Final Results

RNS Number : 1212J
Triad Group Plc
27 June 2011
 



 

TRIAD GROUP PLC

Annual Report

for the year ended 31 March 2011

 

 

 

Page

Chairman's statement

1

Financial review

5

Directors' report

7

Independent auditors' report

14

Statements of comprehensive income and expense

16

Statements of changes in equity

17

Balance sheets

18

Cash flow statements

19

Notes to the financial statements

20

Five year record

42

Corporate governance

43

Directors' remuneration report

47

Shareholders' information and financial calendar

52

Corporate Information

53

 



 

 

Chairman's statement

Dr John Rigg, Executive Chairman

 

Financial Highlights

 

·    Revenue for the year ended 31 March 2011: £23.3m (2010: £27.2m)

·    Operating loss before exceptional items £0.36m (2010:£0.46m)

·    Operating loss after exceptional items £0.77m: (2010: £0.46m)

·    Loss before tax £0.92m: (2010: £0.61m)

·    Gross profit as a percentage of revenue 15.6%: (2010: 17.4%)

 

Business Performance

 

As reported in my interim statement dated 29 November 2010, trading conditions in the markets in which the Group operates continue to be challenging. In the year to 31st March 2011 revenues fell by £3.9m, primarily as a consequence of the reduction in public sector expenditure. In order to minimise the impact on the bottom line the Group has continued to take actions to reduce its cost base.

 

Measures taken in the year to reduce the Group's overhead have seen administrative expenses reduce significantly in the year to £4.4m (2010: £5.2m). This includes exceptional costs relating to the reduction in headcount of £0.4m. The measures taken during the year will generate a further reduction in overheads of 15% in the year ahead. The Group now has a cost base structure able to support a stable business.

 

Given the size of the fall in revenue, and the consequent impact on gross profit, increased losses after exceptional items could not be avoided. However, whilst the total loss before tax has increased to £0.92m (2010: £0.61m), the cost reduction measures implemented have resulted in a reduction in the operating loss before exceptional items to £0.36m (2010: £0.45m).

 

Despite the revenues in the Resourcing, Consultancy and Solutions business being affected by further reductions in public sector demand, the segment has broken even, reporting an operating profit after exceptional items for the year of £1,000 (2010: £32,000).

 

Zubed, Triad's location intelligence business has fallen short of expectations for the year, generating revenues of £281,000 (2010: £503,000). Costs in this business have also been significantly reduced during the year and more focus has been directed to developing and selling a core product set. Further to this an impairment charge of £140,000 has been applied to the carrying value of the Zubed asset (see note 12). Despite the slower than planned take-up of the product, actual and potential customers continue to be very interested in both the core product and the technology that supports it.

 



 

Operating Review

 

Market

 

The Group provides services in the areas of Business Consultancy and Solutions, niche IT Resourcing, Location Intelligence Products & Solutions and Semantic Search. The Group operates from the United Kingdom, with offices in Milton Keynes and Godalming.

 

Operating Summary

 

Resourcing, Consultancy and Solutions

 

The resourcing business saw a steady decline in public sector revenue, as expiring contracts were not replaced by new business: as a result public sector revenue was 50% lower than the previous year. However we have been successful in becoming a supplier under the OGC Framework for non-permanent staff.  Whilst this did not impact revenue during the year it is expected that the framework will produce a growing revenue stream over the next year.

 

In contrast private sector revenue has increased by 2%.  This includes encouraging growth through a preferred supplier relationship for the supply of IT resource to a large retail bank.

 

Despite strong downward market pressures caused by the economic climate margins in the resourcing business held up well, decreasing from 15.8% to 15.0%.

 

In the final quarter we expanded our offering to clients to include a permanent recruitment service. The Company is already seeing a positive contribution from this business in the first quarter of the new financial year.

 

Revenue in the consultancy and solutions business has also been impacted by the decline in public sector expenditure. During the year the business has continued to develop and provide its services across a number of key propositions, in both the public and private sectors, which are delivering business benefit to our clients in the form of cost savings, competitive advantage, regulatory compliance, and information security.

 

During the year, Triad consultants have;

 

·    implemented intranets, extranets and portals for a number of customers using SharePoint 2007 and 2010  demonstrating our ability to extend the core features of the SharePoint platform and integrate with a range of line of business systems to deliver user centric systems

 

·    delivered complex and secure high-profile systems to central government and enhanced existing systems further to changes in EU regulations

 

·    undertaken business and technical architecture reviews, provided security architecture consultancy to the public sector, and have worked closely with clients in programme and project management roles

 

·    provided the delivery and design capability for secure IT solutions typically adhering to stringent Government security standards.

 

The on-going strategy is to continue to develop existing and new lines of business to provide a richer capability offering and to develop larger, more profitable projects. Cross selling opportunities across the Group continue to be developed. 

 

Zubed Geospatial

 

Zubed Geospatial has focused on key market sectors, namely retail, real estate, central and local government. SaferMK, the community safety partnership for Milton Keynes, led the way in 2011 with the first launch of street-level crime mapping.

 

Retailers such as Morrisons continue to extend usage of their Zubed product, and one of the country's leading estate agents has recently decided to use Zubed for its internal mapping system.  Lloyds Banking Group entered into their third year of association with Zubed.

 

Economic pressures have had a significant impact on Zubed's revenues and operating performance (note 4), particularly within the public sector where the number of live enquiries reduced dramatically as local authorities reined in their expenditure.  Further to these pressures we have standardised the Zubed portfolio enabling us to increase the efficiency of the delivery of solutions to clients. There are now three core platforms: Engage, Present, and Discover - operating either as standalone offerings or an integrated solution.

 

In addition to this product-line rationalisation and standardisation, Zubed has undertaken a significant number of cost-cutting measures, resulting in operating cost reductions in excess of 50%.

 

Zubed has established a network of partners that will help generate opportunities in key sectors, including government, construction and retail.  Synergies across the group will be used to exploit opportunities, for example, within the Microsoft Sharepoint community.

 

Outlook

 

As a result of changes in the management structure of the Group, steps are being taken to integrate Zubed Geospatial with the Consulting and Solutions business. It is anticipated that the Group will benefit from the merging of the location intelligence technology with the expertise and associated technologies of our permanent consulting team, in particular those involved with Microsoft SharePoint and similar products.

 

The resourcing business will continue to focus on its key strength as a supplier of services across a range of niche market sectors. We have over 300 contractors operating across a range of clients. We are also widening our offering to include permanent recruitment solutions.

 

The Group's management team is working hard to generate improved revenues from its streamlined businesses, however the market remains challenging.

 

Director Resignation

 

In July 2010, Triad's Chief Executive Officer, Ian Haynes, gave notice of his resignation from the Company following his decision to emigrate to Australia. Ian resigned as a director on 19 November 2010 when his employment also ended. There is no immediate plan to recruit a replacement, given the need to minimise costs in the current environment. Moreover, the duties are now being satisfactorily covered by the members of the Executive Board and the Group's senior management.

 

Employees

 

On behalf of the Board I would like to thank all our staff for their efforts during the past year.

 

 

 

John Rigg

Chairman

24 June 2011

 



 

Financial review

Nick Burrows, Finance Director

 

Results

 

The results for the year to 31 March 2011 reflect another difficult year for the Group with further cost reduction measures needing to be taken in response to the fall in revenue and gross margin. Revenue for the year to 31 March 2011 decreased by 14.3% to £23.3m (2010: £27.2m). Gross margins have been under continued pressure throughout the year with gross margin as a percentage of revenue decreasing to 15.6% (2010: 17.4%).

 

The Group reports an operating loss before exceptional items of £0.36m (2010: £0.46m). The operational loss after exceptional items was £0.77m (2010: £0.46m). Segmental performance is discussed below.

 

 

Operating Segments

 

Resourcing, consultancy and solutions

 

Revenues for the year to 31 March 2011 decreased by 13.7% to £23.0m (2010: £26.7m). The pre-exceptional operating result for the segment was a profit of £0.15m (2010: £0.03m). The operating result after exceptional items was break even (2010: £0.03m profit). Fee rates and contractor margins have been under pressure throughout the year and utilisation in the consultancy business has been impacted by the reduced demand for services.

 

Zubed 

 

Revenue for the year to 31 March 2011 was £281,000 (2010: £503,000). The pre-exceptional operating result for the segment was a loss of £509,000 (2010: £487,000). The operating loss after exceptional items was £770,000 (2010: £487,000).

 

Further to cost cuts and savings made during the year the on-going cost base on the Zubed operations has been significantly reduced.

 

Overheads

 

Administrative expenses reduced by 14.8% to £4.4m (2010: £5.2m). Savings have been achieved through a reduction in headcount (average staff numbers have decreased in the year to 89 (2010: 121) - see note 8. Further on-going reductions have been achieved following the decision not to renew the lease at the Group satellite office in London. Operations continue to be run from the Group's offices in Godalming and Milton Keynes.

 

 

 

Cash Flows

 

Despite the reported operating losses the Group's cash borrowings have increased only slightly to £0.79m (2010: £0.67m). This has been achieved through careful management of the Group's cash flows and strong credit control. Capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment, particularly motor vehicles, has been further reduced during the period to £9,000 (2010: £50,000). Net cash outflows from operating activities was £76,000 (2010: inflows of £307,000).

 

Zubed Development

 

As at 31 March 2011 the net book value of the Zubed capitalised development cost asset was £411,000 (2010: £663,000). Development costs capitalised in the year have reduced significantly to £151,000 (2010: £349,000). Total amortisation relating to Zubed development costs charged to the income statement in the period increased to £263,000 (2010: £201,000). An impairment charge of £140,000 has been applied to the carrying value of the asset, based on projections of future demand for Zubed, which reflect revised expectations of expenditure in the public sector (see note 12).

 

 

 

Nick Burrows

Finance Director

 

24 June 2011

 

 



 

Directors' report

for the year ended 31 March 2011

 

The Directors present their report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2011.

 

Principal activities

 

The principal activities of the Group during the year were that of resourcing, consultancy, software and systems delivery, and location intelligence.

 

Review of business

 

A review of the Group's business and future developments is contained within the Chairman's statement on page 1. The financial results of the Group are set out in the statement of comprehensive income and expense on page 16 of these financial statements. The key measures used by the Group to monitor its performance are discussed below. The review of business does not contain information about environmental matters and social and community issues.

 

Key performance indicators

 

Financial and non-financial key performance indicators (KPIs) used by the Board to monitor progress are revenue, operating profit, gross margin, net borrowings and headcount. Financial KPIs are discussed in more detail in the Chairman's Statement on page 1.

 

These KPIs are summarised below;

 


2011

2010




Revenue

£23,298,000

£27,176,000




Operating loss

£769,000

£455,000




Gross margin

15.6%

17.4%




Net borrowings at 31 March

£756,000

£608,000




Headcount

89

121

 

 

Principal risks and uncertainties

 

As with any business in the UK IT services market the Group faces a number of principal risks and uncertainties. These are summarised as follows;

 

General economic uncertainty and reduction in public sector spending

Like many businesses Triad is at risk of being affected by the continued uncertainty over future economic conditions, in particular the impact on the Group of the reduction in public sector spending on IT projects and consultancy. The Board continually monitors the current and potential impact on the markets in which the Group operates and the Group's liquidity risk.

 

IT services market

The demand for IT services is affected by UK market conditions. The continual development of the Group's business into new niches and sectors is important in protecting the Group from fluctuations in market conditions.

 

Revenue visibility

The pipeline of contracted orders for time and materials consultancy work is relatively short. The Board carefully reviews forecasts to assess the level of risk arising from business that is forecast to be won.

 

Offshore competition

Offshore IT service companies, particularly those located in Asia and Eastern Europe, continue to exert downward pressure on fee rates. The Group continues to develop niche markets and focus on delivering effective solutions where close collaboration with the client is required.

 

Availability of staff

The ability to recruit and retain staff, and access to a large, appropriately skilled contractor resource are key to ensuring the ability to win and deliver IT services to our clients. The Group continues actively to recruit quality individuals, and ensures the contractor database is constantly updated and expanded.

 

Corporate Governance

 

The Company's compliance with corporate governance is disclosed in the Corporate Governance Statement on pages 43 to 46, and this is incorporated into the Report of the Directors by reference.

 

Forward-looking Statements

 

The Chairman's Statement and Operating Review contain forward-looking statements. Due to the inherent uncertainties, including both economic and business risk factors, underlying such forward-looking information, the actual results of operations, financial position and liquidity may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

 

Going Concern

 

The Group's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position, are set out in the Chairman's statement, and Operating review on pages 1 to 5. The financial position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described in the Chairman's statement on page 1 and in note 18 to the financial statements. In addition note 3 to the financial statements includes the Group's objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital, its financial risk management objectives, details of its financial instruments and hedging activities, and its exposure to credit risk and liquidity risk.As highlighted in note 18 to the financial statements, the Group meets its day to day working capital requirements through an invoice finance facility.

 

The Group's projections, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, show that the Group should be able to operate within the level of its current facility. The facility may be terminated by either party with one month's written notice. The board receives regular cash flow and working capital projections to enable it to monitor its available headroom under this facility. These projections indicate that the Group expects to have sufficient resources to meet its reasonably expected obligations. The bank has not drawn to the attention of the Group any matters to suggest that this facility will not be continued on acceptable terms.

 

After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts.

 

Financial Instruments

 

The Board reviews and agrees policies for managing financial risk. These policies, together with an analysis of the Group's exposure to financial risks are summarised in note 3 of these financial statements.

 

Dividends

 

The Directors have neither declared an interim dividend nor do they recommend that a final dividend be paid in respect of the year ended 31 March 2011 (2010: nil per 1p ordinary share).

 

Takeovers Directive

 

The following disclosures are made following the implementation of the EU Takeovers Directive into UK law and where such required information is not already provided elsewhere in this report.

 

Share capital

As at 31 March 2011, the Company's issued share capital comprised a single class of shares referred to as ordinary shares. Details of the ordinary share capital can be found in note 20 to these financial statements.

 

Voting rights

The Group's articles provide that on a show of hands at a general meeting of the Company every member who (being an individual) is present in person and entitled to vote shall have one vote and on a poll, every member who is present in person or by proxy shall have one vote for every share held. The notice of the Annual General Meeting specifies deadlines for exercising voting rights and appointing a proxy or proxies to vote in relation to resolutions to be passed at the Annual General Meeting.

 

Transfer of shares

There are no restrictions on the transfer of ordinary shares in the Company other than as contained in the Articles:

·     The Board may, in its absolute discretion, and without giving any reason for its decision, refuse to register any transfer of a share which is not fully paid up (but not so as to prevent dealing in listed shares from taking place) and on which the Company has a lien. The Board may also refuse to register any transfer unless it is in respect of only one class of shares, in favour of no more than four transferees, lodged at the Registered office, or such other place as the Board may decide, for registration, accompanied by a certificate for the shares to be transferred (except where the shares are registered in the name of a market nominee and no certificate has been issued for them) and such other evidence as the Board may reasonably require to prove the title of the intending transferor or his right to transfer the shares

 

Certain restrictions may from time to time be imposed by laws and regulations, for example:

·     Insider trading laws; and

·     The Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority whereby certain employees of the Group require the approval of the Company to deal in the Company's ordinary shares.

 

Appointment and replacement of directors

The Board may appoint Directors. Any Directors so appointed shall retire from office at the next Annual General Meeting of the Company, but shall then be eligible for re-appointment.

 

The current Articles require that at the Annual General Meeting one third of the Directors shall retire from office but shall be eligible for re-appointment. The Directors to retire by rotation at each Annual General Meeting shall include any Director who wishes to retire and not offer himself for re-election and otherwise shall be the Directors who, at the date of the meeting, have been longest in office since their last appointment or re-appointment.

 

A Director may be removed from office by the service of a notice to that effect signed by at least three quarters of all the other Directors.

 

Amendment of the Company's Articles of Association

The Company's Articles may only be amended by a special resolution passed at a general meeting of shareholders.

 

Charitable donations

 

The Group made charitable contributions of £nil (2010: £100).

 

Creditor payment policy

 

The Group's current policy concerning the settlement of debts is to make payments to creditors in accordance with agreed terms. The Group's average creditor payment period at 31 March 2011 was 25 days (2010: 25 days).

 

Substantial shareholdings

 

In addition to the disclosure on page 50 of the interests of Directors who held office at the end of the financial year, the Company has been notified of the following holdings of 3% or more of the share capital of the Company at 1 June 2011:

 



Percentage of issued share capital




M Makar


29.76%

Liontrust Investment Services Ltd


12.35%

The Chatham Trust


4.79%

 

 

 

 

 

Employment policies

 

The Group is committed to equal opportunities and operates employment policies which are designed to attract, retain and motivate high quality staff, regardless of sex, age, race, religion or disability. The Group has a policy of supporting staff in long term career development.

 

The Group recognises the importance of having effective communication and consultation with, and of providing leadership to, all its employees, who are critical to its future success. The Group promotes the involvement of its employees in understanding the aims and performance of the business.

 

Research and Development Activity

 

Research and development activities are undertaken with the prospect of gaining new technical knowledge and understanding, and developing new software.

 

Auditors

 

A resolution to reappoint BDO LLP as auditors of the Company will be proposed at the next Annual General Meeting.

 

Directors

 

The Directors who held office during the financial year were:

 

                Executive Directors

 

                      John Rigg, Chairman

 

                      Nick Burrows, Group Finance Director

 

                      Ian Haynes, Group Chief Executive (resigned 19 November 2010)

 

 

                Independent non-executive Directors

 

                     Alistair Fulton, senior independent non-executive Director

 

 

                            Steven Sanderson

 

 

Biographical details of the present Directors of the Company are shown below:

 

John Rigg is Chairman.  He is a Chartered Accountant.  He was a founder of Marcol Group Plc and was its Managing Director from 1983 until 1988. Marcol was floated on the Unlisted Securities Market in 1987. He was Chairman of Vega Group plc from 1989 until 1996, holding the post of Chief Executive for much of this period. Vega floated on the main market in 1992.  He was a founder shareholder of Triad and served as the Chairman of the Company from 1988 up to just before its flotation in 1996, when he resigned to develop new business interests overseas. He was appointed as non-executive Chairman in June 1999: in May 2004 he became part-time executive Chairman. Between 4 February 2005 and 5 September 2007 John was acting Group Chief Executive.

 

Alistair Fulton is a non-executive Director. He is a Chartered Engineer and member of the British Computer Society. He was the founding managing Director of Triad. He continued in this role until February 1997 when he became non-executive Chairman, a position he retained until June 1999, when he took up his present position.

 

 

Steven Sanderson is a non-executive Director. He is a Chartered Accountant.  He was appointed non-executive Director in January 2007. He has extensive experience at executive director level in the IT services and telecommunications sectors.  His background includes public flotations, plc directorship, fund raising, acquisition and disposal activities.

 

Nick Burrowsis a Chartered Accountant who joined Triad in 2001 as Financial Controller of the Systems and Consulting business. He was appointed Company Secretary in 2008 and executive Finance Director in October 2009.

 

Directors' emoluments are set out in the Remuneration Report on page 49 and are summarised in note 8 to the financial statements. Directors' interests are given in the Remuneration Report on page 49.

 

Directors Interests in Contracts

 

Direcotrs interests in contracts is shown in note 23 to the accounts.

 

Disclosure of Information to Auditors

 

So far as the Directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the auditors are unaware and each Director has taken all reasonable steps to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.

 

Responsibility Statement

 

The Directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

 

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year.  Under that law the Directors are required to prepare the Group financial statements and have elected to prepare the Company financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.  Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and Company and of the profit or loss for the Group and Company for that period. 

 

In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:

 

·      select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

 

·      make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

 

·      state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union,, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

 

·      prepare a Director's Report and Director's Remuneration Report which comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

 

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.  They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

 

Website publication

 

The Directors are responsible for ensuring the annual report and the financial statements are made available on a website.  Financial statements are published on the company's website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements, which may vary from legislation in other jurisdictions.  The maintenance and integrity of the Company's website is the responsibility of the Directors.  The Directors' responsibility also extends to the ongoing integrity of the financial statements contained therein.

 

Directors' responsibilities pursuant to DTR4

 

The Directors confirm to the best of their knowledge:

 

·      The Group financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation and give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit and loss of the Group.

 

·      The annual report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the financial position of the Group and the Parent Company, together with a description or the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

 

By order of the Board

 

 

 

 

NE Burrows

Company Secretary

24 June 2011



Independent auditors' report to the members of

Triad Group Plc

 

We have audited the financial statements of Triad Group Plc for the year ended 31 March 2011 which comprise the Group and Parent Company statements of comprehensive income and expense, the Group and Parent Company statements of changes in equity, the Group and Parent Company balance sheets, the Group and Parent Company cash flow statements and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

 

This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditor's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

 

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors

 

As explained more fully in the statement of directors' responsibilities, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit, and express an opinion on, the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board's (APB's) Ethical Standards for Auditors.

 

Scope of the audit of the financial statements

 

A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided on the APB's website at www.frc.org.uk/apb/scope/private.cfm.

 

Opinion on financial statements

 

In our opinion:

 

·     the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group's and the Parent Company's affairs as at 31 March 2011 and of the Group's and the Parent Company's loss for the year then ended;

 

·     the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; and

 

·     the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.



 

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

 

In our opinion:

 

·     the part of the Directors' Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006; and

 

·     the information given in the Directors' Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements

 

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following:

 

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

 

·     adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

 

·     the Parent Company financial statements and the part of the directors' remuneration report to be audited are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

 

·     certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or

 

·     we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

 

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:

 

·     the directors' statement in relation to going concern;

 

·     the part of the corporate governance statement relating to the Company's compliance with the nine provisions of the June 2008 Combined Code specified for our review; and

 

·     certain elements of the report to shareholders by the Board on directors' remuneration.

 

 

 

 

 

David Eagle (senior statutory auditor)

For and on behalf of BDO LLP, statutory auditor

London

United Kingdom

Date 27 June 2011

 

BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127).

 



Statements of comprehensive income and expense

for the year ended 31 March 2011

 

 

Group and Company

 

Note

2011

£'000

2010

£'000





Revenue


23,298

27,176





Cost of sales


(19,654)

(22,453)



-------------

-------------





Gross profit


3,644

4,723





Administrative expenses

5

(4,413)

(5,178)



-------------

-------------

 




Operating loss pre exceptional (expense)/credit


(362)

 

(455)

Exceptional administrative expense: staff termination costs

 

5

 

(433)

 

-

Exceptional administrative expense: impairment of intangible asset

 

5

 

(140)

 

-

Exceptional administrative credit: change in surplus property provision

 

5

 

166

 

-



--------------

--------------

 

Operating loss


 

(769)

 

(455)

 




 




Operating loss

6

(769)

(455)





Finance income

7

2

11





Finance expense

7

(153)

(169)



-------------

-------------





Loss before tax


(920)

(613)





Tax expense

9

-

-







-------------

-------------

Loss for the year and total comprehensive expense attributable to equity holders of the parent


 

(920)

 

(613)



-------------

-------------









Basic loss per share

11

(6.07)p

(4.05)p



---------

---------





Diluted loss per share

11

(6.07)p

(4.05)p



---------

---------

 

 

All amounts relate to continuing activities.

Statements of changes in equity

for the year ended 31 March 2011

 

Group




 


Share

Capital

Share premium account

Capital redemption reserve

Retained earnings

Total

 


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 







 

At 1 April 2009

151

562

104

861

1,678

 







 

Loss for the year and total comprehensive expense

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(613)

 

(613)

 







 

Share-based payments

-

-

-

8

8

 


--------

--------

--------

--------

--------

 

At 1 April 2010

151

562

104

256

1,073

 







 

Loss for the year and total comprehensive expense

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(920)

 

(920)

 







 

Share-based payments

-

-

-

-

-

 


--------

--------

--------

--------

--------

 

At 31 March 2011

151

562

104

(664)

153

 


---------

---------

---------

---------

---------

 







 







 

 

 

Company

 

 

 






Share

Capital

Share premium account

Capital redemption reserve

Retained earnings

Total

 


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 







 

At 1 April 2009

151

562

104

856

1,673

 







 

Loss for the year and total comprehensive expense

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(613)

 

(613)

 







 

Share-based payments

-

-

-

8

8

 


--------

--------

--------

--------

--------

 

At 1 April 2010

151

562

104

251

1,068

 







 

Loss for the year and total comprehensive expense

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(920)

 

(920)

 







 

Share-based payments

-

-

-

-

-

 


--------

--------

--------

--------

--------

 

At 31 March 2011

151

562

104

(669)

148

 


---------

---------

---------

---------

---------

 

 

The share premium account represents the premium paid on the exercise of shares allotted under the Company share option scheme.

 

The capital redemption reserve represents the nominal value of the purchase and cancellation of its own shares by the Company in 2002.

 

Retained earnings represents the cumulative net gains and losses recognised in the statement of comprehensive income and expense.



 

Balance sheets

at 31 March 2011

Registered number: 2285049

 



Group

Company


Note

2011

£'000

2010

£'000

2011

£'000

2010

£'000

Non-current assets






Intangible assets

12

416

672

416

672

Property, plant and equipment

13

68

220

68

220



----------

----------

----------

----------



484

892

484

892



----------

----------

----------

----------

Current assets






Trade and other receivables

15

4,549

6,300

4,549

6,300

Cash and cash equivalents

16

33

65

33

65



----------

----------

----------

----------



4,582

6,365

4,582

6,365



----------

----------

----------

----------

Total assets


5,066

7,257

5,066

7,257



----------

----------

----------

----------

Current liabilities






Trade and other payables

17

(2,946)

(4,016)

(2,951)

(4,021)

Bank borrowings

18

(789)

(673)

(789)

(673)

Short term provisions

19

(107)

(250)

(107)

(250)



-----------

-----------

-----------

-----------



(3,842)

(4,939)

(3,847)

(4,944)



----------

----------

----------

----------

Non-current liabilities






Long term provisions

19

(1,071)

(1,245)

(1,071)

(1,245)



-----------

-----------

-----------

-----------



(1,071)

(1,245)

(1,071)

(1,245)



-----------

-----------

-----------

-----------

Total liabilities


(4,913)

(6,184)

(4,918)

(6,189)



-----------

-----------

-----------

-----------

Net assets


153

1,073

148

1,068



-----------

-----------

-----------

-----------







Shareholders' equity






Share capital

20

151

151

151

151

Share premium account


562

562

562

562

Capital redemption reserve


104

104

104

104

Retained earnings


(664)

256

(669)

251



----------

----------

----------

----------

Total shareholders' equity


153

1,073

148

1,068



----------

----------

----------

----------

 

The financial statements on pages 16 to 41 were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 24 June 2011 and were signed on its behalf by:

 

 

NE Burrows                                          SM Sanderson

 

Triad Group Plc is registered in England and Wales with registered number 2285049.

 



 

for the year ended 31 March 2011

 

Group and company

Note

2011

£'000

2010

£'000

 




Loss for the year


(920)

(613)





Adjustments for:




Depreciation of property, plant and equipment


120

278

Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment


 

(49)

 

(12)

Amortisation of intangible assets


269

213

Impairment of intangible assts


140

-

Finance income


(2)

(11)

Interest expense


22

28

Share-based payment expense


-

8





Changes in working capital




Decrease in trade and other receivables


1,751

237

(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables


(1,070)

329

Decrease in provisions


(317)

(133)



--------------

--------------

Cash (consumed)/generated by operations


(56)

324

Interest paid


(22)

(28)

Interest received


2

11

Tax paid


-

-

 


--------------

--------------

Net cash flows from operating activities


(76)

307



--------------

--------------





Cash flows used in investing activities




Purchase of intangible assets


(153)

(352)

Purchase of property, plant and equipment


(9)

(50)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment


 

90

 

104



--------------

--------------

Net cash flows used in investing activities


(72)

(298)



--------------

--------------





Cash flows used in financing activities




Finance lease  principal payments


-

(5)



--------------

--------------

Net cash flows used in financing activities


-

(5)



--------------

--------------





Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents


(148)

4





Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period


 

(608)

 

(612)



--------------

--------------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

 

16

 

(756)

 

(608)



--------------

--------------



 

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2011

 

 

1.   Principal accounting policies

 

Basis of preparation


The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below. The policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

 

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS and IFRIC interpretations), as adopted by the European Union (EU), issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies preparing their accounts under IFRS.

 

These financial statements are presented in sterling, the functional currency of the Group.

 

Basis of consolidation

 

Where the Company has the power, either directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of another entity or business so as to obtain benefits from its activities, it is classified as a subsidiary. The consolidated financial statements present the results of the Company and its subsidiaries ("the Group") as if they formed a single entity. Intercompany transactions and balances between Group companies are therefore eliminated in full.

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and any impairment in value.

 

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of assets, less their estimated residual values, on a straight line basis over the expected useful economic lives of the assets concerned.  The principal annual rates used for this purpose are:

                                       


%

Computer hardware

25-33

Motor vehicles

25-33

Fixtures and fittings

10-33

 

Intangible assets

 

Expenditure on internally developed products is capitalised if it can be demonstrated that:

 

·      it is technically feasible to develop the product so that it will be available for use or sale;

·      adequate resources are available to complete the development;

·      there is an intention to complete the product and use or sell it;

·      the product will generate future economic benefits, internally and/or externally;and

·      expenditure attributable to the development of the product can be measured reliably.

 

Intangible fixed assets are stated at cost, net of accumulated amortisation and any impairment in value. The cost of internally developed software is the attributable salary costs and directly attributable overheads.



Amortisation is calculated so as to write off the cost of assets, less their estimated residual values, on a straight line basis over the expected useful economic lives of the assets concerned. Amortisation is charged to administration expenses in the statement of comprehensive income and expense. The principal annual rates used for this purpose are:

 


%

Computer software

25-33

Internally developed software

25

 

Impairment of non-financial assets

 

Non-financial assets are subject to impairment tests whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Where the carrying value of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount the asset is written down accordingly. Impairment is charged to administration expenses in the statements of comprehensive income and expense.

 

Trade and other receivables

 

Trade and other receivables are recognised initially at fair value, and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment.

 

Amounts are charged to an impairment account when there is evidence that an impairment loss has occurred. Amounts are written off against the carrying amount of trade receivables when it is certain that the receivable will not be realised.

 

Cash

 

Cash in the balance sheet comprises cash held on demand with banks. For the purpose of the consolidated cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash, as defined above, net of bank borrowings due on demand.

 

Trade and other payables

 

Trade and other payables are recognised initially at fair value, and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

 

Borrowings

 

Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

 

The Group does not incur any interest costs that qualify for capitalisation under IAS23 "Borrowing Costs".

 

Leases

 

Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

 

Costs in respect of operating leases are charged to the statement of comprehensive income and expense on a straight line basis over the lease term.

 

Assets held under finance leases are initially recognised as an asset at their fair value at the inception of the lease or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments payable over the term of the lease. The corresponding lease commitment is shown as a liability. Lease payments are apportioned between the finance charge and the reduction of the outstanding liability.  The finance charge is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.



 

Foreign currencies

Assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the exchange rate ruling on the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the exchange rate ruling as at the date of the transaction. All differences on exchange are taken to the statement of comprehensive income and expense in the year in which they arise.

 

Revenue

 

Revenue, which excludes value added tax, represents the invoiced value of goods and services supplied: where a service has been provided, but not yet invoiced, the amount is included in the financial statements as accrued income.

 

Income from consultancy contracts, which are on a time hire basis, is recognised as the services are delivered.

 

Income from maintenance and fixed price consultancy and development contracts, is recognised over the life of the contract, using the percentage of completion method, and is deferred to the extent that it has not been earned.

 

Income from the sale of Zubed licences, or the Zubed licence component of any contract, is fully recognised at the point of sale, less any amounts attributable to maintenance and support, which are recognised over the life of the licence.

 

Exceptional items

 

Items which are both material and non-recurring are presented as exceptional items within their relevant category in the statement of comprehensive income and expense. The separate reporting of exceptional items helps to provide a better indication of the Group's underlying business performance. Events which may give rise to the classification of items as exceptional, if of a significantly material value, include non-routine movements in provisions, litigation and similar settlements, and asset impairments.

 

Taxation

 

The charge for taxation is based on the profit or loss for the year as adjusted for disallowable items. It is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

 

Full provision is made for deferred tax on all relevant temporary differences resulting from the difference between the carrying value of an asset or liability and its tax base. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that the deferred tax asset will be recovered in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised or liability is settled.

 

Pension costs

 

Contributions to defined contribution plans are charged to the statements of comprehensive income and expense as the contributions accrue.

 

Share-based payments

 

Share-based incentive arrangements are provided to employees under the Group's share option scheme. Share options granted to employees since 7 November 2002 are valued at the date of grant using an appropriate option pricing model and are charged to operating profit over the performance or vesting period of the scheme. The annual charge is modified to take account of shares forfeited by employees who leave during the performance or vesting period and, in the case of non-market related performance conditions, where it becomes unlikely the option will vest.

 



 

Provisions

 

A provision is recognised when the Group has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. If the effect is material, expected future cash flows are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. Calculations of these provisions require judgements to be made, which include forecast consumer demand and inventory loss trends.

 

Going Concern

 

The Group's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position, are set out in the Chairman's statement, and Operating review on pages 1 to 5. The financial position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described in the Chairman's statement on page 1 and in note 18 to the financial statements. In addition note 3 to the financial statements includes the Group's objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital, its financial risk management objectives, details of its financial instruments and hedging activities, and its exposure to credit risk and liquidity risk.As highlighted in note 18 to the financial statements, the Group meets its day to day working capital requirements through an invoice finance facility.

 

The Group's projections, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, show that the Group should be able to operate within the level of its current facility. The facility may be terminated by either party with one month's written notice. The board receives regular cash flow and working capital projections to enable it to monitor its available headroom under this facility. These projections indicate that the Group expects to have sufficient resources to meet its reasonably expected obligations. The bank has not drawn to the attention of the Group any matters to suggest that this facility will not be continued on acceptable terms.

 

After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts.

 

New standards and interpretations

 

Applied

The Group has adopted the following new standards, amendments and interpretations during the year. Adoption of these standards, amendments and interpretations did not have any effect on the financial performance or position of the Group. These standards and interpretations have been adopted from 1 April 2010 unless stated otherwise.

 

Amendments to existing standards

IFRS 1 Additional Exemptions for First-time Adopters

IFRS 2 Group Cash Settled Share-Based Payment Transactions

IFRS 3 Business Combinations

IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements

IAS32 Classification of Rights Issues

IAS39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement

Improvements to IFRS 2009

 

There has been no impact on the results, cash flows, financial position of the Group or their presentation as a result of the adoption of these standards.

 

 

International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee ("IFRIC") interpretations

IFRIC 9 Reassessment of Embedded Derivatives

IFRC 12 Service Concession Arrangements

IFRIC 15 Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate

IFRIC 16 Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation

IFRIC 17 Distributions of Non-cash Assets to Owners

IFRIC 18 Transfers of Assets From Customers

 

The adoption of these interpretations has not led to any changes in the Group's accounting policies.

 

Not applied

 

At the date of approval of these financial statements, the following relevant standards and interpretations were issued but not yet mandatory for the Group, and have not been applied in these financial statements. These standards and interpretations will be adopted from 1 April 2011 unless stated otherwise.

 

International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS")

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (effective 1 April 2013)

 

Amendments to existing standards

IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (effective 1 Apr 2011)

IAS 24 Related Party Transactions (effective 1 Apr 2011)

Improvements to IFRS 2010 (effective 1 Apr 2011)

IFRS 7 Disclosures - Transfers of Financial Assets (effective 1 April 2012)

IFRS 1 Severe Hyperinflation and Removal of Fixed Dates for First-time Adopters (effective 1 April 2012)

IAS 12 Deferred Tax : Recovery of Underlying Assets (effective 1 April 2012)

 

International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee ("IFRIC") interpretations

IFRIC 14 & IAS 19 The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and Their Interaction (effective 1 Apr 2011)

IFRIC 19  Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments (effective 1 Apr 2011)

 

The Directors anticipate that the adoption of the standards, amendments and interpretations in future disclosures, when the relevant standards come into effect.

 

 

2.   Critical accounting estimates and judgements

 

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.

 

Critical accounting estimates and assumptions

 

The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

 

Surplus property

 

Provision has been made to meet the estimated liabilities of any property surplus to the requirements of the business. All ongoing costs net of estimated future rental income are charged to the provision. The provision is discounted, unless the effect of the time value of money is not material (see note 19).

 

Management exercises judgement in estimating costs, rental incomes and the discount rate used in the calculation of the provision.

 

Were the discount rate to increase by 1% this would increase net income and equity by £42,000, and were the discount rate to decrease by 1% this would decrease net income and equity by £44,000.

 

Were 50% of the vacant property to be let for 3 years at a rental income that was 100% of cost this would increase net income and equity by £235,000.

 

Deferred tax asset

 

A deferred tax asset of £2,573,000 (2010: £2,505,000) has not been recognised because of the uncertainty of the timing of future profits. The unrecognised deferred tax asset may result in any future profits being charged to tax below the standard rate.

 

Revenue recognition

 

Revenue from maintenance and fixed price consultancy contracts is recognised over the life of the contract, using the percentage of completion method, and is deferred to the extent that it has not been earned. This requires the Group to estimate the services performed to date as a percentage of the total services to be performed. As at the balance sheet date, were the percentage of services performed to total services to be performed to differ by 10%, net income and equity would be increased by £31,000 if the percentage performed were increased, or net income and equity would be decreased by £31,000 if the percentage performed were decreased.

 

Revenue from consultancy contracts, which are on a time hire basis, is recognised as the services are delivered. This requires an assessment of services performed between the date of the last time sheet received and the balance sheet date. As at the balance sheet date, were the estimated amounts to differ by 10% this would increase/ decrease net income and equity by £8,000.

 

Revenue from Zubed licences is fully recognised at the point of sale providing there are no outstanding performance obligations.  Any revenue attributable to further performance obligations such as maintenance and support, is estimated by attributing an appropriate profit margin to the estimated total cost of those obligations, and is recognised over the lifetime of the licence. As at the balance sheet date, were the estimates of the costs of providing all future performance obligations on recognised Zubed licence revenues to differ by 10%, this would increase/decrease net income and equity by £3,000.

 

Capitalisation of development costs

 

The development cost of internally generated software, costing £151,000 has been capitalised during the year. After applying an impairment charge of £140,000 the net book value of capitalised development costs at the year end is £411,000 (2010: £663,000).

 

Management exercises judgement in estimating:

·      the technical feasibility of developing a product so that it will be available for use or sale

·      the future economic benefits that the product will generate

 

Impairment of intangible assets

 

Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. When a review for impairment is conducted, the recoverable amount is determined based on value-in-use calculations prepared on the basis of management's assumptions and estimates. 

 

Critical judgements in applying the entity's accounting policies

 

In applying its accounting policies the Group has not been required to make any judgements, apart from those involving estimates, that have had a significant effect on the amounts recognised in these financial statements.

 

 

3.   Financial risk management

 

The Group uses financial instruments that are necessary to facilitate its ordinary purchase and sale activities, namely cash, bank borrowings in the form of a receivables finance facility and trade payables and receivables: the resultant risks are foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group does not use financial derivatives in its management of these risks.

 

The Board reviews and agrees policies for managing these risks and they are summarised below. These policies are consistent with last year.

 

3.1   Financial risk factors

 

Foreign exchange risk

 

There are a small number of routine trading contracts with both suppliers and clients in euros. In all such circumstances the "back to back" contracts with supplier and client will be in the same currency thereby mitigating the Group's exposure to movements in exchange rates. Payments and receipts are made through a bank account in the currency of the contract: therefore balances held in any foreign currency are to facilitate day to day transactions. With a functional currency of sterling there are the following foreign currency net assets:

 

Group and company

Note

2011

2010



£'000

£'000

Currency: Euros








Net cash

16

33

65

Trade and other receivables

15

45

60

Trade and other payables

17

(23)

(31)



--------

--------



55

94



---------

---------

 

Any change in currency rates would have no significant effect on results.

 

Interest rate risk

 

The Group's interest rate risk arises from its borrowings, which are at a rate that fluctuates in relation to movements in bank base rate. This facility, as detailed in note 18, is secured by way of a debenture over all assets. At the year end borrowing under this facility totalled £789,000 (2010: £673,000).

 

Cash balances are held in short term interest bearing accounts, repayable on demand: these attract interest rates which fluctuate in relation to movements in bank base rate. This maintains liquidity and does not commit the Group to long term deposits at fixed rates of interest.

 

A 1% change in interest rates would have changed net income and equity by £8,000.

 

Credit risk

 

The Group is mainly exposed to credit risk from credit sales. It is Group policy to assess the credit risk of new customers before entering into contracts. Each new customer is assessed, using external ratings and relevant information in the public domain, before any credit limit is granted. In addition, trade receivables balances are monitored on a regular basis to minimise exposure to bad debts. The amount charged to the income statement during the year in respect of bad debts was £nil, being 0.00% of revenue (2010: £38,000, being 0.14%).

 

The Group is also exposed to credit risk from accrued income, being revenue earned but not yet invoiced (note 15).

 

Financial assets that are past due but not impaired are analysed in note 15. Each balance has been reviewed by management to assess its recoverability.

 

The Group also has credit risk from cash deposits with banks (note 16). The Group only banks with financial institutions with a good credit rating.

 

The Group's maximum exposure to credit risk is:

 


Note

2011

2010



£'000

£'000





Trade and other receivables

15

3,649

4,725

Accrued income

15

657

1,093

Cash and cash equivalents

16

33

65



----------

----------



4,339

5,883



---------

---------

 

Liquidity risk

 

The Group's liquidity risk arises from its management of working capital. The Group has a facility to borrow an amount up to 90% of approved trade debtors subject to a maximum limit of £6.6m. The facility may be terminated by either party with one month's written notice. The Board receives regular cash flow and working capital projections to enable it to monitor its available headroom under this facility. At the balance sheet date these projections indicated that the Group expected to have sufficient liquid resources to meet its reasonably expected obligations. Maturity of financial liabilities is set out in notes 17 and 18.

 

Capital risk management

 

The Group's capital comprises both borrowings and shareholders' equity. Its objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group's ability to continue as a going concern in order to maximise shareholder value. To maintain or adjust the capital structure the Group may adjust the dividend payment to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or alter the level of borrowings.

 

3.2   Fair value estimation

 

The carrying value of financial assets and liabilities approximate their fair values.

 

4.   Segmental reporting

 

The Group derives its revenue from two operating segments, which offer different services, being resourcing, consultancy, software and systems delivery and the Group's location intelligence business, Zubed. Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker. The chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Board of Directors.

 

 



 

 


Resourcing, consultancy and solutions

Zubed

Total


2011

£'000

2011

£'000

2011

£'000





Revenue

23,017

281

23,298


-----------

-----------

-----------





Operating profit/(loss) before exceptional items

 

147

 

(509)

 

(362)

Exceptional administrative expense: staff termination costs

 

(312)

 

(121)

 

(433)

Exceptional administrative expense: impairment of intangible asset

 

-

 

(140)

 

(140)

Exceptional administrative credit: change in surplus property provision

 

166

 

-

 

166


-----------

-----------

-----------

Operating profit/(loss) after exceptional items

 

1

 

(770)

 

(769)


-----------

-----------

-----------





Intangible assets: internally developed software:




Additions

-

151

151

Amortisation

3

260

263

Impairment

-

140

140


-----------

-----------

-----------

 


Resourcing, consultancy and solutions

Zubed

Total


2010

£'000

2010

£'000

2010

£'000





Revenue

26,673

503

27,176


-----------

-----------

-----------

Exceptional items

-

-

-

Operating profit/(loss) after exceptional items

 

32

 

(487)

 

(455)


-----------

-----------

-----------





Intangible assets: internally developed software:




Additions

-

349

349

Amortisation

5

196

201

Impairment

-

-

-


-----------

-----------

-----------

 

Assets, other than internally developed software, are not reported internally by segment as management do not require such information to manage the business, so no such segmental information is presented.

 

The Group operates solely in the UK. All material revenues are generated in the UK.

 

25% (2010: 34%) of revenue was generated in the public sector. The largest single customer contributed 15% (2010: 9%) of Group revenue and was in the private sector.

 

 

5.   Administrative expenses

There is an exceptional administrative charge of £433,000, in respect of the termination costs of employees following restructuring of the business.

There is an exceptional administrative charge of £140,000 in respect of an impairment of the carrying value of intangible assets (note 12).

There is an exceptional administrative credit of £166,000 in repect of a reduction in the provision for vacant property costs as a result of an agreement with the landlords for a one year rent holiday on the vacant property, which commenced on 25 March 2011.

 


Note

2011

2010



£'000

£'000





Administrative expenses


4,006

5,178

Exceptional administrative charge: staff  termination

 costs


 

433

 

-

Exceptional administrative charge: impairment of intangible assets

 

12

 

140

 

-

Exceptional administrative credit: vacant

 property provision

 

19

 

(166)

 

-



----------

----------

Total administrative expenses


4,413

5,178



----------

----------

 

6.   Operating loss

 


2011

2010


£'000

£'000

Operating loss is stated after charging/(crediting):

 



Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment

(49)

(12)




Depreciation of owned assets

120

273

Depreciation of leased assets

-

5

Amortisation of intangible assets

269

213

Impairment of intangible assets

140

-

Operating leases for land and buildings

607

661

Impairment of receivables

-

38

Auditors' remuneration:



   Audit of financial statements: Group and company

45

42

   Other services

4

5


---------

---------

 



 

 

7.   Finance income and expense

 


 2011

£'000

2010

£'000

Finance income



Interest receivable

2

11

Net foreign exchange gain

-

-


--------

--------

Total finance income

2

11


--------

--------

Finance expense



Bank interest payable

(22)

(28)

Finance lease interest

-

-


--------

--------

Total interest expense

(22)

(28)

Unwinding of discount on provisions

(125)

(135)

Net foreign exchange loss

(6)

(6)


--------

--------

Total finance expense

(153)

(169)


--------

--------

Net finance expense recognised in profit and loss

(151)

(158)


--------

--------

 

8.   Employees and Directors

 

Group and company

2011

2010


Number

Number

Average number of persons (including executive Directors) employed






Senior management

6

7

Fee earners

44

59

Sales

20

32

Administration and finance

19

23


---------

---------


89

121


---------

---------

 



 




Staff costs for the above persons (including executive Directors)

£'000

£'000




Wages and salaries

4,878

5,923

Social security costs

525

659

Defined contribution pension costs

260

234

Equity settled share-based payments

-

8


---------

---------


5,663

6,824


---------

---------




Directors

£'000

£'000




Emoluments

351

328

Money purchase pension contributions

16

14


--------

--------


367

342


---------

---------

 

Two Directors (2010: two) had retirement benefits accruing under money purchase pension schemes.

 

 

9.   Tax expense

 


2011

2010


£'000

£'000




Tax expense in income statement

-

-


---------

---------

 

The tax expense for the year differs from the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK (28%). The differences are explained below:


2011

2010


£'000

£'000




Loss before tax

 

(920)

(613)

Loss before tax multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 28% (2010: 28%)

 

(258)

 

(172)




Effects of:






Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

12

12

Movement in unrecognised deferred tax asset in respect of operating losses

 

226

 

155

Movement in unrecognised deferred tax asset in respect of temporary differences

 

20

 

5


--------

--------

Total  tax charge for the year

-

-


---------

---------

 

A deferred tax asset of £2,573,000 (2010: 2,508,000) has not been recognised because of the uncertainty of the timing of future profits. The unrecognised deferred tax asset may result in any future profits beng charged to tax below the standard rate.



 

 

Group and company

2011

2010


£'000

£'000




Accelerated depreciation

111

98

Other temporary differences

(1)

1

Losses carried forward indefinitely

2,463

2,409


--------

--------

Unrecognised deferred tax asset

2,573

2,508


---------

---------

 

10. Dividends

 

No dividends have been paid or proposed for year ended 31 March 2011 (2010: nil).

 

11. Loss per ordinary share

 

Loss per share has been calculated on the loss for the year divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period based on the following:

 


            2011

            2010

 

 



Loss for the year

£(920,000)

£(613,000)


--------------

--------------




Average number of shares in issue

15,149,579

15,149,579




Effect of dilutive options *

-

-


_________

_________

Average number of shares in issue plus dilutive options

 

15,149,579

 

15,149,579


--------------

--------------




Basic loss per share

(6.07)p

(4.05)p


---------

---------




Diluted loss per share

(6.07)p

(4.05)p


---------

---------

 

* The share options have no dilutive effect in either the current or previous years. Potentially dilutive share options are disclosed in Note 21.

 



 

12.    Intangible assets

 

Group and company

 

Purchased

software

 

Internally developed software

Total


£'000

£'000

£'000





Cost




At 31 March 2009

568

1,076

1,644

Additions

3

349

352

Disposals

-

-

-


--------

--------

--------

At 31 March 2010

571

1,425

1,996

Additions

2

151

153

Disposals

-

-

-


--------

--------

--------

At 31 March 2011

573

1,576

2,149


---------

---------

---------





Accumulated amortisation/imparment




At 31 March 2009

550

561

1,111

Charge for the year

12

201

213

Disposals

-

-

-


--------

--------

--------

At 31 March 2010

562

762

1,324

Charge for the year

6

263

269

Impairment

-

140

140

Disposals

-

-

-


--------

--------

--------

At 31 March 2011

568

1,165

1,733


---------

---------

---------

 




Net book value




 

At 31 March 2011

5

411

416


---------

---------

---------

At 31 March 2010

9

663

672


---------

---------

---------

 

The impairment of the carrying value of internally developed software results from projections of future demand for Zubed software which reflect revised expectations of expenditure in the public sector.



 

13.    Property, plant and equipment

 

Group and company

 

Computer

Hardware

Fixtures

& fittings

Motor

vehicles

 

Total

 


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 






 

Cost





 

At 31 March 2009

533

953

822

2,308

 

Additions

15

4

31

50

 

Disposals

-

-

(288)

(288)

 


--------

--------

--------

--------

 

At 31 March 2010

548

957

565

2,070

-

-

Additions

9

-

-

9

 

Disposals

(29)

-

(376)

(405)

 


--------

--------

--------

--------

 

At 31 March 2011

528

957

189

1,674

 


---------

---------

---------

---------

 






 

Accumulated depreciation





 

At 31 March 2009

472

910

386

1,768

 

Charge for the year

38

28

212

278

 

Disposals

-

-

(196)

(196)

 


--------

--------

--------

--------

 

At 31 March 2010

510

938

402

1,850

 

Charge for the year

25

9

86

120

 

Disposals

(28)

-

(336)

(364)

 


--------

--------

--------

--------

 

At 31 March 2011

507

947

152

1,606

 


---------

---------

---------

---------

 

 





 

Net book value





 

At 31 March 2011

21

10

37

68

 


---------

---------

---------

---------

 

At 31 March 2010

38

19

163

220

 


---------

---------

---------

---------

 






 






 

The net carrying amount of property, plant and equipment does not include any amounts in respect of assets held under finance leases.

 



 

14. Investments

 

Company

 

Investments are:

 

(a) Generic Software Consultants Limited ("Generic"), a 100% subsidiary undertaking, in respect of both voting rights and issued shares, which is registered in England and Wales and has an issued share capital of 5,610 US$1 ordinary shares.The investment is stated in the Company's books at £440.

 

Up to 31 March 2009 Generic acted as an agent for the business, but did not enter into any transactions in its own right: its business was included within the figures reported by the Company. On 1 April 2009 the agency agreement was terminated and all business is now conducted directly by the parent company through its Generic business.

 

 

(b) Triad Special Systems Limited, Generic Online Limited, Zubed Geospatial Limited, Zoobed Limited, Zubed Sales Limited, Zubed Saas Limited, Zubed Caas Limited and Zubed Analytics Limited are all 100% subsidiaries which are registered in England and Wales. They are dormant companies, which have never traded. Each has a share capital of £1.

 

15. Trade and other receivables

 

Group and company

2011

2010


£'000

£'000




Trade receivables

3,628

4,757

Less: provision for impairment of trade receivables

-

(38)


--------

--------

Trade receivables-net

3,628

4,719

Other debtors

21

6

Prepayments and accrued income

900

1,575


--------

--------


4,549

6,300


---------

---------

 

The fair value of trade and other receivables approximates closely to their book value.

Trade receivables are normally on 30 days payment terms. As at 31 March 2011 trade receivables of £1,327,000 (2010: £1,433,000) were past due but not impaired. They relate to customers with no default history. The total number of customer ledger balances at 31 March 2011 was 148 (2010: 161). The ageing analysis of these receivables is as follows:

 

Group and company

2011

2010


£'000

£'000




Up to 30 days past due

912

1,017

30 to 60 days past due

265

249

Over 60 days past due

150

167


--------

--------


1,327

1,433


---------

---------

 

Movements on the provision for impairment of trade receivables is as follows:

 

 

Group and company

2011

2010


£'000

£'000




At beginning of the year

38

6

Charged to income statement

-

38

Credited to income statement

(9)

(1)

Receivables written off as uncollectable

(29)

(5)


--------

--------

At end of the year

-

38


---------

---------

 

The carrying amount of the Group's trade and other receivables are denominated in the following currencies:

 

Group and company

2011

2010


£'000

£'000




Sterling

4,504

6,240

Euros

45

60


--------

--------


4,549

6,300


---------

---------

 

Debtor days are calculated by matching year end debtor balances to most recent sales on a day by day basis.

 

16. Cash and cash equivalents

 

Group and company

2011

2010


£'000

£'000




Cash available on demand

33

65


---------

---------

 

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates closely to their book value.

 

The carrying amount of the Group's cash and cash equivalents is denominated in the following currencies:

 

Group and company

2011

2010


£'000

£'000




Sterling

-

-

Euros

33

65


--------

--------


33

65


---------

---------

 

For the purpose of the consolidated cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash, as detailed above, net of bank borrowings repayable on demand.

 

Group and company

2011

2010


£'000

£'000




Cash available on demand

33

65

Bank borrowings repayable on demand

(789)

(673)


---------

---------


(756)

(608)


---------

---------

 

17. Trade and other payables

 


Group

Company


2011

2010

2011

2010


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000






Trade payables

1,510

1,669

1,510

1,669

Other taxation and social security

440

735

440

735

Owed to subsidiary

-

-

5

5

Accruals and deferred income

996

1,612

996

1,612


--------

--------

--------

--------


2,946

4,016

2,951

4,021


---------

---------

---------

---------

 

The maturity date of the Group's trade and other payables is as follows:

 


2011

2010


£'000

£'000




Up to 3 months

2,774

3,783

3 to 6 months

66

87

6 to 12 months

106

146


--------

--------


2,946

4,016


---------

---------

 

The fair value of trade and other payables approximates closely to their book value.

 

The carrying amount of the Group's trade payables is denominated in the following currencies:

 

Group and company

2011

2010


£'000

£'000




Sterling

2,923

3,985

Euros

23

31


--------

--------


2,946

4,016


---------

---------

 

Creditor days are calculated with reference to purchases in the last quarter of the financial year.



 

 

18. Bank borrowings

 

Group and company

2011

2010


£'000

£'000

 

Current

 



Bank borrowings

789

673


--------

--------


789

673


---------

---------




The fair value of bank borrowings approximates closely to their book value.

 

The carrying amount of the Group's financial liabilities is all denominated in sterling.

 

Bank borrowings are in the form of a receivables finance facility to borrow an amount up to 90% of approved trade debtors subject to a maximum limit of £6.6m. This facility is secured by way of a debenture over all assets, being £5.1m at 31 March 2011. Bank borrowings are repayable upon demand.

 

 

19. Provisions

 

Group and company

Provision for

vacant properties

Provision for  property dilapidation

Total






£'000

£'000

£'000





At 1 April 2010

1,475

20

1,495





Charged to income statement

-

34

34

Utilised in year

(254)

(2)

(256)

Unused amounts reversed

(53)

(1)

(54)





Exceptional rent waiver (note 5)

(166)

-

(166)





Unwinding of discount: passage of time (note 7)

125

-

125


--------

--------

--------

At 31 March 2011

1,127

51

1,178


---------

---------

---------

 

Group and company

Provision for

vacant properties

Provision for  property dilapidation

Total






£'000

£'000

£'000





The maturity profile of the present value of provisions is as follows:








Current

62

45

107

Non-current

1,065

6

1,071


--------

--------

--------


1,127

51

1,178


---------

---------

---------

 

The provision for vacant properties covers the anticipated future costs of rent, rates and other outgoings in respect of unoccupied property, less anticipated future rental income. It has been calculated on the basis of when the property is anticipated to be sub-let. These liabilities have been discounted therefore there is no material difference between the value of the provision recorded in the accounts and the fair value. The maturity profile of the carrying amount of this provision as at 31 March 2011 is as follows: 

 

Group and company

2011

2010


£'000

£'000




In one year or less

62

234

In more than one year, but not more than 2 years

211

218

In more than 2 years, but not more than 5 years

549

567

In more than 5 years

305

456


--------

--------


1,127

1,475


---------

---------

 

The provision for property dilapidation covers the estimated future costs required to meet obligations under property leases to redecorate and repair property.

 

20. Share capital

 


2011

2010

Ordinary shares of 1p each




    

    

 Issued, called up and fully paid:



 Number

15,149,579

15,149,579

 Nominal value

£151,496

£151,496

 



 

21. Share-based payments

 

At 31 March 2011 973,900 options granted under employee share option schemes remain outstanding:

 

Number

Exercise price

Performance criteria

Period options exercisable





417,900

26.5p

1

25 September 2005 to 25 September 2012

283,000

51.5p

1

8 March 2009 to 8 March 2016

273,000

14.0p

2

7 August 2011 to 7 August 2018

 

1Performance criteria:that, the Company shall have achieved a positive basic earnings per share (subject to adjustment to exclude identified exceptional items), as reported in its audited annual accounts, in any financial year commencing at least one year after the date of grant.

2Performance criteria:that if, but only if, the total Earnings per Share of the Company in the period of the three years ending 31 March 2011 exceeds 9.5p per share, and the amount of Earnings per Share for each of those years is a positive amount, then an Option shall become exercisable in respect of 50% of the shares over which it subsists. If, but only if, the total Earnings per Share of the Company in the period of three years ending 31 March 2011 exceeds 19p per share, and the amount of Earnings per Share for each of those years is a positive amount, then an Option shall become exercisable in respect of 100% of the shares over which it subsists.

 

The options outstanding at 31 March 2011 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.6 years.

 

Options have been valued using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. No performance conditions were included in the fair value calculations. In accordance with the transition provisions, IFRS 2 has been applied to all grants after 7 November 2002 that were unvested as of 1 January 2006.

 

There were no options granted during the year (2010: nil). The total expense recognised in the year is £nil (2010: £8,285).

 

A reconciliation of option movements over the year to 31 March 2011 is shown below:

 


2011

2010


Number

of options

Weighted average exercise price

Number

of options

Weighted average exercise price



Pence


Pence






Outstanding at start of year

1,460,504

30.0

1,545,496

37.5






Granted

-

-

-

-






Forfeited

(473,604)

24.6

(84,992)

35.1






Lapsed

(13,000)

208.9

-

-


--------------


--------------


Outstanding at end of year

973,900

30.3

1,460,504

30.0


--------------

---------

--------------

---------






Exercisable at end of year

700,900

36.6

1,025,504

36.8


--------------

---------

--------------

---------

 

There were no options exercised during the year. The above figures include options held by Directors which are set out in the Directors' Remuneration Report on page 50.



 

22. Commitments and contingent liabilities

 

The Group had capital commitments totalling £41,000 at 31 March 2011 (31 March 2010: nil).

 

The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, all of which relate to property, is:

 


2011

2010


£'000

£'000




Not later than 1 year

313

563

Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years

1,580

1,580

Later than 5 years

790

1,185


---------

---------


2,683

3,328


---------

---------

 

23. Related party transactions

 

The Group rents two of its offices under contracts expiring in 2018. The current annual rents of £395,000 were fixed, by independent valuation, for a five year period at the last rent review in 2008. A rent holiday has been agreed with the landlords for one of the offices for a period of one year commencing from 25 March 2011. Therefore the rent payable during this period is reduced to £215,000 (see note 5). JC Rigg, a Director, has notified the Board that he has a 50% beneficial interest in these contracts. The balance owed at the year end was £nil (2010: £nil).

 

Key management comprises the Board of Directors and their remuneration is set out in the directors' remuneration Report on page 48.



.

Five year record

 

Consolidated income statement





Years ended 31 March

 

2011

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Revenue

23,298

27,176

32,770

33,294

36,081

Gross profit

3,644

4,723

6,218

6,078

6,290

Loss on ordinary activities before taxation

(920)

(613)

(40)

(698)

(995)

Taxation on  loss on ordinary activities

-

-

-

-

(206)

Loss on ordinary activities after taxation

(920)

(613)

(40)

(698)

(1,201)

Dividends

-

-

-

-

-

Sustained loss for the  financial year

(920)

(613)

(40)

(698)

(1,201)

Basic loss per ordinary share of 1p each (pence)

(6.07)

(4.05)

(0.26)

(4.61)

(7.93)


-------

-------

-------

-------

-------

Balance sheet






As at 31 March

2011

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Non-current assets

484

892

1,073

1,071

737

Current assets

4,582

6,365

6,623

7,571

9,333

Current liabilities

(3,842)

(4,939)

(4,656)

(5,512)

(6,417)

Non-current liabilities

(1,071)

(1,245)

(1,362)

(1,418)

(1,271)


______

______

______

______

______

Net assets

153

1,073

1,678

1,712

2,382


---------

---------

---------

--------

--------

Share capital

151

151

151

151

151

Share premium account

562

562

562

562

562

Capital redemption reserve

104

104

104

104

104

Retained earnings

(664)

256

861

895

1,565


______

______

______

______

______

Equity shareholders' funds

153

1,073

1,678

1,712

2,382


---------

---------

---------

---------

---------

 



Corporate governance

 

The Board has considered the principles and provisions of the Combined Code (2008) ("the Code") as set out in the Financial Services Authority's Listing Rules and applicable for this financial period. The following statement sets out the Group's application of the principles of the Code and the extent of compliance with the Code's provisions, made in accordance with the requirements of the Listing Rules.

 

Board composition and structure

 

At the date of this Report the Board has four members: the executive Chairman, one executive Director and two independent non-executive Directors.

 

The Board exercise full and effective control of the Group.

 

The Board has a formal schedule of matters specifically reserved to it for decision, including responsibility for formulating, reviewing and approving Group strategy, budgets and major items of capital expenditure.

 

Regularly the Board will consider and discuss matters which include, but are not limited to:

 

·      Strategy;

·      Financial performance and forecast;

·      Human resources; and

·      City and compliance matters.

 

During the period under review, and to date, the Chairman has held, and continues to hold, no significant commitments outside the Group.

 

Alistair Fulton is the nominated senior independent non-executive Director.  He has long standing industry experience. He is also free from any business or other relationship which could materially interfere with the exercise of his independent judgement. The Board benefits from this experience and independence, when he brings his individual judgement to Board decisions.  He has been a non-executive Director for ten years but the Board consider that he continues to remain independent for the reasons stated above.

 

The Group has a procedure for Directors to take independent professional advice in connection with the affairs of the Group and the discharge of their duties as Directors.

 

The Chairman and the non-executive Directors are subject to a notice period of one month.

 

Directors' training 

 

Any new Board members are made fully aware of their duties and responsibilities as Directors of listed companies, and are supported in understanding and applying these by established and more experienced Directors. Further training is available for any Director at the Group's expense should the Board consider it appropriate in the interests of the Group.

 

Relations with shareholders

 

Substantial time and effort is spent by Board members on meetings with and presentations to existing and prospective investors. The views of shareholders derived from such meetings is disseminated by the Chairman to other Board members.

 

Private shareholders are invited to attend and participate at the Annual General Meeting.



 

Audit Committee

 

The Board has an Audit Committee, comprised of the Chairman John Rigg, and the independent non-executive Directors, Alistair Fulton and Steven Sanderson.  The Committee is chaired by Alistair Fulton.

 

The Board believe that John Rigg and Steven Sanderson, both Chartered Accountants with broad experience of the IT industry, and Alistair Fulton, who has been a Director of companies in the IT sector for over 20 years, have recent and relevant financial experience, as required by the Code.

 

The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing the Group's annual and interim financial statements and other announcements.  It is also responsible for reviewing the Group's internal financial controls and its internal control and risk management systems.

 

It considers the appointment and fees of external auditors, and discusses the audit scope and findings arising from audits.  The Committee is also responsible for assessing the Group's need for an internal audit function.

 

Staff may contact the senior independent non-executive Director, in confidence, to raise genuine concerns of possible improprieties in financial reporting or other matters.

 

Remuneration Committee

 

The Board has a Remuneration Committee, comprised of the Chairman John Rigg, and the independent non-executive Directors, Alistair Fulton and Steven Sanderson.  The Committee is chaired by Alistair Fulton.

 

Its key role is to determine executive Directors' remuneration.  Details of how the aspects of the Code relating to Directors' remuneration are applied are disclosed in the Directors' Remuneration Report on page 48.

 

Terms of reference

 

The terms of reference of the Audit and Remuneration Committees are available on request from the Company Secretary.

 

Board attendance

 

The following table shows the attendance of Directors at scheduled meetings of the Board and Audit and Remuneration Committees during the year ended 31 March 2011.

 


 

Board

Audit         Committee

Remuneration Committee





Number of meetings held

 

Number of meetings attended

 

Executive Directors:

16

2

1

John Rigg (Chairman)

16

2

1

Ian Haynes

7

n/a

n/a

Nick Burrows

16

n/a

n/a





Non-executive Directors:




Alistair Fulton

16

2

1

Steven Sanderson

16

2

1

 



Accountability and audit

 

Going concern

 

After making appropriate inquiries, the Directors have reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.  For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. See Directors' Report on page 9.

 

Internal controls

 

The Board has applied the internal control provisions of the Combined Code by establishing a continuous process for identifying, evaluating and managing the significant risks faced by the Group.  The Board regularly reviews the process, which has been in place from the start of the year to the date of approval of this report and which is in accordance with internal control: Guidance for Directors on the Combined Code. The Board is responsible for the Group's system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness.  Such a system is designed to manage rather than eliminate risk of failure to achieve business objectives, and can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against misstatement or loss.

 

In compliance with the Combined Code, the Audit Committee regularly reviews the effectiveness of the Group's system of internal financial control. The Board's monitoring covers all controls, including financial, operational and compliance controls and risk management.  It is based principally on reviewing reports from management to consider whether significant weaknesses are promptly remedied and indicate a need for more extensive monitoring.  

 

The Board has also performed a specific assessment for the purpose of this annual report.  This assessment considers all significant aspects of internal control arising during the period covered by the report.

 

The key elements of the internal control system are described below:

 

·      Clearly documented procedures contained in a series of manuals covering Group operations and management, which are subject to internal project audit and external audit as well as regular Board review.

 

·      An appropriate budgeting process where the business prepares budgets for the coming year, which are approved by the Board.

 

·      Close involvement in the day to day management of the business by the executive Directors.

 

·      Regular meetings between the Chairman and full-time executive Directors to discuss and monitor potential risks to the business.

 

 

The Audit Committee has considered the need for a separate internal audit function this year but does not consider it appropriate in view of the above controls, and in light of the size of the Group. The Group is certified to ISO 9001: 2000.

 

Statement of compliance

 

The Board considers that it has been compliant with the provisions of Section 1 of the Code for the whole of the period, except as detailed below:

 

A.2.1

The roles of chairman and chief executive should not be exercised by the same individual. Ian Haynes was Chief Executive until his departure from the Company on 19 November 2010; a replacement has not been appointed. John Rigg is the Executive Chairman.

A.4.1/ 4.6

There should be a nominations committee which should lead the process for board appointments and make recommendations to the board.  The Board considers that because of its size, the whole Board should be involved in Board appointments.

A.6

The board should undertake a formal and rigorous annual evaluation of its own performance and that of its committees and individual directors. There is a process of continuous informal evaluation, due to the small size of the Board.

A.7.2

Non-executive directors should be appointed for specified terms.  Although not appointed for fixed terms, Non-executive Directors are subject to re-election by rotation every three years at the Annual General Meeting.  Their contracts are subject to a notice period that does not exceed one month.

Non-executive directors may serve longer than nine years, subject to annual re-election. The Board consider that because of its size, re-election by rotation every three years at the Annual General Meeting is sufficient.

 

By order of the Board

 

 

 

 

 

NE Burrows

Company Secretary

24 June 2011



Directors' remuneration report

 

Unaudited information

 

Remuneration committee

 

The Remuneration Committee has, during the year, been comprised of the Chairman and the independent non-executive Directors. These are:

 

 

            A M Fulton (Chairman of the Remuneration Committee)

 

            J C Rigg

           

            S M Sanderson

 

The Group's Remuneration Committee is authorised to take appropriate counsel to enable it to discharge its duty to make recommendations to the Board in respect of all aspects of the remuneration package of Directors.

 

Remuneration policy

 

The Group's remuneration policy is to provide remuneration packages which secure and retain management of the highest quality. Therefore when determining the remuneration packages of executive Directors, the Remuneration Committee considers a number of factors including:

 

·      the salaries and benefits available to executive Directors of comparable companies;

·      the need to ensure executive Directors' commitment to the continued success of the Group;

·      the experience of each executive Director; and

·      the nature and complexity of the work of each executive Director.

 

The resultant remuneration packages for executive Directors comprise the following elements:

 

·     a competitive basic salary;

·     contributions to personal pension schemes or a cash alternative;

·     employment related benefits including the provision of a company car or car allowance, life assurance and medical assurance;

·     discretionary share options; and

·     discretionary performance-related remuneration

 

It is the Group's policy to contribute to the personal pension scheme of each executive Director. A Director may elect to receive an equivalent cash alternative.

 

There is no scheme providing entitlement to share options, and there is no long-term incentive scheme. The Group does not believe that performance related bonuses are appropriate at the present time. The executive Directors' existing interest in shares and share options are expected to align their interests with those of shareholders.

 

In setting the Executive Directors' remuneration the Committee takes into account the pay and employment conditions applicable across the Group in the reported period.  In common with the fact that there were no general pay increases for employees elsewhere in the Group, no increases were made in the period to Directors' remuneration terms since the prior year.

 

It is the Group's policy in relation to Directors' contracts that:

 

·      executive Directors should have contracts with an indefinite term providing for a maximum of six months notice by either party.

·      non-executive Directors should have terms of engagement for an indefinite term providing for one month notice by either party.

·      there is no provision for termination payments to Directors.

 

The remuneration of the non-executive Directors is agreed by the Board. However no Director is involved in deciding their own remuneration.

 

Performance graph

 

The following graph shows the Group's performance, measured by total shareholder return, compared with the performance of the FTSE Fledgling Index ("FTSEFI") also measured by total shareholder return ("TSR"). The FTSEFI has been selected for this comparison because it is an index of companies with similar current market capitalisation to Triad Group Plc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Directors' contracts

 

The details of the Directors' contracts are summarised as follows:

 


Date of contract

Notice period




J C Rigg

01/07/1999

1 month

A M Fulton

19/02/1997

1 month

S M Sanderson

01/01/2007

1 month

N E Burrows

19/10/2009

6 months

 

All contracts are for an indefinite period. No contract has any provision for the payment of compensation upon the termination of that contract.



 

Directors' interests in shares

 

The Directors who held office at the end of the financial year had the following beneficial interests in the ordinary shares of the Company. No change has occurred between the year end and the date of this report.

 


1 April 2010

31 March 2011




A M Fulton

354,100

354,100

J C Rigg

4,509,400

4,509,400

S M Sanderson

86,106

86,106

N E Burrows

7,893

7,893




 

Audited information

 

Directors' emoluments

 

The emoluments of each of the Directors for the period they served as a Director are set out below:

 






2011

2010

Director

 

 

Basic salary

and fees

Discretionary bonus

Expense allowances

Benefits

 in kind

Total

Total


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Executive














J C Rigg

25

-

-

-

25

25

I M Haynes (resigned 19.11.10)

166

-

8

4

178

215

N E Burrows (appointed 19.10.09)

95

-

-

10

105

43








Non-executive














A M Fulton

25

-

-

-

25

25

S M Sanderson

20

-

-

-

20

20


-----------

-------------

-------------

-----------

---------

-----------


331

-

8

14

353

328


-----------

-------------

-------------

-----------

---------

-----------

 

Expense allowances include car allowances and payments in lieu of pensions and other benefits.

Benefits in kind include the provision of medical insurance.

 

Directors' pension entitlements are shown on page 51.

 



 

Directors' share options

 

The interests of executive Directors in share options were as follows:

 


At beginning of year

Granted during year

Forfeited

during year

At end of year

Exercise price

Exercise period








I M Haynes :

 







granted 04.10.02

200,000

-

(200,000)

-

25.0p

04.10.05 to 04.10.12

granted 07.08.08

 

100,000

-

(100,000)

-

14.0p

07.08.11 to 07.08.18

N E Burrows :

 







granted 25.09.02

 

15,000

-

-

15,000

26.5p

25.09.05 to 25.09.21

granted 07.03.06

 

20,000

-

-

20,000

51.5p

07.03.09 to 07.03.16

granted 07.08.08

 

25,000

-

-

25,000

14.0p

07.08.11 to 07.08.18


-----------

-----------

-----------

-----------




360,000

-

(300,000)

60,000




-----------

-----------

-----------

-----------



 

Share options are exercisable provided that the relevant performance requirement has been satisfied.

 

·      The performance requirement in relation to the options granted in 2002 and 2006 is that the Group shall have achieved positive earnings per share in any financial year commencing at least one year after the date of grant of the option. This performance requirement is the same as that applying to employee share options granted at the same time.

·      The performance requirement in relation to the options granted in 2008 is that if, but only if, the total Earnings per Share of the Group in the period of the three years ending 31 March 2011 exceeds 9.5p per share, and the amount of Earnings per Share for each of those years is a positive amount, then an Option shall become exercisable in respect of 50% of the shares over which it subsists. If, but only if, the total Earnings per Share of the Group in the period of three years ending 31 March 2011 exceeds 19p per share, and the amount of Earnings per Share for each of those years is a positive amount, then an Option shall become exercisable in respect of 100% of the shares over which it subsists.

 

The total share based payment expense recognised in the year in respect of Directors' share options is £nil (2010: £2,723).

 

The market price of the Company's shares was 17.0p at 31 March 2011 and the range during the year was between 15.0p and 31.5p.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Directors' pension entitlement

 

Two Directors are members of money purchase schemes into which the Group made contributions during the year. The contributions paid by the Group in respect of these Directors is as follows:

 


2011

2010


£'000

£'000




I M Haynes (resigned 19.11.10)

7

10

N E Burrows (appointed 19.10.09)

9

4


-----------------

----------------

 

Pension contributions for N Burrows are greater than the 5% of salary shown as it includes an additional amount of £4,000 relating to the Group's salary exchange scheme. This reflects a sacrifice from his salary plus the resulting National Insurance saving for the company (12.8% of the sum sacrificed).

 

Long term incentive scheme

 

The Group does not operate a long term incentive scheme.

 

Compliance

 

This report has been prepared in accordance with the Directors' Remuneration Report Regulations 2003. The report also meets the relevant requirements of the Financial Services Authority's Listing Rules and describes how the Board has applied the Principles of Good Governance relating to Directors' remuneration. As required by the Regulations, a resolution to approve the report will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.

 

 

By order of the Board

 

 

 

 

NE Burrows

Company secretary

24 June 2011

 

 



Shareholders' information and financial calendar

 

Share register

 

Equiniti maintain the register of members of the Company.  If you have any questions about your personal holding of the Company's shares, please contact:

 

Equiniti

PO Box 4630

Aspect House

Spencer Road

Lancing

West Sussex

BN99 6QQ

 

Telephone:  0870 6015366

 

If you change your name or address or if the details on the envelope enclosing the report, including your postcode, are incorrect or incomplete, please notify the registrar in writing.

 

Shareholders' enquiries

 

If you have an enquiry about the Group's business, or about something affecting you as a shareholder (other than queries which are dealt with by the registrar) you should contact the Company Secretary, by letter or telephone at the Company's registered office.

 

Company Secretary and registered office:

 

Nick Burrows

Triad Group Plc

Weyside Park

Catteshall Lane

Godalming

Surrey 

GU7 1XE

 

Telephone:        01483 860222

Fax:                  01483 860198

Email:               investors@triad.co.uk

 

Financial calendar

 

Annual General Meeting

Summer 2011

 

 

 

Financial year ended 31 March 2012: expected

announcement of results

 

 

 

 

   Half year

November 2011

 

 

   Full year preliminary announcement     

June 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                               

 

Corporate information

 


 

Executive Directors

 

John Rigg, Chairman

Nick Burrows

 

 

 

Non-executive Directors

 

Alistair Fulton

Steven Sanderson

 

 

 

Secretary and registered office

 

Nick Burrows

Triad Group Plc

Weyside Park

Catteshall Lane

Godalming

Surrey

GU7 1XE

 

Telephone:     01483 860222

Fax:                 01483 860198

Email:             investors@triad.co.uk

 

 

Country of incorporation and domicile of parent company

 

United Kingdom

 

Legal form

 

Public limited company

 

Company number

 

2285049

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Registered Auditors

 

BDO LLP
55 Baker Street
London
W1U 7EU 

 

Solicitors

 

Allen & Overy LLP

One Bishops Square

London

E1 6AO

 

Bankers

 

Lloyds TSB Bank plc

City Office

11-15 Monument Street

London

EC3V 9JA

 

Stockbrokers

 

Evolution Securities Ltd

100 Wood Street

London

EC2V 7AN

 

 

Registrars

 

Equiniti

PO Box 4630

Aspect House

Spencer Road

Lancing

West Sussex

BN99 6QQ

 

 


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
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