TIDMSYM
RNS Number : 8805A
Symphony Environmental Tech. PLC
30 May 2023
30 May 2023
SYMPHONY ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES PLC
("Symphony", the "Company" or the "Group")
Preliminary results
Symphony Environmental Technologies Plc (AIM:SYM) global
specialists in technologies that make plastic and rubber products
"smarter, safer and sustainable", is pleased to announce its
preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2022.
Financial highlights:
-- Group revenues GBP6.15 million (2021: GBP9.16 million)
-- Gross profit GBP2.28 million (2021: GBP3.59 million)
-- Reported loss before tax GBP3.01 million (2021: GBP1.53 million)
-- Basic loss per share 1.65p (2021: 0.81p)
-- Cash used in operations GBP1.59 million (2021: GBP0.60 million)
-- Cash raised by way of equity subscription GBP1.0 million
Business highlights:
d2p
-- Supply agreement with Grupo Bimbo, the western world's
largest bread producer for the Group's FDA-approved d2p
antimicrobial ("AM") bread packaging technology
-- Rivulis increases orders for d2p AI (insecticide technology)
d2w
-- Better Earth LLC exclusive contract for USA Nutritional bottles
-- Middle East - manufacturing agreement for d2w masterbatch production
-- d2w legal challenge succeeds in Peru ruling that
oxo-biodegradable is not the same as oxo-degradable
-- New Mexican biodegradability standard suitable for d2w
Post year end
-- Secured convertible loan of GBP1.0 million
-- Middle East manufacturing and sales on plan
-- Better Earth LLC signs exclusive agreement with TricorBraun
-- Successful cost reductions effected, with normalised
administrative cost base now 25% lower than 2022 levels, whilst
distribution costs significantly reduced due to lower shipping
costs and new Middle East factory
Chairman's Statement
FY-22 is a year that leaves me with mixed emotions. Considerable
operational milestones and successes were achieved. However, it was
also a challenging and frustrating year with Group revenue for
FY-22 down to GBP6.15 million from GBP9.16 million in 2021. This
follows, as previously advised, a soft first half of the year with
results affected by short term logistics and resource issues,
temporary destocking issues, primarily in the Middle East, and a
change to our glove strategy. The second half of the year was
slightly stronger but still affected by these events which were
slowly resolving together with delayed government certifications
for our partner's new factory in the Middle East, which were not
received until the end of the year.
Whilst I am pleased that these situations have now been
resolved, unfortunately they were too late to have a positive
effect on FY-22s operating results.
Pleasingly, strong momentum in d2p sales continues with revenue
in FY-22 of GBP0.79 million, representing 76% year-on-year growth
(2021: GBP0.45 million). The increase in FY-22 d2p sales has mainly
been due to continued conversion of higher value d2p anti-insect
("AI") technology.
These financial results do not therefore reflect the commercial
progress made during the year, and the outlook for the Group
remains as positive as previously described. This includes key
developments and growth in respect to (as detailed in the CEO
statement):
-- d2p AM ("antimicrobial") USA FDA & Canadian Health food
approved bread-packaging technology - Agreement with Grupo
Bimbo
-- Joint venture in India with Indorama Corporation - Symphony Environmental India Pvt Ltd
-- d2w bottles initiative in the USA - partnered with Better Earth and TricorBraun
-- Developing d2p AI global business with Rivulis Irrigation
In December we disclosed a GBP14.0 million annualised revenue
run-rate target during H1 2023, and whilst the Board are focused on
achieving this target, some key trials will extend into H2-2023. It
is worth noting that as a result of the Group's improved cost base,
higher gross margins and lower distribution and shipping costs, the
previously anticipated resultant profit at this revenue level will
be significantly higher than we previously anticipated.
Based upon the Group's trading in Q1-23 which saw a 27% increase
in revenues (compared with Q1-22), and more recent trading in Q2,
coupled with the benefits from the Middle East manufacturing plus
further short term opportunities which are expected to come to
fruition in the very near term, the Board expect Symphony to show a
significantly stronger financial result for H1-2023 and move back
into profitability in the very near term.
None of this takes into account the joint venture in India,
where we wait for approval that plastic producers using d2w
technology will become certified suppliers.
The near-term commercialisation of several of our key projects
and resultant sales are significant, and we are confident in
delivering positive updates in this regard in the very near term
and throughout 2023.
N Clavel
Interim Chairman
Enquiries:
Symphony Environmental Technologies Plc
Michael Laurier, CEO Tel: +44 (0) 20
8207 5900
Ian Bristow, CFO
www.symphonyenvironmental.com
Zeus (Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker)
David Foreman, Kieran Russell (Investment Tel: +44 (0) 161
Banking) 831 1512
Dominic King, Victoria Ayton (Sales) Tel: +44 (0) 203
829 5000
Hybridan LLP (Joint Broker)
Claire Louise Noyce Tel: +44 (0) 203
764 2341
About Symphony Environnemental Technologies Plc
https://www.symphonyenvironmental.com
Symphony has developed a range of additives, concentrates and
master-batches marketed under its d(2) p(R) ("designed to protect")
trademark, which can be incorporated in a wide variety of plastic
and non-plastic products so as to provide protection against many
different types of bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, moulds, and
insects, and against fire. d(2) p products also include odour,
moisture and ethylene adsorbers as well as other types of
food-preserving technologies. For an overview see www.d2p.net
Symphony has launched d(2) p anti-microbial household gloves and
toothbrushes and "Symfresh" food-packaging and is developing a
range of other d(2) p finished-products for retail sale.
Symphony has also developed a biodegradable plastic technology
which addresses the problem of persistent microplastics, by turning
ordinary plastic at the end of its service-life into a waxy
substance which is biodegradable. It is then no longer a plastic
and can be bioassimilated in the open environment in a similar way
to a leaf without leaving microplastics behind. The technology is
branded d(2) w(R) and appears as a droplet logo on many thousands
of tonnes of plastic packaging and other plastic products around
the world, much of which has been recycled. In some countries, most
recently Saudi Arabia, oxo-biodegradable plastic is mandatory for
short-life plastic products.
d(2) w technology was studied for three years in the Oxomar
project, sponsored by the French government, which concluded that
plastic made with Symphony's d(2) w oxo-biodegradable technology
will biodegrade in seawater significantly more efficiently than
conventional plastic. See
https://www.biodeg.org/subjects-of-interest/agriculture-and-horticulture/the-marine-environment/
Following this report, the scientists allowed bacteria commonly
found in the open environment access to d(2) w oxo-biodegradable
plastic containing Carbon 13. They found Carbon 13 in the carbon
dioxide exhaled by the bacteria, proving beyond doubt that the
plastic had been bioassimilated by the bacteria.
Symphony has complemented its d(2) w and d(2) p product ranges
with d(2) c "compostable resins and products" that have been tested
to US and EU composting standards and has invested in Eranova - a
French company extracting starch for making plastics, out of
algae.
Symphony has also developed the d(2) Detector(R), a portable
device which analyses plastics and detects counterfeit products.
This is useful for government officials tasked with enforcing
legislation, and Symphony's d(2) t tagging and tracer technology is
available for further security.
Symphony has a diverse and growing customer-base and has
established itself as an international business with over 70
distributors around the world. Products made with Symphony's
plastic technologies are now available in nearly 100 countries and
in many different product applications. Symphony itself is
accredited to ISO9001 and ISO14001.
Symphony is a member of The BPA (www.biodeg.org) and actively
participates in the Committee work of the British Standards
Institute (BSI), the American Standards Organisation (ASTM), the
European Standards Organisation (CEN), and the International
Standards Organisation (ISO).
Further information on the Group can be found at
www.symphonyenvironmental.com and twitter @SymphonyEnv See also
Symphony on Instagram. A Symphony App is available for downloading
to smartphones.
Chief Executive's Review
In line with the Group's strategy, substantial investment
continued into the pre-commercialisation phases of several d2p
formulations and a far-reaching advocacy program that is focussed
on specific markets and sectors. Whilst revenues were much lower in
2022, new formulations and products were successfully developed and
existing, as well as new, strategic relationships were strengthened
with established sector leaders. All of this will help to
accelerate sales revenue in the short and longer term. The most
important near term revenue generators are as follows:
d2p AM ("antimicrobial") USA FDA & Canadian Health food
approved bread-packaging technology - Agreement with Grupo
Bimbo
Following several years of substantial investment and
development, an exclusive 3 year supply agreement was signed in
June with Grupo Bimbo, the western world's largest bread
manufacturer. We commenced supply of our d2p masterbatch technology
in Q1-2023 to certain packaging manufacturers of Grupo Bimbo and
whilst volumes at the outset are modest, this is expected to
increase in the near term and throughout 2023 and 2024.
d2p AM Global
Symphony is the only company in the world to have been awarded
the above important regulatory approvals and global interest
continues to be positive in most food market sectors outside of the
EU, noting also that we have other formulations for the EU, not yet
launched.
Separate from the markets where Grupo Bimbo have exclusivity,
our d2p AM technology is currently at different stages of
development with a number of customers. Some customers are in
commercial trials and others are at early stages in development.
Our technology is being evaluated in both bread and other food
related products, and in a wide range of geographies including
China, India, Middle East, South Africa, South Korea, and Turkey.
Our sales team are engaged in extensive discussions, trials,
semi-commercial trials and some final commercial trials, and we are
optimistic of being able to provide positive updates during
2023.
Joint venture in India with Indorama Corporation - Symphony
Environmental India Pvt Ltd ("Symphony India")
Symphony India is a joint venture ("JV") company established in
India during 2022, between Symphony and Indorama India Private
Limited ("Indorama"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Indorama
Corporation Pte. Ltd. Symphony India is owned 46.5% by Symphony,
46.5% by Indorama and 7% by Mr. Arjun Aggarwal, an Indian citizen,
who was appointed Managing Director of the JV.
As previously reported in September 2022, the Plastic Waste
Management Rules 2022 (as amended on 6.7.2022) in India permit
government-approved biodegradable plastic products to be exempted
from restrictions that would ban most plastic film products unless
they are above 50-micron thickness, and 120 microns for carrier
bags, (which generally means an increase in cost by more than two
to three times). Producers and brand owners using certified
biodegradable plastic materials will be free from this
obligation.
Symphony's d2w technology has been tested by Intertek India, an
Indian government approved laboratory and Symphony India continues
to wait for approval that plastic producers using d2w technology
will be become certified suppliers. We are hopeful that this will
be granted in the very near future as we believe our technology
meets the required criteria.
Marketing and trials for a wide range of d2p products are moving
forward at a satisfactory pace and we believe that further material
sales updates will be provided, particularly in relation to d2p AM
and d2p VCI (vapour corrosion inhibitors) during the balance of
2023.
Symphony India reported a commendable break-even result for the
period from incorporation to 31 December 2022 being its first
start-up period of trading.
Developing d2p AI global business with Rivulis Irrigation
Symphony's collaboration with Rivulis started in December 2017
after Symphony's R&D department created a masterbatch with
anti-insect properties which could be put into plastic products at
the point of manufacture. Since then, Symphony's technical team has
supported Rivulis in the development of a unique range of
irrigation pipes for farmers and growers across a number of
geographies.
Plastic irrigation pipes and drip-tapes are a very effective way
to deliver water to growing plants, but valuable water was being
lost because insects were puncturing the pipes. By incorporating
d2p AI into these products, Rivulis has significantly reduced the
damage caused by insects, and consequently the amount of water
being lost - an especially valuable benefit in dry areas of the
world.
Having conducted field trials across several countries, with
positive results, Rivulis has placed a number of orders with
Symphony for d2p AI for use in irrigation systems in France,
Turkey, Australia and Mexico. They have incorporated d2p AI
technology into their Rivulis and Eurodrip product range s , sold
under the trade name Rivulis Defend. We anticipate further adoption
of our technology across other products and other geographies.
New Middle East production facility set up by our partners in
the region
As reported on 1 August 2022, an agreement was finalised with
Ecobatch in the UAE for production of our biodegradable d2w
masterbatch, primarily for supply into the Middle East, but the
factory can also supply our other markets if desired. Production
was delayed but commenced after the successful completion of ESMA
(UAE) and SASO (Saudi Arabia) certification in December. The new
Ecobatch masterbatch manufacturing facility also produces white,
black and coloured masterbatch products for the plastics industry
in the Middle East.
The Middle East is one of our prime markets and is set for
further growth resulting from legislation supporting our type of
d2w biodegradable technology. The local operation of this facility
is improving stock availability and control throughout the supply
chain, as well as reduced costs and improved efficiencies.
Importantly, this is entirely compatible with our ESG strategy and
in particular minimising CO2 emissions through lengthy transport
systems. Also, locally-made products are also often preferred by
customers.
We expect a substantial increase in sales and demand in the
region in the coming months, and production capacity is more than
sufficient to meet expected demand.
d2w bottles initiative in the USA - partnered with Better Earth
and TricorBraun
Symphony signed a two year exclusive USA-focused, d2w supply
contract with Better Earth in February 2022. Better Earth
subsequently launched its nutritional supplement bottles, caps, and
scoops using Symphony's d2w biodegradable technology under Better
Earth's BioBottles(TM) brand "Plastic IQ(TM) Technology". In
November 2022, Symphony and Better Earth signed a supplementary d2w
supply contract extending the product scope to nutraceutical
products and expanding authorised geographies to include
Canada.
Better Earth LLC has subsequently signed an exclusive supply
agreement with TricorBraun for its BioBottles(TM) brand of
polyethylene bottles for the nutraceutical industry. TricorBraun is
a global packaging company, and North America's largest distributor
of primary packaging. It operates from more than 100 locations
across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia. TricorBraun sold
over 8 billion containers in 2022 and is working jointly with
Better Earth, supporting its exclusive Agreement with a sales and
marketing campaign in the US and Canada.
Initial orders have been placed and supplied and we anticipate
the roll-out will gather momentum over the coming months.
Trading results
Group revenue was GBP6.15 million (2021: GBP9.16 million) and is
analysed in the table below. Gross profit margins reduced to 37.0%
(2021: 39.2%) due to higher raw material costs in the first half of
the year. Gross profit decreased to GBP2.28 million from GBP3.59
million in 2021.
As previously advised, we had a soft first half of the year with
results affected by short term logistics and resource issues,
temporary destocking issues, and a change to our glove strategy.
Whilst the second half of the year was stronger, the Middle East
destocking issue had still not been resolved by the year end,
mainly due to delays in receiving the requisite government
certifications for our partner's new factory in the UAE, which
finally became fully operational in December.
2022 2021
d2w Masterbatch GBP4.77 million GBP7.19 million
---------------- ----------------
d2p Masterbatch GBP0.79 million GBP0.45 million
---------------- ----------------
Finished Products GBP0.47 million GBP1.40 million
---------------- ----------------
Other GBP0.12 million GBP0.12 million
---------------- ----------------
Administrative expenses increased to GBP4.80 million (2021:
GBP4.57 million). Staff costs increased GBP0.20 million during 2022
following further expansion of the sales and technical departments.
Equity-settled share-based charges of GBP0.12 million were included
in the year (2021: GBP0.04 million). Distribution costs (namely
shipping) which had been high in relation to revenues started to
reduce in the second half of the year.
The Group expensed R&D costs of GBP0.51 million in 2022
(2021: GBP0.49 million). In addition, there were intangible asset
development cost additions of GBP0.17 million during the year in
respect to the Group's d2p bread technology (2021: GBP0.17
million). An R&D tax credit of GBP0.12 million (2021: GBP0.13
million) was received during 2022 relating to the previous period.
A further R&D tax credit will be receivable in 2023 with
respect to 2022.
The reported operating loss was GBP2.93 million (2021: GBP1.48
million) and loss after tax of GBP2.89 million (2021: GBP1.41
million) with basic loss per share of 1.65 pence (2021: loss per
share 0.81 pence).
The Group's primary selling currency is the US Dollar and
therefore a strong dollar against sterling, our reporting currency,
is beneficial for the Group. The Group self-hedges its foreign
exchange exposure by purchasing goods where possible in US Dollars
and utilises, when deemed appropriate, bank forward currency
contract agreements to minimise exchange risk. As at 31 December
2022, the Group had a net balance of US Dollar assets (US Dollar
cash balances and receivables less overdrafts and payables)
totalling $1.46 million (2021: $2.91 million).
Statement of financial position and cash flow
The Group had net borrowings (excluding lease liabilities) of
GBP0.84 million as at 31 December 2022 (2021: net cash GBP0.20
million). The Group used cash of GBP1.59million from operations
(2021: GBP0.60 million) primarily as a result of the loss incurred
but mitigated by favourable movements in receivables.
During the year, the Group raised net proceeds of GBP1.0 million
by way of an equity subscription and post year end entered into a
GBP1.0 million convertible loan agreement.
Eranova
As announced in October 2020, the Group made an investment
representing 1.6% of the enlarged capital of Eranova SAS (at
GBP130,000 including costs) as part of a EUR6.00 million
pre-industrial plant project. The pilot plant was completed on
schedule during October 2021 and was operational and processing
small volume commercial orders during 2022.
In recent months Eranova raised additional capital and have been
awarded government grants to further expand the early-stage
production facility in Marseille, France. They have finished
products with the Eranova technology in the French retail sector
and in particular listed in Casino, Carrefour, Intermarche and
Franprix.
Eranova has also signed its first EUR2.10 million pre-production
licencing agreement to build a facility in Indonesia which is
currently in the early stages of development. Symphony, as a
strategic shareholder of Eranova has an agreement to market
Eranova's biobased green algae product derived from green
algae.
Our d2w and d2p technologies are fully compatible with Eranova's
biobased product and we expect this will become a major growth area
for Symphony in the longer term.
EU action
As previously announced, Symphony commenced a legal action
against the Commission, Parliament and Council of the EU having
been advised by three specialists in EU law that Article 5 of the
Directive 2019/904 is unconstitutional. A court hearing was held in
Luxembourg on 20 March 2023. A written judgment will be delivered
in due course, which the Company's legal advisers estimate could be
12 to 15 months after the hearing.
Following the hearing, Symphony's legal team remain confident
that the EU acted unlawfully in imposing a ban on a material which
they call "oxo-degradable plastic" in Article 5 of the Directive.
In any event, Symphony does not accept that the ban applies to
oxo-biodegradable plastics, which are made by incorporating
Symphony's d2w masterbatch into ordinary plastic, and do not have
any of the undesirable characteristics listed in Recital 15 of the
Directive.
Current trading and outlook
Symphony's financial performance in Q1-23 has sharply improved
from 2022, and the Board expect Symphony to move back into
profitability in the coming months which is underpinned by the
following:
-- Middle East manufacturing and sales on plan
-- Global sales increases in most sectors including d2w and d2p
-- Administrative cost base now set 25% lower than 2022 levels
-- Distribution costs significantly reduced due to generally
lower shipping rates and efficiencies from the Middle East
factory
-- Gross profit margins currently approximately 5% higher
Additionally, the near-term commercialisation of several
projects together with improving global business dynamics is
expected to have a significant and positive effect on sales with
profitability anticipated in the coming months.
After the unexpected and lengthy delays experienced during 2022,
we are encouraged by the sharply improved momentum, activity and
trading performance across the Group and are confident that we will
be able to announce further positive updates in the coming
months.
M Laurier
Chief Executive
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 December 2022
2022 2021
Note GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------- ----- -------- --------
Revenue 4 6,154 9,161
Cost of sales (3,874) (5,569)
Gross profit 2,280 3,592
Distribution costs (408) (500)
Administrative expenses (4,802) (4,571)
Operating loss 5 (2,930) (1,479)
Finance costs 7 (77) (54)
Loss for the year before
tax (3,007) (1,533)
Taxation 8 120 127
Loss for the year (2,887) (1,406)
---------------------------- ----- -------- --------
Total comprehensive loss
for the year (2,887) (1,406)
---------------------------- ----- -------- --------
Basic earnings per share 9 (1.65)p (0.81)p
Diluted earnings per share 9 (1.65)p (0.81)p
All results are attributable to the parent company equity
holders. There were no discontinued operations for either of the
above periods.
Consolidated statement of financial position
as at 31 December 2022
Company number 03676824
2022 2021
Note GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
ASSETS
Non-current
Property, plant and equipment 10 138 171
Right-of-use assets 11 379 548
Intangible assets 12 439 260
Investments 13 130 123
Interest in joint venture 14 101 -
1,187 1,102
Current
Inventories 15 1,175 1,316
Trade and other receivables 16 2,349 3,146
Cash and cash equivalents 17 1,152 881
4,676 5,343
Total assets 5,863 6,445
------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity
Equity attributable to
shareholders of
Symphony Environmental
Technologies plc
Ordinary shares 18 1,848 1,793
Share premium 18 4,854 3,910
Retained earnings 18 (4,999) (2,231)
Total equity 1,703 3,472
------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
Liabilities
Non-current
Lease liabilities 19 181 338
------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
Current
Lease liabilities 19 167 167
Borrowings 19 1,991 677
Trade and other payables 20 1,821 1,791
3,979 2,635
------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
Total liabilities 4,160 2,973
------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
Total equity and liabilities 5,863 6,445
------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December 2022
Equity attributable to the equity holders of Symphony
Environmental Technologies plc:
Share Share Retained Total
capital premium earnings equity
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------
For the year to
31 December 2022
Balance at 1 January
2022 1,793 3,910 (2,231) 3,472
Share based options
(note 18) - - 119 119
Issue of share capital
(note 18) 55 944 - 999
Transactions with
owners 55 944 119 1,118
-------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------
Total comprehensive
loss for the year - - (2,887) (2,887)
-------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------
Balance at 31 December
2022 1,848 4,854 (4,999) 1,703
-------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------
For the year to
31 December 2021
Balance at 1 January
2021 1,768 3,185 (865) 4,088
Share based options
(note 18) - - 40 40
Issue of share capital
(note 18) 25 725 - 750
-------------------------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
Transactions with
owners 25 725 40 790
Total comprehensive
loss for the year - - (1,406) (1,406)
-------------------------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
Balance at 31 December
2021 1,793 3,910 (2,231) 3,472
-------------------------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
Consolidated cash flow statement
for the year ended 31 December 2022
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Cash flows from operating activities
Loss after tax (2,887) (1,406)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation 229 223
Amortisation 14 12
Loss on disposal of foxed assets 14 -
Share-based charges 119 40
Foreign exchange - 25
Interest expense 77 46
Tax credit (120) (127)
Changes in working capital:
Movement in inventories 141 (256)
Movement in trade and other receivables 797 453
Movement in trade and other payables 30 389
-------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Net cash used in operations (1,586) (601)
R&D tax credit 120 127
-------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Net cash used in operating activities (1,466) (474)
Cash flows from investing activities
Additions to property, plant and
equipment (18) (54)
Additions to right of use asset (22) (17)
Additions to intangible assets (194) (227)
Additions to joint venture (101) -
Additions to investments (7) -
Net cash used in investing activities (342) (298)
Cash flows from financing activities
Increase in invoice finance facility 857 -
Repayment of lease capital (179) (198)
New lease 22 -
Proceeds from share issue 999 750
Lease interest paid (22) (29)
Bank and invoice finance interest
paid (55) (17)
-------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Net cash generated in financing
activities 1,622 506
Net change in cash and cash equivalents (186) (266)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning
of year 204 470
Cash and cash equivalents, end
of year 18 204
-------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Represented by:
Cash and cash equivalents (note
17) 1,152 881
Bank overdraft (note 19) (1,134) (677)
-------------------------------------------- -------- --------
18 204
------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Notes to the Annual Report and Accounts
1 General information
Symphony Environmental Technologies plc ('the Company') and
subsidiaries (together 'the Group') develops and supplies
environmental plastic additives and masterbatches, together with
plastic and rubber finished products to a global market.
The Company, a public limited company, is the Group's ultimate
parent company. It is incorporated and domiciled in England
(Company number 03676824). The address of its registered office is
6 Elstree Gate, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1JD,
England. The Company's shares are listed on the AIM market of the
London Stock Exchange.
2 Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial information set out in this report does not
constitute the Company's statutory annual report and accounts for
the years ended 31 December 2022 or 2021 but is derived from the
2022 annual report and accounts. Statutory accounts for 2021 have
been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and those for 2022
will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following Notice of
the Annual General Meeting. The auditor has reported on the
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022; its
report was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any
matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis
without qualifying the report and (iii) did not contain a statement
under section 498(2) or section 498(3) of the Companies Act
2006.
This consolidated annual report and accounts has been prepared
in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards in
conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
These consolidated annual report and accounts have been prepared
under the historical cost convention except for investments and
derivative financial instruments that are measured at fair value.
Financial information is presented in pounds sterling unless
otherwise stated, and amounts are expressed in thousands (GBP'000)
and rounded accordingly.
Changes to accounting policies during the year are detailed in
'Standards and interpretations adopted during the year' further in
this note.
Consolidation
This consolidated annual report and accounts are made up to 31
December 2022.
All intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on
transactions between group companies are eliminated on
consolidation. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the
transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset
transferred. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the annual
report and accounts of subsidiaries to bring the accounting
policies used into line with those used by other members of the
Group.
Going concern
The Group has made an operating loss of GBP2.93 million for the
year (2021: loss GBP1.48 million). The Group has continued to
invest heavily on marginal costs to drive its operations on a
technical and marketing standpoint. This has resulted in multiple
sales opportunities which are expected to come to fruition in the
short-term.
On the basis of current financial projections, which have been
drawn out to the end of 2024, including a sensitised cash flow
analysis, together with available funds and facilities, the
Directors are satisfied that the Group has adequate resources to
continue in operational existence fo r at least 12 months from the
date of approval of the financial statements, and accordingly,
continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Group
and Company financial statements.
This is primarily underpinned by the Group being on track to
achieve at least break even during H1-2023 which is driven by the
following:
-- Middle East volumes in Q1-2023 matching FY-2022
-- Repeat and growing d2p AI business
-- Steadier main markets in Far East and Latin America
-- New/growing business for d2w in North America
-- Administrative costs significantly lower than in 2022
-- Distribution costs significantly lower than in 2022 with
general freight rates down and new the Middle East factory cutting
out expensive shipping from Taiwan
-- Lower raw material costs - mainly in polymer which makes up 90% plus of product volume
In addition, the Group has since the year end received a GBP1
million convertible loan (see Events since statement of financial
position date) and is also supported by an invoice finance facility
from the Group's bankers.
Revenue
- Plastic additives and finished products, and associated
products
Revenue is stated at the fair value of the consideration
receivable and excludes VAT and trade discounts.
The Group's revenue is from the sale of goods. Revenue from the
sale of goods is recognised in conformity to IFRS 15 following the
5 step approach. This has been detailed below:
-- Identification of the contract - Due to the nature of the
goods sold, the Group effectively approves an implied contract with
a customer when it accepts a purchase order from the customer .
-- Identification of the separate performance obligations in the
contract - The Group must fulfil the following obligations, which
are agreed on acceptance of the purchase order:
- To make the goods available for dispatch on the required date;
- To organise freight in accordance with agreed INCOTERMs (a
series of pre-defined commercial terms published by the
International Chamber of Commerce).
-- Determine the transaction price of the contract - The
transaction price is determined as the fair value of the
consideration the Group expects to receive on transfer of the
goods. The price of the sale includes the goods price and the cost
of the transport, if applicable.
-- Allocation of the transaction price to the performance
obligations identified - Sales prices are agreed with each customer
and are not generally a fixed price per unit. The transport price
will also vary across sales as it is based on quotes received from
the Group's freight agents, as transport is charged at cost.
Although the Group is effectively an agent in the provision of
transport rather than the principal under IFRS 15, the transport
cost is insignificant in the context of the overall sale price and
therefore it is not netted out of revenue and cost;
-- Recognition of revenue when each performance obligation is
satisfied - Provided that the goods have been made available for
dispatch on the required date, this performance obligation has been
fulfilled and the revenue for this performance obligation is
therefore recognised at this date. In respect to the freight
element, the agreed INCOTERMs need to be satisfied. At this point,
the Group recognises the revenue for this separate performance
obligation.
Intangible assets
- Research and development costs
Expenditure on research (or the research phase of an internal
project) is recognised as an expense in the period in which it is
incurred. Development costs incurred on specific projects are
capitalised when all the following conditions are satisfied:
-- completion of the intangible asset is technically feasible so
that it will be available for use or sale;
-- the Group intends to complete the intangible asset and use or sell it;
-- the Group has the ability to use or sell the intangible asset; and
-- the intangible asset will generate probable future economic benefits.
Among other things, this requires that there is a market for the
output from the intangible asset or for the intangible asset
itself, or, if it is to be used internally, the asset will be used
in generating such benefits:
-- there are adequate technical, financial and other resources
to complete the development and to use or sell the intangible
asset; and
-- the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during
its development can be measured reliably.
Development costs not meeting the criteria for capitalisation
are expensed as incurred.
The cost of an internally generated intangible asset comprises
all directly attributable costs necessary to create, produce, and
prepare the asset to be capable of operating in the manner intended
by management. The nature of the Group's activities in the field of
development work renders some internally generated intangible
assets unable to meet the above criteria at present.
Amortisation commences upon completion of the asset and is shown
within administrative expenses and is included at the following
rate:
Plastic masterbatches and other additives - 10 years straight
line.
Judgements and estimates made by the Directors when deciding
whether the recognition requirements for development costs have
been met are included in note 3. All amounts disclosed within note
12 in development costs relate to plastic masterbatches and other
additives.
- Trademarks
Trademarks represent the cost of registration and are carried at
cost less amortisation. Amortisation is calculated so as to write
off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, to
administrative expenses over the useful economic life of that asset
as follows:
Trademarks - 10 years straight line.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, net of
depreciation and any provision for impairment. The cost comprises
of the purchase price of the asset plus directly attributable
costs.
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an
asset, less its estimated residual value, to administrative
expenses over the useful economic life of that asset as
follows:
Plant and machinery - 20% reducing balance.
Fixtures and fittings - 10% straight line.
Motor vehicles - 25% reducing balance.
Office equipment - 25% straight line.
The residual value and useful economic lives are reconsidered
annually.
Impairment testing of intangible assets and property, plant and
equipment
All individual assets are tested for impairment whenever events
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may
not be recoverable.
An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the
asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The
recoverable amount is the higher of fair value, reflecting market
conditions less costs to sell, and value in use based on an
internal discounted cash flow evaluation. All assets are
subsequently reassessed for indications that an impairment loss
previously recognised may no longer exist. Any impairment is
recognised within expenses in the statement of comprehensive
income.
Leased assets
A lease is defined as 'a contract, or part of a contract, that
conveys the right to use an asset (the underlying asset) for a
period of time in exchange for consideration'. To apply this
definition three key evaluations are assessed:
-- whether the contract contains an identified asset, which is
either explicitly identified in the contract or implicitly
specified by being identified at the time the asset is made
available to the Group
-- whether the Group has the right to obtain substantially all
of the economic benefits from use of the identified asset
throughout the period of use, considering its rights within the
defined scope of the contract
-- whether the Group has the right to direct the use of the
identified asset throughout the period of use. The Group assess
whether it has the right to direct 'how and for what purpose' the
asset is used throughout the period of use.
A right-of-use asset and a lease liability is recognised on the
statement of financial position at the lease commencement date. The
right-of-use asset is measured at cost, which is made up of the
initial measurement of the lease liability, any initial direct
costs incurred, an estimate of any costs to dismantle and remove
the asset at the end of the lease, and any lease payments made in
advance of the lease commencement date (net of any incentives
received).
Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis
from the lease commencement date to the earlier of the end of the
useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term.
Impairment is assessed when such indicators exist.
The lease liability is measured on commencement of the lease at
the present value of the lease payments unpaid at that date,
discounted using the Group's incremental borrowing rate.
Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease
liability are made up of fixed payments included in the lease
agreement and together with any in-substance fixed payments.
Subsequent to initial measurement, the liability will be reduced
for payments made and increased for interest. It is remeasured to
reflect any reassessment or modification, or if there are changes
in in-substance fixed payments.
When the lease liability is remeasured, the corresponding
adjustment is reflected in the right-of-use asset, or profit and
loss if the right-of-use asset is already reduced to zero.
Investments in joint ventures
A joint venture is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that
have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net assets
of the joint arrangement. Joint control is the contractually agreed
sharing of control of an arrangement, which exists only when
decisions about the relevant activities require unanimous consent
of the parties sharing control.
The results and assets and liabilities of joint ventures are
incorporated in these financial statements using the equity method
of accounting, except when the investment is classified as held for
sale, in which case it is accounted for in accordance with IFRS
5.
Under the equity method, an investment in a joint venture is
recognised initially in the consolidated statement of financial
position at cost as at the date of acquisition and adjusted
thereafter to recognise the Group's share of the profit or loss and
other comprehensive income of the associate or joint venture. When
the Group's share of losses of an associate or a joint venture
exceeds the Group's interest in that associate or joint venture
(which includes any long-term interests that, in substance, form
part of the Group's net investment in the associate or joint
venture), the Group discontinues recognising its share of further
losses. Additional losses are recognised only to the extent that
the Group has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made
payments on behalf of the associate or joint venture.
Investments
Minority investments in shares are held at cost less any
provision for impairment.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable
value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving
items. Cost is determined on the basis of purchase value plus all
directly attributable costs of bringing the inventory to the
current location and condition, on a first-in first-out basis.
Employee costs
- Employee compensation
Employee benefits are recognised as an expense.
- Post employment obligations
The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme for
employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those
of the Group. The pension costs charged against profits are the
contributions payable to the scheme in respect of the accounting
period.
Taxation
Current tax is the tax currently payable based on taxable profit
for the year.
Deferred income taxes are calculated using the liability method
on temporary differences. Deferred tax is generally provided on the
difference between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities
and their tax bases. Tax losses available to be carried forward as
well as other income tax credits to the Group are assessed for
recognition as deferred tax assets, insofar as Group companies are
entitled to UK tax credits on qualifying research and development
expenditure, such amounts are presented in the income tax line
within the statement of comprehensive income.
Deferred tax liabilities are provided in full, with no
discounting. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that
it is probable that the underlying deductible temporary differences
will be able to be offset against future taxable income. Current
and deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at tax rates
that are expected to apply to their respective period of
realisation, provided they are enacted or substantively enacted at
the statement of financial postion date.
Changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised as
a component of tax expense in profit or loss, except where they
either relate to items that are charged or credited directly to
equity in which case the related deferred tax is also charged or
credited directly to equity , or where they relate to items charged
or credited in other comprehensive income the deferred tax change
is recognised in other comprehensive income.
Foreign currencies
Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are
translated into Sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the
statement of financial position date. Transactions in foreign
currencies are translated into Sterling at the rate of exchange
ruling at the date of the transaction. Exchange differences are
taken into account in arriving at the operating result. The Group
uses derivatives such as forward rate agreements to mitigate its
current or future positions against foreign exchange rate risks.
These derivatives are measured at fair value, determined by
reference to observable market prices at the reporting date.
Financial assets
The Group classifies all of its financial assets measured at
amortised cost, apart from investments and derivatives which are
measured at fair value through profit and loss. Financial assets do
not comprise prepayments. Management determines the classification
of its financial assets at initial recognition.
These assets arise principally from the provision of goods and
services to customers (e.g. trade receivables), but also
incorporate other types of financial assets where the objective is
to hold their assets in order to collect contractual cash flows and
the contractual cash flows are solely payments of the principal and
interest. They are initially recognised at fair value plus
transaction costs that are directly attributable to their
acquisition or issue and are subsequently carried at amortised cost
using the effective interest rate method, less provision for
impairment.
Impairment provisions are recognised based on the simplified
approach within IFRS 9 using the lifetime expected credit losses.
During this process the probability of the non-payment of the trade
receivables is assessed. This probability is then multiplied by the
amount of the expected loss arising from default to determine the
lifetime expected credit loss for the trade receivables. The Group
considers a financial asset in default when it is unlikely to
receive the outstanding contractual amounts in full. For trade
receivables, which are reported net; such provisions are recorded
in a separate provision account with the loss being recognised
within administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of
comprehensive income. On confirmation that the trade receivable
will not be collectable, the gross carrying value of the asset is
written off against the associated provision.
The Group's financial assets held at amortised cost comprise
trade and other receivables and cash and cash equivalents in the
consolidated statement of financial position.
The Group has an invoice financing facility whereby it transfers
the rights to the cash flows from the related receivables to a
third party but retains the credit risk by providing a guarantee.
As the Group does not transfer substantially all the risks and
rewards of the receivables, no derecognition of financial assets is
required.
- Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and other
short-term, highly liquid deposits that are readily convertible
into known amounts of cash and which are subject to an
insignificant risk of changes in value.
Financial liabilities
The Group classifies its financial liabilities in the category
of financial liabilities at amortised cost. All financial
liabilities are recognised in the statement of financial position
when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provision of the
instrument.
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost include:
-- Trade payables and other short-dated monetary liabilities,
which are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently
carried at amortised cost using the effective interest rate
method.
-- Bank and other borrowings are initially recognised at fair
value 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 rate method, which ensures that any interest expense over
the period to repayment is at a constant rate on the balance of the
liability carried in the consolidated statement of financial
position. For the purposes of each financial liability, interest
expense includes initial transaction costs and any premium payable
on redemption, as well as any interest or coupon payable while the
liability is outstanding.
Unless otherwise indicated, the carrying values of the Group's
financial liabilities measured at amortised cost represents a
reasonable approximation of their fair values.
Equity settled share-based payments
All goods and services received in exchange for the grant of any
share-based payment are measured at their fair values. Where
employees and third parties are rewarded using share-based
payments, the fair values of the instrument granted are determined
using the Black-Scholes model. This fair value is appraised at the
grant date. For employees, the fair value is charged to the
statement of comprehensive income between the date of issue and the
date the share options vest with a corresponding credit taken to
equity. For third parties the fair value is charged over the length
of services received.
Equity
Equity comprises the following:
-- "Share capital" represents the nominal value of equity shares;
-- "Share premium" represents the excess over nominal value of
the fair value of consideration received for equity shares, net of
expenses of the share issue and after capital reduction; and
-- "Retained earnings" represents non-distributed but distributable reserves.
Standards and interpretations adopted during the year
At the date of authorisation of these annual report and
accounts, certain new standards, amendments and interpretations to
existing standards became effective, as they had not been
previously adopted by the Group.
Information on new standards, amendments and interpretations
that are relevant to the Group's annual report and accounts is
provided below. Certain other new standards and interpretations
have been issued but are not expected to have a material impact on
the Group's annual report and accounts.
Other new effective Standards and interpretations with no
material impact to the Group
The following new and amended standards became effective during
the current year and have not had a material impact on the
Group's/Company's financial statements:
-- IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment: Amendments in relation
to proceeds before intended use.
-- IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent
Assets: Amendments in relation to the cost of fulfilling a contract
when assessing onerous contracts.
-- IFRS 3 Business Combinations: Amendments to update references to the Conceptual Framework.
-- Annual Improvements to IFRSs (2018-2021 cycle).
New and revised UK-adopted international accounting standards in
issue but not yet effective
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, The
Group has not applied the following new and revised UK-adopted
international accounting standards that have been issued but are
not yet effective. The Group does not expect any of the standards
which have been issued, but are not yet effective, to have a
material impact on the Group.
-- IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements: Amendments in
relation to the classification of liabilities as current or
non-current. Effective 1 January 2023
-- IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements: Disclosure of
accounting policies. Effective 1 January 2023
-- IAS 8 Accounting policies, changes in accounting estimates
and errors (Amendment): Definition of accounting estimates.
Effective 1 January 2023
-- IAS 12 Income taxes: Deferred tax relating to assets and
liabilities arising from a single transaction. Effective 1 January
2023
Other
The Group does not expect any other standards issued by the
IASB, but not yet effective, to have a material impact on the
Group.
3 Significant accounting estimates and judgements
Estimates and judgements are evaluated continually and are based
on historical experience and other factors, including expectations
of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances. Although these estimates are based on management's
best knowledge of current events and actions, actual results may
ultimately differ from those actions. Material changes to the
estimates and judgements made in the preparation of the interim
statements are detailed in the notes.
Estimates:
In preparing these accounts the following areas were considered
to involve significant estimates:
- Recognition of deferred tax assets
Judgements and estimates relating to a deferred tax asset are
detailed in notes 2 and 8. In particular, estimates are made as to
future revenues which derive profit and loss projections. However,
management does not consider it appropriate to recognise a deferred
tax asset where there is uncertainty over the amount of future
profits. The unrecognised deferred tax asset as at 31 December 2022
was approximately GBP4,735,000.
- Share-based payments
Estimates and related judgements in respect to share-based
payment charges are detailed in note 18. Estimates are made on the
fair value of the option using the Black-Scholes model. Changes to
these estimates would not have a material impact on the Group's
statement of comprehensive income. The carrying amount of share
options as at 31 December 2022 was GBP168,000.
- Investments
Estimates and judgements are made as to the carrying value of
Investments based on the status of the investment against
expectations and the forward-looking prospects. The Eranova SAS
project is currently on schedule with the pre-industrial plant
completed during October 2021. This plant was fully operational
during 2022. This plant was fully operational during 2022. Forward
prospects are encouraging, and the Board currently consider that
the fair value is consistent with cost while the project considers
the next phase. The carrying value of investments as at 31 December
2022 was GBP130,000. See note 13.
- Joint ventures
Estimates and judgements are made as to the carrying value of
joint ventures based on the status of the investment against
expectations and the forward-looking prospects. Symphony
Environmental India (Private) Limited broke even in its first
period of trading, to 31 December 2022 and forward prospects are
encouraging. The Board currently consider that the fair value is
consistent with cost. The carrying value of joint ventures as at 31
December 2022 was GBP101,000. See note 14.
- Inventory provisions
Estimates are made as to impairment provisions to the carrying
value of inventories based whether the items are still saleable,
and also the expected net value that can be achieved on sale. The
impairment provision for 2022 includes a 50% reduction in certain
glove carrying values due to a continued fall in prices during the
later part of 2021. The resultant value was calculated based on net
proceeds fairly achievable over the short to medium term. There is
a provision of GBP252,000 for the impairment of inventories as at
31 December 2022. See note 15.
- Expected credit losses (ECLs)
Trade receivables are reflected net of an estimated provision
for impairment losses. In line with IFRS 9, the Group uses an
expected credit loss model to determine the provision for doubtful
debts and also specific provisions for balances for which it has
specific concerns over recoverability. The expected credit loss
model involves segmenting debtors into groups and applying specific
percentages to each of the debtor groupings. The Group has
considered the profile of its debtor balance and has determined
that a grouping based on credit terms and aging is considered the
most appropriate. In addition, forward looking information has been
used in the assessment and conclusion of ECLs in line with the
model.
Higher percentages are applied the longer the term with the
customer and the older the debt with the customer, with the view
that there is a greater risk of unforeseen circumstances arising
the further away the settlement date. See note 16 for further
information. At the year end, the Group has provisions of GBP78,000
(2021: GBP35,000) on a total trade receivables balance of
GBP1,901,000 (2021: GBP2,608,000) calculated using this method.
Judgements:
In preparing these accounts the following areas were considered
to involve significant judgements:
- Functional currency
A significant proportion of the revenues generated by entities
within the group are denominated in United States Dollars (USD).
The functional currency of the Company and of all individual
entities within the Group has been determined to be Sterling.
Identification of functional currencies requires a judgement as to
the currency of the primary economic environment in which the
companies of the Group operate. This is based on analysis of the
economic environment and cash flows of the subsidiaries of the
Group, which has determined, based upon the currency of funding and
operating costs, that the functional currency continues to be
Sterling.
- Development costs
Judgements by the Directors are applied when deciding whether
the recognition requirements for development costs have been met.
In capitalising these costs, judgements are made relating to
ongoing feasibility and commerciality of products being developed.
In making these judgements, cash flow forecasts are used, and these
include significant estimates in respect to sales forecasts and
future economic feasibility. See note 12.
4 Segmental information and revenue analysis
The Board has reviewed the requirements of IFRS 8 "Operating
Segments", including consideration of what results and information
the Board reviews regularly to assess performance and allocate
resources, and concluded that all revenue falls under a single
business segment. The Board assesses the commercial performance of
the business based upon the revenues of the main products items
within its single business segment as follows:
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenues:
d2w masterbatches 4,768 7,191
d2p masterbatches 793 447
Finished products 472 1,401
Other 121 122
-------------------- --------- ---------
Total 6,154 9,161
-------------------- --------- ---------
The revenues of the Group are divided in the following
geographical areas:
Geographical area 2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
UK 408 541
Europe 722 1,490
North America 274 227
Central and South America 2,582 3,289
Middle East 1,183 2,476
Asia 985 1,138
---------------------------- --------- ---------
Total 6,154 9,161
---------------------------- --------- ---------
Revenues attributable to the above geographical areas are made
on the basis of final destination of the customer to which the
goods are sold. The geographical areas above are what the Company
considers to be key markets. All revenue is of the same nature,
timing and uncertainty and so the Directors have not provided a
further disaggregation of the revenue beyond the geographical and
product analysis provided above. Credits are made to revenue on
agreement of a dispute. Payments are made by customers either
before or after satisfaction of performance obligations depending
on the credit risk associated with the customer. Payments made
before satisfaction of performance obligations are disclosed as a
liability in accounts payable in the financial statements. If the
satisfaction of performance obligations is made before payment,
then the value is included in accounts receivable until
extinguished by the payment.
Products are sold based on quality criteria, and the Group
warrants performance of its products after appropriate tests and
trials are undertaken. Refunds are given or products are replaced
if there is a failure within the product quality assured by
Symphony, or its agreed performance.
Non-current assets of GBP14,100 are held outside of the UK
(2021: GBP14,000).
Major customers
There was one customer that accounted for greater than 10% of
total Group revenues for 2022 (2021: two customers). In 2022 the
one customer accounted for GBP654,000 or 11% (2021: GBP2,477,000
and two customers being 27%) of total group revenues. The Group
promotes its products through a global network of distributors and
aims to generate revenues from as many sources as practicable.
5 Operating loss
The operating loss is stated after crediting:
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Depreciation - property, plant and equipment 50 49
Depreciation - right-of-use assets 179 174
Amortisation 14 12
Research and development expenditure* 510 494
Fees payable to the Company's auditor:
Audit related services:
Audit of the annual report and accounts 30 25
Audit of the annual report and accounts
of the Company's subsidiaries 45 30
Net foreign exchange (gain)/loss (29) 41
---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
* Further development expenditure of GBP168,000 (2021:
GBP166,000) is included in Development cost additions - see note
12.
6 Directors and employees
Staff costs (including directors) during the year comprise:
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------- --------- ---------
Wages and salaries 2,115 1,836
Social security costs 162 264
Pension contributions 156 130
----------------------- --------- ---------
2,433 2,230
----------------------- --------- ---------
Average monthly number of people (including directors) by
activity:
2022 2021
------------------------------ ----- -----
R&D, testing and technical 10 10
Selling 11 9
Administration 12 13
Management 7 6
Marketing 3 3
------------------------------ ----- -----
Total average headcount 43 41
------------------------------ ----- -----
Remuneration in respect of the Directors, who are also the key
management, was as follows:
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------- --------- ---------
Emoluments (all short term) 590 567
----------------------------- --------- ---------
There were no Directors' pension contributions made during the
year (2021: GBPnil).
The Directors are considered to be the key management personnel
of the Group. Further details on Directors' remuneration and share
options are set out in the Remuneration Committee Report.
Remuneration in respect to the highest paid director was as
follows:
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
Highest paid director 221 215
----------------------- --------- ---------
7 Finance costs
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Interest expense:
Bank and invoice finance borrowings 55 25
Lease interest (right-of-use assets) 22 29
Total and net finance costs 77 54
----------------------------------------- --------- ---------
8 Taxation
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------- --------- ---------
R&D tax credit 120 127
Total income tax credit 120 127
------------------------- --------- ---------
No tax arises on the loss for the year.
The tax assessed for the year is different from the standard
rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% (2021: 19%).The
differences are explained as follows:
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Loss for the year before tax (3,007) (1,533)
----------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Tax calculated by rate of tax on the result
Effective rate for year at 19% (2021: 19%) (571) (291)
Fixed asset differences (2) -
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 24 15
R&D tax relief (39) (89)
Movement in deferred tax not recognised 520 208
Surrender of tax losses for R&D tax credit
refund 16 37
R&D tax credit not yet recognised 52 120
R&D tax credit in respect of previous periods (120) (127)
Total income tax credit (120) (127)
----------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Symphony Environmental Limited continues to undertake research
and development work which results in a research and development
tax credit being made repayable to the company by HMRC in exchange
for tax losses surrendered by the company at a tax rate of 14.5%.
As in prior years, the group has chosen to recognise such cash tax
credits in its financial statements, once the relevant research and
development claim has been accepted and repaid by HMRC. Usually
this is shortly after the submission of the company's tax return.
The cash tax credit of GBP120,000 shown above relates to a
repayment made by HMRC in relation to the year ended 31 December
2021 (GBP127,000 relates to the year ended and 31 December
2020).
In calculating the overall tax charge for the Group for the
period, Symphony Environmental Limited has provisionally included a
portion of the anticipated research and development claim for year
ended 31 December 2022 to increase the trading losses made
available for surrender to Symphony Environmental Technologies Plc
as group relief. In doing so, the overall current year tax charge
for the Group for the period has been reduced to GBPnil. Symphony
Environmental Limited intends to surrender any remaining trading
losses, not claimed as group relief, in exchange for a cash tax
credit. The Group expects to be able to recognise this cash tax
credit within next year's financial statements once this is
repaid.
The recognition of the deferred tax asset is based on
sensitising management forecasts to estimate the future taxable
profits against which the losses will be relieved. Judgements have
been made in respect to profitability going forward based upon
current sales leads and market receptiveness to anticipated product
launches.
The Group has not recognised a deferred tax asset in respect of
losses available for use against future taxable profits due to
uncertainties on timing. The Group has tax losses of approximately
GBP18,939,000 (2021: GBP16,050,000). These tax losses have no
expiry date. The unrecognised deferred tax asset in respect of
these losses based on latest profit projections is approximately
GBP4,735,000 (2021: GBP4,013,000).
These brought forward losses are subject to the loss restriction
rules introduced on 1 April 2017. Groups with more than GBP5m
taxable profits per annum will only be able to utilise 50% of their
brought forward losses against taxable profits exceeding the GBP5m
cap. As Symphony does not expect its taxable profits to exceed
GBP5m in the near to immediate term, it is not possible to quantify
the impact of these changes at this moment in time.
The UK corporation tax rate applicable for the year is 19%
(2021: 19%).
On 3 March 2021, the UK government announced that it intended to
increase the main rate of corporation tax to 25% for the financial
years beginning 1 April 2023. This new rate was enacted by Finance
Act 2021 on 10 June 2021.
The Group also has gross fixed assets of GBP258,000 (2021:
GBP197,000) which give rise to a deferred tax liability of
GBP65,000 (2021: GBP49,000). Other gross temporary timing
differences of GBP85,000 (2021: GBP177,000) give rise to a deferred
tax asset of GBP21,000 (2021: GBP44,000). The deferred tax
liability of GBP65,000 (2021: GBP49,000) is sheltered by the
unrecognised deferred tax asset in respect of losses and temporary
timing differences.
The unrecognised deferred tax balances disclosed in the above
for 2022 have been calculated at 25%.
9 Earnings per share and dividends
The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the loss
attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted
average number of shares in issue during the year. The calculation
of diluted earnings per share is based on the basic earnings per
share, adjusted to allow for the issue of shares on the assumed
conversion of all dilutive options and warrants.
Reconciliations of the profit and weighted average numbers of
shares used in the calculations are set out below:
Basic and diluted 2022 2021
--------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
Loss attributable to equity GBP(2,887,000) GBP(1,406,000)
holders of the Company
--------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
Weighted average number of
ordinary shares in issue 175,226,254 172,851,825
--------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
Basic earnings per share (1.65) pence (0.81) pence
--------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
Dilutive effect of weighted
average options and warrants 7,498,557 8,649,516
Total of weighted average
shares together with dilutive
effect of weighted options-
see below 175,226,254 172,851,825
--------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
Diluted earnings per share (1.65) pence (0.81) pence
--------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
No dividends were paid for the year ended 31 December 2022
(2021: GBPnil).
The effect of options and warrants for the years ended 31
December 2022 and 31 December 2021 are anti-dilutive.
A total of 21,666,500 options and warrants were outstanding at
the end of the year which may become dilutive in future years.
10 Property, plant and equipment
Year ended 31 Plant Fixtures Motor Office
December 2022 & Machinery & Fittings Vehicles Equipment Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- -------------
Cost
At 1 January 2022 387 298 - 140 825
Additions 10 - - 8 18
Disposals - (5) - (10) (15)
------------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- -------------
At 31 December
2022 397 293 - 138 828
------------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- -------------
Depreciation
At 1 January 2022 282 269 - 103 654
Charge for the
Year 23 8 - 19 50
Disposals - (5) - (9) (14)
------------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- -------------
At 31 December
2022 305 272 - 113 690
------------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- -------------
Net Book Value
At 31 December
2022 92 21 - 25 138
------------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- -------------
At 31 December
2021 105 29 - 37 171
------------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- -------------
Year ended 31 Plant Fixtures Motor Office
December 2021 & Machinery & Fittings Vehicles Equipment Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- --------
Cost
At 1 January 2021 346 304 14 133 797
Additions 41 2 - 11 54
Disposals - (8) (14) (4) (26)
------------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- --------
At 31 December
2021 387 298 - 140 825
------------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- --------
Depreciation
At 1 January 2021 264 267 14 86 631
Charge for the
Year 18 10 - 21 49
Disposals - (8) (14) (4) (26)
------------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- --------
At 31 December
2021 282 269 - 103 654
------------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- --------
Net Book Value
At 31 December
2021 105 29 - 37 171
------------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- --------
At 31 December
2020 82 37 - 47 166
------------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- --------
11 Right-of-use assets
Year ended 31 Land Office
December 2022 & buildings Equipment Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------- ------------- ----------- --------
Cost
At 1 January 2022 905 70 975
Additions - 22 22
Disposal - (14) (14)
At 31 December
2022 905 78 983
--------------------- ------------- ----------- --------
Depreciation
At 1 January 2022 385 42 427
Charge for the
Year 160 19 179
Disposal - (2) (2)
At 31 December
2022 545 59 604
--------------------- ------------- ----------- --------
Net Book Value
At 31 December
2022 360 19 379
--------------------- ------------- ----------- --------
At 31 December
2021 520 28 548
--------------------- ------------- ----------- --------
Right-of-use assets are assets used by the business under
operating lease agreements and accounted for under IFRS 16. The
resultant lease liability is included in borrowings. See note
19.
Year ended 31 Land Office
December 2021 & buildings Equipment Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------- ------------- ----------- --------
Cost
At 1 January 2021 707 56 763
Additions 198 14 212
At 31 December
2021 905 70 975
--------------------- ------------- ----------- --------
Depreciation
At 1 January 2021 225 28 253
Charge for the
Year 160 14 174
At 31 December
2021 385 42 427
--------------------- ------------- ----------- --------
Net Book Value
At 31 December
2021 520 28 548
--------------------- ------------- ----------- --------
At 31 December
2020 482 28 510
--------------------- ------------- ----------- --------
12 Intangible assets
Year ended 31 Development Trademarks Total
December 2022 costs
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------- ------------ ----------- --------
Cost
At 1 January 2022 2,139 119 2,258
Additions 168 26 194
Disposals - (3) (3)
At 31 December
2022 2,307 142 2,449
------------------- ------------ ----------- --------
Amortisation
At 1 January 2022 245 25 270
Charge for the
Year - 14 14
Disposals - (2) (2)
At 31 December
2022 245 37 282
------------------- ------------ ----------- --------
Impairment
At 1 January 2022 1,728 - 1,728
At 31 December
2022 1,728 - 1,728
------------------- ------------ ----------- --------
Net Book Value
At 31 December
2022 334 105 439
------------------- ------------ ----------- --------
At 31 December
2021 166 94 260
------------------- ------------ ----------- --------
Development costs are capitalised in accordance with the policy
set out in note 2. Judgements and estimates applied in accordance
with this policy are set out in note 3. Development costs include a
net book value of GBP334,000 (2021: GBP166,000). Amortisation will
start on completion of the project in accordance with note 2.
Year ended 31 Development Trademarks Total
December 2021 costs
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------- ------------ ----------- --------
Cost
At 1 January 2021 1,973 64 2,037
Additions 166 61 227
Disposals - (6) (6)
At 31 December
2021 2,139 119 2,258
------------------- ------------ ----------- --------
Amortisation
At 1 January 2021 245 19 264
Charge for the
Year - 12 12
Disposals - (6) (6)
At 31 December
2021 245 25 270
------------------- ------------ ----------- --------
Impairment
At 1 January 2021 1,728 - 1,728
At 31 December
2021 1,728 - 1,728
------------------- ------------ ----------- --------
Net Book Value
At 31 December
2021 166 94 260
------------------- ------------ ----------- --------
At 31 December
2020 - 45 45
------------------- ------------ ----------- --------
13 Investments
The Group holds investment interests in the following minority
unlisted shares.
Total
GBP'000
--------------------------- ---------
Investments held at cost:
At 1 January 2022 123
--------------------------- ---------
Additions 7
--------------------------- ---------
At 31 December 2022 130
--------------------------- ---------
At 31 December 2021 123
--------------------------- ---------
The Group has invested GBP130,000 (1.6%) into Eranova SAS, a
French company developing products from green algae, as part of a
total EUR6,000,000 financing to build a pre-industrial plant. The
project is currently on schedule with the pre-industrial plant
completed in 2021. During 2022 the pre-industrial plant was fully
operational. Forward prospects are encouraging, and the Board
currently consider that the fair value is consistent with cost
while the project considers the next phase. There is therefore no
impairment as at 31 December 2022.
The Company is parent to the following subsidiary
undertakings
Name Country Nature of business Proportion Proportion
of incorporation of ordinary of ordinary
shares shares
held by held by
parent the Group
------------------------ ------------------- -------------------- ------------- -------------
Development
and supply of
environmental
Symphony Environmental England plastic additives
Limited and Wales and products 100% 100%
England
D2W Limited and Wales Dormant 0% 100%
Symphony Recycling England
Technologies Limited and Wales Dormant 100% 100%
Symphony Energy England
Limited and Wales Dormant 100% 100%
------------------------ ------------------- -------------------- ------------- -------------
All of the above subsidiaries are consolidated in the Group
annual report and accounts. The above companies have their
registered offices at 6 Elstree Gate, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, WD6
1JD.
14 Interest in joint ventures
Total
GBP'000
----------------------------------------------------- ---------
At 1 January 2022 -
----------------------------------------------------- ---------
Additions at cost 101
----------------------------------------------------- ---------
Share of joint venture total comprehensive income -
(see below)
----------------------------------------------------- ---------
At 31 December 2022 101
----------------------------------------------------- ---------
The Group has a 46.5% share of Symphony Environmental India
(Private) Limited, a company incorporated in India.
The primary activity of Symphony Environmental India (Private)
Limited is the marketing and sale of the Groups d2w and d2p product
range in India. The contractual arrangement provides the Group with
only the rights to the net assets of the joint arrangement, with
the rights to the assets and obligation for liabilities of the
joint arrangement resting primarily with Symphony Environmental
India (Private) Limited. Under IFRS 11 this joint arrangement is
classified as a joint venture and has been included in the
consolidated financial statements using the equity method.
Summarised financial information in relation to the joint
venture is shown below.
Year Year to
to 31 December
31 December 2021
2022 GBP'000
GBP'000
-------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Profit from continuing operations 3 -
Total comprehensive income 3 -
Group's share of total comprehensive 1 -
income (46.5%)
-------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Net assets 103 -
Group's share of net assets (46.5%) 48 -
-------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
The joint venture's first reporting date will be 31 March 2023.
The above is based in management information. There are no
unrecognised losses, material capital commitments or contingent
liabilities as at 31 December 2022.
15 Inventories
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------
Finished goods and goods for resale 671 779
Raw materials 504 537
------------------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------
1,175 1,316
------------------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------
The cost of inventories recognised as an expense and included in
'cost of sales' amounted to GBP3,094,000 (2021: GBP4,798 ,000).
There is a provision of GBP252,000 for the impairment of
inventories (2021: GBP156,000).
There is no collateral on the above amounts.
16 Trade and other receivables
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------- --------- ---------
Trade receivables 1,901 2,608
Other receivables 174 199
VAT 29 82
Prepayments 245 257
2,349 3,146
------------------- --------- ---------
The Directors consider that the carrying value of trade and
other receivables approximates to their fair values.
Symphony Environmental Technologies plc applies the IFRS 9
simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses (ECL) which
uses a lifetime expected loss allowance for all trade receivables.
The ECL balance has been determined based on historical data
available to management such as adherence to payment terms and
length of time to settle payment, in addition to forward looking
information utilising management knowledge such as the anticipated
condition of the market in which its customers operate. Based on
the analyses performed, management expect that all balances will be
recovered.
Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for goods sold
or services performed in the ordinary course of business. They are
generally due for settlement within 120 days and therefore are all
classified as current. The majority of trade and other receivables
are non-interest bearing. Where the effect is material, trade and
other receivables are discounted using discount rates which reflect
the relevant costs of financing.
The maximum credit risk exposure at the statement of financial
position date equates to the carrying value of trade receivables.
Further disclosures are set out in note 23.
Trade receivables are secured against the facilities provided by
the Group's bankers.
Included in trade receivables are debtors which are past due but
where no provision has been made as there has not been a change in
the credit worthiness of these debtors and the amounts are
considered recoverable. The ageing analysis of debt taking into
account credit terms is shown below.
Days past 0 - 31-60 61-90 91-120 >120 Total ECL Total
due 30 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 Gross GBP'000 Net
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
31 December
2022 1,488 236 61 19 175 1,979 (78) 1,901
31 December
2021 2,534 33 29 - 47 2,643 (35) 2,608
--------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
The ECL is included within debts past 120 days overdue at 74%
for 2022 and 19% for 2021.
17 Cash and cash equivalents
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------- --------------- ---------
Cash at bank and in hand 1,152 881
1,152 881
--------------------------- --------------- ---------
The carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates to their
fair values.
18 Equity
Group and Company Group
---------------------- ---------------------------------- --------------------
Ordinary Ordinary Share Retained Total
shares shares premium earnings
Number GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------- ------------ --------- --------- ---------- --------
At 1 January 2022 179,251,277 1,793 3,910 (2,231) 3,472
Issue of share
capital 5,555,556 55 944 - 999
Loss for the year - - - (2,887) (2,887)
Share based payments - - - 119 119
At 31 December
2022 184,806,833 1,848 4,854 (4,999) 1,703
---------------------- ------------ --------- --------- ---------- --------
At 1 January
2021 176,751,277 1,768 3,185 (865) 4,088
Issue of share
capital 2,500,000 25 725 - 750
Loss for the
year - - - (1,406) (1,406)
Share based payments - - - 40 40
At 31 December
2021 179,251,277 1,793 3,910 (2,231) 3,472
---------------------- ------------ ------ ------ -------- --------
During the year the Company issued 5,555,556 Ordinary Shares
(2021: 2,500,000 ordinary shares) for a net consideration of
GBP999,000 (2021: GBP750,000).
Ordinary shares in the Company carry one vote per share and each
share gives equal rights to dividends and to the distribution of
the Company's assets in the event of liquidation.
Share options and warrants
As at 31 December 2022 the Group maintained an approved
share-based payment scheme for employee compensation. All
share-based employee compensation will be settled in equity. The
Group has no legal or constructive obligation to repurchase or
settle the options. On 3 May 2022 4,000,000 staff options were
issued which were all outstanding as at 31 December 2022. As at 31
December 2021 there were nil approved staff options outstanding and
no approved staff options were issued in 2021.
The Company has an unapproved share option scheme which is open
to directors and consultants. Options granted under the scheme are
for GBPnil consideration and are exercisable at a price equal to
the quoted market price of the Company's shares on the date of the
grant. The vesting period is 0 to 12 months. If the options remain
unexercised after a period of 2-12 years from the date of grant,
the option expires. The Options are forfeited subject to Board
discretion on leaving or termination of services. On 3 May 2022,
750,000 unapproved options were issued to Alexander Brennan
(250,000 at a price of 25p and 500,000 at a price of 30p)
exercisable for 3 years, as detailed in the Remuneration Committee
Report on page 27.
On 29 July 2022 4,000,000 warrants were issued as part of a
placing at a price of 25p and exercisable for 1 year.
The weighted average exercise price of all of the Group's
options and warrants are as follows:
2022 2021
Weighted Weighted
average average
Number exercise Number exercise
price price
GBP GBP
---------------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ----------
Outstanding 1
January 16,441,500 0.14 18,891,500 0.13
Granted 7,725,000 0.25 2,750,000 0.39
Exercised - - - -
Lapsed (2,500,000) 0.40 (5,200,000) 0.25
Outstanding 31
December 21,666,500 0.15 16,441,500 0.14
----------------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ----------
The weighted average exercise price of options exercised in 2022
was GBP: nil as no options were exercised during the period (2021:
nil). The number of share options and warrants exercisable at 31
December 2022 was 21,666,500 (2021: 16,441,000). The weighted
average exercise price of those options and warrants exercisable
was 0.15p (2021: 14p). The weighted average option and warrant
contractual life is ten years (2021: nine years) and the range of
exercise prices is 4.5p to 30p (2021: 4.5p to 40p).
Directors
Directors' interests in shares and share incentives are
contained in the Remuneration Committee Report on page 27.
IFRS2 expense
The IFRS 2 share-based payment charge for the year is GBP119,000
(2021: GBP40,000).
GBP40,000 of the charge was calculated using the Black Scholes
model with a three-year term, risk free rate of 0.48%, volatility
of 68.36% and dividend yield of 0%.
GBP79,000 of the charge was calculated using the Black Scholes
model with a two-year term, risk free rate of 1.60% to 1.72%,
volatility of 54.9% and dividend yield of 0%.
19 Borrowings
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
Non-current
Leases 181 338
---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Current
Bank overdraft 1,134 677
Invoice finance facility 857 -
Leases 167 167
2,158 844
----------- --------- ---------
Total 2,339 1,182
---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
The bank overdraft relates to US Dollars and kept for hedging
purposes as at the year end. Interest is charged on overdrafts at
2.4% above the host countries currency base rate. The Group also
has an invoice finance facility with its bankers.
The bank overdraft and invoice finance facility are secured by a
fixed and floating charge over the Group's assets.
The Group's leasing activities are detailed in the table
below:
Right-of-use asset Number of assets Remaining term
leased
------------------- ----------------- ---------------
Head office 1 2 years
Office equipment 1 Within 1 year
Office equipment 1 5 years
------------------- ----------------- ---------------
The weighted average discount rate on initial application was
4.2%.
None of the above leases has a remaining option extension,
option to purchase or termination option. An office equipment lease
was terminated during the period and a new office equipment lease
for GBP22,000 was entered into.
The maturity of lease liabilities are as follows:
Gross payments 2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
No later than one year 182 188
Later than one year and no later than five
years 190 359
372 547
-------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
During the year the Group had no other leases other than those
included above.
The following lease payments were made during the year:
Gross payments 2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------- --------- ---------
Lease capital 167 199
Lease interest 22 29
Total cash outflows 189 228
--------------------- --------- ---------
Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing
activities
For the year ended 31 December 2022
1 January Non-cash 31 December
2022 Cash flows changes 2022
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------- --------- ---------- --------- -----------
Bank overdraft 677 457 - 1,134
Leases 505 (189) 32 348
----------------------- --------- ---------- --------- -----------
Total liabilities from
financing activities 1,182 268 32 1,482
----------------------- --------- ---------- --------- -----------
The non-cash changes for 2022 are in respect to GBP22,000 new
lease addition, replacing a GBP12,000 lease, and GBP22,000
interest.
For the year ended 31 December 2021
1 January Non-cash 31 December
2021 Cash flows changes 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------- --------- ---------- --------- -----------
Bank overdraft 918 (241) - 677
Leases 509 (228) 224 505
----------------------- --------- ---------- --------- -----------
Total liabilities from
financing activities 1,427 (469) 224 1,182
----------------------- --------- ---------- --------- -----------
The non-cash changes for 2021 are in respect to GBP195,000 new
lease additions and GBP29,000 interest
20 Trade and other payables
Current 2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------- --------- ---------
Financial liabilities measured
at amortised cost:
Trade payables 1,395 1,351
Other payables 23 61
Social security and other taxes 214 130
Accruals 189 249
1,821 1,791
--------------------------------- --------- ---------
Trade payables and accruals principally comprise amounts
outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs. The average
credit period taken for trade purchases is 82 days (2021: 85 days).
The Group has financial risk management policies in place to ensure
that all payables are paid within the pre-agreed credit terms.
The Directors consider that the carrying value of trade and
other payables approximate to their fair value.
21 Commitments and contingencies
a) Capital commitments
The Group had capital commitments totalling GBPnil at the end of
the year (2021: GBPnil).
b) Contingent liabilities
Together with its subsidiary, Symphony Environmental Limited,
the Group's bankers have provided a Group composite facility of
GBP10,000 and invoice finance facility of GBP1.5million (2021:
GBP100 and GBP1.5 million).
22 Related party transactions
Alexander Brennan was appointed to the Board as an executive
director on 17 May 2022. The Group was employing and continues to
employ the services of a company which he is a shareholder and
director, Brennan and Partners Limited. Since Alexander was
appointed to the board of the Company, the Group has paid GBP89,400
to Brennan and Partners Limited (2021: not appliable) for advocacy
and other advisory services in relation to the Group's d2w products
in the UK, Spain and Latin America.
There were no other related party transactions during the year
(2021: none).
23 Financial Instruments
Classification and measurement
The Group's financial assets and liabilities, which are all held
at amortised cost, are summarised as follows:
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------- --------- ---------
Financial assets:
Trade receivables 1,901 2,608
Other receivables 174 199
Cash and cash equivalents 1,152 881
3,227 3,688
--------------------------- --------- ---------
Financial liabilities:
Trade payables 1,395 1,351
Other payables 23 61
Accruals 189 249
Bank overdraft 1,134 677
Leases 348 505
3,089 2,843
--------------------------- --------- ---------
The Group's GBP130,000 carrying investment in Eranova SAS see
note 13, is held at cost.
Risk management
The main risks arising from the Group's financial instruments
are liquidity risk, interest rate risk, currency risk and credit
risk. The Directors review and agree policies for managing each of
these risks and they are summarised below. These policies have
remained unchanged from previous years.
Liquidity risk
The Group seeks to manage financial risk to ensure financial
liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs and to invest cash
assets safely and profitability. Short term flexibility is achieved
through trade finance arrangements and overdrafts.
Having reviewed the maturity of financial liabilities and the
forecast cash flows for the forthcoming twelve month period, the
Directors believe that sufficient cash will be generated from
trading operations to meet debt obligations as they fall due.
The maturity of financial liabilities as at 31 December 2022 is
summarised as follows:
Gross cash flows: Trade and other payables and Leases Bank overdraft& other Total
accruals loans
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------- ------------------------------------- -------- ---------------------- --------
Zero to sixty days 1,607 3 1,134 2,744
Sixty one days to three months - 46 - 46
Four months to six months - 44 - 44
Seven months to one year - 89 - 89
One to three years - 182 - 182
Four to five years - 8 - 8
1,607 372 1,134 3,113
-------------------------------- ------------------------------------- -------- ---------------------- --------
The maturity of financial liabilities as at 31 December 2021 is
summarised as follows:
Gross cash flows: Trade and other payables and Leases Bank overdraft& other Total
accruals loans
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------- ------------------------------------- -------- ---------------------- --------
Zero to sixty days 1,661 3 677 2,341
Sixty one days to three months - 44 - 44
Four months to six months - 46 - 46
Seven months to one year - 95 - 95
One to three years - 358 - 358
Four to five years - 1 - 1
1,661 547 677 2,885
-------------------------------- ------------------------------------- -------- ---------------------- --------
Interest rate risk
The Group seeks to reduce its exposure to interest rate risk
where possible, but this is offset by the availability of trade
finance arrangements which are transaction specific to meet
liquidity needs and so have variable interest rate terms.
Sensitivities have been looked at in the range of an absolute
rate increase of 5% or a decrease of 1% which enable an objective
calculation to be made depending on any interest rate changes in
the future. Any rate changes would be outside the control of the
Group.
The Group's exposure to interest rate risk as at 31 December
2022 is summarised as follows:
Fixed Variable Zero Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents - 1,152 - 1,152
Trade receivables - - 1,901 1,901
Other receivables - 174 174
----------------------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- --------
- 1,152 2,075 3,227
Trade payables - (1,395) (1,395)
Other payables - - (23) (23)
Leases (348) - - (348)
Bank overdraft - (1,134) - (1,134)
(348) 18 657 327
----------------------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- --------
Sensitivity: increase in interest rates of 5% - 1 - 1
Sensitivity: decrease in interest rates of 1% - - - -
----------------------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- --------
The Group's exposure to interest rate risk as at 31 December
2021 is summarised as follows:
Fixed Variable Zero Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents - 881 - 881
Trade receivables - - 2,608 2,608
Other receivables - - 199 199
----------------------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- --------
- 881 2,807 3,688
Trade payables - - (1,351) (1,351)
Other payables - - (61) (61)
Leases (505) - - (505)
Bank overdraft - (677) - (677)
(505) 204 1,395 1,094
----------------------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- --------
Sensitivity: increase in interest rates of 5% - 10 - 10
Sensitivity: decrease in interest rates of 1% - (2) - (2)
----------------------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- --------
Sensitivity shows the effect on equity and statement of
comprehensive income.
Currency risk
The Group operates in overseas markets and is subject to
currency exposure on transactions undertaken during the year. The
Group hedges the transactions where possible by buying goods and
selling them in the same currency. The Group also has bank
facilities available for hedging purposes.
A summary of foreign currency financial assets and liabilities
as stated in the statement of financial position together with a
sensitivity analysis showing the effect of a 10% change in rate
with Sterling is shown below:
Currency Sterling Currency balance Sterling Currency balance
balance 2022 balance 2021
2022 C'000 2021 C'000
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------- ---------- --------- ----------------- --------- -----------------
Financial assets Euro 235 EUR266 288 EUR344
Financial liabilities Euro (98) EUR(111) (90) EUR(107)
Net balance Euro 137 EUR155 198 EUR237
--------------------------------- ---------- --------- ----------------- --------- -----------------
Effect of 10% Sterling increase (12) (18)
Effect of 10% Sterling decrease (15) 22
--------------------------------------------- --------- ----------------- --------- -----------------
Financial assets USD 1,943 $2,695 2,933 $3,963
Financial liabilities USD (1,018) $(1,232) (778) $(1,051)
Net balance USD 925 $1,463 2,155 $2,912
--------------------------------- ---------- --------- ----------------- --------- -----------------
Effect of 10% Sterling increase (110) (196)
Effect of 10% Sterling decrease 134 239
--------------------------------------------- --------- ----------------- --------- -----------------
Sensitivity shows the effect on equity and statement of
comprehensive income. A 10% change is shown to enable an objective
calculation to be made on exchange rates which may be assumed for
the future.
As at 31 December 2022 the Group had no outstanding foreign
currency contract (2021: the Group had outstanding forward foreign
currency contacts which all matured within three months of the year
end and committed the Group to selling 1,500,000 US Dollars and to
receive a fixed Sterling amount).
The forward currency contracts are measured at fair value, which
is determined using the valuation techniques that utilise
observable inputs. The key inputs used in valuing the derivatives
are the forward exchange rates for USD:GBP. The fair value of the
forward-foreign currency contracts at 31 December 2022 is GBPnil
(2021: loss of GBP2,000).
Credit risk
The Group's exposure to credit risk is limited to the carrying
value of financial assets at the statement of financial position
date, summarised as follows:
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------- --------- ---------
Trade receivables 1,901 2,608
Other receivables 174 199
Cash and cash equivalents 1,152 881
3,227 3,688
---------------------------- --------- ---------
The credit risk associated with the cash is limited as the
counterparties have high credit ratings assigned by international
credit-rating agencies. The principal credit risk arises therefore
from trade receivables. The seven largest customer balances at the
end of the year make up 82% (2021: 85%) of the above trade
receivables.
In order to manage credit risk, the Directors set limits for
customers based on a combination of payment history, third party
credit references and use of credit insurance. These limits are
reviewed regularly. The maturity of overdue debts and details of
impairments and amounts written off are set out in note 16.
Capital requirements and management
Interest bearing loans and borrowings are monitored regularly to
ensure the Group has sufficient liquidity and its exposure to
interest rate risk is mitigated. Management consider the capital of
the Group comprises the share capital as detailed in note 18 and
interest bearing loans and borrowings as detailed in note 19. The
Company satisfies the Companies Act 2006 requirement to hold
GBP50,000 issued share capital of which at least 25% is paid up.
See note 18.
The Group's capital management objectives are:
-- to ensure the Group's ability to continue as a going concern; and
-- to provide an adequate return to shareholders
The Group monitors capital on the basis of the gearing ratio
calculated as net debt divided by total capital. Net debt is
calculated as total borrowings as shown in the consolidated
statement of financial position less cash and cash equivalents.
Total capital is calculated as equity as shown in the consolidated
statement of financial position plus net debt. The Group's goal in
capital management is to maintain an optimal gearing ratio (the
ratio of net debt over debt plus equity).
The Group manages the capital structure and makes adjustments to
it in the light of changes in economic conditions and the risk
characteristics of the underlying assets. In order to maintain or
adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of
dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders,
issue new shares, or sell assets to reduce debt.
The gearing ratios at 31 December 2022 and 2021 were as
follows:
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Total borrowings (note 19) 1,482 1,182
Cash and cash equivalents (note 17) (1,152) (881)
------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Net debt 330 301
------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Total equity (note 18) 1,703 3,472
Borrowings 1,482 1,182
------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Overall financing 3,185 4,654
------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Gearing ratio 10% 6%
------------------------------------- --------- ---------
The gearing ratios are in line with the management's working
capital financing strategy.
24 Events since statement of financial position date
On 9 March 2023 the Company entered into a GBP1 million
convertible loan agreement with Sea Pearl Ventures LLC with the
following main terms
-- Loan principal : GBP1,000,000 (unsecured)
-- Conversion at 1 year and 30 days (no earlier)
-- Conversion price: 80% of the volume weighted average share
price for the 3 months prior to conversion
-- Interest: 7% per annum, payable as accrued on repayment and/or conversion
-- Symphony able to repay the loan in full or in part before conversion at its discretion
There have been no other material events since the statement of
financial position date.
25 Availability of report and accounts
The Company will advise when copies of the annual report and
accounts will be sent to shareholders and be available from the
Company's website www.symphonyenvironmental.com
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END
FR EAPSKAAKDEFA
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
May 30, 2023 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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