Final Results

RNS Number : 6611N
Gusbourne PLC
06 June 2022
 

6 June 2022

 

Gusbourne Plc

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

Final Results for the year ended 31 December 2021

The Board of Gusbourne Plc (AIM: GUS) is pleased to announce its audited results for the year ended 31 December 2021.

2021 Highlights:

 

Net revenue* up by 99% to £4.191m (2020: £2.109m)

 

A five-year CAGR (compound annual growth rate) in net revenue of 46% (2020: 35%)

 

Significant growth in UK Trade sales as the sector continued to recover from the prior year effects of COVID-19 with net wine sales up by 168% (2020: minus 23%)

 

Direct to consumer (DTC) wine sales together with related tour and tasting events income more than doubled in the year with 105% growth driven by online sales and cellar door operations in Kent.

 

Significantly strengthened Group balance sheet with a successful equity fund raising of £4.5m** and the conversion and repayment of all short-term debt amounting to £6.2m***.

 

Ongoing success in international and UK wine competitions with a total of 42 new medals, including twelve golds.

* Net revenue represents Revenue after deducting excise duties

** before transaction expenses

*** Short-term debt comprised deep discount bonds and a short-term loan. Further details of these and their conversion and repayment are shown in note 8.

 

Chairman's statement

In so many ways, 2021 was the year in which Gusbourne successfully positioned itself at the forefront of the burgeoning English wine sector, as we successfully increased overall revenues faster than at any other time in the Company's history.

 

Gusbourne's UK Trade sales made a strong recovery to deliver £1.934m (2020: £0.721m) of sparkling and still wine sales, we increased our global footprint to 25 markets, won more than 40 prestigious international awards, and delivered total net revenues for the year of £4.191m (2020: £2.109m), an increase of 99% year on year.

 

All short-term debt (£6.2m) was eliminated from the business through repayment and conversion to equity in the year, and the Company successfully raised a further £4.5m (before transaction costs) to support the Company's investment strategy including further investment in cellar door capacity in Kent and the expansion of production capacity. We welcomed several key hires into the Gusbourne family, including our new Global Sales Director, Simon Bradbury, whose experienced direct sales team continues to build Gusbourne's presence in the finest hotels, shops and restaurants around the world.

 

Direct To Consumer (DTC) sales benefited from further significant investment in our digital channel and we more than doubled our DTC wine sales and related visitor centre income from tours and tastings during the year with a 105% increase in sales from £0.677m to £1.389m. We remain fully committed to driving increasing revenue across a growing range of premium sparkling and still wines and related experiential services which will help to further cement the brand's luxury positioning in this market.

 

We are now planning to further extend our facilities at The Nest - the company's retail, tour and wine- tasting headquarters in Appledore, Kent - which remains an invaluable way for us to connect with new customers and develop existing customer relationships. Gourmet events in partnership with some of the best restaurants in the country were a sell-out success in 2021 despite early year Covid restrictions, and we continue to build our programme of tours and tastings to cater for an ever-expanding audience while developing new product offerings to ensure visitors continually return.

 

Whilst we plan for continuing growth with a clear sales strategy, a cellar full of world-class wine, and a deeply passionate and talented team, we must also acknowledge our valued customers and shareholders who have shown unwavering support over many years. We are excited to repay their faith and loyalty as Gusbourne remains very much on track to meet scale and profitability targets in the near and medium term.

 

As ever, my thanks and gratitude to Gusbourne's CEO, Charlie Holland, who has overseen another year of outstanding growth and remains one of the most talented and respected winemakers on the world stage.

 

Jim Ormonde

Chairman

 

Chief Executive's review

 

2021 marked a welcome return to normal trading for English wine, and I am pleased to report that it has been another successful year for Gusbourne. Over the past 12 months we have almost doubled our revenues with Net revenues at £4.191m, up by 99% on the prior year (2020: £2.109m 28% increase), as we continue to expand our customer base across all distribution channels, both here in the UK and overseas, and further grow the Gusbourne brand, now recognised as a leading light in the dynamic and fast growing English wine sector.

 

Direct to Consumer (DTC) sales, both from wine sales and tour and tasting events based on our cellar door operations in Kent have continued to flourish, more than doubling in the year with an overall growth from this sales channel of 105%.

 

DTC wine sales grew by 84% and included year on year online sales which grew by c.69% (2020: c. 400%) reflecting our ongoing investment in digital marketing through the creation of rich and engaging content, compelling wine offers and new and exciting product releases. DTC remains a key strategic direction for Gusbourne as we continue to develop our online and digital presence.

 

DTC sales from tour and tasting events at Gusbourne's successful cellar door facility in Kent (the Nest), tours and wine tasting operations, is now in its fifth full year of operation. Situated amongst our vineyards and winery operations in Kent this facility offers an immersive experience allowing us to fully engage with our customers, encouraging them to enjoy the vineyards, visit the winery and taste our wines in a beautiful setting. Tour and tasting events income based on our cellar door operations has been particularly pleasing, more than trebling in the year with a growth of 240% from £0.091m to £0.301m. We continue to improve and expand these services, providing visitors with a unique and unforgettable experience.

 

UK Trade continued its recovery from the effects of Covid during 2020 and, despite restrictions still impacting the first quarter of 2021, we achieved significant growth in this sector with UK Trade net sales up by 168% (2020: minus 23%)

 

Our wines are now distributed to 25 countries around the world as we grow the Gusbourne brand globally. International sales have continued to thrive growing by 23% (2020: 117%). Continued investment in sales and marketing has enabled us to develop and grow existing markets and expand into exciting new territories with significant growth potential.

 

 

Activities

Gusbourne's vintage English sparkling wines are positioned at the top tier of the English sparkling wine market and we are committed to maintaining that premium position, which reflects the quality of our products and their luxury status. We are one of England's most awarded producers and continue to win prestigious awards at some of the world's most discerning wine competitions.

 

The Gusbourne business was founded in 2004 by Andrew Weeber with the first vineyard plantings at Appledore in Kent. The first wines were released in 2010 to critical acclaim. Following additional vineyard plantings in 2013 and 2015 in both Kent and West Sussex, Gusbourne now has 231 acres of mature vineyards. The Nest visitor centre was opened next to the winery in Appledore in 2017, providing tours, tastings and a direct outlet for our wines.

 

Right from the beginning, Gusbourne's intention has always been to produce the finest English sparkling wines. Starting with carefully chosen sites, we use best practice in establishing and maintaining the vineyards and conduct green harvests to ensure we achieve the highest quality grapes for each vintage. A quest for excellence is at the heart of everything we do. We blind taste hundreds of components before finalising our blends and even after the wines are bottled, they spend extended time on their lees to add depth and flavour. Once disgorged, extra cork ageing further enhances complexity. Our winemaking process remains traditional, but one that is open to innovation where appropriate. It takes four years to bring a vineyard into full production and a further four years to transform those grapes into Gusbourne's premium sparkling wine.

 

We also produce a range of premium vintage English still wines which continue to win prestigious international awards

 

Recent awards

We have continued our success in major wine competitions winning over 42 medals at national and international competitions, including twelve gold medals, where we are judged against some of the finest wines from around the world. Particular highlights include a platinum medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards, the Judges Selection Medal in the prestigious Texsom awards in the United States in May, and trophies for 'Best Chardonnay' and 'Winery of the Year' at the WineGB awards in September.

 

Group vision and growth strategy

 

The Group's vision is to continue to produce premium quality vintage wines from grapes grown in its own vineyards and to promote Gusbourne as a luxury brand which is reflected by the premium quality and premium market positioning of its products. The Group's growth strategy is to:

 

Support the continuing strong growth in DTC sales with online sales and marketing investment, and offline with planned further investment in Gusbourne's cellar door operations. These operations enable us to meet our customers in person and showcase our operations and products on site, whilst promoting a closer and more direct relationship with our customers which is a strategic objective of our growth strategy

Invest in the further growth of UK Trade and International sales

Maintain and further develop the Gusbourne brand's luxury status and ensure that the Group's premium quality and premium market positioning of its products are maintained as a key part of this growth strategy

Continue to innovate in all areas of the business including planned new product development in respect of Gusbourne's vintage premium wines

 

2021 Harvest

The 2021 harvest at Gusbourne was a challenging one and saw the harvest finish on 4 November which was the latest harvest finish for Gusbourne since 2013. Yield was down compared to previous years which was in line with the industry generally and was reflective of the challenging weather conditions during the growing season, in particular cool weather and lack of sunshine in June/July which inhibited flowering.

 

In accordance with our strict parameters to only produce the best wines, rigorous selection of the best fruit from our self-imposed detailed-focused techniques in the vineyards, the team began choosing the best quality fruit during the green harvest towards the later part of the growing season. This was followed by rigorously selecting only the finest fruit from each vine during harvest, which ultimately ensured that all of the grapes, which were chosen for pressing, were suitably rich, ripe and pure. Desired levels of natural sugar and acidity were present across all three varieties that Gusbourne grow - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Despite less favourable weather conditions during the growing season the team were able to pick a healthy and ripe crop.

 

The resulting wine production has added further to our inventory levels for sale in future years. Early indications of the resulting wine quality are high.

Results for the year

Net revenue for the year amounted to £4.191m (2020: £2.109m), an increase of 99% over the prior year. This reflects continuing like for like growth in the sale of Gusbourne wines since 2013 and a 5-year compound annual growth rate of 46%.

 

Gross profit represents net revenue less cost of sales (cost of wine sold and direct selling costs). Over the last 5 years the gross profit margin has increased from 34% in 2016 to 56% in 2021 (2020: 58%) reflecting economies of scale in respect of the Group's increased production volumes and a shift in distribution mix in recent years to DTC sales. The reduction in gross margin in 2021 compared with 2020 reflects the strong recovery of UK Trade sales in that mix.

 

Operating expenses of £4.396m (2020: £3.198m), included depreciation of £0.600m (2020: £0.647m) as well as planned increased expenditure on sales and marketing costs of £2.460m (2020: £1.478m) reflecting continuing investment in the growth of the business and its sales beyond the current financial year. Sales and marketing costs, which are largely discretionary, continue to represent a relatively high proportion of net revenues during this planned growth phase of the business but are now declining as a percentage of net revenue from a peak of 84% in 2019 to 59% in 2021.

 

Adjusted EBITDA before fair value movement in biological produce, interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) for the year was a loss of £1.452m (2020: £1.321m loss). The operating loss for the year after depreciation and amortisation was £2.756m (2020: £2.189m loss). The loss before tax was £3.573m (2020:

£3.066m loss) after net finance costs of £0.817m (2020: £0.877m). Finance costs are expected to reduce in 2022 following the restructuring of the balance sheet in 2021. These adjusted EBITDA losses continue to be in line with expectations and the long-term growth strategy of the Group is intended for adjusted EBITDA to become positive within the coming years.

Balance Sheet

The Group's balance sheet reflects the long-term nature of the sparkling wine industry. The production of premium quality wine from new vineyards is, by its very nature, a long-term project of at least ten years. It takes around two years to select and prepare optimal vineyard sites and order the appropriate vines for planting. It takes a further four years from planting to bring a vineyard into full production and a further four years to transform these grapes into Gusbourne's premium sparkling wine. This requires capital expenditure on vineyards and related property, plant and equipment as well as significant working capital to support inventories over the long production cycle.

 

The total assets employed in the business at 31 December 2021 was £27.305m (2020: £23.525m) represented by:

 

362 acres of Freehold land and buildings of £6.134m (2020: £6.263m) - with buildings at cost less depreciation.

231 acres of mature vineyards of £2.858m (2020: £3.004m) - at cost less depreciation

Plant, machinery and other equipment of £1,375m (2020: £1.504m) - at cost less depreciation

Right of use assets (under IFRS 16) of £1.976m (2020: £2.022m).

Inventories at 31 December 2021 at the lower of cost and net realisable value amounted to £10.638m (2020: £9.325m). These inventories represent wine in its various stages of production from wine in tank from the last harvest to the finished products which take around four years to produce from the time of harvest. These additional four years reflect the time it takes to transform our high-quality grapes into Gusbourne's premium sparkling wine. An important point to note is that these wine inventories already include the wine (at its various stages of production) to support sales planned for the next four years. The anticipated underlying surplus of net realisable value over the cost of these wine inventories, which is not reflected in these accounts, will become an increasingly significant factor of the Group's asset base as these inventories continue to grow.

Other working capital of £0.189m (2020: £0.138m)

Cash of £3.128m (2020: £0.262m)

 

· Intangible assets of £1.007m (2020: £1.007m) arose on the acquisition of the Gusbourne Estate business on 27 September 2013. Intangible assets, which includes the Gusbourne brand itself, remain unimpaired at their historical amount and in accordance with the relevant accounting standards. No account has been taken with regards to any potential fair value uplift that may be appropriate.

Financing

At 31 December 2021 the Group's total assets of £27.305m (2020: £23.525m) were financed by:

 

Shareholder's equity of £15.885m (2020: £9.128m)

Long term secured debt from PNC of £9.326m (2020: £6.613m). The PNC facilities are provided on a revolving basis over a minimum period of 5 years from June 2020 and allow flexible drawdown and repayments in line with the Company's working capital requirements. The interest rate is at the annual rate of 2.75 per cent (2020: 3.00 per cent) over the Bank of England Base Rate.

Lease liabilities under IFRS 16 of £2.094m (2020: £2.108m).

Short term secured debt of £nil (2020: £5.676m). On 29 October 2021 the Company's short-term debt was repaid or converted into equity.

 

During Q4 2021 the Group completed a number of financing transactions to achieve two main objectives. Firstly, to raise new cash funding to support the ongoing business growth and development of Gusbourne, and secondly to eliminate short-term debt from the Company's balance sheet.

 

The transactions which were completed in Q4 2021 comprised:

 

On 18 October 2021, the Company's largest shareholder, Belize Finance Limited ("BFL"), a related party of Lord Ashcroft, exercised all its outstanding warrants to subscribe for ordinary shares of 1 pence each in the Company. Pursuant to the exercise of the BFL Warrants, BFL subscribed for 1,311,517 Ordinary Shares at 75p per Ordinary Share.

 

Following this exercise, other warrant holders held outstanding warrants to subscribe for a further 707,500 Ordinary Shares. At close of business on 29 October 2021, other Warrant holders, including certain directors, had exercised 307,500 warrants to subscribe for 307,500 Ordinary Shares at 75p per Ordinary Share.

 

On 18 October 2021 Gusbourne PLC issued, for cash, 3,493,329 new ordinary shares of 1 pence each at a price of 75 pence per share. These shares were fully subscribed and paid up.

 

On 29 October 2021 BFL converted its interest in the DDBs into Ordinary Shares at 75p per Ordinary Share. BFL has converted its DDBs into 2,838,765 Ordinary Shares at the 75p per Ordinary Share in respect of money owed for the 2020 DDB and 2,306,314 Ordinary Shares at the 75p per Ordinary Share in respect of money owed for the 2016 DDB.

 

On 29 October 2021 the sole holder of the short-term loan Franove, a related party of Paul Bentham, a director of the Company, converted its short-term loan amounting to £610,445 into 813,926 Ordinary Shares at the 75p per Ordinary Share.

 

On 29 October 2021, following an invitation to all other holders of DDBs to convert amounts owed to them by the Company via the DDBs into Ordinary Shares, other holders of DDBs amounting to £373,177 converted their DDBs into 497,568 Ordinary Shares at the 75p per Ordinary Share. The remaining DDBs amounting to £1,218,573 were repaid.

 

On 16 December 2021 Gusbourne PLC issued, for cash, 2,666,667 new ordinary shares of 1 pence each at a price of 75 pence per share under the terms of an Open Offer announced on 22 November 2021. These shares were fully subscribed and paid up.

 

These transactions raised total cash funding, before transaction expenses, of £4,484,437 and eliminated the Group's short-term debt which amounted to £6,192,000. These transactions have also broadened the Company's shareholder base.

On 17 December 2021, following the completion of the above transactions the Company issued transferrable one-year warrants to subscribe for 4,002,259 Ordinary Shares at 75p per Ordinary Share to all Shareholders on the register on 16 December 2021. The Warrants have a final exercise date of 16 December 2022.

Current trading and outlook

Net revenue of the Company continues to demonstrate strong year on year growth in line with management forecasts. The Company is mindful of the inflationary pressures that are being seen across all areas of the business as a result of an uncertain political and economic environment generally, but believe it is in a position to mitigate these pressures through its sales and product strategies and increased business efficiencies through scale and careful cost management.

The continued success of the business is a testament to the hard work of the Gusbourne team. Their dynamism, enthusiasm and dedication are the foundation of our business and, as always, greatly appreciated.

 

 

Charlie Holland

Chief Executive

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key Performance Indicators

Net revenue and adjusted EBITDA - 5 year summary

 

Years ended 31 December

2017

£'000

2018

£'000

2019

£'000

2020

£'000

2021

£'000

 

Net revenue*

 

998

 

1,261

 

1,653

 

2,109

 

4,191

Cost of sales

(381)

(560)

(735)

(879)

(1,847)

Gross profit

617

701

918

1,230

2,344

Sales and marketing expenses

(560)

(914)

(1,389)

(1,478)

(2,460)

Administration expenses **

(720)

(694)

(814)

(1,073)

(1,336)

Adjusted EBITDA (loss)/profit***

(663)

(907)

(1,285)

(1,321)

(1,452)

Fair value movement in biological produce

(27)

125

(172)

(221)

(704)

EBITDA****

(690)

(782)

(1,457)

(1,542)

(2,156)

Net revenue annual growth %

55.9%

26.4%

31.1%

27.6%

98.7%

Net revenue 5 year CAGR

30.7%

  34.8%  45.6%

Gross profit %

61.8%

55.6%

55.5%

58.3%

55.9%

* Net revenue represents Revenue after deducting excise duties

** Excluding depreciation

** Adjusted EBITDA means profit from operations/(loss from operations) before fair value movement in biological produce, interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation

**** EBITDA means profit from operations/(loss from operations) before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation.

 

Net revenue by distribution channel - 5 year summary

 

Years ended 31 December

2017

£'000

2018

£'000

2019

£'000

2020

£'000

2021

£'000

2021

% Growth

2020

% Growth

Net revenue

Direct to Consumer (DTC)

74

144

299

586

1,080

84.3

96.0

UK Trade

607

827

934

721

1,934

168.2

(22.8)

International

251

179

292

634

781

23.2

117.1

Net wine sales

932

1,150

1,525

1,941

3,795

95.5

27.3

Other Income *

66

111

128

168

396

135.7

31.3

Total net revenue

998

1,261

1,653

2,109

4,191

98.7

27.6


Percentages of net wine sales

Direct to Consumer ( DTC)

7.9%

12.5%

19.6%

30.2%

28.5%



UK Trade

65.1%

71.9%

61.2%

37.1%

51.0%



International

26.9%

15.6%

19.1%

32.7%

20.6%



Total

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%



*Number for 2021 includes tour and related income of £309,000 (2020: £91,000)

 

Balance Sheet assets* - 5 year summary

 

Years ended 31 December

 

2017

£'000

2018

£'000

2019

£'000

2020

£'000

2021

£'000

Assets

Freehold land and buildings

6,539

6,488

6,383

6,263

6,134

Right of use assets**

-

-

2,068

2,022

1,976

Vineyards

3,260

3,289

3,144

3,004

2,858

Plant, machinery and other equipment

1,431

1,757

1,636

1,504

1,375

Other receivables

97

  90   

38  32

Total non current assets

11,230

11,631

13,321

12,831

12,375

Inventories

3,484

5,282

7,463

9,325

10,638

Trade and other receivables

281

496

707

869

1,275

Trade and other payables

(358)

(483)

(752)

(769)

(1,118)

Working capital

3,407

5,295

7,418

9,425

10,795

Total operating assets

14,637

16,926

20,739

22,256

23,170

Cash

1,464

1,311

1,009

262

3,128

Goodwill

1,007

1,007

1,007

1,007

1,007

Total assets

17,108

19,244

22,755

23,525

27,305

 

* Net of trade and other payables

** per IFRS 16

 

Balance Sheet liabilities and equity*

Years ended 31 December

2017

£'000

2018

£'000

2019

£'000

2020

£'000

2021

£'000

 

Debt

PNC Business Credit (Asset finance facilities)

-  -

-

6,613  9,326

Other bank debt

2,256

2,173

2,058

-

-

Deep discount bonds

2,522

2,761

3,001

5,132

-

Short term debt

-

-

3,379

544

-

Lease liabilities**

-

-

2,123

2,108

2,094

Total debt

4,778

4,934

10,561

14,397

11,420

Equity

12,330

14,310

12,194

9,128

15,885

Total liabilities and equity

17,108

19,244

22,755

23,525

27,305

* Excluding trade and other payables

** per IFRS 16

 

Annual General Meeting

The Company's annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021 will be posted to shareholders on Tuesday 7 June 2022, together with notice of the Annual General Meeting to be held at 11am on Thursday 30 June 2022 at the offices of Fieldfisher LLP at Riverbank House, 2 Swan Lane, London EC4R 3TT.

Enquiries:

Gusbourne Plc

Charlie Holland    +44 (0)12 3375 8666

Canaccord Genuity Limited (Nomad and Joint Broker)

Andrew Potts  +44 (0)20 7523 8000

Bobbie Hilliam  

Georgina McCooke

Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited (Joint Broker)   

Oliver Cardigan  + 44 (0)20 7886 2500

Hugh Rich

Ailsa MacMaster

Note: This and other press releases are available at the Company's website: www.gusbourneplc.com

Note to Editors

 

Gusbourne produces and distributes a range of high quality and award winning vintage English sparkling wines from grapes grown in its own vineyards in Kent and West Sussex.

 

The Gusbourne business was founded by Andrew Weeber in 2004 with the first vineyard plantings at Appledore in Kent. The first wines were released in 2010 to critical acclaim. Following additional vineyard plantings in 2013 and 2015 in both Kent and West Sussex, Gusbourne now has 231 acres of mature vineyards. The NEST visitor centre was opened next to the winery in Appledore in 2017, providing tours, tastings and a direct outlet for our wines.

 

Right from the beginning, Gusbourne's intention has always been to produce the finest English sparkling wines. Starting with carefully chosen sites, we use best practice in establishing and maintaining the vineyards and conduct green harvests to ensure we achieve the highest quality grapes for each vintage. A quest for excellence is at the heart of everything we do. We blind taste hundreds of samples before finalising our blends and even after the wines are bottled, they spend extended time on their lees to add depth and flavour. Once disgorged, extra cork ageing further enhances complexity. Our winemaking process remains traditional, but one that is open to innovation where appropriate. It takes four years to bring a vineyard into full production and a further four years to transform those grapes into Gusbourne's premium sparkling wine.

 

We are one of England's most awarded wine producers. Highlights include:

 

· Three times winner of the International Wine & Spirits Challenge (IWSC) English Wine Producer of the Year, having won the award in 2013, 2015 and 2017- a unique achievement

· Winner of 'Winery of the Year' at the 2021 WineGB Competition

· Highest rated English sparkling wine by the Wine Enthusiast in 2020

· Trophy for best English Still Red Wine at Wine GB awards 2018-2020

· Best in Class trophies at the Champagne & Sparkling World Championships in both 2018 and 2019

· 'Best English Sparkling Wine' as well as overall 'IWC China Champion Sparkling Wine 2019' at the International Wine Challenge held in Shanghai

 

Gusbourne's luxury brand enjoys premium price positioning, and its wines are distributed in some of the finest establishments both in the UK and abroad. Our wines can be found in leading luxury retailers, restaurants, hotels and stockists, always being aware that where we are says a lot about who we are.

 

 

 

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 as amended by regulation 11 of the Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019/310. With the publication of this announcement, this information is now considered to be in the public domain.

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December 2021

 

 






Year ended

Year ended


31 December

31 December


2021

2020

Note

£'000

£'000

Revenue


4,613

2,294

Excise duties


(422)

(185)

Net revenue


4,191

2,109



 


Cost of sales


(1,847)

(879)



 


Gross profit


2,344

1,230



 


Fair value movement in biological produce


(704)

(221)



 


Administrative expenses


(4,396)

(3,198)



 


Loss from operations


(2,756)

(2,189)

Finance expenses


(817)

(877)



 


Loss before tax


(3,573)

(3,066)

Tax expense


-

-



 


Loss and total comprehensive for the year attributable to owners of the parent


(3,573)

(3,066)

 


 


Loss per share attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the parent:


 


Basic (pence)

4

(7.29)

(6.60)

Diluted (pence)

4

(7.29)

(6.60)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated statement of financial position at 31 December 2021


 

 

Note

31 December

2021

£'000

31 December

2020

£'000

Assets




Non-current assets


 


Intangibles


1,007

1,007

Property, plant and equipment

5

12,343

12,793

Other receivables


32

38



13,382

13,838

Current assets


 


Biological Produce

6

-

-

Inventories

7

10,638

9,325

Trade and other receivables


1,275

869

Cash and cash equivalents


3,128

262



15,041

10,456

Total assets


28,423

24,294



 


Liabilities


 


Current liabilities


 


Trade and other payables


(1,118)

(769)

Loans and borrowings

8

-

(5,676)

Lease liabilities

9

(89)

(92)



(1,207)

(6,537)

Non-current liabilities


 


Loans and borrowings

8

(9,326)

(6,613)

Lease liabilities

9

(2,005)

(2,016)



(11,331)

(8,629)

Total liabilities


(12,538)

(15,166)



 


Net assets


15,885

9,128

 

Issued capital and reserves attributable to owners of the parent

Share capital

10

12,090

12,048

Share premium


21,103

10,915

Merger reserve


(13)

(13)

Retained earnings


(17,395)

(13,822)

Total equity


15,885

9,128

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended 31 December 2021

 


 

 

Note

31 December

2021

£'000

31 December

2020

£'000

Cash flows from operating activities


 


Loss for the year before tax


(3,573)

(3,066)

Adjustments for:


 


Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

5

599

647

Finance expense


817

877

Fair value movement in biological produce

6

704

221

(Increase) in trade and other receivables


(318)

(143)

Increase in inventories


(1,886)

(1,978)

Increase in trade and other payables


349

17

Cash outflow from operations


(3,308)

(3,425)



 


Investing activities


 


Purchases of property, plant and equipment, excluding vineyard establishment

5

(195)

(254)

Net cash from investing activities


(195)

(254)



 


Financing activities


 


Capital loan repayments


(2,944)

(3,253)

New loans issued


5,584

6,796

Repayment of lease liabilities


(99)

(142)

Interest paid


(289)

(281)

Loan issue costs


(20)

(188)

Issue of ordinary shares

10

5,715

-

Share issue expense


(359)

-

Repayment of deep discount bonds


(1,219)

-

Net cash from financing activities


6,369

2,932

 


 


Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents


2,866

(747)

 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year


262

1,009

 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year


3,128

262

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year ended 31 December 2021

 


 

 

 

Share capital

£'000

 

 

 

Share premium

£'000

 

 

 

Merger reserve

£'000

 

 

 

Retained earnings

£'000

Total attributable to equity holders of

parent

£'000

1 January 2020

12,048

10,915

(13)

(10,756)

12,194

Comprehensive loss for the year

-

-

-

(3,066)

(3,066)

31 December 2020

12,048

10,915

(13)

(13,822)

9,128

 

1 January 2021

12,048

10,915

(13)

(13,822)

9,128

Comprehensive loss for the year

-

-

-

(3,573)

(3,573)

Share issue

142

10,547

-

-

10,689

Share issue expenses

-

(359)

-

-

(359)

31 December 2021

12,190

21,103

(13)

(17,395)

15,885

 

 

1  Accounting policies

 

Gusbourne PLC (the "Company") is a company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom and quoted on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market. The consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2021 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the "Group").

 

Basis of preparation

The financial information does not constitute the Group's financial statements for the years ended 31 December 2020 or 31 December 2021 but is derived from those financial statements.  Financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and those for the year ended 31 December 2021 will be delivered following the Company's Annual General Meeting.  The auditors' reports on both the 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2021 financial statements were unqualified and did not contain statements under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. The report for the year ended 31 December 2020 did include a paragraph drawing attention to the material uncertainty as regards the ability of the entity to continue as a going concern. The opinion was not modified in respect of this matter.

The Group's consolidated financial statements and the Company's financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards.

The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the Group's financial statements.

The financial statements are presented in pounds sterling. They have been prepared on the historical cost basis except that biological produce is stated at fair value.

 

Going concern

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards.

In coming to their conclusion the Directors have considered the Group's profit and cash flow based on the Group's approved 3 year plans for the period of at least 12 months from the date these financial statements were approved. These plans, based on ongoing discussions with the Group's secured lender, include an assumption that the Group will continue to be supported by its secured lender in connection with its current lending facility and be able to obtain increased facilities from its secured lender in line with the Group's working capital needs over the coming period. Whilst the directors are confident that such additional facilities will be provided, there is no guarantee that such additional lending will be forthcoming.

The Directors have considered a scenario in which the only cash available is from existing resources and committed facilities remains available. As at 31 December 2021 £4.16m was available to the Group represented by cash in hand and at bank of £3.13m and undrawn funds from the Group's asset-based lending facility of £1.03m. Under this scenario the directors have modelled the impact of certain cost mitigation actions, in relation to variable and discretionary costs and believe that there are sufficient cost savings which could be achieved from pausing capital expenditure plans, reducing sales and marketing and administrative costs to enable the Group to continue as a going concern for the next 12 months. Under this scenario, the Group could continue to operate within the available lending facilities and cash held at bank without the need for an increased lending facility.

In coming to their going concern conclusion, and in the light of the uncertainty due to current economic conditions, the Directors have also run various downside "stress test" scenarios. These scenarios assess the impact of potential worsening economic conditions on the Group over the next 12 months and in particular a reduction of 17.5% of gross sales from that included within the Group 3-year plan. These stress tests indicate the Group can withstand this ongoing adverse impact on revenues and cashflow for at least the next 12 months. Under this scenario the directors have modelled the impact of additional certain cost mitigation actions to those mentioned in the paragraph above, in relation to variable and discretionary costs. The directors believe that further sufficient cost savings could be achieved from reducing sales and marketing and administrative costs to enable the Group to continue as a going concern for the next 12 months without any reduction in the forecasted spend on the winery and vineyard production costs. Under this scenario, the Group could continue to operate within the available lending facilities and cash held at bank without the need for an increased lending facility.

IFRS 16 Leases

The Group has entered into a number of long term leases in respect of land and buildings in West Sussex on which the Group has planted vineyards. The leases have a remaining life of 43 and 48 years.

Lease liabilities are measured at the present value of the contractual payments due to the lessor over the lease term, with the discount rate determined by reference to the rate inherent in the lease unless this is not readily determinable, in which case The Group's incremental borrowing rate on commencement of the lease is used. Variable lease payments are only included in the measurement of the lease liability if they depend on an index or rate. In such cases, the initial measurement of the lease liability assumes the variable element will remain unchanged throughout the lease term. Other variable lease payments are expensed in the period to which they relate.

Right-of-use assets are initially measured at the amount of the lease liability.

Subsequent to initial measurement lease liabilities increase as a result of interest charged at a constant rate on the balance outstanding and are reduced for lease payments made. Right-of-use assets are amortised on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the leases. When the Group revises its estimate of the term of any lease (because, for example, it reassesses the probability of a lessee extension or termination option being exercised), it adjusts the carrying amount of the lease liability to reflect the payments to make over the revised term, which are discounted at the same discount rate that applied on lease commencement. The carrying value of lease liabilities is similarly revised when the variable element of future lease payments dependent on a rate or index is revised. In both cases an equivalent adjustment is made to the carrying value of the right-of-use asset, with the revised carrying amount being amortised over the remaining (revised) lease term.

Basis of consolidation

The Group's financial statements consolidate the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings. Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities and the ability to use its power over the investee to affect the amounts of the Group's returns and which generally accompanies interest of more than one half of the voting rights. In assessing control, potential voting rights that presently are exercisable or convertible are taken into account. The results of any subsidiaries sold or acquired are included in the Group income statement up to, or from, the date control passes. Intra-Group sales and profits are eliminated fully on consolidation.

On acquisition of a subsidiary, all of the subsidiary's separable, identifiable assets and liabilities existing at the date of acquisition are recorded at their fair values reflecting their condition at that date. On disposal of a subsidiary, the consideration received is compared with the carrying cost at the date of disposal and the gain or loss is recognised in the income statement. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the Group's share of the identifiable net assets is recorded as goodwill. Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated. Subsidiaries' results are amended where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

Revenue

The majority of the group's revenue is derived from selling goods with revenue recognised at a point in time when control of the goods has transferred to the customer. This is generally when the goods are delivered to the customer. However, for export sales, control might also be transferred when the goods are dispatched by the Group or delivered either to the port of departure or port of arrival, depending on specific terms of the contract with a customer. There is limited judgement needed in identifying the point control passes: once physical delivery of the products to the agreed location has occurred, the group no longer has physical possession, usually will have a present right to payment and retains none of the significant risks and rewards of the goods in question.

All of the Group's revenue is derived from fixed price contracts and therefore the amount of revenue to be earned from each contract is determined by reference to those fixed prices.

For all contracts there is a fixed unit price for each product sold. Therefore, there is no judgement involved allocating the contract price to each unit ordered in such contracts (it is the number of units multiplied by the fixed unit price for each product sold). Where a customer orders more than one product line, the Group is able to determine the split of the total contract price between each product line by reference to each product's standalone selling prices (all product lines are capable of being, and are, sold separately).

Revenue from vineyard tours and tastings is recognised on the date on which the tour or tasting takes place.

Net revenue is revenue less excise duties. The Group incurs excise duties in the United Kingdom and is a production tax which becomes payable once the Group's products are removed from bonded premises and are not directly related to the value of revenue. It is not included as a separate item on invoices issued to customers. Where a customer fails to pay for the Group's products the Group cannot reclaim the excise duty. The Group therefore recognises excise duty as a cost of the Group.

Government grants

Government grants are recognised against expenses in the period in which they are intended to compensate. Grants are only recognised when there is reasonable assurance that any conditions attached to the grant will be complied with and that the grant will be received.

Financial assets

Debt instruments at amortised cost

These assets are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They arise principally through the provision of goods to customers (e.g. trade receivables), but also incorporate other types of contractual monetary asset. 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. The financial assets meet the SPPI test and are held in a 'hold to collect' business model and therefore classified at amortised cost.

Impairment provisions for current and non-current trade receivables are recognised based on the simplified approach within IFRS 9 using a provision matrix in the determination of 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 trade receivables. The historical loss rates are adjusted for current and forward looking information relevant to the Group's customers.

For trade receivables, which are reported net, such expected credit losses are 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.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Financial liabilities

Borrowings

Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value net of any transaction costs directly attributable to the loan. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost with interest charged to the statement of comprehensive income based on the effective interest rate of the borrowings.

Deep discount bonds

Deep discount bonds are redeemable at their nominal price at maturity. The discount is charged over the life of the bond to the statement of comprehensive income and included within finance expenses.

Warrants

Warrants issued to shareholders as part of an equity fund raise are accounted for as equity instruments. Details of Warrants are shown in note 10.

Trade and other payables

Comprises trade payables and other short-term monetary liabilities, which are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Share capital

Financial instruments issued by the Group are classified as equity only to the extent that they do not meet the definition of a financial liability. The Group's ordinary shares are classified as equity instruments.

Deferred taxation

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised where the carrying amount of an asset or liability in the consolidated statement of financial position differs from its tax base, except for differences arising on:

· the initial recognition of goodwill;

· the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction which is not a business combination and at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting or taxable profit; and

· investments in subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities where the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the difference and it is probable that the difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Recognition of deferred tax assets is restricted to those instances where it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the difference can be utilised.

The amount of the asset or liability is determined using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date and are expected to apply when the deferred tax liabilities/(assets) are settled/(recovered).

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the Group has a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority on either:

· the same taxable group company; or

· different group entities which intend either to settle current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis, or to realise the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously, in each future period in which significant amounts of deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be settled or recovered.

 

Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill arises where a business is acquired and a higher amount is paid for that business than the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired. Transaction costs attributable to acquisitions are expensed to the income statement.

Goodwill is recognised as an asset in the statement of financial position and is not amortised but is subject to an annual impairment review. Impairment occurs when the carrying value of goodwill is greater than the recoverable amount which is the higher of the value in use and fair value less disposal costs. The present value of the estimated future cash flows from the separately identifiable assets, termed a 'cash generating unit' is used to determine the fair value less cost of disposal to calculate the recoverable amount. The Group prepares and approves formal long term business plans for its operations which are used in these calculations.

Brand

Brand names acquired as part of acquisitions of businesses are capitalised separately from goodwill as intangible assets if their value can be measured reliably on initial recognition and it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the Group.

Brand names have been assessed as having an indefinite life and are not amortised but are subject to an annual impairment review. Impairment occurs when the carrying value of the brand name is greater than the present value of the estimated future cash flows.

Property, plant and equipment

Items of property, plant and equipment are initially recognised at cost. As well as the purchase price, cost includes directly attributable costs.

Freehold land is not depreciated.

Vineyard establishment represents the expenditure incurred to plant and maintain new vineyards until the vines reach productivity. Once the vineyards are productive the accumulated cost is transferred to mature vineyards and depreciated over the expected useful economic life of the vineyard. Vineyard establishment is not depreciated.

Depreciation is provided on all other items of property, plant and equipment so as to write off their carrying value over their expected useful economic lives. It is provided at the following rates:

Freehold buildings

Plant, machinery and motor vehicles

Computer equipment

Mature vineyards

4% per annum straight line

5-25% per annum straight line

33% per annum straight line

4% per annum straight line

 

The carrying value of property, plant and equipment is reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

 

 

Biological assets and produce

Agricultural produce is accounted for under IAS 41 Agriculture. Harvesting of the grape crop is ordinarily carried out in October. The grapes are therefore measured at fair value less costs to sell in accordance with IAS 41 with any fair value gain or loss shown in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The fair value of grapes is determined by reference to estimated market prices at the time of harvest. Generally there is no readily obtainable market price for the Group's grapes because they are not sold on the open market, therefore management set the values based on their experience and knowledge of the sector including past purchase transactions. This measurement of fair value less costs to sell is the deemed cost of the grapes that is transferred into inventory upon harvest.

Under IAS 41, the agricultural produce is also valued at the end of each reporting period, with any fair value gain or loss shown in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Bearer plants are accounted for under IAS 16 and are held at cost.

Inventories

Inventories are initially recognised at cost, and subsequently at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs, including depreciation on right of use assets and interest on lease liabilities, incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. Grapes grown in the Group's vineyards are included in inventory at fair value less costs to sell at the point of harvest which is the deemed cost for the grapes.

Weighted average cost is used to determine the cost of ordinarily interchangeable items.

Leased assets

All leases are accounted for by recognising a right-of-use asset and a lease liability except for leases of low value assets and leases with an expected full term of 12 months or less.

Lease liabilities are measured at the present value of the unpaid contractual payments over the expected lease term, with the discount rate determined by reference to the rate inherent in the lease unless (as is typically the case) this is not readily determinable, in which case the Group's incremental borrowing rate on commencement of the lease is used. On initial recognition, the carrying value of the lease liability also includes amounts expected to be payable under any residual value guarantee; the exercise price of any purchase option granted in favour of the Group if it is reasonably certain to exercise that option; and any penalties payable for terminating the lease, if the term of the lease has been estimated on the basis of termination option being exercised.

Right-of-use assets are initially measured at the amount of the lease liability, reduced for any lease incentives received, and increased for lease payments made at or before commencement of the lease and initial direct costs incurred.

Subsequent to initial measurement, lease liabilities increase as a result of interest charged at a constant rate on the balance outstanding and are reduced for lease payments made. Right-of-use assets are amortised on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the lease or over the remaining economic life of the asset if this is judged to be shorter than the lease term.

When the Group revises its estimate of the term of any lease, it adjusts the carrying amount of the lease liability to reflect the payments to make over the revised term, which are discounted at a revised discount rate that is implicit in the lease for the remainder of the lease term. The carrying value of lease liabilities is similarly revised if any variable element of future lease payments dependent on a rate or index is revised. In both cases, an equivalent adjustment is made to the carrying value of the right-of-use asset, with the revised carrying amount being amortised over the remaining lease term.

Right-of-use assets are reviewed regularly to ensure that the useful economic life of the asset is still appropriate based on the usage of the asset. Where the asset has reduced in value the Group considers the situation on an asset-by-asset basis and either treats the reduction as an acceleration of depreciation or as an impairment under IAS 36 'Impairment of Assets'. An acceleration of depreciation occurs in those cases where there is no opportunity or intention to utilise the asset before the end of the lease.

 

 

 

 

2  Critical accounting policies

Estimates and judgements

The Group makes certain estimates and judgements regarding the future. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. In the future, actual experience may differ from these estimates. The estimates and judgements that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year relate are set out below.

There were no areas of judgement in the year. Where estimates and assumptions have been used these are outlined below.

Fair value of biological produce

The Group's biological produce is measured at fair value less costs to sell at the point of harvest. The fair value of grapes is determined by reference to estimated market prices at the time of harvest. Generally there is no readily obtainable market price for the Group's grapes because they are not sold on the open market, therefore management set the values based on their experience and knowledge of the sector including past purchase transactions. Refer to note 6 which provides information on sensitivity analysis around this.

Impairment reviews

The Group is required to test annually whether goodwill and brand names have suffered any impairment. The recoverable amount is determined based on fair value less costs of disposal calculations, which requires the estimation of the value and timing of future cash flows and the determination of a discount rate to calculate the present value of the cash flows. Management does not believe that any reasonably possible change in a key assumption would result in impairment.

Fair value measurement

A number of assets and liabilities included in the Group's financial statements require measurement at, and/or disclosure of, fair value.

The fair value measurement of the Group's financial and non-financial assets and liabilities utilises market observable inputs and data as far as possible. Inputs used in determining fair value measurements are categorised into different levels based on how observable the inputs used in the valuation technique utilised are (the 'fair value hierarchy'):

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical items (unadjusted)

Level 2: Observable direct or indirect inputs other than Level 1 inputs

Level 3: Unobservable inputs (i.e. not derived from market data).

The classification of an item into the above levels is based on the lowest level of the inputs used that has a significant effect on the fair value measurement of the item. Transfers of items between levels are recognised in the period they occur.

Biological Produce (Note 6)

For more detailed information in relation to the fair value measurement of the items above, please refer to the applicable notes.

 

3  Financial instruments - risk management

 

The Group is exposed to risks that arise from its use of financial instruments. This note describes the Group's objectives, policies and processes for managing those risks and the methods used to measure them. Further quantitative information in respect of these risks is presented throughout these financial statements.

There have been no substantive changes in the Group's exposure to financial instrument risks, its objectives, policies and processes for managing those risks or the methods used to measure them from previous periods unless otherwise stated in this note.

Principal financial instruments

The principal financial instruments used by the Group, from which financial instrument risk arises, are as follows:

Bank loans

Deep discount bonds

Other loans

Trade receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Finance leases

Trade and other payables

In addition, at the Company level: Intercompany loans.

The carrying amounts are a reasonable estimate of fair values because of the short maturity of such instruments or their interest bearing nature.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk arises from the Group's management of working capital and the finance charges and principal repayments on its debt instruments. It is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting its financial obligations as they fall due.

The Group's policy is to ensure that it will always have sufficient cash to allow it to meet its liabilities when they become due. The liquidity risk of the Group is managed centrally by the group treasury function. Budgets are set and agreed by the board in advance, enabling the Group's cash requirements to be anticipated.

The following table sets out the contractual maturities (representing undiscounted contractual cash flows) of financial liabilities:

At 31 December 2020

Up to 3

months

£'000

Between
3 and 12 months

£'000

Between
1 and 2 years

£'000

Between
2 and 5 years

£'000

Over 5

years

£'000

Total

£'000

Trade and other payables

426

288

-

-

-

714

Loans and borrowings

51

748

205

7,126

-

8,130

Deep discount bonds

-

5,458

-

-

-

5,458

Lease liabilities

25

75

101

297

4,086

4,584

Total

502

6,569

306

7,423

4,086

18,886

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 31 December 2021

Up to 3

months

£'000

Between
3 and 12 months

£'000

Between
1 and 2 years

£'000

Between
2 and 5 years

£'000

Over 5

years

£'000

Total

£'000

Trade and other payables

788

330

-

-

-

1,118

Loans and borrowings

71

213

284

10,154

-

10,722

Lease liabilities

25

75

99

297

3,987

4,483

Total

884

618

383

10,451

3,987

16,323

 

 

 

Capital risk management

The Group's objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group's ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. 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 and increase or decrease debt.

Credit risk

Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents and deposits with banks and financial institutions and the risk of default by these institutions. The Group reviews the creditworthiness of such financial institutions on a regular basis to satisfy itself that such risks are mitigated. The Group's exposure to credit risk arises from default of the counterparty, with a maximum exposure equal to the carrying amount of the cash and cash equivalents as shown in the consolidated statement of financial position.

Credit risk also arises from credit exposure to trade customers included in trade and other receivables.

The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses using a lifetime expected credit loss provision for trade receivables. The expected loss rates are based on the Group's historical credit losses experienced over the three-year period to the period end. Trade receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure that the Group's bad debts are kept to a minimum. The maximum trade credit risk exposure at 31 December 2021 in respect of trade receivables is £563,000 (2020: £213,000) and due to the prompt payment cycle of these trade receivables, the expected credit loss is negligible at £31,000 (2020: £31,000).  

 

Interest rate risk

The Group's main debt is exposed to interest rate fluctuations. The Group considers that the risk is not significant in the context of its business plans. Should there be a 0.5% increase in the bank's lending rate, the finance charge in the statement of comprehensive income would increase by £47,000 (2020: £34,000).

 

4  Loss per share

Basic earnings per ordinary share are based on a loss of £3,573,000 (December 2020: £3,066,000) and ordinary shares 48,989,920 (December 2020: 46,478,619) of 1 pence each, being the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year.

 


 

 

Loss

£'000

Weighted average number of

shares

 

Loss per Ordinary share pence

Year ended 31 December 2021

(3,573)

48,989,920

(7.29)

 

Year ended 31 December 2020

(3,066)

46,478,619

(6.60)

 

 

Diluted earnings per share are based on a loss of £3,573,000 and ordinary shares of 48,989,920 and no dilutive warrant options.

 

Loss

£'000

Diluted  number of shares

 

Loss per
 Ordinary
share pence

Year ended 31 December 2021

(3,573)

48,989,920

 

(7.29)

Year ended 31 December 2020

(3,066)

46,478,619


(6.60)

 

5  Property, plant and equipment

 


Freehold
Land and
Buildings

£'000

Plant,
machinery
and motor
vehicles

£'000

 

 

Right of use asset
£'000

Mature Vineyards

£'000

Computer
equipment

£'000

Total

£'000

Cost







At 1 January 2020

6,888

3,198

 

2,114

3,637

90

15,927

Additions

8

234

-

-

12

254

Disposals

-

-

-

-

-

-

At 31 December 2020

6,896

3,432

 

2,114

3,637

102

16,181








At 1 January 2021

6,896

3,432

 

2,114

3,637

102

16,181

Additions

-

179

-

-

16

195

Disposals

-

-

-

-

-

-

At 31 December 2021

6,896

3,611

 

2,114

3,637

118

16,376

 

 

 

 


Freehold land and buildings

£'000

 Plant, Machinery and motor Vehicles

£'000

 

 

Right of use asset
£'000

Mature vineyards £'000

Computer equipment

£'000

 

Total

£'000

Accumulated depreciation







At 1 January 2020

505

1,594

 

46

493

58

2,696

Depreciation charge for the year

128

362


140

16

692

Depreciation on disposals

-

-

 

-

-

-

-

At 31 December 2020

633

1,956

 

92

633

74

3,388








At 1 January 2021

633

1,956

 

92

633

74

3,388

Depreciation charge for the year

129

313

 

46

146

11

645

Depreciation on disposals

-

-

 

-

-

-

-

At 31 December 2021

762

2,269

 

138

779

85

4,033

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net book value

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 31 December 2020

6,263

1,476

 

2,022

3,004

28

12,793

At 31 December 2021

6,134

1,342

 

1,976

2,858

33

12,343

 

 

 

Right of use assets comprise land leases on which vines have been planted and property leases from which vineyard operations are carried out. These assets have been created under IFRS 16 - Leases.

 

 

6  Biological produce

 

The fair value of biological produce was:

 

 


December

2021

£'000

December

2020

£'000

At 1 January

-

-

Crop growing costs

1,609

1,421

Fair value of grapes harvested and transferred to inventory

(905)

(1,200)

Fair value movement in biological produce

(704)

(221)

At 31 December

-

-

 

The fair value of grapes harvested is determined by reference to estimated market prices less cost to sell at the time of harvest. The estimated market price for grapes used in respect of the 2021 harvest is £2,500 per tonne (2020: £2,300 per tonne).

 

A 10% increase in the estimated market price of grapes to £2,750 per tonne would result in an increase of £90,000 (2020: £136,000) in the fair value of the grapes harvested in the year. A 10% decrease in the estimated market price of grapes to £2,250 per tonne would result in a decrease of £90,000 (2020: £126,000) in the fair value of the grapes harvested in the year.

 

A fair value loss of £709,000 (2020: £221,000 loss) was recorded during the year and included within the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. This measurement of fair value less costs to sell is the deemed cost of the grapes that is transferred into inventory upon harvest.

 

This fair value loss was partly generated by the yields on harvest being lower than in previous years while there was little movement in the estimated market price for grapes used to value the harvest to offset this. The group did not buy or sell grapes in the current year

 

7  Inventories

 


December

2021

£'000

December

2020

£'000

Finished goods

985

687

Work in progress

9,653

8,638

Total inventories

10,638

9,325

 

During the year £1,261,000 (December 2020: £649,000) was transferred to cost of sales.

 

8  Loans and borrowings

 

 


December

2020

£'000

Current liabilities:

 

Other loans

544

Deep Discount Bonds

5,132

Total current loans and borrowings

5,676



Non-current liabilities


Bank loans

9,468

6,796

Unamortised bank transaction costs

(142)

(183)

Total non current loans and borrowings

6,613

 

The bank loan of £9,326,000 with PNC Business Credit shown above is net of transaction costs of £142,000 which are being amortised over the life of the loan.

 

On 1 June 2020 Gusbourne Estate Ltd entered into an agreement with PNC Business Credit for up to £10,500,000 of asset-based lending facilities. The PNC facilities are provided on a revolving basis over a minimum period of 5 years and allow flexible drawdown and repayments in line with the Company's working capital requirements. The interest rate is at the annual rate of 2.75 per cent (2020: 3.00%) over the Bank of England Base Rate. The facilities are secured by way of first priority charges over the Company's inventory, receivables and freehold property as well as an all assets debenture.

 

On 29 October 2021 Belize Finance Limited ("BFL") converted its interest in the company's Deep Discount Bonds into Ordinary Shares at 75p per Ordinary Share . BFL has converted its DDBs into 2,838,765 Ordinary Shares at 75p per Ordinary Share in respect of money owed for the 2020 DDB, amounting to £2,129,074, and 2,306,314 Ordinary Shares at 75p per Ordinary Share in respect of money owed for the 2016 DDB, amounting to £1,729,735. 

 

On 29 October 2021 the sole holder of the short-term loan Franove, a related party of Paul Bentham, a director of the Company, converted its short-term loan amounting to £610,445 into 813,926 Ordinary Shares at 75p per Ordinary Share on 29 October 2021.

 

On 29 October 2021, following an invitation to all other holders of DDBs to convert amounts owed to them by the Company via the DDBs into Ordinary Shares, other holders of DDBs amounting to £373,177 converted their DDBs into 497,568 Ordinary Shares at 75p per Ordinary Share and used £131,250 of DDB proceeds to exercise 175,000 Warrants. The remaining DDBs amounting to £1,218,573 have been repaid, and all short-term debt on the Company's balance sheet has therefore now been eliminated.

 

The total Ordinary Shares issued pursuant to the BFL Conversion, the Franove Conversion and the Other DDBs Conversion amounts to 6,456,573 Ordinary Shares.

 

The Company did not receive any cash proceeds from the DDBs and Franove Conversion.

 

 

An analysis of the maturity of loans and borrowings is given below:

 


December

2021

£'000

December

2020

£'000

Bank and other loans:



Within 1 year

-

544

1-2 years

-

-

2-5 years

9,326

6,613


 


Deep Discount Bonds:

 


Within 1 year

-

5,132

1-2 years

-

-

2-5 years

-

-

 

 

 

9  Lease liability

 

During the period the Group accounted for six leases under IFRS 16. The lease contracts provide for payments to increase each year by inflation or at a fixed rate and on others to be reset periodically to market rental rates. The leases also have provisions for early termination. The weighted average Incremental Borrowing Rate used to calculate the lease liability was 4.25%.


 

 

 

Land

£'000

Net carrying value - 1 January 2021

2,108

Interest

86

Payments

(100)

Net carrying value - 31 December 2021

2,094

 

 


December

2021

£'000

December

2020

£'000

The lease payments under long term leases liabilities fall due as follows:



Current lease liabilities

89

92

Non current lease liabilities

2,005

2,016

Total liabilities

2,094

2,108

 

 

 

 

During the period an interest charge of £86,000 (2020: £85,000) arose on the lease liability in respect of land leases. This interest cost has been added to growing crop costs on the basis that the lease liability solely relates to the production of grapes.

 

The Groups leases include break clauses. On a case-by-case basis, the Group will consider whether the absence of a break clause exposes the Group to excessive risk. Typically factors considered in deciding to negotiate a break clause include:

· The length of the lease term;

· The economic stability of the environment in which the property is located; and

· Whether the location represents a new area of operations for the Group.

At both 31 December 2021 and 2020 the carrying amounts of lease liabilities are not reduced by the amount of payments that would be avoided from exercising break clauses because on both dates it was considered reasonably certain that the Group would not exercise its right to exercise any right to break the lease.

 

10 Share capital

 


 

Deferred shares of 49p each

Ordinary shares of 1p each

 


 

Number

Number

£'000

Issued and fully paid





At 1 January 2020

 

23,639,762

46,478,619

12,048

Issued in the year


-

-

  -

At 31 December 2020

 

23,639,762

46,478,619

12,048

Issued in the year

 

-

14,253,086

142

At 31 December 2021

 

23,639,762

60,731,705

12,190

 

The Deferred shares of 49 pence each have no rights attached to them.

 

On 18 June 2021 the Company issued 5,000 new ordinary shares of 1p each pursuant to an exercise of Warrants. All Warrants were exercised at 75p per share.

 

On 23 July 2021 the Company issued 7,500 new ordinary shares of 1p each pursuant to an exercise of Warrants. All Warrants were exercised at 75p per share.

 

On 16 August 2021 the Company issued 5,000 new ordinary shares of 1p each pursuant to an exercise of Warrants. All Warrants were exercised at 75p per share.

 

On 18 October 2021, the Company's largest shareholder, Belize Finance Limited, a related party of Lord Ashcroft, exercised all its outstanding warrants to subscribe for ordinary shares of 1 pence each in the Company. Pursuant to the exercise of the BFL Warrants, BFL subscribed for 1,311,517 Ordinary Shares at 75p per Ordinary Share.

 

Following this exercise, other warrant holders held outstanding warrants to subscribe for a further 707,500 Ordinary Shares. At close of business on 29 October 2021, other Warrant holders, including certain directors, had exercised 307,500 warrants to subscribe for 307,500 Ordinary Shares at 75p per Ordinary Share .

 

On 18 October 2021 Gusbourne PLC issued, for cash, 3,493,329 new ordinary shares of 1 pence each at a price of 75 pence per share. These shares were fully subscribed and paid up.

 

On 29 October 2021 BFL converted its interest in the DDBs into Ordinary Shares at 75p per Ordinary Share . BFL has converted its DDBs into 2,838,765 Ordinary Shares at 75p per Ordinary Share in respect of money owed for the 2020 DDB and 2,306,314 Ordinary Shares at 75p per Ordinary Share in respect of money owed for the 2016 DDB.

 

On 29 October 2021 the sole holder of the short-term loan Franove, a related party of Paul Bentham, a director of the Company, converted its short-term loan amounting to £610,445 into 813,926 Ordinary Shares at 75p per Ordinary Share

 

On 29 October 2021, following an invitation to all other holders of DDBs to convert amounts owed to them by the Company via the DDBs into Ordinary Shares, other holders of DDBs amounting to £373,177 converted their DDBs into 497,568 Ordinary Shares at 75p per Ordinary Share . The remaining DDBs amounting to £1,218,573 were repaid.

 

On 16 December 2021 Gusbourne PLC issued, for cash, 2,666,667 new ordinary shares of 1 pence each at a price of 75 pence per share. These shares were fully subscribed and paid up.

 

On 17 December 2021, following the completion of the above transactions the Company made a issued transferrable one-year warrants to subscribe for 4,002,259 Ordinary Shares at 75p per Ordinary Share to all Shareholders on the register on 16 December 2021, The Warrants have a final exercise date of 16 December 2022. The Warrants are accounted for as a derivative financial liability measured on inception at fair value through profit or loss. On inception, the fair value of the warrants was deemed to be £nil and thus no fair value was recognised.

Unexercised Warrants as at 31 December 2021 amount to 4,002,259 Ordinary Shares of 1 pence each.

 

 

 

11  Related party transactions

 

Deacon Street Partners Limited is considered a related party by virtue of the fact that Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC, the Company's ultimate controlling party, is also the ultimate controlling party of Deacon Street Partners Limited. During the year Deacon Street Partners Limited charged the Company £70,000 (December 2020 - £70,000) in relation to management services. There was £22,000 due to Deacon Street Partners Limited as at 31 December 2021 (December 2020 - £21,000).

Jaywing PLC is considered a related party by virtue of the fact that Ian Robinson, a director of Gusbourne PLC is also Non-Executive Chairman of Jaywing PLC. During the year Jaywing PLC charged the Company £102,000 (December 2020 - £NIL) in relation to marketing services and £138,000 in relation to third party digital advertising. There was £8,400 due to Jaywing PLC as at 31 December 2021 (December 2020 - £NIL).

 

 

On 18 June 2018, the company lent £50,000 to a director as an interest free loan, repayable by instalments from July 2019. The loan will be repaid in full by May 2024. The balance due from the director as at 31 December 2021 was £38,000 (December 2020 - £44,000).

On 29 October 2021 the sole holder of the short-term loan Franove, a related party of Paul Bentham, a director of the Company, converted its short-term loan amounting to £610,445 into 813,926 Ordinary Shares at the Issue Price on 29 October 2021.

 

Details of transactions with related parties in respect of deep discount bonds and warrants are shown below:-

 

 

 

 

Name

Balance

as at 31 December

2020

Accrued

discount to 29 October

2021

Conversion

into equity 29 October

2021

 

Repaid on 29 October

2021

Balance

as at 31 December

2021

Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC*

3,515,312

343,497

(3,858,809)

-

-

Andrew Weeber

882,605

57,641

-

(940,246)

-


4,397,917

401,138

(3,858,809)

(940,246)

-

* via Belize Finance Limited, a related party of Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC

 

 

Warrants exercisable at 75 pence each

 

 

 

 

 

Name

 

Held as at

31

December

2020

Number

Exercised in period

to 29 October

2021

Number

 

Lapsed on 29 October

2021

Number

 

Issued on 17 December

2021

Number

 

Held as at

31

December

2021

Number

Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC*

1,311,517

(1,311,517)

-

2,660,158

2,660,158

Andrew Weeber

300,000

-

(300,000)

179,566

179,566

Paul Bentham**

-

-

-

121,083

121,083

Ian Robinson

50,000

(10,000)

(40,000)

35,801

35,801

Jim Ormonde

-

-

-

19,788

19,788

Mike Paul

5,000

(5,000)

-

10,607

10,607

Lord Arbuthnot PC

5,000

(5,000)

-

7,345

7,345

Matthew Clapp

5,000

-

(5,000)

4,816

4,816

Jon Pollard

-

-

-

3,171

3,171

Charlie Holland

-

-

-

2,770

2,770


1,676,517

(1,331,517)

(345,000)

3,045,105

3,045,105

* via Belize Finance Limited, a related party of Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC

**via Franove Holdings Limited, a related party of Paul Bentham

 

 

12  Post balance sheet events

 

On 2 March 2022, the Group issued 23,970 new ordinary shares of 1 pence each in the capital of the Company ("Ordinary Shares") pursuant to an exercise of warrants by certain investors in the Company.

On 29 March 2022, the Group issued 226 new ordinary shares of 1 pence each in the capital of the Company ("Ordinary Shares") pursuant to an exercise of warrants by certain investors in the Company.

On 3 May 2022, the Group issued 419 new ordinary shares of 1 pence each in the capital of the Company ("Ordinary Shares") pursuant to an exercise of warrants by certain investors in the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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