ADT
Annual Report 2020

Plain-text annual report

A d E P T T e c h n o l o g y G r o u p p l c A n n u a l r e p o r t a n d a c c o u n t s 2 0 2 0 Uniting technology, inspiring people AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 It starts with a connection We currently liberate thousands of organisations across the UK through the power of unified technology. Discover more at adept.co.uk Strategic report 1 2 3 4 7 8 9 10 12 17 19 20 Highlights At a glance Our investment case Chairman’s statement Chief executive officer’s statement Business model Our market Our strategy Business review Strategy in action Key performance indicators Principal risks and uncertainties Corporate governance 22 24 27 30 Board of directors Directors’ report Report of the remuneration committee Corporate governance statement Financial statements 36 Independent auditor’s report 40 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 76 Consolidated statement of financial position Company statement of financial position Consolidated statement of changes in equity Company statement of changes in equity Consolidated statement of cash flows Company statement of cash flows Notes to the financial statements Company information IBC Glossary Highlights Financial > Revenue increased by 20% to £61.7m (2019: £51.3m) > Underlying EBITDA increased by 9% to £11.7m (2019: £10.8m)1 > Underlying EBITDA margin of 19% (2019: 21%) > Adjusted fully diluted earnings per share of 28.1p (2019: 29.5p) > Cash generation from operating activities before tax £9.6m (2019: £7.5m) > Conversion of reported EBITDA to operating cash flow before tax of 82% (2019: 70%) > Cash at year end £11.85m (2019: £7.65m) > Year-end net senior debt of £27.9m (2019: £27.1m)2 > Capital expenditure 2% of revenue (2019: 1%) Operational > Managed services revenue increased 30% year on year > Managed services accounted for 81% of total revenue and EBITDA (2019: 75%) > Acquisition of entire issued share capital of Advanced Computer Systems UK Limited in April 2019 1 2 Defined as operating profit after adding back depreciation, amortisation, acquisition fees, restructuring costs, adjustment to deferred consideration and share-based payment charges. Net senior debt is defined as cash and cash equivalents less short-term and long-term senior bank borrowings and prepaid bank fees. Our business model AdEPT operates a highly cash-generative business model, which is focused on delivering resilient, unified IT and communications solutions to customers across the UK backed up by a high service level. Discover more on page 8 Investment case AdEPT is focused on growing profitability and maintaining cash flow conversion, which is used to either reduce net borrowings, return value to shareholders through dividends and/or fund suitable earnings-enhancing acquisitions. Discover more on page 3 Revenue £61.7m +20% Underlying EBITDA £11.7m +9% Adjusted earnings per share Net senior debt 28.1p £27.9m 2020 2019 2018 61.7 2020 11.7 2020 28.1 2020 51.3 46.4 2019 2018 10.8 9.8 2019 2018 29.5 2019 28.0 2018 17.6 27.9 27.1 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 1 Strategic reportAt a glance What we do We are one of the UK’s leading independent providers of managed services for IT, unified communications, connectivity, voice and cloud services. 300+ Employees 9 Operational locations Doncaster Yorkshire Northampton Northamptonshire Blackfriars Central London Fleet Hampshire St Neots Cambridge Chingford East London Head office Tunbridge Wells Kent Dorking Surrey Orpington Kent Education AdEPT has been supplying ICT solutions to schools and the wider education sector for 30 years. Whether it is web or email filtering, texting services, CCTV or VoIP phone systems, AdEPT produces and supports a whole host of dependable services for schools. Our team of 120 staff designs, creates and supports over 50 products and services specifically geared for the UK education sector. IT services AdEPT has a team of over 200 IT and technical specialists to support our customers. The highly accredited IT team is responsible for designing customer enabling and cost effective solutions, providing high service levels in resilient cloud back-up, remote IT support, hosted email, antivirus and cyber security. Communications AdEPT provides unified communications services to over 15,000 customers. Whether you have 10 staff or 10,000, we can unify your voice and data communications to help you focus on what you do best. Whether you are a single site or a national branch network, we have a solution for you backed up with an award-winning customer service team. 2 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Strategic reportOur investment case Our key strengths 1 Well-balanced revenue from public and commercial customer base 2 3 4 Strong supply chain relationships with world-class partners Award-winning UK technology solutions provider Ideally positioned for the convergence between IT and communications 5 6 7 High (75%) proportion of recurring revenues, providing stable financials High proportion of profit to operating cash flow conversion Capital expenditure light business model AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 3 Strategic reportChairman’s statement Continued managed service and IT expansion AdEPT continues to make considerable progress in its strategy of expanding its managed service and IT capability, continuing geographical expansion and unifying the Company around a mission of ‘unifying technology, inspiring people’. There are two distinct aspects to the AdEPT business. One relates to the provision of call minutes and telephone lines (‘calls and lines’), the focus of the business during the early years of AdEPT’s life. The other relates to the provision of managed services and IT expertise. These all combine to deliver a unifying information communications and technology platform for customers across both public and private sectors. As individuals find alternative ways to communicate via web chat and texting, the calls & lines revenues are declining in line with the industry at large, to mitigate this headwind AdEPT is focusing on migrating these customers to alternative solutions. However, this declining part of the AdEPT business is reducing in significance and counterbalanced by the clear strategy to build managed services and IT expertise to deliver a truly unified platform for customers. A strategy that has accelerated over recent years by multiple acquisitions in this space. The organic decline in calls and lines was 13% per annum whilst the organic growth in managed service and IT has been 7% per annum demonstrating continued progress against our strategy. As managed services represent 81% of our total revenue (note: this figure includes acquisitions), overall organic growth was a net 2%. ACS acquisition – strengthening a territory and a market sector A key strategy of AdEPT is to consolidate the market to build scale and capability. The most recent acquisition in the managed service and IT space was ACS, announced in April 2019. ACS is an independent IT service provider, with a strong public sector presence, including managing and supporting the IT function of approximately 200 schools and academy trusts. The highly skilled team, together with the well-matched customer base and product set at ACS complements AdEPT’s existing IT managed services and education offering where AdEPT provides services to thousands of schools and academy trusts. ACS also provides a geographical extension to the existing education centre of excellence of AdEPT based in Orpington and offers an opportunity to cross-sell the AdEPT Education suite of software applications developed by the in-house software team at AdEPT together with the capabilities of AdEPT Nebula. ACS is our second acquisition in Yorkshire, following the acquisition of ETS Communications Limited (ETS) in November 2018. The IT skills of ACS are highly complementary to the unified communications expertise of ETS and they are now working closely together and operating out of the same offices in Doncaster as an AdEPT ‘northern hub’. The integration of ACS into the AdEPT Group has been completed, with the finance function being integrated into the Orpington office of AdEPT. As this acquisition was made at the start of the current financial year, it has made a full twelve month contribution to the financial results. Ian Fishwick Chairman It is with great pleasure that I announce our annual results. For the year ended 31 March 2020 AdEPT Technology Group plc (‘AdEPT’, the ‘Company’ or together with its subsidiaries the ‘Group’) delivered another strong trading performance with: Financial highlights > Revenue increased by 20% to £61.7m (2019: £51.3m) > Underlying EBITDA increased by 9% to £11.7m (2019: £10.8m)1 > Underlying EBITDA margin of 19% (2019: 21%) > Adjusted fully diluted earnings per share of 28.1p (2019: 29.5p) > Cash generation from operating activities before tax £9.6m (2019: £7.5m) > Conversion of reported EBITDA to operating cash flow before tax of 82% (2019: 70%) > Cash at year end £11.85m (2019: £7.65m) > Year-end net senior debt of £27.9m (2019: £27.1m)2 > Capital expenditure 2% of revenue (2019: 1%) Operational highlights > Managed services revenue increased 30% year on year > Managed services accounted for 81% of total revenue and EBITDA (2019: 75%) > Acquisition of entire issued share capital of Advanced Computer Systems UK Limited in April 2019 1 Defined as operating profit after adding back depreciation, amortisation, acquisition fees, restructuring costs, adjustment to deferred consideration and share-based payment charges. 2 Net senior debt is defined as cash and cash equivalents less short-term and long-term senior bank borrowings and prepaid bank fees. 4 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Strategic reportPublic sector and healthcare We have continued to have success in the Public Sector. In March 2020 45% of total Group revenue was generated from public sector and healthcare customers (2019: 42%). AdEPT now has as customers over 100 councils, more than 30 NHS Trusts, more than 30 private hospitals, over 500 GP surgeries and clinical commissioning groups, over 20 universities, hundreds of colleges and over 4,000 schools. AdEPT also provides critical services to a number of central government departments. Following the successful award of Health and Social Care Network (HSCN) Compliance to AdEPT Tunbridge Wells the Group is authorised to sell data networks to the NHS. During the year ended 31 March 2019 the Group successfully won the contract to design and implement a super-fast network infrastructure across all departments of Kent NHS, impacting more than 400 sites across Kent including hospitals, hospices and GP surgeries. This highly complex project encompassed a variety of services as part of a wide area network solution, including managed firewalls, to provide a fully secure and resilient solution for Kent NHS. It was successfully rolled out for Kent NHS during the year ended 31 March 2020, improving the speed of the network whilst at the same time achieving a more economic price point at a critical time for the NHS during the COVID-19 crisis. Dividends Based on dividends paid in the year ended 31 March 2020, being 9.8p, dividend cover was 2.87x. In early April 2020, considering the potential COVID-19 disruption, the Board took the decision to cancel the interim dividend that had been declared with the September 2019 interim results. The Board will continue to monitor the changing economic environment and adopt an appropriate dividend policy for future periods, with a further update alongside the September 2020 interim results. Employees As a result of the acquisition completed in the year ended 31 March 2020, the Group now has more than 300 full-time employees. The progress of the Group this year was made possible by the continued hard work and focus of all employees at AdEPT. As a Group we are immensely proud of the track record we have created over the last 16 years and, on behalf of the Board, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our employees for their continued hard work. COVID-19 The COVID-19 situation has created a significant uncertainty for all businesses. We did experience some marginal benefit in late March 2020 assisting customers with the move to remote working and critical projects to enable our key NHS and private healthcare customer base to maintain their services. However, since this initial burst of activity, we have seen a large number of customers placing major projects on hold mainly due to lack of site-access. A small number of customers have requested temporary financial support as customers themselves try to manage the economic uncertainty within their businesses. At the year-end we increased our bad debt provision accordingly. AdEPT has the diversity and core strength to weather the COVID challenge with a strong core of revenue from recurring products and services (at 75% of revenue) providing revenue visibility and a balance of public and private sector customers (with 45% public sector and healthcare revenues). Whilst we are facing unprecedented times the Board is confident the Company is well prepared for the challenges ahead. From mid-March 2020 we put in place measures to protect our staff (designated ‘key workers’ by the Government) and ensure the continuity of service for all our valued customers. AdEPT was able to seamlessly transition to remote working, with virtually all staff working from home from late March 2020. This ability to pivot the business was achievable in large part due to the completed rollout of the Group-wide telephony, Microsoft 365 and email system as part of Project Fusion. We have also taken advantage of the available Government schemes, such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (Furlough), for cost-mitigation during the disruption and we instigated cash preservation measures including the cancellation of the interim dividend. Due to COVID-19 related uncertainty, the financial results guidance from the analysts for the year ending March 2021 is suspended. We look forward to re-instating guidance once the impact of the pandemic has moderated. AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 5 Strategic reportChairman’s statement continued Director changes The Board of directors recognises the importance of, and is committed to, ensuring that proper standards of effective corporate governance operate throughout the Company. Accordingly, the Group is continuing to strengthen the Board with industry professionals whilst acknowledging the provisions of the QCA Corporate Code published by the Quoted Companies Alliance. In June 2019, Richard Bligh was appointed to the Board. Richard was formerly chief operating officer of Gamma Communications plc and was instrumental in building that company to over £1 billion market capitalisation. Richard’s knowledge of the UK technology market, and how to grow businesses, will be a great asset to AdEPT. In October 2019, the Company announced the appointment of Craig Wilson as a non-executive director. Craig has extensive experience in business process outsourcing (BPO), IT services and software, running businesses with up to £3 billion annual revenue and 14,000 staff. Given that AdEPT has 45% of revenues related to the Public Sector, Craig’s expertise in this arena is highly relevant with experience spanning; Department for Work and Pensions, HMRC, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Justice. As a further consequence of the review, AdEPT announced on 29 October 2019 the retirement of Dusko Lukic as a non-executive director from the Board. Dusko has been a valued member of the AdEPT Board for 13 years as the senior independent non-executive director. We wish Dusko every success in the future and thank him for his outstanding contribution. He is a big part of our history. Outlook Despite this uncertainty, the Board remains confident that the continued strong cash conversion of operating profit will support the Company through the COVID-19 disruption and will leave the Company well positioned to take advantage of future opportunities for growth. The focus for the coming year remains on: > developing organic sales by taking our entire portfolio to our customers to address their ICT needs; > delivering an excellent service utilising our unified service platform; > deepening our relationships with partners to ensure their innovation reaches our customers; and > capitalising on our public sector expertise by leveraging AdEPT’s approved supplier status on the various public sector frameworks. This focus will ensure we maintain profitability and cash flow conversion, which will be used to either reduce net borrowings, return value to shareholders through dividends and/or fund suitable earnings- enhancing acquisitions. At this stage, we are unable to confirm the process for the 2020 AGM. We very much hope to hold this meeting in person, should the lockdown restriction easing allow us to be confident that it is safe to do so, but if not, then the meeting will be held in a virtual environment. In April 2020, the Company announced the appointment of Andy Lovett (Chief Operating Officer) to the Board. Andy has significant experience in running the operational side of businesses spanning; software development, IT out-source and mission critical client projects. Andy has a wealth of highly relevant skills having previously worked in senior roles for banking software company DPR Group and global outsourcer Xchanging plc. Ian Fishwick Chairman 7 August 2020 6 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Strategic reportChief executive officer’s statement Delivering progress against strategic ambitions It is vital that AdEPT delivers on its promises, so I am particularly pleased to report that we have delivered on our commitments to the health service with significant project success across the Kent NHS and for doctor’s surgeries across the UK. The AdEPT Education vertical goes from strength to strength, with over 4,000 schools now supported by AdEPT, whilst in the commercial sector AdEPT has maintained a continuous flow of new customer wins. This success is only possible with a great team that now numbers over 300 talented individuals across the UK following the successful acquisition and integration of ACS into AdEPT. I was also pleased to welcome Andy Lovett to the team, joining as Chief Operating Officer and subsequently appointed to the full Board in 2020. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire AdEPT team which has stepped up to the plate during challenging times. We have received numerous commendations for the team over recent weeks which is a testament to their commitment and professionalism. This was all in a year when we experienced economic and political uncertainty caused by Brexit coupled with the arrival of COVID-19 to UK shores in March 2020, a true ‘Black Swan’ event for the entire economy. Throughout these significant challenges AdEPT has proven to be a resilient business able to adapt rapidly to the changing landscape. Evidenced by our rapid ability to transition to ‘working from home’ whilst at the same time empowering thousands of schools, doctor’s surgeries and hundreds of commercial businesses to do the same. Whilst the General Election brought some closure to the Brexit uncertainty, the COVID-19 situation has prevented the anticipated flow of new opportunities from public sector frameworks whilst also introducing uncertainty into the coming year – hence our withdrawal of guidance and the frustrating but necessary cancellation of the interim dividend. However, we remain confident that the long-term future will be bright for AdEPT. The lockdown experienced by the UK has only served to highlight the importance of technology to business. It brings to the fore the critical need for resilient networks, readily accessible information systems, unified collaboration and communication solutions and experienced teams in consulting and support. As a leading provider of advice and solutions in the unified technology and communications arena AdEPT will remain focused on bringing the best solutions from great partners to our customers in a cost effective and pragmatic manner. Our mission remains ‘uniting technology, inspiring people’ and we look forward to delivering against this mission in the coming year. Phil Race Chief executive officer 7 August 2020 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 7 Phil Race Chief executive officer Reporting on my first full year as CEO I am pleased to report that AdEPT has made considerable progress against its strategic ambitions. The business is now unified behind one brand – AdEPT Technology – a vision brought to life in December 2019 when we held our first Group conference and exhibition titled ‘Tech United’ at The Drum, Wembley. This event showcased our capability in the telecoms, connectivity and IT services arenas with case studies across the education, healthcare and wider public sector markets. This was only possible with the help of our strategic partners such as Avaya, Gamma, Microsoft, Dell, BT, Virtual 1 and Pragma, amongst others. As part of this brand unification we released a new look Group-wide AdEPT website (www.adept.co.uk) which is live and already generating opportunities. We have made substantial progress in creating a unified operating platform – an initiative titled Project Fusion. Over the past twelve months we have been deploying across AdEPT a platform impacting sales, marketing, the services team and business operations, with five of the eight AdEPT locations now live on the platform, with the balance targeted for live running during the remainder of 2020. As a result, Project Fusion is already improving customer service and operational effectiveness. Project Fusion encompassed the implementation of Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams and the Avaya IX telephony solution. This Group-wide infrastructure enabled AdEPT to pivot to home-working seamlessly when the COVID-19 lockdown commenced. We have continued to have success with our strategic platform – AdEPT Nebula – which now underpins over 240 customer projects. At its core AdEPT Nebula is a highly resilient MPLS network (Nebula Network) and hosting capability centred on the Group’s owned data centre in Orpington. AdEPT Nebula empowers the Group to provide clients with a seamless cloud hosting capability (Nebula Cloud), hybrid cloud platforms (Nebula Apps), unified communications (Nebula Voice) and secure managed services (Nebula Back Up and Nebula Security). Furthermore, our focus on key strategic partnerships is bearing fruit with AdEPT now a Diamond Partner of Avaya, a Platinum Partner of Gamma and an award-winning partner of Virtual 1 and Pragma. Strategic reportBusiness model Uniting technology, inspiring people i o n d e s i gn and service wra p t o l u S V oic e Network partners d u C lo D a t a c e n t r e UK client base s m m o d c Unifie Netwo r k Solution design and s e r v i c e w r p a Network partners AdEPT has established relationships with all of the major UK network operators, communications and IT suppliers, working with tier-1 partners to develop products and solutions which meet the ever-changing needs of customers. AdEPT’s focus with its partners is to develop and provide cost effective solutions with enhanced features and resilience. AdEPT selects its partners on the basis of technical and financial stability, in order to manage the supply risk associated with a business critical supply. AdEPT solution design and service wrap AdEPT combines multi-product solutions from a number of communications and IT partners to provide bespoke solutions tailored to meet the specific requirements of customers. AdEPT provides a single invoice solution for customers combined with award-winning customer service and support available at a lower spend level than other larger communications and IT businesses. AdEPT provides dedicated account management for customers spending as little as £400 per month on telecom and IT services. UK client base AdEPT provides competitively priced communications and IT solutions for all sizes of UK-based clients spread across a wide range of business sectors. AdEPT and its sales channels work with its customer base to develop appropriate communications and IT solutions. AdEPT is widely recognised as a multi-site multi-product specialist, with thousands of multi-site customers taking a range of products. AdEPT is increasingly focused on premier, public sector and healthcare customers who can benefit from AdEPT’s ability to provide a fully unified communication and IT solution. 8 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Strategic report Our market The market in which we operate AdEPT is one of the UK’s leading managed service providers, specialising in providing multi‑product IT and unified communication solutions to multi‑site and enterprise customers. The Group is focused on the growth of managed services and IT revenues, accounting for 81% of total Group revenue. In the current financial year, we completed the acquisition of Advanced Computer Systems, which has increased expertise in educational focused IT services and provided extended geographical reach of the AdEPT Education division into Yorkshire. The skilled IT service team of ACS are also highly complementary to the unified communications expertise of ETS and they are now working closely together and operating out of the same offices in Doncaster. 81% Managed service revenue Key trends The transition to cloud services is driving recurring revenues. Increasingly products are being hosted in the cloud, i.e. at a data centre. As examples, we can see it in telecoms with hosted telephony and IT with packages such as Microsoft 365. The common theme (apart from the location of the servers) is that you do not need expensive upfront capital expenditure and instead the revenue stream is of a monthly recurring nature. 1+ million Microsoft 365 users Emerging markets Convergence of IT and communications is happening now. Increasingly we are helping customers with converged IT and communications solutions, such as Skype for Business. All divisions within the AdEPT Group are supplying Wi-Fi, data connectivity and hosted telephony solutions alongside specialist IT products and services remotely managing end user IT and communications equipment. Our product portfolio and team of professionals mean that we are ideally positioned for convergence. 1+ billion Web requests filtered every day Outlook Our broad portfolio of products and services creates a large accessible market. The focus for the Group remains on developing organic sales through leveraging approved supplier status on public sector frameworks, encouraging cross-Group collaboration and maintaining profitability and cash flow conversion. We will continue to invest in AdEPT Nebula to provide customers with an industry-leading connectivity, voice and IT service platform. 50+ NHS trusts and CCGs AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 9 Strategic report Our strategy Enabling expansion, investing in customer retention Our strategy focuses on four key areas, enabling the Company to expand its product range, investing in customer retention, increasing public sector presence by leveraging frameworks and identifying strategic acquisition opportunities. 1. Products AdEPT has successfully become one of the UK’s leading independent managed service providers for IT and unified communications. 2 1 3 Our aims > Development and expansion of our product range. To constantly monitor product development to ensure that we can offer all of the latest and best of breed products. Our achievements in the year > Further investment in AdEPT Nebula to add new products to the portfolio, and successfully sold these into the customer base. > Continued development and enhancement of existing software apps, and successfully launched these into the customer base. > Our ‘cloud’ services have been rolled out to more customers. Our solutions > Cloud and hybrid-cloud solutions are becoming and ever-increasing market demand. At AdEPT, we plan and migrate services to the cloud but also advise our clients when the Cloud may not be in their best interest. We have identified what we believe are the key areas where Cloud-based solutions can benefit our clients and address many of the common business issues they share. This set of services is aimed at providing flexible, cost-effective solutions that enable businesses to address many of today’s IT issues and challenges. > These services can be mixed and matched to complement the existing IT infrastructure, or where applicable replace the traditional on-premise solutions entirely. 1 2. Customers Our business is focused on providing high  levels of customer service. Our award-winning UK-based customer service teams have all the necessary skills to give our customers peace of mind and a service they can rely on. 2 3 Our aims Investment in customer retention activities. Improve customer retention by maintaining the highest standards of customer service combined with a highly competitive product offering. Our achievements in the year > Continued investment in retention strategies to retain customers. > Won new larger customers and retained existing clients through providing dedicated account management. > Successfully designed and implemented cloud-based communications and IT solutions for seamless transition of customers from legacy technology to next generation products and services. Our solutions > Maintain close relationships with our customers to provide timely technical support and advice for their organisations digital transformation roadmap. > Maintaining high levels of customer service will remain a critical element of our business model. +£1bn Web requests filtered every day 86.5% Net promoter score 10 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Strategic report3. Frameworks AdEPT is focused upon increasing its public and healthcare sector presence and helping those customers achieve the budget reductions and cost initiatives they have been set. 2 1 4 4. Acquisitions The Board continues to identify and evaluate strategic acquisitions that are considered to meet the criteria of complementing existing business whilst adding value to our shareholders. 2 3 1 4 Our aims > Utilising approved supplier status. Further develop the existing public and healthcare sector relationships and forge new partnerships with public and healthcare sector customers. Our aims > Identify strategic acquisitions to add shareholder value. The operational and financial platform in place has been developed to provide further efficiencies from increased scale. Our achievements in the year > Successfully awarded contracts under the Crown Commercial Service RM3825 HSCN Access Services public sector framework agreement. > Successfully delivered the design and implementation of a super-fast network infrastructure across all departments of Kent NHS, more than 400 sites across Kent including hospitals, hospices and GP surgeries. > Leveraged our position on the other frameworks to bring in a number of public and healthcare sector customers. Our solutions > Continue to review the development of public sector frameworks and ensure that AdEPT remains in a position to be able to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. Our achievements in the year > Acquired ACS Group during the year and successfully fully integrated into the AdEPT Education operation in Orpington. > Careful planning and rigorous operational and financial due diligence was undertaken to minimise integration and execution risk. > Successfully integrated the Our IT Department and Shift F7 businesses to created AdEPT IT Services. Our solutions > The executive director team and the Board will continue to monitor all potential acquisition targets that meet the criteria of complementing the existing business and adding shareholder value. 45% Of revenue from customers in the public and healthcare sector £6.2m Revenue generated from acquisitions AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 11 Strategic reportBusiness review Recurring revenue growth focus Revenue The revenue breakdown is viewed through three lenses; managed services versus fixed line revenues, recurring revenue versus one-off revenues and organic versus inorganic revenues. Managed services versus fixed line revenues In respect of managed services versus fixed line revenues, during the year AdEPT has continued to grow its managed services business through a combination of organic contract wins and company acquisition. Total revenue increased by 20.3% to £61.7m (2019: £51.3m): > Managed services product revenues increased more than 30% year on year, increasing by £11.7m to £50.2m (2019: £38.5m). This reflects the impact of the twelve month contribution from the acquisition of ACS, combined with an increased level of organic contract wins and a lower relative churn rate within the managed service customer base. The Kent NHS contract commenced billing at the end of the prior year and therefore the 2020 results incorporate a full year’s revenue. Total revenue generated from managed services represented 81.4% of total revenue in the year ended 31 March 2020 (2019: 75.0%). Excluding the impact of acquisitions, total managed services revenue (recurring and one-off) showed 7.2% organic growth in the year. > Traditional fixed line revenues were reduced to £11.5m (2019: £12.8m). The 10.2% (net) reduction in the fixed line revenues reflects the organic sales focus of the Group on managed services and IT combined with the substitution impact of existing customers transitioning to new technologies, such as SIP and hosted services. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, fixed line revenues showed organic decline of 13.3%. The Group’s reliance on fluctuating call revenues continues to reduce, with call revenue providing only 5.4% of total revenue in the year ended 31 March 2020 (2019: 7.8%). Recurring revenues versus one off revenues In respect of recurring revenues versus one off revenues, the proportion of AdEPT revenue being generated from recurring products and services (being all revenue excluding one-off projects, hardware and software) remains high at 75.0% of total revenue (2019: 78.6%). All of the managed service product sets include an element of hardware supply and installation services, which, by their nature, are project based and not fixed recurring revenue streams; however, a high proportion of hardware supply and installations are further products and services being supplied to the existing customer base. > Excluding the revenue from acquisitions, total recurring revenue showed organic growth of 2.7% in the year ended 31 March 2020, this was achieved through 10.4% growth in managed service recurring revenue more than offsetting the 13.3% reduction in fixed line recurring revenue in absolute terms. > One-off revenues (from hardware, software and professional services), excluding the impact of acquisitions, were virtually flat with only a marginal reduction of 0.6% year on year. John Swaite Finance director Principal activities and review of business The principal activity of the Group is the provision of unified communication and IT services to both domestic and business customers. A review of the business is contained in the Chairman and Chief executive officer’s statements on pages 4 to 7 and the highlights are summarised in this strategic report on pages 12 to 16. Summary of three year financial performance Year ended March Year on year % 20.3% 16.0% 8.6% 2019 £’000 51,294 25,328 10,781 27,113 Year on year % 10.5% 10.5% 10.3% 2018 £’000 46,434 22,919 9,771 17,622 2020 £’000 61,688 29,391 11,709 27,938 Revenue Gross profit Underlying EBITDA Net senior debt 12 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Strategic reportMarket sector analysis AdEPT continued to be successful in gaining further traction in the public sector space during the last year through leveraging its approved status on various frameworks. AdEPT is an approved supplier to the Crown Commercial Service under the following frameworks RM3808 Network Services, RM3825 HSCN Access Services, RM1557 G-Cloud, RM6103 Education Technology and RM3804 Technology Services 2. The Group has been successful in winning further new business through a number of these frameworks. The proportion of total revenue generated from public sector and healthcare customers has increased to 44.7% at March 2020 (2019: 41.5%) which partly arises due to the contribution from the ACS acquisition as some of the acquired revenue stream is generated from its education sector customer base but mainly from the organic customer contract awards, particularly under the various frameworks on which AdEPT is accredited. The Group is continuing to focus its organic sales efforts on selling a wider portfolio to existing customers, adding and retaining larger customers whilst complementing this with an acquisitive strategy. AdEPT is managing the customer risk with a wide spread of business sectors and low customer concentration, with the top ten customers accounting for 17.1% of total revenue (2019: 24.6%) and no customer accounting for more than 10% of the total. Gross margin Gross margin percentage was 47.6% during the year (2019: 49.4%). The decrease over the prior year largely arises due to a greater proportion of revenue from relative lower margin one-off supply of hardware and software. Recurring gross margin improved to 54.1% (2019: 53.8%) which reflects the increased proportion of managed support services. Gross margins for managed services and IT, such as installations, support and maintenance, are higher than fixed line as the headcount costs of supporting the project installations, helpdesk support and maintenance services are being included within operating expenditure. The full year revenue impact of some significant public sector tender contract wins, such as Kent NHS, which are at a lower average gross margin has diluted the blended recurring gross margin percentage. Revenues from one-off products and services increased by 39.7% above the prior year, however a large proportion of the growth was in lower margin audio visual and other hardware and software supply, particularly to the education sector, resulting in lower growth of 14.6% gross profit from one-off products and services. As a result, gross margin percentage from one-off products and services was 38.1% (2019: 46.5%). Underlying EBITDA Underlying EBITDA is defined as operating profit after adding back depreciation, amortisation, acquisition fees, restructuring costs, adjustment to deferred consideration and share-based payment charges. The Group uses underlying EBITDA as a measure of performance in line with the telecommunications sector’s general approach to relative performance measurement. As the Group operates a capex-light model, the Board considers that a good indication of the underlying cash generation of the business for comparison against operating cash flow before tax is underlying EBITDA. Below is a reconciliation of underlying EBITDA to the reported profit before tax: Underlying EBITDA Acquisition fees Restructuring costs Share option charges Adjustment to deferred consideration Depreciation Amortisation Interest Profit before tax 2020 £’000 11,709 (267) (288) (29) 654 (1,513) (5,772) (2,523) 1,971 2019 £’000 10,781 (495) (105) (68) (586) (632) (4,568) (1,902) 2,425 In accordance with the requirements of IFRS 3 the adjustment to deferred consideration payable in respect of acquisitions has been recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. In the year ended 31 March 2020 the value of deferred consideration paid was lower than the estimated value at acquisition, resulting in a credit to the income statement. This value does not form part of the trading results of the Group and has therefore been added back for the purpose of demonstrating the underlying trading profitability of the Group. At the year end the Group increased the provision for uncollectable debts under IFRS 9 by £0.15m. This prudent decision was made after careful consideration of the potential impact of financial distress from COVID-19 on the underlying customer base. The Board considered that there was an increased likelihood of business failures as a result of the disruption to the economic environment from the COVID-19 lockdown, although at this stage it is too early to determine the actual level of impact. AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 13 Strategic reportBusiness review continued Depreciation From 1 April 2019 the Group has applied the requirements of IFRS 16 Leased Assets, which results in the costs in relation to operating leases being reclassified. The Group has chosen to apply the cumulative effect method with an opening adjustment to equity. The net present value of the future cash flows as set out in the operating leases are capitalised and included within fixed assets under the heading ‘Leased Assets’ with a corresponding liability included within creditors for the future operating lease payments which are due. The cost of the operating lease in respect of these assets is released through the depreciation charge and the net present value discount is charged to interest payable. This is an accounting adjustment which is reclassifying £0.83m of costs which were previously included in operating expenses and has therefore resulted in an increase to underlying EBITDA. The cash cost in respect of the operating leases has not changed, which is included within the cash flow statement under the heading ‘Payment of lease liabilities’. Finance costs Total interest costs have increased to £2.52m (2019: £1.90m). Cash interest increased by £0.45m to £1.87m largely from the increase in the average level of net borrowings, which was used to fund the acquisition consideration for ACS, combined with the deferred consideration payable in respect of the ETS acquisition. Treasury management of surplus cash balances to minimise the amount of drawn funds has been used during the year to minimise interest costs. Included within interest costs in the income statement is a £0.21m charge, which is non-cash, in relation to the discounted cash flow impact of the contingent deferred consideration payable in relation to the Shift F7, ETS and ACS acquisitions. A further £0.19m of non-cash interest from the application of IAS 32 and IFRS 9 has been recognised in interest costs in relation to the discounting of the convertible loan liability. The impact of the first-time adoption of IFRS 16 has increased interest charges by £0.08m. Profit before tax This year reported profit before tax reduced by £0.46m to £1.97m (2019: £2.43m). Operating profit increased to £4.49m (2019: 4.33m), however; this increase was absorbed by non-cash items including; £1.20m increase in amortisation arising from the full year impact of acquisitions undertaken during the current and prior years, the adjustment to deferred consideration under IFRS 3 of £0.65m (profit) and £0.10m increase in notional interest charge for discounting of deferred consideration. Profit before tax for the year is also impacted by the following cash items; £0.45m increase in cash finance costs, the acquisition and restructuring costs of £0.56m and £0.88m depreciation increase, which is largely driven by the application of IFRS 16. Profit after tax and earnings per share On a like-for-like basis profit after tax reduced from £1.85m to £1.58m during the year ended 31 March 2020. However, a change in Government policy with regard to future corporation tax rates gave rise to a one-off increase to the deferred tax liability of £0.76m, which is a non-cash item. The impact of this reduced reported profit after tax for the year to £0.99m (2019: £1.85m). The Company issued 1.33 million shares in a placing at the end of February 2020. Due to the proximity of the placing to year end, there is only a one month dilution impact from the share placing as the number of shares in issue is calculated on a weighted average basis across the twelve month period. Basic earnings per share was 4.14p (2019: 7.82p). Adjusted fully diluted earnings per share, based on the profit for the year attributable to equity holders adding back amortisation, share option charges, adjustment to deferred consideration, restructuring and acquisition costs, was 28.05p per share (2019: 29.51p). Dividends Based on the dividend paid in the year ended 31 March 2020, being 9.8p, dividend cover was 2.87x. Our historical policy has been to distribute roughly one-third of free cash flow as dividends and to reinvest the remaining two-thirds in the business. On 25 September 2019, the directors announced their intention to declare an interim dividend of 5.10p per ordinary share in respect of the September 2019 interim results, an increase of 4.1% over the interim dividend for the comparative period (September 2018: 4.90p). This interim dividend was due to be paid in April 2020 and would have absorbed approximately £1.28m of cash and shareholders’ funds. However, in early April 2020, considering the potential COVID-19 disruption, the Board resolved to cancel the interim dividend that had been declared with the September 2019 interim results. The Board will continue to monitor the changing economic environment and adopt an appropriate dividend for future periods, with a further update alongside the September 2020 interim results. Cash flow The Group benefits from an excellent cash-generating operating model. Low capital expenditure results in a high proportion of underlying EBITDA turning into cash. The proportion of reported EBITDA which turned into net cash from operating activities before income tax was 81.7% (2019: 70.5%). Working capital was extended at year end with a £1.47m net cash outflow impact in payables and receivables. Part of the working capital absorption was anticipated with the continued transition of the Group towards a growing proportion of data connectivity services increasing the level of working capital, with a further £0.21m absorbed by the advanced charging structure of wholesale data connectivity rentals, which are typically quarterly in advance compared to monthly in advance for the end customer. As in prior periods, this is an ongoing increase to the working capital requirement of the Group. 14 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Strategic reportReported year end trade receivables were 47 days at year end (2019: 42 days). The increase is partly a reflection of increased annual services billing in advance for the education sector customer base. However, the Group also had a reduction in year-end direct debit receipts and extended collection timescales following the decision by many businesses to retain control of their cash outflows during the early period of COVID-19. In addition, despite the government’s specific instruction to public sector customers at the outset of COVID-19 to continue to pay suppliers on time for services at year end there was £0.56m of valid invoices that were beyond contracted payment terms with public sector customers. It is evident that the purchase ledger function of public sector organisations results in a general increase in working capital absorption from the increased processing time of customer payments when compared to commercial customers. The March 2020 inventory value was increased by £0.05m due to advance purchasing of equipment required for successful contract wins and Avaya handsets for post-year-end projects. Income taxes paid in cash during the year have increased to £2.02m (2019: £0.81m). The 2019 comparative period included the receipt of £0.51m of cash in respect of research and development tax claims for the software and app development work and the capital and operational costs for the development of AdEPT Nebula plus with a tax refund in respect of the tax deduction for share options exercised in Atomwide on acquisition. At year end HMRC still had not processed the cash refund to the Company of £0.11m in respect of corporation tax overpaid in the year ended 31 March 2019. In addition, Centrix Limited transitioned to ‘very large’ status for corporation tax which accelerated £0.15m of cash payment to HMRC. Cash interest paid has increased during the year to £1.87m (2019: £1.41m), which arises from the increase in average net borrowings against the prior year to fund the acquisition of ACS and the deferred consideration paid in respect of the ETS acquisition. Cash outflows in the year ended 31 March 2020 in relation to acquisitions amounted to £6.29m (net of cash acquired). The contingent consideration in respect of the acquisition of ETS of £0.64m was paid in two instalments with the synergy payment paid in May 2019 and the earnout paid in December 2019 with no further amounts due in relation to this acquisition. The initial cash consideration for the acquisition of ACS of £5.19m was paid in April 2019 and £0.45m for the ACS synergy payment paid in January 2020. At the year end the deferred consideration of £1.80m in respect of ACS remained outstanding, which was paid in May 2020 with no further amounts due. In February 2020 the Company completed a share placing, issuing 1,328,125 ordinary shares of 10p each at a price of 320p raising £4.25m gross funds. Fundraising costs of £0.22m in respect of the share placing were incurred, giving net proceeds of £4.03m. It was the Boards intention to use these funds to reduce senior debt, provide acquisition funding and accelerate of the ‘One AdEPT’ Project Fusion initiative. In light of the uncertain trading conditions arising from COVID-19, the Board has prudently decided to place on hold acquisition activity and so the fundraising proceeds have been used to provide a small amount of investment (circa £0.2m) to accelerate Project Fusion with the majority of funds reducing the senior debt. Dividends paid during the year ended 31 March 2020 absorbed £2.32m of cash (2019: £2.07m). This increase over the prior period arises from the application of the progressive dividend policy. There was an increase to cash and cash equivalents during the year of £4.20m to year-end cash of £11.85m. This arises from a net increase in the drawn element of the revolving credit facility at March 2020 which was a prudent measure taken during the early period of disruption from COVID-19 to ensure sufficient access to cash facilities. Capital expenditure The Group continues to operate an asset-light strategy and has low capital requirements; therefore, expenditure on fixed assets is low at 1.8% of revenue (2019: 1.1%). The capital expenditure in the current year arises partly from £0.07m for the refurbishment of the premises in St Neots but also from AdEPT investing a further £0.33m in the development of a network connecting three data centres (which, combined with other capabilities and services, is known as ’AdEPT Nebula’). AdEPT Nebula is built around the core data centre in Orpington, which is owned by AdEPT. The network allows AdEPT to provide its own cloud hosting capability. AdEPT Nebula is live and already delivering benefits to more than 250 customers by providing Avaya IP cloud telephony services, hosted IT services and a range of data connectivity services. The network underpinning AdEPT Nebula has been developed using the in-house skills and capabilities of the AdEPT technical team. The Company will continue to review development opportunities for the addition of new products and services to AdEPT Nebula as customer demand dictates. Over the last twelve months the AdEPT team has been working hard on the ‘One AdEPT’ project, christened ‘Project Fusion’, including initiatives in relation to sales, marketing, systems, finance and branding. Total investment of £0.34m has been made over the last twelve months, which includes the cost of third-party consultancy and some capitalisation of the internal development teams time spent dedicated to the project. This project includes the release of the new look Group-wide AdEPT website (www.adept.co.uk) which is live and already generating opportunities. The progress on the roll out of a Group-wide CRM system is underway with the system live in five of the eight Group operating sites, with the remaining sites expected to go live before the end of the 2020 calendar year, which is anticipated to enable the Group to leverage greater operating efficiency from its highly skilled team. In addition, the Group is transitioning to a centralised finance platform which is hosted in the AdEPT Nebula network, with three business units already live and the remaining business units expected to transition before the end of 2020. Payments of lease liabilities As required under IFRS 16, the balance sheet value of tangible fixed assets includes the discounted value of the remaining operating lease rentals for any material agreements which have a lease term greater than twelve months. The net present value of any new operating leases is included in tangible fixed assets. These are not upfront cash purchases as the rentals are paid on a monthly or quarterly basis and therefore the cost is not included within capital expenditure, instead the cash outflows from the operating lease agreements are included in the cash flow statement under the heading ‘Payments of lease liabilities’. AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 15 Strategic reportSegmental key performance indicators (KPIs) The segmental KPIs outlined below are intended to provide useful information when interpreting the accounts. 81% of revenue and EBITDA is generated from managed services (2019: 75% revenue and 74% EBITDA). Year ended 31 March 2020 Revenue Gross profit Gross margin % Underlying EBITDA Underlying EBITDA% Year ended 31 March 2019 Revenue Gross profit Gross margin % Underlying EBITDA Underlying EBITDA% Fixed line services £’000 11,463 4,541 39.6% 2,277 19.9% 12,814 5,279 41.2% 2,784 21.7% Managed services £’000 50,225 24,850 49.5% 9,432 18.8% 38,480 20,049 52.1% 7,997 20.8% Total £’000 61,688 29,391 47.6% 11,709 19.0% 51,294 25,329 49.4% 10,781 21.0% There are no non-financial KPIs which are reviewed regularly by the senior management team. Section 172 requirements of the Companies Act The section 172 requirements of the Companies Act in respect of the directors’ duty to promote the success of the Company is covered in the Corporate Governance Statement included in these accounts. John Swaite Finance director 7 August 2020 Business review continued Business combinations On 26 April 2019 the Company acquired the entire issued share capital of ACS. ACS, founded in 1999, is a well-established UK-based specialist provider of IT services focused on the education sector based in Doncaster with 20 years’ experience. ACS Group is focused on providing IT services and has a strong public sector presence, including managing and supporting the IT function of approximately 200 schools and academy trusts. All services provided by ACS Group are supported by a highly experienced team of IT professionals based at ACS Group’s premises in Doncaster, which have been retained post-acquisition. The vendors and the senior management team responsible for the strategic direction, technical development and day-to-day operations of ACS Group have been retained within the business post-acquisition. Initial consideration of £5.19m was paid in cash at completion. Further contingent deferred consideration of between £Nil and £2.26m is payable, also in cash, dependent upon the performance of ACS Group post-acquisition. The earnout period for ACS ended on 31 March 2020 and the deferred consideration was paid in May 2020 with no further amounts due. Total consideration is £7.50m (including acquired debts and tax liabilities). A fair value of £7.27m in relation to the customer contracts for the acquired business has been recognised as intangible asset additions in the year ended 31 March 2020. Further details on the acquisition during the year are described in Note 29 of the financial statements. Net debt and bank facilities A key strength of AdEPT is its consistent, proven ability to generate strong free cash flow and therefore support net borrowings. As a result of the Group’s focus on underlying profitability and cash conversion, operating cash flow after taxes but before bank interest paid of £7.63m was generated during the year ended 31 March 2020 (2019: £6.72m). The current period includes £0.56m of costs in relation to acquisition fees and restructuring costs. In April 2019, the Company signed a further extension of its existing bank facility to £40m. The enlarged facility is provided by Barclays Bank plc and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc on an equal basis. The facility has been provided to AdEPT to fund acquisition of businesses that extend the AdEPT product set and, by being part of the AdEPT Group, will benefit from economies of scale. This facility extension was used to fund the acquisition of ACS in April 2019. The commercial terms of the enlarged facility are the same as the previous existing facility. Opening cash plus the free cash flow generated in the year and borrowing drawdowns from the senior debt facility have been used to fund £6.29m acquisition consideration, £2.33m dividends paid and £1.12m of capital expenditure on tangible and intangible assets. Net senior debt, which comprises cash balances and senior bank borrowings (excluding IFRS 16 liabilities), has increased to £27.94m at the year-end (2019: £27.11m) as a result of the acquisition consideration outflows. 16 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Strategic reportStrategy in action Strategy in action AdEPT helps deliver high speed connectivity to accelerate ICT for the NHS in Kent, positively impacting 1.6 million people In 2018 AdEPT announced a significant government contract win with the NHS. However, winning a contract is only half the battle – it is crucial to deliver on the promise made in this substantial contract process. AdEPT is therefore delighted that, under the guidance of the NHS Trusts in Kent, it has delivered improved network and bandwidth capacity to more than 100 hospital and specialist care sites across the region. Following the success of the initial network programme, AdEPT has completed the roll-out of improved bandwidth services to the 300 GP surgeries in the region. This completes the upgrade of the entire NHS network in Kent. This project facilitates greater collaboration in handling the health and welfare needs of Kent residents. This ultimately means that 1.6 million people across Kent will receive better care through improved network and bandwidth capacity, financial savings and improved access to clinical systems. The delivery of a new Health and Social Care Network (HSCN) to NHS hospitals and specialist trusts in Kent replaces an outdated N3 network, delivering improved access to information and technology and substantial cost savings. Underpinning the transformation of health and social care services in the region. Kent NHS chose AdEPT because it demonstrated that it would be a flexible and responsive partner to the NHS in the region. “ Strong programme delivery is critical to complex technology projects. There are four key disciplines and attributes that allowed us to deliver this programme so well: leadership, structure, collaboration and flexibility. In AdEPT, we found a partner – rather than a supplier – aligned to us in each of these disciplines.” Michael Beckett Director of IT, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust “ The migration of the Kent CoIN demonstrates everything HSCN was designed to achieve; greater collaboration, both locally and with suppliers; reduced costs for the NHS by virtue of the HSCN marketplace and using technology to provide enhanced capabilities, that will deliver better care though health and social care integration.” Mike Oldfield-Marsh HSCN Migration Manager NHS Digital 17 Strategic reportStrategy in action continued Project Fusion – creating ‘One AdEPT’ Over the last twelve months the AdEPT team has been working hard on the ‘One AdEPT’ project to bring the AdEPT Group together and provide a resilient common operating platform across the entire Group, including initiatives in relation to sales, marketing, operating systems, finance and branding. This project also includes the release of the new look Group-wide AdEPT website (www.adept.co.uk) which is live and already generating opportunities. with the balance of Group sites targeted for live running before the end of the 2020 calendar year. As a result, Project Fusion is already improving customer service and operational effectiveness. Project Fusion encompassed the implementation of Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams and the Avaya IX telephony solution. This Group-wide infrastructure enabled AdEPT to pivot to home-working seamlessly when the COVID-19 lockdown commenced. The Group is now unified behind one brand – ‘AdEPT Technology’ – a vision brought to life in December 2019 when we held our first Group conference and exhibition titled ‘Tech United’ at The Drum, Wembley. This event showcased our capability in the telecoms, connectivity and IT services arenas with case studies across the education, healthcare and wider public sector markets. This was only possible with the help of our strategic partners such as Avaya, Gamma, Microsoft, Dell, BT, Virtual 1 and Pragma, amongst others. We have made substantial progress in creating a unified operating platform – an initiative titled ‘Project Fusion’. Over the past twelve months we have been deploying across AdEPT a platform impacting sales, marketing, the services team and business operations, with five of the eight AdEPT operational locations for the Group now live on the platform In addition, the Group is transitioning to a centralised finance platform which is hosted in the AdEPT Nebula network, with two business units already live and the remaining business units expected to transition before the end of 2020. We have continued to have success with our strategic platform – ‘AdEPT Nebula’ – which now underpins over 240 customer projects. At its core AdEPT Nebula is a highly resilient MPLS network (Nebula Network) and hosting capability centred on the Group’s owned data centre in Orpington. AdEPT Nebula empowers the Group to provide clients with a seamless cloud hosting capability (Nebula Cloud), hybrid cloud platforms (Nebula Apps), unified communications (Nebula Voice) and secure managed services (Nebula Back Up and Nebula Security). 18 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Strategic reportKey performance indicators Revenue (2019: £51.3m) £61.7m +20% 2020 2019 2018 61.7 51.3 46.4 Gross profit margin (2019: 49.4%) 47.6% Underlying EBITDA margin (2019: 21.0%) 19.0% 2020 2019 2018 47.6 49.4 47.7 2020 2019 2018 19.0 21.0 21.0 Revenue from sales made to all customers (excluding intra-group sales which are eliminated on consolidation). Gross profit (being revenue less all direct third-party cost of sales) as a percentage of revenue. Underlying EBITDA as a percentage of revenue. Underlying EBITDA (2019: £10.8m) £11.7m +9% Net senior debt (2019: £27.1m) £27.9m Adjusted earnings per share (2019: 29.5p) 28.1p 2020 2019 2018 11.7 10.8 9.8 2020 2019 2018 27.9 27.1 17.6 2020 2019 2018 28.1 29.5 28.0 Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation, gains and losses on revaluation, acquisition fees and restructuring costs. Cash and cash equivalents less short-term and long-term senior borrowings and prepaid bank fees. Adjusted earnings after tax divided by the fully diluted number of shares. Read more about our Corporate governance on pages 24 to 34 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 19 Strategic reportPrincipal risks and uncertainties Transparent management of risks and opportunities is essential to the delivery of the Group’s strategic objectives. Principal risks and uncertainties There are a number of potential risks and uncertainties which could have a material impact on the Group’s long-term performance and could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results. Nature of risk and impact Mitigation Change Link to strategy 1 2 3 Risk increased 2 4 Risk increased 1 2 3 4 No change Catastrophic event risk Catastrophic events, such as COVID-19, present a potential risk to the ability of the Group to continue to operate efficiently and maintain high service levels. This presents a risk to customer services and systems which therefore creates a risk of customer claims and loss for failure to meet contracted service levels. Customer loss risk We acknowledge that some of our customers may come under increased financial pressure as a result of COVID-19 trading disruption. This may result increased credit risk for the Group and loss of revenue from customer business failures. A business continuity plan is in place which is reviewed regularly and enhanced from the results of testing. The Group is increasingly moving to cloud based systems, which are more readily available for a timely response to a catastrophic event. All employees are able to work remotely, and the Group’s operational and administrative servers are located and managed such that damage from an outage is minimised. A testimony of the Group’s ability to deal with a catastrophic event is the response to the COVID-19 pandemic which saw virtually all of the Group’s workforce transition to remote working in the space of a couple of days. The impact of this is partially mitigated with no customer accounting for more than 10% of the Group revenue. The top ten customers account for approximately 24.6% of revenues. The customer base of the Company is also spread across a wide geographical area and across a wide range of business sectors. We continue to monitor customer churn, develop our customer offering and service delivery. To further manage this risk, we maintain regular contact with our customers to identify and respond to any risks as early as possible. Cyber-attack on Company, customer or supplier systems There is an ever-increasing threat of cyber-attacks on network infrastructure which places a risk on the security of underlying data being stored and disruption to the services being supplied. This presents a risk of a potential claim from a customer in relation to data loss but also increased revenue churn from failure to meet contracted service levels. The Group has extensive experience in cyber security and continues to invest of training, systems and tools to protect the Company and its customers. Customer networks are securely segregated from those of the Company and systems are replicated/backed up in more than one location. AdEPT holds several security accreditations including ISO27001, Cyber Essentials and PCI DSS. The Company’s security systems and processes are subject to extensive third-party external auditing. In addition, the Company has in place a cyber insurance protection. 20 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Strategic reportNature of risk and impact Mitigation Change Link to strategy Liquidity risk The Group is reliant on an efficient working capital model alongside an acquisition strategy. This presents a risk that insufficient liquidity from working capital extension would reduce the Group’s ability to meet its third-party liabilities to suppliers but also restrict the Group’s ability to fund acquisition consideration. The Group seeks to manage financial risk by ensuring sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs and to invest cash assets safely and profitably. External funding facilities are managed to ensure that both short-term and longer-term funding is available to provide short-term flexibility whilst providing sufficient funding to the Group’s forecast working capital requirements. Credit risk The Group extends credit of various durations to customers depending on customer credit worthiness and industry custom and practice for the product or service. In the event that a customer proves unable to meet payments when they fall due, the Group will suffer adverse financial consequences. To manage this, the Group continually monitors credit terms to ensure that no single customer is granted credit inappropriate to its credit risk. Additionally, a large proportion of our customer receipts are collected by monthly direct debit. The risk is further reduced by the customer base being spread across a wide variety of industry and service sectors. 1 2 3 4 No change 2 3 4 Risk increased Competitor risk The Group operates in a highly competitive market with rapidly changing product and pricing innovations. We are subject to the threat of our competitors launching new products in our markets (including updating product lines) before we make corresponding updates and developments to our own product range. This could render our products and services out of date and could result in loss of market share. Acquisition integration execution The Group has set out that its strategy includes the acquisition of businesses where they are earnings enhancing. There is a financial loss risk from poor execution of the pre-acquisition operational and financial due diligence which may result in the inability to integrate the acquired business. 1 3 4 No change To reduce this risk, we undertake new product development and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure that we have products at various stages of the life cycle. Competitor risk also manifests itself in price pressures which are usually experienced in more mature markets. This results not only in downward pressure on our gross margins but also in the risk that our products are not considered to represent value for money. The Group therefore monitors market prices on an ongoing basis. 1 3 4 No change The Board acknowledges that there is a risk of operational disturbance in the course of integrating the acquired businesses with existing operations. The Group mitigates the operational and financial risk by careful planning and rigorous due diligence. In addition, the Group has invested a significant amount of time and expense in the development of a platform for growth through Project Fusion (one AdEPT’). The business review set out on pages 12 to 16 has been approved by the Board on 7 August 2020 and signed on its behalf by: John Swaite Finance director AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 21 Strategic reportBoard of directors Ian Fishwick Chairman (MBA, ACMA) Phil Race Chief executive officer (MBA, BEng) John Swaite Finance director (BA Hons, FCA) Andy Lovett Chief operating officer Skills and experience Over a 20 year career Phil has headed businesses within Xchanging, SSP, Sirius and Logica (formerly CMG). He has extensive and highly relevant experience of IT outsourcing and enterprise software, having led companies that deployed global, complex, mission critical solutions. Born in Cambridge and an Electronic Engineering graduate of Nottingham University, in 2000 Phil was awarded an MBA from Henley Management College. Phil was appointed to the Board as chief executive on 1 January 2019. Skills and experience John joined AdEPT in March 2008 as Group financial controller and was promoted to finance director and the Board in January 2009. Prior to joining AdEPT, John spent more than nine years with one of the UK’s leading accounting firms. In his role as senior corporate finance manager, John was responsible for all aspects of financial due diligence and transaction support on mergers, acquisitions, flotations and subsequent public offerings. Skills and experience Andy joined AdEPT as COO in June 2019 and was appointed to the Board in March 2020. He has significant experience in running the operational side of businesses spanning; software development, IT outsourcing, and mission critical client projects. Andy has a wealth of highly relevant skills having previously worked in senior roles for banking software company DPR Group and global outsourcer Xchanging plc. Skills and experience Ian was a chief executive or managing director in the technology industry for 29 years (1990-2018) and is the original founder of AdEPT. In that time, he has completed more than 40 telecoms mergers and acquisitions. Prior to founding AdEPT Technology Group plc (previously AdEPT Telecom) in February 2003, from 1983 to 1995 Ian rose through the ranks at Marconi Secure Systems, including two years as financial controller and five years as managing director. From 1996 to 2000 Ian was a managing director at Telewest Communications, managing Telewest North West, Telewest London and South East and Cable London. Ian was managing director of World Access (UK) Limited from 2000 to 2001. Ian was CEO of AdEPT for 16 years (2003-2018) and moved to Chairman of AdEPT in January 2019. 22 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Corporate governanceRichard Bligh Non-executive director Craig Wilson Non-executive director Roger Wilson Non-executive director (BA Hons, DMS) Committee Chairman Audit committee member Remuneration committee member Skills and experience Richard joined AdEPT in June 2019; prior to this he held the position of director of business development at Gamma Communications plc, where he was instrumental in building that company to a market value of over £1 billion. Richard has more than 20 years’ telecoms sector experience in a variety of marketing and business development vice president roles. These include UK and international experience in ECI Conferencing, Intertek plc, Global Crossing and Racal Telecom. Richard has extensive experience of business markets from serving multi-national corporates to selling via the channel. Richard is a graduate of Cardiff University. Skills and experience Craig was formerly chief executive officer of Xchanging plc (‘Xchanging’) and during his 37 years in the IT Services arena led some of the largest managed services companies in the UK including; EDS, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Services and CSC. Craig has extensive experience in business process outsourcing (BPO), IT services and software, running businesses with up to £3 billion in annual revenue and 14,000 staff. Craig has extensive expertise in the public sector arena with experience spanning; Department for Work and Pensions, HM Revenue & Customs, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Justice. Craig is a Fellow of the British Computer Society, a Chartered Engineer, Chartered IT Professional and holds an MBA and BSC. Skills and experience Roger has worked in the telecom industry for more than 20 years. He was the first managing director for Telewest Communications’ residential consumer business in the UK from January 1997 until March 1998. Roger spent three years between June 1998 and April 2001 in Poland establishing a telecom business for American investors. Moreover, he was managing director of ECTA, the European Competitive Telecommunications Association, until January 2006. Roger is a founder investor in AdEPT and was Chairman from 2003-2018. AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 23 Corporate governance Directors’ report For the year ended 31 March 2020 The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2020 Statement of directors’ responsibilities The directors are responsible for preparing the strategic report, the directors’ 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 have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the EU and applicable law. 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 of the profit or loss of the Group 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 applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and > prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will continue in business. 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. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Provision of information to auditor So far as each of the directors is aware at the time the report was approved: > there was no relevant audit information of which the Group’s auditor was unaware; and > the directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor was aware of that information. Going concern Accounting standards require the directors to consider the appropriateness of the going concern basis when preparing the financial statements. The directors have considered a number of factors in determining whether the going concern basis remains appropriate. The Group does not have high customer concentration or sector exposure and the majority of the revenue stream is generated from recurring products and services, which combined provide good revenue and profitability visibility for the foreseeable future. The Group has adequate funding facilities available to it for the period until February 2022, the details of which are included in Notes 21 and 28 of these financial statements. Credit risk is being managed by customers paying via direct debit, paying deposits or paying in advance of receiving service. Immediately following the escalation of the COVID-19 crisis, we conducted several stress test scenarios to understand the potential impact on our revenue, profitability and cash position over the next twelve months and beyond. Our stress tests assumed that the next six months will see the most significant impact after which the COVID-19 outbreak will start to be under control. We identified the following key variables and have modelled the following variances: They are further responsible for ensuring that the strategic report, the directors’ report and other information included in the annual report and financial statements are prepared in accordance with applicable law in the United Kingdom. Variable New order volumes Coronavirus Impact It is unlikely companies will order major contracts until such time stability returns and reduced order volumes are anticipated in the next nine months The maintenance and integrity of the AdEPT website is the responsibility of the directors. Installation times Increase as people are not on-site to commission and accept equipment Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of the accounts and the other information included in annual reports may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. Credit collection periods Churn Are extended in the next six months Increases as some customers shrink and others sadly go out of business Under the COVID-19 stress test scenarios the business remains profitable and cash generative. This demonstrates the strength of the Company’s business model with high recurring revenues, a mix of public and private sector business, and minimal capital expenditure. 24 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Corporate governanceWe will use all the tools available to us to reduce cost and cash outflows where appropriate. These include, but are not limited to, cancellation of the dividend payments, pausing any acquisition activity, pay and recruitment freeze and replacement of overtime payments with time in lieu to be taken when activity quietens down. These stress tests include direct Government support, as we have used any schemes that are available. For example, the Company has taken advantage of the Government announcement that there will be no VAT payments due in the quarter ended 30 June 2020, but this must be caught up by the end of the 2020/21 tax year. Also, the Company has taken advantage of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough) in relation to its staff that have seen a temporary reduction in demand for services, for example on-site engineering and technical resource. The directors have reviewed the detailed financial forecast of the Group and the underlying assumptions in light of the current trading performance, which demonstrate continued strong operating cash flow and adequate headroom in respect of the banking covenants. Based upon this, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and the financial statements are therefore prepared on the going concern basis. Employee involvement The Group aims to improve the performance of the organisation through the development of its employees. Their involvement is encouraged by means of team working, team briefings, consultative committees and working parties. The Group has in place an indemnity insurance policy for the benefit of the senior management and employees at a cost of £8,225 (2019: £5,600). The increase in premium in the current year reflects a higher level of cover. Disabled employees The Group is committed to equality of employment and its policies reflect a disregard of factors such as disability in the selection and development of employees. Subsequent events In May 2020 the earnout payment in respect of the acquisition of ACS of £1.80m was settled in full, with no further amounts due. In July 2020, in light of the potential impact of COVID-19, the Company signed an agreement with Barclays Bank plc and Royal Bank of Scotland plc for the deferral of the £5m reduction to the RCF facility, which was originally due in July 2020, until the facility end date of February 2022 to provide additional cash headroom. In addition, the agreement contains an extension to the leverage and interest cover covenants included in the original bank facility to provide additional headroom through to the facility end date of February 2022. No fees were payable to Barclays Bank plc or Royal Bank of Scotland plc in respect of this agreement. Research and development The Group has a software development team at Atomwide which is responsible for the ongoing enhancement of existing software applications and the development of new software and a technical team which is responsible for the enhancement and development of the AdEPT Nebula network. The costs incurred during the year in relation to these activities was £601,629; these costs are expensed as incurred and are included within administrative expenses in the statement of comprehensive income. In addition, the Group incurred capital costs of £149,952 in relation to the development of the AdEPT Nebula network; these costs have been capitalised and are included within tangible assets. Investment of £342,970 has been made over the last twelve months in Project Fusion, which includes the cost of third-party consultancy and some capitalisation of the internal development teams time spent dedicated to the project. The progress on the roll out of a Group-wide CRM system is underway with the system live in five of the eight Group operating sites, with the remaining sites expected to go live before the end of the 2020 calendar year. In addition, the Group is transitioning to a centralised finance platform which is hosted in the AdEPT Nebula network, with two business units already live and the remaining business units expected to transition before the end of 2020. The rest of the Group does not undertake significant levels of investment in research and development; instead it works with strategic network and supply partners to develop the product portfolio. Streamlined energy and carbon reporting (SECR) Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) is the UK Government’s name for energy and carbon reporting and taxation. SECR came into force on 1 April 2019. The Companies Act 2006 described a regime where all large businesses (and we read that as all private businesses apart from SMEs) report carbon emissions in their annual reports and accounts. With pressures on the UK to meet its climate change targets, the government launched SECR so all large UK companies are to report their carbon emissions and energy usage on an annual basis. SECR aims to harmonise reporting, removing the multiple carbon reports with different reporting dates and will be streamlined to be consistent with financial reporting years. It will also make it easier to monitor and achieve reductions in carbon and cost each year. As a largely office-based business, the Group has a relatively low carbon presence. Under the SECR requirements we are reporting energy use (gas and electricity) and business-related mileage for all of our UK operations, for both company owned and personal vehicle usage. As this is the first reporting period where the SECR requirements apply there is no comparative information. AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 25 Corporate governanceDirectors’ report continued For the year ended 31 March 2020 Streamlined energy and carbon reporting (SECR) continued kgCO2e Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3 March 2020 March 2019 Transport Electricity Transport Electricity — — 1,610,999 1,610,999 — 335,217 — 335,217 — — — — — — — — The total electricity consumption value is the actual value of kWh energy units consumed at an average conversion factor of 0.35 kgCO2e per kWh. Transport is the total value of business mileage (in company and personal vehicles) consumed at an average conversion factor of 2.9 kgCO2e per mile travelled. The Group’s intensity ratio, calculated as total energy value per employee, for the year ended 31 March 2020 was 6,238 kgCO2e. The Group is committed to promoting sustainability. We aim to follow and promote good sustainability practice, to carry out our operations in a way which manages and minimises any adverse environmental impacts from our activities. This includes taking into account environmental factors when choosing energy suppliers, avoiding physical travel to meetings where practical, supporting our staff with remote/home working. Dividends Details of the dividends paid during the year are included in the strategic report. Financial risk management Details of the financial risk management policies of the Group are included in Note 28. Auditor The auditor, Crowe U.K. LLP, will be proposed for re-appointment in accordance with Section 489 of the Companies Act 2006. On behalf of the Board Phil Race Director 7 August 2020 26 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Corporate governanceReport of the remuneration committee The Group is committed to the governing objective of maximising shareholder value Richard Bligh Chairman of the remuneration committee Scope of the report The remuneration report summarises the remuneration committee’s activities during the year, the outcomes for directors’ remuneration and the Group’s remuneration policy. The report also describes how the Group applies the principles of good corporate governance in relation to directors’ remuneration. The remuneration committee is appointed by the Board and comprises only non-executive directors. The committee meets regularly to determine, on behalf of the Board, the framework of executive remuneration. During the year, the membership of the committee comprised Richard Bligh (Chairman), Ian Fishwick, Craig Wilson and Roger Wilson. The members of this committee do not have any conflicts from cross-directorships that relate to the business of the committee. The members do not have any day-to-day involvement in the running of the Group. The remuneration committee’s remit is to measure the performance of, and determine remuneration policy relating to, directors and senior employees. To support this responsibility, it has access to professional and other advice external to the Group. Taking these factors into account, it then makes recommendations to the Board. During the year the committee met on four occasions. To assist the work of the committee, the views of the chief executive officer are also invited where appropriate. However, he does not participate in any decision related to his own remuneration. Remuneration policy The Group is committed to the governing objective of maximising shareholder value over time. Each year the remuneration framework and the packages of the directors are reviewed to ensure they continue to achieve this objective. The Group operates in large competitive markets with areas of significant growth potential. The Group’s executive director remuneration policy is designed to attract and retain directors of the calibre required to maintain the Group’s position in its marketplace. The key features of remuneration and the policy for each element of the packages for executive directors are shown below: Element of remuneration policy and link to strategy policy and approach Base salary > To pay a competitive level of fixed remuneration, taking into account experience and personal contribution to the Group’s strategy. > Intended to attract and retain the talent required to execute the strategy. > Reviewed annually by the committee in January. Salary increases will normally be in line with pay review levels across the whole Group and by reference to individual performance. However, reference is also made to changes in role and responsibility. Reference is also made to comparisons with companies of similar size and complexity. Benefits These complement an executive’s basic salary and are designed to ensure the wellbeing of employees. Benefits in place include pension contribution, car allowance and membership of private health and life assurance schemes. Bonus A cash bonus designed to incentivise specific short-term goals and objectives, both financial and non-financial. Goals and objectives are set for the executive director team as a whole with a significant weight being put on meeting and exceeding the annual budget in terms of revenue, EBITDA and net debt targets. Executive directors’ bonuses are set at between 10% and 20% of base salary. AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 27 Corporate governanceReport of the remuneration committee continued Share options To encourage and reward delivery of the Company’s long-term strategic objectives and provide alignment with shareholders through the use of share-based incentives. The remuneration committee applies a policy of issuing share options up to 1% each year of the issued share capital at the date of the previous year end. All share-based incentives offered to executive directors have minimum three year retention schedules. Share option grants made are at market price. Vesting is subject to continuing employment. Roger Wilson, Ian Fishwick, John Swaite, Andy Lovett and Phil Race have been granted share options, details of which are shown below. Each executive director has a twelve month rolling service agreement. Non-executive directors each have a three month rolling contract. The remuneration of the non-executive directors is agreed by the executive directors, and is based upon the level of fees paid at comparable companies and taking account of the directors’ evolving responsibilities. The non-executives’ remuneration includes base salary, car allowance and associated auto-enrolment pension contributions. The remuneration of the directors in office during the year was as follows: Short-term employee benefits Salary and fees paid or receivable £ Bonus and commission paid or receivable £ 41,000 24,085 — 154,000 27,504 16,083 251,975 60,000 2,016 175,000 751,663 — — — — — — 15,000 27,599 — 16,187 58,786 Other benefits £ 7,901 7,519 — 45,638 — — — 5,448 — 10,240 76,746 Post- employment benefits Pension contributions £ 1,046 614 — 13,821 — 386 10,000 657 22 1,619 Total 2020 £ 49,947 32,218 — 213,459 27,504 16,469 276,975 93,704 2,038 203,046 Total 2019 £ 70,262 52,949 28,073 319,191 — — 121,931 185,425 — 212,838 28,165 915,360 990,669 R Wilson D Lukic C Kingsman I Fishwick R Bligh C Wilson P Race R Burbage A Lovett J Swaite Total During the year retirement benefits were accruing to eight directors (2019: seven) in respect of money purchase pension schemes. The value of the Group’s contributions paid to a money purchase pension scheme in respect of the highest paid director amounted to £13,821 (2019: £18,296). The share option debit recognised during the year in respect of the directors was £29,334 (2019: £67,487). The aggregate amount of gains made by directors on the exercise of share options was £Nil (2019: £Nil). There were no directors (2019: Nil) who exercised share options during the year. 28 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Corporate governanceThe following share options remain outstanding under the Company share option scheme: Awarded in year Options exercised Options lapsed I Fishwick J Swaite R Wilson D Lukic R Burbage R Burbage I Fishwick J Swaite Employees P Race A Lovett P Race Option scheme EMI EMI EMI Unapproved Unapproved Unapproved Unapproved Unapproved Unapproved Unapproved Unapproved Unapproved Options at 1 April 2019 129,440 64,720 29,660 16,180 100,000 52,500 140,000 100,000 200,000 237,018 — — — — — — — — — — — — 100,000 237,018 Options at 31 March 2020 129,440 64,720 29,660 16,180 100,000 52,500 140,000 100,000 100,000 237,018 100,000 237,018 Option price 222p 222p 222p 222p 238p 238p 335p 335p 353p 368p Date of grant 1 March 2016 1 March 2016 1 March 2016 1 March 2016 31 October 2016 31 October 2016 2 August 2017 2 August 2017 21 August 2018 1 January 2019 355p 26 September 2019 333p 1 January 2020 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — (100,000) — — — All options were issued at market value and have a three year vesting period. 392,500 of the outstanding options have vested and they are not subject to any performance conditions. 152,500 of the outstanding options are subject to performance conditions and have vested. The remaining options are not subject to any performance conditions and have not yet vested. Richard Bligh Chairman of the remuneration committee 7 August 2020 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 29 Corporate governanceCorporate governance statement The directors recognise the importance of sound corporate governance and have developed governance policies appropriate for the size of the Group, with reference to the main provisions of the Corporate Governance Code for Small and Mid-Size Quoted Companies published by the Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA). The following is a list of the ten core principles of the QCA Corporate Governance Code and the application by the Company in support of the Group’s medium to long-term success 1. Establish a strategy and business model to promote long-term value for shareholders AdEPT was originally established as a fixed line telecoms provider but is diversifying its product range to become one of the UK’s leading independent unified communications and IT service providers. This transition has been largely through development of the organic sales focus combined with strategic acquisition of earnings-enhancing business. Our strategy focuses on four key areas: > enabling the Company to expand its product range; > investing in customer retention; > increasing public sector presence by leveraging frameworks; and > identifying strategic acquisition opportunities. The Company is focused on maintaining a high proportion of recurring revenue and margin, and a low operating cost base with a high proportion of EBITDA converting to operating free cash flow. This high free cash flow is to be reinvested into the Company via strategic earnings-enhancing acquisitions combined with returns to shareholders via dividends. Key challenges in the execution of the strategy of the Group are the following risk factors: > credit risk; > competitor risk; > acquisition integration; > capital risk management; > liquidity risk; and > retention of the Board and senior management. All of these are covered in greater detail later in this statement. 2. Understanding and meeting shareholders needs and expectations The Company remains committed to listening and communicating openly with its shareholders to ensure that its strategy, business model and performance are clearly understood. Understanding what analysts and investors think about us, and, in turn, helping these audiences understand our business, is a key part of driving our business forward and we actively seek dialogue with the market. We do so via investor roadshows, attending investor conferences and our regular reporting. The AGM is the main forum for dialogue with retail shareholders and the Board. The Notice of Meeting is sent to shareholders at least 21 days before the meeting. The Chairs of the Board and all committees, together with all other directors, routinely attend the AGM and are available to answer questions raised by shareholders. For each vote, the number of proxy votes received for, against and withheld is announced at the meeting. 30 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 The results of the AGM are subsequently published on the Company’s corporate website. The executive directors have regular dialogue with all major shareholders of the Company and prospective new shareholders through investor meetings and webinars. The chief executive officer and finance director make presentations to institutional and private shareholders and analysts each year immediately following the release of the full year and half year results. In addition, the executive directors attend investor shows and produce audio and video updates on a regular basis, copies of which can be found on the investor relations pages of the Company website. The feedback received by the Board from shareholders is that these audio and video updates provide a time and cost-effective method of getting updates on the strategy and financial performance of the Company. The Board regularly undertakes reviews with major shareholders to understand the drivers behind their investment decisions. The aim is to try and communicate the strategy of the Company to those shareholders and demonstrate how it expects to deliver long-term value. The Company has a shareholder benefit scheme for any shareholders with 250 or more shares. The details of the scheme are included on the Company website and provides an open path of communication with shareholders. 3. Take into account wider stakeholder and social responsibilities and their implications for long-term success The Company leverages the expertise of its own workforce but also that of third-party suppliers/partners and therefore recognises that maintaining good relationships with those stakeholders is vital for the long-term success of the Company. The Board has identified the range of stakeholders on which the success of the Company is dependent. The executive Board is involved in all discussions with key stakeholders to ensure that their needs, interest and expectations are both understood and aligned with those of the Company. There is a continuous feedback loop in relation to all processes within the Company to ensure that the senior management team and Board are able to act on any feedback from stakeholders. Once a week, the executive director team has a meeting with the senior management at each site within the Group to understand any issues arising so that they can be dealt with in a timely manner. Employee involvement The directors believe that the employees of the Company are one of its most important assets and the continued and sustained development of the Company relies on its ability to retain and attract employees of a high standard. AdEPT is proud to have a high number of long-serving employees with more than five years’ service. The AdEPT equal opportunities policy ensures that all job applicants and employees are treated fairly and without favour or prejudice. We are committed to applying this policy throughout all areas of employment, recruitment and selection, training, development and promotion. Employees are regularly informed of matters concerning their interest and the financial factors affecting the Company. The Company uses management forums and employee newsletters to communicate matters as well as team and individual meetings and employee engagement surveys. Corporate governanceEnvironmental commitment AdEPT is committed to promoting sustainability. Concern for the environment and promoting a broader sustainability agenda are integral to AdEPT’s professional activities and the management of the organisation. We aim to follow and promote good sustainability practice, to carry out our operations in a way which manages and minimises any adverse environmental impacts from our activities and to help our clients and partners to do the same. Our sustainability policy is based upon the principles of continual and effective improvement on environmental performance. This policy is communicated to our employees, associates, suppliers, clients and other parties to ensure that all parties are fully aware of our sustainability policy and are committed to implementing and improving it. The sustainability policy is reviewed annually, and we are committed to continually striving to improve our sustainability performance within the guidelines of our organisation. The Company encourages its staff to use public transport to attend meetings and site visits whenever possible and minimise sole occupancy travel whenever practical. The Company is committed to encouraging the use of teleconferencing or video-conferencing, and efficient timing of meetings to avoid unnecessary journeys. In addition, the Company supports alternative working arrangements, including home working. AdEPT encourages the reuse or recycling of office waste, including paper, packaging, computer supplies and redundant equipment. Wherever possible AdEPT ensures that waste materials are disposed of in an environmentally safe manner and in accordance with regulations. AdEPT is committed to reducing the energy consumptions of office equipment by purchasing energy efficient equipment and good housekeeping. 4. Embed effective risk management, considering both opportunities and threats, throughout the organisation The Company has established a framework of internal financial controls, the effectiveness of which is reviewed by the executive management, the audit committee and the Board in light of ongoing assessment of significant risks facing the Company. Internal control and risk assessment The directors are responsible for risk assessment and systems of internal control. Although no system of internal control can provide absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss, the Group’s systems are designed to provide the directors with reasonable assurance that problems are identified on a timely basis and dealt with appropriately. The Board is responsible for reviewing and approving overall Company strategy, approving revenue and capital budgets and plans, and determining the financial structure of the Company including treasury, tax and dividend policy. Monthly results and variances from plans and forecasts are reported to the Board. The key features of the Group’s system of internal control are: > a management structure with clearly defined responsibilities and authority limits; > a comprehensive system of reporting financial results to the Board. Towards the end of each financial year, detailed budgets are prepared for the following year. Reforecasts are prepared on a regular basis during the year, for example reflecting an additional acquisition. The actual results are compared to the budget and/or reforecasts as appropriate; > regular review of staff skills and identifying and providing training; > regular review of operational performance by the executive directors, including sales and customer service; > appraisal and authorisation of capital expenditure; > approval of significant contracts; and > review of the risks faced by the Group. In addition to its other roles and responsibilities the audit committee is responsible to the Board for ensuring that procedures are in place, and are being effectively implemented to identify, evaluate and manage the significant risks faced by the Group. The audit committee reviews the risks and controls on a regular basis. The following principal risks, and controls to mitigate them, have been identified: Liquidity risk The Group seeks to manage financial risk by ensuring sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs and to invest cash assets safely and profitably. External funding facilities are managed to ensure that both short-term and longer-term funding is available to provide short-term flexibility whilst providing sufficient funding to the Group’s forecast working capital requirements. Credit risk The Group extends credit of various durations to customers depending on customer creditworthiness and industry custom and practice for the product or service. In the event that a customer proves unable to meet payments when they fall due, the Group will suffer adverse consequences. To manage this, the Group continually monitors credit terms to ensure that no single customer is granted credit inappropriate to its credit risk. Additionally, a large proportion of our customer receipts are collected by monthly direct debit. The risk is further reduced by the customer base being spread across a wide variety of industry and service sectors. Currency risk The Group’s operations are handled almost entirely in sterling. Capital risk management The Group is subject to the risk that its capital structure will not be sufficient to support the growth of the business. The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. There were no changes to the Group’s approach to capital management during the year. As part of the banking arrangements, the Group is required to comply with certain covenants, including net debt to adjusted EBITDA and interest cover. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets (customer bases/relationships) to reduce debt. Competitor risk The Group operates in a highly competitive market with rapidly changing product and pricing innovations. We are subject to the threat of our competitors launching new products in our markets (including updating product lines) before we make corresponding updates and developments AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 31 Corporate governanceCorporate governance statement continued 4. Embed effective risk management, considering both opportunities and threats, throughout the organisation continued Roger Wilson and Ian Fishwick are not considered independent due to their shareholding in the Company. Competitor risk continued to our own product range. This could render our products and services out of date and could result in loss of market share. To reduce this risk, we undertake new product development and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure that we have products at various stages of the life cycle. Competitor risk also manifests itself in price pressures which are usually experienced in more mature markets. This results not only in downward pressure on our gross margins but also in the risk that our products are not considered to represent value for money. The Group therefore monitors market prices on an ongoing basis. Acquisition integration execution risk The Group has set out that its strategy includes the acquisition of businesses where they are earnings enhancing. The Board acknowledges that there is a risk of operational disturbance in the course of integrating the acquired businesses with existing operations. The Group mitigates this risk by careful planning and rigorous due diligence. 5. Maintain the board as a well-functioning, balanced team led by the chair The Board Executive directors Non-executive directors Phil Race John Swaite Andy Lovett Ian Fishwick Roger Wilson Richard Bligh Craig Wilson The Board The Board comprises three executive directors and four non-executive directors. During the year ended 31 March 2020 Richard Burbage resigned from the Board and subsequently Andy Lovett was appointed to the Board as Chief Operating Officer in March 2020. Richard Bligh was appointed to the Board in June 2019 as non-executive director and in November 2019 Craig Wilson was also appointed to replace Dusko Lukic as non-executive director. It is recognised that The Board meets regularly throughout the year and has a formal schedule of matters specifically reserved for its decision. This schedule is included in the corporate governance document available on the Group’s website at www.adept.co.uk under the investor relations section. If required, the directors are entitled to take independent legal advice and, if the Board is informed in advance, the cost of the advice will be reimbursed by the Group. The company secretary’s services are available to all members of the Board. The directors are required to retire on a three year rotational basis, and they are required to stand for re-appointment by shareholders at the AGM. The Quoted Companies Alliance’s Corporate Governance Guidelines for AIM companies recommend that an AIM company should have at least two independent non-executive directors. The Board considers that two of the existing non-executive directors, Roger Wilson and Ian Fishwick, are not independent for the purposes of these guidelines due to their level of shareholdings in the Company and, therefore, that Richard Bligh and Craig Wilson are the independent non-executive directors. The Board believes that the non-executive directors are an effective team with a blend of skillsets which meet the needs of the Company and which are fully committed to working for the benefit of all shareholders and stakeholders. The composition of the Board is regularly reviewed with regard to the ongoing requirements of the Company in the medium to long term. Directors’ conflict of interest The Company has effective procedures in place to monitor and deal with conflicts of interest. The Board is aware of the other commitments and interests of its directors, and changes to these commitments and interests are reported to and, where appropriate, agreed with the rest of the Board. Board appointments The Group does not have a nomination committee. Any decision to appoint further directors to the Board is a decision taken by the whole Board and, where necessary, new Board members will be provided with appropriate training in respect of their role and responsibilities as a public company director. Meeting attendance Bi-monthly Board meetings were held throughout the year ended 31 March 2020. Directors are provided with comprehensive background information on the strategy, sales and financial performance in advance of each meeting, and all directors are able to participate fully and on an informed basis in all Board decisions. Any specific actions arising during meetings agreed by the Board are minuted, followed up and reviewed at subsequent meetings. The business reports monthly on its headline performance against its agreed budget, and the Board reviews the monthly update on performance and any significant variances are reviewed at each meeting. Details of the attendance of individual members at meetings during the year are shown in the table below: Management Board meetings Board meetings Audit committee Remuneration committee Other meetings Total attendance R Wilson D Lukic I Fishwick R Bligh C Wilson P Race J Swaite A Lovett R Burbage * By invitation. 1 1 46 1 1 46 46 2 22 6 4 6 3 2 6 6 1 3 1 1 — — 1 — 2* — — 4 2 — 3 2 1* — — — 2 1 — 2 1 — — — — 14 9 52 9 7 53 54 3 25 32 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Corporate governance6. Ensure that between them the directors have the necessary up-to-date experience, skills and capabilities The Board considers that the Company benefits from a range of highly experienced individuals, with sector specialist skills and personal qualities and capabilities that can deliver the strategy of the Company for the long-term benefit of shareholders. Details of the Board and their experience are included on pages 22 and 23. The Board is satisfied that, between the directors, it has an effective and appropriate balance of skills and experience, including in the areas of IT, communications, finance, innovation, commerce, sales and marketing. Independent advice There are no external advisers to the Board or any of its committees, other than that auditor (Crowe U.K. LLP). All directors are able to take independent professional advice in the furtherance of their duties, if necessary, at the Company’s expense. In addition, the directors have direct access to the advice and services of the company secretary and finance director. The company secretary, Dentons Secretaries Limited, provides the Board with professional expertise in relation to all company secretarial and associated issues. The company secretary is independent of the Company. It has not been deemed necessary to formalise a training and development programme for each director. Appointment, removal and re-election of directors The Board makes decisions regarding the appointment and removal of directors, and there is a formal, rigorous and transparent procedure for appointments. The Company’s Articles of Association require that all directors must stand for re-election at least once every three years; and that any new directors appointed during the year must stand for election at the AGM immediately following their appointment. 7. Evaluate board performance based on clear and relevant objectives, seeking continuous improvement The remuneration committee is appointed by the Board and comprises only non-executive directors. The committee meets regularly to determine, on behalf of the Board, the framework of executive remuneration. The performance of the executive directors is measured against the internal budget for revenue, EBITDA and cash/net debt, with a performance related bonus for exceeding the internal budget targets. The members of this committee do not have any conflicts from cross-directorships that relate to the business of the committee. The members do not have any day-to-day involvement in the running of the Group. The remuneration committee’s remit is to measure the performance of, and determine remuneration policy relating to, directors and senior employees. To support this responsibility, it has access to professional and other advice external to the Group. Taking the performance factors into account, it then makes recommendations to the Board. To assist the work of the committee, the views of the chief executive officer are also invited where appropriate. However, he does not participate in any decision related to his own remuneration. The Group is committed to the governing objective of maximising shareholder value over time. Each year the remuneration framework and the packages of the directors are reviewed to ensure they continue to achieve this objective. The Group operates in large competitive markets with areas of significant growth potential. The Group’s executive director remuneration policy is designed to attract and retain directors of the calibre required to maintain the Group’s position in its marketplace. This is maintained through the use of bonus and share option schemes, as follows: Bonus A cash bonus designed to incentivise specific short-term goals and objectives, both financial and non-financial. Goals and objectives are set for the executive director team as a whole with a significant weight being put on meeting and exceeding the annual budget in terms of revenue, EBITDA and cash/net debt targets. Executive directors’ bonuses are set at between 10% and 20% of base salary. Share options To encourage and reward delivery of the Company’s long-term strategic objectives and provide alignment with shareholders through the use of share-based incentives. The remuneration committee applies a policy of issuing share options up to 1% each year of the issued share capital at the date of the previous year end. All share-based incentives offered to executive directors have minimum three year retention schedules. Share option grants made are at market price. Vesting is subject to continuing employment. Currently the non-executive directors do not formally get appraised and they do not formally appraise the Chairman’s performance. However, the performance evaluation of the committees on which the non-executive directors sit is deemed appropriate for the evaluation of their performance. 8. Promote a corporate culture that is based on ethical values and behaviours The Board recognises that some groups experience unfair discrimination in society, and AdEPT is committed to challenging unfair discrimination in all forms, ensuring that a sound corporate culture which is based on ethical values of equality is at the heart of everything we do. We value diversity and believe that this brings fresh ideas and perceptions. The equal opportunity policy of AdEPT sets out the Company’s position on equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and helps us to meet our statutory Equality Duty under the Equality Act 2010. The Act sets us an ‘Equality Duty’ to have due regard to the need to: > eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation; > advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it; and > foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it. The policy has been developed to maintain the following policy objectives: > to provide a safe and welcoming environment, in which individuals are valued, included and respected; > to eliminate unfair discrimination; > to advance equality of opportunity; and > to foster good relations between different groups of people. The application of the policy is the responsibility of all directors, employees, contract and partners working on behalf of AdEPT. The policy is made available to all staff via the local network and has been advised to partner organisations. AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 33 Corporate governanceCorporate governance statement continued 8. Promote a corporate culture that is based on ethical values 10. Communicate how the company is governed and is performing by maintaining dialogue with shareholders and other relevant stakeholders The Group has a regular dialogue with institutional shareholders and communication with shareholders is given a high priority. The Board welcomes the attendance of individual shareholders at general meetings and the opportunity to address any questions they may have. The notice of the annual general meeting will be sent to shareholders at least 21 days before the meeting. The proxies for and against each resolution are announced at the meetings. Shareholders are encouraged to view the Company’s website at www.adept.co.uk, which includes an investor relations section which contains all the required information under AIM Rule 26. The Company produces an annual report with the final financial results for each financial year, which is available on the Company website. The annual report also contains the strategic report, report of the remuneration committee and corporate governance statement. The website of the Company also contains copies of every news announcement which has been released by the Regulatory News Service on the AdEPT pages of the London Stock Exchange website. The executive directors have regular dialogue with major shareholders of the Company and prospective new shareholders through investor meetings and webinars. In addition, the executive directors attend investor shows and produce audio and video updates on a regular basis, copies of which can be found on the investor relations pages of the Company website. The Board has an open dialogue with all employees of the Group through monthly communication of all key events and activities which have happened around the Group, including new starters, customer contract wins and financial results which have been released. In addition, regular Group-wide events are held at which employees are informed about new products and services and they have the opportunity to network with their fellow employees. The Group recognises that maintaining strong relationships with key suppliers is vital and therefore members of the senior management team are constantly liaising with suppliers in relation to new opportunities and development of existing products and services. The Company completes regular employee surveys to maintain an open dialogue with employees and has introduced new processes to collate employee feedback and use this to improve training and service. and behaviours continued AdEPT will not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, marital status, disability, age, part-time or fixed-term contract status, sexual orientation or religion in the allocation of duties between employees employed at any level with comparable job descriptions. Our employment application form will be as simple and straight forward as possible and we will not ask for unnecessary information. Interview questions will be related to the requirements of the job and we will not seek irrelevant qualifications. Applicants will be shortlisted/selected solely on the basis of capability. Monitoring of our equality and diversity policy is carried out by the senior management team on an annual basis. 9. Maintain governance structures and processes that are fit for purpose and support good decision making by the board Remuneration committee The remuneration committee is responsible for the policy for the remuneration of the executive directors, company secretary and operating board. Members Richard Bligh (Chairman) Ian Fishwick Roger Wilson Audit committee The audit committee has responsibility for planning and reviewing the Group’s interim and preliminary reports and accounts. Members Craig Wilson (Chairman) Roger Wilson The audit committee determines the application of the financial reporting and internal control and risk management procedures and the scope, quality and results of the external audit. Nomination committee The Group does not have a nomination committee. Any decision to appoint further directors to the Board is a decision taken by the whole Board and, where necessary, new Board members will be provided with appropriate training in respect of their role and responsibilities as a public company director. Executive Team The Executive Team consists of Phil Race, John Swaite and Andy Lovett with input from the divisional directors and their teams. They are responsible for the formulation of the proposed strategic focus for submission to the Board, the day-to-day management of the Group’s businesses and its overall trading, operational and financial performance in fulfilment of that strategy, as well as plans and budgets approved by the Board of directors. It also manages and oversees key risks, management development and corporate responsibility programmes. The chief executive officer reports to the plc Board on issues, progress and recommendations for change. The controls applied by the Executive Team to financial and non-financial matters and the effectiveness of these controls are regularly reported to the Board. 34 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Corporate governanceFinancial statements 36 Independent auditor’s report 40 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 76 Consolidated statement of financial position Company statement of financial position Consolidated statement of changes in equity Company statement of changes in equity Consolidated statement of cash flows Company statement of cash flows Notes to the financial statements Company information IBC Glossary F i n a n c i a l s t a t e m e n t s AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2019 35 Overview of our audit approach Materiality In planning and performing our audit we applied the concept of materiality. An item is considered material if it could reasonably be expected to change the economic decisions of a user of the financial statements. We used the concept of materiality to both focus our testing and to evaluate the impact of misstatements identified. Based on our professional judgement, we determined overall materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole to be £250,000 (2019: £400,000), based on 2% of underlying EBITDA which is the key measure the group uses to report performance. We use a different level of materiality (‘performance materiality’) to determine the extent of our testing for the audit of the financial statements. Performance materiality is set based on the audit materiality as adjusted for the judgements made as to the entity risk and our evaluation of the specific risk of each audit area having regard to the internal control environment. Where considered appropriate performance materiality may be reduced to a lower level, such as, for related party transactions and directors’ remuneration. We agreed with the audit committee to report to it all identified errors in excess of £10,000 (2019: £10,000). Errors below that threshold would also be reported to it if, in our opinion as auditor, disclosure was required on qualitative grounds. Overview of the scope of our audit The audit scope was established during the planning stage and was based around the key matters set out below. The scope involved tests of detail selecting transactions via random sampling techniques. The audit field work was completed at various sites across the country which reflect the locations the Company and its subsidiaries operate from. The parent Company and all subsidiaries were audited by Crowe UK LLP and no component auditors were used. Key audit matters Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we identified. These matters included those which had the greatest effect on; the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit, and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. Independent auditor’s report To the shareholders of AdEPT Technology Group plc Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Adept Technology Group plc (the ‘parent Company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘Group’) for the year ended 31 March 2020, which comprise: > the Group statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31 March 2020; > the Group and parent Company statements of financial position as at 31 March 2020; > the Group and parent Company statements of cash flows for the year then ended; > the Group and parent Company statements of changes in equity for the year then ended; and > the notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the financial statements is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. In our opinion: > the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent Company’s affairs as at 31 March 2020 and of the Group’s profit for the period then ended; > the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; > the parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and > the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relating to going concern We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which ISAs (UK) require us to report to you when: > The directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or > The directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the Group’s or the parent Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue. 36 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Financial statementsOverview of our audit approach continued Key audit matters continued This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit. Key audit matter How the scope of our audit addressed the key audit matter Revenue recognition Fraud through manipulation of revenue recognition is presumed to be a significant audit risk in most cases and we saw no reason to rebut this presumption. Intangible assets The value of these is significant and assessing the value and amortisation rates used to amortise the intangible assets is complex and involves a degree of subjectivity. Although any impairment would not impact on EBITDA, impairment charges would impact upon distributable reserves which is important for the payment of dividends. Deferred consideration Deferred consideration is based upon post-acquisition performance. The calculations require management to both look at performance to date and estimate future performance. The accounting policies for each of the companies in respect of IFRS 15 (revenue) were considered in detail when the Group adopted IFRS 15. This year we checked there were no changes in policy or revenue streams and also considered the recognition policy for the two new companies acquired during the year. We also ensured that revenue is recognised in the correct accounting period and that there were no material cut off errors. We also audited the accounts disclosures and considered the requirements of accounting standards, including disclosing the impact of IFRS 15, had been met. We were informed that there were no instances of material fraud during the year and our testing did not indicate any instances of a material fraud. Management conduct an annual impairment review of intangible assets not subject to amortisation, and goodwill. Impairment reviews on other intangible assets are conducted when there is evidence of impairment. The impairment calculations are based upon discounted cash flows. The significant inputs into the model include the cash flows in the current period, the churn rate (used to assess future cash flows), and the discount rate applied. We audited the model provided by management and challenged them on the assumptions used. Our procedures included: > Auditing the cash flows used to ensure that only those cash flows relevant to the intangible assets acquired had been included. > Ensuring that the period over which cash flows were assessed remained reasonable. > Ensuring that churn rates had been correctly calculated (based on historic rates of customer losses) and future churn rates applied were reasonable in light of our knowledge of the business. > Whether the assumptions used to calculate the discount rate were reasonable and supportable. > Sensitising managements key assumptions. Our work indicated that an impairment charge would occur if the discount rate (WACC) increased to 11.3% or gross margin decreased by 5% or churn rates increased by 3%. Various combinations of these could also result in an impairment charge. Deferred consideration was outstanding at the year-end relating to two previous acquisitions along with deferred consideration arising in the year following the acquisition of ACS. As deferred considered is contingent on post-acquisition performance (some of which is forecast at the year-end) there is a degree of estimation uncertainty on the final amounts payable at the year end. We therefore audited management’s estimates and challenged the inputs into the model provided. In doing so we: > Ensured that management had updated their estimates of deferred consideration from the point of acquisition to the latest available estimates. > Ensured that, where estimates of future cash flows were used, that these were reasonable, based upon past performance and reasonable expectations about the future. > That the calculation of the estimated deferred consideration agreed to the Share Purchase Agreement. The deferred consideration paid during the year in respect of previous acquisitions was correctly accounted for. The deferred consideration on the acquisition of ACS in the year was correctly accounted for and has since been fully paid post year end. AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 37 Financial statementsIndependent auditor’s report continued To the shareholders of AdEPT Technology Group plc Overview of our audit approach continued Key audit matters continued Going concern, including banking covenants, IFRS 9 (bad debt provisioning) and COVID-19. The company has significant bank financing as well as a convertible loan. A breach could have a significant impact on the Group’s ability to operate as a going concern should the bank withdraw the finance. Given the current disruption caused by COVID-19 there is an increased threat to debt recovery and client retention which could impact on the ability of the Group to meet its covenants or make payments as they fall due. Group audit and consolidation process Due to the number of acquisitions in recent years we considered there to be a risk that the consolidation process could result in a material error and that accounting policies may not be consistent between Group companies. Acquisition of ACS Ltd The company made a significant acquisition in the year and there is therefore considered to be a risk that management has incorrectly identified the intangible assets purchased or had incorrectly valued those assets. Adoption of IFRS 16 IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ is applicable for the first time this year. As a result there is an increased risk that leases are incorrectly accounted for and disclosed this year. We audited the year-end covenant calculations by checking the inputs in the calculation and agreeing the basis of the calculation to the financing agreement whilst also checking the arithmetical accuracy and confirmed there were no breaches at the year end. We also checked the forecast data to ensure that the Group would continue to operate within its agreed facilities within the next twelve months. We also reviewed the Group’s market announcements regarding COVID-19, how expectations had been reflected in the forecasts and how the Group was currently trading through the disruption. We audited the consolidation provided to us by management. The accounting policies for subsidiaries were checked for inconsistencies. Specifically, we looked at the acquisition accounting for the two new subsidiaries in the year as well as ensuring the numbers complied with IFRS, having previously been prepared under UK GAAP. We obtained the share purchase agreement and agreed the cost of the investment recorded in the financial statements to the agreement. The deferred consideration element has been covered above. The intangible assets arising from the acquisition were also audited in line with the comments above and no material errors were identified. We obtained management’s workings and audited these to ensure that the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements were materially correct. We challenged management where necessary and we compared the policy adopted to both IFRS 16 and how the industry generally was applying this in relation to leased lines. We looked at the discount rate, key details of the leases and underlying calculations. Our audit procedures in relation to these matters were designed in the context of our audit opinion as a whole. They were not designed to enable us to express an opinion on these matters individually and we express no such opinion. Other information The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 In our opinion based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit > the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and > the directors’ report and strategic report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. 38 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Financial statementsUse of our report 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. Darren Rigden (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Crowe U.K. LLP 40-46 High Street Maidstone Kent ME14 1JH, UK 11 August 2020 Matters on which we are required to report by exception In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the parent Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us 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 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. Responsibilities of the directors for the financial statements As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 24, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and parent Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report. AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 39 Financial statementsConsolidated statement of comprehensive income For the year ended 31 March 2020 Revenue Cost of sales Gross profit Administrative expenses Operating profit Total operating profit – analysed: Underlying EBITDA Share-based payments Depreciation of tangible fixed assets Amortisation of intangible fixed assets Adjustment to deferred consideration Acquisition fees Restructuring costs Total operating profit Finance costs Profit before income tax Income tax expense Profit for the year Other comprehensive income Total comprehensive income Earnings per share Basic earnings Diluted earnings Note 6 9 11 2020 £’000 61,688 (32,297) 29,391 (24,897) 4,494 11,709 (29) (1,513) (5,772) 654 (267) (288) 4,494 (2,523) 1,971 (986) 985 — 985 Note 2020 27 27 4.14p 4.12p Restated 2019 £’000 51,294 (25,966) 25,328 (21,002) 4,326 10,781 (68) (633) (4,568) (586) (495) (105) 4,326 (1,901) 2,425 (571) 1,854 — 1,854 Restated 2019 7.82p 7.77p All amounts relate to continuing operations. The notes on pages 47 to 75 form part of these financial statements. 40 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Financial statements Consolidated statement of financial position As at 31 March 2020 Assets Non-current assets Goodwill Intangible assets Property, plant and equipment Deferred tax asset Current assets Inventories Contract assets Trade and other receivables Cash and cash equivalents Total assets Current liabilities Trade and other payables Contract liabilities Income tax Short-term borrowings Non-current liabilities Deferred tax Convertible loan instrument Long-term borrowings Total liabilities Net assets Equity attributable to equity holders Share capital Share premium Share option reserve Capital redemption reserve Retained earnings Total equity 31 March 2020 £’000 Note Restated 31 March 2019 £’000 13 14 16 17 18 6 19 20 6 17 21 21 23 17,408 41,952 2,700 — 62,060 612 1,379 14,695 11,849 28,535 90,595 14,979 2,502 156 54 17,691 7,738 6,340 40,444 72,213 18,382 2,503 4,378 1,108 18 10,375 18,382 16,024 39,999 1,472 43 57,538 543 953 10,349 7,650 19,495 77,033 11,149 1,976 831 33 13,989 6,405 6,174 34,730 61,298 15,735 2,370 479 1,079 18 11,789 15,735 The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 7 August 2020 and signed on its behalf by: Phil Race Director The notes on pages 47 to 75 form part of these financial statements. Registered number 4682431 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 41 Financial statements Company statement of financial position As at 31 March 2020 Assets Non-current assets Intangible assets Investments Property, plant and equipment Deferred income tax Current assets Inventories Contract assets Trade and other receivables Cash and cash equivalents Total assets Current liabilities Trade and other payables Contract liabilities Income tax Short-term borrowings Non-current liabilities Other provisions and liabilities Convertible loan instrument Long-term borrowings Total liabilities Net assets Equity attributable to equity holders Share capital Share premium Share option reserve Capital redemption reserve Retained earnings Total equity 31 March 2020 £’000 31 March 2019 £’000 Note 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 17 21 21 23 6,760 50,989 883 — 7,955 50,989 437 — 58,632 59,381 — 1,244 10,305 6,619 18,168 76,800 4,167 2,316 (72) — 6,411 279 6,340 40,079 53,110 23,690 2,503 4,378 1,108 18 15,683 23,690 — 808 3,321 3,659 7,788 67,169 4,069 1,749 — — 5,818 122 6,174 34,730 46,844 20,325 2,370 479 1,079 18 16,379 20,325 The profit for the financial year dealt with in the financial statements of the parent Company was £1,668,793 (2019: £1,574,874). The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 7 August 2020 and signed on its behalf by: Phil Race Director The notes on pages 47 to 75 form part of these financial statements. Registered number 4682431 42 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Financial statements Consolidated statement of changes in equity For the year ended 31 March 2020 Equity at 1 April 2018 Prior year adjustment (Note 3) Adjusted equity at 1 April 2018 Profit for the year Other comprehensive income Total comprehensive income Deferred tax asset adjustment Dividends Share-based payments Equity at 1 April 2019 Impact of change in accounting policy (Note 4) Adjusted equity at 1 April 2019 Profit for the year Other comprehensive income Total comprehensive income Deferred tax on share options Dividends Share-based payments Issue of new equity Equity at 31 March 2020 Share capital £’000 2,370 — 2,370 — — — — — — 2,370 — 2,370 — — — — — — Share premium £’000 479 — 479 — — — — — — 479 — 479 — — — — — — 133 2,503 3,899 4,378 Attributable to equity holders Share option reserve £’000 1,012 — 1,012 — — — — — 67 1,079 — 1,079 — — — — — 29 — 1,108 Capital redemption reserve £’000 18 — 18 — — — — — — 18 — 18 — — — — — — — 18 Retained earnings £’000 12,067 Total equity £’000 15,946 (70) (70) 11,997 1,853 — 1,853 12 (2,073) — 11,789 (36) 11,753 986 — 986 (41) 15,876 1,853 — 1,853 12 (2,073) 67 15,735 (36) 15,699 986 — 986 (41) (2,323) (2,323) — — 10,375 29 4,032 18,382 The Group adopted IFRS 16 in the year ended 31 March 2020 and chose to apply the cumulative effect method with an opening adjustment to equity. The notes on pages 47 to 75 form part of these financial statements. AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 43 Financial statementsCompany statement of changes in equity For the year ended 31 March 2020 Equity at 1 April 2018 Profit for the year Other comprehensive income Total comprehensive income Deferred tax asset adjustment Dividends Share-based payments Equity at 1 April 2019 Impact of change in accounting policy (Note 4) Adjusted equity at 1 April 2019 Profit for the year Other comprehensive income Total comprehensive income Deferred tax on share options Dividends Share-based payments Issue of new equity Equity at 31 March 2020 Share capital £’000 2,370 — — — — — — 2,370 — 2,370 — — — — — — Share premium £’000 479 — — — — — — 479 — 479 — — — — — — 133 2,503 3,899 4,378 Attributable to equity holders Share option reserve £’000 1,012 — — — — — 67 1,079 — 1,079 — — — — — 29 — 1,108 Capital redemption reserve £’000 18 — — — — — — 18 — 18 — — — — — — — 18 Retained earnings £’000 16,866 1,574 — 1,574 12 (2,073) — 16,379 1 16,380 1,668 — 1,668 (42) (2,323) — — Total equity £’000 20,745 1,574 — 1,574 12 (2,073) 67 20,325 1 20,326 1,668 — 1,668 (42) (2,323) 29 4,032 15,683 23,690 The Company adopted IFRS 16 in the year ended 31 March 2020 and chose to apply the cumulative effect method with an opening adjustment to equity. The notes on pages 47 to 75 form part of these financial statements. 44 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Financial statementsConsolidated statement of cash flows For the year ended 31 March 2020 Cash flows from operating activities Profit before income tax Depreciation and amortisation Adjustment to deferred consideration Profit on sale of fixed assets Share-based payments Net finance costs Operating cash flows before movements in working capital Increase in inventories Increase in trade and other receivables (Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables Cash generated from operations Income taxes paid Net cash from operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Interest paid Acquisition of subsidiaries net of cash acquired Purchase of intangible assets Purchase of property, plant and equipment Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities Dividends paid Increase in bank loan Repayment of borrowings Payments of lease liabilities Issue of new equity Net cash from financing activities Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Cash and cash equivalents Cash at bank and in hand Cash and cash equivalents The notes on pages 47 to 75 form part of these financial statements. 2020 £’000 1,971 7,285 (653) (17) 29 2,523 11,138 (45) (4,072) 2,604 9,625 (2,018) 7,607 (1,861) (6,285) (419) (706) 2019 £’000 2,438 5,201 586 — 68 1,902 10,195 (171) (3,609) 1,118 7,533 (809) 6,724 (1,414) (11,034) (63) (564) (9,271) (13,075) (2,323) 5,000 (9) (837) 4,032 5,863 4,199 7,650 11,849 11,849 11,849 (2,074) 10,000 (1,052) — — 6,874 523 7,127 7,650 7,650 7,650 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 45 Financial statements Company statement of cash flows For the year ended 31 March 2020 Cash flows from operating activities Profit/(loss) before income tax Depreciation and amortisation Adjustment to deferred consideration Share-based payments Net finance costs Operating cash flows before movements in working capital Decrease in inventories Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables Increase in trade and other payables Cash generated from operations Income taxes paid Net cash from operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Interest paid Acquisition of subsidiaries net of cash acquired Purchase of intangible assets Purchase of property, plant and equipment Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities Dividends paid Increase in bank loan Repayment of borrowings Payments of lease liabilities Issue of new equity Net cash from financing activities Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Cash and cash equivalents Cash at bank and in hand Cash and cash equivalents The notes on pages 47 to 75 form part of these financial statements. 46 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 2020 £’000 1,783 2,078 (654) 29 2,490 5,726 — (973) 501 5,254 (17) 5,237 (1,869) (6,285) (419) (180) 2019 £’000 1,520 1,754 586 68 1,917 5,845 1 (2,681) 1,601 4,766 (315) 4,451 (1,420) (11,254) (7) (342) (8,753) (13,023) (2,323) 5,000 (2) (231) 4,032 6,476 2,960 3,659 6,619 6,619 6,619 (2,074) 10,000 — — — 7,926 (646) 4,305 3,659 3,659 3,659 Financial statements Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2020 1. Nature of operations and general information AdEPT is one of the UK’s leading independent providers of managed services for IT, unified communications, connectivity and voice solutions focused on enterprise business, public sector and healthcare customers. The Company provides a complete communications portfolio of unified communications, IP telephony, IT services, equipment installation, managed services, Wi-Fi, IT and communications hardware and data connectivity products. AdEPT is incorporated under the Companies Act 2006 and domiciled in the UK and the registered office is located at One Fleet Place, London EC4M 7WS. The Company’s shares are listed on AIM of the London Stock Exchange. 2. Accounting policies Basis of preparation of financial statements The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable IFRSs as adopted by the EU. Accounting standards require the directors to consider the appropriateness of the going concern basis when preparing the financial statements. The directors confirm that they consider that the going concern basis remains appropriate. The Group’s available banking facilities are described in Note 28 to the financial statements. The Group has adequate financing arrangements which can be utilised by the Group as required. Thus, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial statements. At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the directors have considered the standards and interpretations which have not been applied in these financial statements that were in issue but not yet effective (and in some cases had not yet been adopted by the EU) and none were considered to be materially relevant. Adoption of the other standards and interpretations is not expected to have a material impact on the results of the Group. Application of these standards may result in some changes in the presentation of information within the Group’s financial statements. The financial statements are presented in sterling, which is the Group’s functional and presentation currency. The figures shown in the financial statements are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds. Segmental reporting The directors have considered the requirements of IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’ and have concluded that the Group has two segments. For further information see Note 5 of the financial statements. Revenue The Group recognises income in accordance with IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ with a date of initial application of 1 April 2017 which has been applied in respect of data circuit installation and rental. Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer. Revenue is recognised when it transfers control over a product or service to a customer to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and can be reliably measured. AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 47 Financial statements2. Accounting policies continued Revenue continued The following is a description of the principal activities from which the Group generates its revenue. Segment Product/service Nature, timing of satisfaction of performance obligations and significant payment terms Fixed line services Calls and line rental Managed services Data networks Managed services Sale of goods Managed services Support services Revenue from calls, which excludes value added tax and trade discounts, is recognised in the income statement at the time the call is made. Calls made in the year, but not billed by year end, are accrued within receivables as accrued income. Revenue from line rental is recognised in the month that the charge relates to, commencing with a full month’s charge in the month of connection. The performance obligations of calls and line rental services are fulfilled in the month in which the services are consumed by customers. Customer payment terms are 14 days from invoice for call usage and line rental services. Revenue arising from the provision of internet and other data connectivity services is recognised evenly over the periods in which the service is provided to the customer. Revenue from installation of data connectivity services is recognised evenly over the term of the customer contract. The performance obligations of data networks are fulfilled when the equipment is installed, the service has gone live and the associated data connectivity rental services are consumed by customers on a monthly basis. All equipment required for data connectivity services is covered by a standard manufacturer warranty which is provided back to back with customer terms. Customer payment terms are 14 days from invoice; installation charges (if applicable) are paid for upfront with the rental charges paid on a monthly, annual or quarterly basis. Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the goods have been fully installed and the risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the customer. The performance obligations of the supply of goods and equipment are met when the goods have been delivered, configured and installed. All goods supplied are covered by a standard manufacturer warranty which is provided back to back with customer terms. Customer payment terms are 30 days from invoice date. A deposit of up to 33% is invoiced prior to delivery with the balance being invoiced once the equipment has been configured and installed. Support service revenues are recognised evenly over the customer’s contractual period for which the charges relate. Support service charges which arise outside of the customer contracts are recognised in the month when the support service is provided. The performance obligations of support services are fulfilled in the month in which the services are consumed by customers. Customer payment terms are 14–30 days from invoice date; support services are invoiced and paid for up to twelve months in advance. Where customer contracts have multiple components to be delivered (e.g. equipment rental and internet services), the revenue attributable to each component is calculated based on the fair value of each component. The whole of the revenue is attributable to the provision of voice and data telecommunication services to both residential and business customers. All revenue arose within the United Kingdom. 48 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 March 20202. Accounting policies continued Goodwill Goodwill is recognised separately as intangible assets and carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually. Any impairment is recognised immediately in the income statement. Subsequent reversals of impairment losses for goodwill are not recognised. Intangible fixed assets acquired as part of a business combination and amortisation In accordance with IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’, an intangible asset acquired in a business combination is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. After initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses. Impairment reviews are conducted annually from the first anniversary following acquisition. The intangible asset ‘customer base’ is amortised to the income statement over its estimated useful economic life on a straight line basis. Other intangible assets Also included within intangible fixed assets are the development costs of the Company’s billing and customer management system plus an individual licence. These other intangible assets are stated at cost, less amortisation and any provision for impairment. Amortisation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value of each intangible asset, over its expected useful economic life on the following bases: Customer management system Other licences Computer software Software apps Website Customer relationships – – – – – – Three years straight line Contract licence period straight line Three years straight line Ten years straight line Five years straight line Ten to seventeen years straight line Investments Shareholdings in subsidiaries are valued at cost less provision for permanent impairment. Assets carried at amortised cost For loans and receivables, the amount of the loss was measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future credit losses that had not been incurred) discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate. The carrying amount of the asset was reduced and the amount of the loss was recognised in profit or loss. If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreased and the decrease could be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised (such as an improvement in the debtor’s credit rating), the reversal of the previously recognised impairment loss was recognised in profit or loss. Allowance for impairment of receivables Management reviews are performed to estimate the level of provision required for irrecoverable debt. Provisions are made specifically against invoices where recoverability is uncertain. Further information on the impairment testing of trade receivables is described in Note 19. Property, plant and equipment and depreciation Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less depreciation and any provision for impairment. Depreciation is provided on all property, plant and equipment at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value of each asset, over its expected useful life on the following bases: Short-term leasehold improvements Fixtures and fittings Office equipment Motor vehicles Rental equipment at customer premises Right of use assets – – – – – – The shorter of five years and the remaining period of the lease straight line Three years straight line Three years straight line Four years straight line Contract agreement period straight line Contract agreement period straight line AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 49 Financial statements 2. Accounting policies continued Lease accounting The Group has applied IFRS 16 via the modified retrospective approach from 1 April 2019. Comparative figures have not been restated. The policy applies to leased properties, motor vehicles and certain data connectivity agreements where the underlying services are being used by the Group. When the Group enters into a lease, a lease liability and a right of use asset is created. A lease liability is recognised at the transition date and is measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments discounted using the Groups’ incremental borrowing rate at the date of initial application. In determining the lease term, hindsight is applied in respect of leases which contain an option to terminate the lease. The lease liability is subsequently increased for a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the lease liability and reduced for lease payments. Interest on the lease liability is recognised in the income statement A right of use asset is recognised at the transition date. The right of use asset is measured at an amount equal to the lease liability adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or accrued lease payments relating to that lease, recognised in the statement of financial position immediately before the date of initial application. The right of use asset is subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. The depreciation policy for leased property, motor vehicles and office and computer equipment is on a straight line basis over the shorter of the lease term and the useful life of the asset. Where leases are twelve months or less or of low value, payments made are expensed evenly over the period of the lease. The discount rate of 5.0% has been applied, being an approximation of the Group’s finance rate on finance leases prior to the application of IFRS 16. The directors have concluded that the following arrangements will be out of the scope of IFRS 16 based upon the Group’s specific circumstances: > Services which the Group rents from third-party network providers which are used by third party customers > Copper and fibre lines the Group rents from third-party network providers in the ‘last mile’, comprising copper between the exchange and customer/business premise, and a combination of copper and fibre for FTTC customers These services are owned and controlled by third-party network providers, and AdEPT has no direct control over the service in terms of speed or availability. However, the directors have concluded that the following should be accounted for as a lease under IFRS 16: > The underlying products and services which the Group is using to operate the business, including those required for operation of the AdEPT Nebula network Although the Group has no direct control over the service in terms of speed or availability, AdEPT has the right to determine the use of the underlying service and retains substantially all of the economic benefits throughout the period of use. These assets are dedicated services which are not being shared with other providers. The financial and commercial benefits from ownership belong to the Group during the contractual period, and it has the right to request changes to the service direct with the network provider. Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making allowance for any obsolete or slow moving items. Full provision is made for any items older than six months. Net realisable value is reviewed regularly to ensure accurate carrying values. Cost is determined on a first-in, first-out basis and includes transportation and handling costs. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs necessary to make the sale. Pensions The Group contributes to personal pension plans. The amount charged to the income statement in respect of pension costs is the contribution payable in the year. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank, cash in hand and overdrafts. Income tax Income tax is the tax currently payable based on taxable profit for the year. Deferred income tax is generally provided on the difference between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. However, deferred income tax is not provided on the initial recognition of goodwill, nor on the initial recognition of an asset or liability unless the related transaction is a business combination or affects tax or accounting profit. Deferred income tax liabilities are provided in full, with no discounting. Deferred income tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that the underlying deductible temporary differences will be able to be offset against future taxable income. Current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities are calculated at tax rates that are expected to apply to their respective period of realisation, provided they are enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Changes in deferred income tax assets or liabilities are recognised as a component of income tax expense in the income statement, except where they relate to items that are charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the related deferred income tax is also charged or credited directly to equity. 50 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 March 20202. Accounting policies continued Share-based payments The cost of equity-settled transactions with employees is measured by reference to the fair value of the award at the date at which it is granted and is recognised as an expense over the vesting period, which ends on the date at which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award. Fair value is appraised at the grant date using an appropriate pricing model for which the assumptions are approved by the directors. At each reporting date, the cumulative expense is calculated representing the extent to which the vesting period has expired and management’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The movement in the cumulative expense since the previous balance sheet date is recognised in the income statement, with a corresponding entry in equity. Trade and other receivables Trade receivables, which generally have 14 to 30-day terms, are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently held at amortised cost. A provision for impairment of trade receivables is established for any amount due in 90 or more days or when it is considered probable that the Group may not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation, and default or delinquency in payments are considered indicators that the trade receivable is impaired. The provision is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the original invoice amount less bad debts written off. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the use of the provision and the amount of the loss is recognised in the income statement. When a trade receivable is uncollectable, it is written off against the allowance account for trade receivables. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited to the income statement. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and demand deposits, together with other short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. Trade payables Trade payables are stated at their nominal value, recognised initially at fair value and subsequently valued at amortised cost. Dividends Dividend distributions to the Company’s shareholders are recognised when payment has been made to shareholders. Share buybacks The Company has returned surplus cash to shareholders through a limited share buyback scheme pursuant to the authority given to it at the annual general meeting. Shares purchased for cancellation are deducted from retained earnings at the total consideration paid or payable. The Company will continue to monitor the level of cash required for the business and determine if further repurchases remain in the shareholders’ best interests. Financial instruments Financial assets and liabilities are recognised at the Group’s reporting date when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Capital The capital structure of the Group consists of debt, which includes the borrowings disclosed in Notes 21 and 28, cash and cash equivalents, and equity attributable to equity holders, comprising issued capital, reserves and retained earnings. Borrowings and borrowing costs Borrowings are recorded initially at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated at amortised cost. Any differences between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value are recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method. Borrowing costs are expensed to the income statement as incurred, with the exception of arrangement fees which are deducted from the related liability and released over the term of the related liability in accordance with IFRS 9. The Group has applied the principles of IAS 32 and IFRS 9 in the recognition and measurement of the convertible loan. The net present value of the loan has been split between the debt and equity components and an amount has been recorded in equity, with the balance being included within long-term debt. The net present value discount and the transaction costs are being recognised in the interest charge in the statement of comprehensive income across the term of the convertible instrument. 3. Critical accounting estimates and judgements The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation and uncertainty at the balance sheet date, which 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. Key sources of estimation and uncertainty are: Goodwill and intangible impairment The basis of judgement in respect of goodwill and intangible impairment reviews are set out in Notes 13 and 14. AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 51 Financial statements3. Critical accounting estimates and judgements continued Intangible valuation The valuation of intangible assets (for example customer bases) is calculated by reference to the discounted cash flow generated by the separable intangible assets which have been acquired. Details of the assumptions used in measuring the fair value of intangible assets on acquisition are set out in Note 14. Credit losses on bad debts Management reviews are performed to estimate the level of provision required for irrecoverable debt under the requirements of IFRS 9. Provisions are made specifically against invoices where recoverability is uncertain. Further information on the receivables allowance account is given in Note 19. Identification of intangible assets The allocation of the value of the excess consideration less the net assets acquired are identified as intangible assets arising as part of a business combination, these require judgement in respect of the separately identifiable intangible assets that have been acquired. These judgements are based upon the directors’ opinion of the identifiable assets from which economic benefits are derived. Prior year adjustment The Group’s policy in respect of revenue recognition requires that revenue is only recognised when the obligations associated with the revenue have been completed, therefore invoiced amounts in respect of charges in advance are recognised in the deferred revenue liability in the balance sheet. A prior year adjustment has been recognised in respect of deferred income which was incorrectly reported at the March 2018 and 2019 year ends. In accordance with IAS 8 the opening balance sheet position at 1 April 2018 has been restated to account correctly for the deferred income balance at that date resulting in the recognition of an additional liability of £70,172 at 1 April 2018. The movement on the deferred income liability has been adjusted for the year ended 31 March 2019 resulting in a decrease to revenue of £13,974. 4. Changes in accounting policy Except for the changes below, the Group has consistently applied the accounting policies in these consolidated financial statements. The details and quantitative impact of the changes in accounting policies are disclosed below: IFRS 16 ‘Leased assets’ The Group has applied IFRS 16 with a date of initial application of 1 April 2019 using the modified retrospective approach and therefore the comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4. The cumulative effect of initial application is recognised in retained earnings at 1 April 2019. The details of the change in accounting policy are disclosed below. Previously, the Group determined at contract inception whether an arrangement is or contains a lease under IFRIC 4. Under IFRS 16, the Group assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease based on the definition of a lease. On transition to IFRS 16, the Group elected to reassess whether there is a lease for all contracts in place on or after 1 April 2019. Contracts that were not identified as leases under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4 were reassessed for whether there is a lease. Therefore, the definition of a lease under IFRS 16 was applied to contracts in place or entered into on or after 1 April 2019. As lessee, the Group previously classified leases as operating or finance leases based on its assessment of whether the lease transferred significantly all of the risks and remains incidental to ownership of the underlying asset to the Group. Under IFRS 16, the Group recognises right of use assets and liabilities for most leases – i.e. these leases are included on the balance sheet. The policy applies to leased properties, motor vehicles and certain data connectivity agreements where the underlying services are being used by the Group. The Group decided to apply recognition exemptions to short-term leases of equipment and services. At transition, lease liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted at a cost of capital of 5.0%, being an approximation of the Group’s finance rate on finance leases prior to the application of IFRS 16. Right of use assets are measured at their carrying amount as if IFRS 16 had been applied since the commencement date, discounted at a cost of capital of 5.0%. At inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To assess whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, the Group assesses whether: > The contract involves the use of an identified asset – this may be specified explicitly or implicitly, and should be physically distinct or represent substantially all of the capacity of a physically distinct asset; > The Group has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the assets throughout the period of use; and > The Group has the right to direct the use of the asset. The Group has this right when it has the decision-making rights that are most relevant to changing how and for what purpose the asset is used. In rare cases where the decision about how and for what purpose the asset is used is predetermined, the Group has the right to direct the use of the asset if the Group has the right to operate the asset. 52 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 March 20204. Changes in accounting policy continued IFRS 16 ‘Leased assets’ continued On transition to IFRS 16, the Group recognised the cumulative effect of initially applying IFRS 16 with an additional £1,824,820 of right-of-use assets and £1,872,092 of lease liabilities, recognising the difference of £47,272 as an opening adjustment to equity at 1 April 2019. Operating lease commitment at 31 March 2019 as disclosed in the Group’s consolidated financial statements Discounted using the weighted average cost of capital at 1 April 2019 Lease liabilities recognised at 1 April 2019 Amounts recognised in profit and loss: Interest on lease liabilities Depreciation of right of use assets 1 April 2019 £’000 2,347 (475) 1,872 Year ended 31 March 2020 £’000 81 801 The following table summarises the impact of adopting IFRS 16 on the Group’s financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2020: £’000 Non-current assets Goodwill Intangibles Property, plant and equipment Total non-current assets Current assets Total assets Current liabilities Trade and other payables Income tax Short term borrowings Long term liabilities Total liabilities Net assets Equity attributable to equity holders Share capital Share premium Capital redemption reserve Share capital to be issued Retained earnings Total equity As reported Adjustments Balances without adoption of IFRS 16 17,408 41,952 1,437 60,797 28,535 89,332 — 1,263 1,263 — 1,263 1,315 16,166 — — 1,315 — 1,315 (52) — — — — (52) (52) 156 54 16,376 54,522 70,898 18,434 2,503 4,378 18 1,108 10,427 18,434 17,408 41,952 2,700 62,060 28,535 90,595 17,481 156 54 17,691 54,522 72,213 18,382 2,503 4,378 18 1,108 10,375 18,382 The net impact on profit before tax of applying IFRS 16 in the year ended 31 March 2020 was (£5,130), resulting in a net adjustment to retained earnings at 31 March 2020 of (£52,402). The impact of the adoption of IFRS 16 on basic and adjusted earnings per share is not material. AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 53 Financial statements5. Segmental information IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’ requires identification on the basis of internal reporting about components of the Group that are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources to the segments and to assess their performance. The chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Board. The Board reviews the Group’s internal reporting in order to assess performance and allocate resources. The operating segments are fixed line services (being calls and line rental services) and managed services (which are data connectivity, hardware, IP telephony, support and maintenance services), which are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting to the Board. The Board assesses the performance of the operating segments based on revenue, gross profit and underlying EBITDA. Year ended 31 March 2020 Year ended 31 March 2019 £’000 Revenue Gross profit Gross margin % Fixed line services 11,463 4,541 39.6% Managed services 50,225 24,850 49.5% Administrative expenses (2,264) (15,418) Underlying EBITDA Underlying EBITDA % Amortisation Depreciation Adjustment to deferred consideration Acquisition costs Restructuring costs Share-based payments Operating profit/(loss) Finance costs Income tax Profit/(loss) after tax 2,277 19.9% (1,573) — — — — — 704 — — 704 9,432 18.8% (4,199) — — — — — 5,233 — — 5,233 Central costs — — — — — — — (1,513) 654 (267) (288) (29) (1,443) (2,523) (986) (4,952) Total 61,688 29,391 47.6% (17,682) 11,709 19.0% (5,772) (1,513) 654 (267) (288) (29) 4,494 (2,523) (986) 985 Fixed line services 12,814 5,279 41.2% Managed services 38,480 20,049 52.1% (2,495) (12,052) 2,784 21.7% (1,509) 7,997 20.8% (3,059) — — — — — — — — — — 1,275 4,938 — — — — 1,275 4,938 Central costs — — — — — — — (633) (586) (495) (105) (68) (1,887) (1,902) (571) (4,360) Total 51,294 25,328 49.4% (14,547) 10,781 21.0% (4,568) (633) (586) (495) (105) (68) 4,326 (1,902) (571) 1,853 The assets and liabilities relating to the above segments have not been disclosed as they are not separately identifiable and are not used by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources. All segments are in the UK and all revenue relates to the UK. Transactions with the largest customer of the Group are less than 10% of total turnover and do not require disclosure for either 2019 or 2020. 6. Revenue In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by major product/service lines and timing of revenue recognition. All revenue is derived from the UK. Sale of goods Provision of services: – calls and line rental – data networks – support services – other services Timing of revenue recognition Products transferred at a point in time Products and services transferred over time 54 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 2020 £’000 15,555 11,876 13,976 16,293 3,988 61,688 15,555 46,133 61,688 2019 £’000 10,969 12,814 11,901 11,967 3,643 51,294 10,969 40,325 51,294 Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 March 2020 6. Revenue continued The following table provides information about receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities with customers: Receivables, which are included in ‘Trade and other receivables’ Contract assets Contract liabilities 2020 £’000 9,984 1,379 2019 £’000 7,018 953 (2,502) (1,976) Contract assets relate to the deferred direct costs in respect of data circuit installations which have been completed and are being recognised across the customer’s contractual term to which the installation relates. The contract liabilities relate to the deferred revenue in respect of data installations which have been completed and the revenue is being recognised across the term of the customer contract. Significant changes in the contract assets and contract liabilities balances during the period are as follows: Revenue deferred into future periods Deferred revenue recognised in the period Direct costs deferred into future periods Deferred direct costs recognised in the period 2020 £’000 (2,502) 2,201 1,379 724 2019 £’000 (1,976) 1,582 953 921 The performance obligations of the underlying contracts to which the contract assets relate are expected to be met over periods of up to five years. However, the performance obligations for all revenues and costs that have been deferred into future periods have been satisfied at the year end, as these relate to the installation and equipment of data networks which have been completed and the service is being used by the customer. There are no impairment losses in relation to the contract assets recognised under IFRS 15. 7. Operating profit The operating profit is stated after charging: Amortisation of customer base, billing system and licence Depreciation of tangible fixed assets: – owned by the Group – right of use assets Share option expense Minimum operating lease payments: – land and buildings – motor vehicles and other equipment Acquisition costs Restructuring costs 2020 £’000 5,772 711 801 29 — — 267 289 2019 £’000 4,568 633 — 68 556 70 495 105 Acquisition costs relate to the legal and professional fees incurred as a direct result of acquisitions completed during the year. Restructuring costs relate to the acquisition operating costs (from the date of acquisition) which have been either terminated or notice to terminate has been served and therefore these items will not form part of the future operating costs of the Group. 8. Auditor’s remuneration Fees payable to the Group’s auditor for the audit of the Group’s annual financial statements Fees payable to the Group’s auditor and its associates in respect of: – audit of subsidiaries – other services relating to taxation 2020 £’000 38 74 27 2019 £’000 37 67 23 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 55 Financial statements 9. Finance costs On bank loans and overdrafts Bank fees IFRS 16 lease liability interest Finance cost on contingent consideration 2020 £’000 1,870 357 81 215 2,523 2019 £’000 1,514 306 — 82 1,902 The finance costs on contingent consideration arise from the release of the discounted contingent consideration liability evenly across the term of the deferred consideration period in relation to each acquisition. This is a non-cash item. 10. Employee costs Staff costs, including directors’ remuneration, were as follows: Wages and salaries Social security costs Share option expense Other pension costs 2020 2019 Group £’000 12,784 1,509 29 275 Company £’000 2,161 305 29 54 Group £’000 10,496 1,201 68 193 Company £’000 1,967 248 68 41 14,597 2,549 11,958 2,324 The average monthly number of employees, including the directors, during the year was as follows: Non-executive directors Administrative staff 2020 2019 Group Number Company Number Group Number Company Number 4 308 312 4 35 39 3 228 231 3 31 34 Key management personnel The directors are considered to be the key management personnel of the Group, having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group. The directors remuneration is disclosed in the report of the remuneration committee. 11. Income tax expense Current tax UK corporation tax on profit for the year Adjustments in respect of prior periods Total current tax Deferred tax Origination and reversal of temporary differences: – fixed assets and short-term temporary differences – share options – intangibles on business combinations Effect of tax rate change on opening balance Adjustments in respect of prior periods Total deferred tax (see Note 17) Total income tax expense 56 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 2020 £’000 1,129 (91) 1,038 67 14 (968) 763 72 (52) 986 2019 £’000 1,372 (60) 1,312 (53) (4) (668) (28) 12 (741) 571 Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 March 2020 11. Income tax expense continued Factors affecting tax charge for the year The relationship between expected tax expense based on the effective tax rate of AdEPT at 19% (2019: 19%) and the tax expense actually recognised in the income statement can be reconciled as follows: Profit before income tax Tax rate Expected tax charge Expenses not deductible for tax purposes Adjustments to tax charge in respect of prior periods Depreciation/amortisation on non-qualifying assets Difference due to deferred tax rate being lower than the standard tax rate Movement on share option deferred tax assets taken to equity R&D enhanced tax deduction RDEC credit taxed Effect of tax rate change on deferred tax opening balance Other Actual tax expense net 2020 £’000 1,971 19% 374 (40) (19) 12 — 20 (45) (30) 763 (49) 986 2019 £’000 2,425 19% 461 241 (48) 8 58 — (137) (16) — 4 571 12. Dividends On 8 April 2019 the Company paid dividends of £1,161,390 in relation to the interim dividend declared in September 2018. On 10 October 2019 the Company paid dividends of £1,161,390 in relation to the final dividend declared in March 2019. Total dividends paid in the year ended 31 March 2020 absorbed £2,322,780 of cash (2019: £2,073,910). 13. Goodwill Group Cost At 1 April 2018 Additions At 1 April 2019 Additions At 31 March 2020 Impairment At 1 April 2018 Impairment charge At 1 April 2019 Impairment charge At 31 March 2020 Net book value At 31 March 2020 At 31 March 2019 Total £’000 16,614 1,494 18,108 1,384 19,492 2,084 — 2,084 — 2,084 17,408 16,024 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 57 Financial statements 13. Goodwill continued Group continued We perform an annual goodwill impairment review and we tested our goodwill for impairment as at 31 March 2020. Goodwill is recognised when a business combination does not generate cash flows independently of other assets or groups of assets. As a result, the recoverable amount, being the value in use, is determined at a cash-generating unit (CGU) level. These CGUs represent the smallest identifiable group of assets that generate cash flows. Our CGUs are deemed to be the assets within the operating units. Each CGU to which goodwill is allocated represents the lowest level within the Group at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. The total intangible value in use for each CGU, incorporating goodwill and the intangible asset value, is determined using discounted cash flow projections derived from the total historical revenue profile of each identifiable CGU. The assumptions which are applied to each CGU in respect of churn rate, discount rate, margin and useful economic life are set out in Note 14. The goodwill is split by CGU as follows: Centrix Limited Comms Group UK Limited CAT Communications Limited Our IT Department Limited Atomwide Limited Shift F7 Limited ETS Communications Limited Advanced Computer Systems UK Limited March 2020 £’000 3,614 2,672 248 4,683 3,313 879 615 1,384 March 2019 £’000 3,614 2,672 248 4,683 3,313 879 615 — The net present value of the future cash flows for the CGUs is sensitive to the weighted average cost of capital. The rate used to discount the future cash flows is the Group’s pre-tax weighted average cost of capital of 8.50%. An increase in the Group’s weighted average cost of capital to above 11.3% would materially impair the carrying value of the Group’s goodwill by more than £400,000. Further details of the sensitivity of the variables used in the impairment testing are included in Note 14. 14. Intangible fixed assets Group Cost At 1 April 2018 Additions Acquired with subsidiary At 1 April 2019 Additions At 31 March 2020 Amortisation At 1 April 2018 Charge for the year At 1 April 2019 Charge for the year At 31 March 2020 Net book value At 31 March 2020 At 31 March 2019 Licence £’000 Computer software £’000 Customer base £’000 Software apps £’000 Website £’000 Total £’000 41 56 57 154 108 262 28 29 57 63 120 142 97 1,339 6 — 1,345 343 1,688 1,283 37 1,320 22 1,342 346 25 55,562 5,873 2,908 64,343 7,292 71,616 24,759 3,778 28,537 4,961 33,498 38,118 35,806 3,535 1,744 — — 3,535 - 3,535 236 350 586 350 936 2,599 2,949 1 — 1,745 - 1,745 249 374 623 375 998 747 1,122 62,221 5,936 2,965 71,122 7,743 78,846 26,555 4,568 31,123 5,771 36,894 41,952 39,999 58 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 March 2020 14. Intangible fixed assets continued Group continued Included within the Group’s intangible assets is: Centrix Limited Comms Group UK Limited Our IT Department Limited CAT Communications Limited Atomwide Limited – customer base Atomwide Limited – software/apps Shift F7 Limited ETS Communications Limited Advanced Computer Systems UK Limited Useful life 17 years 17 years 17 years 10 years 16 years 5 years 10 years 10 years 10 years Other customer bases – AdEPT Technology Group plc trading business 10–16 years March 2020 £’000 6,575 3,544 2,232 845 5,308 2,599 4,304 3,110 6,563 6,356 Company Cost At 1 April 2018 Additions At 1 April 2019 Additions At 31 March 2020 Amortisation At 1 April 2018 Charge for the year At 1 April 2019 Charge for the year At 31 March 2020 Net book value At 31 March 2020 At 31 March 2019 Licence £’000 Computer software £’000 Customer base £’000 26 — 26 76 102 26 — 26 19 45 57 — 1,339 6 1,345 343 1,688 1,283 37 1,320 22 1,342 346 25 32,045 — 32,045 — 32,045 22,606 1,509 24,115 1,573 25,688 6,357 7,930 March 2019 £’000 7,119 3,952 2,610 1,008 6,024 2,949 4,813 3,472 — 7,930 Total £’000 33,410 6 33,416 419 33,835 23,915 1,546 25,461 1,614 27,075 6,760 7,955 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 59 Financial statements 14. Intangible fixed assets continued Critical accounting estimates and key judgements made in reviewing intangible assets and goodwill for impairment The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation and uncertainty at the reporting date, which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of intangible assets and goodwill, are discussed below. Measuring the fair value of intangible assets on acquisition The main estimates used to measure the fair value of the intangible assets on acquisition are: > churn rate; > discount rate; and > gross margins. Intangible assets are reviewed annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. The net present value of cash flows for each cash-generating unit is reviewed against the carrying value at the balance sheet date. At the final reporting date of 31 March 2020 the net present value of future cash flows of certain cash-generating units was above the carrying value and an impairment charge of £Nil (2019: £Nil) has been recorded. We tested our intangible assets and goodwill for impairment as at 31 March 2020. The carrying value of the intangible assets and the key assumptions used in performing the annual impairment assessment and sensitivities are disclosed below: Centrix Limited Comms Group UK Limited Our IT Department Limited CAT Communications Limited Atomwide Limited Shift F7 Limited ETS Communications Limited Advanced Computer Systems UK Limited Book value of cash-generating unit £’000 6,575 3,575 2,232 861 7,907 4,304 2,362 6,668 Estimated value in use £’000 19,879 6,882 5,447 3,382 18,693 4,517 3,775 13,044 What discount rate have we used? The rate used to discount the future cash flows is the Group’s pre-tax weighted average cost of capital (WACC) of 8.5% (2019: 7.8%). The directors have chosen to use WACC as it is a calculated figure using actual input variables where available and applying estimates for those which are not, such as the equity market premium. An increase in the Group’s weighted average cost of capital to above 11.3% would materially impair the carrying value of the Group’s intangible assets by more than £400,000. What churn rate have we used? For the customer bases which have been fully integrated into the AdEPT Technology Group plc trading business in Tunbridge Wells, the churn rate of 5.9% per annum is based upon the actual historical churn rate of the revenue stream from the customer bases. For Centrix, Comms Group, Our IT Department, CAT Communications, Atomwide, Shift F7, ETS Communications and ACS the net present value of the discounted future cash flows is based on the actual revenues of the acquired customer bases. The actual historical churn rates for the acquired customer bases vary between nil and 11.5% per annum. Where an acquired customer base has shown growth, a default churn assumption of 3% per annum has been applied. For the software and apps which have been developed by Atomwide the net present value of the discounted future cash flows is based on the actual revenues being derived from the customer base to which the software licences and charges relate. The actual historical churn rates for the software and app revenue stream is nil% per annum, but a default churn rate of 3% per annum has been applied for the purpose of impairment testing. 60 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 March 202014. Intangible fixed assets continued What margin have we used? Gross margins applied are based upon actual margins achieved by the customer bases in the current and previous years. A proportion of overheads are applied to the gross margin to represent the actual operating cost required to support the acquired customer revenue stream, resulting in a net margin which is used for the discounted net present valuation. What is the estimated useful life of customer bases? The method used to estimate the useful life of each customer base to conduct the impairment review is the revenue churn rate. The average useful economic life of all the customer bases has been estimated at 14 years (2019: 15 years) with a range of 10 to 17 years. What sensitivities have we applied? The calculations are sensitive to movements in the discount rate, margin or churn rate and may therefore result in an impairment charge to the income statement. A 1% change to the discount rate and, gross margin would result in no additional impairment charges. A 1% increase to the churn rate would result in an additional impairment of £0.02m. 15. Investments in subsidiaries Company Cost At 1 April 2018 Additions Disposal At 1 April 2019 Additions Disposal At 31 March 2020 Amounts written off At 1 April 2018 Written off during the year At 1 April 2019 Written off during the year At 31 March 2020 Net book value At 31 March 2020 At 31 March 2019 Company £’000 46,270 7,476 — 53,746 7,274 — Total £’000 46,270 7,476 — 53,746 7,274 — 61,020 61,020 — 2,757 2,757 7,274 — 2,757 2,757 7,274 10,031 10,031 50,989 50,989 50,989 50,989 During the year the Company has written down its investment in Advanced Computer Services UK Limited as the trade and assets of Advanced Computer Services UK Limited were hived out to Atomwide Limited and the customer base is being serviced and managed by Atomwide Limited. Details of the subsidiaries of the Company are included in Note 30 to the financial statements. AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 61 Financial statements 16. Property, plant and equipment Group Cost At 1 April 2018 Acquired with subsidiary Additions Disposals At 1 April 2019 Adjustment from adoption of IFRS 16 Additions Disposals At 31 March 2020 Depreciation At 1 April 2018 Charge for the year Disposals At 1 April 2019 Charge for the year Disposals At 31 March 2020 Net book value At 31 March 2020 At 31 March 2019 Motor vehicles £’000 Right of use assets £’000 Short-term leasehold improvements £’000 Fixtures and fittings £’000 Office equipment £’000 148 93 — (132) 109 — 87 (50) 146 68 72 (113) 27 66 (38) 55 91 82 — — — — — 1,848 324 (183) 1,989 — — — — 825 (100) 725 1,264 — 263 — 31 — 294 — 1 — 295 21 23 — 44 19 — 63 232 250 447 103 21 (2) 569 — 48 (14) 603 278 94 (1) 371 88 (7) 452 151 198 1,242 252 512 (65) 1,941 — 570 (625) 1,886 619 444 (64) 999 530 (605) 924 962 942 Total £’000 2,100 448 564 (199) 2,913 1,848 1,030 (872) 4,919 986 633 (178) 1,441 1,528 (750) 2,219 2,700 1,472 62 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 March 2020 16. Property, plant and equipment continued Company Cost At 1 April 2018 Additions Transfer from subsidiary At 1 April 2019 Additions Adjustment from adoption of IFRS 16 At 31 March 2020 Depreciation At 1 April 2018 Charge for the year Transfer from subsidiary At 1 April 2019 Charge for the year Transfer from subsidiary At 31 March 2020 Net book value At 31 March 2020 At 31 March 2019 The right of use asset is made up as follows: Property Motor vehicles Other The depreciation charge for right of use assets is as follows: Property Motor vehicles Other Motor vehicles £’000 Right of use assets £’000 Short-term leasehold improvements £’000 Fixtures and fittings £’000 Office equipment £’000 105 — — 105 — — 105 57 26 — 83 22 — 105 — 22 — — — — — 731 731 — — — — 217 — 217 514 — 7 — — 7 — — 7 7 — — 7 — — 7 — — 215 11 — 226 — — 226 194 21 — 215 6 — 221 7 11 375 332 207 914 180 — 1,094 349 121 40 510 220 — 730 362 404 Total £’000 702 343 207 1,252 180 731 2,163 607 168 40 815 465 — 1,280 883 437 2020 2019 Company £’000 Group £’000 Company £’000 389 80 45 514 — — — — — — — — 2020 2019 Company £’000 Group £’000 Company £’000 110 43 64 217 — — — — — — — — Group £’000 924 183 157 1,264 Group £’000 506 72 247 825 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 63 Financial statements 17. Deferred taxation At 1 April 2019 Income statement credit/(charge) Movement in deferred tax on share options taken to equity Deferred tax provision on convertible loan note taken to equity Deferred tax acquired Deferred tax on business combination At 31 March 2020 The deferred tax (liability)/asset is made up as follows: Accelerated capital allowances Short-term temporary differences Convertible loan note equity element Deferred tax on business combinations Share options 18. Inventories Consumables 2020 Group £’000 (6,362) 52 (43) — — (1,385) (7,738) Company £’000 (122) (114) (43) — — — (279) 2019 Group £’000 (5,590) Company £’000 (140) 741 11 — (32) (1,492) (6,362) 2020 2019 Group £’000 (213) 18 (158) (7,385) — (7,738) Company £’000 (124) 2 (157) — — (279) Group £’000 (73) 49 (164) (6,232) 58 (6,362) 2020 Group £’000 612 Company £’000 — 2019 Group £’000 543 Company £’000 — 7 11 — — — (122) Company £’000 (23) 7 (164) — 58 (122) As at 31 March 2020, inventories of £60,407 (2019: £157,468) were fully provided for. During the year £3,891,041 has been recognised as an expense in the statement of comprehensive income. There is no material difference between the replacement cost of inventories and the amount stated above. 19. Trade and other receivables We initially recognise trade and other receivables at fair value, which is usually the original invoiced amount. They are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method. The carrying amount of these balances approximates to fair value due to the short maturity of amounts receivable. We provide services to consumer and business customers, mainly on credit terms. We know that certain debts due to us will not be paid through the default of a small number of our customers. Because of this, we recognise an allowance for doubtful debts on initial recognition of receivables, which is deducted from the gross carrying amount of the receivable. The allowance is calculated by reference to credit losses expected to be incurred over the lifetime of the receivable. In estimating a loss allowance we consider historical experience and informed credit assessment alongside other factors such as the current state of the economy and particular industry issues. We consider reasonable and supportable information that is relevant and available without undue cost or effort. Once recognised, trade receivables are continuously monitored and updated. Allowances are based on our historical loss experiences for the relevant aged category as well as forward-looking information and general economic conditions. Allowances are calculated by individual customer-facing units in order to reflect the specific nature of the customers relevant to that customer-generating unit. 64 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 March 2020 19. Trade and other receivables continued Trade receivables Other receivables Amounts owed by Group undertakings Income tax Prepayments Accrued income 2020 2019 Group £’000 9,842 119 — — 3,917 817 Company £’000 3,177 21 5,899 — 1,208 — 14,695 10,243 Group £’000 6,949 70 — — 2,844 486 10,349 Company £’000 2,439 7 — 42 807 26 3,321 The Group has one type of financial asset that is subject to IFRS 9’s expected credit loss model: > trade receivables for sales of inventory and from the provisions of consulting services. Trade receivables and contract assets The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance for all trade receivables and contract assets. As at 31 March 2020, trade receivables of £492,577 (2019: £391,255) were fully provided for. All debts which are older than 90 days relate to interim amounts in respect of large customer projects which have not yet fully completed and are considered to be fully recoverable on completion. The movement of the provision for impairment of trade receivables is as follows: At 1 April 2018 Receivables provided for during the year as uncollectable Receivables collected during the year which were previously provided At 1 April 2019 Receivables provided for during the year as uncollectable Receivables collected during the year which were previously provided Receivables written off in the year which were previously provided for Acquired through acquisition At 31 March 2020 Group £’000 240 86 — 326 231 (15) (64) 15 493 Company £’000 102 33 (15) 120 33 (72) — — 81 The creation and release of a provision for impaired receivables have been included in administration expenses in the income statement. Amounts charged to the allowance account are generally written off when there is no expectation of recovering cash. Management regularly reviews the outstanding receivables and does not consider that any further impairment is required. The other asset classes within trade and other receivables do not contain impaired assets. 20. Trade and other payables Trade payables Other taxes and social security costs Other payables Amounts owed to Group undertakings Accruals and deferred income Contingent consideration 2020 2019 Group £’000 4,494 1,982 829 — 5,876 1,798 14,979 Company £’000 1,210 508 289 — 362 1,798 4,167 Group £’000 3,632 1,593 148 — 4,527 1,249 11,149 Company £’000 950 373 41 815 641 1,249 4,069 The contingent consideration liability of £1,797,738 (2019: £1,249,205) represents the year-end fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities arising on the acquisitions made during the year. The fair value of the contingent consideration liability was initially determined by reference to the forecast growth rate for the customer base and applying the contingent consideration matrix as specified in the share purchase agreement. Further details are included in Note 29. AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 65 Financial statements 21. Long-term borrowings Between one and two years Between two and five years More than five years 2020 2019 Group £’000 — 40,444 6,340 46,784 Company £’000 — 40,079 6,340 46,419 Group £’000 — 34,730 6,174 40,904 Company £’000 — 34,730 6,174 40,904 The bank loan of £39,788,072 is secured by a debenture incorporating a fixed and floating charge over the undertaking and all property and assets present and future, including goodwill, book debts, uncalled capital, buildings, fixtures and fixed plant and machinery. Included in long-term borrowings is an amount of £6,340,326 which is the debt component of the convertible loan instrument from BGF. This loan instrument is subordinated and ranks behind the bank loan. Details of the interest rates applicable to the borrowings are included in Note 28. Included within bank loans are arrangement fees amounting to £211,928 (2019: £272,203) which are being released over the term of the loan in accordance with IFRS 9. 22. Lease liability Included within long-term borrowings (Note 21) between two and five years is an amount of £655,001 which relates to the IFRS 16 lease liability. Between one and two years Between two and five years More than five years 2020 2019 Company £’000 Group £’000 Company £’000 253 291 — 544 — — — — — — — — Group £’000 674 655 — 1,329 Total cash payments in respect of IFRS 16 lease agreements during the year was £836,580. 23. Share capital Authorised 65,000,000 ordinary shares of 10p each Allotted, called up and fully paid 25,029,957 (2019: 23,701,832) ordinary shares of 10p each 2020 £’000 2019 £’000 6,500 6,500 2,503 2,370 Share issues In February 2020 the Company completed a share placing, issuing 1,328,125 ordinary shares of 10p each at a price of 320p raising £4.25m. Costs of £217,880 in respect of the share placing have been charged to the share premium account in the year ended 31 March 2020. Share buyback scheme On 18 December 2014 the Company announced that it intended to commence a limited share buyback of its own ordinary shares. During the year ended 31 March 2020 the Company repurchased no shares (2019: Nil). Share options At 31 March 2020, the following options and warrants over the shares of AdEPT were in issue: Outstanding at 1 April Granted during the year Forfeited during the year Outstanding at 31 March 66 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 2020 2019 Number of shares under option 2,925,428 337,018 (100,000) 3,162,446 Weighted average exercise price 361p 339p 353p 359p Number of shares under option 2,488,410 437,018 — 2,925,428 Weighted average exercise price 361p 361p — 361p Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 March 2020 23. Share capital continued Share options continued 392,500 share options were available for exercise at 31 March 2020 (2019: 240,000). The weighted average remaining contractual life of share options and warrants at 31 March 2020 was two years (2019: two years). Employee share option schemes have a vesting period of three years and are settled through new equity issues in return for cash consideration and the maximum term of share options is ten years. The weighted average fair values of options issued during the year have been determined using the Black-Scholes-Merton Pricing Model with the following assumptions and inputs: Risk-free interest rate Expected volatility Expected option life (years) Expected dividend yield Weighted average share price Weighted average exercise price Weighted average fair value of options granted 2020 1.62% 12.5% 3.0 2.8% 340p 340p 20p 2019 1.68% 18.0% 3.0 2.6% 365p 361p 32p The expected average volatility was determined by reviewing historical fluctuations in the share price prior to the grant date of each share instrument. An expected take-up of 100% has been applied to each share instrument. Expected dividend yield is estimated at 2.8%; this is based upon the past dividend yield of AdEPT Technology Group plc and in accordance with the guidance in IFRS 2. 1 March 2016 1 October 2016 2 August 2017 2 August 2017 21 August 2018 1 January 2019 26 September 2019 1 January 2020 Exercise price (p) Expected option life (years) 31 March 2020 No. of options 31 March 2019 No. of options 222 238 335 393 353 368 355 333 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 240,000 152,500 240,000 1,855,910 100,000 237,018 100,000 237,018 240,000 152,500 240,000 1,855,910 200,000 237,018 — — 3,162,446 2,925,428 The closing price of the ordinary shares on 31 March 2020 was 182p and the range during the year was 236p. 24. Pension commitments At 31 March 2020 there were no pension commitments (2019: £Nil). 25. Related party transactions During the year dividends were paid to the following directors: I Fishwick R Wilson D Lukic R Burbage R Bligh C Wilson J Swaite There is no ultimate controlling party. 2020 £ 72 45 — 22 — — 8 2019 £ 66 41 — 20 — — 7 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 67 Financial statements 25. Related party transactions continued Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries are as follows: Provision of services from related parties Our IT Department Limited Atomwide Limited Shift F7 Limited Provision of services to related parties Centrix Limited Comms Group Limited Our IT Department Limited Shift F7 Limited Amounts due to subsidiaries Centrix Limited Our IT Department Limited Atomwide Limited Amounts due from subsidiaries Comms Group Limited Our IT Department Limited Atomwide Limited Shift F7 Limited 31 March 2020 £’000 31 March 2019 £’000 44 4 — 48 46 1 5 52 31 March 2020 £’000 31 March 2019 £’000 75 42 100 58 275 31 March 2020 £’000 729 97 — 826 31 March 2020 £’000 2,608 — 3,798 318 6,724 8 3 20 18 49 31 March 2019 £’000 2,612 — 1,871 4,483 31 March 2019 £’000 3,124 7 — 537 3,668 Intra-group dividends of £10,817,340 were paid to AdEPT Technology Group plc from the subsidiary companies during the year (2019: £6,357,000). These dividends are included in the Company profit for the year but are eliminated upon consolidation. 26. Capital commitments At 31 March 2020 there were capital commitments of £Nil (2019: £Nil). 68 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 March 2020 27. Earnings per share Earnings per share is calculated on the basis of a profit of £985,637 (2019: £1,853,958) divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue for the year of 23,812,509 (2019: 23,701,832). The diluted earnings per share is calculated on the treasury stock method and the assumption that the weighted average unapproved and EMI share options outstanding during the period are exercised. This would give rise to a total weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue for the period of 23,945,655 (2019: 23,852,410). Adjusted earnings per share is used to reflect the non-cash nature of certain items which are charged to the income statement and the non-trading items, such as acquisition costs, to give a better indicator of the underlying cash generation of the Group. Adjusted earnings per share is calculated by adding back amortisation of intangible assets, impairment of goodwill, the taxation deduction on purchased customer contracts, deferred tax credits on amortisation charges, share option charges, adjustment to deferred consideration and acquisition costs and excluding compensation credits from retained earnings, giving £6,716,948 (2019: £7,038,838). This is divided by the same weighted average number of shares as above. Earnings for the purposes of basic and diluted earnings per share Profit for the period attributable to equity holders Add: amortisation Less: taxation on amortisation of purchased customer contracts Less: deferred tax credit on amortisation charges Add: share option charges Add/(less): adjustment to deferred consideration Add: acquisition fees and restructuring costs Add: interest unwind on loan note Adjusted profit attributable to equity holders Number of shares Weighted average number of shares used for earnings per share Weighted average dilutive effect of share plans Diluted weighted average number of shares Earnings per share Basic earnings per share Diluted earnings per share Adjusted earnings per share Adjusted basic earnings per share Adjusted diluted earnings per share 2020 £’000 985 5,772 (117) (235) 29 (654) 555 381 6,717 2019 £’000 1,854 4,568 (117) (669) 68 586 600 149 7,039 23,812,509 23,701,832 133,146 150,578 23,945,655 23,852,410 4.14p 4.12p 28.21p 28.05p 7.82p 7.77p 29.70p 29.51p Earnings per share is calculated by dividing the retained earnings attributable to the equity holders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue. Adjusted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the retained earnings attributable to the equity holders (after adding back amortisation, the taxation deduction on purchased customer contracts, deferred tax credits on amortisation charges, share option charges, adjustment to deferred consideration and acquisition costs and excluding compensation credits) by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue. AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 69 Financial statements 28. Financial instruments Set out below are the Group’s financial instruments. The directors consider there to be no difference between the carrying value and fair value of the Group’s financial instruments. Loans and receivables at amortised cost Cash and cash equivalents Loans and receivables Financial liabilities at amortised cost Liabilities at amortised cost Financial liabilities at fair value Contingent consideration Amounts due for settlement Within twelve months After twelve months 2020 2019 Group £’000 Company £’000 Group £’000 Company £’000 11,849 9,961 21,810 6,619 3,197 9,816 7,650 9,718 17,368 3,659 2,447 6,106 53,083 48,871 51,863 49,147 1,798 54,881 6,965 47,916 54,881 1,798 50,669 3,297 47,372 50,669 1,249 53,112 4,882 48,230 53,112 1,249 50,396 2,199 48,197 50,396 The Company has a five year £40m revolving credit facility agreement with Barclays Bank plc and Royal Bank of Scotland plc. The revolving credit facility bears interest at 1.85–3.25% over LIBOR on drawn funds, dependent upon the net debt to EBITDA ratchet. The facility is repayable in full on the final repayment date in February 2022. The financial assets of the Group are cash and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables, which are offset against borrowings under the facility, and there is no separate interest rate exposure. Barclays Bank plc and Royal Bank of Scotland plc have a cross guarantee and debenture incorporating a fixed and floating charge over the undertaking and all property and assets present and future, including goodwill, book debts, uncalled capital, buildings, fixtures and fixed plant and machinery. The banks also hold a charge over the life assurance policy of Ian Fishwick, director of the Company, for £1,500,000. In August 2017 the Group raised £7,293,726 in the form of a convertible loan instrument from BGF to part fund the acquisition of Atomwide. The convertible loan instrument is excluded from the leverage calculations by the senior debt partners, Barclays and RBS. The Group has applied the principles of IAS 32 and IFRS 9 in the recognition and measurement of the convertible loan. The net present value of the loan of £7,090,201 has been split between the debt and equity components and an amount of £1,158,317 has been recorded in equity, with £5,931,884 being included within long-term debt at the initial date of recognition. BGF has the right to convert the loan to 1,855,910 ordinary shares at a share price of £3.93 per share at any time. The loan instrument can be redeemed by the Company from the third anniversary. The convertible loan instrument bears an interest rate of 7%. In addition, the transaction costs with a net present value of £203,525 are being recognised in the interest charge in the income statement across the term of the convertible instrument. The equity component of the convertible loan is included in the share option reserve in the statement of changes in equity and statement of financial position. 70 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 March 2020 28. Financial instruments continued Below is a summary of liabilities arising from financing activities: At 1 April 2018 Cash flows – proceeds Cash flows – repayments Acquisitions – financial liabilities Movement in accrued interests At 31 March 2019 Cash flows – proceeds Cash flows – repayments Change of accounting policy (IFRS 16) Acquisitions – financial liabilities Acquisition – leases Movement in accrued interests At 31 March 2020 Borrowings £’000 24,749 Convertible loan notes £’000 6,012 10,000 (1,052) 1,101 (67) 34,730 5,000 (10) — 29 — 39 39,788 — — — 163 6,174 — — — — — 166 6,340 Leases £’000 — — — 33 — 33 — (837) 1,825 — 324 (30) Total £’000 30,762 10,000 (1,052) 1,134 95 40,937 5,000 (847) 1,825 29 324 175 1,315 47,444 Sensitivity analysis At 31 March 2020 it was estimated that a movement of 1% in interest rates would impact the Group’s profit before tax by approximately £0.35m. Interest rate risk The Group’s current interest rate policy is subject to ongoing review in line with the level of borrowings and potential interest risk exposure. At 31 March 2020, £7,293,726 of the Group’s borrowings are at a fixed rate of interest (2019: £7,293,726). Credit risk Credit risk associated with cash balances is managed by transacting with financial institutions with high quality credit ratings. Accordingly the Group’s associated credit risk is deemed to be limited. The carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure. The maximum exposure to credit risk at 31 March 2020 was £21,691,278 (2019: £14,599,274). Loans and receivables Trade receivables Other receivables Cash and cash equivalents 2020 2019 Group £’000 9,842 119 11,849 21,810 Company £’000 3,176 21 6,619 9,816 Group £’000 6,949 69 7,650 14,668 Company £’000 2,439 7 3,659 6,105 Credit risk refers to the risk that the counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group. The Group has adopted a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties and this policy has been implemented by requiring staff to carry out appropriate credit checks on customers before sales commence. Trade receivables consist of a large number of customers, spread across diverse industries across the United Kingdom. Ongoing credit evaluation is performed on the financial condition of accounts receivable. The Group does not have any significant credit risk exposure to any single counterparty. AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 71 Financial statements 28. Financial instruments continued Loans and receivables continued The Group’s provision matrix is as follows: Year ended 31 March 2020 Expected credit loss rate Gross debtors (£’000) Expected credit loss (£’000) Year ended 31 March 2019 Expected credit loss rate Gross debtors (£’000) Expected credit loss (£’000) Current £’000 0% 7,080 (13) Current £’000 0% 5,252 (11) <30 days £’000 31-60 days £’000 >60 days £’000 1% 1,473 (10) 2% 500 (10) 36% 1,282 (460) <30 days £’000 31-60 days £’000 >60 days £’000 1% 1,109 (8) 2% 367 (6) 60% 612 (367) Total £’000 5% 10,335 (493) 9,842 Total £’000 5% 7,340 (391) 6,948 Liquidity risk The Group has an appropriate liquidity risk management framework for the management of the Group’s short, medium and long-term funding and liquidity risk management requirements. The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate banking facilities and through cash flow forecasting, acquisition planning and monitoring working capital and capital expenditure requirements on an ongoing basis. Amortised cost Year ended 31 March 2020 Borrowings Trade and other payables Future gross lease payments Year ended 31 March 2019 Borrowings Trade and other payables Within 1 year £’000 1–2 years £’000 2–5 years £’000 More than 5 years £’000 — 40,443 7,121 794 7,915 Within 1 year £’000 — 3,780 3,780 — 480 40,923 1–2 years £’000 — — — 7,293 — 429 7,722 2–5 years £’000 34,730 — 34,730 — — — — More than 5 years £’000 7,293 — 7,293 Currency risk The Group’s operations are handled entirely in sterling. Capital risk management The Group is subject to the risk that its capital structure will not be sufficient to support the growth of the business. The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. There were no changes to the Group’s approach to capital management during the year. As part of the banking arrangements, the Group is required to comply with certain covenants, including net debt to adjusted EBITDA and interest cover. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets (customer bases/relationships) to reduce debt. 72 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 March 2020 29. Business combinations On 26 April 2019 the Company acquired the entire issued share capital of Advanced Computers Systems Group Limited and its trading subsidiary Advanced Computer Systems Limited (ACS), (together referred to as ‘ACS Group’) for an initial consideration of £5.24m in cash less net debt and tax liabilities at completion. Further contingent deferred consideration of between £Nil and £2.26m was payable, also in cash, dependent upon the performance of ACS Group post-acquisition. The contingent deferred consideration will be determined by reference to the gross margin of the acquired business and applying the contingent deferred consideration calculation as specified in the share purchase agreement. The fair value of contingent deferred consideration has been determined by reference to the expected growth rate for the gross margin of the acquired business and applying the contingent deferred consideration calculation as specified in the share purchase agreement. The contingent consideration liability of £1.80m has been discounted at the Group’s weighted average cost of capital with the value of the discount of £0.17m being included within finance costs over the deferred consideration period as an interest charge. At 31 March 2020 the estimated deferred consideration was £1.80m. The earnout period for ACS ended on 31 March 2020 and the deferred consideration was paid in May 2020 with no further amounts due. Total consideration is £7.50m (including acquired debts and tax liabilities). ACS Group, founded in 1999, is a well-established UK-based specialist provider of IT services focused on the education sector based in Doncaster with 20 years’ experience. ACS Group is focused on providing IT services and has a strong public sector presence, including managing and supporting the IT function of approximately 200 schools and academy trusts. All services provided by ACS Group are supported by a highly experienced team of IT professionals based at ACS Group’s premises in Doncaster, which have been retained post-acquisition. The vendors and the senior management team responsible for the strategic direction, technical development and day-to-day operations of ACS Group have been retained within the business post-acquisition. Details of the fair value of the assets acquired at completion and the consideration payable: Intangible assets Property, plant and equipment Inventories Trade and other receivables Cash and cash equivalents Trade and other payables Income tax Deferred tax Net assets Cash Contingent cash consideration Fair value total consideration Goodwill Book cost £’000 — — 24 832 704 (1,378) (166) — 16 Fair value £’000 7,270 107 24 832 704 (1,498) (166) (1,384) 5,889 5,190 2,083 7,273 1,384 The trade and other receivables are all considered recoverable. ACS Group contributed revenue and profit after tax of £6.16m and £1.61m respectively for the year ended 31 March 2020 and represents a twelve month contribution. Acquisition related costs of £0.26m have been recognised as an expense in the statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31 March 2020. AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 73 Financial statements29. Business combinations continued Contingent consideration obligations The fair value of contingent deferred consideration is determined by reference to the growth rate for the gross margin of the acquired business and applying the contingent deferred consideration matrix as specified in the asset or share purchase agreement and discounting the net present value of the future cash flows. The outcome of the amount of contingent deferred consideration is uncertain; the range of contingent consideration in the current period was £Nil to £2.26m and could have a material impact on the financial statements. At 31 March 2020 a financial liability of £1.798m has been recognised in respect of the fair value of the contingent consideration due in respect of the acquisitions of: Fair value as at 31 March 2019 £’000 — 31 March 2020 £’000 1,798 Fair value hierarchy Level 3 Advanced Computer Systems Limited ETS Communications Limited 1,249 — Level 3 Valuation technique(s) and key input(s) Significant unobservable input(s) Relationship of unobservable inputs to fair value Based upon a multiple of gross margin calculated by the growth rate over a period of twelve months. Growth rate being the gross margin increase as measured by actual increase of gross margin over a twelve month period. The higher the growth rate the higher the multiple. The higher the gross margin the higher the earnout. Based upon a multiple of gross margin calculated by the growth rate over a period of twelve months. Growth rate being the gross margin increase as measured by actual increase of gross margin over a twelve month period. The higher the growth rate the higher the multiple. The higher the gross margin the higher the earnout. All contingent consideration is subject to the maximum value as stated in the share purchase agreement. The net fair value of the estimated deferred consideration liability at 31 March 2020 is not materially different to that of the net values estimated at the date of acquisition. The discount charge which has been recognised as an expense in the statement of comprehensive income in relation to the deferred consideration liability is disclosed in Note 9 to these financial statements. Reconciliation of the movement in the fair value of contingent consideration: At 1 April 2019 Additions Adjustment to deferred consideration Discounting of deferred consideration Settled in cash At 31 March 2020 Shift F7 Limited £’000 ETS Communications Limited £’000 Advanced Computer Systems UK Limited £’000 — — (10) 10 — — 1,249 — (644) 37 (642) — — 2,083 — 167 (452) 1,798 Total £’000 1,249 2,083 (654) 214 (1,094) 1,798 The earnout period for Advanced Computer Systems Limited ended on 31 March 2020 and the value is not materially different to the liability recognised at 31 March 2020. The earnout for ETS Communications Limited was paid on 16 December 2019. During the year total cash consideration of £6,285,908 was paid in respect of acquisitions, £1,095,249 was in respect of the settlement of deferred consideration and £5,190,659 was in respect of initial consideration (net of cash acquired). 74 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 March 202030. Subsidiaries Country Registered office Class of share % shareholding AdEPT Technology Limited England & Wales One Fleet Place, London EC4M 7WS AdEPT Telecom Limited England & Wales One Fleet Place, London EC4M 7WS Centrix Limited England & Wales One Fleet Place, London EC4M 7WS Comms Group UK Limited England & Wales One Fleet Place, London EC4M 7WS Our IT Department Limited England & Wales One Fleet Place, London EC4M 7WS BrightVisions Limited England & Wales One Fleet Place, London EC4M 7WS Atomwide Limited Shift F7 Limited England & Wales One Fleet Place, London EC4M 7WS England & Wales One Fleet Place, London EC4M 7WS Shift F7 Group Limited England & Wales One Fleet Place, London EC4M 7WS ETS Communications Limited England & Wales One Fleet Place, London EC4M 7WS ETS Communications Holdings Limited England & Wales One Fleet Place, London EC4M 7WS Advanced Computer Systems Group Limited England & Wales One Fleet Place, London EC4M 7WS Advanced Computer Systems Limited England & Wales One Fleet Place, London EC4M 7WS CAT Communications Limited England & Wales One Fleet Place, London EC4M 7WS Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Description Dormant Dormant Trading Trading Trading Dormant Trading Trading Dormant Dormant Dormant Dormant Dormant Dormant 31. Subsequent events In May 2020 the earnout payment in respect of the acquisition of ACS Group of £1.80m was settled in full, with no further amounts due. In July 2020, in light of the potential impact of COVID-19, the Company signed an agreement with Barclays Bank plc and Royal Bank of Scotland plc for the deferral of the £5m reduction to the RCF facility, which was originally due in July 2020, until the facility end date of February 2022 to provide additional cash headroom. In addition, the agreement contains an extension to the leverage and interest cover covenants included in the original bank facility to provide additional headroom through to the facility end date of February 2022. No fees were payable to Barclays Bank plc or Royal Bank of Scotland plc in respect of this agreement. AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 75 Financial statementsCompany information Directors Ian Fishwick Roger Wilson Dusko Lukic (resigned 28 October 2019) Richard Bligh (appointed 27 June 2019) Craig Wilson (appointed 1 November 2019) Phil Race John Swaite Andy Lovett (appointed 26 March 2020) Richard Burbage (resigned 25 September 2019) Secretary Dentons Secretaries Limited Company number 4682431 Registered office One Fleet Place London EC4M 7WS Contact details T: 0344 5577300 E: business.services@adept.co.uk W: www.adept.co.uk Auditor Crowe U.K. LLP Chartered accountants and registered auditor 40-46 High Street Maidstone Kent ME14 1JH Bankers Barclays Bank plc 1 Churchill Place London E14 5HP RBS plc 250 Bishopsgate London EC2M 4AA Nominated adviser and broker N+1 Singer 1 Bartholomew Lane London EC2N 2AX Solicitors CrippsPG LLP 22 Mount Ephraim Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 8AS Registrars Computershare Investor Services plc PO Box 82 The Pavilions Bridgwater Road Bristol BS99 6ZY 76 AdEPT Technology Group plc Annual report and accounts 2020 Financial statementsGlossary 21CN ADSL CCS framework Churn The Company Companies Act DSL The 21st Century Network programme is BT’s network transformation project to move its telephone network from the PSTN to an IP system Asymmetric digital subscriber line technology enables data transmission over existing copper wiring at data rates several hundred times faster than analogue modems, providing for simultaneous delivery of voice, video and data Crown Commercial Service framework The turnover rate of revenue for customers either joining or leaving a service over a particular time AdEPT Technology Group plc Companies Act 2006 Digital subscriber line services are a family of wide area technologies that are used to transmit digital data over telephone lines Underlying EBITDA Earnings before acquisition costs, share options, interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation ECTA The Group IP IP telephony ISDN LIBOR MPLS networks The European Competitive Telecommunications Association The Company, its subsidiaries and entities which are joint ventures Internet protocol is the packet data protocol used for the routing and carriage of messages across the internet and similar networks. IP performs the addressing function and contains some control information to allow packets to be routed through networks Internet protocol telephony is a term for phone systems that use the internet protocol’s packet-switched connections to exchange information rather than the dedicated circuit-switched connections of the PSTN Integrated services digital network is a set of communication standards for simultaneous digital transmission of voice, video, data and other network services over the traditional circuits of the PSTN The London Interbank Offered Rate is the average interest rate estimated by leading banks in London that the average leading bank would be charged if borrowing from other banks Multi-protocol label switching is a mechanism in high performance telecommunications networks that directs data from one network node to the next based on short path labels rather than long network addresses, avoiding complex lookups in a routing table Operating profit Profit before finance costs and taxation Optical Spectrum Services (OSA/OSEA) Secure, permanently connected, high speed data circuits that use dense wavelength division multi-plexing (DWDM) technology over optical fibre links PSTN The public switched telephone network is the world’s collection of interconnected voice-oriented public telephone networks, both commercial and government owned Single analogue line The most common form of telephone line, used to service most homes and small businesses SIP Session initiation protocol is a signalling protocol for initiating and controlling users’ multi-media communication sessions in an IP-based network Telephony Service Framework (RM1045) A multi-supplier pan-government framework for the purchase of telephony services Tier-1 suppliers The most important members of a supply chain, supplying components directly to the original equipment manufacturer that set up the chain Corporate Governance Code Corporate Governance Code published by Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA) VoIP Voice over internet protocol AdEPT Technology plc’s commitment to environmental issues is reflected in this Annual Report, which has been printed on Symbol Freelife Satin, an FSC® certified material. This document was printed by L&S using its environmental print technology, which minimises the impact of printing on the environment, with 99% of dry waste diverted from landfill. Both the printer and the paper mill are registered to ISO 14001. CBP004141 Financial statementsA d E P T T e c h n o l o g y G r o u p p l c A n n u a l r e p o r t a n d a c c o u n t s 2 0 2 0 AdEPT Technology Group plc 77 Mount Ephraim Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 8BS T: 0344 5577 300 F: 0344 5577 301 E: business.services@adept.co.uk www.adept.co.uk 

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