REG - Volvere PLC - Final Results
Volvere plc
("Volvere" or the "Company" and, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group")
Final results for the year ended 31 December 2020
Volvere plc (AIM: VLE), the growth and turnaround investment company, announces its final results for the year ended 31 December 2020.
Highlights
£ million except where stated
Year ended
Six months ended
31 December
2020
31 December
2019
30 June
(unaudited)
2020
Group revenue
30.81
23.04
12.95
Group (loss)/profit before tax from continuing operations
Group (loss)/profit for the period (including discontinued operations)
(0.55)
(0.52)
0.14
3.18
(0.97)
(0.97)
As at 31
December 2020
As at 31
December 2019
As at
30 June 2020
Consolidated net assets per share
(excluding non-controlling interests)(1)
£13.65
£13.85
£13.29
Group net assets
37.18
26.99
26.02
Cash and marketable securities
23.71
19.32
16.11
· Strong performance by Shire Foods, the Group's savoury food manufacturer, which achieved revenue and profit before tax and intra-group management and interest charges(2) of £27.19 million (2019: £23.04 million) and £1.81 million (2019: £1.38 million) respectively. Profit before tax for the year was £1.61 million (2019: £1.18 million).
· Improving performance from Indulgence Patisserie, the Group's cakes and dessert manufacturer that was acquired during the year. Revenue and loss before tax of £3.62 million and £1.02 million respectively for the period.
· Over-subscribed share placing during the year raised £9.70 million net of expenses.
· Net assets per share(1) of £13.65.
Forward-looking statements:
This report may contain certain statements about the future outlook for Volvere plc. Although the Directors believe their expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any statements about future outlook may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different.
Note
1 Based on the net assets attributable to owners of the parent company and the respective period end shares in issue of 2,571,922, 1,834,182 and 1,834,182.
2 Profit before intra-group management and interest charges is considered to be a relevant and useful interpretation of the trading results of the business such that its performance can be understood on a basis which is independent of its ownership by the Group. Further information is included in the Chief Executive's statement and Financial review.
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of the UK Market Abuse Regulation and the Directors of the Company are responsible for the release of this announcement.
For further information:
Volvere plc
Jonathan Lander, CEO Tel: +44 (0) 1926 335700
www.volvere.co.uk
Cairn Financial Advisers LLP (Nominated Adviser)
Sandy Jamieson/James Lewis Tel: + 44 (0) 207 213 0880
Canaccord Genuity Limited (Joint Broker) Tel: + 44 (0) 207 523 8000
Bobbie Hilliam/Alex Aylen/Georgina McCooke
Hobart Capital Markets LLP (Joint Broker)
Lee Richardson Tel: + 44 (0) 207 070 5691
Notes to editors:
Volvere plc (AIM: VLE), is a growth and turnaround investment company. The Group's current trading businesses are involved in food manufacturing. The Group currently employs approximately 270 people.
For further information, please visit www.volvere.co.uk.
Forward-looking statements:
This announcement may contain certain statements about the future outlook for Volvere plc. Although the directors believe their expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any statements about future outlook may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different.
Chairman's statement
I am pleased to report on the results for the year ended 31 December 2020.
The Group's performance in 2020 was encouraging, with a strong trading performance from Shire Foods and improving performance from Indulgence Patisserie, which was acquired during the year. The Group's net assets per share* reduced to £13.65 (2019: £13.85), reflecting the losses incurred at Indulgence offset partly by an increase in the value of Shire's property.
In October 2020 we raised £9.70m net of expenses in an over-subscribed placing. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our existing shareholders for their support and welcome our new shareholders to the register.
The lifting of national and international trading restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic will influence the timing of improved trading performance in our existing portfolio. Opportunities to make further acquisitions are expected to increase as government support for businesses is reduced. We remain cautiously optimistic about the prospects for the Group as a whole.
David Buchler
Chairman
28 May 2021
*Net assets attributable to owners of the parent company divided by total number of ordinary shares outstanding at the reporting date (less those held in treasury), see note 19.
Chief Executive's statement
Introduction
Most of 2020 was dominated by the tragic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The human and economic costs have affected everybody, including the Group's employees and businesses. Despite the troubling and uncertain environment, the Group's companies have continued to operate. I am very grateful to all our staff who worked tirelessly to enable us to manufacture the products our customers needed in a very difficult time.
The results for 2020 reflect the trading performance of Shire Foods Limited ("Shire") and those of Indulgence Patisserie Limited ("Indulgence"), which was acquired in February 2020. Shire's trading was outstanding, with Indulgence showing encouraging signs of improvement in the second half of the year.
Principal activities
The Company is a holding company that identifies and invests in undervalued and/or distressed businesses and securities as well as businesses that are complementary to existing Group companies. The Company provides management services to those businesses.
The sole trading subsidiaries' activity during the year was food manufacturing. The financial performance of the Group's segments is summarised below and set out in more detail in the financial review, as well as in note 5.
The Group acquired the business and certain assets of Indulgence Patisserie Limited ("Indulgence") in February 2020. Indulgence manufactures premium, frozen cakes and desserts and supplies customers in the United Kingdom and Europe from its base in Colchester.
Operating review
Food manufacturing
The food manufacturing segment now comprises two companies - Shire Foods and Indulgence Patisserie.
Shire, in which the Group has an 80% stake, was acquired in 2011 and manufactures frozen pies, pasties and other pastry products for food retailers and food service customers. Indulgence, which is wholly owned, was acquired in February 2020 and manufactures premium frozen cakes and desserts for food retailers and food service customers.
Revenues for the segment as a whole, which also represented total Group revenues, were £30.81 million, with profit before tax and intra-group management and interest charges* of £0.79 million. Profit before tax was £0.59 million - with the difference being intra-group interest and management charges. Prior period comparatives (which were for Shire only) are shown in the Shire information below.
Shire Foods
Revenues grew to a record £27.19 million (2019: £23.04 million) with a record profit before tax, intra-group interest and management charges* of approximately £1.81 million (2019: £1.38 million). Profit before tax was £1.61 million (2019: £1.18 million) - with the difference being intra-group interest and management charges. Further commentary on the financial performance is set out in the financial review.
There was some contraction in sales to the foodservice channel in the earlier part of the year as restaurants and schools et cetera remained closed, however this was more than offset by growth in the retail sales channel as people ate at home more often for large parts of the year. Following the reopening of schools, foodservice sales largely recovered.
Particularly pleasing was the continuing development of our own vegan brand "Naughty Vegan", which has been growing sales in both retail and foodservice. We have three savoury products in the range manufactured by Shire (and two from Indulgence), which will launch later this year.
An additional manufacturing line has been successfully commissioned which has eased capacity pressure and enabled us to offer a wider range of savoury products than would otherwise have been possible.
Further information about Shire can be found at www.shirefoods.com.
Indulgence Patisserie
The COVID-19 pandemic took hold shortly after the acquisition of Indulgence and resulted in the widespread curtailing or closure of foodservice channels - upon which the Indulgence business had traditionally been heavily dependent. Whilst this was frustrating, the strategic rationale for our acquisition remained intact - to increase Indulgence's retail channel penetration and to grow the Group's foodservice offering. With the advent of the pandemic, our efforts in the retail channel redoubled during the year, with some encouraging results.
Revenues for the period were £3.62 million and the loss before tax was approximately £1.02 million. There was no group interest and no management charges levied during the year on Indulgence given the level of losses. The financial performance in the second half of 2020 showed improvement compared to the first half, with higher retail volumes.
We have made many changes in the business during the period, including appointing new suppliers, increasing our product range, putting in place new information and reporting systems and encouraging a culture of autonomy and responsibility. We have also invested in new plant and equipment. The focus, however, has been primarily on product and sales channel development. We are confident that our strategy will generate growth in 2021 and beyond, building on Indulgence's reputation for product quality.
Further information about Indulgence can be found at www.indulgence.co.uk.
COVID - 19
The safety of our staff and site visitors is important to us. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic we have put in place measures to protect their well-being as much as we reasonably can. We are satisfied that we should be able to function through another pandemic scenario similar to that experienced this year. As noted above, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected both the Group's trading businesses, but Indulgence more significantly. In Shire, foodservice represented about 12% of sales in 2020 (2019: 12.5%). In Indulgence, foodservice represented about 20% of sales for the period (no comparative data exists but the proportion is believed to have been much higher historically).
Investing and management services
The Group's investing and management services segment comprises central overheads, partially offset by management and interest charges to Group companies and returns from treasury management activities on current asset investments.
Outlook
The economic effect (coupled with the fallout from Brexit) has not created the number of distressed opportunities that we expected in October 2020, when we raised capital.
We believe that this is because UK government support schemes have, to a large extent, enabled affected businesses to avoid closure and/or filing for insolvency. Evicting tenants for non-payment of rent has been all but banned and wage subsidy schemes and government-sponsored loans have been plentiful. As a result, some of the common triggers that generate deal flow for us are absent.
These support schemes are however now being wound down, and some businesses will have to face debt burdens that may prove to be unserviceable. This, coupled with any further unanticipated disruption, should increase the Group's investment opportunities.
Whilst we continue to look at potential investments in all sectors, in the meantime we remain committed to the growth and development of our food businesses and to building on them both organically and by acquisition.
Jonathan Lander
Chief Executive
28 May 2021
Financial review
Financial performance
Detailed information about the Group's segments is set out in note 5 to the preliminary report which should be read in conjunction with this financial review and the Chairman's and Chief Executive's statements.
Overview
The Group's acquisition on 7 February 2020 of the business and certain assets of Indulgence Patisserie Limited means that these are the maiden results including that business. Group revenue from continuing operations increased by approximately 33.7% to £30.81 million (2019: £23.04 million), all of which arose in Shire and Indulgence.
The overall loss before tax for the year was £0.55 million (2019: profit £3.2 million, including a profit arising from discontinued operations of £3.1 million). The underlying continuing operations' performance in 2020 was affected by the losses in Indulgence, which more than offset the improved trading in Shire.
The trading performance of each of our businesses is outlined in the Chief Executive's statement and set out further in note 5 to the consolidated financial statements and below.
Food manufacturing
This segment reflects the trading of Shire Foods, owned since July 2011 and Indulgence Patisserie, owned since February 2020. The segment consists of savoury pastry and cakes and desserts manufacturing.
Shire Foods
Revenues were £27.19 million for the year (2019: £23.04 million), with a profit before tax, intra-group interest and management charges* of approximately £1.81 million (2019: £1.38 million). Profit before tax was £1.61 million (2019: £1.18 million) - with the difference being intra-group interest and management charges.
The materials margin percentage improved slightly compared to 2019, but direct labour and distribution costs both increased, the latter of which were notably higher, even allowing for the growth in volumes.
Perhaps not surprisingly, we have started to see raw material price inflation across several key spend areas in 2021 and these are likely to impact margins during the year. We are working with customers wherever possible to try to implement price rises or agree other mitigating steps.
During 2020 the company invested a further £0.86 million (2019: £1.9 million) in new plant. All this year's investment was funded from Shire's own resources. The Group provided £0.46 million in working capital loans in the second half of 2020 to meet seasonal working capital requirements, all of which were repaid prior to the year end. Shire's land and buildings, which are freehold, were revalued subsequent to the year end at £3.75 million (compared to a carrying value of £2.43 million) and the increase of £1.31 million (before deferred tax) has been reflected in the year end statement of financial position.
The 5-year financial performance of Shire is summarised in the table below:
Year ended 31 December
2020
£'000
Year ended 31 December
2019
£'000
Year ended 31 December
2018
£'000
Year ended 31 December
2017
£'000
Year ended 31 December
2016
£'000
Revenue
27,189
23,036
18,344
15,869
15,190
Underlying profit before tax, intra-group management and interest charges
1,813
1,384
854
635
1,149
Intra-group management and interest charges
(200)
(200)
(200)
(200)
(240)
________
________
________
________
________
Profit before tax
1,613
1,184
654
435
909
Indulgence Patisserie
The business and assets of Indulgence are held in two wholly owned Group companies, one consisting of the properties owned and occupied by Indulgence and the other comprising the trading business. For the purposes of these financial statements the results have been presented as though they were one entity since that is the way in which the Indulgence business is operated and managed.
The results for the 11-month period following the acquisition were significantly affected by the closure of the foodservice sector in the United Kingdom and Europe for much of 2020. Revenues for the period were £3.62 million and the loss before tax was approximately £1.02 million. There was no group interest and no management charges levied during the year on Indulgence given the level of losses.
As there is no reliable historical financial information available, we present below the financial performance split between the first and second halves of 2020 to show progress achieved.
7 February -
30 June
Unaudited
2020
£'000
1 July -
31 December
Unaudited
2020
£'000
Year ended
31 December
Audited
2020
£'000
Revenue
923
2,697
3,620
Underlying loss before tax, intra-group management and interest charges
(601)
(417)
(1,018)
Intra-group management and interest charges
-
-
-
________
________
________
Loss before tax
(601)
(417)
(1,018)
Throughout the period the Group has provided working capital loans to Indulgence. The amounts provided as at 31 December 2020 were as follows:
As 31
December
2020
£'000
Acquisition of business and assets
1,307
Working capital loans provided during period
2,933
________________
Group loans outstanding
4,240
Investment revenues, other gains and losses and finance income and expense
Whilst continuing to review and assess further investments in trading activities, the Group continued to hold significant cash. All cash has been held on deposit at UK banks but prevailing low interest rates have meant continuing low investment revenues, amounting to £0.08 million (2019: £nil million).
The Group's net finance expense was £0.07 million (2019: net income £0.06 million). In line with prior periods, individual Group trading companies utilise leverage where appropriate, and without recourse to the remainder of the Group, which attracts some external interest expense.
Profit from discontinued business
In the prior year the Group sold Sira Defence and Security for a total consideration of £3 million.
Statement of financial position
Overall position
Group net assets were £37.18 million at the year end (2019: £26.99 million), an increase of £10.19 million. The increase reflects the consideration from the share placing in October 2020 (which raised £9.70 million net of expenses) and the effects of the revaluation of Shire's land and buildings, offset by the trading losses in the year.
Cash and current investments
Year-end cash totalled £23.71 million (2019: £19.3 million).
The principal outflows of cash during the year arose from the acquisition of Indulgence and the follow-on investment in the supply chain, purchases of plant and machinery and debt repayments, offset by the placing proceeds.
The funds held in escrow of £2.39 million and £0.24m from the disposals of Impetus Automotive and Sira respectively were received in full during the year.
Dividends
In accordance with the policy set out at the time of admission to AIM, the Board is not recommending the payment of a dividend at this time and prefers to retain such profits as they arise for investment in future opportunities, or to purchase its own shares for treasury where that is considered to be in the best interests of shareholders.
Purchase of own shares
During the year the Company purchased 3,000 (2019: 1,283,927) of its own shares, which are held in treasury, at a cost of £0.04 million (2019: £16.6 million).
Earnings per share
Basic and diluted loss per ordinary share from continuing operations was (40.4)p (2019: (5.7)p). The basic and diluted profit per ordinary share from discontinued operations was Nil (2019: 127.9p). Total basic and diluted loss per ordinary share were (40.4)p (2019: profit 122.2p).
Investing strategy
The Company's investing strategy is to invest in, or acquire: quoted companies where, in the Directors' opinion, the market capitalisation does not reflect the value of the assets; any company that is in distress but offers the possibility of a turnaround; and any company that fits strategically with an existing portfolio investment.
The Company may also invest in quoted or unquoted start-up, early or development-stage companies in sectors where the Directors have experience of investing or where they have identified management teams with experience in those areas.
The Company may invest in any company (or similar structure) or third-party fund on a short or long-term basis, where the Directors have experience of investing, especially where such investment is similar or complementary to an existing or past investment of the Company.
The Company may also create and invest in fund vehicles owned, managed or controlled by the Company, including where there is the possibility of raising third party investment; and invest in third party funds where the investment strategy of those funds is in the Directors' opinion similar to that of the Company, and specifically including funds that invest in distressed debt and equity, or that invest in derivative securities of distressed debt or equity.
The Company has a preference for active rather than passive investing and for holding a small number of investments, including a single investment, and does not necessarily seek to diversify risk across a wide range of investments, unless this can be achieved without affecting the Company's active investment style. The Company's preference is to make investments in the UK and Continental Europe.
Where the Company makes a direct investment, investment decisions will be made by the Directors, who collectively have many years of experience in selecting and managing investments. Investments made by fund vehicles, if owned, managed or controlled by the Company, will be made by the executives of the investment manager of the fund vehicle, which will include representatives of the Board. Investments made by fund vehicles owned, managed or controlled by third parties, will normally be made by the fund investment manager which may or may not include the involvement of Company executives.
Screening and due diligence of potential investments (including any initial investment in a fund vehicle) will be carried out by the executive management of the Company. Any decision on whether to proceed will be made by the unanimous decision of the Board.
Outside consultants and professional advisers will be used where appropriate but the Company will endeavour to keep this to a minimum in order to control expenses.
The Board seeks shareholder approval for the investing strategy on an annual basis. The Directors expect to be able to find suitable investment or acquisition candidates within the next 12 months, however there is no time limit and if no suitable acquisition or investment has been identified before the Company's next annual general meeting, the Directors may review the Company's investing strategy at that time.
Key performance indicators (KPIs)
The Group uses key performance indicators suitable for the nature and size of the Group's businesses. The key financial performance indicators are revenue and profit before tax. The performance of the Group and the individual trading businesses against these KPIs is outlined above, in the Chief Executive's statement and disclosed in note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.
Internally, management uses a variety of non-financial KPIs as follows: in respect of the food manufacturing sector order intake, manufacturing output and sales are monitored weekly and reported monthly and order intake is monitored monthly in respect of the security solutions segment.
Principal risk factors
The Company and Group face a number of specific business risks that could affect the Company's or Group's success. The Company and Group invests in distressed businesses and securities, which by their nature often carry a higher degree of risk than those that are not distressed. The Group's businesses are principally engaged in the provision of goods and services that are dependent on the continued employment of the Group's employees and availability of suitable, profitable workload. In the food manufacturing segment, there is a dependency on a small number of customers and a reduction in the volume or range of products supplied to those customers or the loss of any one of them could impact the Group materially. The current COVID-19 pandemic could impact on the Group's employees, customers and suppliers but has not had a material effect to date.
These risks are managed by the Board in conjunction with the management of the Group's businesses.
More information on the Group's financial risks is disclosed in note 16 to the consolidated financial statements.
Energy and carbon reporting
As neither Volvere plc nor any qualifying subsidiaries have consumed more than 40,000 kWh of energy in this reporting period, they qualify as low energy users under the regulations and are not required to report on any emissions, energy consumption or energy efficient activities.
Statement by the Directors relating to their statutory duties under s172(1) Companies Act 2006
The Board of Directors considers, both individually and together, that they have acted in the way they consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the company for the benefit of the members as a whole (having regard to the stakeholders and the matters set out in s172(1)(a-f) of the Act) in the decisions taken during the year ended 31 December 2020.
The Company is a holding company for which the investing strategy is approved by members annually at the Company's Annual General Meeting. The Company's success in following this investing strategy is measurable in terms of the value arising over time from the Company's investments.
The Board of Directors had regard, amongst other matters, to the:
· likely consequences of any decision on the long term;
· interests of the Group's employees;
· need to foster relationships with customers, suppliers and others;
· impact of the Group's operations on the communities in which the Group's businesses operate;
· impact of the Group's operations on the environment;
· desirability of maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct;
· need to act fairly between the members of the Company.
The broad range of stakeholders and their interests means that it may not be possible to deliver outcomes that meet all individual interests. Whilst there is an inherent and probable interdependency between the success of the Company's underlying investments and the Company itself over time, there may be occasions where actions in relation to those investments taken, or not taken, in the interests of the Company's stakeholders' by the Board could be perceived as, or be, in conflict with stakeholder interests in the investments themselves.
The Board engages with the Group's stakeholders both directly and indirectly at an operational level through the Group's management responsibility structure. Direct engagement includes members of the Board communicating with stakeholders personally in appropriate circumstances. In addition, the Board reviews and challenges the strategies and financial and operational performances of its individual trading businesses, including risk management, legal and regulatory compliance, through periodic reporting processes and management review meetings. The Company makes Stock Market announcements whenever required or considered necessary.
The Board:
· ensures that any recommendations from relevant regulators are properly considered;
· assesses risk in the application of capital when making investment decisions and in making follow-on investments, whether by way of equity or debt;
· through its own and its subsidiaries' employment practices seeks to reward employees fairly and to create a safe and secure environment;
· encourages its subsidiaries to maintain regular, open and honest contact with their customers and suppliers, working collaboratively;
· encourages subsidiaries to support charitable activities in their local communities and to consider the impact of their operations on the local community;
· seeks to minimise negative effects of the Company's operations on the environment by minimising travel and encouraging its subsidiaries to minimise waste and recycle materials wherever practicable.
These activities give the Board an overview of stakeholder engagement and effectiveness, including opportunities to improve further, and enables the Directors to comply with their legal duty under s172 of the Companies Act 2006.
Nick Lander
Chief Financial & Operating Officer
28 May 2021
Corporate governance report
All members of the Board believe in the value and importance of good corporate governance and in our accountability to all the Group's stakeholders, including shareholders, staff, clients and suppliers. In the statement below, we explain our approach to governance, and how the Board and its committees operate.
The corporate governance framework which the Group operates, including Board leadership and effectiveness, Board remuneration, and internal control is based upon practices which the Board believes are proportionate to the size, risks, complexity and operations of the business and is reflective of the Group's values. We have partially adopted and partially comply with the Quoted Companies Alliance's ("QCA") Corporate Governance Code for small and mid-size quoted companies (revised in April 2018 to meet the requirements of AIM Rule 26).
The QCA Code is constructed around ten broad principles and a set of disclosures. We have considered how we apply each principle to the extent that the Board judges these to be appropriate in the circumstances, and below we provide an explanation of the approach taken in relation to each. Except as set out below, the Board considers that it does not depart from any of the principles of the QCA Code. The information below was last updated on 11 May 2020.
The following paragraphs set out the Group's compliance (or otherwise) with the ten principles of the QCA Code.
1. Establish a strategy and business model which promote long-term value for shareholders
Explanation
The Company's strategy is to identify and invest in undervalued and/or distressed businesses and securities as well as businesses that are complementary to existing Group companies. The Company provides management services to those businesses.
Since 2002 the Company's shares have been traded on the Alternative Investment Market ("AIM") of the London Stock Exchange (ticker VLE).
In order to execute the Company's strategy successfully, the following key issues are addressed:
Investment Identification - the Company's executive directors are responsible for identifying potential investments. This is done through maintaining relationships with intermediaries and through personal networks.
Investment Assessment - the Company's executive directors are responsible for assessing potential investments as a basis for delivering long-term shareholder value. This is done principally by undertaking due diligence on such investments, such work being done largely by the executive directors themselves. Where considered necessary, cost-effective and practicable, external advisers may be used.
Investment Structuring - the Company's executive directors are responsible for determining the initial investment structure relating to potential investments. Investments have individual management teams and risk and reward profiles and the Company puts in place an investment structure that seeks to balance the risks and potential rewards for all such stakeholders.
Investment Performance Improvement - the Company's executive directors are responsible for implementing a strategy that improves the performance of investments (where such investments are not simply held for treasury purposes). This will typically involve board leadership and an appropriate level of operational involvement to ensure that financial and operational risks are minimised through increased profitability and cash generation. This is typically done by improving customer service and quality, clearer financial reporting and control, increasing management responsibility and target setting.
Investment Exit - the Board is responsible for assessing the optimum time to exit from an investment. This is determined based on a range of factors, including the potential divestment valuation, the nature of any potential acquirer, the external environment and other stakeholder intentions.
Compliance Departure and Reason - None.
2. Seek to understand and meet shareholder needs and expectations
Explanation
Responsibility for investor relations rests with the CEO, supported by the CFO. The Company communicates in different ways with its shareholders to ensure that shareholder needs and expectations are clearly understood.
Communication with shareholders is principally through the Annual Report and Accounts, full-year and half-year announcements, trading updates and the annual general meeting ("AGM"). A range of corporate information (including all Company announcements) is also available to shareholders, investors and the public on our website. The AGM is the principal opportunity for dialogue with private shareholders, and all Board members seek to attend it and answer shareholder questions. The Notice of Meeting is sent to shareholders at least 21 days before the meeting. In addition, the CEO attends potential investor shows in order to increase the Company's profile.
Compliance Departure and Reason - None.
3. Take into account wider stakeholder and social responsibilities and their implications for long-term success
Explanation
The Group's ability to deliver on its strategy is dependent partly upon its effective engagement with stakeholders and a wider recognition of the social implications of its operations. In all businesses, the typical key stakeholders are shareholders, customers, staff and suppliers.
Customers - in all businesses the Group seeks to provide clients with products and services that are differentiated from competitors. This is done through meeting clients to understand their needs and through understanding competitors' offerings.
Staff - the Group's staff are critical to delivering client satisfaction over the longer term. All Group companies have in place staff communication forums and flat management structures, which aid communication. Group management is accessible to company staff. In situations where individual subsidiary decisions would impact on staff security or morale, the relevant company will seek to minimise the impact on staff.
Suppliers - to varying degrees the Group is dependent upon the reliable and efficient service of its supply chain. In the case of significant suppliers, each Group company will meet periodically with them to review and determine future trading arrangements and to share the relevant company's requirements of that supplier.
Compliance Departure and Reason - None.
4. Embed effective risk management, considering both opportunities and threats, throughout the organisation
Explanation
Recognising and managing business risks is key to ensuring the delivery of strategy and the creation of long-term shareholder value.
As part of the Group's annual reporting to shareholders, specific financial risks are evaluated, including those related to foreign currency, interest rates, liquidity and credit. The Group's key risks are set out in the Annual Report & Accounts.
The nature of the Group's operations is such that individual companies are organised independently and operate business and IT systems that are appropriate to their individual businesses. The Audit Committee reviews the findings of the Group's auditors and considers whether there are remedial actions necessary to improve the control environment in each company.
The Group has in place and Anti-Bribery Policy and a Share Dealing Code that apply to staff.
Compliance Departure and Reason - None.
5. Maintain the board as a well-functioning, balanced team led by the chair
Explanation
Board members have a collective responsibility and legal obligation to promote the interests of the Company and are collectively responsible for defining corporate governance arrangements. Ultimate responsibility for the quality of, and approach to, corporate governance lies with the chair of the Board.
The Board consists of three directors of which two are executive and one (the Chairman) is non-executive. The Chairman is considered independent and independent directors will stand for re-election on an annual basis in the event of having more than 10 years continuous board service. The QCA Code requires that the Company has two non-executive directors.
The board is supported by both Audit and Remuneration committees, the member of each of which is the Chairman.
The Board meets formally on a regular basis (typically 4-6 times per annum), with interim meetings convened on an as-required basis. The Audit committee undertakes an annual review and the Remuneration committee undertakes reviews on an as-required basis. All directors commit the required time to meet the needs of the Group from time-to-time.
Compliance Departure and Reason - As currently constituted the Board includes only one non-executive director. The Board considers that the size of the Group does not merit the appointment of an additional non-executive director but will continue to review this over time.
6. Ensure that between them the directors have the necessary up-to-date experience, skills and capabilities
Explanation
The Company's directors are David Buchler (Chairman), Jonathan Lander (CEO) and Nicholas Lander (COO/CFO). All members of the Board have experience relevant to delivering the Company's strategy.
The Board believes that, as currently constituted, it has a blend of relevant experience, skills and personal qualities to enable it to successfully execute its strategy.
The Directors' biographies are in the Annual Report and Accounts and incorporated here by reference.
Compliance Departure and Reason - The QCA Code requires, inter alia, that the Company describes the relevant experience, skills, personal qualities and capabilities that each director brings to the Board. The Board believes the individual's biography as noted above, coupled with their successful service to date with the Company, is sufficiently objective evidence that the Board has the necessary requirements to fulfil their roles individually and collectively.
7. Evaluate board performance based on clear and relevant objectives, seeking continuous improvement
Explanation
The Board does not formally review the effectiveness of itself as a unit nor of the Remuneration and Audit committees. The small size of the Board means that individual directors' contributions are transparent. Where the Company identifies potential Board members, these are noted for any possible future vacancies as part of succession planning or to bring in additional skills or capabilities.
Compliance Departure and Reason - Where the need for Board changes has become evident in the past, the necessary changes have been implemented. It is not considered necessary to formally review performance given this embedded approach, whereby review of effectiveness is continuous.
8. Promote a corporate culture that is based on ethical values and behaviours
Explanation
The nature of the Group's businesses are diverse and, by their nature, may have different cultures and values relevant to their sector. However, there are some core values that the Group adopts throughout all its businesses, irrespective of their nature and size.
These values are: honesty, integrity, openness and respect. The Board leads by example, demonstrating through its collective actions and individually as directors through theirs, to local management teams and staff. The Company has an Anti-bribery Policy and makes an annual Modern Slavery statement.
Compliance Departure and Reason - None.
9. Maintain governance structures and processes that are fit for purpose and support good decision-making by the board
Explanation
The Board provides strategic leadership for the Group and operates within the scope of a robust corporate governance framework. Its purpose is to ensure the delivery of long-term shareholder value, which involves setting the culture, values and practices that operate throughout the Group's businesses as well as defining its strategic goals. The Board has approved terms of reference for its Audit and Remuneration committees to which certain responsibilities are delegated.
The individual roles and responsibilities of the Board, the Board members and the Audit and Remuneration Committees are set out below.
Role and Responsibilities of Chairman
The Chairman is independent and from an external perspective, engages with shareholders at the Company's Annual General Meeting to reinforce the fact that the Board is being run with the appropriate level of engagement and time commitment. From an internal perspective, he ensures that the information which flows within the board and its sub committees is accurate, relevant and timely and that meetings concentrate on key operational and financial issues which have a strategic bias, together with monitoring implementation plans surrounding commercial objectives.
In relation to corporate governance, his responsibility is to lead the board effectively and to oversee the adoption, delivery and communication of the Company's corporate governance model. He also aims to foster a positive governance culture throughout the Company working through the CEO and COO/CFO.
Roles and Responsibilities of CEO
The CEO is responsible for recommending and ensuring effective delivery of the Group's strategy and achieving financial performance commensurate with that strategy.
The CEO works with the Chairman and COO/CFO in an open and transparent way and keeps them up-to-date with matters of importance and relevance to delivering the strategy.
Roles and Responsibilities of COO/CFO
The COO/CFO is responsible for the operational aspects of the Group's businesses and for maintaining a robust financial control and reporting environment throughout.
Role of the Board
The Board of a company is responsible for setting the vision and strategy for the Company to deliver value to its shareholders by effectively putting in place its business model. The Board members are collectively responsible for defining corporate governance arrangements to achieve this purpose, under clear leadership by the Chairman.
The Board is authorised to manage the business of the Company on behalf of its shareholders and in accordance with the Company's Articles of Association. The Board is responsible for overseeing the management of the business and for ensuring high standards of corporate governance are maintained throughout the Group.
The Board meets several times a year and at other times as necessary, to discuss a formal schedule of matters specifically reserved for its decision.
These matters routinely include:
· Group strategy and associated risks
· Financial performance of the Group's businesses and approval of annual budgets, the half year results, annual report and accounts and dividends
· Changes relating to the Group's capital structure or share buy-backs
· Appointments to and removal from the Board and Committees of the Board given the absence of a separate nomination committee
· Acquisitions, disposals and other material transactions
· Actual or potential conflicts of interest relating to any Director are routinely identified at all Board discussions
Role of Audit Committee
The Audit Committee provides confidence to shareholders on the integrity of the financial results of the Company expressed in the Annual Report and Accounts and other relevant public announcements of the company. The Audit Committee challenges both the external auditors and the management of the Company. It keeps the need for internal audit under review. It is responsible for the assessing recommendations to the Board on the engagement of auditors including tendering and the approval of non-audit services, for reviewing the conduct and control of the annual audit and for reviewing the operation of the internal financial controls.
It also has responsibility for reviewing financial statements prior to publication and reporting to the Board on any significant reporting issues, estimates and judgements made in connection with the preparation of the Company's financial statements.
The Audit Committee, in conjunction with the rest of the Board, also has a key role in the oversight of the effectiveness of the risk management and internal control systems of the Company.
Members: David Buchler
Role of Remuneration Committee
It is the role of the Remuneration Committee to ensure that remuneration arrangements are aligned to support the implementation of Company strategy and effective risk management for the medium to long-term, and to take into account the views of shareholders.
The Company's remuneration policy has been designed to ensure that it encourages and rewards the right behaviours, values and culture.
The Remuneration Committee reviews the performance of the executive directors, sets the scale and structure of their remuneration and the basis of their service agreements with due regard to the interests of shareholders and reviews and approves any proposed bonus entitlement. It also determines the allocation of share options to employees.
Members: David Buchler
The Board has approved the adoption of the QCA Code as its governance framework against which this statement has been prepared and will monitor the suitability of this code on an annual basis and revise its governance framework as appropriate as the Group evolves. The Board is satisfied that the current framework will evolve in line with the current growth plans of the Group.
Compliance Departure and Reason - None.
10. Communicate how the company is governed and is performing by maintaining a dialogue with shareholders and other relevant stakeholders
Explanation
A healthy dialogue should exist between the Board and all of its stakeholders, including shareholders, to enable all interested parties to come to informed decisions about the Company. In particular, appropriate communication and reporting structures should exist between the Board and all constituent parts of its shareholder base. This will assist:
· the communication of shareholders' views to the Board; and
· the shareholders' understanding of the unique circumstances and constraints faced by the Company. It should be clear where these communication practices are described (annual report or website).
The Group's Annual Report and Accounts and other governance-related material, along with notices of all general meetings over the last five years (as a minimum) are accessible via the Company's website.
Audit Committee Report - the Audit Committee's annual meeting is minuted. All matters raised by the Group's auditors are carefully considered and actions implemented where considered appropriate. The approach and role of the Audit Committee is noted in section 9 above.
Remuneration Committee Report - the Remuneration Committee's meetings are minuted. The remuneration of the Board is set out in the Annual Report and Accounts. The approach and role of the Remuneration Committee is noted in section 9 above.
Compliance Departure and Reason - The Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee have not prepared formal reports as required by the Code. Given the small size of the Board, such formal reporting is not considered necessary.
Consolidated income statement
Note
2020
2019
£'000
£'000
Continuing operations
Revenue
5
30,809
23,036
Cost of sales
(25,803)
(19,454)
Gross profit
5,006
3,582
Distribution costs
(1,857)
(1,225)
Administrative expenses
(3,624)
(2,281)
Operating (loss)/profit
2
(475)
76
Finance expense
7
(152)
(118)
Finance income
7
80
179
(Loss)/profit before tax
(547)
137
Income tax credit/(expense)
8
29
(31)
(Loss)/profit for the year from continuing operations
(518)
106
Profit for the year from discontinued operations
-
3,078
(Loss)/profit for the year
(518)
3,184
Attributable to:
- Equity holders of the parent
(792)
2,942
- Non-controlling interests
274
242
(518)
3,184
Earnings per share
9
Basic
- from continuing operations
- from discontinued operations
(40.4)p
-
(5.7)p
127.9p
Total
(40.4)p
122.2p
Diluted
- from continuing operations
(40.4)p
(5.7)p
- from discontinued operations
-
127.9p
Total
(40.4)p
122.2p
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
2020
2019
£'000
£'000
(Loss)/profit for the year
(518)
3,184
Other comprehensive income
Revaluation of property
1,065
-
Total comprehensive income for the year
547
3,184
Attributable to:
- Equity holders of the parent
60
2,942
- Non-controlling interests
487
242
547
3,184
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Share
capital
£'000
Share
premium
£'000
Revaluation
reserve
£'000
Retained
earnings
£'000
Total
£'000
Non-controlling interests
£'000Total
£'000
2020
Loss for the year
-
-
(13)
(779)
(792)
274
(518)
Revaluation of property
-
-
852
-
852
213
1,065
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
839
(779)
60
487
547
Balance at 1 January50
3,640
100
21,610
25,400
1,589
26,989
Transactions with owners:
Sale of own treasury shares
-
4,245
-
5,437
9,682
-
9,682
Purchase of own treasury shares
-
-
-
(39)
(39)
-
(39)
Total transactions with owners
-
4,245
-
5,398
9,643
-
9,643
Balance at 31 December
50
7,885
939
26,229
35,103
2,076
37,179
Share
capital
£'000
Share
premium
£'000
Revaluation
reserves
£'000
Retained
earnings
£'000
Total
£'000
Non-controlling interests
£'000Total
£'000
2019
Profit for the year
-
-
-
2,942
2,942
242
3,184
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-
2,942
2,942
242
3,184
Balance at 1 January50
3,640
100
35,180
38,970
1,447
40,417
Transactions with owners:
Purchase of own treasury shares
-
-
-
(16,512)
(16,512)
-
(16,512)
Dividend paid to non-controlling interests
-
-
-
-
-
(100)
(100)
Total transactions with owners
-
-
-
(16,512)
(16,512)
(100)
(16,612)
Balance at 31 December
50
3,640
100
21,610
25,400
1,589
26,989
Consolidated statement of financial position
2020
2019
Note
£'000
£'000
Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
11
9,956
7,331
Total non-current assets
9,956
7,331
Current assets
Inventories
12
4,020
2,204
Trade and other receivables
13
7,185
4,816
Cash and cash equivalents
14
23,711
19,317
Total current assets
34,916
26,337
Total assets
44,872
33,668
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Loans and other borrowings
17
(1,452)
(1,154)
Leases
17
(388)
(466)
Trade and other payables
15
(3,333)
(2,408)
Total current liabilities
(5,173)
(4,028)
Non-current liabilities
Loans and other borrowings
17
(1,044)
(1,151)
Leases
17
(1,087)
(1,334)
Total non-current liabilities
(2,131)
(2,485)
Total liabilities
(7,304)
(6,513)
Provisions - deferred tax
18
(389)
(166)
Net assets
37,179
26,989
Equity
Share capital
19
50
50
Share premium account
20
7,885
3,640
Revaluation reserves
20
939
100
Retained earnings
26,229
21,610
Capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the Company
35,103
25,400
Non-controlling interests
23
2,076
1,589
Total equity
37,179
26,989
Consolidated statement of cash flows
2020
2020
2019
2019
Note
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
(Loss)/profit for the year
(518)
3,184
Adjustments for:
Finance expense
7
152
118
Finance income
7
(80)
(179)
Profit from discontinued operations
6
-
(3,078)
Depreciation
11
979
633
Operating lease rentals
(59)
-
Income tax (credit)/expense
8
(29)
31
963
(2,475)
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital
445
709
Increase in trade and other receivables
(2,369)
(349)
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables
928
(18)
Decrease in inventories
(1,723)
(430)
Tax paid
-
(50)
Cash used by continuing operations
(2,719)
(138)
Operating cash flows from discontinued operations
-
(315)
________
________
Net cash used by operating activities
(2,719)
(453)
Investing activities
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations net of cash sold
-
3,138
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(957)
(916)
Interest received
7
80
179
Acquisition of business
10
(1,234)
-
Net cash (used by)/generated from investing activities
(2,111)
2,401
Financing activities
Interest paid
7
(144)
(118)
Purchase of own shares (treasury shares)
19
(39)
(16,575)
Sale of own shares (treasury shares)
19
9,682
-
Net (repayment)/increase of borrowings
(275)
25
Dividend paid by subsidiary to external shareholders
-
(100)
Net cash generated from/(used by) financing activities
9,224
(16,768)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash
4,394
(14,820)
Cash at beginning of year
19,317
34,137
Cash at end of year
23,711
19,317
Notes forming part of the preliminary announcement
1 Accounting policies
The financial information set out above, which was approved by the Board on 27 May 2021, is derived from the full Group accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020 and does not constitute the statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The Group accounts on which the auditors have given an unqualified report, which does not contain a statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006 in respect of the accounts for 2020, will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies in due course. Copies of the Company's Annual Report and Financial Statements are expected to be sent to shareholders on 3 June 2021 and will be available online at www.volvere.co.uk.
Basis of accounting
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS and IFRIC interpretations) as adopted by the European Union ("adopted IFRS") and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies preparing their accounts under adopted IFRS.
The following principal accounting policies have been applied consistently, in all material respects, in the preparation of these financial statements:
Going concern
The Group's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the Strategic Report. In addition, note 16 to the financial statements includes the Group's objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital; its financial risk management objectives; details of its financial instruments and hedging activities; and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk.
The Group has considerable financial resources and, as a consequence, the directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage the business risks inherent in its activities despite the current uncertain economic outlook.
The directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to enable it to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial statements.
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries) made up to 31 December each year. Control is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an investee entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. All subsidiaries have a reporting date of 31 December.
The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated income statement from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate. All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.
Non-controlling interests, presented as part of equity, represent the portion of a subsidiary's profit or loss and net assets that is not held by the Group. The Group attributes total comprehensive income or loss of subsidiaries between the owners of the parent and the non-controlling interests based on their respective ownership interests.
The results and net assets of subsidiaries whose accounts are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated into Sterling at average and year-end rates respectively.
Business combinationsThe Group applies the acquisition method of accounting for 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 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 measured at their acquisition-date fair values.
Goodwill is stated after separate recognition of identifiable intangible assets. It is calculated as the excess of the sum of the fair value of consideration transferred, the recognised amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the acquisition-date fair value of any existing equity interest in the acquiree, over the acquisition-date fair values of identifiable net assets. If the fair values of identifiable net assets exceed the sum calculated above, the excess amount (i.e. gain on a bargain purchase) is recognised in profit or loss immediately.
The purchase of a non-controlling interest is not a business combination within the scope of IFRS 3, since the acquiree is already controlled by its parent. Such transactions are accounted for as equity transactions, as they are transactions with equity holders acting in their capacity as such. No change in goodwill is recognised and no gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the future economic benefits arising from a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognised. See above for information on how goodwill is initially determined. Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses and is reviewed annually for impairment.
Revenue recognition
Revenue from contracts with customers is recognised when control of the goods or services are transferred to the customer at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the group expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services net of discounts, VAT and other sales-related taxes. The group concludes that it is the principal in its revenue arrangements, because it typically controls the goods or services before transferring them to the customer. Payment is typically due within 60 days. Contracts with customers do not contain a financing component or any element of variable consideration. The group does not offer an option to purchase a warranty.
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised at the point in time when control of the asset is transferred to the customer, generally when the customer has taken undisputed delivery of the goods. There are no service obligations attached to the sale of goods. Customer rebates are deducted from revenue.
Revenue earned on time and materials contracts is recognised as costs are incurred. Income from fixed price contracts is recognised in proportion to the stage of completion, determined on the basis of work done, of the relevant contract.
Revenue from consulting services is recognised when the services are provided by reference to the contract's stage of completion at the reporting date. When the outcome can be assessed reliably, contract revenue and associated costs are recognised by reference to the stage of completion of the contract activity at the reporting date. When the outcome of a contract cannot be estimated reliably, revenue is recognised only to the extent of contract costs that have been incurred and are recoverable. Contract costs are recognised in the period in which they are incurred or, where recoverable from clients, are included in work-in-progress.
Revenue from consulting services relating to fixed price contracts is recognised in relation to the delivery of the performance obligations specified in the contract. Penalties for non-performance against specific terms of the contract are provided for when there is a probable outflow of resources under the contract terms and the amount can be reliably estimated. Such adjustments are deducted from revenue.
Revenue from software licences is recognised either upfront (where the grant of the licence is at inception of a contract and where maintenance is provided as a separate service) or periodically in line with the time for which the licence is provided (where such provision is part of an ongoing managed service).
If it is probable that total contract costs will exceed total contract revenue, the expected loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.
The gross amount due from customers for contract work is presented within trade and other receivables for all contracts in progress for which costs incurred plus recognised profits (less recognised losses) exceeds progress billings. The gross amount due to customers for contract work is presented within other liabilities for all contracts in progress for which progress billings exceed costs incurred plus recognised profits (less recognised losses).
Discontinued operations
Discontinued operations represent cash generating units or groups of cash generating units that have either been disposed of or classified as held for sale and represent a separate major line of business or are part of a single co-ordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business. Cash generating units forming part of a single co-ordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business are classified within continuing operations until they meet the criteria to be held for sale. The post-tax profit or loss of the discontinued operation is presented as a single line on the face of the consolidated income statement, together with any post-tax gain or loss recognised on the re-measurement to fair value less costs to sell or on the disposal of the assets or disposal group constituting the discontinued operation. On changes to the composition of groups of units comprising discontinued operations, the presentation of discontinued operations within prior periods is restated to reflect consistent classification of discontinued operations across all periods presented.
Operating segments
IFRS 8 "Operating Segments" requires the disclosure of segmental information for the Group on the basis of information reported internally to the chief operating decision-maker for decision-making purposes. The Group considers that the role of chief operating decision-maker is performed collectively by the Board of Directors.
Volvere plc is a holding company that identifies and invests principally in undervalued and distressed businesses and securities as well as businesses that are complementary to existing Group companies. Its customers are based primarily in the UK and Europe.
Financial information (including revenue and profit before tax and intra-group charges) is reported to the board on a segmental basis. Segment revenue comprises sales to external customers and excludes gains arising on the disposal of assets and finance income. Segment profit reported to the board represents the profit earned by each segment before tax and intra-group charges. For the purposes of assessing segment performance and for determining the allocation of resources between segments, the board reviews the non-current assets attributable to each segment as well as the financial resources available. All assets are allocated to reportable segments. Assets that are used jointly by segments are allocated to the individual segments on a basis of revenues earned.
All liabilities are allocated to individual segments. Information is reported to the Board of Directors on a segmental basis as management believes that each segment exposes the Group to differing levels of risk and rewards due to their varying business life cycles. The segment profit or loss, segment assets and segment liabilities are measured on the same basis as amounts recognised in the financial statements. Each segment is managed separately.
Leasing
The company applies IFRS 16 Leases. Accordingly leases are all accounted for in the same manner:
- A right of use asset and lease liability is recognised on the statement of financial position, initially measured at the present value of future lease payments;
- Depreciation of right-of-use assets and interest on lease liabilities are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income;
- The total amount of cash paid is recognised in the statement of cash flows, split between payments of principal (within financing activities) and interest (also within financing activities)
The initial measurement of the right of use asset and lease liability takes into account the value of lease incentives such as rent free periods.
The costs of leases of low value items and those with a short term at inception are recognised as incurred.
Foreign currencies
Transactions in currencies other than sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. At each reporting date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting date. Gains and losses arising on retranslation are included in net profit or loss for the period.
Retirement benefit costs
The Group's subsidiary undertakings operate defined contribution retirement benefit schemes. Payments to these schemes are charged as an expense in the period to which they relate. The assets of the schemes are held separately from those of the relevant company and Group in independently administered funds.
TaxationThe tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax. The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the income statement 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.
Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on temporary differences between the carrying amounts 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 generally 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 goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.
Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, and interests in joint ventures, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax is measured on an undiscounted basis using the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.
Property, plant and equipment
Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any recognised impairment loss. Freehold property is revalued on a periodic basis. Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets, less their residual values, over their estimated useful lives, using the straight line method, on the following bases:
Freehold property - 1.5% per annum
Plant and machinery - 4%-33% per annum
Investments
Investments are recognised and derecognised on a trade date where a purchase or sale of an investment is under a contract whose terms require delivery of the investment within the timeframe established by the market concerned, and are initially measured at fair value, including transaction costs. Available for sale current asset investments are carried at fair value with adjustments recognised in other comprehensive income.
Investment income
Income from investments is included in the income statement at the point the Group becomes legally entitled to it. Interest income and expenses are reported on an accruals basis using the effective interest method.
Impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (including goodwill)
At each reporting date the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its property, plant and equipment and intangible 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).
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and any risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.
If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) 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 (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but only 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 (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised as income immediately, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.
Share-based payments
The Group issues equity-settled share-based payments to certain directors and employees. Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant. The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group's estimate of options that will ultimately vest.
Fair value is measured by use of a Black-Scholes pricing model. The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on management's best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Raw materials are valued at purchase price and the costs of ordinarily interchangeable items are assigned using a weighted average cost formula. The cost of finished goods comprises raw materials directly attributable to manufacturing processes based on product specification and packaging cost. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less any applicable selling expenses.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances, overnight deposits and treasury deposits. The Group considers all highly liquid investments with original maturity dates of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Financial assets
Recognition and derecognition
Financial assets and financial instruments are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the financial asset.
Financial assets are derecognised when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial assets expire, or when the financial asset and substantially all of the risks and rewards are transferred. A financial liability is derecognised when it is extinguished, discharged, cancelled or expires.
Classification and initial recognition of financial assets
Except for trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component and are measured at the transaction price in accordance with IFRS 15, all financial assets are initially measured at fair value adjusted for transaction costs (where applicable).
Financial assets, other than those designated and effective as hedging instruments are classified into the following categories:
- Amortised cost
- Fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)
- Fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI)
The classification is determined by both:
- The entity's business model for managing the financial asset
- The contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset
All income and expenses relating to financial assets that are recognised in profit or loss are presented within finance costs, finance income or other financial items, except for impairment of trade receivables which is presented within administrative expenses.
Subsequent measurement of financial assets
Financial assets are measured at amortised cost if the assets meet the following conditions (and are not designated as FVTPL):
- They are held within a business model whose objective is to hold the financial assets and collect its contractual cash flows
- The contractual terms of the financial assets give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding
After initial recognition, these are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Discounting is omitted where its effect is immaterial. The Group's cash and cash equivalents, trade and most other receivables fall into this category. This category also includes investments in equity instruments.
Financial assets which are designated as FVTPL are measured at fair value with gains or losses recognised in profit or loss. The fair values of financial assets in this category are determined with reference to active market transactions or using a valuation technique where no active market exists.
Impairment of financial assets
IFRS 9's impairment requirements use forward looking information to recognise expected credit losses - the 'expected credit loss (ECL) method'. Recognition of credit losses is no longer dependent on first identifying a credit loss event, but considers a broader range of information in assessing credit risk and credit losses including past events, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the expected collectability of the future cash flows of the instrument.
In applying this forward looking approach, a distinction is made between:
- Financial instruments that have not deteriorated significantly in credit quality since initial recognition or that have low credit risk ('stage 1') and
- Financial instruments that have deteriorated significantly in credit quality since initial recognition and whose credit risk is not low ('stage 2').
Stage 3 would cover financial assets that have objective evidence of impairment at the reporting date.
12 month expected credit losses are recognised for the first category while lifetime expected credit losses are recognised for the second category. Measurement of the expected credit losses is determined by a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses over the expected life of the financial asset.
Trade and other receivables and contract assets
The group makes use of a simplified approach in accounting for trade and other receivables as well as contract assets and records the loss allowance as lifetime expected credit losses. These are the expected shortfalls in contractual cash flows, considering the potential for default at any point during the life of the financial instrument. In calculating, the Group uses its historical experience, external indicators and forward-looking information to calculate the expected credit losses using a provision matrix.
The Group assesses impairment of trade receivables on a collective basis, as they possess shared credit risk characteristics, they have been grouped based on the days past due.
Classification and measurement of financial liabilities
FVTPL: This category comprises only out-of-the-money derivatives. They are carried in the statement of financial position at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in the income statement.
Other financial liabilities: Other financial liabilities include trade payables and other short-term monetary liabilities, which are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Bank and other borrowings are initially recognised at the fair value of the amount advanced net of any transaction costs directly attributable to the issue of the instrument. Such interest bearing liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Interest expense in this context includes initial transaction costs and premia payable on redemption, as well as any interest or coupon payable while the liability is outstanding.
Financial liabilities and equity instruments
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all of its liabilities.
Invoice discounting
The Group uses an invoice discounting facility and retains all significant benefits and risks relating to the relevant trade receivables. The gross amounts of the receivables are included within assets and a corresponding liability in respect of proceeds received from the facility is included within liabilities. The interest and charges are recognised as they accrue and are included in the income statement with other interest charges.
Significant management judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The nature of the Group's business is such that there can be unpredictable variation and uncertainty regarding its business. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Significant management judgements (other than estimates)
The judgements that have a significant impact on the carrying value of assets and liabilities are discussed below:
Consolidation
Management have concluded that it is not appropriate to utilise the exemption from consolidation available to investment entities under IFRS 10 as the company is not considered to meet all of the essential elements of the definition of an investment entity as performance is not measured or evaluated on a fair value basis. Accordingly the consolidation includes all entities which the Company controls.
Deferred tax asset
The Group recognises a deferred tax asset in respect of temporary differences relating to capital allowances, revenue losses and other short term temporary differences when it considers there is sufficient evidence that the asset will be recovered against future taxable profits.
This requires management to make decisions on such deferred tax assets based on future forecasts of taxable profits. If these forecast profits do not materialise, or there is a change in the tax rates or to the period over which temporary timing differences might be recognised, the value of the deferred tax asset will need to be revised in a future period.
The most sensitive area of estimation risk is with respect to losses. The Group has losses for which no value has been recognised for deferred tax purposes in these financial statements, as future economic benefit of these temporary differences is not probable. If appropriate profits are earned in the future, recognition of the benefit of these losses may result in a reduced tax charge in a future period.
Significant estimates
Information about estimates and assumptions that have the most significant effect on recognition and measurement of assets, liabilities, income and expenses is provided below. Actual results may be substantially different.
Useful lives of depreciable assets
The depreciation charge for an asset is derived using estimates of its expected useful life and expected residual value, which are reviewed annually. Increasing an asset's expected life or residual value would result in a reduced depreciation charge in the consolidated income statement.
Management determines the useful lives and residual values for assets when they are acquired, based on experience with similar assets and taking into account other relevant factors such as any expected changes in technology or regulations.
Inventories
In determining the cost of inventories management have to make estimates to arrive at cost and net realisable value.
Furthermore, determining the net realisable value of the wider range of products held requires judgement to be applied to determine the saleability of the product and estimations of the potential price that can be achieved. In arriving at any provisions for net realisable value management take into account the age, condition and quality of the product stocked and the recent sales trend. The future realisation of these inventories may be affected by market-driven changes that may reduce future selling prices.
Fair value measurement
Management uses valuation techniques to determine the fair value of financial instruments (where active market quotes are not available) and non-financial assets. This involves developing estimates and assumptions consistent with how market participants would price the instrument. Management bases its assumptions on observable data as far as possible but this is not always available. In that case management uses the best information available. Estimated fair values may vary from the actual prices that would be achieved in an arm's length transaction at the reporting date.
Recognition and calculation of right of use assets
Management assesses the discount rate to be applied to the leases held on an annual basis. They ensure the discount rate is in line with market rate.
New and revised standards and interpretations applied
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, certain new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards have been published but are not yet effective, and have not been adopted early by the Group.
Management anticipates that all of the pronouncements will be adopted in the Group's accounting policies for the first period beginning after the effective date of the pronouncement. Information on new standards, amendments and interpretations that are expected to be relevant to the Group's financial statements is provided below. Certain other new standards and interpretations have been issued but are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
In the current year, the Group has applied a number of amendments to Standards and Interpretations issued by the IASB that are effective for an annual period that begins on or after 1 January 2020. These have not had any material impact on the amounts reported for the current and prior years:
- Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards
- Amendments to IFRS 3: Definition of a Business
- Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8: Definition of Material
- Covid-19 Related Rent Concessions (Amendment to IFRS 16).
The following Adopted IFRSs have been issued but have not been applied by the Group in these financial statements, all of which are effective for the accounting period commencing 1 January 2022. Their adoption is not expected to have a material effect on the financial statements unless otherwise indicated:
- Narrow scope amendments to IFRS 3, IAS 16 and IAS 27
- Annual improvements to IFRS Standards 2018 - 2020
- Amendments to IAS 1: Classification of Liabilities as Current or non Current
As yet, none of these have been endorsed for use in the UK and will not be adopted until such time as endorsement is confirmed. The directors do not expect any material impact as a result of adopting the standards and amendments listed above in the financial year they become effective.
From 1 January 2021 the company will apply UK-adopted IAS. At the date of application, both UK-adopted IAS and EU-adopted IFRS will be the same.
2 Operating (loss)/profit
Operating (loss)/profit is stated after charging:
2020
£'000
2019
£'000
Staff costs
6,393
4,646
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
979
633
Exchange loss
-
2
Auditor's fees - audit services
44
31
The analysis of audit fees is as follows:
- for the audit of the Company's annual accounts
8
8
- for the audit of the Company's subsidiaries' accounts
34
23
42
31
3 Staff costs
Staff costs comprise:
2020£'000
2019£'000
Wages and salaries
5,811
4,229
Employer's National Insurance contributions
433
315
Defined contribution pension cost
149
102
6,393
4,646
The average number of employees (including Directors) in the Group was as follows:
2020
Number
2019
Number
Engineering, production and professional
201
146
Sales and marketing
8
7
Administration and management
39
31
248
184
4 Directors' remuneration
The remuneration of the directors was as follows:
Salaries & fees
2020
£'000
Other
benefits
2020
£'000
Total
2020
£'000
David Buchler
45
-
45
Jonathan Lander
147
-
147
Nick Lander
147
1
148
339
1
340
Salaries & fees
2019
£'000
Other
benefits
2019
£'000
Total
2019
£'000
David Buchler
45
-
45
Jonathan Lander
143
-
143
Nick Lander
143
1
144
331
1
332
The services of Jonathan Lander and Nick Lander are provided under the terms of a Service Agreement with D2L Partners LLP. The amount due under these agreements, which is in addition to the amounts disclosed above, for the year amounted to £650,000 (2019: £528,000). Amounts owed to D2L Partners LLP at the year end totalled £nil (2019: £nil).
The amount paid to David Buchler in the year was paid to DB Consultants Limited (which is controlled by him and is therefore a related party) and the amount outstanding at the year end was £11,250 (2019: £11,250).
None of the directors were members of the Group's defined contribution pension plan in the year (2019: none).
5 Operating segments
Analysis by business segment:
An analysis of key financial data by business segment is provided below. The group's food manufacturing segment, which is an aggregation of the separate segments of savoury pastry and cake and desserts manufacturing, is engaged in the production and sale of food products to third party customers, and the investing and management services segment incurs central costs, provides management services and financing to other Group segments and undertakes treasury management on behalf of the Group. A more detailed description of the activities of each segment is given in the Strategic Report.
Food manufacturing
2020
£'000
Investing and management services
2020
£'000
Total
2020
£'000
Revenue
30,809
-
30,809
Profit/(loss) before tax(1)
794
(1,341)
(547)
Food manufacturing
2019
£'000
Investing and management services
2019
£'000
Total
2019
£'000
Revenue
23,036
-
23,036
Profit/(loss) before tax(1)
1,384
(1,247)
137
Food manufacturing
2020
£'000
Investing and management services
2020
£'000
Total
2020
£'000
Assets
21,320
23,552
44,872
Liabilities/provisions
(7,963)
270
(7,693)
Net assets(2)
13,357
23,822
37,179
Food manufacturing
2019
£'000
Investing and management services
2019
£'000
Total
2019
£'000
Assets
14,336
19,332
33,668
Liabilities/provisions
(6,732)
51
(6,681)
Net assets(2)
7,604
19,383
26,987
(1) stated before intra-group management and interest charges
(2) assets and liabilities stated excluding intra-group balances
Food manufacturing
2020
£'000
Investing and management services
2020
£'000
Total
2020
£'000
Capital spend
1,147
2
1,149
Depreciation
978
1
979
Interest income (non-Group)
-
80
80
Interest expense (non-Group)
152
-
152
Tax expense
207
(236)
(29)
Food manufacturing
2019
£'000
Investing and management services
2019
£'000
Total
2019
£'000
Capital spend
1,904
-
1,904
Depreciation
632
1
633
Interest income (non-Group)
-
179
179
Interest expense (non-Group)
118
-
118
Tax expense
38
(69)
(31)
Geographical analysis:
External revenue by
location of customers
Non-current assets by
location of assets
2020
2019
2020
2019
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
UK
29,355
22,522
8,641
7,331
Rest of Europe
1,454
514
-
-
30,809
23,036
8,641
7,331
The Group had 2 (2019: 3) customers (all in the food manufacturing segment) that individually accounted for in excess of 10% of the Group's continuing revenues as follows:
2020
£'000
2019
£'000
First customer
11,858
8,761
Second customer
8,068
8,119
Third customer
-
3,037
There is minimal uncertainty over the timing and amount of revenue recognition in respect of continuing operations. The Group has no material balances which arise from contracts with customers save for trade receivables as set out in note 13.
6 Discontinued operations
On 23 May 2019 the group disposed of its subsidiary undertaking, Sira Defence and Security Limited. The group's share of the company was sold for a total of £3.0 million in cash, resulting in a gain of £3.1 million before tax.
Operating profit of Sira Defence and Security Limited until the date of disposal and the profit from disposal are summarised as follows:
2019
£'000
Revenue
154
Cost of sales
45
Gross profit
199
Administrative expenses
(578)
Operating loss
(379)
Finance expense
-
Loss from discontinued operations before tax
(379)
Income tax expense
27
(Loss)/Profit for the period
(352)
Total gain on disposal
3,430
Profit for the year from discontinued operations
3,078
All of the assets and liabilities were disposed of in this transaction.
Cash flows generated by Sira Defence and Security Limited for the reporting periods under review until its disposal were as follows:
2019
£'000
Operating activities
Investing activities
(315)
3,138
Cash flows from discontinued operations
2,823
Cash flows from investing activities relate solely to the proceeds from the sale of Sira Defence and Security Limited which was received in cash in 2019, of which £240,000 was held on escrow. At the date of disposal, the carrying amounts of Sira Defence and Security Limited's net assets were as follows:
2019
£'000
Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
2
Total non-current assets
2
Current assets
Trade and other receivables
112
Cash and cash equivalents
26
Total current assets
138
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
(432)
Total liabilities
(432)
Net liabilities
(292)
Net liabilities disposed
(292)
Intra group charges
(134)
Total net consideration received in cash
3,004
Gain on disposal
3,430
7 Investment revenues, other gains and losses and finance income and expense
2020
2019
£'000
£'000
Finance income
Bank interest receivable
80
179
Finance expense
Bank interest
(9)
14
Lease interest
(99)
(86)
Other interest and finance charges
(44)
(46)
(152)
(118)
8 Income tax
2020
2019
£'000
£'000
Deferred tax (credit)/expense recognised in income statement - current year
(29)
31
Total tax (credit)/expense recognised in income statement
(29)
31
Deferred tax expense recognised in equity
252
-
Total tax recognised
223
31
The reasons for the difference between the actual tax expense in the income statement for the year and the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK applied to profits for the year are as follows:
2020
£'000
2019
£'000
Profit/(loss) before tax
(547)
137
Expected tax charge based on the prevailing rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19%
(104)
26
Effects of:
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
39
24
Income/gains not subject to tax
-
(3)
Deferred tax not recognised
-
(37)
Other adjustments
-
23
Effect of changes in rate of tax
7
(2)
Adjustments relating to prior periods
29
-
Total tax recognised in income statement
(29)
31
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised at rates of tax substantively enacted as at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that they are considered recoverable. See also note 18.
9 Earnings per share
The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:
Earnings for the purposes of earnings per share:
2020
£'000
2019
£'000
Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent company:
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations
(792)
-
(136)
3,078
EEa
Weighted average number of shares for the purposes of earnings per share:
2020
No.
2019
No.
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue
1,959,290
2,405,768
Dilutive effect of potential ordinary shares
-
-
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for diluted EPS
1,959,290
2,405,768
There were no share options (or other dilutive instruments) in issue during the year or the previous year.
10 Subsidiaries
The subsidiaries of Volvere plc, all of which have been included in these consolidated financial statements, are as follows:
Name
Registered address
Principal
Activity
Proportion of ownership interest in ordinary shares at 31 December 2020
Volvere Central Services Limited
Note 1
Group support services
100%
NMT Group Limited
Note 2
Investment
98.6%
Shire Foods Limited
Note 1
Food manufacturing
80%
Impetus Automotive Solutions Limited
Note 1
Dormant
100%
New Medical Technology Limited
Zero-Stik Limited
Note 2
Note 2
Dormant
Dormant
98.6%
98.6%
Indulgence Foods Limited (formerly Naughty Vegan Limited)
Note 1
Property holding company (Note 3)
100%
Indulgence Patisserie Limited (formerly Volvere Asset Management Limited)
Note 1
Food Manufacturing
100%
Naughty Vegan Limited
Volvere Asset Management Limited
Note 1
Note 1
Dormant
Dormant
100%
100%
Note 1 - Registered at Shire House, Tachbrook Road, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV31 3SF, England.
Note 2 - Registered at c/o Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP, 302 St Vincent St, Glasgow, G2 5RZ, Scotland.
Note 3 - The property owned by this company relates solely to the activities undertaken by Indulgence Patisserie Limited.
Acquisitions
On 7 February 2020, the trade and certain assets of Indulgence Patisserie Limited were acquired by Volvere Asset Management Limited and Naughty Vegan Limited. Volvere Asset Management Limited and Naughty Vegan Limited were dormant subsidiaries of the group and they subsequently changed their names to Indulgence Patisserie Limited and Indulgence Foods Limited respectively. Both these companies operate in the food manufacturing industry (with the business and most plant and equipment owned by the former and the property assets owned by the latter). The acquisitions were made to enable the Group to grow and strengthen its position in the industry. The details of the business combination were as follows:
Cost
£'000
Fair value adjustment £'000
Fair
value
£'000
Fair value of property acquired
950
-
950
Fair value of plant and machinery
250
(60)
190
Inventories
-
86
86
Prepaid expenses
34
(26)
8
Net assets acquired
1,234
-
1,234
Consideration - cash
1,234
Goodwill arising
-
Acquisition costs amounting to £107,000 were expensed to the profit and loss account.
Of the Group's revenue for the year, £3,620,000 is attributable to the newly acquired businesses. They have also contributed £1,019,000 of loss to the Group's loss before tax.
11 Property, plant and equipment
Freehold
Property£'000
Plant & Machinery
£'000
Total
£'000
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2019
2,550
5,861
8,411
Additions
-
1,906
1,906
Disposals
-
(16)
(16)
At 31 December 2019 and 1 January 2020
2,550
7,751
10,301
Additions
-
1,149
1,149
Business Combination (see note 10)
950
190
1,140
Revaluation
1,200
-
1,200
Disposals
-
-
-
At 31 December 2020
4,700
9,090
13,790
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2019
38
2,311
2,349
Disposals
-
(12)
(12)
Charge for the year
38
595
633
At 31 December 2019 and 1 January 2020
76
2,894
2,970
Charge for the year
52
927
979
Revaluation
(115)
-
(115)
At 31 December 2020
13
3,821
3,834
Net book value
At 31 December 2020
4,687
5,269
9,956
At 31 December 2019
2,474
4,857
7,331
The freehold property owned by Shire Foods Limited was revalued by an independent valuation specialist to £3,750,000 in May 2021 and this valuation has been included as at 31 December 2020. During the year, the company acquired a freehold property as part of the Indulgence business combination. The property was purchased for £950,000. Under the historical cost model, the carrying value of freehold property would be £3,240,000. All other property, plant and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. At the year end, the directors consider that the fair value of the properties is not materially different from their carrying values.
Management considers there to be no indicators to suggest that any items of property, plant and equipment are impaired. Property, plant and equipment (which is all held within subsidiaries) with a net book value of £8.74 million is pledged as collateral for Group borrowings (all of which are within subsidiaries).
Right of use asset
The Group leases certain plant and equipment. The average remaining lease term across all leases is 3.8 years. In all cases, the lease obligations are secured by the lessor's title to the leased assets. The right-of-use assets included in the statement of financial position are as follows:
Amounts recognised in the statement of financial position
Group
2020
2019
£'000
£'000
Net book values
2,661
2,388
Amounts recognised in the statement of comprehensive income
Group
2020
2019
£'000
£'000
Interest expense on lease liabilities
99
86
Expense relating to short-term leases
9
12
Depreciation charge for the year
147
231
The aggregate undiscounted commitments for short-term and low value leases at the year-end was £Nil (2019 - £7,000).
12 Inventories
2020
£'000
2019
£'000
Raw materials
Finished products
1,503
2,517
782
1,422
4,020
2,204
The total amount of inventories consumed in the year and charged to cost of sales was £16.28 million (2019: £14.31 million).
13 Trade and other receivables
2020
£'000
2019
£'000
Trade receivables
6,498
4,349
Less: provision for impairment of trade receivables
-
-
Net trade receivables
6,498
4,349
Other receivables
290
153
Prepayments and accrued income
397
314
7,185
4,816
Certain of the Group's subsidiaries have invoice discounting arrangements for their trade receivables which are pledged as collateral. Under these arrangements it is considered that the subsidiaries remain exposed to the risks and rewards of ownership, principally in the form of credit risk, and so the assets continue to be recognised. The associated liabilities arising restrict the subsidiaries' use of the assets.
The carrying amount of the assets and associated liabilities is as follows:
2020
£'000
2019
£'000
Trade receivables
6,498
4,349
Borrowings
(1,452)
(1,051)
5,046
3,298
Because of the normal credit periods offered by the subsidiaries, it is considered that the fair value matches the carrying value for the assets and associated liabilities.
The Group is exposed to credit risk with respect to trade receivables due from its customers, primarily in the food manufacturing segment. This segment has a significant dependency on a small number of large customers who can and do place significant contracts. Provisions for bad and doubtful debts are made based on management's assessment of the risk taking into account the ageing profile, experience and circumstances.
There were no significant amounts due from individual customers where the credit risk was considered by the Directors to be significantly higher than the total population.
There is no significant currency risk associated with trade receivables as all are denominated in Sterling.
The ageing analysis of trade receivables is disclosed below:
2020
£'000
2019
£'000
Up to 3 months
6,102
4,097
3 to 6 months
311
252
6 to 12 months
85
-
Over 12 months
-
-
6,498
4,349
14 Cash and cash equivalents
2020
£'000
2019
£'000
Cash at bank and in hand
23,711
19,317
Included within the 2019 cash at bank and in hand figure is an amount of £2,627,000 held in escrow. This was held to satisfy, in the first instance, any warranty or similar claims arising following the sale of Impetus Automotive Limited ("Impetus") and Sira Defence and Security Limited ("Sira"). The escrow retention periods were 18 months from the dates of sale. During the 2020 financial year, the full amounts relating to Impetus of £2,387,000 and Sira of £240,000 were released from escrow.
15 Trade and other payables (current)
2020
£'000
2019
£'000
Trade payables
1,846
1,250
Other tax and social security
160
107
Other payables
34
34
Accruals
1,293
1,017
3,333
2,408
The fair value of all trade and other payables approximates to book value at 31 December 2020 and at 31 December 2019.
16 Financial instruments - risk management
The Group's principal financial instruments are:
· Trade receivables
· Cash at bank
· Loans and right of use leases
· Trade and other payables
The Group is exposed through its operations to the following financial risks:
· Cash flow interest rate risk
· Foreign currency risk
· Liquidity risk
· Credit risk
· Other market price risk
Policy for managing these risks is set by the Board following recommendations from the Chief Financial & Operating Officer. Certain risks are managed centrally, while others are managed locally following guidelines communicated from the centre. The policy for each of the above risks is described in more detail below.
Interest rate risk
Due to the relatively low level of borrowings, the Directors do not have an explicit policy for managing cash flow interest rate risk. All current and recent borrowing has been on variable terms, with interest rates of between 3% and 4% above base rate, and the Group has cash reserves sufficient to repay all borrowings promptly in the event of a significant increase in market interest rates. All cash is managed centrally and subsidiary operations are not permitted to arrange borrowing independently.
The Group's investments may attract interest at fixed or variable rates, or none at all. The market price of such investments may be impacted positively or negatively by changes in underlying interest rates. It is not considered relevant to provide a sensitivity analysis on the effect of changing interest rates since, at the year end, none of the Group's investments were interest bearing.
Foreign currency risk
Foreign exchange risk arises when individual Group operations enter into transactions denominated in a currency other than their functional currency (sterling). The Directors monitor and review their foreign currency exposure on a regular basis. The Directors are of the opinion that the exposure to foreign currency risk is not significant.
Liquidity risk
The Group maintains significant cash reserves and therefore does not require facilities with financial institutions to provide working capital. Surplus cash is managed centrally to maximise the returns on deposits.
Credit risk
The Group is mainly exposed to credit risk from credit sales. The Group's policy for managing and exposure to credit risk is disclosed in note 13.
Other market price risk
The Group has generated a significant amount of cash and this has been held partly as cash deposits and partly invested pursuant to the Group's investing strategy.
Capital management
The Group's main objective when managing capital is to protect returns to shareholders by ensuring the Group will trade profitably in the foreseeable future. The Group also aims to maximise its capital structure of debt and equity so as to minimise its cost of capital.
The Group manages its capital with regard to the risks inherent in the business and the sector within which it operates by monitoring its gearing ratio on a regular basis.
The Group considers its capital to include share capital, share premium, fair value reserve and retained earnings. Net debt includes short and long-term borrowings (including lease obligations) and shares classed as financial liabilities, net of cash and cash equivalents. The Group has not made any changes to its capital management during the year. The Group is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.
An analysis of what the Group manages as capital is outlined below:
2020
£'000
2019
£'000
Total debt
(3,971)
(4,105)
Cash and cash equivalents
23,711
19,317
Net funds
19,740
15,212
Total equity (capital)
37,179
26,989
Net funds to capital ratio
53.1%
56.4%
Reconciliation of movement in net cash
Net cash at 1 January 2020
Cash flow
Repayment of borrowings
Other non- cash items
Net cash
at 31 December 2020
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Cash at bank and in hand
19,317
4,394
-
-
23,711
Borrowings
(4,105)
-
275
(141)
(3,971)
Total financial liabilities
15,212
4,394
275
(141)
19,740
Non-cash items of £141,000 relate to the increase in lease finance arising on the purchase of property, plant and equipment.
17 Financial assets and liabilities - numerical disclosures
Analysis of financial assets by category:
31 December 2020
Amortised cost
FVTPL
Total
£'000
£'000
£'000
Financial assets
Trade and other receivables
7,185
-
7,185
Cash and cash equivalents
23,711
-
23,711
Total assets
30,896
-
30,896
Financial liabilities
Non-current borrowings
2,131
-
2,131
Current borrowings
1,840
-
1,840
Trade and other payables
3,333
-
3,333
Total liabilities
7,304
-
7,304
31 December 2019
Amortised cost
FVTPL
Total
£'000
£'000
£'000
Financial assets
Trade and other receivables
4,816
-
4,816
Cash and cash equivalents
19,317
-
19,317
Total assets
24,133
-
24,133
Financial liabilities
Non-current borrowings
3,054
-
3,054
Current borrowings
1,051
-
1,051
Trade and other payables
2,408
-
2,408
Total liabilities
6,513
-
6,513
Fair values
Assets held at fair value fall into three categories, depending on the valuation techniques used, as follows:
Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices);
Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
The Directors consider the carrying values of all financial assets and liabilities to be a reasonable approximation of their fair values.
Available for sale investments fall under Level 1 in the IFRS 7 fair value hierarchy.
All other assets, and all liabilities are carried at amortised cost.
Maturity of financial assets
The maturities and denominations of financial assets at the year end, other than cash and cash equivalents, and loans and receivables (note 13 above) are as follows:
2020
£'000
2019
£'000
Sterling
No fixed maturity
-
-
Maturity of financial liabilities
The maturity of borrowings (including right of use leases) carried at amortised cost is as follows:
2020
£'000
2019
£'000
Less than six months
1,592
1,339
Six months to one year
248
281
One to two years
508
438
Two to five years
1,050
1,273
More than five years
573
774
3,971
4,105
The above borrowings are analysed on the balance sheet as follows:
2020
£'000
2019
£'000
Loans and other borrowings (current)
1,452
1,154
Leases (current)
388
466
Loans and other borrowings (non-current)
1,044
1,151
Leases (non-current)
1,087
1,334
3,971
4,105
Borrowings are secured on certain assets of the Group, and interest was charged at rates of between 2.5% and 3.2% during the year. Including interest that is expected to be paid, the maturity of borrowings (including leases) is as follows:
2020
£'000
2019
£'000
Less than six months
1,639
1,387
Six months to one year
292
326
One to two years
590
522
Two to five years
1,229
1,492
More than five years
621
858
4,371
4,585
The above borrowings including interest that is expected to be paid are analysed as follows:
2020
£'000
2019
£'000
Loans and other borrowings (current)
1,495
1,202
Leases (current)
436
511
Loans and other borrowings (non-current)
1,219
1,367
Leases (non-current)
1,221
1,505
4,371
4,585
The maturity of other financial liabilities, excluding loans and borrowings, carried at amortised cost is as follows:
2020
£'000
2019
£'000
Less than six months
1,378
1,357
18 Deferred tax
Movements in deferred tax provisions are outlined below:
Accelerated tax depreciation
Other
timing differences
Re-valuations
Losses
Total
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
At 1 January 2020
(315)
44
(135)
240
(166)
Recognised in P&L during the year
(170)
(34)
-
233
29
Recognised in equity - property revaluation
-
-
(252)
-
(252)
At 31 December 2020
(485)
10
(387)
473
(389)
Previous year movements were as follows:
Accelerated tax depreciation
Other
timing differences
Re-valuations
Losses
Total
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
At 1 January 2019
(319)
-
(135)
319
(135)
Recognised in P&L during the year
4
44
-
(79)
(31)
At 31 December 2019
(315)
44
(135)
240
(166)
In addition, there are unrecognised net deferred tax assets as follows:
2020
£'000
2019
£'000
Tax losses carried forward
641
573
Excess of depreciation over capital allowances
-
-
Short term temporary differences
-
-
Net unrecognised deferred tax asset
641
573
Deferred tax assets and liabilities have been calculated using the rate of corporation tax expected to apply when the relevant temporary differences reverse. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are only offset where there is a legally enforceable right of offset and there is an intention to settle the balances net.
The unrecognised elements of the deferred tax assets have not been recognised because there is insufficient evidence that they will be recovered because such losses are within entities that are not expected to yield future profits and cannot be used to offset against profits in other entities.
19 Share capital
Authorised
2020
Number
2020
£'000
2019
Number
2019
£'000
Ordinary shares of £0.0000001 each
100,100,000
-
100,100,000
-
A shares of £0.49999995 each
50,000
25
50,000
25
B shares of £0.49999995 each
50,000
25
50,000
25
Deferred shares of £0.00000001 each
4,999,999,500,000
50
4,999,999,500,000
50
100
100
Issued and fully paid
2020
Number
2020
£'000
2019
Number
2019
£'000
Ordinary shares of £0.0000001 each
6,207,074
-
6,207,074
-
Deferred shares of £0.00000001 each
4,999,994,534,696
50
4,999,994,534,696
50
50
50
Treasury shares
During the year the Company acquired 3,000 (2019:1,283,927) of its own Ordinary shares for total consideration of £39,000 (2019: £16,512,000), and sold 740,740 (2019: Nil) of its own Ordinary shares for total consideration of £9,682,000. These transactions brought the total number of Ordinary shares held in treasury to 3,635,152 (2019: 4,372,892) with an aggregate nominal value of less than £1. At the year end the total number of Ordinary shares outstanding (excluding treasury shares) was 2,571,922 (2019: 1,834,182).
The sale of 740,740 treasury shares in the year resulted in an increase of £5,437,000 to retained earnings, being the weighted average cost of the shares sold, and an increase of £4,245,000 to share premium.
Rights attaching to deferred shares & A and B shares
The Deferred shares carry no rights to participate in the profits of the Company and carry no voting rights. After the distribution of the first £10 billion in assets in the event of a return of capital (other than a purchase by the Company of its own shares), the Deferred shares are entitled to an amount equal to their nominal value.
The Company has no A and B shares in issue. These shares have conversion rights allowing them to convert into Ordinary shares on a pre-determined formula. All A and B shares previously in issue have been converted into Ordinary shares.
20 Reserves
All movements on reserves are disclosed in the consolidated statement of changes in equity.
The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve within owners' equity:
Reserve
Nature and purpose
Share premium
Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value
Revaluation reserves
Cumulative net unrealised gains and short-term losses arising on the revaluation of the Group's available for sale investments and freehold property
Retained earnings
Cumulative net gains and losses recognised in the statement of comprehensive income, other than those included in revaluation reserves.
21 Related party transactions
Details of amounts payable to Directors, and parties related to the directors, are disclosed in note 4. There were no other transactions with key members of management other than in respect of out-of-pocket expenses properly incurred, and no other transactions with related parties.
22 Contingent liabilities
The Group had no material contingent liabilities as at the date of these financial statements.
23 Non-controlling interests
The non-controlling interests of £2,076,000 (2019: £1,589,000 ) relate to the net assets attributable to the shares not held by the Group at 31 December 2020 in the following subsidiaries:
Name of subsidiary
2020
£'000
2019
£'000
NMT Group Limited
69
70
Shire Foods Limited
2,007
1,519
2,076
1,589
Summarised financial information (before intra-group eliminations) in respect of those subsidiaries with material non-controlling interests is presented below.
Shire Foods Limited
2020
£'000
2019
£'000
Non-current assets
Current assets
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
8,737
8,955
(2,075)
(4,668)
7,330
7,006
(2,485)
(3,830)
Provisions
(898)
(416)
Net assets (equity)
10,051
7,605
Group
8,044
6,086
Non-controlling interests
2,007
1,519
10,051
7,605
Revenue
27,189
23,036
Profit for the year after tax (stated after intra-group management
and interest charges)
1,382
1,221
Profit for the year attributable to non-controlling interests
274
244
- END-
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