously 
  stated            16,278     14,069       300     1,050                  139   (24,242)     7,594             (535)     7,059 
---------------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------  -------------------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Prior year 
  adjustment             -          -         -                              -      (150)     (150)               150         - 
 AS AT 1 
  JANUARY 2021      16,278     14,069       300     1,050                  139   (24,392)     7,444             (385)     7,059 
---------------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------  -------------------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Shares issued 
  for cash              44      2,456         -         -                    -          -     2,500                 -     2,500 
 Cost of share 
  issues                 -      (179)         -         -                    -          -     (179)                 -     (179) 
 Lapse of share 
  options                -          -         -       (7)                    -          7         -                 -         - 
 Exercise of 
  warrants and 
  share options          -          9         -         -                    -          -         9                 -         9 
 Capital 
  Reduction       (15,991)   (16,355)     (300)         -                    -     32,646         -                 -         - 
 TRANSACTIONS 
  WITH OWNERS     (15,947)   (14,069)     (300)       (7)                    -     32,653     2,330                 -     2,330 
---------------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------  -------------------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  expense 
  for the year           -          -         -         -                    -    (1,921)   (1,921)               (5)   (1,926) 
 
 AS AT 31 
  DECEMBER 2021        331          -         -     1,043                  139      6,340     7,853             (390)     7,463 
---------------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------  -------------------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 

Westminster Group PLC

Company Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 December 2022

 
                     Called      Share     Merger      Share   Revaluation      Retained      Total 
                   up share    premium     relief      based       reserve      earnings 
                    capital    account    reserve    payment 
                                                     reserve 
                    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000 
 AS AT 1 
  JANUARY 
  2022               331         -          -        1,043         139          9,307        10,820 
---------------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
 Lapse of Share 
  Options             -          -          -         (79)          -            79               - 
 TRANSACTIONS 
  WITH 
  OWNERS              -          -          -         (79)          -            79               - 
---------------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  expense for 
  the 
  year                                                                          (24)           (24) 
---------------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
 AS AT 31 
  DECEMBER 
  2022               331         -          -         964          139          9,362        10,796 
---------------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
 
                     Called      Share     Merger      Share   Revaluation      Retained      Total 
                   up share    premium     relief      based       reserve      earnings 
                    capital    account    reserve    payment 
                                                     reserve 
                    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000 
        AS AT 1 
        JANUARY 
           2021      16,278     14,069        300      1,050           139      (20,957)     10,879 
---------------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
  Shares issued 
       for cash          44      2,456          -          -             -             -      2,500 
  Cost of share 
         issues           -      (179)          -          -             -             -      (179) 
 Lapse of Share 
        Options           -          -          -        (7)             -             7          - 
    Exercise of 
       warrants 
      and share 
        options           -          9          -          -             -             -          9 
        Capital 
      Reduction    (15,991)   (16,355)      (300)          -             -        32,646          - 
   TRANSACTIONS 
           WITH 
         OWNERS    (15,947)   (14,069)      (300)        (7)             -        32,653      2,330 
---------------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
          Total 
  comprehensive 
    expense for 
            the 
           year           -          -          -          -             -       (2,389)    (2,389) 
---------------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
       AS AT 31 
       DECEMBER 
           2021         331          -          -      1,043           139         9,307     10,820 
---------------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
 
 
 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

For the year ended 31 December 2022

 
                                                           2022      2021 
                                                          Total     Total 
                                                Note    GBP'000   GBP'000 
 (LOSS) AFTER TAX                                          (11)   (1,931) 
 Taxation                                                 (354)        11 
                                                      ---------  -------- 
 (LOSS) BEFORE TAX                                        (365)   (1,920) 
 Non-cash adjustments                           24          252       244 
 Net changes in working capital                 24        (569)   (1,632) 
--------------------------------------------  ------ 
 NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES                    (682)   (3,308) 
--------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  -------- 
 INVESTING ACTIVITIES: 
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment      11        (111)     (160) 
 Purchase of intangible assets                  10         (12)      (41) 
 CASH OUTFLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                   (123)     (201) 
--------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  -------- 
 CASHFLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: 
 Gross proceeds from the issues of ordinary 
  shares                                                      -     2,509 
 Costs of share issues                                        -     (179) 
 Reduction in finance lease debt                             15      (17) 
 Finance cost                                              (40)       (3) 
 Loan drawdown                                              185         - 
 Other loan repayments, including interest                 (10)         - 
--------------------------------------------  ------ 
 CASH INFLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                      150     2,310 
--------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  -------- 
 
 Net change in cash and cash equivalents                  (655)   (1,199) 
                                                      ---------  -------- 
 CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR                  944     2,143 
                                                      ---------  -------- 
 
 CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT OF YEAR             19         289       944 
                                                      ---------  -------- 
 

Company Cash Flow Statement

For the year ended 31 December 2022

 
                                                           Company   Company 
                                                              2022      2021 
                                             Note          GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------  ------  ---------------  -------- 
 (LOSS)/PROFIT AFTER TAX                                      (23)   (2,389) 
 Other Non-cash adjustments                    24              121       140 
 Net changes in working capital                24            (493)   (1,291) 
                                           ------ 
 NET CASH (USED IN) /FROM OPERATING 
  ACTIVITIES                                                 (395)   (3,540) 
-----------------------------------------  ------  ---------------  -------- 
 INVESTING ACTIVITIES: 
 Purchase of property, plant and 
  equipment                                    11             (26)     (111) 
 Purchase of intangible assets                 10             (13)       (6) 
-----------------------------------------  ------  ---------------  -------- 
 CASH OUTFLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                       (39)     (117) 
-----------------------------------------  ------  ---------------  -------- 
 CASHFLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: 
 Gross proceeds from the issues 
  of ordinary shares                                             -     2,509 
 Costs of share issues                                           -     (179) 
 Change in lease debt                                          (5)       (8) 
 Finance cost on lease liabilities                               -       (1) 
 CASH INFLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                         (5)     2,321 
-----------------------------------------  ------  ---------------  -------- 
 Net change in cash and cash equivalents                     (439)   (1,336) 
-----------------------------------------  ------  ---------------  -------- 
 CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING 
  OF YEAR                                                      380     1,716 
-----------------------------------------  ------  ---------------  -------- 
 CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT OF 
  YEAR                                                        (59)       380 
-----------------------------------------  ------  ---------------  -------- 
 

Notes to the Financial Statements

   1.            General information and nature of operations 

Westminster Group PLC ("the Company") was incorporated on 7 April 2000 and is domiciled and incorporated in the United Kingdom and quoted on AIM. The Group's financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 consolidate the individual financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Group design, supply and provide on-going advanced technology solutions and services to governmental and non-governmental organisations on a global basis.

   2.             Summary of significant accounting policies 

Basis of preparation

The Group financial statements have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with UK-adopted IAS. The Parent Company has elected to prepare its financial statements in accordance with UK-adopted IAS. The Company has taken advantage of the exemption under Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 from presenting its own profit and loss account.

The financial information is presented in the Company's functional currency, which is British pounds sterling ('GBP') since that is the currency in which the majority of the Group's transactions are denominated.

Basis of measurement

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with the exception of certain items which are measured at fair value as disclosed in the accounting policies below.

Consolidation

(i) Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries for the year ended 31 December 2022.

(ii) Subsidiaries

Where the company has control over an investee, it is classified as a subsidiary. The company controls an investee if all three of the following elements are present: power over the investee, exposure to variable returns from the investee, and the ability of the investor to use its power to affect those variable returns. Control is reassessed whenever facts and circumstances indicate that there may be a change in any of these elements of control.

De-facto control exists in situations where the company has the practical ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee without holding the majority of the voting rights. In determining whether de-facto control exists the company considers all relevant facts and circumstances, including:

-- The size of the company's voting rights relative to both the size and dispersion of other parties

   --      who hold voting rights 
   --      Substantive potential voting rights held by the company and by other parties 
   --      Other contractual arrangements 
   --      Historic patterns in voting attendance. 

The consolidated financial statements present the results of the company and its subsidiaries ("the Group") as if they formed a single entity. Intercompany transactions and balances between group companies are therefore eliminated in full.

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the acquisition method. In the statement of financial position, the acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date. The results of acquired operations are included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income from the date on which control is obtained. They are deconsolidated from the date on which control ceases.

(iii) Transactions eliminated on consolidation

Intragroup balances and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intragroup transactions are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

(iv) Company financial statements

Investments in subsidiaries are carried at cost less provision for any impairment. Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive payment is established.

Going concern

The Group made a loss during the period of GBP0.0m (2021: GBP1.9m), The cash outflow from operating activities during the year was GBP0.7m (2021: GBP3.3m).

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis. In assessing whether the going concern assumption is appropriate, management have taken into account all relevant available information about the current and future position of the Group, including new long-term contracts. As part of its assessment, management have taken into account the profit and cash forecasts, the continued support of the shareholders and the Directors' and management's ability to affect costs and revenues. Management regularly forecast results, the financial position and cash flows for the Group.

The Directors have reviewed the Group's resources at the date of approving the financial statements, and their projections for future trading, which due to winning incremental new business give a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, which for the avoidance of doubt is at least 12 months from the date of signing the financial statements. Thus, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

Business combinations

The consideration transferred by the Group to obtain control of a subsidiary is calculated as the sum of the acquisition date fair values of assets transferred, liabilities incurred, and the equity interests issued by the Group, which includes the fair value of any asset or liability arising from a contingent consideration arrangement. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred.

The Group recognises identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination regardless of whether they have been previously recognised in the acquiree's financial statements prior to the acquisition. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are generally measured at their acquisition date fair values.

Foreign currency

Items included in the financial statements of the Company are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates - 'the functional currency'. The functional and presentation currency in these financial statements is the Great British Pounds (GBP).

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction (spot exchange rate). Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the re-measurement of monetary items at year-end exchange rates are recognised in profit or loss. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost are translated using the exchange rates at the date of the transaction and not subsequently retranslated.

Foreign exchange gains and losses are recognised in arriving at profit before interest and taxation (see Note 5).

Segmental reporting

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief decision-maker. The chief decision-maker has been identified as the Executive Board, at which level strategic decisions are made.

An operating segment is a component of the Group;

-- That engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses,

-- Whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the entity's chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and

   --              For which discrete financial information is available. 

Revenue

Revenue recognition

Revenue represents income derived from contracts for the provision of goods and services, over time or at a point in time, by the Group to customers in exchange for consideration in the ordinary course of the Group's activities.

Performance Obligations

Upon approval by the parties to a contract, the contract is assessed to identify each promise to transfer either a distinct good or service or a series of distinct goods or services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer. Goods and services are distinct and accounted for as separate performance obligations in the contract if the customer can benefit from them either on their own or together with other resources that are readily available to the customer, and they are separately identifiable in the contract.

Transaction price

At the start of the contract, the total transaction price is estimated as the amount of consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised goods and services to the customer, excluding sales taxes. Variable consideration, such as price escalation, is included based on the expected value or most likely amount only to the extent that it is highly probable that there will not be a reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue recognised. The transaction price does not include estimates of consideration resulting from contract modifications, such as change orders, until they have been approved by parties to the contract. The total transaction price is allocated to the performance obligations identified in the contract in proportion to their relative stand-alone selling prices. Given the nature of many of the Group's products and services, which are designed and/or manufactured under contract to customers' individual specifications, there are typically no observable stand-alone selling prices. Instead, stand-alone selling prices are typically estimated based on expected costs plus contract margin consistent with the Group's pricing principles.

Whilst payment terms vary from contract to contract, an element of the transaction price may be received in advance of delivery. The Group may therefore have contract liabilities depending on the contracts in existence at a period end. The Group's contracts are not considered to include significant financing components on the basis that there is no difference between the consideration and the cash selling price.

Revenue recognition

Revenue is recognised as performance obligations are satisfied as control of the goods and services is transferred to the customer.

For each performance obligation within a contract the Group determines whether it is satisfied over time or at a point in time. Performance obligations are satisfied over time if one of the following criteria is satisfied:

-- The customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Group's performance as it performs;

-- The Group's performance creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls as the asset is created or enhanced; or

-- The Group's performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to the Group and it has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date.

The Group has determined that most of its contacts satisfy the overtime criteria, either because the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Group's performance as it performs, or the Group's performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to the Group and it has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date. For each performance obligation recognised over time, the Group recognises revenue using an input method, based on costs incurred in the period. Revenue and attributable margin are calculated by reference to reliable estimates of transaction price and total expected costs, after making suitable allowances or technical and other risks. Revenue and associated margin are therefore recognised progressively as costs are incurred, and as risks have been mitigated or retired. The Group has determined that this method appropriately depicts the Group's performance in transferring control of the goods and services to the customer.

If the overtime criteria for revenue recognition is not met, revenue is recognised at the point in time that control is transferred to the customer which is usually when legal title passes to the customer and the business has the right to payment.

When it is expected that total contract costs will exceed total contract revenue, the expected loss is recognised immediately as an expense.

Operating expenses

Operating expenses are recognised in profit or loss upon utilisation of the service or at the date of their origin. Expenditure for warranties is recognised and charged against the associated provision when the related revenue is recognised. Certain items have been disclosed as operating exceptional due to their size and nature and their separate disclosure should enable better understanding of the financial dynamics.

Interest income and expenses

Interest income and expenses are reported on an accruals basis using the effective interest method.

Goodwill

Goodwill is stated after separate recognition of identifiable intangible assets. It is calculated as the excess of the sum of a) fair value of consideration transferred, b) the recognised amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and c) acquisition date fair value of any existing equity interest in the acquiree, over the acquisition date fair value of identifiable net assets. If the

fair value of identifiable net assets exceeds the sum calculated above, the excess amount (i.e., gain on a bargain purchase) is recognised in profit or loss immediately. Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses.

Property, plant and equipment

Plant and equipment, office equipment, fixtures and fittings and motor vehicles are stated at cost less

accumulated depreciation and any recognised impairment loss             . 

Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets to their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method, typically at the following rates. Where certain assets are specific for a long-term contract and the customer has an obligation to purchase the asset at the end of the contract they are depreciated in accordance with the expected disposal / residual value.

 
                               Rate 
----------------------------  ----------- 
 Freehold buildings            2% 
 Plant and equipment           7% to 25% 
 Office equipment, fixtures 
  & fittings                   20% to 33% 
 Motor vehicles                20% 
----------------------------  ----------- 
 

Freehold land is not depreciated.

Leases

All leases that fall under IFRS 16 will be recorded on the balance sheet as liabilities, at the present value of the future lease payments, along with an asset reflecting the right to use the asset over the lease term. Rentals payable under operating leases exempt from IFRS 16 are charged to income on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. At inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease based on whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.

The Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability at the lease commencement date. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the following lease payments:

   -               fixed payments; 
   -               variable payments that are based on index or rate; 

- the exercise price of any extension or purchase option if reasonably certain it can be exercised; and

   -               penalties for terminating the lease, if relevant. 

The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Group's incremental borrowing rate for that type of asset.

The right-of-use assets are initially measured based on initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs. The right-of-use assets are depreciated over the period of the lease term using the straight-line method. The lease term includes periods covered by the option to extend, if the Group is reasonably certain to exercise that option. In addition, right-of-use assets may during the lease term be reduced by any impairment losses, if any, or adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability.

Impairment on non-financial assets

At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its non-current assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. If the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised as an expense immediately, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years.

Financial instruments

Financial assets

The Group's financial assets include cash and cash equivalents and loans and other receivables. All financial assets are recognised when the Group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. All financial assets are initially recognised at fair value, plus transaction costs. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses. Any changes in carrying value are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Interest and other cash flows resulting from holding financial assets are recognised in the Statement of Cash Flows when received, regardless of how the related carrying amount of financial assets is measured.

The Group recognises a loss allowance for expected losses on financial assets that are measured at amortised cost including trade receivables and contract assets. The amount of expected credit losses is updated at each reporting date to reflect changes in credit risk since initial recognition.

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and deposits and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities unless a legally enforceable right to offset exists.

The RiverFort sundry debtor is classified at fair value through profit or loss and is re-measured to fair value at the end of each reporting period. Gains and losses arising from re-measurement are taken to profit or loss, as are transaction costs incurred.

Management review at each reporting date the significant observable inputs and valuation adjustments with respect to the fair value measurement of the RiverFort debtor. The value of the Group's shares is observable in an active market as quoted prices are available hence valuation is within level 1 of the fair value hierarchy under IFRS 13, Fair value measurement. There were no changes in either the inputs or the valuation technique in the year.

Financial liabilities

The Group's financial liabilities comprise trade and other payables and borrowings. All financial liabilities are recognised initially at their fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Financial liabilities are derecognised when they are extinguished, discharged, cancelled or expire.

Convertible loan notes with an option that leads to a potentially variable number of shares, have been accounted for as a host debt with an embedded derivative. The embedded derivative is accounted for at fair value through profit and loss at each reporting date. The host debt is recognised initially at fair value, and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Convertible loan notes which can be converted to share capital at the option of the holder, and where the number of shares to be issued does not vary with changes in fair value, are considered to be a compound instrument.

The liability component of a compound instrument is recognised initially at the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an equity conversion option. The equity component is recognised initially at the difference between the fair value of the compound instrument and fair value of the liability component. Any directly attributable transaction costs are allocated to the liability and equity components.

Financial liabilities and equity instruments issued by the Group are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into and the definitions of a financial liability and an equity instrument. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all of its liabilities.

Investments and loans in subsidiaries

Subsidiary fixed asset investments are valued at cost less provision for impairment. The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance for all investment and loans in subsidiaries.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Costs of ordinarily interchangeable items are assigned using the first in, first out cost formula. Costs principally comprise of materials and bringing them to their present location. Net realisable value represents the estimated selling price less all estimated costs to completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

Taxation

The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax. Current and deferred tax are recognised as an expense or income in profit or loss, except in respect of items dealt with through equity, in which case the tax is also dealt with through equity.

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net 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 by using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on material differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction which affects neither the tax profit not the accounting profit.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities unless a legally enforceable right to offset exists.

Equity, reserves and dividend payments

Share capital represents the nominal value of shares that have been issued.

The share-based payment reserve represents equity-settled share-based employee remuneration until such share options are exercised or lapse. It also includes the equity settled items such as warrants for services rendered accounted for in accordance with IFRS 2.

The revaluation reserve within equity comprises gains and losses due to the revaluation of property, plant and equipment.

Retained earnings include all current and prior period retained profits and losses.

Dividend distributions payable to equity shareholders are included in liabilities when the dividends have been approved in a general meeting prior to the reporting date.

Pensions

The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme for employees in the UK and is operating under auto enrolment. Local labour in Africa benefit from a termination payment on leaving employment. The expected value of this is accrued on a monthly basis.

Share-based compensation (Employee Based Benefits)

The Group operates an equity-settled share-based compensation plan. The fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of options is recognised as an expense over the vesting period, based on the Group's estimate of awards that will eventually vest, with a corresponding increase in equity as a share-based payment reserve. For plans that include market-based vesting conditions, the fair value at the date of grant reflects these conditions and are not subsequently revisited.

Fair value is determined using Black-Scholes option pricing models. Non-market based vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options that are expected to vest. At each reporting date, the number of options that are expected to vest is estimated. The impact of any revision of original estimates, if any, is recognised in profit or loss, with a corresponding adjustment to equity, over the remaining vesting period.

The proceeds received when vested options are exercised, net of any directly attributable transaction costs, are credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium.

Share-based payments

The Group has two types of share-based payments other than employee compensation.

Warrants issued for services rendered which are accounted for in accordance with IFRS 2 recognising either the cost of the service if it can be reliably measured or the fair value of the warrant (using Black-Scholes option pricing models).

Warrants issued as part of Share Issues have been determined as equity instruments under IAS 32. Since the fair value of the shares issued at the same time is equal to the price paid, these warrants, by deduction, are considered to have been issued at nil value.

Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event which it is probable will result in an outflow of economic benefits that can be reliably estimated.

SIGNIFICANT MANAGEMENT JUDGEMENTS IN APPLYING ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following are significant management judgements in applying the accounting policies of the Group that have the most significant effect on the financial statements.

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 Board has judged that because most of the Group's costs and a substantial part of its sales are situated in the UK.

Goodwill

Goodwill (note 9) has been tested for impairment by considering its net present value for the expected income stream in perpetuity at a discount rate judged to be 5% based on the normal lending rate we are offered leases at, which management consider is a good surrogate for cost of capital. It was also established that 20% (2021: 34%) is the discount rate at which no impairment still would be needed. The income is assumed to be flat and stable for the purpose of this test. Goodwill which does not show a net present value higher than its carrying cost will be impaired.

Deferred tax asset

Deferred tax assets (note 16) are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. The Directors have prepared projections for the next five years based on the best available evidence and have concluded that this deferred tax asset will be utilised in the future.

Subsidiary intercompany balances

Intercompany balances are stated at full value if the subsidiary is continuing to trade, and a reasonable projection indicates that the subsidiary will be able to repay the balance at some time in the future. Dormant subsidiaries owing money to the group are therefore fully impaired. The Group will support subsidiaries to meet their obligations as and when they fall due.

Debtors and Accrued Income

The collectability of debtor balances, which include amounts due from various projects including Ghana, have been reviewed in depth by management and the collectability of each debt has been considered carefully. The outcome of these reviews, as well as a more general exercise, is that the carrying value of the debtors is stated at the amount owed less a realistic provision for those debtors considered to be uncollectable or needing impairment. The collectability of the debt in relation to Ghana revolves around agreement with the counterparty over the quantum and the payment terms due under the contract for services rendered and early termination. Management have taken a prudent approach to ensure the carrying value of the amount owed is collectable. The accrued income has been estimated based solely on the volume of containers passing through the screening systems. Management believe the final income figure could be in excess of the amount disclosed in the financial statements.

Sundry Debtors

The collectability of sundry debtor balances has been reviewed and considered by the executive team. The carrying value of the sundry debtor in particular RiverFort has been tested and it is considered to be fairly stated although there is potential for a contingent liability as disclosed in Note 25.

The judgements involved in determining the appropriate classification of the receivable being a financial asset held at fair value through profit or loss include the asset not being held for trading investment in an equity instrument that is designated at fair value through other comprehensive income at initial recognition. The contractual terms of the sundry debt does not give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding. The RiverFort sundry debtor balance is therefore measured at fair value and any gains and losses recognised in the profit and loss as they arise.

Revalued freehold property

The freehold property is stated at fair value. A full revaluation exercise was carried out in December 2020. The fair value is based on market value, being the estimated amount for which a property could be exchanged on the date of valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm's length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion. The Directors are of the opinion that the 2020 valuation has not moved materially since the last valuation was performed. The valuation was not materially different to the value the asset is recorded at the balance sheet date.

New standards, amendments and interpretations

The following new standards have been adopted as appropriate and where required the prior year's figures have been restated.

Onerous Contracts - Cost of Fulfilling a Contract (Amendments to IAS 37)

The amendments specify that the 'cost of fulfilling' a contract comprises the 'costs that relate directly to the contract'. Costs that relate directly to a contract can either be incremental costs of fulfilling that contract (examples would be direct labour, materials) or an allocation of other costs that relate directly to fulfilling contracts (an example would be the allocation of the depreciation charge for an item of property, plant and equipment used in fulfilling the contract). This applied for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2022.

Reference to the Conceptual Framework (Amendments to IFRS 3)

The amendments update an outdated reference to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS 3 without significantly changing the requirements in the standard. This applied for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2022.

Amendment to IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

The amendment clarifies which fees an entity includes when it applies the '10 per cent' test in paragraph B3.3.6 of IFRS 9 in assessing whether to derecognise a financial liability. An entity includes only fees paid or received between the entity (the borrower) and the lender, including fees paid or received by either the entity or the lender on the other's behalf. This applied for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2022.

Property, Plant and Equipment - Proceeds before Intended Use (Amendments to IAS 16)

The amendments prohibit deducting from the cost of an item of property, plant and equipment any proceeds from selling items produced while bringing that asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Instead, an entity recognises the proceeds from selling such items, and the cost of producing those items, in profit or loss. This will apply for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2022.

New standards, amendments and interpretations adopted early

Income Taxes (Amendments to IAS 12)

This implements a so-called 'comprehensive balance sheet method' of accounting for income taxes which recognizes both the current tax consequences of transactions and events and the future tax consequences of the future recovery or settlement of the carrying amount of an entity's assets and liabilities. Differences between the carrying amount and tax base of assets and liabilities, and carried forward tax losses and credits, are recognized, with limited exceptions, as deferred tax liabilities or deferred tax assets, with the latter also being subject to a 'probable profits' test. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023 but have been adopted early.

Standards amendments and interpretations in issue not yet effective

I AS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements

IAS 1 "Presentation of Financial Statements" sets out the overall requirements for financial statements, including how they should be structured, the minimum requirements for their content and overriding concepts such as going concern, the accrual basis of accounting and the current/non-current distinction. The standard requires a complete set of financial statements to comprise a statement of financial position, a statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, a statement of changes in equity and a statement of cash flows. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023.

IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors

This standard is applied in selecting and applying accounting policies, accounting for changes in estimates and reflecting corrections of prior period errors. The standard requires compliance with any specific IFRS applying to a transaction, event or condition, and provides guidance on developing accounting policies for other items that result in relevant and reliable information. Changes in accounting policies and corrections of errors are generally retrospectively accounted for, whereas changes in accounting estimates are generally accounted for on a prospective basis. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023.

IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts

IFRS 17 requires insurance liabilities to be measured at a current fulfilment value and provides a more uniform measurement and presentation approach for all insurance contracts. These requirements are designed to achieve the goal of a consistent, principle-based accounting for insurance contracts. IFRS 17 supersedes IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts as of 1 January 2023. This is not applicable to the Group.

Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current (Amendments to IAS 1)

IFRS 3 "Business Combinations" outlines the accounting when an acquirer obtains control of a business (e.g. an acquisition or merger). Such business combinations are accounted for using the 'acquisition method', which generally requires assets acquired and liabilities assumed to be measured at their fair values at the acquisition date. The amendments aim to promote consistency in applying the requirements by helping companies determine whether, in the statement of financial position, debt and other liabilities with an uncertain settlement date should be classified as current (due or potentially due to be settled within one year) or non-current. This will apply for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023.

Deferred Tax Related to Assets and Liabilities Arising from a Single Transaction - Amendments to IAS 12

Targeted amendments to IAS 12 Income Taxes clarify how companies should account for deferred tax on certain transactions - e.g. leases and decommissioning provisions. The amendments narrow the scope of the initial recognition exemption (IRE) so that it does not apply to transactions that give rise to equal and offsetting temporary differences. As a result, companies will need to recognise a deferred tax asset and a deferred tax liability for temporary differences arising on initial recognition of a lease and a decommissioning provision. This will apply for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023.

Alternative performance measures (APM)

In the reporting of financial information, the Directors have adopted the APM ' EBITDA profit from underlying continuing and discontinued operations (APMs were previously termed 'Non-GAAP measures'), which is not defined or specified under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

The Directors also look at recurring revenue as a key performance indicator. This is revenue arising from multi-year contracts.

These measures are not defined by UK-adopted IAS and therefore may not be directly comparable with other companies' APMs, including those in the Group's industry.

APMs should be considered in addition to, and are not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to, UK-adopted IAS measurements.

Purpose

The Directors believe that the EBITDA APM assists in providing additional useful information on the underlying trends, performance and position of the Group. This APM is also used to enhance the comparability of information between reporting periods and business units, by adjusting for non-recurring or uncontrollable factors which affect UK-adopted IAS measures, to aid the user in understanding the Group's performance.

Consequently, APMs are used by the Directors and management for performance analysis, planning, reporting and incentive setting purposes and this remains consistent with the prior year.

The key APM that the Group has focused on is as follows: EBITDA profit from underlying continuing and discontinued operations' : This is the headline measure used by management to measure the Group's performance and is based on operating profit before the impact of financing costs, share based payment charges, depreciation, amortisation, impairment charges and exceptional items. Exceptional items relate to certain costs that derive from events or transactions that fall within the normal activities of the Group but which, individually or, if of a similar type, in aggregate, are excluded by virtue of their size and nature in order to reflect management's view of the performance of the Group.

   3.             Segment reporting 

Operating segments

The Board considers the Group on a Business Unit basis. Reports by Business Unit are used by the chief decision-makers in the Group. The Business Units operating during the year are the two operating divisions; Services and Technology. This split of business segments is based on the products and services each offer.

 
                                Managed Services   Technology          Group     Group 
                                                                 and Central     Total 
 2022                                    GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Supply of products                            -        1,815              -     1,815 
 Supply and installation 
  contracts                                    -        1,080              -     1,080 
 Maintenance and services                  5,854          338              -     6,192 
 Training courses                            419           22              -       441 
 Revenue                                   6,273        3,255              -     9,528 
                               -----------------  -----------  ------------- 
 
 Segmental underlying 
  EBITDA^                                  2,398           81        (2,552)      (73) 
 Depreciation & amortisation               (108)         (22)          (122)     (252) 
 Segment operating 
  result                                   2,290           59        (2,674)     (325) 
 Finance cost                                  -            -           (40)      (40) 
-----------------------------  -----------------  -----------  ------------- 
 Profit/ (loss) before 
  tax                                      2,290           59        (2,714)     (365) 
 Income tax benefit 
  / (charge)                                  40            -            314       354 
----------------------------- 
 Profit/(loss) for 
  the financial year                       2,330           59        (2,400)      (11) 
-----------------------------  -----------------  -----------  ------------- 
 
 Segment assets                            4,886        2,543          2,600    10,029 
-----------------------------  -----------------  -----------  ------------- 
 Segment liabilities                         878        1,388            348     2,614 
-----------------------------  -----------------  -----------  ------------- 
 Capital expenditure                         113            1             39       153 
-----------------------------  -----------------  -----------  ------------- 
 

This is an Alternative Performance Measure refer to Note 2 for further details

 
                                  Managed   Technology         Group and      Group Total 
                                 Services                        Central 
                                                                          --------------- 
 2021                             GBP'000      GBP'000           GBP'000          GBP'000 
 Supply of products                     -        1,156                 -            1,156 
 Supply and installation 
  contracts                             -          329                 -              329 
 Maintenance and services           4,981          395                 -            5,376 
 Training courses                     100           90                 -              190 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----------------  --------------- 
 Revenue                            5,081        1,970                 -            7,051 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----------------  --------------- 
 
 Segmental underlying 
  EBITDA                            1,106        (365)           (2,414)          (1,673) 
 Depreciation & amortisation         (97)          (9)             (138)            (244) 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----------------  --------------- 
 Segment operating result           1,009        (374)           (2,552)          (1,917) 
 Finance cost                           -            -               (3)              (3) 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----------------  --------------- 
 Profit/ (loss) before 
  tax                               1,009        (374)           (2,555)          (1,920) 
 Income tax benefit 
  / (charge)                         (11)            -                 -             (11) 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----------------  --------------- 
 Profit/(loss) for the 
  financial year                      998        (374)           (2,555)          (1,931) 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----------------  --------------- 
 
 Segment assets                     4,785        1,324             3,213            9,322 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----------------  --------------- 
 Segment liabilities                1,056          378               425            1,859 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----------------  --------------- 
 Capital expenditure                   83            1               117              201 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----------------  --------------- 
 

Geographical areas

The Group's international business is conducted on a global scale, with agents present in all major continents. The following table provides an analysis of the Group's sales by geographical market, irrespective of the origin of the goods/services.

 
                     2022      2021 
                  GBP'000   GBP'000 
 UK and Europe      2,520     2,161 
 Africa             6,704     4,296 
 Middle East           68       122 
 Rest of World        236       472 
 Total              9,528     7,051 
                 ========  ======== 
 

Some of the Group's assets are located outside the United Kingdom where they are being put to operational use on specific contracts.

Information about major customers

No single customer contributed more than 10% of the Group revenue in 2022.

^ This is an Alternative Performance Measure refer to Note 2 for further details

   4.         Finance costs 
 
                                                    Group     Group 
                                                     2022      2021 
                                                  GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Finance cost on lease liabilities                    (6)       (3) 
 Interest payable on bank and other borrowings       (34)         - 
 Total finance costs                                 (40)       (3) 
                                                 ========  ======== 
 
   5.             Loss from operations 

The following items have been included in arriving at the loss for the financial year

 
                                                    Group     Group 
                                                     2022      2021 
                                                  GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Staff costs (see Note 8)                           4,356     4,369 
 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment        196       166 
 Amortisation of intangible assets                     56        78 
 Operating lease rentals payable 
 Short term Leases                                    158        89 
 Foreign exchange loss/(gain)                         344       132 
 

Auditor's remuneration

Amounts payable in 2022 relate to PKF in respect of audit and other services. The local Audit in Sierra Leone is performed by Moore Sierra Leone (both years). The local audit in Ghana was performed by PKF Ghana in 2021 only.

 
 Audit services                                            Group     Group 
                                                            2022      2021 
                                                         GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Statutory audit of parent and consolidated financial 
  statements                                                  62        46 
 Review of Interim Results                                     2         2 
 - Statutory audit of subsidiaries of the company 
  pursuant to legislation                                     20        20 
 Taxation services including research and development          -         - 
  tax credits 
                                                        --------  -------- 
 Total payable to PKF Littlejohn UK                           84        68 
 Local audit in Sierra Leone - Moore Sierra Leone             19        18 
 Local audit in Ghana - PKF Ghana                              -         1 
 Total fees                                                  103        87 
                                                        --------  -------- 
 
   6.             Taxation 

Analysis of tax charge / (credit) in year

The Finance Act 2020 set the Corporation Tax main rate at 19% for the financial year beginning 1 April 2020. Deferred taxes at the balance sheet date have been measured using a 25% tax rate and reflected in these financial statements .

 
                                                 GBP'000         GBP'000 
                                                    2022            2021 
 Current year                                    GBP'000         GBP'000 
 UK Corporation tax on profits                         -               - 
  in the year 
 Potential foreign corporation 
  tax on profits in the year                           -               8 
 Deferred Tax (Note 16) 
 Foreign entity deferred tax                        (40)               3 
 Review of expected utilisation                    (314)               - 
  of Losses 
                                          --------------  -------------- 
                                                   (354)              11 
                                          --------------  -------------- 
 
                                                   Group           Group 
                                                    2022            2021 
                                                 GBP'000         GBP'000 
 Reconciliation of effective 
  tax rate 
 Loss on ordinary activities before 
  tax                                              (365)         (1,920) 
                                          ==============  ============== 
 
 Loss on ordinary activities multiplied 
  by the standard rate of corporation 
  tax in the UK of 19% (2021: 19%)                  (69)           (365) 
 Effects of: 
 Expenses not deductible for tax 
  purposes                                            94              20 
 Deferred tax movement (Note 16)                   (355)               3 
 Release of losses                                  (24)               - 
 Unrecognised losses carried forward                   -             353 
 Total tax - credit                                (354)              11 
                                          ==============  ============== 
 

For further details on Tax refer to Note 16.

   7.             Employee costs 

Employee costs for the Group during the year

Group

 
                                         2022                  2021 
                                      GBP'000               GBP'000 
 Wages and salaries                     3,822                 4,083 
 Pension contributions                     73                    68 
 Social security 
  costs                                   461                   359 
                                        4,356                 4,510 
 Share based payments                       -                     - 
                                        4,356                 4,510 
 Job retention 
  support                                   -                 (141) 
 Net Cost                               4,356                 4,369 
                         ====================  ==================== 
 

The Group operates a stakeholder pension scheme. The Group made pension contributions totalling GBP73,000 during the year (2021: GBP68,000), and pension contributions totalling GBP83,000 were outstanding at the year-end (2021: GBP15,000).

Details of the Directors' remuneration are included in the Remuneration Committee Report. Key management within the business are considered to be the Board of Directors. The total Directors' remuneration during the year was GBP635,000 (2021: GBP656,000) and the highest paid director received remuneration totalling GBP206,000 (2021: GBP196,000).

Average monthly number of people (including Executive Directors) employed

 
 Group             2022   2021 
 By function: 
 Sales                8     10 
 Operations         212    197 
 Administration      24     24 
 Management          12     10 
                    256    241 
                  =====  ===== 
 
   8.             Loss per share 

Earnings per share is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.

For diluted earnings per share the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. Only those outstanding options that have an exercise price below the average market share price in the year have been included.

The weighted average number of ordinary shares is calculated as follows:

 
                                                 2022      2021 
                                                 '000      '000 
 Issued ordinary shares 
 Start of year                                330,515   286,528 
 Effect of shares issued during the year            -    23,576 
                                             --------  -------- 
 Weighted average basic and diluted number 
  of shares for year                          330,515   310,104 
                                             ========  ======== 
 
 
                                            2022      2021 
                                         GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Earnings 
                                        --------  -------- 
 Loss and total comprehensive expense       (11)   (1,931) 
                                        --------  -------- 
 

For the year ended 31 December 2022 and 2021 the issue of additional shares on exercise of outstanding share options, convertible loans and warrants would decrease the basic loss per share and there is therefore no dilutive effect. Loss per share was 0.00p (2021: 0.62p).

   9.             Goodwill 
 
 Group                                                    2022      2021 
                                                       GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
 Gross carrying amount at 1 January                      1,377     1,377 
 Exchange rate movement                                      1         - 
                                          --------------------  -------- 
 Gross carrying amount at 31 December                    1,378     1,377 
                                          --------------------  -------- 
 
 Accumulated impairment at 1 January                     (763)     (763) 
 Impairment charge for the year                              -         - 
                                          --------------------  -------- 
 Accumulated impairment at 31 December                   (763)     (763) 
                                          --------------------  -------- 
 
 Carrying amount at 1 January                              614       614 
 
 Carrying amount at 31 December                            615       614 
 

The goodwill balance relates to the acquisition of Longmoor Security Limited, Keyguard U.K Limited and Euro-Ops SARL. The movement is because of an exchange rate movement on Euro Ops where the goodwill is in Euros.

The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill may be impaired. The recoverable amounts of the cash-generating unit are determined from value in use calculations. The key assumptions are discount rate (5%) future revenues (assumed as flat) derived from the most recent 2022 financial budgets approved by management. The projection assumes that the companies are held in perpetuity. A discount rate of 20% (2021: 34%) would not result in any impairment based on management's latest forecast.

No reasonably possible change in any of the estimates and assumptions used in the impairment test would give rise to a material impairment.

   10.          Other intangible assets 
 
                                 Group Website         Company 
                                  and Software         Website 
                                                  and Software 
 
 2022 
                                       GBP'000         GBP'000 
 Cost 
 At 1 January 2022                         400             364 
 Additions                                  12              13 
 At 31 December 2022                       412             377 
                                ==============  ============== 
 
 Accumulated amortisation 
  and impairment 
 At 1 January 2022                         250             244 
 Charge for the year                        56              49 
 At 31 December 2022                       306             293 
                                ==============  ============== 
 
 Net book value at 31 December 
  2022                                     106              84 
 
 2021 
                                       GBP'000         GBP'000 
 Cost 
 At 1 January 2021                         415             404 
 Additions                                  41               6 
 Disposals                                (56)            (46) 
                                --------------  -------------- 
 At 31 December 2021                       400             364 
                                ==============  ============== 
 
 Accumulated amortisation 
  and impairment 
 At 1 January 2021                         228             217 
 Charge for the year                        78              73 
 Disposals                                (56)            (46) 
                                --------------  -------------- 
 At 31 December 2021                       250             244 
                                ==============  ============== 
 
 Net book value at 31 December 
  2021                                     150             120 
 
   11.          Property, plant and equipment 
 
 Group                 Freehold                Plant                  Office                Motor             Right          Total 
                       property            and equipment            equipment,             vehicles           of use 
                                                                     fixtures                                 assets 
                                                                   and fittings 
 
 2022                          GBP'000             GBP'000                    GBP'000          GBP'000           GBP'000      GBP'000 
 Cost or 
 valuation 
 At 1 January 
  2022                           1,126                 768                      1,058              109               173        3,234 
 Additions                           5                  15                         20                -               101          141 
 Disposals                           -                   -                          -             (37)             (109)        (146) 
 At 31 
  December 
  2022                           1,131                 783                      1,078               72               165        3,229 
               =======================  ==================  =========================  ===============  ================  =========== 
 
 Accumulated depreciation and 
 impairment 
 At 1 January 
  2022                              81                 557                        496               77               128        1,339 
 Charge for 
  the year                          24                  49                         59               11                53          196 
 Disposals                           -                   -                          -             (38)              (93)        (131) 
 At 31 
  December 
  2022                             105                 606                        555               50                88        1,404 
               =======================  ==================  =========================  ===============  ================  =========== 
 
 Net book 
  value at 31 
  December 
  2022                           1,026                 177                        523               22                77        1,825 
               =======================  ==================  =========================  ===============  ================  =========== 
 
 2021                          GBP'000             GBP'000                    GBP'000          GBP'000           GBP'000      GBP'000 
 Cost or 
 valuation 
 At 1 January 
  2021                           1,079                 766                      1,018               78               164        3,105 
 Additions                          47                  10                         45               34                24          160 
 Disposals                           -                 (8)                        (5)              (3)              (15)         (31) 
 Revaluation                         -                   -                          -                -                 -            - 
 At 31 
  December 
  2021                           1,126                 768                      1,058              109               173        3,234 
               =======================  ==================  =========================  ===============  ================  =========== 
 
 Accumulated depreciation and 
 impairment 
 At 1 January 
  2021                              59                 519                        451               75               100        1,204 
 Charge for 
  the year                          22                  46                         50                5                43          166 
 Disposals                           -                 (8)                        (5)              (3)              (15)         (31) 
 At 31 
  December 
  2021                              81                 557                        496               77               128        1,339 
               =======================  ==================  =========================  ===============  ================  =========== 
 
 Net book 
  value at 31 
  December 
  2021                           1,045                 211                        562               32                45        1,895 
               =======================  ==================  =========================  ===============  ================  =========== 
 

Right of use assets (motor vehicles) above have been created in accordance with IFRS 16. Motor vehicles are leased for certain employees for lease terms ranging between 3-5 years with fixed payments. The Group does not purchase or guarantee the future value of lease vehicles.

The freehold property was valued professionally by White Commercial, Chartered Surveyors, as at 31 December 2020, which provided a valuation of GBP1,020,000. The valuation was made on the basis of recent market transactions on arm's length terms and on an alternative use basis. The Revaluation Reserve is not available for distribution to shareholders. The Directors are of the opinion that the valuation has not moved materially since the last valuation was performed. The valuation was not materially different to the value the asset is recorded at the balance sheet date.

 
 Company                          Freehold        Plant        Office equipment,     Right     Total 
                                   property    and equipment            fixtures    of use 
                                                                    and fittings    assets 
 
 2022                               GBP'000          GBP'000             GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Cost or valuation 
 At 1 January 2022                    1,126               23                 237       100     1,486 
 Additions                                4                -                  22         -        26 
 Disposals                                -                -                   -      (76)      (76) 
 At 31 December 2022                  1,130               23                 259        24     1,436 
                                 ----------  ---------------  ------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Accumulated depreciation 
  and impairment 
 At 1 January 2022                       81               18                 184        70       353 
 Charge for the year                     24                1                  23        24        72 
 Disposals                                -                -                   -      (76)      (76) 
 At 31 December 2022                    105               19                 207        18       349 
                                 ==========  ===============  ==================  ========  ======== 
 
 Net book value at 31 December 
  2022                                1,025                4                  52         6     1,087 
                                 ==========  ===============  ==================  ========  ======== 
 
 2021                               GBP'000          GBP'000             GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Cost or valuation 
 At 1 January 2021                    1,079               18                 202        76     1,375 
 Additions                               47                5                  35        24       111 
 Disposals                                -                -                   -         -         - 
                                      1,126               23                 237       100     1,486 
                                 ----------  ---------------  ------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Accumulated depreciation 
  and impairment 
 At 1 January 2021                       59               16                 167        45       287 
 Charge for the year                     22                2                  17        25        66 
 Disposals                                -                -                   -         -         - 
 At 31 December 2021                     81               18                 184        70       353 
                                 ==========  ===============  ==================  ========  ======== 
 
 Net book value at 31 December 
  2021                                1,045                5                  53        30     1,133 
                                 ==========  ===============  ==================  ========  ======== 
 

The freehold property was valued professionally by White Commercial, Chartered Surveyors, as at 31 December 2020, which provided a valuation of GBP1,020,000. The valuation was made on the basis of recent market transactions on arm's length terms and on an alternative use basis. The Directors are of the opinion that the valuation has not moved materially since the last valuation was performed. The valuation was not materially different to the value the asset is recorded at the balance sheet date. The Revaluation Reserve is not available for distribution to shareholders.

No depreciation has been charged on the freehold land only building additions have been depreciated. The difference between the net book value of the total freehold property if depreciation, at 2%, had been charged as shown in the financial statements is not materially different to the value the asset is recorded at the balance sheet date.

The freehold property is stated at valuation, the comparable historic cost and depreciation values are as follows: This depreciation is charged on historical cost only.

 
                                2022      2021 
                             GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Historical cost                 808       803 
 
 Accumulated depreciation 
 At 1 January                    324       308 
 Charge for the year              16        16 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 At 31 December                  340       324 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Net book value as at 31 
  December                       468       479 
 
   12.          Lease commitments 

The Group accounts for operating leases under IFRS 16. There are some leases of small value or less than one-year duration which have been charged to expenses as incurred, but the aggregate commitment of these leases is immaterial.

Right to use assets

 
                       2022   2021 
 At 1 January           106     67 
 Additions               30     70 
 Expensed in the 
  year                 (47)   (31) 
 As at 31 December       89    106 
                      =====  ===== 
 
 Of which 
 Current Lease           62     42 
 Non-Current             27     64 
                         89    106 
                      -----  ----- 
 
   13.          Investment in subsidiaries 

A ll loans relate to cash movements between Group companies and are repayable on demand. Loans and other intercompany accounts are included in the Company's respective current payables or receivables. This is because they are more in the nature of current assets and current liabilities than longer term investments.

 
 Company                              2022                 2021 
                               Investments          Investments 
 Cost                              GBP'000              GBP'000 
 At 1 January                          389                  389 
 Movement in Year                        -                    - 
 At 31 December                        389                  389 
                              ============  =================== 
 Accumulated impairment 
 At 1 January                        (389)                (389) 
 Movement in Year                        -                    - 
 At 31 December                      (389)                (389) 
                              ============  =================== 
 Investment in subsidiaries              -                    - 
                              ------------  ------------------- 
 

A sum of GBP9,244,000 (2021: GBP8,463,000) has been recognised in receivables as intercompany; and GBP630,000 (2021: GBP219,000) has been recognised in payables as intercompany.

   14.             Subsidiary undertakings 

The subsidiary undertakings at 31 December 2022 were as follows :

 
 Name                          Country of incorporation    Principal activity            % of nominal ordinary share 
                                                                                          capital and voting rights 
                                                                                                    held 
----------------------------  --------------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 
                                                           Advanced security 
 Westminster International                                  technology, (Technology 
  Limited                               England             Division)                                100 
 
                                                           Close protection training 
 Westminster Services                                       and provision of security 
  Limited (formerly Longmoor                                services (Managed 
  Security Limited)                     England             Services)                                100 
 
 
                                                           Managed services of airport 
                                                            security under long term 
 Westminster Aviation                                       contracts. (Managed 
  Security Services Limited             England             Services)                                100 
 
 Sovereign Ferries Limited              England            Dormant                                   100 
 
                                                           Special purpose vehicle 
                                                            which exists solely for 
                                                            listing the 2013 CLN on 
                                                            the CISX. Year end 
                                                            31 October. Only 
 Westminster Operating                                      transactions are intra 
  Limited                               England             group                                    100 
                                                           Security and risk 
                                                            management including 
                                                            manned guarding, mobile 
                                                            patrols, risk management 
                                                            and 
 Keyguard U.K Limited                   England             K9 services.                             100 
                                                           Security and terminal 
 Longmoor (SL) Limited               Sierra Leone           guarding                                 100 
 
 Facilities Operations 
  Management Limited                 Sierra Leone          Infrastructure management                 100 
 Westminster Sierra Leone                                  Local infrastructure for 
  Limited *                          Sierra Leone           airport operations                       49 
 Westminster Group GmbH                 Germany            Dormant                                   100 
 GLIS Gesellschaft für 
  Luftfahrt- und 
  Infrastruktur-Sicherheit 
  GmbH                                  Germany            Managed Services                          85 
 Westminster Sicherheit GmbH            Germany            Dormant                                   85 
                                                           Managed Services 
 Euro Ops SARL                          France              infrastructure                           100 
 Westminster Maritime 
  Services Limited #                    England            Dormant                                   100 
 CTAC Limited                           England            Dormant                                   100 
 Longmoor Security Services 
  Limited (formerly 
  Westminster Aviation 
  Security Services (ME) 
  Limited)                              England            Dormant                                   100 
                                                           Managed services of airport 
 Westminster Aviation                                       security under long term 
  Security Services RDC                                     contracts. (Managed 
  SARLU                                   DRC               Services)                                100 
                                                           Managed services of port 
                                                            security under long term 
                                                            contracts. (Managed 
 Westminster Liberia LLC                Liberia             Services)                                100 
 

Subsidiary company registered addresses:

England Westminster House, Blacklocks Hill, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX17 2BS, United Kingdom.

   Sierra Leone        60 Wellington Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone. 
   Germany               Chiemseestrasse 25, 83233 Bernau am Chiemsee, Germany. 
   France                   17 Route de Sundhoffen, 68280 Andolsheim. France. 

DRC Cabinet Lohayo Ngola Patrick, Immeuble Mirlandsis. au No34 du Boulevard Sendwe, Kinshasa DRC.

   Liberia                   Gbaintor Law Firm, Wroto Town. Sinkor, Airfield, Monrovia, Liberia. 

* Consolidated due to de facto control. These results do not have a material effect on the financial statements.

# Westminster Maritime Services Limited was formerly known as Westminster Facilities Management Limited & Westminster Managed Services Limited.

   15.          Financial instruments 

Categories of financial assets and liabilities.

The fair value of carrying amounts presented in the Consolidated and Company statement of financial position relate to the following categories of assets and liabilities:

 
                                  Group     Group   Company   Company 
                                   2022      2021      2022      2021 
                                GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Financial assets 
 Trade and other receivables 
  (note 18)                       5,354     3,606    10,672     9,774 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  (note 19)                         289       944      (59)       380 
                                  5,643     4,550    10,613    10,154 
                               --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Financial liabilities 
 Borrowings (note 22)                27        12         -         5 
 Trade and other payables 
  (note 23)                       2,507     1,760       999       638 
                                  2,534     1,772       999       643 
                               --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

See note 2 for a description of the accounting policies for each category of financial instruments. The fair values are presented in this note and are the same as the carrying value. A description of the Group's risk management and objectives for financial instruments is given in note 26.

   16.          Deferred tax assets and liabilities 

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. The Group's projections show the expectation of future profits, hence in 2018 a deferred tax asset was recognised. Reviews performed since then, including as at 31 December 2022, confirmed those expectations.

The tax losses against which this deferred tax asset is being recognised are in the group's holding company and its principal UK based subsidiaries. Evidence, both positive and negative, primarily the Group's projections of future profits have been considered. The critical judgement has been the timing of new contracts. The deferred tax asset is expected to be used in the period up to the end of 2023.

The Group believes it has a total potential deferred tax asset of GBP4,047,000 (2021: GBP3,396,000). It has recognised a deferred tax asset of GBP1,308,000 (2021: GBP953,000) due to budgeted future profits of the business beyond 2022 and the expected tax rate. There remains GBP2,739,000 (2021: GBP2,443,000) of unrecognised deferred tax asset.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities have been calculated using the expected future tax rate of 25% (2021: 19%). Any changes in the future would affect these amounts proportionately.

 
                                2022      2021 
                             GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Opening b a l ance as at 
  1 January                      953       956 
 Cr edi t / (debit) to i 
  n c ome statement              355       (3) 
 Defe rred tax asset as 
  a t 31 De c e mb er          1,308       953 
                            ========  ======== 
 
   17.          Inventories 
 
                     Group     Group         Company           Company 
                      2022      2021            2022              2021 
                   GBP'000   GBP'000         GBP'000           GBP'000 
 Finished goods        485       681               -                 - 
                       485       681               -                 - 
                  ========  ========  ==============  ================ 
 

The cost of inventories recognised as an expense within cost of sales amounted to GBP2,153,000 (2021: GBP1,313,000). No reversal of previous write-downs was recognised as a reduction of expense in 2022 or 2021.

   18.          Trade and other receivables 
 
                                       Group     Group   Company   Company 
                                        2022      2021      2022      2021 
                                     GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Trade receivables, gross              1,827     1,193         -         - 
 Allowance for credit losses            (26)      (56)         -         - 
 Trade receivables                     1,801     1,137         -         - 
 Amounts recoverable on contracts        750       136         -         - 
 Intercompany receivables                  -         -     9,244     8,643 
 Other receivables                     2,211     1,909     1,428     1,131 
 Financial assets                      4,762     3,182    10,672     9,774 
                                    --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Other taxes and social security          15       437         -        46 
 Prepayments                              31        42        11        10 
                                                        -------- 
 Non-financial assets                     46       479        11        56 
                                    --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Trade and other receivables           4,808     3,661    10,683     9,830 
                                    --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 Non-Current Receivable                  593       424         -         - 
                                    ========  ========  ========  ======== 
 

The average credit period taken on sale of goods in 2022 was 30 days (2021: 57 days). An allowance has been made for estimated credit losses of GBP26,000 (2021: GBP56,000). This allowance has been based on the knowledge of receivables at the reporting date together with forecasts of future economic impacts and their collectability. There are no expected credit losses on amounts recoverable on contracts.

Expected credit losses on intercompany receivables assume that repayment of the loan is demanded at the reporting date. If the subsidiary has sufficient accessible highly liquid assets to repay the loan if demanded at the reporting date, the expected credit loss is likely to be immaterial. If the subsidiary could not repay the loan if demanded at the reporting date, the Group consider the expected manner of recovery to measure expected credit losses. This is a 'repay over time' strategy (that allows the subsidiary time to pay), non-trading subsidiaries will not be able to repay loans over time and are therefore deemed to be impaired.

Other receivables include a sum of GBP1,118,000 (2021: GBP1,118,000) due from the RiverFort Equity Placing and Sharing Agreement. It is expected that it will be recovered from the sale of shares currently still held by RiverFort. Refer to note 25 on Contingent Liabilities.

The following table provides an analysis of trade receivables at 31 December. The Group believes that the balances are ultimately recoverable based upon a review of past payment history and the current financial status of the customers.

 
                                         2022                         2021 
                                      GBP'000                      GBP'000 
 Current                                  410                          619 
 Not more than 3 months                 1,166                          379 
 More than 3 months                       251                          195 
                                        1,827                        1,193 
                                     ========  =========================== 
 
 Allowances for Credit Losses            2022                         2021 
                                      GBP'000                      GBP'000 
 Opening balance at 1 January              56                           52 
 Amounts written off                     (37)                            - 
 Amounts provided                          17                           37 
 Currency movement                          1                            - 
 Written back (no longer required)       (11)                         (33) 
 Closing balance at 31 December            26                           56 
                                     ========  =========================== 
 

There are no significant expected credit losses from financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired.

At 31 December 2022 GBP1,313,000 (2021: GBP574,000) of receivables were denominated in US dollars, GBP11,000 (2021: GBP63,000) of receivables were denominated in Euros and GBP 71,000 (2021: GBP269,000) were denominated in Ghanaian Cedi. The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value.

   19.          Cash and cash equivalents 
 
                                Group     Group   Company   Company 
                                 2022      2021      2022      2021 
                              GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
 Cash at bank and 
  in hand                         289       944      (59)       380 
 Bank overdraft                     -         -         -         - 
 Cash and cash equivalents        289       944      (59)       380 
                             ========  ========  ========  ======== 
 

All the bank accounts of the Group are set against each other where a right of offset exists in establishing the cash position of the Group. The bank overdrafts do not therefore represent bank borrowings, which is why they are presented as above for the purposes of the cash flow statement and the statement of financial position.

   20.          Called up share capital 

Group and Company

The total amount of issued and fully paid shares is as follows:

 
 Ordinary Share Capital                 2022                      2021 
                                      Number   GBP'000          Number    GBP'000 
 At 1 January                    330,514,660       331     286,527,511        287 
 Arising on exercise of share              -         -         127,500          - 
  options and warrants 
 Other issue for cash                      -         -      43,859,649         44 
 At 31 December                  330,514,660       331     330,514,660        331 
                                ============  ========  ==============  ========= 
 
 Deferred share capital                 2022                      2021 
                                      Number   GBP'000          Number    GBP'000 
 At 1 January                              -         -     161,527,511     15,991 
 Capital Reduction                         -         -   (161,527,511)   (15,991) 
 At 31 December                            -         -               -          - 
                                ============  ========  ==============  ========= 
 
 Total Share Capital                    2022                      2021 
                                      Number   GBP'000          Number    GBP'000 
 Ordinary Share Capital          330,514,660       331     330,514,660        331 
 Deferred share capital                    -         -               -          - 
                                 330,514,660       331     330,514,660        331 
                                ============  ========  ==============  ========= 
 

There were no equity issues in the year.

   21.          Share options and Warrants 
 
                                 Options outstanding 
 Options outstanding as at 1 
  January 2022                        9,477,500 
 Lapsed during the year               (785,000) 
 Options outstanding as at 31 
  December 2022                       8,692,500 
                                ==================== 
 

The Company adopted the 2007 Share Option Scheme on 3 April 2007 that provides for the granting of both Enterprise Management Incentives and unapproved share options (Westminster Group Individual Share Option Agreements). The main terms of the option scheme are as follows:

-- Although no special conditions apply to the options granted in 2007, the model form agreement allows the Company to adopt special conditions to tailor an option for any particular employee.

-- The scheme is open to all full-time employees and Directors except those who have a material interest in the Company.

-- For the purposes of this definition, a material interest is either beneficial ownership of, or the ability to control directly, or indirectly, more than 30% of the ordinary share capital of the Company.

-- The Board determines the exercise price of options before they are granted. It is provided in the scheme rules that options must be granted at the prevailing market price in the case of EMI options and must not be granted at an exercise price that is less than the nominal value of a share.

-- There is a limit that options over unissued shares granted under the scheme and any discretionary share option scheme or other option agreement adopted or entered into by the Company must not exceed 10% of the issued share capital.

-- Options can be exercised on the second anniversary of the date of grant and may be exercised up to the 10th anniversary of granting. Options will remain exercisable for a period of 40 days if the participant is a good leaver.

The Company adopted the 2017 Share Option Scheme on 21 September 2017 that provides for the granting of both Enterprise Management Incentives and unapproved share options (Westminster Group Individual Share Option Agreements). The main terms of the option scheme are as follows:

-- Although no special conditions apply to the options granted in 2017, the model form agreement allows the Company to adopt special conditions to tailor an option for any particular employee.

-- The scheme is open to all full-time employees and Directors except those who have a material interest in the Company.

-- For the purposes of this definition, a material interest is either beneficial ownership of, or the ability to control directly, or indirectly, more than 30% of the ordinary share capital of the Company.

-- The Board determines the exercise price of options before they are granted. It is provided in the scheme rules that options must be granted at the prevailing market price in the case of EMI options and must not be granted at an exercise price that is less than the nominal value of a share.

-- There is a limit that options over unissued shares granted under the scheme and any discretionary share option scheme or other option agreement adopted or entered into by the Company must not exceed 10% of the issued share capital.

-- Options can be exercised on the second anniversary of the date of grant and may be exercised up to the 10th anniversary of granting. Options will remain exercisable for a period of 40 days if the participant is a "good leaver".

Options have subsequently been granted on this basis.

These options are valued by the use of the Black-Scholes model using a volatility of 70%, interest free rate of 0.5%, dividend of 0% and a life of 5 years.

The Company has the following share options outstanding to its employees (including those on good leaver terms). The weighted average exercise price at the reporting date was 17.6p (2021: 18.0p). The average life of the unexpired share options was 4.5 years (2021: 5.4 years).

 
 As At                                31 December 2022                   31 December 2021 
 Grant date       Exercise       Number           Average        2021 number      2021 average 
                  price GBP    outstanding    life outstanding    outstanding    life outstanding 
                                                  (years)                            (years) 
 
 28 June 2012      0.365                 -           -                225,000          0.5 
 01 July 2014      0.510           150,000          1.5               225,000          2.5 
 10 December 
  2014             0.285         2,187,500          1.9             2,187,500          2.9 
 09 October 
  2015             0.140            40,000          2.8                40,000          3.8 
 01 June 2018      0.130         5,565,000          5.4             6,050,000          6.4 
 01 November 
  2018             0.130           750,000          5.8               750,000          6.8 
                                 8,692,500          4.5             9,477,500          5.4 
                             =============  ==================  =============  ================== 
 

During the year, no employee options were granted (2021: Nil), none were exercised (2021: none) and 785,000 lapsed (2021: 100,000). The weighted average price of the options lapsed in the year was 23.4p (2021: 13.0p). The weighted average exercise price of exercisable options at the end of 2022 was 17.6p (2021 18.0p).

The Black-Scholes option-pricing model is used to determine the fair value of share options at grant date. The assumptions used to determine the fair values of share options at grant dates were as follows:

For share options granted post IPO the expected share price volatility was determined taking account of the historic daily share price movements. Since 2009, the standard deviation of the share price over the past 3 years has been used to calculate volatility.

The average expected term to exercise used in the models is based on management's best estimate for the effects of non- transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural conditions, forfeiture and historical experience. The risk-free rate has been determined from market yields for government gilts with outstanding terms equal to the average expected term to exercise for each relevant grant.

Warrants

The Company has historically issued the following warrants, which are still in force at the balance sheet date:

 
 Date issued        Reason for        Number of     Exercise     Life in 
                       issue           warrants    price pence    years 
                                                    per share 
               --------------------  ----------  -------------  -------- 
  31 January 
     2018       Placing Commission     170,455        22.0          5 
-------------  --------------------  ----------  -------------  -------- 
  22 January 
     2020         RiverFort EPSA      3,499,222       5.2           4 
-------------  --------------------  ----------  -------------  -------- 
 

The Warrants issued on 31 January 2018 are valued in accordance with IFRS 2 that is for equity -- settled share -- based payment transactions, the Company measures the goods or services received, and the corresponding increase in equity, directly, at the fair value of the goods or services received, unless that fair value cannot be estimated reliably. Warrants are recorded at fair value at inception and are not remeasured.

The Warrants issued with Share Issues on 22 December 2020 have been determined as equity instruments under IAS 32. Since the fair value of the shares issued at the same time is equal to the price paid, these warrants, by deduction, are considered to have been issued at nil value.

Warrants

The fair value of GBPNil (2021: Nil) for the issue of these warrants was recognised in the year.

Movement in Warrants

 
                       As at 1/1/22         Lapsed   Redeemed          As at 31/12/22 
 Placing Commission         170,455              -          -                 170,455 
 RiverFort EPSA           3,499,222              -          -               3,499,222 
 Share Issue             24,872,500   (24,872,500)          -                       - 
                         28,542,177   (24,872,500)          -               3,669,677 
                      =============  =============  =========  ====================== 
 
   22.          Lease Liabilities 
 
                              Group     Group   Company   Company 
                               2022      2021      2022      2021 
                            GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Non-current 
 Non-current lease debt          27        12         -         5 
 Total non-current lease 
  liabilities                    27        12         -         5 
                           ========  ========  ========  ======== 
 

Non-current lease debt

As described in Note 12, all leases that fall under IFRS 16 are recorded on the balance sheet as liabilities, at the present value of the future lease payments, along with an asset reflecting the right to use the asset over the lease term. The non-current lease debt is the part of that debt which falls due after 12 months.

   23.          Trade and other payables 
 
 Current                            Group     Group   Company         Company 
                                     2022      2021      2022            2021 
                                  GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000         GBP'000 
 
 Trade payables                       556       509       104             170 
 Accruals and other creditors       1,757     1,219       260             226 
 Intercompany payables                  -         -       630             219 
 Other loans                          132         -         -               - 
 Finance lease creditor 
  (IFRS 16)                            62        32         5              23 
 Financial liabilities              2,507     1,760       999             638 
                                 --------  --------  --------  -------------- 
 Other taxes and social                 -         -         -               - 
  security payable 
 Contractual liabilities               80        87         -               - 
 Non-financial liabilities             80        87         -               - 
                                 --------  --------  --------  -------------- 
 Total current trade and 
  other payables                    2,587     1,847       999             638 
                                 ========  ========  ========  ============== 
 
 Shown on the balance sheet 
  as: 
 Contractual liabilities               80        87         -               - 
 Trade and other payables           2,507     1,760       999             638 
                                    2,587     1,847       999             638 
                                 ========  ========  ========  ============== 
 

Trade and other payables principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs, as well as payments received in advance on contracts. The average credit period taken for trade purchases in 2022 was 51 days (2021: 43 days). The Directors consider that the carrying value of trade payables approximates to their fair value.

Contractual liabilities relate to amounts received from customers at year-end but not yet earned.

At 31 December 2022 GBP194,000 (2021: GBP160,000) of payables were denominated in US dollars, GBP85,000 (2021: GBP24,000) were denominated in Euros, GBP4,000 (2021: GBP21,000) were denominated in Ghanaian Cedi and GBP39,000 (2021: GBP23,000) were denominated in Sierra Leone Leones.

   24.          Cash flow adjustments and changes in working capital 

The following non-cash flow adjustments and adjustments for changes in working capital have been made to loss before taxation to arrive at operating cash flow:

 
 Group                                              2022      2021 
 
                                                 GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Adjustments: 
 Depreciation, amortisation and impairment 
  of non-financial assets                            252       244 
 Finance costs                                        40       (3) 
 Movement in right to use assets                    (30)         - 
 (Profit) / loss on disposal of non-financial        (4)         - 
  assets 
 Non-cash finance cost                               (6)         - 
 Increase in Deferred Tax Asset                        -         3 
 Total adjustments                                   252       244 
                                                --------  -------- 
 
 
 Net changes in working capital:                    2022      2021 
                                                   Total     Total 
                                                 GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Decrease in inventories                             196        92 
 Increase in trade and other receivables         (1,147)   (1,223) 
 (Increase)/decrease in long term receivables      (169)        60 
 Decrease in contract liabilities                    (7)      (13) 
 Increase / (decrease) in trade and other 
  payables                                           558     (548) 
 Total changes in working capital                  (569)   (1,632) 
                                                --------  -------- 
 
 
 Company                                               Company   Restated 
                                                                  Company 
                                                          2022       2021 
                                                       GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Adjustments: 
 Depreciation, amortisation and impairment 
  of non-financial assets                                  121        139 
 Finance costs                                               -          1 
 Total adjustments                                         121        140 
                                             -----------------  --------- 
 
 Net changes in working capital: 
 Increase in trade and other receivables                 (853)      (683) 
 Increase/(decrease) in trade and other 
  payables                                                 360      (608) 
 Total changes in working capital                        (493)    (1,291) 
                                             =================  ========= 
 
   25.          Contingent assets and contingent liabilities 

In 2020, the company received a GBP1.5m mezzanine loan under the RiverFort EPSA. At the same time under the EPSA the company issued 14m shares at 12.5p to RiverFort and booked a sundry debt of GBP1.75m. The loan was to be repaid and the sundry debt settled by RiverFort selling down the shares, with share sales taking place throughout 2020 at an average price of 9 pence per share. The balance of the mezzanine loan was however fully repaid in cash by the Company in December 2020. Following repayment of the loan the remaining shares owned by RiverFort were held to Westminster's order. As at the 31 December 2022 there remained 4,300,696 shares still to be sold and a residual sundry debt relating to those shares. Had the shares been sold at the end of 2022 there would have been a book loss of GBP1,041,000 (2021: GBP985,000) on this debt. However, the shares are still held and there is no reason or expectation they will be sold until the Company's share price is favourable. Management expects the future prospects set out in the "Current Trading & Business Outlook" section of the Chief Executive Officers report to create a share price that would be sufficient to allow the Company to release the shares for sale creating revenue and eradicating the sundry debt. In order to recover the debt, the share price at sale would need to be 26p.

In February 2022, Clydesdale Bank PLC trading as Yorkshire Bank offered the Group an overdraft and other banking facilities. As a condition of these facilities the Company entered into a multilateral charge and guarantee in respect of bank overdrafts and other facilities of all companies within the Group.

   26.          Financial risk management 

The Group is exposed to various risks in relation to financial assets and liabilities. The main types of risk are foreign currency risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk.

The Group's risk management is closely controlled by the Board and focuses on actively securing the Group's short to medium term cash flows by minimising the exposure to financial markets. The Group does not actively trade in financial assets for speculative purposes, nor does it write options. The most significant financial risks are currency risk and interest rate risk.

Foreign currency sensitivity

The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to the Euro (EUR) and US dollar (USD) but also the Sierra Leone New Leone (SLE) and Ghanaian Cedi (GHS). The Group's policy is to match the currency of the order with the principal currency of the supply of the equipment. Where it is not possible to match those foreign currencies, the Group might consider hedging exchange risk through a variety of hedging instruments such as forward rate agreements, although no such transactions have ever been entered into.

 
 Group                    Short-term   Short-term   Short-term   Short-term 
                            exposure     exposure     exposure     exposure 
                                 USD          EUR          SLL          GHS 
                             GBP'000      GBP'000      GBP'000      GBP'000 
-----------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 31 December 2022 
 Financial assets              1,313           11            -           71 
 Financial liabilities         (194)         (85)         (39)          (4) 
 Total exposure                1,119         (74)         (39)           67 
-----------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 31 December 2021 
 Financial assets                574           63            -          269 
 Financial liabilities         (160)         (24)         (23)         (21) 
 Total exposure                  414           39         (23)          248 
-----------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 

If the US dollar were to depreciate by 10% relative to its year end rate, this would cause a loss of profits in 2022 of GBP124,000 (2021: GBP46,000 Loss).

If the Euro were to depreciate by 10% relative to its year end rate, this would cause gain 0f profits in 2022 of GBP8,000 (2021: GBP4,000 Loss).

If the Sierra Leonean Leone were to depreciate by 10% relative to its year end rate, this would cause a gain of profits in 2022 of GBP4,000 (2021: GBP3,000 Gain).

If the Ghanaian Cedi were to depreciate by 10% relative to its year end rate, this would cause a loss of profits in 2022 of GBP7,000 (2021: GBP28,000 Loss).

Exposures to foreign exchange rates vary during the year depending on the volume of overseas transactions. Nonetheless, the analysis above is considered to be representative of the Group's exposure to currency risk. Foreign currency denominated financial assets and liabilities are immaterial for the Company.

Interest rate sensitivity

There were no material borrowings in 2022. Interest on the cash holdings of the Group and lease debt noted in note 22 are both not material and also has fixed interest rates. Therefore, no calculation of interest rate sensitivity has been undertaken.

Credit risk analysis

Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group. The Group has adopted a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties and where possible working on a "cash with order".

The Group has a credit policy in place and the exposure to credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis. Credit evaluations are performed on all customers requiring credit over a certain amount. In the case of material sales transactions, the Group usually demands an initial deposit from customers and generally seeks to ensure that the balance of funds is secured by way of a letter of credit or similar instruments.

None of the Group's financial assets are secured by collateral or other credit enhancements. Details of allowance for credit losses are shown in note 18 of these financial statements.

The Company has investments in and amounts owing from subsidiary companies. The amounts owing are held at fair value. For loans that are repayable on demand, expected credit losses are based on the assumption that repayment of the loan is demanded at the reporting date. If the subsidiary has sufficient accessible highly liquid assets in order to repay the loan if demanded at the reporting date, the expected credit loss is likely to be immaterial. If it does not, then an impairment will be considered.

Liquidity risk analysis

Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the Board of Directors, which has established an appropriate liquidity risk management framework for the management of the Group's short, medium and long-term funding and liquidity management requirements. The Group manages its liquidity needs by monitoring scheduled debt repayments for long term financial liabilities as well as forecast cash flows due in day-to-day business. Net cash requirements are compared to borrowing facilities in order to determine headroom or any shortfalls. This analysis shows if available borrowing facilities are expected to be sufficient over the outlook period.

As at 31 December 2022, the Group's financial liabilities have contractual maturities (including interest payments, where

applicable) as summarised below:

 
                                     2022                                     2021 
 Group                 Current         6 to    Non-current    Current        6 to      Non-current 
                       (within    12 months    (1-5 years)     (within     12 months    (1-5 years) 
                     6 months)                                6 months) 
                       GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
 Trade and other 
  payables               2,587            -              -        1,760            -              - 
                   -----------  ===========  =============  -----------  ===========  ============= 
 Total                   2,587            -              -        1,760            -              - 
                   ===========  ===========  =============  ===========  ===========  ============= 
 
 Company             Current        6 to      Non-current     Current        6 to      Non-current 
                      (within     12 months    (1-5 years)     (within     12 months    (1-5 years) 
                     6 months)                                6 months) 
                       GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
 Trade and other 
  payables                 999            -              -          638            -              - 
                   ===========  ===========  =============  ===========  ===========  ============= 
 Total                     999            -              -          638            -              - 
                   ===========  ===========  =============  ===========  ===========  ============= 
 

27. Related Party Transactions

Balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, are listed below:

 
                                             Balance                   Movement                    Balance                   Movement                   Balance 
                                      at 31 December                    in Year             at 31 December                    in Year            at 31 December 
                                                2020                       2021                       2021                       2022                      2022 
 
 Westminster International 
  Limited                                      2,329                    (2,202)                        127                      (713)                     (586) 
 Westminster Services 
  Limited (formerly 
  Longmoor Security 
  Limited)                                         -                          -                          -                         62                        62 
 Westminster Aviation 
  Security Services 
  Limited                                      3,979                        783                      4,762                    (1,432)                     3,330 
 Sovereign Ferries 
  Limited                                         45                        503                        548                        (2)                       546 
 Westminster Operating 
  Limited                                    (2,398)                      2,224                      (174)                      2,075                     1,901 
 Keyguard U.K Limited                              -                        332                        332                       (10)                       322 
 Longmoor (SL) Limited                             -                       (24)                       (24)                          2                      (22) 
 Facilities Operations 
  Management Limited                             192                      1,307                      1,499                         24                     1,523 
 Westminster Sierra                                -                          -                          -                          -                         - 
  Leone Limited * 
 Westminster Group 
  GMBH                                           795                        393                      1,188                        133                     1,321 
 GLIS Gesellschaft                                 -                          -                          -                          -                         - 
 für Luftfahrt- 
 und 
 Infrastruktur-Sicherheit 
 GmbH 
 Westminster Sicherheit                            -                          -                          -                          -                         - 
  GMBH 
 Euro Ops SARL                                                              187                        187                         51                       238 
 Westminster Maritime 
  Services Limited                             1,310                    (1,331)                       (21)                          -                      (21) 
 Longmoor Security                                 -                          -                          -                          -                         - 
  Services Limited 
  (formerly Westminster 
  Aviation Security 
  Services (ME) Limited) 
 Westminster International                         -                          -                          -                          -                         - 
  (Ghana) Limited 
                                               6,252                      2,172                      8,424                        190                     8,614 
                            ========================  =========================  =========================  =========================  ======================== 
 

In the year to 31 December 2022 fees and expenses of GBP2,640 (2021: GBP1,320) plus VAT were accrued to Graham Binns Consulting Limited, a Limited Liability Partnership under the control of Major General (Rtd) Graham Binns. On the 31 December 2022 Graham Binns Consulting Limited was owed GBPnil (2021: GBP1,584 including VAT).

Certain members of the Fowler family, other than directors, have been employed by the Group on normal arms-length terms for between 13 and 25 years. Their remuneration, in aggregate, for the year ended 31 December 2022 was GBP176,718 (2021: GBP183,448).

In July 2022 Westminster International (Ghana) Limited (WIG), was sold for GBP1 to Mawuli Ababio. WIG was surplus to requirements and had never actually traded because the operations are dealt with direct to the UK. However, having a company, which is wholly Ghanaian owned, as a subcontractor to facilitate certain aspects of the operations in Ghana gave potential logistical benefits. In the year to 31 December 2022 fees and expenses of GBP nil (2021: GBP Nil) plus VAT were accrued to Westminster International (Ghana) Limited, a Limited Liability Company under the control of Mawuli Ababio. On the 31 December 2022 Westminster International (Ghana) Limited was owed GBP nil (2021: GBP Nil).

28. Events after the Reporting Period

On 13 January 2023 the Company granted a total of 16,700,000 share options over ordinary shares of 0.1p each in the Company with an exercise price of 1.95p pence per Ordinary Share under the Company's 2017 Share Option Scheme. The options ordinarily become exercisable on the second anniversary of grant, subject to satisfaction of the vesting conditions and the grantee's continued service with the Company and will be exercisable at any point up until the tenth anniversary of the date of grant. Vesting is also subject to the Company's share price being at 5p or above at close of business on any five consecutive trading days after the date of grant.

The Share Options have been granted to Directors of the Company as follows:

 
 Name             Position         Type of option            No. of       Exercise   Date of 
                                    award                 Share Options     Price     vesting 
                                                             awarded 
 Sir Tony                                                                            13 January 
  Baldry          Chairman         Unapproved              1,500,000       1.95p      2025 
                 ---------------  --------------------  ---------------  ---------  ----------- 
                                                                                     13 January 
 Peter Fowler     CEO              EMI - Tax approved      3,500,000       1.95p      2025 
                 ---------------  --------------------  ---------------  ---------  ----------- 
                                                                                     13 January 
 Mark Hughes      CFO              EMI - Tax approved      1,500,000       1.95p      2025 
                 ---------------  --------------------  ---------------  ---------  ----------- 
                                                                                     13 January 
 Stuart Fowler    COO              EMI - Tax approved      1,500,000       1.95p      2025 
                 ---------------  --------------------  ---------------  ---------  ----------- 
                  Non-executive                                                      13 January 
 Mawuli Ababio     director        Unapproved               250,000        1.95p      2025 
                 ---------------  --------------------  ---------------  ---------  ----------- 
                  Non-executive                                                      13 January 
 Simon Barrell     director        Unapproved               250,000        1.95p      2025 
                 ---------------  --------------------  ---------------  ---------  ----------- 
                  Non-executive                                                      13 January 
 Graham Binns      director        Unapproved               250,000        1.95p      2025 
                 ---------------  --------------------  ---------------  ---------  ----------- 
 

Sir Tony Baldry, Peter Fowler, Mark Hughes, Stuart Fowler and Roger Worrall have by mutual consent with the Company waived their rights to all outstanding option awards granted in 2014 and 2018 totalling 6,781,250 options and these share options are now treated as lapsed.

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