Final Results

Volvere PLC 22 March 2005 22 March 2005 VOLVERE PLC FINAL RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2004 Volvere plc ('Volvere' or 'the Company'), the turnaround investment company, announces its final results for the year ended 31 December 2004. The prior period to 31 December 2003 reflected the results of the Company since incorporation and approximately 7 months of trading from Vectra Group Limited ('Vectra'), acquired during 2003. Highlights • Turnover £10.5m (period to 31 December 2003: £7.06m), all arising from the Group's subsidiary, Vectra Group Limited ('Vectra') • Pre-tax and post-tax loss £0.21m (period to 31 December 2003 profit: £0.55m), stated after crediting negative goodwill of £0.06m (period to 31 December 2003: £1.25m) and charging restructuring costs of £0.1m relating to Vectra (period to 31 December 2003: £0.1m) • Vectra profitable before Group management charges since first quarter of year following successful turnaround and new business wins; average monthly operating loss before Group management charges reduced to £4k (7 months to 31 December 2003: £63k) • Net assets of £3.84m (31 December 2003: £4.0m; 2 July 2004: £3.83m) • Cash on hand £3.00m (31 December 2003: £3.28m; 2 July 2004: £3.01m) • Basic loss per share 5.82p (31 December 2003 profit: 16.53p; 2 July 2004 loss: 6.02p). • No dividend proposed Lord Kalms, Chairman of Volvere plc, said: 'I am pleased to report a continued improvement in Volvere's underlying financial performance arising from the increasingly positive trading at the Group's sole subsidiary, Vectra. Vectra has been profitable (before Group management charges) since the end of the first quarter last year and we have seen a reassuring start to 2005. We have several interesting potential acquisitions and investment opportunities under review.' For further information, please contact: Jonathan Lander, Chief Executive Officer Nick Lander, Chief Operating & Financial Officer Volvere plc + 44 (0) 20 7979 7596 Terry Garrett Weber Shandwick Square Mile + 44 (0) 20 7067 0700 Jeff Keating Teather & Greenwood + 44 (0) 20 7426 9000 CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT I am pleased to report on the results for the year ended 31 December 2004. Last year I reported how we believed that the changes we made to Vectra's operations put it on a platform for growth and profitability. Vectra's performance continues to improve and its turnaround is substantially complete. We reported in our interim results that Vectra was profitable before group management charges in the second quarter. I am pleased to report that profitability continued in the third and fourth quarters. As part of our commitment to see Vectra's performance increase further we have strengthened the management team with the recruitment of a highly experienced Managing Director. This has the further benefit of freeing Group management from Vectra's day-to-day operations and permits increased focus on originating follow-on corporate transactions. OUTLOOK The trading at Vectra has continued to be reassuring in the early part of 2005 and we remain confident for the rest of the year. The Group has significant cash reserves, a strong balance sheet and a profitable subsidiary. I look forward to new opportunities as they arise in the year ahead. Lord Kalms Chairman 22 March 2005 CHIEF EXECUTIVE STATEMENT I have reported before on how the strength of equity markets and low levels of interest rates have made it more difficult for us to find companies trading below the realisable value of their net assets or alternatively that were in distress. During the period we nevertheless identified one company that we felt was undervalued, namely NMT Group PLC. At the year end we held approximately 3.7% of that company's share capital, which we acquired at an attractive price. We reviewed a number of distressed companies during the period although none have met our requirements for investment or acquisition. The number of proposals that we have considered has however increased. We have set a high standard with our acquisition of Vectra in 2003 and remain committed to further acquisitions. I remain confident of the growth potential of Vectra. OPERATING REVIEW - VECTRA Vectra's turnover for the year ended 31 December 2004 was £10,501,000 (24 May 2003 to 31 December 2003 £7,061,000) and its operating loss before Group management charges was £43,000 (see Table A) (24 May 2003 to 31 December 2003: £444,000). This result is good, particularly since it is stated after restructuring costs of £98,000 (24 May 2003 to 31 December 2003 £114,000). Vectra's operating loss before Group management charges has continued to reduce, with a monthly average for 2004 of less than £4,000. This compares very favourably with a 2003 pre-acquisition loss of approximately £201,000 per month and 2003 post-acquisition average loss of approximately £63,000 per month. Further information about Vectra's performance is contained in the Financial Review below. Following its establishment in late 2003, our Middle East office has delivered new leads and new business with local clients. There and elsewhere we have won new assignments and extensions to existing client projects including contracts with Shell Group, JGC Corporation, BNFL, Dolphin Energy, Fluor, ProRail (The Netherlands), Tube Lines, Metronet, Network Rail, QinetiQ, the London Boroughs of Brent and Hillingdon and the Health and Safety Executive. Our main market sectors remain: Nuclear, Oil and Gas, Transport and Property. EMPLOYEES We have recruited a new Managing Director for Vectra who joined in January 2005. I am confident that this will allow us to build on the considerable work that the management and employees of Vectra have put in over the last two years. The level of professionalism as well as motivation and dedication of our staff continues to be our strength. These are the reasons for the turnaround and for which I thank them. ACQUISITIONS AND FUTURE STRATEGY The successful turnaround of Vectra shows that we can source, acquire and turn round companies within an acceptable timescale and on attractive terms. We remain committed to building our existing subsidiary into a very profitable unit. At the same time we are looking to acquire other companies that offer attractive returns at an acceptable level of risk. Jonathan Lander Chief Executive 22 March 2005 FINANCIAL REVIEW This Financial Review covers the Group's performance during the year ended 31 December 2004. It should be read in conjunction with the Chairman's and Chief Executive's statements. TURNOVER AND OPERATING PERFORMANCE As noted in the Chief Executive's report, Vectra's operating performance continued to improve during the year. Table A below summarises key financial information in relation to Vectra. Turnover in the period was £10,501,000, all of which was generated by Vectra. Vectra's average monthly turnover fell by 13% during the year when compared with the seven month post-acquisition period from 24 May 2003 to 31 December 2003. This was due principally to lower volumes in the Contract Recruitment and Disaster Recovery businesses, following our decision to reduce our activities in the former and exit the latter. Both businesses were not capable of achieving suitable levels of profitability for the risks associated with them. The Group's loss before tax for the year was £211,000 (2003: profit £546,000), after realising £60,000 of negative goodwill (2003: £1,252,000). The reduction compared to the prior period was a result of the underlying assets acquired, which gave rise to the negative goodwill, having been turned substantially into cash or consumed in the business. Although the Group reported a loss before tax for the year as a whole, this was less than that reported at the interim results for the first half of the year (2 July 2004: £218,000), the improved second half performance at Vectra resulting in a small profit before tax being achieved overall in the second half. This was achieved in spite of turnover being 7% lower in the second half of the year (2nd Half £5,054,000, 1st Half £5,447,000), due principally to reduced billable hours over the summer and Christmas vacation periods. The gross margin was 45% for the year (2003: 42%), all of which was attributable to Vectra. During the year, we saw margins increase between the first half (44%) and second half (46%). Table A Year ended 31 24 May December 2003 to 31 2004 December 2003 £000 £000 Turnover 10,501 7,061 Average monthly turnover 875 1,009 Operating loss (notes 1 and 2) (43) (444) Average monthly operating loss (notes 1 and 2) (4) (63) Note 1: The operating loss for the year is before group management charges of £480,000 (24 May to 31 December 2003: £616,000). Note 2: The operating loss for the year is after restructuring costs of £98,000 (24 May to 31 December 2003: £114,000). TAXATION The Group had no tax charge in the year. LOSS PER SHARE The basic and diluted loss per share was 5.82p (2003 basic and diluted earnings per share: 16.53p and 15.44p respectively). During the year the Group implemented a share option scheme in which all staff are entitled to participate, subject to certain conditions. NEGATIVE GOODWILL Negative goodwill arising on the acquisition of Vectra has been capitalised as an intangible asset and credited to the profit and loss account during the period in so far as the assets acquired have been consumed or realised as cash. In the period an amount of £nil (2003: £1,402,000) was capitalised and £60,000 (2003: £1,252,000) credited to the profit and loss account. CASH MANAGEMENT The Group had no borrowings during the year. Cash balances totalled £3,003,000 (2003: £3,238,000). Although cash was lower than the prior period, the reduction was after investments made in 2004 totalling £192,000. HEDGING It is not the Group's policy to enter into derivative instruments to hedge interest rate risk. DIVIDENDS In accordance with the policy set out in our prospectus on our admission to AIM, the Board does not currently intend to recommend payment of a dividend but prefers to retain profits as they arise for investment in future opportunities. Nick Lander Chief Operating & Financial Officer 22 March 2005 CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT Year ended 31 December 2004 Period from 5 Year July 2002 ended 31 to 31 December December 2004 2003* Note £000 £000 £000 £000 TURNOVER 2 10,501 7,061 Cost of sales (5,787) (4,090) Gross profit 4,714 2,971 Administrative expenses - before realisation of negative goodwill (5,075) (3,768) - realisation of negative goodwill 60 1,252 (5,015) (2,516) OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT (301) 455 Finance income - interest receivable 90 91 (LOSS)/PROFIT ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAX 2 (211) 546 Tax on profit on ordinary activities 5 - - (LOSS)/PROFIT ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES AFTER TAX, BEING RETAINED (LOSS)/PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD 15 (211) 546 (LOSS)/EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE OF 0.00001p: - Basic 7 (5.82p) 16.53p - Diluted 7 (5.82p) 15.44p All results are derived from continuing operations. There have been no recognised gains and losses attributable to the shareholders other than the losses for the current and preceding financial period and accordingly, no statement of total recognised gains and losses is shown. * The consolidated profit and loss for the period from 5 July 2002 to 31 December 2003 includes the results of Vectra Group Limited for the period from acquisition on 24 May 2003 to 31 December 2003. BALANCE SHEETS 31 December 2004 2004 2003 Group Company Group Company Note £000 £000 £000 £000 FIXED ASSETS Intangible fixed assets - negative goodwill 8 (90) - (150) - Tangible fixed assets 9 153 - 215 - Investments 10 192 2,316 - 2,124 255 2,316 65 2,124 CURRENT ASSETS Stocks 11 - 5 - Debtors 12 2,790 78 2,937 645 Cash at bank and in hand 3,003 1,964 3,283 1,258 5,793 2,042 6,225 1,903 CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year 13 (2,208) (225) (2,289) (184) NET CURRENT ASSETS 3,585 1,817 3,936 1,719 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 3,840 4,133 4,001 3,843 CAPITAL AND RESERVES Called up share capital 14 50 50 50 50 Share premium account 15 50 50 - - Profit and loss account 15 3,740 4,033 3,951 3,793 EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS 16 3,840 4,133 4,001 3,843 CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT Year ended 31 December 2004 Period from 5 July 2002 to Year ended 31 31 December December 2004 2003* Note £000 £000 Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities 17 (206) 1,356 Returns on investments and servicing of finance 18 90 91 Capital expenditure and financial investment 18 (214) (59) Acquisitions and disposals 18 - (1,560) Cash outflow before management of liquid resources and financing (330) (172) Financing 18 50 3,455 (Decrease)/increase in cash in the year (280) 3,283 * The consolidated cash flow statement for the period from 5 July 2002 to 31 December 2003 includes the results of Vectra Group Limited for the period from acquisition on 24 May 2003 to 31 December 2003. NOTES TO THE PRELIMINARY ANNOUCEMENT Year ended 31 December 2004 The financial information set out in the announcement does not constitute the company's statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2004 or the period ended 31 December 2003. The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2003 is derived from the statutory accounts for that year which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors reported on those accounts; their report was unqualified and did not contain a statement under s237(2) or (3) Companies Act 1985. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2004 will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the company's annual general meeting. ACCOUNTING POLICIES A summary of the principal accounting policies, all of which have been applied during the period from incorporation, is set out below. Basis of accounting The financial statements and preliminary announcement are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable United Kingdom accounting standards and on the basis of the accounting policies set out in the audited accounts to 31 December 2003. The group financial statements consolidate the financial statements of Volvere plc and its subsidiary undertaking drawn up to 31 December 2004. The results of subsidiaries acquired or sold are consolidated for the periods from or to the date on which control passed. Acquisitions are accounted for under the acquisition method. Goodwill Goodwill, representing the excess of the fair value of consideration given over the fair value of separable net assets acquired, is capitalised as an intangible asset and is amortised over a period of 20 years, being the directors assessment of its likely future life. Provision is made for any impairment. Negative goodwill, representing the excess of the fair value of the separable net assets acquired over the fair value of the consideration given, is capitalised as an intangible asset and credited to the profit and loss account over the periods in which the assets acquired are consumed or realised as cash. Tangible fixed assets The cost of tangible fixed assets is their purchase cost, together with any incidental costs of acquisition. Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of tangible fixed 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: Improvements to short leasehold property Over the life of the lease Plant and machinery 20% - 33% Investments Investments are carried in the balance sheet at cost less provision for diminution in value. Stocks and work in progress Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Provision is made for obsolete, slow moving and defective stocks. Net realisable value is based on estimated selling price less the estimated cost of disposal. Amounts recoverable on contracts Amounts recoverable on short-term contracts include the cost of direct materials and labour plus attributable overheads. Full provision is made on uncompleted contracts for anticipated losses to completion. Turnover Turnover is recognised on a basis appropriate to the nature of the income source. Turnover earned on time and materials contracts is recognised as costs are incurred. Income from fixed price contracts is recognised in proportion to the stage of completion of the relevant contract. NOTES TO THE PRELIMINARY ANNOUCEMENT (CONTINUED) Year ended 31 December 2004 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) Taxation Current tax, including UK corporation tax and foreign tax, is provided at amounts expected to be paid (or recovered) using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date where transactions or events that result in an obligation to pay more tax in the future, or a right to pay less tax in the future, have occurred at the balance sheet date. Timing differences are differences between the group's taxable profits and its results as stated in the financial statements. These arise from including gains and losses in different periods from those recognised in the financial statements. A net deferred tax asset is regarded as recoverable and therefore recognised only when, on the basis of all available evidence, it can be regarded as more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits from which the future reversal of the underlying timing difference can be deducted. Deferred tax is measured at the average tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which the timing differences are expected to reverse based on tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is measured on a non-discounted basis. Foreign currencies All transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the actual rate of exchange ruling on the date of the transaction. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date at the end of the financial year. All exchange differences arising are taken to the profit and loss account in the year in which they arise. Investment income Income from investments is included in the profit and loss account on an accruals basis, before deduction of any related tax credit. Pension costs The group's subsidiary undertaking, Vectra, operates a defined contribution scheme. Vectra's contributions are charged against profits in the years in which they fall due. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company and group in independently administered funds. The group provides no other post retirement benefits to its employees. Operating leases Costs in respect of operating leases are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the lease term. 2. TURNOVER AND (LOSS)/PROFIT ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAX The turnover is attributable to the continuing operations and principal activity of safety, risk and other consulting and field services. By Destination and Origin 2004 2003 £000 £000 United Kingdom 8,599 6,197 Rest of Europe 1,187 555 United States of America - 23 Other 715 286 10,501 7,061 Loss)/Profit on ordinary activities before taxation is stated after charging/ (crediting): 2004 2003 £000 £000 Profit on sale of fixed assets - 1 Depreciation on owned assets 84 80 Realisation of negative goodwill (see note 8) (60) (1,252) Auditors' remuneration: - audit services 35 48 - non-audit services 7 24 Operating lease costs - plant and machinery 163 131 - other 438 218 Exchange loss/(gain) 2 (19) Auditors' remuneration in respect of the company was £14,500 (2003: £24,000). 3. DIRECTORS' EMOLUMENTS The remuneration of the directors was as follows: 2004 2003 £000 £000 Emoluments 136 91 The services of Jonathan Lander, Nick Lander and Richard Kalms are provided under the terms of a Service Agreement dated 19 December 2002 with Dawnay, Day Lander Limited. The amount charged under this agreement (which is included in the amount stated above) for the period amounted to £100,000. None of the directors were members of the group's defined contribution pension plan in the year. 4. STAFF COSTS 2004 2003 £000 £000 Wages and salaries 5,691 4,111 Social security costs 666 429 Pension costs 251 148 6,608 4,688 The average monthly number of persons employed by the group during the period was 124 of which management and administration numbered 30 and consultants and other chargeable staff totalled 94 (2003: 184 being management and administration 38, consultants and other chargeable staff 146). The group's subsidiary undertaking, Vectra, operates a defined contribution pension plan to which it and its employees contribute. 5. TAX ON (LOSS)/PROFIT ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES 2004 2003 £000 £000 UK corporation tax - - The standard rate of tax for the year, based on the UK standard rate of corporation tax is 30% (2003: 30%). The actual tax charge for the year exceeds the standard rate for the reasons set out in the following reconciliation. 2004 2003 £000 £000 (Loss)/profit on ordinary activities before tax (211) 546 Tax charge on loss on ordinary activities at standard rate 63 (164) Factors affecting charge for the period: Income not chargeable for tax purposes (3) 336 Capital allowances in excess of depreciation 17 (3) Tax losses not recognised (83) (167) Movement in short term timing differences 6 (2) Total actual amount of current tax - - At 31 December 2004 a deferred tax asset has not been recognised in respect of timing differences relating to capital allowances, revenue losses and other short term timing differences as there is insufficient evidence that the asset will be recovered against future taxable profits. The amount of the asset not recognised is £543,421 (2003: £396,000). 6. PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY The profit for the financial year dealt with in the financial statements of the parent company was £240,000 (2003: £388,000). As permitted by Section 230 of the Companies Act 1985, no separate profit and loss account is presented in respect of the parent company. 7. EARNINGS PER SHARE The weighted average number of shares and earnings used to calculate earnings per share are given below: 2004 2003 Number Number Number of shares used for basic earnings per share 3,628,525 3,303,602 Number of shares deemed to be issued at nil consideration under incentive share scheme (see note 14) 185,820 232,053 Number of shares used for diluted earnings per share 3,814,345 3,535,655 2004 2003 £000 £000 (Loss)/earnings attributable to shareholders (211) 546 At the end of the period 3,638,440 ordinary shares (2003: 3,609,720) were in issue. In addition, 99,470 convertible shares (2003: 100,000) were in issue and options for 237,741 shares (2003: 145,691). FRS14 requires presentation of diluted EPS when a company could be called upon to issue shares that would decrease net profit or increase net loss per share. For a loss making company with outstanding share options net loss per share would only be increased by the exercise of out-of-the-money share options. Accordingly, no adjustment has been made to diluted EPS for out-of-the-money share options. 8. INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS - NEGATIVE GOODWILL Negative Goodwill £000 Cost At 1 January 2004 (1,402) At 31 December 2004 (1,402) Amortisation At 1 January 2004 1,252 Realised in the year 60 At 31 December 2004 1,312 Net book value At 31 December 2004 (90) At 31 December 2003 (150) The balance of negative goodwill is being realised over the periods in which the assets to which it relates are consumed by the Group. This period is expected to extend out four years. 9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Group Short leasehold Plant and property machinery Total £000 £000 £000 Cost At 1 January 2004 414 994 1,408 Additions 5 20 25 Disposals - (29) (29) At 31 December 2004 419 985 1,404 Depreciation At 1 January 2004 294 899 1,193 Charge for the year 24 60 84 Disposals - (26) (26) At 31 December 2004 318 933 1,251 Net book value At 31 December 2004 101 52 153 At 31 December 2003 120 95 215 10. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS 2004 2003 Group Company Group Company £000 £000 £000 £000 Subsidiary undertaking - 2,124 - 2,124 Other investments 192 192 - - 192 2,316 - 2,124 The Company's investments represent 100% of the ordinary share capital of Vectra Group Limited and 3.7% of the ordinary share capital of NMT Group PLC. Subsidiary undertakings Group Company £000 £000 Cost and Net Book Value 1 January 2004 - 2,124 Additions - - 31 December 2004 - 2,124 Other investments Group Company £000 £000 Cost and Net Book Value 1 January 2004 - - Additions 192 192 31 December 2004 192 192 Group Company £000 £000 Listed investments included above 192 192 Aggregate market value as at 31 December 2004 172 172 11. STOCKS 2004 2003 Group Company Group Company £000 £000 £000 £000 Finished goods and goods for resale - - 5 - 12. DEBTORS 2004 2003 Group Company Group Company £000 £000 £000 £000 Trade debtors 1,643 - 1,383 - Amounts recoverable on contracts 876 - 1,231 - Amounts due from subsidiary undertaking - 69 - 636 Other debtors 13 - 49 - Prepayments and accrued income 258 9 274 9 2,790 78 2,937 645 13. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2004 2003 Group Company Group Company £000 £000 £000 £000 Trade creditors 735 128 655 32 Corporation tax - - 12 - Other taxes and social security 174 - 211 - VAT payable 388 32 402 90 Other creditors 263 - 277 - Accruals and deferred income 648 65 732 62 2,208 225 2,289 184 14. CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL Company 2004 2003 £000 £000 Authorised 100,100,000 Ordinary shares of £0.0000001 each - - 50,000 A shares of £0.49999995 each 25 25 50,000 B shares of £0.49999995 each 25 25 4,999,999,500,000 Deferred shares of £0.00000001 each 50 50 Issued, called-up and fully paid 3,638,440 ordinary shares of £0.0000001 each (2003: 3,607,720) - - 49,735 A shares of £0.49999995 each (2003: 50,000) 25 25 49,735 B shares of £0.49999995 each (2003: 50,000) 25 25 2,649,998,554 Deferred shares of £0.00000001 each (2003: nil) - - On 7 May 2004 28,985 £0.0000001 ordinary shares were issued at £1.725 each, giving rise to share premium on issue of £49,999. The A and B class shares rank pari passu with the ordinary shares on a return of capital and have equal voting rights. The A and B shares became capable of being converted into ordinary shares at the option of the holder on or after 24 December 2003 and 24 December 2004 respectively, on a predetermined conversion formula based upon share price performance, whereby 15% of the growth in market capitalisation of Group is attributable to the holders of the A and B shares. On 24 August 2004 265 A shares were converted into 591 ordinary shares and the these, along with the holding of 265 ordinary shares held before conversion of the A shares, were redeemed by the company for a consideration of £1,455. Based on the closing share price of £1.525 at 31 December 2004, the A and B class shares would be capable of converting into 185,820 ordinary shares (2003: 232,053). The deferred shares carry no rights to participate in the profits or assets of the Company and carry no voting rights. Option scheme Date of grant Exercise price (pence) Number Volvere plc EMI Plan 30 June 2004 187.5 78,594 31 December 2004 190.0 92,050 Unapproved 13 April 2004 187.5 31,000 24 December 2002 100.0 36,097 237,741 Options granted under the Volvere plc EMI Plan vest subject to certain performance and time-based criteria and are exercisable between 3 and 10 years following grant. The Unapproved options granted on 13 April 2004 vest as to 10,334 on each of 8 December 2004 and 8 December 2005 and 10,332 on 8 December 2006. Those granted on 24 December 2002 can be exercised at any time until 24 December 2007. 15. SHARE PREMIUM AND RESERVES Group Profit and Share loss premium account Total £000 £000 £000 At beginning of period - 3,951 3,951 (Loss) transferred for the year - (211) (211) Premium on share issues (net of expenses) 50 - 50 At end of period 50 3,740 3,790 Company Profit and Share loss premium account Total £000 £000 £000 At beginning of period - 3,793 3,793 Profit transferred for the year - 240 240 Premium on share issues (net of expenses) 50 - 50 At end of period 50 4,033 4,083 16. RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENT IN SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS 2004 2003 Group Company Group Company £000 £000 £000 £000 Opening shareholders' funds 4,001 3,843 - - Issue of share capital 50 50 3,610 3,610 Expenses associated with issue of share capital - - (155) (155) (Loss)/profit for the period (211) 240 546 388 Closing shareholders' funds 3,840 4,133 4,001 3,843 17. RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT TO OPERATING CASH FLOWS 2004 2003 £000 £000 Operating (loss)/profit (301) 455 Depreciation 84 80 Realisation of negative goodwill (60) (1,252) Loss on sale of fixed assets - 1 Decrease/(increase) in stocks 5 (5) Decrease in debtors 147 1,489 (Decrease)/increase in creditors (81) 588 Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities (206) 1,356 18. ANALYSIS OF CASH FLOWS Group 2004 2003 £000 £000 Returns on investments and servicing of finance Interest received 90 91 Net cash inflow from returns on investments and servicing of finance 90 91 Capital expenditure and financial investment Purchase of tangible fixed assets (25) (64) Sale of tangible fixed assets 3 5 Purchase of equity investment (192) - Net cash outflow from capital expenditure and financial investment (214) (59) Acquisitions and disposals Acquisition of subsidiary undertaking - (2,124) Net cash acquired on acquisition of subsidiary undertaking - 564 Net cash outflow from acquisition and disposals - (1,560) Financing Issue of share capital 50 3,610 Costs associated with issue of share capital - (155) Net cash inflow from financing 50 3,455 Vectra Group Limited's net cash outflow from operating activities for the year was £907,000 (2003: inflow £1,510,000), received £12,000 (2003: £10,000) in respect of net returns on investment and servicing of finance, paid £nil (2003: £nil) in respect of taxation and utilised £25,000 (2003: £64,000) for capital expenditure. 19. ANALYSIS AND RECONCILIATION OF NET FUNDS Group 31 December 31 December 2003 Cashflow 2004 £000 £000 £000 Cash in hand at bank, being net funds 3,283 (280) 3,003 The group had no debt during the year or at 31 December 2004. 20. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Operating leases The group has the following annual commitments under non-cancellable operating leases: 2004 Plant and machinery Other £000 £000 Expiry date - within one year 17 175 - between two and five years 88 232 105 407 21. RELATED PARTIES The company has taken advantage of the exemption available to it under FRS8 paragraph 3(c) relating to transactions and balances with subsidiaries. As stated in note 3 above, the company's Executive Directors are provided under the terms of a Service Agreement dated 19 December 2002 with Dawnay, Day Lander Limited. The amount paid under this agreement in the period amounted to £100,000. In addition, pursuant to a Facilities Agreement dated 19 December 2002 with Dawnay, Day Lander Limited, the company is provided with certain administrative and support services. The amount paid under this agreement during the period amounted to £35,000. 22. SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS The subsidiary undertakings at 31 December 2004 are shown below. All subsidiary undertakings are registered in the United Kingdom and prepare accounts to 31 December each year. Principal Activity Holding Vectra Group Limited Provision of safety, risk and other consulting 100% and field services Vectra Partners Limited Dormant 100% Vectra (Middle East) Limited Provision of safety, risk and other consulting 100% and field services The investments in Vectra Partners Limited and Vectra (Middle East) Limited are held by Vectra Group Limited. The proportion of voting rights held is equivalent to the equity shareholdings. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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