TIDMSWG

RNS Number : 2065U

Shearwater Group PLC

22 November 2023

22 November 2023

SHEARWATER GROUP PLC

("Shearwater" or the "Group")

Interim Results for the six months ended 30 September 2023

Resilient performance despite the backdrop, with an encouraging pipeline across both divisions

Shearwater Group plc, the cybersecurity, advisory and managed security services group, announces its unaudited results for the six months ended 30 September 2023.

Financial summary

   --      Group revenue of GBP10.5m (H1 FY23: GBP10.8m). 
   --      Adjusted EBITDA1 of GBP0.6m (H1 FY23: GBP0.1m). 
   --      Adjusted loss before tax2 of GBP0.1m (H1 FY23: adjusted loss GBP0.5 million). 
   --      Healthy balance sheet, with cash as at 30 September 2023 of GBP2.2m (H1 FY23: GBP0.9m). 

Operational summary

-- Customer engagement levels have remained high, winning 41 new clients in H1, notwithstanding the challenging market.

-- Decisive action to streamline and optimise operations, emerging a leaner, more unified business:

   -      GeoLang integrated into SecurEnvoy 
   -      Xcina integrated into Brookcourt Solutions 

-- Encouraging pipeline remains across the Services division with focus on building strategic and scalable relationships with major blue chip organisations.

-- Integrated Software division now benefiting from enhanced opportunities, with full product set now introduced across the Group's global distribution network.

-- Winner of five significant industry awards, serving as a testament to the value of the Group's offering.

Board Update

-- Adam Hurst appointed as Interim CFO in October and appointed to the Board as an Executive Director in early November.

Outlook

-- Board currently expects to meet full year management expectations based on the visibility of the sales opportunities, including securing remaining Services deals which were deferred from prior periods.

-- Services pipeline underpinned by offering major corporates specialist solutions that assist in meeting their regulatory security obligations.

   --      Higher margin Software division pursuing a number of promising opportunities. 
   --      Clear H2 objective of converting the pipeline of opportunities across both divisions. 

(1. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as loss before tax, before one off exceptional items, share based payment charges, finance charges, impairment of intangible assets, other income, depreciation and amortisation.)

(2. Adjusted Loss Before Tax defined as net loss before tax, exceptional items, share based payments, other income and amortisation of acquired intangible assets.)

Phil Higgins, Chief Executive Officer of Shearwater Group PLC, commented: "We have traded resiliently in the first half despite continuing to contend with a challenging market, and we are already seeing benefits from the recent operational enhancements we have implemented. We move into the second half strengthened by a healthy balance sheet and clearly focused on the conversion of our pipeline of opportunities across each division."

Enquiries:

 
  Shearwater Group plc                             www.shearwatergroup.com 
   David Williams, Chairman                         c/o Alma 
   Phil Higgins, CEO 
   Adam Hurst, Interim CFO 
  Cavendish Securities plc - NOMAD 
   Adrian Hadden / Ben Jeynes- Corporate 
   Finance 
   Henry Nicol / Dale Bellis / Michael Johnson 
   - Sales                                         +44 (0) 20 7397 8900 
  Alma                                             shearwater@almastrategic.com 
   Justine James / Joe Pederzolli                   +44 (0) 20 3405 0205 
 

About Shearwater Group plc

Shearwater Group plc is an award-winning group providing cyber security, managed security and professional advisory solutions to create a safer online environment for organisations and their end users.

The Group's differentiated full service offering spans identity and access management and data security, cybersecurity solutions and managed security services, and security governance, risk and compliance. Its growth strategy is focused on building a scalable group that caters to the entire spectrum of cyber security and managed security needs, through a focused buy and build approach.

The Group is headquartered in the UK, serving customers globally across a broad spectrum of industries.

Shearwater shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange's AIM under the ticker "SWG". For more information, please visit www.shearwatergroup.com .

Chief Executive's review

The first half of the financial year has seen the Group trade resiliently amidst a challenging backdrop. While we continue to see a healthy number of opportunities within our pipeline, we continue to experience hesitancy from some customers in the commencement of projects in response to continuing wider market uncertainty. While contracts in the Group's robust order book are continuing to be fulfilled, some timings continue to be deferred into future periods.

In the traditionally quieter first half, the Group delivered revenue of GBP10.5m (H1 FY23: GBP10.8m) and adjusted EBITDA of GBP0.6m (H1 FY23: GBP0.1m). Our underlying business remains robust and engagement levels are high, notwithstanding the current volatility in the market. We are pleased with the benefits already being seen from the recent operational enhancements, which have streamlined our offering and strengthened our positioning.

We continue to be supported by a healthy balance sheet, with cash as at 30 September 2023 of GBP2.2m (H1 FY23: GBP0.9m). The outflow since March is as expected by management and in line with previous years, due to the seasonal nature of contracting and impact on working capital flows.

Moving into the second half the Group is bolstered by an encouraging pipeline of opportunities, with revenues identified from either contracted, scheduled or existing contract renewals, including a GBP1.3m Government agency win in October, and other new projects identified from new and existing customers. Consequently the Board currently anticipates it will meet management's expectations for the full year.

Following the reorganisation of the business reported at the time of the full year results, our Services and Software divisions are now much better positioned to capitalise on the long-term growth opportunities we are seeing.

While customers continue to face unfavourable market conditions and the timing of orders is difficult to predict, we are encouraged that engagement levels remain high moving into the second half. Shearwater continues to provide a best-in class service and the underlying long-term drivers of the Group's end markets remain strong, providing confidence in delivery in the second half of the year and beyond.

Operational Review

The Group comprises two divisions, Services (89% revenue) and Software (11% revenue). We serve a number of multinational, blue-chip organisations with clients spanning a range of sectors.

Notwithstanding the current market conditions impacting short-term customer decision-making and ongoing uncertainty regarding contract timing, we are encouraged by the pipeline in both Services and Software, and continue to win new clients. We are continuing to benefit from renewals and cross-selling successes, especially from our penetration and consulting services where we are particularly pleased with the rate at which new business is being won.

Following the reorganisation of the business, with GeoLang now successfully integrated into SecurEnvoy and Xcina into Brookcourt, staff numbers have remained broadly consistent with the prior period, ensuring we are rightsized to capitalise on the long-term growth opportunities we are seeing.

Brookcourt has enlisted its inaugural commission-only sales representative to promote our proprietary SecurEnvoy software and strategic solutions. This innovative sales strategy complements our current approach, eliminating a fixed salary and relying solely on commissions, which are disbursed exclusively upon the successful conclusion of a sale. Our intention is to expand this initiative by bringing in more personnel.

As outlined in the Full Year results, the Group took decisive action to streamline and optimise its operations, in order to emerge a leaner, more unified business. The action taken has resulted in a strengthened positioning, with a robust pipeline of opportunities across our Services division and our integrated Software business benefiting from a global distribution network. While in the context of the slower decision-making of the corporates we work with, our resilient performance provides optimism moving forwards. Our clear H2 objective is to convert the opportunities across both divisions.

In the period, we are once again pleased to report the Group has continued to win significant awards which serve as a clear testament to the value of the Shearwater offering. SecurEnvoy was honoured as the Identity & Access Management Solution of the Year at the Computing Security Magazine Awards 2023, while also achieving recognition in the Security Software Solution of the Year category for Data Discovery. Brookcourt received the Customer Service Award at the same event. Earlier in the year Brookcourt won the Logo Acquisition Award 2023 at Proofpoint channel event for the successful acquisition of an Enterprise bank over a three-year sales cycle. Finally, Pentest emerged as the winner at Pwn2Own Toronto for successfully compromising the Samsung Galaxy S23.

Services

Services revenue was generated from contract wins and renewals from the company's large customer base. In the first half Brookcourt Solutions delivered contracts across a diverse range of clients. These included a leading British mobile network operator, a prominent European Cyber Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP), an international retail chemist and cosmetics company and an essential security services contract for a UK government department. These clients generated a total contract value of GBP5.5m which is being recognised in FY24. It was particularly pleasing to add a new vertical to our customer base with the award of our first significant Government contract.

The merging of Xcina Consulting into Brookcourt Solutions has resulted in greater traction and new business opportunities which are being converted. Recent wins include a disaster recovery planning contract for a global manufacturing group in Germany, information security framework development for an Australian-based international mining group and PCI-DSS engagement for an ASX-listed food sector operator headquartered in the Netherlands.

Pentest has had a strong first half, ahead of management expectations. The Company continues to secure new business and uphold its prominent status and successfully fulfilled contracts that had been delayed from the previous financial year. Additionally the company achieved success with its Secure Code Workshop, acquiring a new client and securing ongoing onsite workshops for a large team of developers. The company has expanded its 'Internet of Things' testing capability, resulting in a growing number of engagements, and has secured 15 new accounts, including a leading financial services company, a global technology company in the energy sector, a prominent UK education business, and a significant win with a leading technology and services provider.

 
                                                          12 months to 
                          H1 FY24    H1 FY23     YOY     31 March 2023 
                           GBP000     GBP000       %            GBP000 
                        ---------  ---------  ------  ---------------- 
  Revenue                   9,334      9,136     +2%            23,830 
                        ---------  ---------  ------  ---------------- 
  Gross profit              2,330      1,571    +48%             4,657 
                        ---------  ---------  ------  ---------------- 
  Gross profit margin 
   %                          25%        17%                       20% 
                        ---------  ---------  ------  ---------------- 
  Overheads               (1,366)    (1,738)                   (4,508) 
                        ---------  ---------  ------  ---------------- 
  Adjusted EBITDA             964      (167)                       149 
                        ---------  ---------  ------  ---------------- 
  Adjusted EBITDA %           10%       (2%)                        1% 
                        ---------  ---------  ------  ---------------- 
 

Software

While the Software business has seen a softened performance against the prior period, renewals are tracking ahead of management expectations and we are already seeing the effects of integration and operational efficiencies following the merging of SecurEnvoy with Geolang to form a unified software division. The unified company is benefiting from 350 resellers across the world, with Geolang seeing an increase in opportunities now coming in through SecurEnvoy's reseller network, which had not been the case previously.

SecurEnvoy has maintained a consistently robust release schedule for its Access Management Solution since May 2023, highlighted by the notable V3.R3 update in October. This release not only fulfils elevated security standards essential for government and critical networks but also broadens deployment options to encompass On-Premise (Windows & LINUX) and Private Cloud (Azure & AWS). Additionally the introduction of an MSP edition caters to the escalating demand for managed services and streamlining of billing processes. The expansion of channel partnerships through new agreements further underscores SecurEnvoy's commitment to innovation and collaboration in the evolving landscape.

 
                                                          12 months to 
                          H1 FY24    H1 FY23     YOY     31 March 2023 
                           GBP000     GBP000       %            GBP000 
                        ---------  ---------  ------  ---------------- 
  Revenue                   1,167      1,654    -29%             2,856 
                        ---------  ---------  ------  ---------------- 
  Gross profit                822      1,144    -28%             1,793 
                        ---------  ---------  ------  ---------------- 
  Gross profit margin 
   %                          70%        69%                       63% 
                        ---------  ---------  ------  ---------------- 
  Overheads                 (357)      (441)                     (818) 
                        ---------  ---------  ------  ---------------- 
  Adjusted EBITDA             465        703                       977 
                        ---------  ---------  ------  ---------------- 
  Adjusted EBITDA 
   %                          40%        43%                       34% 
                        ---------  ---------  ------  ---------------- 
 

Board Update

In September 2023, Paul McFadden, CFO, informed the Board of his decision to step down from the Board, remaining with the Group until his successor was appointed and for a short transition period. In October 2023, Adam Hurst was appointed Interim CFO and in early November Adam was appointed to the Board as Executive Director.

Current trading and outlook

Management continues to expect to meet its full year expectations based on the current sales pipeline and opportunities. From regular customer engagement, we remain confident in securing the Services deals which were deferred from previous periods, and in parallel we are encouraged by the opportunities for higher margin software deals which will have a meaningful impact on top line growth. We move into the second half with cautious optimism and our core objective for the remainder of the period will be to convert our pipeline of opportunities.

Phil Higgins

Chief Executive Officer

21 November 2023

Finance review

Revenue

Revenue of GBP10.5 million (H1 FY23: GBP10.8 million) was slightly behind the prior year with some growth in the Services business offset by the impact of lower sales in the Software division.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA of GBP0.6 million (H1 FY22: GBP0.1 million) was ahead of the prior year. The prior year was adversely impacted by a GBP0.9 million unrealised foreign exchange charge. Excluding this impact Adjusted EBITDA was slightly lower than the prior year, broadly in line with revenue performance.

The income statement below details both statutory and alternative measures which, in the Directors' opinion, provides additional relevant information to the reader in assessing the adjusted performance of the business.

 
                                                                             12 months 
                                                                           to 31 March 
                                          H1 FY24    H1 FY23    Change            2023 
                                           GBP000     GBP000         %          GBP000 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  -------------- 
  Revenue                                  10,501     10,790       -3%          26,686 
  Gross profit                              3,152      2,715      +16%           6,450 
  Gross profit margin %                       30%        25%                       24% 
  Overheads                               (2,559)    (2,654)       -4%           6,651 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  -------------- 
  Adjusted EBITDA                             593         61                     (201) 
  Adjusted EBITDA margin %                     6%         1%                       -1% 
  Finance charge (net)                       (38)       (31)                      (77) 
  Depreciation                              (137)      (127)                     (240) 
  Amortisation of intangible assets 
   - computer software                      (511)      (396)                     (792) 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  -------------- 
  Adjusted loss before tax                   (93)      (493)                   (1,310) 
  Amortisation of acquired intangible 
   assets                                 (1,050)    (1,050)                   (2,099) 
  Share based payments                       (42)       (82)                      (85) 
  Exceptional items                         (202)          -                   (6,139) 
  Loss before tax                         (1,387)    (1,625)                   (9,633) 
  Taxation credit                             440        306                     1,458 
  Loss after tax                            (947)    (1,319)                   (8,175) 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  -------------- 
 

Net finance charges

Net finance charges are slightly above the prior year due mainly to increased interest on capitalised leases.

Depreciation

Depreciation, which includes Right of Use assets, is broadly in line with the previous year.

Amortisation of intangibles assets - computer software

Increased amortisation compared to the prior year reflects software developed in previous periods that has been released in the first half this year.

Adjusted loss before tax

Adjusted loss before tax of GBP0.1 million (H1 FY23: adjusted loss GBP0.5 million) is an improvement on the prior year due to the absence of a foreign exchange loss in the current year.

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets of GBP1.1 million (H1 FY23: GBP1.1 million) is in line with the previous year.

Exceptional costs

Exceptional costs of GBP0.2 million were incurred in connection with completing the restructuring that commenced at the end of the previous financial year and largely comprises redundancy costs.

Share based payments

The share based payments charge relates to long-term incentive plans and is lower than the prior year due to fewer participants in the share schemes.

Loss before tax

Loss before tax in the period was GBP1.4 million (H1 FY23: GBP1.6 million) and recognises the year-on-year improvement in adjusted loss before tax partly offset by the exceptional item in the first half.

Taxation

The credit in the period was GBP0.4 million (H1 FY23: GBP0.3 million) giving an effective tax rate of 32% (H1 FY22: 19%). The tax rate benefited from the impact of enhanced allowances in the UK on research and development spend.

Earnings/Loss per share

Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share was GBP0.01 (H1 FY23: loss per share GBP0.01) incorporates the year-on-year improvement in adjusted profit/(loss) after tax. Reported basic and diluted loss per share was GBP0.04 (H1 FY23: basic loss and diluted per share GBP0.06).

Statement of Cash flow

The second half weighted trading performance of the Group in recent years has typically resulted in an expected cash outflow in the first half of the year. The operating cash outflow to September 2023 of GBP1.4 million was an improvement on the GBP3.9 million outflow in the first half of the prior year, which arose mainly due to timing of cash receipts on certain large contracts arising in the previous year. Cash held at 30 September of GBP2.2 million compares to GBP0.9 million at the same point in the prior year and has been maintained at a similar level at the end of October 2023.

The Group continues to invest in the development of internally created software, with expenditure of GBP0.5 million in the period (H1 FY23: GBP0.7 million). This is slightly lower than the previous year due to efficiencies in the nature of spend arising from the increased use of internal staff and a reduction in external contracting.

 
                                            6 months to 30 
                                             September 
                                                                     12 months 
                                                                   to 31 March 
                                            H1 FY24    H1 FY23            2023 
                                             GBP000     GBP000          GBP000 
----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------- 
  Adjusted EBITDA                               593         61           (201) 
  Movements in working capital and 
   exceptional items                        (1,989)    (3,959)             485 
----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------- 
  Cash used / generated from operations     (1,396)    (3,898)             284 
  Capital expenditure (net of disposal 
   proceeds)                                  (528)      (686)         (1,337) 
  Tax received / (paid)                         301          -           (285) 
  Interest paid                                (31)       (26)            (83) 
  Payments of lease liabilities               (124)      (108)           (200) 
  FX and other                                    -         13              10 
----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------- 
  Movement in cash                          (1,778)    (4,705)         (1,611) 
  Opening cash and cash equivalents           3,964      5,575           5,575 
  Closing cash and cash equivalents           2,186        870           3,964 
----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------- 
 
 

Alternative performance measures

This review includes alternative performance measures ('APMs') alongside the standard IFRS measures. The Directors believe that alternative measures provide additional relevant information regarding the adjusted performance of the business. APMs are used to enhance the comparability of information between reporting periods by adjusting for one off exceptional and other items that affect the IFRS measure. Consequently, the Directors and management use APM's in addition to IFRS measures to assess the adjusted performance of the business.

Alternative performance measures used include:

-- Adjusted EBITDA

-- Adjusted loss before tax

-- Adjusted loss after tax

-- Adjusted earnings/loss per share

Adjusting items include:

Exceptional items which are one off by their nature such as acquisition costs or re-organisation costs and do not form part of the underlying operational cost of the business.

Share based payment charges awarded from long-term remuneration incentives to certain staff. Despite the plans not having a cash cost to the business, a share-based payment charge is taken to the statement of comprehensive income which the directors believe does not form part of the underlying operating cost of the business.

Amortisation of identified intangible assets acquired as part of an acquisition is charged to the statement of comprehensive income but does not form part of the underlying operating cost of the business.

A full reconciliation between adjusted and reported results is detailed below:

 
  Six months to 30 September      H1 FY24    H1 FY23 
                                   GBP000     GBP000 
 
  Adjusted EBITDA                     593         61 
  Exceptional items                 (202)          - 
  Share based payments charge        (42)       (82) 
------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
  EBITDA                              349       (21) 
------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
 
  Adjusted loss before tax                    (93)      (493) 
  Amortisation of acquired intangibles     (1,050)    (1,050) 
  Exceptional items                          (202)          - 
  Share based payments charge                 (42)       (82) 
---------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
  Reported loss before tax                 (1,387)    (1,625) 
---------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
 
  Adjusted profit/(loss) after tax                152      (298) 
  Amortisation of acquired intangibles (net 
   of tax)                                      (905)      (939) 
  Exceptional items (net of tax)                (152)          - 
  Share based payments charge                    (42)       (82) 
--------------------------------------------  -------  --------- 
  Reported loss after tax                       (947)    (1,319) 
--------------------------------------------  -------  --------- 
 
 
                                                  GBP       GBP 
  Adjusted basic & diluted earnings/(loss) 
   per share                                     0.01    (0.01) 
  Amortisation of acquired intangibles         (0.04)    (0.04) 
  Exceptional items                            (0.01)         - 
  Share based payments charge                  (0.00)    (0.01) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
  Reported basic & diluted loss per share      (0.04)    (0.06) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Principal risks and uncertainties

The Group works to minimise its exposure to operational, financial and other risks, however in pursuit of achieving its growth strategy there will always be an element of risk that needs to be considered. The Group's principal risks and uncertainties, as detailed in the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023, are all still considered to be valid.

Statement of Directors' responsibilities

We confirm that to the best our knowledge that:

-- The condensed interim set of financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the United Kingdom;

-- The interim report includes a fair review of information required by DTR 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six months and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year); and

-- The interim report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related parties transactions and any change therein).

Adam Hurst

Interim Chief Financial Officer

21 November 2023

Unaudited condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income

for the 6 months to 30 September 2023

 
                                                                   2023          2022 
                                                        Note     GBP000        GBP000 
   -------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  ------------ 
  Revenue                                                  3     10,501        10,790 
  Cost of sales                                                 (7,349)       (8,075) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  ------------ 
  Gross profit                                                    3,152         2,715 
  Administrative expenses                                       (2,803)       (2,736) 
  Depreciation and amortisation                                 (1,698)       (1,573) 
  Total operating costs                                         (4,501)       (4,309) 
  Operating loss                                                (1,349)       (1,594) 
  Adjusted EBITDA                                          3        593            61 
  Depreciation and amortisation                                 (1,698)       (1,573) 
  Exceptional items                                               (202)             - 
  Share-based payments                                             (42)          (82) 
  Operating loss                                                (1,349)       (1,594) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  ------------ 
  Finance cost                                             4       (43)          (31) 
  Finance income                                           4          5             - 
  Loss before taxation                                          (1,387)       (1,625) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  ------------ 
  Income tax credit                                        5        440           306 
  Loss for the period and attributable to equity 
   holders of the Company                                         (947)       (1,319) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  ------------ 
 
  Other comprehensive income 
  Items that may be classified 
   to profit and loss: 
  Exchange differences on translation of 
   foreign operations                                                 0            14 
  Total comprehensive loss for 
   the period                                                     (947)       (1,305) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  ------------ 
 
  Earnings / (Loss) per ordinary share attributable 
   to the owners of the parent                                      GBP           GBP 
                                                                           (Restated) 
  Basic (GBP per share)                                    6     (0.04)        (0.06) 
  Diluted (GBP per share)                                  6     (0.04)        (0.06) 
  Adjusted basic and diluted (GBP 
   per share)                                              6       0.01        (0.01) 
 
 

Unaudited condensed consolidated statement of financial position

as at 30 September 2023

 
                                                                                      2022 
                                                                      2023      (Restated) 
                                                          Note      GBP000          GBP000 
------------------------------------  ----  ----  ----  ------  ----------  -------------- 
  Assets 
  Non-current assets 
  Intangible assets                                                 43,901          51,779 
  Property, plant and equipment                                        388             213 
  Deferred tax                                                         903               - 
  Trade and other receivables                                7       4,151           8,326 
  Total non-current assets                                          49,343          60,318 
------------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  -------------- 
  Current assets 
  Trade and other receivables                                8      11,389          12,728 
  Cash and cash equivalents                                          2,186             870 
  Total current assets                                              13,575          13,598 
------------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  -------------- 
  Total assets                                                      62,918          73,916 
------------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  -------------- 
  Liabilities 
  Current liabilities 
  Trade and other payables                                   9       9,806          10,573 
  Total current liabilities                                          9,806          10,573 
------------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  -------------- 
  Non-current liabilities 
  Creditors: amounts falling due after 
   more than one year                                       10       5,894           8,360 
  Total non-current liabilities                                      5,894           8,360 
------------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  -------------- 
  Total liabilities                                                 15,700          18,933 
------------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  -------------- 
  Net assets                                                        47,218          54,983 
------------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  -------------- 
  Capital and reserves 
  Share capital                                             11      22,278          22,278 
  Share premium                                                     34,581          34,581 
  Other reserves                                                    23,484          24,468 
  Translation reserve                                                   30              37 
  Accumulated losses                                              (33,155)        (26,381) 
  Equity attributable to owners 
   of the Company                                                   47,218          54,983 
------------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  -------------- 
  Total equity and liabilities                                      62,918          73,916 
------------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  -------------- 
 
 
  Unaudited condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity 
  for the 6 months to 30 September 2023 
 
 
 
                                            Share       Share        Other    Translation    Accumulated      Total 
                                          capital     premium     reserves        reserve         losses     Equity 
                                           GBP000      GBP000       GBP000         GBP000         GBP000     GBP000 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
  At 31 March 2022 (audited)               22,278      34,581       24,386             23       (25,062)     56,206 
  Loss for the period                           -           -            -              -        (1,319)    (1,319) 
  Other comprehensive profit 
   for the period                               -           -            -             14              -         14 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
  Total comprehensive loss 
   for the period                               -           -            -             14        (1,319)    (1,305) 
  Contributions by and distributions 
   to owners 
  Share-based payments                          -           -           82              -              -         82 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
  At 30 September 2022 (unaudited)         22,278      34,581       24,468             37       (26,381)     54,983 
  Loss for the period                           -           -            -              -        (6,856)    (6,856) 
  Other comprehensive loss 
   for the period                               -           -            -            (7)              -        (7) 
  Expiry of share options                       -           -      (1,029)              -          1,029          - 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
  Total comprehensive loss 
   for the period                               -           -      (1,029)            (7)        (5,827)    (6,863) 
  Contributions by and distributions 
   to owners 
  Share-based payments                          -           -            3              -              -          3 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
  At 31 March 2023 (audited)               22,278      34,581       23,442             30       (32,208)     48,123 
  Loss for the period                           -           -            -              -          (947)      (947) 
  Other comprehensive profit/loss 
   for the period                               -           -            -              -              -          - 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
  Total comprehensive profit/loss 
   for the period                               -           -            -              -          (947)      (947) 
  Contributions by and distributions 
   to owners 
  Share-based payments                          -           -           42              -              -         42 
  At 30 September 2023 (unaudited)         22,278      34,581       23,484             30       (33,155)     47,218 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 

Unaudited condensed consolidated cash flow statement

for the 6 months to 30 September 2023

 
                                                          2023       2022 
                                                        GBP000     GBP000 
    -----------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
  Cash flows from operating 
   activities 
  Loss for the period                                    (947)    (1,319) 
  Adjustments for: 
  Amortisation of intangible 
   assets                                                1,561      1,446 
  Depreciation of right of use 
   assets                                                  113        101 
  Depreciation of property, plant 
   and equipment                                            24         26 
  Share-based payment charge                                42         82 
  Exceptional items                                        202          - 
  Finance costs                                             43         31 
  Finance income                                           (5)          - 
  Income tax                                             (440)      (306) 
---------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
  Cash flows from operating activities before 
   changes in working capital                              593         61 
  Decrease/(increase) in trade and other 
   receivables                                           3,699      (726) 
  (Decrease)/increase in trade 
   and other payables                                  (5,486)    (3,233) 
  Cash used in operations                              (1,194)    (3,898) 
---------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
  Net foreign exchange movements                             -         12 
  Finance costs paid                                      (31)       (26) 
  Tax received                                             301          - 
  Net cash used in operating activities before 
   exceptional items                                     (924)    (3,912) 
---------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
  Net cash flows on exceptional 
   items                                                 (202)          - 
  Net cash used in operating 
   activities                                          (1,126)    (3,912) 
---------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
  Investing activities 
  Purchase of property, plant 
   and machinery                                           (5)       (25) 
  Purchase of intangibles                                (523)      (661) 
  Net cash used in investing 
   activities                                            (528)      (686) 
---------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
  Financing activities 
  Repayment of lease liabilities                         (124)      (108) 
  Net cash used in financing 
   activities                                            (124)      (108) 
---------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
  Net decrease in cash and cash 
   equivalents                                         (1,778)    (4,706) 
---------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
  Foreign exchange movements on cash and 
   cash equivalents                                          -          1 
  Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning 
   of the period                                         3,964      5,575 
  Cash and cash equivalents at the 
   end of the period                                     2,186        870 
------------------------------------------------     ---------  --------- 
 

Notes

   1.   General information 

The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial information was authorised by the board of directors for issue on 22 November 2023. The information for the six-month period ended 30 September 2023 has not been audited and does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006, and should therefore be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries for the year ended 31 March 2023, which have been prepared in accordance with UK Adopted International Accounting Standards (IFRS) and filed with the Registrar of Companies. The Independent Auditor's Report on that Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2023 was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis, and did not contain a statement under 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

   2.   Accounting policies 
   a)   Basis of preparation 

These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost accounting basis, in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standards ('IFRS') and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reported under IFRS and are consistent with those that are expected to be adopted in the annual statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The interim consolidated financial information does not comply with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, as permissible under the rules of AIM.

Prior year interim information has been restated, as follows:

- Diluted loss per share for the six month period to 30 September 2022 was previously reported as GBP0.05 per share. It has been restated to GBP0.06 per share as the potential dilutive shares were anti-dilutive for the period as the Group was loss making.

- On the Statement of Financial Position, consistent with the accounts to the year to 31 March 2023, Accrued income of GBP1,232,000 within Current Assets, Trade and Other Receivables has been reclassified to Accrued income within Non-Current Assets, Trade and Other Receivables; in addition, Accruals and Other Payables of GBP1,139,000 within Current Liabilities has been reclassified to Accruals and Other Payables within Non-Current Liabilities.

   b)    Going concern 

After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for at least twelve months from the date of publication of these interim financial statements. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these consolidated financial statements.

The Directors have reviewed the Group's going concern position taking into account its current business activities, performance to date against budgeted targets and the factors likely to affect its future development which include the Group's strategy, principal risks and uncertainties and its exposure to credit and liquidity risks.

The Group's GBP4.0 million 3-year revolving credit facility with Barclays Bank plc, signed on the 25 March 2021 remains in place which can provide working capital support if required. To date this facility remains unutilised.

The Directors have reviewed a detailed reforecast of trading which includes a cash flow forecast for a period which covers a period of trading to December 2024 and have challenged the assumptions used to create these forecasts. This forecast demonstrates that the Group is able to pay its debts as they fall due during this period.

The Directors have reviewed a highly sensitised stress test which has factored in what the Directors believe would be an extreme scenario which incorporates a significant reduction in new business revenues across both segments of the Group, a reduction of renewal rates in our software division and a scaling back of revenues within our Services division. Costs have also been scaled back in line with the reduction in revenues. Overall, the sensitised cash flow forecast demonstrates that the Group will be able to pay its debts as they fall due for the period to at least 31 December 2024.

   c)   Critical accounting judgements estimates and assumptions 

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported for income and expenses during the year and that affect the amounts reported for assets and liabilities at the reporting date.

The significant judgements made by management in applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those described in the last annual financial statements.

Revenue recognition

Management make judgements, estimates and assumptions in determining the revenue recognition of material contracts sold by the Group's Services division. The Group work with large enterprise clients, providing services and solutions to support the clients' needs. In many cases a third-party's products or services will be provided as part of a solution. Management will consider the implications around timing of recognition, with factors such as determining the point control passes to the client and the subsequent fulfilment of the Group's performance obligations. In addition to this management will consider if it is acting as agent or principal.

Impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and investment in subsidiaries

Management make judgements, estimates and assumptions in supporting the fair value of goodwill, intangible assets and investments in subsidiaries. The Group carry out annual impairment reviews to support the fair value of these assets. In doing so management will estimate future growth rates, weighted average cost of capital and terminal values.

Leases

Management make judgements, estimates and assumptions regarding the life of leases. Management continue to review all existing leases, which all relate to office space, and will look to reduce the number of offices across the Group if they are not sufficiently utilised. For this reason management have assumed that the life of leases does not extend past the current contracted expiry date. A judgement has been taken with regard to the incremental borrowing rate based upon the rate at which the Group can borrow money.

   3.   Segmental information 

In accordance with IFRS 8, the Group's operating segments are based on the operating results reviewed by the Board, which represents the chief operating decision maker. The Group reports its results in two segments as this accurately reflects the way the Group is managed.

The Group is organised into two reportable segments based on the types of products and services from which each segment derives its revenue - software and services.

Segment information for the 6 months ended 30 September 2023 is presented below and excludes intersegment revenue, as it is not material, and assets as the Directors do not review assets and liabilities on a segmental basis.

 
                                                       Six-month period ended 30 September 
                                         2023           2023           2022           2022 
                                      Revenue         Profit        Revenue         Profit 
                                  (unaudited)    (unaudited)    (unaudited)    (unaudited) 
                                       GBP000         GBP000         GBP000         GBP000 
------------------------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
  Services                              9,334            964          9,136          (167) 
  Software                              1,167            465          1,654            703 
------------------------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
  Group total                          10,501          1,429         10,790            536 
  Group costs                                          (836)                         (475) 
------------------------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
  Adjusted EBITDA                                        593                            61 
  Amortisation of intangibles                        (1,561)                       (1,446) 
  Depreciation                                         (137)                         (127) 
  Share-based payments                                  (42)                          (82) 
  Exceptional items                                    (202)                             - 
  Finance costs (net)                                   (38)                          (31) 
  Loss before tax                                    (1,387)                       (1,625) 
------------------------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

The Group is domiciled in the United Kingdom and currently the majority of its revenues come from external customers that are transacted in the United Kingdom. A number of transactions which are transacted from the United Kingdom represent global framework agreements, meaning our services, whilst transacted in the United Kingdom, are delivered globally. The geographical analysis of revenue detailed below is on the basis of country of origin in which the master agreement is held with the customer (where the sale is transacted).

 
 
                           Six-month period ended 
                                30 September 
                                2023           2022 
                         (unaudited)    (unaudited) 
                              GBP000         GBP000 
--------------------   -------------  ------------- 
  United Kingdom               6,532          6,888 
  Rest of Europe               2,364          2,667 
  North America                1,499            972 
  Rest of the world              106            263 
                              10,501         10,790 
 --------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
   4.   Finance costs and income 
 
 
                                                 Six-month period ended 
                                                           30 September 
                                                    2023           2022 
                                             (unaudited)    (unaudited) 
  Finance costs                                   GBP000         GBP000 
----------------------------------------   -------------  ------------- 
  Revolving Credit Facility charges                   31             26 
  Interest payable on lease liabilities               12              5 
                                                      43             31 
 ----------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

Finance income in the period was GBP5k (H1 FY23: Nil)

   5.   Income Tax 

The tax credit recognised reflects management estimates of the tax for the period and has been calculated using the estimated average tax rate of UK corporation tax for the financial period of 25% (FY23: 19%)

   6.   Earnings/(loss) per share 

Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. For diluted loss per share, the weighted average number of shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all the potential dilutive ordinary shares. The potential dilutive shares were anti-dilutive for the six months ended 30 September 2023 and six months ended 30 September 2022 as the Group was loss making.

Adjusted earnings per share has been calculated using adjusted earnings calculated as profit after taxation but before amortisation of acquired intangibles after tax, share based payments, impairment of intangible assets and exceptional items after tax. The potential dilutive shares were anti-dilutive for the six months ended 30 September 2022 as the Group was loss making.

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share from total operations attributable to shareholders is based on the following data:

 
                                                     Six-month period ended 
                                                          30 September 
                                                          2023           2022 
                                                   (unaudited)    (unaudited) 
                                                        GBP000         GBP000 
---------------------------------------------    -------------  ------------- 
  Net loss from total operations 
  Loss for the purposes of basic and diluted 
   earnings / loss per share being net loss 
   attributable to shareholders:                         (947)        (1,319) 
  Add/(remove) 
   Amortisation of acquired intangibles (net 
   of tax)                                                 905            939 
  Share based payments                                      42             82 
  Exceptional items (net of tax)                           152              - 
  Adjusted earnings for the purpose of 
   adjusted earnings per share                             152          (298) 
-----------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
                                                                           No 
  Number of shares                                          No     (Restated) 
---------------------------------------------    -------------  ------------- 
  Weighted average number of ordinary shares 
   for the purpose of basic and adjusted 
   earnings per share                               23,826,379     23,818,059 
  Weighted average number of ordinary shares 
   for the purpose of basic and adjusted 
   diluted earnings per share                       23,826,379     23,818,059 
-----------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
                                                                          GBP 
  Earnings/(Loss) per share                                GBP     (Restated) 
  Basic loss per share                                  (0.04)         (0.06) 
  Diluted loss per share                                (0.04)         (0.06) 
  Adjusted Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) 
   per share                                              0.01         (0.01) 
----------------------------------------------   -------------  ------------- 
 
   7.   Non-current assets: Trade and other receivables 
 
                             Period ended 30 September 
                                 2023             2022 
                                           (unaudited, 
                          (unaudited)        restated) 
                               GBP000           GBP000 
--------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
  Trade receivables             1,245            7,094 
  Accrued income                2,906            1,232 
                                4,151            8,326 
--------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 
   8.   Current assets: Trade and other receivables 
 
                                             Period ended 30 September 
                                                 2023             2022 
                                                           (unaudited, 
                                          (unaudited)        restated) 
                                               GBP000           GBP000 
------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
  Trade receivables                             6,946           10,043 
  Accrued income                                4,098            2,035 
  Prepayments and other receivables               345              469 
  Deferred tax asset                                -              181 
                                               11,389           12,728 
------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 
   9.   Trade and other payables 
 
                                           Period ended 30 September 
                                                 2023           2022 
                                                         (unaudited, 
                                          (unaudited)      restated) 
                                               GBP000         GBP000 
-------------------------------------  --------------  ------------- 
  Trade payables                                  837          2,757 
  Accruals and other payables                   8,053          5,570 
  Other taxation and social security              606          1,261 
  Deferred income                                 203            454 
  Corporation tax                                   6            444 
  Lease liabilities                               101             87 
                                                9,806         10,573 
-------------------------------------  --------------  ------------- 
 

10. Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

 
                                    Period ended 30 September 
                                          2023           2022 
                                                  (unaudited, 
                                   (unaudited)      restated) 
                                        GBP000         GBP000 
------------------------------  --------------  ------------- 
  Deferred tax                           3,341          3,744 
  Accruals and other payables            2,359          4,600 
  Lease liabilities                        194             16 
                                         5,894          8,360 
------------------------------  --------------  ------------- 
 

11. Share capital

The table below details movements in share capital during the year:

 
                                Six-month period ended 
                                     30 September 
                                     2023          2022 
 
  In thousands of shares              000           000 
---------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
  In issue at 31 March             23,826        23,810 
  In issue at 30 September         23,826        23,810 
---------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 
 
  Allotted, called up and fully paid      GBP000     GBP000 
  Ordinary shares of GBP0.10 each          2,382      2,382 
  Deferred shares of GBP0.90 each         19,896     19,896 
-------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
                                          22,278     22,278 
-------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 

The Company did not issue any shares in the six-month period ended 30 September 2023.

12. Related party transactions

The Directors of the Group and their immediate relatives have an interest of 19% ( H1 FY23 : 18%) of the voting shares of the Group.

13. Events after the reporting date

There are no material events after the reporting period to report.

14. Cautionary statement

This Interim Report has been prepared solely to provide additional information to shareholders to assess the Company's strategies and the potential for these strategies to succeed. The Interim Report should not be relied on by any other party or for any purpose. The Interim Report contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of the Company. These statements are made in good faith based on the information available to them up to the time of their approval of this report. However, such statements should be treated with caution as they involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The continuing uncertainty in global economic outlook inevitably increases the economic and business risks to which the Company is exposed. Nothing in this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast.

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END

IR FFLLLXFLXFBK

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 22, 2023 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

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