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Digitalbox plc

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FY2023 Annual Report · Digitalbox plc
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DIGITALBOX PLC

ANNUAL REPORT 
AND ACCOUNTS
2023

DIGITALBOX PLC 
CONTENTS

DIGITALBOX PLC 
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

CONTENTS 

Chairman’s statement 

Chief Executive’s report 

Strategic report 

Corporate and social responsibility report 

Corporate governance report 

Audit Committee report 

Remuneration Committee report 

Directors’ report 

Directors’ responsibilities statement 

Independent auditor’s report 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

Consolidated statement of financial position 

Page

3

5 - 9

10 - 16

17

19 - 24

25 - 26

27

28 - 29

30

31 - 35

38

39

40

Consolidated statement of cash flows 

41 - 42

Notes forming part of the consolidated financial statements 

43 - 64

Company statement of financial position 

Company statement of changes in equity 

65

66

Notes forming part of Company financial statements 

67 - 70

Directors, Secretary and Advisers 

71

Chairman’s Statement

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

After a challenging year for many media 
businesses, with audience volatility 
created by algorithm updates on key 
platforms and wider economic factors, 
I am pleased to report that Digitalbox 
plc (‘Digitalbox’) successfully delivered 
a positive Adjusted EBITDA* for 2023. 
While this represents a reduction 
on previous years, it marks the fifth 
consecutive year of profitable trading 
since being listed in 2019.

The business maintained its strategic focus on 
delivering a ‘mobile first’ media operation at scale, 
using leading technologies to optimise both audience 
engagement and commercial performance, while 
integrating bolt-on acquisitions that complement its 
operating model. 

During the year, the management team focused on 
the delivery of this strategy, and successfully navigated 
a mix of macro and micro challenges.  Specifically, 
the UK economy was subdued by high interest rates, 
the cost-of-living crisis and geo-political issues that 
impacted international markets. These issues had 
a knock-on effect on the global advertising market. 
Also, dominant platform owners Alphabet and Meta 
reported challenges resulting from these conditions. 
The result was a highly difficult trading environment.

pages. Despite these headwinds,  the team adapted 
and made headway with dealing with these issues in 
the latter part of the year.  Digitalbox delivered full year 
revenue of £2.8m (2022: £3.6m) and positive Adjusted 
EBITDA* which were within market guidance.

Digitalbox ended the year with gross cash of £1.9m, 
which is £0.9m down on the prior year, and with net 
cash (gross cash less bank debt) of £1.7m, which is 
£0.7m less than the prior year. This is chiefly due to the 
strategic value-enhancing bolt-on opportunities the 
team completed during the year.  In accordance with 
Digitalbox’s stated buy and build strategy, we added 
12m followers from the four Media Chain Group pages 
we acquired, completed the purchase of tvguide.co.uk, 
while successfully integrating The Poke that we had 
acquired a few weeks prior to the start of 2023. 

With an enlarged brand portfolio comprising 
Entertainment Daily, The Daily Mash, The Tab, The 
Poke and tvguide.co.uk and a doubling our social 
media follower base, the business is well placed to 
grow into 2024. We can potentially take advantage of 
further acquisition opportunities that the Directors 
believe trading conditions will likely bring to the fore.

We reported the local headwinds facing the business 
in the middle of the year as our biggest brand 
Entertainment Daily  remained blocked by Google and 
our second biggest, The Tab, suffered a content strike 
that reduced the reach on one of its biggest Facebook 

Marcus Rich 
Chairman

25 March 2024

*Adjusted EBITDA is defined as operating profit after adding back depreciation, amortisation, impairment, share based payments, 

acquisition costs and direct costs associated with business combinations

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ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comDIGITALBOX PLC
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Chief Executive’s Report

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023 was another important year 
for Digitalbox, as we expanded the 
portfolio of trading brands against 
a backdrop of challenging market 
conditions. With the first full year of 
trading of The Poke, which we acquired 
in December 2022, we can report the 
brand has already repaid 50% of its 
acquisition cost and is well positioned 
to benefit from a recovering advertising 
market. While tvguide.co.uk took 

 An expanded, 
profitable portfolio – 
a solid foundation for 
future development. 

longer than expected to complete, the tech solution 
we rolled out has seen traffic improve and produce 
a better-than-expected advertising performance. 
This performance is a solid foundation for future 
development.

The year saw economic uncertainty stemming from 
a mix of post-pandemic structural changes, the war 
in Ukraine, high interest rates and the UK cost of 
living crisis which impacted consumer spending.  
Marketers continue to favour mobile digital media, 
which presents the most accountable and relevant 
commercial solution within the marketing mix. 
However, marketers acted and spent with much 
greater caution as the cost of living basics like heating 
and food significantly eroded household incomes.

Against this backdrop we developed our audience 
positions; the Directors believe the Company is now 
one of the most significant online publishers in the 
UK entertainment space and will benefit from the 
demand for quality mobile advertising inventory 
at scale.

Our positive year-end position of an expanded, 
profitable portfolio of trading brands has resulted 
from our knowledge, focus and agility. These 
attributes have allowed us to tackle the challenges we 
faced, while remaining focused on the positive macro 
trends attached to advertising within the mobile 
channel which we anticipate will grow ahead 
of the market.

FINANCIAL REVIEW
Full year revenue of £2.8m is 22% down on 2022. This 
headline is masking the volatility within this overall 
movement due to a challenging macro trading 
environment. The trading environment saw a 40% 
growth in the Group’s underlying revenues in H1 
2022 and a 27% reduction in H2 2022. Although we 
are disappointed to deliver a reduction in Adjusted 
EBITDA* compared to 2022, we are pleased to 
continue the trend of being consistently profitable 
with Adjusted EBITDA* of £20k, despite the aggressive 
market conditions.

Cash generation is a key feature of this business and, 
despite the challenging trading conditions leading to 
a year-on-year revenue reduction of £0.8m, the cash 
generated by operations was £0.2m. The business 
ended the year with gross cash at the bank of £1.9m, 
which is £0.9m lower than last year. This is despite 
having invested £1.0m in intangible assets, via the two 
acquisition of assets made, and spending £0.1m in 
loan and lease repayments.

The challenging conditions within capital markets, 
coupled with the increased base rate, has led the 
Board to consider the weighted average cost of 
capital discount rate when considering the carrying 
value of goodwill and intangible assets in the balance 
sheet. This, together with a significantly reduced 
cash generation from Entertainment Daily due to 

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ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comDIGITALBOX PLC
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

the prevailing economic conditions and the content 
distribution issues caused by Meta and Google policy 
and algorithm changes, has led to an impairment 
charge of £6.4m against the carrying value of goodwill 
in relation to Entertainment Daily, plus a consequent 
£5.0m impairment charge on the carrying value of the 
investments in the Company balance sheet.

While 2023 was a year of uncertainty, it demonstrated 
the effectiveness of the digital advertising medium 
as its share grew to 67% of global ad spend. Post-
pandemic trends continue to evolve and the adoption 
of ecommerce via the most personal of channels, the 
mobile device, will continue to drive demand for  
quality inventory. 

OPERATING REVIEW
Digitalbox owns and operates five trading brands – 
Entertainment Daily, The Daily Mash, The Tab, The 
Poke and TV Guide. Entertainment Daily produces 
and publishes online UK entertainment news covering 
TV, show business, and celebrities. The Tab is the UK’s 
leading student and youth culture site fuelled by a 
London-based core team and a national network of 
30 local university sites. The Daily Mash delivers online 
satirical news articles in its own distinctive style and 
The Poke expertly curates the funniest content from 
around the web and social media. TV Guide delivers 
the latest information to UK consumers about what 
to watch and when, ensuring they don’t miss out. All 
five brands generate revenue from advertising in and 
around the content they publish, and the Daily Mash 
has also diversified into a paid subscription model.

 Projected Global Digital / Mobile Ad Spend

870

802

734

667

601

10.9%

10%

9.2%

8.6%

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

Forecast global digital ad spend $bn*

Forecast market growth

With Digitalbox’s lean operating model, the Company 
believes it is well positioned to push forward with our 
strategy and remain well placed to benefit from for the 
forecast growth in mobile ad spending over coming 
years. Above and beyond the macro conditions that 
impacted most industries in 2023, Digitalbox was 
impacted by two specific issues aligned to Alphabet 
(Google) and Meta (Facebook). Google algorithms 
blocked our biggest brand Entertainment Daily and 
Facebook – unjustly in our view – sanctioned a key 
social page for The Tab’s coverage of a popular Netflix 
documentary about the serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, 
deeming it as ‘promoting a dangerous individual’. Both 
issues are showing signs of a potential resolution.

Despite the challenges thrown up by the two platforms, 
our publishing operations for the year saw 239m visits 
to our websites. As well as successfully integrating The 
Poke and TV Guide, we established some very strong 
engagement with the Media Chain Group assets that 
we acquired and plan to build this further into 2024. 
Further, there was underlying commercial success as 
we saw significant year-on-year growth in the Poke and 
Tab session values over the 12 months and the whole 
portfolio of trading brands performed ahead of  
the market.

Compelling content remains at the core of the 
Digitalbox offering, created by talented teams with an 
expert understanding of their respective audiences’ 
needs. As part of this being an increasingly important 
factor in website ranking, we have invested in greater 
visibility of our teams across expanded author pages 
on the respective websites. We marry the expertise of 
these highly valued staff members with our proprietary 
mobile-first tech stack, Graphene. Named after the 
incredibly fast, light, super-conductive material, 
Graphene has been developed to deliver the best user 
experience through the fastest and lightest page load 
speeds on mobile. 

Alongside this highly optimised, low-friction content 
delivery, the commercial element of the Graphene 
suite, the Graphene Ad Stack (GAS) now powers the 
advertising monetisation of Entertainment Daily, The 
Daily Mash, The Tab, The Poke and TV Guide. We are 
seeing significant value creation here on The Poke and 
TV Guide as improved data from our deployment of 
GAS has enabled it to significantly grow advertising 

session values since the early stages of our ownership 
of both brands. As our portfolio expands, GAS’s role in 
optimising revenue performance across the business 
and speeding the route to enhanced profitability for 
acquired properties is key for us. 

The Tab has proved to be a great success since its 
acquisition at the end of 2020 having fully paid back 
its purchase costs within the first two years. We are 
tracking to achieve similar results on The Poke and 
hope to do the same on TV Guide. We continue 
to evaluate further acquisition opportunities and 
have seen an increase in opportunities as other 
publishers with lower margin headroom endured the 
challenging trading conditions of 2023. We remain 
ready to move quickly where we can realise the 
appropriate value. 

The Digitalbox team was maintained in scale during 
a turbulent 2023 to ensure capacity for growth on our 
existing brands and to ensure any acquisitions can be 
quickly integrated, whilst operational efficiencies will 
remain strong. 

LEADING AS A MOBILE-FIRST BUSINESS
Our strategy to create a mobile-first business has 
helped position us as a leader in the market for both 
audience engagement and monetisation. Push 
media skills remain critical, and our brands engage 
consumers at scale through this channel with 91% of 
our audience across the portfolio visiting on mobile 
devices. With an average of 20m monthly user visits to 
our sites, we present truly significant user scale to the 
market especially when combined with our capacity 
to engage. 

Mobile advertising spend was growing well ahead of 
the economic issues that emerged in H2 2022 and 
we anticipate its acceleration as we emerge from this 
challenging period in 2024. As part of our Graphene 
technology suite that supports our mobile-first 
strategy, we are building a single site template for all 
our brands which enables optimisations to be rapidly 
applied across the portfolio. As previously reported, our 
GAS set up on The Poke quickly drove it to profitability 
and we are seeing similar results on TV Guide. This 
will give Digitalbox a distinct advantage as we look to 
further optimise our existing portfolio, complete more 
acquisitions, build new sites and benefit from the 
forecast growth in the digital ad market.

PORTFOLIO GROWTH
Television listings site TV Guide is the most recent 
addition to the Digitalbox portfolio, with its acquisition 
completing in October 2023. We feel the site is 
an excellent stablemate for Entertainment Daily 
with a distinct proposition and relationship with 

Entertainment Daily’s regular editorial output. It 
brings over 1m monthly users.

The Poke, as detailed previously acquired at the end of 
2022, had a strong first year of full trading with a focus 
on unlocking the brand’s commercial potential, with 
like-for-like revenues growing by over 80%.

Entertainment Daily saw an overall reduction 
in sessions (visits) of 27% year-on-year largely as 
result of Google algorithms drastically reducing 
its appearance in their search and Discover feeds. 
Google accounted for 25m sessions in 2022 so it is 
good to be making headway towards a resolution 
in 2024. Facebook performed comparatively well 
across the year given the reported challenges faced 
by other publishers. The editorial team continued to 
hit all the TV and showbiz stories as the news broke, 
maximising traffic and social engagement around 
moments that caught the nation’s imagination. This 
year also saw the second annual Entertainment Daily 
Awards, along with expanded social amplification 
through the new Soap Daily page and the acquired 
Media Chain Group pages.

The Tab continues to make a  consistent positive 
contribution and is growing its advertising session 
values significantly ahead of the market. There 
was strong growth of 25% year-on-year. Editorial 
campaigning for key issues connecting with the 

*Source: eMarketer, March 2023 https://www.insiderintelligence.com/content/digital-ad-spend-worldwide-pass-600-billion-this-year

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ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comDIGITALBOX PLC
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

CULTURE AND PEOPLE
We remain focused on creating a culture that enables 
talented people to do their best work. Even before the 
pandemic that meant being flexible and agile rather 
than harbouring traditional views of office culture or 
adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. We continue 
to mix office-based roles and remote working 
arrangements, full-time and part-time positions, staff 
and freelance contributor agreements to marry the 
needs of the business with those of our people. A 
hybrid scenario of both home and office working is 
what we have found most successful.

Good communication and a sense of inclusion are 
important to us, so we continue to publish monthly 
all-staff updates on progress and stage weekly 
leadership sessions alongside daily team meetings. 
Alongside this, we hold two annual all-staff gatherings, 
with this year’s summer event a murder mystery 
themed conference at Oakley Hall in Hampshire  
and literary themed event in London’s Bloomsbury  
for Christmas.

Recruiting and retaining great people is crucial 
to our growth. Our success hiring younger talent 
on Entertainment Daily through its apprentice 
programme has continued along with training and 
development for more senior staff. The Daily Mash 
and the Poke brought on new contributors and The 
Tab continues to offer free and highly relevant training 
initiatives for its network of student journalists.

Everyone at Digitalbox benefits from the company’s 
life assurance and pension schemes and we aim 
to ensure our staff are rewarded fairly and have 
opportunities to progress within the business. All team 
members and their dependents have access to our 
free wellbeing and support programme including 

student demographic continued to produce national 
media pick-ups, alongside its established output 
of entertainment and culture coverage. While the 
site had to ride out the challenge of the Facebook 
strike, this has been resolved for 2024. We continue to 
leverage the existing Tab portfolio of Facebook pages, 
the newly acquired Media Chain Group pages and are 
growing our TikTok and Instagram followers.

The Daily Mash had a year of transition as we 
progressed our consumer-revenues strategy, informed 
by the brand’s loyal audience and genuinely unique 
content. Subscription sign-ups grew by over 180% 
across the year.  Although the TV show was not 
continued by UK TV due to challenges faced by its 
Dave channel, we managed to create some significant 
engagement testing short form video content 
across multiple social channels including Tik Tok and 
Facebook and this informs how we move forwards.

Corporate Highlights

REVENUE

ADJUSTED EBITDA

£2.8m vs £3.6m in 2022

£0.02m vs £1.1m in 2022

ADJUSTED EBITDA MARGIN

ADJUSTED EBITDA PER SHARE

0.7% vs 30.2% in 2022

0.02p vs 0.92p in 2022

*Adjusted EBITDA is defined as the operating profit after adding back depreciation, amortisation, impairment, 
share based payments, acquisition costs and direct costs associated with business combinations.

international uncertainty driven by war and spiralling 
interest rates alongside the UK’s cost of living crisis. 
As consumer spending power recovers in line with 
declining interest rates and greater political certainty 
is installed, we expect the advertising market will 
bounce back.

Our view is that Digitalbox’s position in the open 
advertising market is a good place to be as it can 
adapt in real time, with high-quality inventory always 
in demand. Global commentary points towards a 
measured market recovery in 2024 with a full return 
forecast for 2025. We have no reason to doubt these 
predicted improving conditions and are confident 
the business is very well placed to benefit from the 
returning market.

Our audience sourcing is now more diverse and 
balanced than at any time in the Company’s history, 
which offers greater stability. We enter 2024 with 
an expanded trading brand portfolio primed for 
future growth, alongside a returning economy and 
a confident digital advertising sector expected to 
significantly increase its share of global ad spend over 
coming years.

James Carter
Chief Executive       

25 March 2024

personalised healthy eating and exercise plans, mental 
health support, legal and medical advice and ways to 
prevent burnout. A share options scheme also exists 
for senior staff.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank all 
Digitalbox staff for their incredible hard work and 
enthusiasm during a challenging last year and their 
valuable contribution to enable us to position the 
building blocks for future growth. As the company 
continues to expand its portfolio it’s a pleasure to be 
working with such a talented and committed team.

BUSINESS OUTLOOK
Since listing on the AIM market of the London Stock 
Exchange in 2019, Digitalbox has continued to develop 
as a profitable UK digital media business positioned 
squarely in the mobile space.

Despite the highly challenging macroeconomic 
environment of 2023, global digital advertising spend 
is forecast to grow by more than 40% in the next four 
years. The consumer and market reaction to both 
economic and health-related turbulence of the last 
few years has accelerated the trends which benefit 
Digitalbox, pushing the business to the forefront as 
mobile devices’ share is forecast to shift from 67% 
of all digital ad spend in 2023 to 73% in 2027 and 
our content and tech teams continue to strengthen 
delivery through this channel.

Beyond the advertising market, TV continues to be 
highly competitive with the battle for share pushing 
all participants towards higher quality content. The 
streamers’ optimum operating models have yet to 
settle and the terrestrial channels face the pressure 
of this changing landscape, yet the quality of the 
output continues to grow to benefit our audiences 
and fuel the information they crave from publishers 
like Digitalbox. This increasingly competitive market 
stimulates our various audiences leading to big shows 
like I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here and Love Island 
showing strong engagement across our properties in 
2023. 

The four acquisitions completed since being listed on 
AIM – The Daily Mash, The Tab, The Poke and TV Guide 
– have all proved the potential of our model, giving us 
confidence we can continue to create growth within 
the portfolio and make further acquisitions when the 
fit is right.

While H1 2022 saw a strong recovery from the 
pandemic, the markets adjusted to work with the 
new realities of the economic landscape in mid-year 
and continued throughout 2023. The trend towards 
a more cautious approach to marketing spend was 
stimulated by the previously mentioned macro 

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ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.com 
DIGITALBOX PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Strategic Report

DIGITALBOX PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

media sources too and as a result, we will continue to 
see growth opportunities.

 We have a proven 

We set out to build a new digital media 
business; one driven by profit and 

The 
Digitalbox 
Vision

efficiency delivering high quality 

content engaging users at 
speed and scale.

Our aim remains to generate 
organic growth of our existing 
assets and to acquire and transform 
digital media properties with the 
potential to thrive through the 
application of the Digitalbox model.

We have a proven ability to grow at speed 

by focusing on current and future trends; rapidly 
adapting to technical advances and the habits of our 
audience, free from legacy issues that frequently 
cause distraction in other media businesses.

CONSUMER MEDIA BEHAVIOUR
The Digitalbox publishing model was informed 
by the recognition of the growth of ‘push media’ 
consumption, especially on mobile – where the 
most highly engaging and relevant content from 
publishers is placed in users’ feeds based on trending 
topics, article performance and their own behaviours 
and interests. 

Content-surfacing algorithms continue to be refined, 
delivering a better user experience and higher rates 
of engagement resulting in more time being spent 
within the respective gateways to this content.  

Meta, Alphabet, TikTok and X continue to compete 
for consumer attention through ‘push media’ 
consumption, and it is the publishers with the most 
engaging content that will continue to benefit from 
this competition. Google continues to develop its push 
content strategy via the Discover feed which is now 
making billions of content suggestions and Meta is 
placing a greater focus on its content tools being more 
fully integrated across its platforms in a bid to better 
enable creators and satisfy their audiences. TikTok is 
taking audience share from all of the key platforms 
and its predictive content model points the way 
towards the use of AI which will become increasingly 
important over the next few years.

Targeting consumers via an array of distribution 
channels is one thing, but having the ability to 
profitably operate in those channels is where the real 
skillset lies. 

Whilst the major platforms continue to evolve their AI 
models, consumers continue to support other push 

OUR APPROACH 

We believe in order to be successful in today’s media environment a business, its brands and its people must be: 

ENGAGING
The internet is dominated 

FAST
Audiences’ expectation levels 

FLEXIBLE
Digitalbox is a mobile-first 

EFFICIENT
Efficiency matters because we 

by platforms that compete 

are higher than ever and their 

media company for the simple 

regard profitable operation as 

for engagement and media 

attention spans are lower. 

reason that this is where 

the key to longevity. The digital 

brands that deliver the 

Our content and tech teams 

consumers have congregated. 

market has seen many long 

highest levels will prosper. 

obsess about getting the best 

Our future strategy will be 

bets against models that fail 

Our teams’ passion for their 

stories to their readers as 

shaped by continuing to move 

the profit test. Our teams use 

subjects, understanding of 

quickly as possible.

with our audience. This will 

every tool to maximise their 

their audiences and expertise 

in producing truly compelling 

content, consistently deliver 

market-leading levels of 

engagement.

inevitably require flexibility as 

impact and efficiency. 

different platforms go in and 

out of favour and different 

devices emerge. We know 

tomorrow will be different.

ability to grow at speed by 
focusing on current and 
future trends. 

they are seen as selective and discerning. These 25-54 
year olds are power-sharers of digital media who even 
in these challenging times continue to spread a smile.

The Tab was founded by three students at Cambridge 
in 2009 as a reaction to out-of-touch student papers. 
Since then it has exploded into one of the biggest sites 
in Britain, speaking directly the UK’s youth. They are 
the generation tasked with more responsibility than 
any other in the last 50 years. It will be their reinvention 
that heals the planet, that creates new ways of 
working and cares for our ageing population. The 
leaders of tomorrow, the global citizens who need to 
think in a more measured and considered fashion. 

The Poke was founded in 2010 and has since delivered 
a uniquely entertaining editorial mix, captivating fans 
with an expertly curated blend of the funniest tweets, 
comments, videos and reddit discussions as the world 
reacts to trending news and life in general. Its well-
balanced audience of males and females sit primarily 

RELEVANCE
Our business is currently built around a UK audience 
focus which brings distinct benefits across our key 
disciplines:

   Our editorial content resonates strongly with our 

audiences, keeping our readers coming back again 
and again.

   Our key advertiser relationships all have a significant 

presence in our local market which is one of the 
world’s most advanced marketing economies and 
they place the greatest value on high-quality  
UK traffic. 

GROWTH THROUGH ‘BUY AND BUILD’
On our admission to AIM in February 2019, Digitalbox 
outlined a strategy to make investments in its 
existing portfolio and perform acquisitions to grow 
the business. We intended to identify targets within 
markets that offer natural synergies with our ongoing 
operations and also to expand our existing assets 
into areas where there is a clear appetite from our 
audiences.

The completion of the TV Guide transaction in 2023 
marked our fourth acquisition after The Daily Mash 
in 2019, The Tab in 2020 and The Poke in 2022. Early 
results have been pleasing as we have been able 
to improve the brand’s commercial performance 
through the application of our Graphene Ad Stack and 
improve its technical performance and efficiency. 

We will continue to target and screen acquisitions 
that best align with our processes and enhance our 
existing portfolio to deliver the strategic vision. We will 
also continue to develop new content verticals that 
offer the opportunity to scale our existing portfolio. 

AUDIENCES THAT ARE IN DEMAND
Entertainment Daily reaches a core demographic 
of 25+ year old UK women; the power brokers of 
UK shopping. Being frequently in charge of the 
household budget they are passionate about the 
territory they control. They love brands that provide 
status and are always on the look-out for great deals 
they can share with their friends. 

The Daily Mash is consumed by savvy UK independent 
thinkers. These educated professionals respond to 
the brand’s pitch-perfect skewering of the rich and 
infamous and its inventive and surreal takes on the 
absurdity of modern life. Influential among their peers 
thanks to their own finely-tuned view of the world, 

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ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comDIGITALBOX PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

MOBILE-OPTIMISED GRAPHENE TECH PLATFORM

Operational KPIs

Graphene is our scalable and 

dynamic mobile-first platform. This 

tech stack consists of a blend of 

technologies allowing our websites 

to flourish through an efficient, light 

touch content delivery approach. 

This brings significant advantages 

to how our sites are experienced by 

users and also ranked by the key 

platforms – especially Alphabet and 

Meta – as they evaluate the preferred 

destinations for users.

Further, our Graphene Ad Stack 

(GAS) maximises mobile profitability, 

which has been used to great effect 

more than doubling the session 

values on The Tab since early 2021, 

those of The Poke by 300% YOY in 

December 2023 and also enhancing 

TV Guide.

Graphene also enables us to realise 

tech and serving costs on the 

acquisitions we make.

Graphene will continue to evolve via 

our tech roadmap for 2024. 

ONLINE SESSIONS 

MOBILE USERS

UK AUDIENCE

SOCIAL FOLLOWERS 

239 million 

92 million 

71 million

20 million

(2022: 293m)
(2021: 273m) 
(2020: 221m) 
(2019: 225m)

(2022: 110m)
(2021: 108m)
(2020: 59m)
(2019: 35m)

(2022: 76m)
(2021: 76m)
(2020: 51m)
(2019: 37m)

(2022: 8m)
(2021: 7.0m)
(2020: 6.7m)
(2019: 3.5m)

Visits to Digitalbox’s 
websites

Numbers of users visiting sites 
on mobile and tablet devices

Users of Digitalbox’s 
websites based in the UK

Social followers of 
Digitalbox’s properties  

2023 Figures include full year Google Analytics & Parse.ly audience figures for Entertainment Daily, The Daily Mash, The Tab, The Poke and two and a half months of TV 
Guide since mid October 2023. Social Followers includes current followers of associated pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

in the 25-54 age bracket, loving The Poke’s up-to-the-
minute takes on the biggest, best and most bizarre 
stories of the day.  

TV Guide is the UK’s longest-running digital-only TV 
listings brand, providing its users with detailed episode 
guides, video previews, ratings and recommendations 
of everything worth watching on more than 300 
channels. It’s the destination of choice for UK TV 
addicts. TV Guide’s audience is 57/43 male/female split 
with 25-54 year-olds the core age demographic.

PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT
While profitability is key, we continue to invest 
in the existing business. 2024 will see additional 
development of content, distribution strategy and tech 
on Entertainment Daily, The Tab, The Daily Mash, The 
Poke and TV Guide as we aim to strengthen all aspects 
of our publishing operations. 

We are also developing a ‘verticals’ programme to test 
how quickly and efficiently we can bring to market 
niche sites to complement the existing portfolio. 

The five audiences have further scope for growth in 
isolation and for cross-fertilisation across the portfolio.

Further detail on business performance can be found 
in the Financial Review and Operating Review sections 
of the Chief Executive’s Report beginning on page 5.  

Key dates in 2023

  Mar 2023 
The Poke Q1 session values 
grow by over 100% y.o.y.

  July 2023 
Daily Mash Premium 
paywall rolled out

  Sep 2023 
Daily Mash Premium 
subscribers pass 3,000 

  Nov 2023 
Rebranding on Media Chain 
Group assets complete

  Dec 2023 
The Tab Talks student 
training initiative

FEB

2023

MAR

2023

APR

2023

MAY

2023

JUN

2023

JUL

2023

AUG

2023

SEPT

2023

OCT

2023

NOV

2023

DEC

2023

  Feb 2023 
The Poke migration to 
Graphene Ad Stack complete

  April 2023 
The Tab “You Matter” 
Mental Health 
campaign

  Aug 2023 
Acquisition of 
Media Chain Group 
assets completes

  Oct 2023 
Acquisition of 
TV Guide assets 
completes

  Nov 2023 
Entertainment 
Daily Google 
traffic restored

  Dec 2023 
TV Guide session 
values grow by 18%

12

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ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.com  
DIGITALBOX PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Highlights

As noted, 2023 saw encouraging progress across the 
portfolio, including:

Y
L
I
A
D
T
N
E
M
N
A
T
R
E
T
N
E

I

H
S
A
M
Y
L
I
A
D
E
H
T

E
K
O
P
E
H
T

GOOGLE
 TRAFFIC
RETURN Q4

1.3M MORE SOCIAL 

FOLLOWERS

OVER
25M 
VIDEO
VIEWS

180%
GROWTH 
MASH PREMIUM
SUBSCRIBERS

GROWTH IN SESSION VALUES YOY

300%
25% GROWTH

IN EDITORIAL 
OUTPUT

P
U
O
R
G
X
O
B
L
A
T
I
G
D

I

B
A
T
E
H
T

I

E
D
U
G
V
T

EXPANDED
PORTFOLIO

150% GROWTH IN SOCIAL 

FOLLOWERS

3bn+
IN 2023

AD IMPRESSIONS

DIVERSIFIED
TRAFFIC
SOURCING

 MOBILE-FIRST

 91%
MOBILE
USERS

SESSION VALUES

25% GROWTH IN 
14m 

TOTAL SOCIAL 
FOLLOWERS

NEW PLATFORM 
DELIVERED

18%  

GROWTH 
IN SESSION VALUES 
IN FIRST 3 MONTHS

JAN   FEB   MAR

DIGITALBOX PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The Board considers risk on an ongoing basis and 
feels it is important to identify risks, form an objective 
view on the impact of these risks, to consider 
mitigation plans to counterbalance them and to 
keep them under constant review. The risks are 
those which the Board considers, as at the date of 

this report, are the most critical to the continued 
operation of the Group. The risks described do not 
represent the totality of the risks facing the Group 
and should not be relied on as such by any person 
considering any investment decision in relation to 
the Company’s ordinary shares. 

RISK 

POTENTIAL IMPACT 

MITIGATION & CONTROL

Deviation from 
strategy

A failure to implement the Group’s strategy is likely to lead to the 
business missing its trading targets which will have an adverse 
knock-on effect on its cash flow prospects. Further, its growth 
prospects could be impacted with a consequent negative impact 
on shareholder value.

The Board meets regularly to monitor the path of the business 
with the non-executive directors objectively challenging 
the executives over the performance of the business and its 
adherence to the agreed plan.

Reliance on key 
online media 
platforms 

In common with all media businesses globally, the Group uses 
online media platforms to market and distribute its content 
which, in turn, drives consumers to its sites which enables 
monetisation. 

The Group monitors the balance of traffic sources in its ongoing 
operations and when considering acquisition targets and also 
works to respond to key algorithm changes. 

Detrimental  
algorithm 
changes & 
content policy 
strikes

Competition

Traffic sourcing remains an ongoing challenge for all media 
companies as the key platforms adapt the way they rank and 
prioritise websites for exposure to their users. Also, if content is 
flagged correctly or incorrectly for a policy violation by one of the 
platforms the ability to reach audience is negatively impacted for 
a period.

Digitalbox constantly monitors performance via the key platforms 
and makes ongoing adjustments to its set-up to optimise the 
results alongside the use of specialist consultants who advise with 
broader industry knowledge. In the event of content policy strikes 
the Group follows the relevant appeals policy.

A new entrant into the Group’s market could divert our share 
of the time our audience has to consume its content, reducing 
session numbers. This would have an adverse effect on the 
number of adverts the business can serve, hence reducing the 
revenues the business would generate.

There is nothing the Group can do to stop new entrants. However, 
it can continue to provide highly engaging content at speed 
encouraging its consumers to remain engaged and loyal.

Cash flow

A significant downturn in the trading performance of the Group 
would have an adverse effect on the Group’s cash reserves.

The business has substantial cash reserves, is very profitable, 
has a very low capital expenditure requirement and pays close 
attention to its cash flow forecasts.

Downturn in 
advertising 
spending

Cyber-attack

Bolt-on 
acquisitions

A material decline in UK mobile digital advertising spend 
would have a significant impact on the Group’s revenues and 
profitability. Also, technologies which may limit the Group’s ability 
to effectively monetise the audience it attracts, including but 
not limited to brand-safety tools and ad blockers could impact 
revenue  and profitability.

The Board stays abreast of the wider economic climate, 
market trends and advertising forecasts and – through close 
relationships with advertising partners – is well informed about 
current and coming developments. It has demonstrated an 
ability to grow revenues during periods of significant change 
(including the introduction of GDPR).

A cyber-attack or malicious action could result in the loss of 
data, loss of revenue due to service outage or loss of cash due to 
fraud. These actions could be from external parties or disaffected 
current or former employees.

As the business is a digital media business, it has an enhanced 
understanding of the challenges posed by cyber fraudsters. 
The business has a robust data protection policy, robust data 
protection and network access controls and carries appropriate 
cyber-crime insurance.

As a business planning on scaling through the acquisition of 
businesses that complement the Digitalbox portfolio, there is 
risk attached to the process in three key areas: price being paid, 
quality of due diligence undertaken and the risk attached to 
integrating the acquisition into the business.

The Group uses consultants to help the process of acquiring new 
businesses so we have a triple screening process through the 
executive team, consultants and then the Board. 

Staff retention

Competition for high-quality staff and increased mobility 
owing to remote working may put pressure on the ability to 
recruit and retain staff.

The nature of the work provided by Digitalbox is regarded as 
inherently attractive mitigating the likelihood of staff churn.

Inflationary 
pressures

The global cost of living crisis is creating inflationary forces, 
leading to higher operating costs, reducing profitability.

These pressures within the Group are largely confined to 
impacting on payroll and may ultimately feed through into 
higher advertising rates, offsetting the issue to an extent. The 
Group also believes that inflationary pressures may create 
further opportunities to acquire targets.

14

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ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.com 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIGITALBOX PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
CORPORATE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES (continued)

RISK 

POTENTIAL IMPACT 

MITIGATION & CONTROL

Management 
Succession 
Planning

Loss of the knowledge and experience of any senior staff leaving 
the business may impact performance if a suitable successor 
cannot be identified in a timely manner.

Potential successors within each team are informally identified 
by the COO & CEO; a pragmatic approach best suited to the 
business’ lean structures.

ESG strategy & 
Implementation

The business may need to update and communicate its policies 
in order to meet evolving governance criteria.

Update included in 2023 Corporate and Social 
Responsibility Report

Artificial 
Intelligence

Progress particularly in the field of Generative AI may create 
significant disruption including but not limited to the areas of 
content creation, search traffic and user behaviour. As a result, all 
online media outlets are likely to experience opportunities and 
challenges as this rapidly evolving technology develops.

The business will trial and adopt these technologies where 
there are opportunities to better equip its teams to increase the 
efficiency, quality and quantity of content output and enhance 
other operational areas. The business will apply the agility 
demonstrated in the past to adapt.

Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 requires that the Directors act in a way that they consider, in good faith, would most likely 
promote the long term success of the business taking into consideration the interests of its shareholders and other stakeholders. The 
table sets out our key stakeholder groups, their interests and how the Group engages with them. 

STAKEHOLDER 

WHY WE ENGAGE 

HOW WE ENGAGE

Our shareholders

We maintain and value regular dialogue with our shareholders throughout the 
year and place great importance on our relationship with them. We know that 
our investors expect a comprehensive insight into the financial performance of 
the Group, and awareness of long-term strategy and direction. As such, we aim to 
provide high levels of transparency and clarity of our results and long-term strategy 
and to build trust in our future plans.

•  Regular reports and analysis on investors 

and shareholders 

•  Annual Report 
•  Company website 
•  Shareholder circulars 
•  AGM 
•  RNS announcements 
•  Press releases 

Our employees

Without our employees we wouldn’t have a business. Effective employee 
engagement leads to a happier, healthier workforce who are invested in the success 
of the Group. We strive to address any employee concerns regarding working 
conditions, health and safety, training and development, as well as workforce 
diversity. Engagement with our employees starts from the top and is driven 
effectively throughout the Group.

•  Evaluation and feedback processes for 

employees and management
•  Competitive rewards packages
•  Encouraging employee training and 

development 

Regulatory bodies

The Group’s operations are subject to a wide range of laws, regulations, and listing 
requirements including data protection, tax, employment, environmental and 
health and safety legislation, along with contractual terms. 

Our customers

Our relationship with our partners is collaborative and we are in constant dialogue 
to provide support and analytics as required. We listen to and engage with our 
customers on a regular basis to ensure that we understand their needs and can 
provide solutions that address them. We work hard to ensure that customer 
concerns are dealt with in a timely and professional manner.  

Our suppliers

We have a number of key suppliers with whom we have built strong relationships 
with. We establish effective engagement channels to ensure our relationships 
remain collaborative and forward focused, and to foster relationships of mutual 
trust and loyalty.

•  Company website 
•  RNS announcements
•  Annual Report 
•  Direct contact with regulators 
•  Compliance updates at Board Meetings
•  Consistent risk review

•  Continual dialogue and review of feedback 

from customers to ensure satisfaction

•  Taking a collaborative approach to 
problem solving with our suppliers

•   Clear parameters are given, backed-up by 
written agreements where required, to 
ensure the Group and supplier’s actions 
are co-ordinated

Corporate and Social Responsibility Report

The Group aims to operate ethically and be socially-
responsible in its actions. Below are a number of the 
approaches through which this is achieved.

BUSINESS CONDUCT, ETHICS 
AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
The Group is committed to ensuring high standards of 
business conduct and has adopted policies in  
support of this including an Anti-Bribery & Anti-
Corruption policy and an Equal Opportunities & Anti-
Harassment policy. 

SAFEGUARDING CONSUMERS’ DATA
The Group is committed to safeguarding its 
consumers’ data and only use this information where 
express permission is granted and solely for the 
purpose specified. The Group holds registrations with 
the ICO and follows its guidelines to ensure it remains 
fully compliant with GDPR.

RELATIONSHIP WITH EMPLOYEES
The Group encourages an environment of openness 
and debate and welcomes all feedback from within. 

Details of the Group’s performance are shared with 
all employees at appropriate times via face-to-face 
meetings where safe to do so, virtual meetings, email 
updates and the Group’s corporate website. 

The Group expects a high standard from its staff and 
provides support to achieve this. Where possible, as 
new roles in the organisation arise, the Group aims to 
promote from within. 

The Group is committed to fostering new talent and 
runs a successful apprenticeship programme, often 
hiring candidates into full-time roles on completion of 
their apprenticeship.  

The Group offers flexible working arrangements for 
its staff including remote working and part-time 
contracts.

STREAMLINED ENERGY AND 
CARBON REPORTING (SECR)
As the Group’s activities are focussed on publishing 
digital content only, it has inherently a low carbon 
impact;

   The Group has only 32 employees who are located in 

two serviced offices and/or in their own homes. 
   These employees create content using standard 
laptops, Macbooks, tablets and mobile phones 
which is, in turn, stored on managed cloud based 
servers outside of the immediate control of the 
organisation. 

   The Group does not process or manufacture any 

physical product and does not consume any 
physical raw material other than office stationery.

   There is negligible international travel.

The immediate boundary of the Group is defined as 
the serviced offices and homes that the employees 
work in and the energy consumed results from the 
lighting, heating and powering of those work spaces.
Good practice requires organisations to report across 
the following three scopes;

   Scope 1 (Direct) GHG Emissions - These include 

emissions from activities owned or controlled by the 
Group that release emissions into the atmosphere.  
They are direct emissions. Examples of Scope 1 
emissions include emissions from the use of light, 
heat and power at the serviced offices and in 
employees’ homes, which is considered as within 
the Group’s immediate boundary.

   Scope 2 (Energy Indirect) Emissions - These include 
emissions released into the atmosphere associated 
with the Group’s consumption of purchased 
electricity, heat, steam and cooling. These are 
indirect emissions that are a consequence of the 
Group’s activities, but which occur at sources you do 
not own or control such as cloud based managed 
server facilities.

   Scope 3 (Other Indirect) Emissions  - The include 
emissions that are a consequence of the Group’s 
actions, which occur at sources which the Group 
does not own or control and which are not classed 
as Scope 2 emissions.  Relevant examples of Scope 3 
emissions are business travel by means not owned 
or controlled by the Group.

The Group will start to capture emissions data in these 
three categories commencing in 2024.

16

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ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.com  
 
DIGITALBOX PLC
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Corporate 
Governance

18

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ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comDIGITALBOX PLC
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Corporate Governance Report

DIGITALBOX PLC
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX AND THE QCA CODE

Digitalbox PLC is committed to good corporate 

governance and has adopted the corporate 
governance guidelines of the Quoted 
Companies Alliance (QCA).

This section outlines the ways in which the Group 
applies the QCA’s ten principles of corporate 
governance.

digital media. The Group intends to achieve this 
through a buy-and-build strategy with a focus on 
profitable publishing on mobile devices. This 
strategy is aligned with consumer behaviour and 
commercial trends.  

The Group will create and deliver compelling content 
for its audiences via the web properties it owns now 
and will own in the future. This content will engage 
audiences and in turn create valuable environments 
for advertisers to reach them.  

1. Establish a strategy and business model which 

promote long-term value for shareholders   

Digitalbox aims to become a leading publisher of 

The Group intends to deliver long-term value for 
shareholders through its understanding of consumer 
media consumption, the arising revenue opportunities 

including advertising and a continued focus on the 
operating profitability of its brands. 

More detail on strategy can be found in the Strategic 
Report starting on page 10.

2. Seek to understand and meet shareholder 

needs and expectations 

The Group is committed to building and maintaining 
strong relationships with its shareholders and 
considers the understanding of shareholder’s needs 
fundamental to its success.

The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial 
Officer are active in meeting with and preparing 
presentations for institutional investors and engage in 
regular dialogue with the Group’s brokers in order to 
gauge shareholder sentiment. 

The Group’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is the 
main forum for discussing matters with shareholders, 
addressing shareholder queries and understanding 
their needs and expectations. Notice of the AGM 
and proposed resolutions are sent to shareholders at 
least 21 days prior to the AGM. Shareholders and their 
representatives are invited to fully participate and vote 
in the AGM and are also given the opportunity to vote 
by proxy. Voting results are published after the AGM.

James Carter 
Chief Executive Officer

Jim Douglas 
Chief Operating Officer

David Joseph
Chief Financial Officer

Marcus Rich
Non-Executive Chairman

Philip Machray
Non-Executive Director

Martin Higginson
Non-Executive Director

James joined Digitalbox in 2016 and is responsible 

Jim oversees editorial operations at Digitalbox 

David is a law graduate and Chartered 

Marcus joined Digitalbox as Chairman in February 

Philip joined Digitalbox as an Independent Non-

Martin is recognised as a seasoned Technology, 

for the strategy, direction and day-to-day running 

and has previously held strategic and profit 

Accountant, starting his career and qualifying with 

2021. Before this he was the CEO of TI Media for 

Executive Director in July 2021 and is Chairman 

Media and Telecoms (TMT) entrepreneur. He has 

of the business. He has a proven track record in 

responsibility for successful media brands in 

Price Waterhouse, moving into industry in steel 

6 years where he led the MBO of Time Inc. UK 

of the Audit Committee.  He is Chief Financial 

started, sold, and listed numerous businesses. 

building value in the media industry, within both 

sectors including film, music, games, sport and 

stockholding (ASD plc) then into FMCG (Unilever 

backed by private equity firm Epiris in March 

Officer and Chief Executive Officer of data and 

His first business was sold to IPC Magazines in 

public and limited companies. As part of the 

automotive. He has led creative teams in both UK 

plc) before entering the media industry in 1995 

2018, and then the subsequent successful £140m 

intelligence business, Merit Group plc.  Phil 

1982. Following three years with IPC he left to set 

founding executive team at Factory Media, he 

and US. He started his career at EMAP plc as a 

when he joined Emap plc. Here he occupied 

sale of the now named TI Media to Future plc in 

is a Chartered Accountant with over 25 years’ 

up his own publishing and telecoms business, 

drove the business to achieve a significant exit to 

journalist and in the early 90s he joined start-up 

several senior financial roles within its operating 

April 2021. Previously he worked for Associated 

experience in the media sector as an advisor, 

this was subsequently sold to Scottish Power plc. 

Forward Internet Group. Prior to the creation of 

business Future Publishing, which eventually 

companies, including Chief Financial Officer of 

Newspapers in the roles of Commercial Director 

Board member and Executive. Most recently Phil 

During his time with Scottish Power he joined 

Factory Media, James was NPD Director at Dennis 

became and remains a listed company. At Future, 

Emap Metro, the men’s and music publications 

and Managing Director Mail On Sunday. He has 

worked for 16 years at Reach plc (formerly Trinity 

their subsidiary Scottish Telecom, as Managing 

Publishing and Publishing Director at EMAP plc 

Jim held the position of Editorial Director for 10 

business and Emap Advertising, the then central 

held several senior Managing Director positions 

Mirror plc) where he held roles including Director 

Director of their Internet and Interactive division, 

where he had responsibility for FHM. FHM grew 

years with ultimate responsibility for product 

cross platform advertising sale business. On 

for sizable businesses in the 16 years he worked 

of Corporate Development, Chief Operating 

including Internet ISP Demon Internet. Following 

from a fledgling fashion focused magazine to a 

development. During this time Future was named 

leaving in 2001 David has since worked exclusively 

for Emap plc in Publishing, TV and Advertising in 

Officer of Regionals, and Managing Director 

the flotation of Thus plc (formerly Scottish 

global network of 32 editions and a value at its 

UK Digital Publisher of the Year five times. 

within the media industry on many projects 

the UK and both the USA and Australia.  

of Specialist Digital. Phil began his career at 

Telecom) he left to start Monstermob, a company 

peak of over £250m.

Board of Directors

20

including start up, MBI, MBO, turnaround, 

distressed and buy and build across a wide 

spectrum of enterprise values (£1 million to £50 

million) and funding structures, internationally, 

both in the Far East and in the USA.

Marcus has created significant shareholder value 

Deloitte LLP and was a Director within Deloitte’s 

he went on to list on AIM in 2003; growing it to a 

in the businesses he has run across the  

Technology, Media & Telecoms practice.

Top 50 AIM listed business. Monstermob Group 

media landscape.

plc was sold to Zed Worldwide in 2006. Martin 

has subsequently founded Cityblock plc, a luxury 

student accommodation business, NetPlayTV plc, 

an interactive TV gaming business, Digitalbox and 

Immotion plc. 

*Martin resigned from the Board to pursue other 

business interests in April 2023. 

21

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DIGITALBOX PLC
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Outside the AGM will Group convene general 
meetings where shareholder approval is required or 
appropriate on Group matters and may seek input 
from major institutional investors from time to time in 
relation to Group policy.

3. Take into account wider stakeholder and 

social responsibilities and their implications for  

long-term success 

The Group seeks to engage with its wider group of 
stakeholders via: 

   Face-to-face / virtual briefings for staff to update 

on the Group’s progress and developments

   Email updates for staff regarding developments
   Releasing public updates via the RNS service
   Stakeholder feedback being passed to Senior 

Management via the relevant team member at 
Digitalbox as appropriate.

   The Group’s approach to this can be found 

starting on page 16.

4. Embed effective risk management, 

considering both opportunities and threats, 

through the organisation 

The Board considers the risks facing the business on 
an ongoing basis and ensures mitigation strategies 
are in place wherever possible. The Executive Directors 
regularly keep the Board updated on current trading, 
wider market trends and other developments as a 
means of identifying existing and potential future 
opportunities and risks. 

Key risks and uncertainties facing the business are 
found on page 15 and 16. 

5. Maintain the Board as a well-functioning, 

balanced team led by the Chair 

The Board comprises three Executive Directors and 
two Non-Executive Directors, following the resignation 
from the Board of Martin Higginson during the period. 
The Board considers both Non-Executive Directors to 
be independent. 

The Board will operate in a collaborative and 
constructive manner with a clear focus on the delivery 
of the strategy and increasing shareholder value.  

The appointment of Directors will be in accordance 
with the Articles of Association. 

The Board met 11 times in 2023.  

Details of the Board members, their roles and 
their attendance at meetings can be found on 
pages 20, 21 and 23.

6. Ensure that between them the Directors 

have necessary up-to-date experience, skills 

and capabilities 

The Group considers the skills and experience of the 
Board to be appropriate and this is kept under review. 

The Executive Directors have each worked in 
consumer media for more than twenty years, and as 
a group have experience at senior management level 
in respected PLC media businesses. Their specific 
media expertise includes editorial management, new 

product development, commercial management, 
strategic planning, international expansion, financial 
management, corporate restructuring, digital 
transition, brand development, acquisitions and 
disposals.  

The Group’s non-executive Directors have extensive 
successful track records in the fields of digital and 
print publishing, television and also have extensive 
experience in M&A. 

7. Evaluate Board performance based on 

clear and relevant objectives, seeking 

continuous improvement 

The Board’s process of evaluating its own 
performance, that of its Committees and the 
individual Directors, is led by the Chairman. 
The process is conducted by the Remuneration 
Committee. The Remuneration Committee will 
evaluate Board performance against targets. 

Targets are aligned with the delivery of the Group’s 
strategy.   

The Board may utilise the results of the evaluation 
process when considering the adequacy of the 
composition of the Board and for succession planning. 

8. Promote a culture that is based on ethical 

values and behaviours 

The Group aims to achieve the highest ethical 
standards and behaviour when conducting its 

business, with integrity, fairness and equality being 
high priorities. 

The Corporate and Social Responsibility report is found 
on page 17. 

9. Maintain governance structures and processes 

that are fit for purpose and support good 

decision-making by the Board 

The roles of the Chairman and the Chief Executive 
Officer are separated and clearly defined. The 
Chairman provides impartial leadership and guidance 
to the Board. Working with the Executive Directors, 
the Chairman is responsible for setting the agenda for 
Board meetings and ensuring Board members receive 
the information they need to properly participate in a 
timely fashion. 

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the 
execution of Group strategy approved by the Board, 
the leadership of the Group’s senior management 
team and its employees on a day to day basis. 

Board 

Audit 

Remuneration 

Nomination 

Disclosure  

   Marcus Rich 

   James Carter 

   Jim Douglas 

   David Joseph 

   Martin Higginson 

   Philip Machray 

11/11 

11/11 

11/11 

11/11 

11/11 

3/11 

3/3 

- 

- 

- 

3/3 

2/3 

1/1 

- 

- 

- 

1/1 

1/1 

n/a 

n/a

- 

- 

- 

n/a 

n/a 

-

-

-

n/a

n/a

22

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ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.com 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
DIGITALBOX PLC
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC 
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Directors’ remuneration, including pensions, bonus 
arrangements, benefits, incentive payments and 
share option awards, and the policy for, and scope of 
any termination payments. The remuneration of the 
Non-Executive Directors is a matter for the Board. The 
Remuneration Committee will meet when necessary 
and generates an annual remuneration report to be 
approved by the members of the Company at the 
annual general meeting. No Director may determine 
their own remuneration. Marcus Rich acts as chairman 
of the Remuneration Committee and Philip Machray 
is the other member. 

The Remuneration Committee report is found on 
page 27.   

The Nomination Committee is responsible for 
reviewing the structure, size and composition of 
the Board based upon the skills, knowledge and 
experience required to ensure the Board operates 
effectively. The Nomination Committee meets when 
necessary to do so. The Nomination Committee 
also identifies and nominates suitable candidates 
to join the Board when vacancies arise and 
makes recommendations to the Board for the re-
appointment of any Non-Executive Directors. Marcus 
Rich acts as chairman of the Nomination Committee 
and Philip Machray is the other member. 

The Disclosure Committee is responsible for 
ensuring compliance with the AIM rules and MAR 
concerning disclosure of inside information and works 
closely with the Board to ensure that the Group’s 
nominated adviser is provided with any information it 
reasonably requests or requires in order for it to carry 
out its responsibilities under the AIM Rules and the 
Aim Rules for Nominated Advisers. The Disclosure 
Committee approves all RNS and other significant 
announcements, normally via email and will meet 
as required. Marcus Rich acts as Chairman of the 
Disclosure Committee. Philip Machray is the other 
member.

10. Communicate how the Group is governed 

and is performing by maintaining a dialogue 

with shareholders and other relevant stakeholders. 

The Group communicates with shareholders 
and other stakeholders through its Annual and 
Interim Reports, regulatory and non-regulatory 
announcements, its investor relations website, Annual 
General Meetings and face-to-face meetings. 

Further details of this can be found on pages 16 and 17.

The Chief Operating Officer supports the Chief 
Executive in the delivery of the strategy with a 
specific remit over editorial matters. 

The Board has established four committees with 
clearly defined responsibilities. These are as follows: 

The Audit Committee’s principal functions include 
ensuring that the appropriate accounting systems 
and financial controls are in place, monitoring 
the integrity of the financial statements of the 
Group, reviewing the effectiveness of the Group’s 
accounting and internal control systems, reviewing 
reports from the Group’s auditors relating to the 
Group’s accounting and internal controls, and 
reviewing the interim and annual results and 
reports to Shareholders, in all cases having due 
regard to the interests of Shareholders. The Audit 
Committee will meet as necessary, informed by the 
reporting and audit cycle or other requirements. 
Philip Machray, who has recent and relevant 
financial experience acts as chairman. Marcus Rich 
is the other member of the Audit Committee. 

The Audit Committee report is found on page 25 
and 25. 

The Remuneration Committee is responsible 
for determining and agreeing with the Board the 
framework for the remuneration packages for 
each of the Executive Directors. The Remuneration 
Committee considers all aspects of the Executive 

Audit Committee Report 

T he Audit Committee is responsible for 

ensuring that the financial performance of 
the Group is properly reported and reviewed. 
Its role includes monitoring the integrity 
of the financial statements (including annual and 
interim accounts and results announcements), 
reviewing internal control and risk management 
systems, reviewing any changes to accounting 
policies, reviewing and monitoring the extent of the 
non-audit services undertaken by external auditors 
and advising on the appointment of external auditors.

The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s 
system of internal financial control and for reviewing 
its effectiveness. The purpose of the system of control 
is to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure 
to achieve business objectives and can only provide 
reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against 
misstatement or loss.  The Chief Financial Officer is the 
executive within the Group responsible for day-to-day 
financial management of the Group’s affairs and its 
internal accounting.

The Group’s Chief Financial Officer and the external 
auditors attend meetings of the Audit Committee 
by invitation. The Committee also holds separate 
meetings with the auditors as appropriate. 

2023 ACTIVITIES
The Audit Committee met three times during the year.  
Two of these meeting were primarily used to consider 
the prior year’s Annual Report and Accounts and 
the current year interim financial statements. At the 
third, in December 2023, the Committee met with the 
Group’s external auditors to agree the audit plan for 
the 2023 financial year-end.  The Committee also met 
in March 2024 prior to approving the 2023 accounts.

The Committee undertook a review and assessment 
of the Annual Report in order to determine whether 
it could advise the Board that, taken as a whole, the 
Annual Report is fair, balanced and understandable, 
and provides shareholders with the information they 
need to assess the Group’s position, performance, 
business model and strategy.  In doing this, the 
Committee reviewed and discussed the findings from 
the external auditors as part of the 2023 year-end 
audit and fully discussed the Annual Report at the 
Committee meeting in March 2024.  It considered the 
following Significant Accounting Judgements:

1.   Revenue recognition – the Committee considered 
the Group’s approach to revenue recognition and 
its compliance with IFRS, and concluded that the 
very nature of programmatic advertising revenue 
ensured clarity on the allocation of revenue across 
each distinct accounting period and a clean cut off.

2.  Accounting for business acquisitions – the 

committee considered the appropriate accounting 
treatment and judgements used to appropriately 
record the Media Chain Group acquisition and 
completion of the tvguide.co.uk acquisition 
during the year.  This included assessment of the 
respective fair values and whether the transactions 
were treated as assets acquisitions or as Business 
Combinations.

3.  Capitalisation of development costs – the 

Committee reviewed the circumstances under 
which development costs had been capitalised 
as intangible assets during the course of the year 
and was satisfied that for each development, 
management had demonstrated that the 
recognition criteria under IAS38 had been met.

4.  Carrying value of goodwill and other intangible 
assets – the Committee considered the Group’s 

24

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DIGITALBOX PLC 
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC 
REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Audit Committee Report  cont...

Remuneration Committee Report

approach to evaluation of the carrying value of 
goodwill and other intangible assets. Having 
incurred a significant reduction in profitability 
during the year, the Committee carefully 
considered the value in use of each CGU based 
on management’s projection of future cash flows 
and the appropriateness of the discount rate used 
to determine net present value.  The Committee 
was supportive of the impairment of the goodwill 
recognised in respect of Entertainment Daily and 
was satisfied with the carrying values of the assets 
associated with the Group’s other brands having 
considered the discounted cash flow model which 
demonstrated that no impairment charge was 
required for them.

5.  Going Concern – the Committee considered 
the appropriateness of a going concern basis 
especially in the light of global macroeconomic 
factors, specific industry characteristics creating 
volatility in the Group’s revenues and the reduction 
in profitability experienced during the year. The 
Committee was assured that the business has a 
strong balance sheet, is trading profitably and that, 
whilst consumer advertising revenues are expected 
to remain under pressure, the Group’s core business 
model is resilient.

Following a robust process, the Committee 
recommended to the Board that the Annual Report is, 
taken as a whole, fair, balanced and understandable.

INTERNAL AUDIT
The Group does not have an internal audit function 
as this is not considered appropriate given the 
scale of the Group’s operations. The Audit 
Committee believes that management is 
able to derive assurance as to the adequacy 
and effectiveness of internal controls and 
risk management procedures without a 
separate Internal Audit function. 

EXTERNAL AUDITORS 
The Audit Committee has reviewed the independence 
and effectiveness of Haysmacintyre LLP, the Group’s 
external auditors, and are satisfied in both respects.

Haysmacintyre LLP’s fees in the year in respect of 
audit services were £62k (2022: £55k) and in respect 
of non-audit services were £5k (2022: £4k) as detailed 
in note 8. Haysmacintyre LLP have signified their 
willingness to continue in office and a resolution 
to reappoint Haysmacintyre LLP as auditor to the 
Company will be proposed at the AGM. 

T he Remuneration Committee determines 

the remuneration packages for Executive 
Directors and other senior employees and 
keeps the Group’s policy on pay and benefits 

under review generally. 

The Remuneration Committee will keep under review 
the long-term incentivisation of Executive Directors 
and senior employees, balancing the need to control 
costs while ensuring that pay and benefits offered by 

the Group are appropriate for attracting and retaining 
high-calibre staff.  

The Committee will continue to have due regard to 
remuneration reports from independent sources, to 
the guidance of its professional advisers and to good 
practice generally. 

Directors’ remuneration for the year of 2023 are shown 
on page 52. Directors’ shareholdings are set out below:

Philip Machray
Chairman of the Audit Committee  

28 March 2023

James Carter 
Jim Douglas 
David Joseph* 

10,908,078 
10,908,078 
1,150,100 

9.3% 
9.3% 
1.0% 

10,908,078 
10,908,078 
600,000 

9.3%
9.3%
0.5%

Director 

Number of   

% 

Number of   

%

1p Ordinary Shares as at  

31st December 2023 

1p Ordinary Shares as at  
31st December 2022 

22,966,156 

19.5% 

22,416,156 

19.0%

Total ordinary shares 

117,923,393 

117,923,393 

*on 13 January 2023 David Joseph acquired a further 550,000 shares.

Options have been granted to certain key employees, as below:

Option Holder 

Number of Shares 

Vesting Date

James Carter* 
Jim Douglas* 
Nick Clough 
Karen Hyland 
Grace Vielma 
James Carter 
James Douglas 
Thomas Christmas 
Hayley Soen 

Vested
Vested
Vested
Vested
24 February 2024
5 April 2026
5 April 2026
5 April 2026
5 April 2026

681,958 
681,958 
1,002,960 
1,002,960 
1,002,960 
1,504,441 
1,504,441 
1,002,960 
501,480 

7,883,158 

*Effective options in Digitalbox plc arising from warrants in a subsidiary company vesting immediately

Marcus Rich
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

28 March 2023

26

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ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.com  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIGITALBOX PLC 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Directors’ Report

DIGITALBOX PLC 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

T he Directors present their report and audited 

financial statements for the year ended 31 
December 2023. 

Principal Activities 
The principal activities of the Group are the 
publication of consumer media through the 
digital mobile channel, with revenues derived from 
programmatic advertising. 

The principal activity of the Company is as a holding 
company. 

Board of Directors
The Directors who served during the year were:  

Marcus Rich

James Carter 

Jim Douglas 

David Joseph 

Philip Machray
Martin Higginson (Resigned 30 April 2023)

Future Developments 
The Company has chosen in accordance with section 
414C(11) of the Companies Act 2006 to include the 
disclosure of likely future developments in the Chief 
Executive’s Statement beginning on page 5. 

Dividends 
No dividends were paid during the year (2022: £Nil). 
The Board is not recommending the payment of 
a final dividend in respect of the year ended 31 
December 2023. 

Earnings per Share 
Earnings per share in the period from continuing 
operations was a loss of 5.662p (2022: profit of 0.683p) 
and diluted earnings per share from continuing 
operations in the period was a loss of 5.662p (2022: 
profit of 0.670p). 

Going Concern 
At the time of approving the financial statements, 
the Directors have a reasonable expectation that 
the Company and the Group have adequate 
resources to continue in operational existence for the 
foreseeable future. In considering going concern, the 
Directors consider the current financial position and 
performance of the business, as well as reviewing 
financial information for a period of at least 12 months 
from the date of approval of the financial statements. 
Given the strong and liquid balance sheet position, 
the ability of the Group to generate operating cash 
in a challenging market, the full year effect of the 
successful acquisition of The Poke and the completion 
of the acquisition of tvguide.co.uk, the Directors have a 
reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate 
resources to continue in operational existence for 
the foreseeable future. The going concern basis of 
accounting has therefore been adopted in preparing 
the financial statements. 

Treasury Operations 
& Financial Instruments 
The Group operates a centralised treasury function 
which is responsible for managing liquidity, interest 
and foreign currency risks associated with the 
Group’s activities.  

The Group’s principal financial instrument is 
cash, the main purpose of which is to fund the 
Group’s operations.  

The Group has various other financial assets and 
liabilities such as trade receivables and trade payables 
naturally arising from its operations.  

The Group’s exposure and approach to capital and 
financial risk, and approach to managing these 
is set out in note 20 to the consolidated financial 
statements.  

Employee Engagements 
The Group engages with its employees regularly 
through face-to-face communication and virtual 
meetings during which details of the Group’s 
performance is shared.

Further information regarding employee 
engagement can be found in the Corporate and Social 
Responsibility Report on page 17. 

Political Donations 
The Group did not make any political donations 
during 2023 (2022: £Nil).  

Employee Policies 
The Group has established employment policies 
which are compliant with current legislation and 
codes of practice. The Group is an equal opportunities 
employer. 

Payment of Suppliers 
The Group’s policy is to pay suppliers in accordance 
with the relevant contractual terms between the 
Group and the supplier. Where no specific terms are 
agreed, the Group’s standard policy is net monthly.

Directors’ Indemnity 
The Company’s Articles of Association provide, subject 
to the provisions of UK legislation, an indemnity for 
Directors and officers of the Company in respect of 
liabilities they may incur in the discharge of their 
duties or in the exercise of their powers, including any 
liabilities relating to the defence of any proceedings 
brought against them which relate to anything done 
or omitted, or alleged to have been done or omitted, 
by them as officers or employees of the Company. 
Appropriate directors’ and officers’ liability insurance 
cover is in place in respect of all the Directors.

Directors’ Conflicts of Interest 
In the event that a Director becomes aware that they, 
or their connected parties, have an interest in an 
existing or proposed transaction involving the Group, 
they will notify the Board in writing or at the next 
Board meeting. 

Significant Shareholdings 
As at 31 December 2023, the following shareholders 
owned 3% or more of the Company: 

Matters Covered in the Chairman’s 
Statement & Financial Statements 
Certain matters which are required to be disclosed in 
the Directors’ Report (such as review of the business 
and future developments) have been omitted as they 
are included within the Chief Executive’s Statement, 
the Strategic Report and within the notes to the 
Financial Statements. 

Annual General Meeting 
The Company’s Annual General Meeting will be 
announced in due course. 

Statement as to Disclosure of Information 
to the Auditor 
As far as the Directors are aware they have each taken 
all necessary steps to make themselves aware of any 
relevant audit information and to establish that the 
auditor is aware of that information.  

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted 
in accordance with the provisions of section 418 of the 
Companies Act 2006.  

Auditors 
Haysmacintyre LLP have signified their willingness 
to continue in office and a resolution to reappoint 
Haysmacintyre LLP as auditor to the Company will be 
proposed at the AGM. 

Approved by the Board on 25 March 2024 and signed 
on its behalf:

Name 
Downing Strategic Micro-Cap
Investment Trust plc 
Storia Credit Holdings (Europe) 
Mr James Carter 
Mr Jim Douglas 
Hargreaves Lansdown
Asset Management (Bristol) 
Professor P Unwin 

Shares 

%

James Carter
Chief Executive Officer

22,989,795 
22,244,779 
10,908,078 
10,908,078 

19.5
18.9
  9.3
  9.3

  4,740,573 
  3,795,100 

  4.0
  3.2

28

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DIGITALBOX PLC 
DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF DIGITALBOX PLC
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Directors’ Responsibilities Statement

Independent Auditor’s Report

T he Directors are responsible for preparing 

the Strategic Report, 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 (“IFRS”) as 
adopted by the United Kingdom 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 Company and the Group and of the profit or loss 
of the Company and the Group for that period.

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

Financial statements are published on the Group’s 
website in accordance with the rules and legislation 
in the United Kingdom governing the preparation 
and dissemination of financial statements, which 
may vary from legislation in other jurisdictions. 
The maintenance and integrity of the corporate 
and financial information on the Group’s website 
is the responsibility of the Directors. The Directors’ 
responsibility also extends to the ongoing integrity of 
the financial statements contained therein. 

The work carried out by the auditors does not include 
consideration of the maintenance and the integrity of 
the website and accordingly the auditor accepts no 
responsibility for any changes that have occurred to 
the financial statements when they are presented on 
the website. 

 select suitable accounting policies and then 
apply them consistently;

 make judgements and accounting estimates 
that are reasonable and prudent;

 state whether IFRS as adopted by the United 
Kingdom have been followed subject to any 
material departures disclosed and explained in 
the financial statements;

 provide additional disclosures when compliance 
with specific requirements in IFRS is insufficient 
to enable users to understand the impact 
of particular transactions, other events and 
conditions on the Company’s and the Group’s 
financial position and financial  
performance; and

 prepare the financial statements on the going 
concern basis unless it is inappropriate to 
presume that the Company and the Group will 
continue in business.

OPINION
We have audited the financial statements of 
Digitalbox plc (the ‘parent company’) and its 
subsidiaries (the ‘group’) for the year ended 31 
December 2023 which comprise the Consolidated 
Statement of Comprehensive Income, Consolidated 
Statement of Changes in Equity, Consolidated 
Statement of Financial Position, Consolidated 
Statement of Cash Flows, Company Statement of 
Financial Position, Company Statement of Changes in 
Equity, Company Statement of Cash Flows and notes 
to the financial statements, including a summary of 
significant accounting policies. The financial reporting 
framework that has been applied in their preparation 
is applicable law and UK adopted International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).

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 December 2023 and of the group’s profit for 
the year then ended;
 have been properly prepared in accordance  
with UK adopted international accounting  
standards; and
 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 as applied to listed entities, 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 
In auditing the financial statements, we have 
concluded that the director’s use of the going 
concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the 
financial statements is appropriate.  Our evaluation 
of the director’s assessment of the entity’s ability 
to continue to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting considered the inherent risks to the group 
and the company’s business model and reviewed 
the directors’ assessment of how those risks affect 
the group and the company’s financial resources or 
ability to continue operations over the going concern 
period. We considered the likely cash inflows and 
outflows over the going concern period and assessed 
the risk that the group and the company would 
be unable to meet their liabilities as they fall due. 
We scrutinised the reasonableness of assumptions 
applied to the cash flow forecasts and sensitised such 
forecasts against various scenarios which could come 
to realisation. We reviewed management’s going 
concern memo and discussed with the Board. We 
considered post balance sheet date performance and 
other wider factors in concluding our assessment. 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not 
identified any material uncertainties relating to events 
or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast 
significant doubt on the group and the company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern for a period 
of at least twelve months from when the financial 
statements are authorised for issue.  

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the 
directors with respect to going concern are described 
in the relevant sections of this report.  

AN OVERVIEW OF THE SCOPE OF OUR AUDIT
Our audit scope included obtaining an understanding 
of the group and its environment, including the 
group’s system of internal control, and assessing the 
risks of material misstatement at the group level, with 
consideration of the monetary value of the balances 
subject to audit. Whilst we performed this assessment 
at the planning stage, we concluded that our 
planning assessment was still relevant, and therefore 
appropriate, based on the year-end figures. 

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DIGITALBOX PLC
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF DIGITALBOX PLC
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF DIGITALBOX PLC
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Both Digitalbox PLC and Digitalbox Publishing 
Limited were considered to constitute significant 
components and therefore subject to full scope 
testing. Digitalbox Holdings Limited was deemed 
to be insignificant to the Group and audit work 
performed was limited to analytical review. This work 
has been performed by the Group audit team. 

Our Group audit scoping ensured that was obtained 
coverage through full-scope audit procedures of 
100% of the Group’s profit and the Group’s total assets 
and liabilities, with reference to the materiality basis 
detailed below. 

We communicated with both the Directors and the 
Audit Committee our planned audit work through 
our audit planning report and relevant discussions. 
Throughout the process we engaged in conversation 
with both the Directors and Audit Committee relating 
to the process of the audit. 

We communicated with both the Directors and Audit 
Committee our audit findings and conclusions in our 
final audit report. 

KEY AUDIT MATTERS
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our 
professional judgment, 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) we identified, including 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.

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.

OUR APPLICATION OF MATERIALITY
The scope and focus of our audit were influenced by 
our risk assessment and application of materiality. We 
define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement 
that could reasonably be expected to influence the 
economic decisions of the users of the financial 
statements. We use materiality to determine the 
scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent 
of our audit procedures and to evaluate the effect of 
misstatements, both individually and on the financial 
statements as a whole.

Materiality for the financial statements as a whole 
was set at £45,000, determined by reference to 7.5% of 
normalised 5-year group Adjusted EBITDA (Adjusted 
EBITDA is defined as the operating profit after adding 
back depreciation, amortisation, impairment, share 
based payments, acquisition costs, direct costs 
associated with business combinations and capital 
restructure costs). Performance materiality was set at 
£29,300, being 65% of materiality. We have reported 
to the audit committee any corrected or uncorrected 
misstatements arising exceeding £2,250. 

Component materiality for the parent company 
and only trading subsidiary, Digitalbox Publishing 
Limited, were capped at £40,000, with reference to a 
benchmark of group materiality. 

Both entities were subject to statutory audits in their 
own rights, however the materiality calculated for 
these entities was more than component materiality 
and as such, component materiality was used for the 
individual audits. 

KEY AUDIT MATTER 

HOW OUR SCOPE ADDRESSED THIS MATTER

Fraud in revenue recognition (Digitalbox Publishing Limited)
Group revenue comprises both the sale of digital advertising 
space and subscription revenues. Revenue is recognised in line 
with the accounting policies in note 4.

We consider there to be a significant risk around the occurrence 
of this revenue and its recognition in accordance with IFRS 15. 

Revenue earned through the sale of digital advertising space 
is recognised on the basis of dashboards maintained by 
customers and is manually invoiced on a monthly basis. There 
is a risk that it is incorrectly recognised. 

Revenue earned through the sale of subscriptions to 
customers is recognised on a monthly basis based on the 
subscription start date.

We also consider there to be a risk of misstatement of the 
financial statements related to transactions occurring close to 
the year-end, as transactions could be recorded in the wrong 
financial period (cut-off).

Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles 
assets (Digitalbox Plc)
The group has recognised intangible assets and goodwill, which 
arose on the historical acquisitions of Entertainment Daily and 
The Tab. There is a risk that the value of the intangible assets and 
goodwill should be impaired as at 31 December 2023.

We performed a test in total on the programmatic
revenue within Digitalbox Publishing Limited using extractions from each 
customer’s dashboard and agreeing this to the nominal ledger. For subscription 
revenue, we tested the balance in total back to both the subscription platform and 
cash received during the period. 

Further work included, but was not restricted to:
   agreeing a sample of revenue to bank statement receipts;
   reviewing a sample of sales raised in January 2024 to ensure that these were 
recognised in the correct period; and
   reviewing the recoverability of a sample of trade receivables at the year end to 
assess validity of their recognition and carrying value as at 31 December 2023.

Our work included, but was not restricted to: 
   reviewing and assessing the impairment reviews prepared by management and 
both challenging and benchmarking the key assumptions within the value in 
use model;
   reviewing and assessing future budgets and cash flow forecasts including 
considering downside sensitivities;
   making enquiries of management and assessing expected future performance 
and potential growth in the business.

Valuation of investments in subsidiaries and 
intercompany receivables
Included in the Parent Company’s Statement of Financial 
Position are investments in subsidiaries of £6,226,228 (2022: 
£11,209,000) and intercompany receivables of £1,177,000 (£2022: 
£1,261,000).

Given that the Group and subsidiaries have seen a decline in 
performance in the current year, there is a risk that both the 
investment and intercompany receivables balances should be 
impaired as at 31 December 2023.  

We challenged management’s impairment assessment of the recoverability of 
these balances, reviewing the forecasts of Digitalbox Publishing’s performance. This 
consisted of, but was not limited to:
   Reviewing and assessing the forecasts prepared by management and both 
challenging and benchmarking the key assumptions within the cashflow model;
  Verifying the budgets prepared by management to actual results post year-end
  Benchmarking key assumptions made within the model to industry data 
  and information. 

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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF DIGITALBOX PLC
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF DIGITALBOX PLC
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

OPINIONS ON OTHER MATTERS PRESCRIBED 
BY THE COMPANIES ACT 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the 
course of the 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 strategic report and the directors’ report 
have been prepared in accordance with 
applicable legal requirements.

MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO 
REPORT BY EXCEPTION
In the light of the knowledge and understanding 
of the group and the parent company and its 
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 in relation to which 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 DIRECTORS
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities 
statement set out on page 30, 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 the 
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.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-
compliance with laws and regulations. We design 
procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined 
above, to detect material misstatements in respect 
of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which 
our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, 
including fraud is detailed below: 

EXPLANATION AS TO WHAT EXTENT 
THE AUDIT WAS CONSIDERED CAPABLE 
OF DETECTING IRREGULARITIES, 
INCLUDING FRAUD. 
Based on our understanding of the company and 
industry, we identified that the principal risks of 
non-compliance with laws and regulations related to 
regulatory requirements for the business and trade 
regulations, and we considered the extent to which 
non-compliance might have a material effect on 
the financial statements. We also considered those 
laws and regulations that have a direct impact on 
the preparation of the financial statements such as 
the Companies Act 2006, income tax, payroll tax and 
sales tax.

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.

Jon Dawson 
(Senior Statutory Auditor) 
For and on behalf of Haysmacintyre LLP, Statutory Auditors

10 Queen Street Place
London 
EC4R 1AG

Date: 27 March 2023

We evaluated management’s incentives and 
opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the 
financial statements (including the risk of override 
of controls), and determined that the principal risks 
were related to posting inappropriate journal entries 
to revenue and management bias in accounting 
estimates. Audit procedures performed by the 
engagement team included: 

 Inspecting correspondence with regulators 
and tax authorities;  
 Discussions with management including 
consideration of known or suspected instances 
of non-compliance with laws and regulation 
and fraud;  
 Evaluating management’s controls designed to 
prevent and detect irregularities;  
 Identifying and testing journals, in particular 
journal entries posted with unusual account 
combinations, postings by unusual users or with 
unusual descriptions; and  
 Challenging assumptions and judgements 
made by management in their critical 
accounting estimates, in particular relating to 
the impairment of goodwill and other 
intangible assets.

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, 
there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, 
including those leading to a material misstatement 
in the financial statements or non-compliance 
with regulation. This risk increases the more that 
compliance with a law or regulation is removed from 
the events and transactions reflected in the financial 
statements, as we will be less likely to become aware 
of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater 
regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather 
than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, 
forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

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.

34

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DIGITALBOX PLC 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DIGITALBOX PLC 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Financial
 Statements

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ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comDIGITALBOX PLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Year ended 
31 December 
2023 
£’000 

Year ended
31 December
2022
£’000

Note 

7 

Revenue 

Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Administrative expenses 

Operating (loss)/profit  

8 

Memorandum: 
Adjusted EBITDA1 
Depreciation  
Amortisation 
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 
Share based payments 
Direct costs of business combinations 
Direct costs of intangible asset acquisitions 

(Loss)/profit from operations 

Finance costs 
Finance income  

10 

(Loss)/profit before taxation and 
attributable to equity holders of the parent 

2,790 

(606) 

2,184 

(8,957) 

(6,773) 

20 
(14) 
(265) 
(6,384) 
(96) 
- 
(34) 

(6,773) 

(6) 
44 

(6,735) 

Taxation 

11 

58 

(Loss)/profit after tax 

(6,677) 

All profits and losses after taxation arise from continuing operations. 

There was no other comprehensive income for 2023 (2022: £NIL).

3,578

(534)

3,044

(2,999)

45

1,081
(7)
(191)
(716)
(62)
(60)
-

45 

(8)
8

45

759

804

Share 
premium 
£’000 

Share based 
payment 
£’000 

Retained
earnings/  
(deficit) 
£’000 

Balance at 1 January 2022 

Issue of new shares 

Share 
capital 
£’000 

1,163 

16 

Equity settled share-based payments 

Reserves transfer in respect of lapsed options 

Profit after tax  

- 

- 

- 

11,149 

20 

- 

- 

- 

Balance at 31 December 2022 

1,179 

11,169 

Equity settled share-based payments 

Reserves transfer in respect of lapsed options 

Loss after tax  

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

 Total
equity
£’000

13,073

36

62

-

804

13,975

96

-

297 

- 

- 

330 

804 

1,431 

- 

104 

(6,677) 

(6,677)

464 

- 

62 

(330) 

- 

196 

96 

(104) 

- 

Balance at 31 December 2023 

1,179 

11,169 

188 

(5,142) 

7,394

1Adjusted EBITDA is defined as the operating profit after adding back depreciation, 
amortisation, impairment, share based payments, acquisition costs and direct costs 
associated with business combinations

(Loss)/Earnings per share  
Basic (continuing) 

(Loss)/Earnings per share  
Diluted (continuing) 

£ 

     £

(0.05662) 

0.00683

(0.05662) 

0.00670

12 

12 

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ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.com 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIGITALBOX PLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

ASSETS 
Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Intangible fixed assets 
Deferred tax asset 

Total non-current assets 

Current assets 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total current assets 

Total assets 

LIABILITIES 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Bank loans and overdrafts 
Corporation tax  

Total current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 
Bank loans 

Total liabilities 

Total net current assets 

Total net assets 

31 December 
2023 
£’000 

Note 

31 December
2022
£’000

13 
14 
19 

15 
16 

17 
17 
17 

17 

46 
4,594 
547 

5,187 

946 
1,913 

2,859 

8,046 

(409) 
(149) 
- 

(558) 

(94) 

(94) 

(652) 

2,301 

7,394 

1,179 
11,169 
188 
(5,142) 

7,394 

52
10,194
617

10,863

952
2,827

3,779

14,642

(288)
(112)
(61)

(461)

(206)

(206)

(667)

3,318

13,975

1,179
11,169
196
1,431

13,975

Capital and reserves attributable to owners of the parent 
Share capital 
Share premium 
Share based payment reserve 
Retained (deficit)/earnings 

21 
23 
23 
23 

Total equity 

Cash flows from operating activities
(Loss)/profit from ordinary activities 

Adjustments for:
Income tax credit 
Share based payments 
Depreciation on property plant and equipment 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Impairment on goodwill and intangible assets 
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment  
Finance costs 
Finance income 

Cash flows (used in)/from operating activities before 
changes in working capital

Decrease in trade and other receivables 
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 

Cash generated by operations 

Income tax paid 

Net cash from operating activities 

Investing activities 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Purchase of intangibles 
Interest received 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Financing activities 
Finance costs 
Bank overdraft 
Loan and lease repayments  
Issue of new share capital  

Net cash used in financing activities 

Year ended 
31 December 
2023 
£’000 

(6,677) 

(58) 
96 
14 
265 
6,384 
- 
6 
(44) 

(14) 

86 
121 

193 

(13) 

180 

(8) 
(1,049) 
44 

(1,013) 

(44) 
38 
(75) 
- 

(81) 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 

(914) 

Year ended
31 December
2022
£’000

804

(759)
62
7
191
716
30
8
(8)

1,051

818
(451)

1,418

(235)

1,183

(43)
(391)
8

(426)

(8)
-
(144)
36

(116)

641

2,186

2,827

The financial statements were approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 25 March 2024.

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period 

2,827 

1,913 

James Carter 
CEO 

David Joseph
CFO

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DIGITALBOX PLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (continued)

NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net funds: 

1.  GENERAL INFORMATION

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Repayment of loans and leases  

Movement in net funds in the year 

Net funds at 1 January 

Net funds at 31 December 

Breakdown of net funds 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Bank loans 

Net funds at 31 December 

Year ended 
31 December  
2023 
£000 

Year ended
31 December
2022
£000

(914) 

75 

(839) 

2,509 

1,670 

1,913 
(243) 

1,670 

641

144

785

1,724

2,509

2,827
(318)

2,509

The notes on pages 43 to 64 form part of the group financial statements.

 Digitalbox Plc is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The address of 
the registered office is Jubilee House, 92 Lincoln Road, Peterborough, England, PE1 2SN. The Company is listed 
on AIM of the London Stock Exchange.

 The principal activity of the Group and of the Company are disclosed in the Directors’ Report. 

 These financial statements are presented in pounds sterling because that is the currency of the primary 
economic environment in which the Group operates.

2.  STANDARDS, AMENDMENTS AND INTERPRETATIONS ADOPTED IN THE 

CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

 The following IFRS standards, amendments or interpretations became effective during the year ended 31 
December 2023 but have not had a material effect on this Consolidated Financial Information:

  Standard

 Amendments to IAS 1 (Presentation of Financial Statements and IFRS Practice Statement 2 Making Materiality 
Judgements): Disclosure of Accounting Policies.
 Amendments to IAS 8 (Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors): Definition of  
Accounting Estimates 
 Amendments to IAS 12 (Income taxes): Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single 
Transaction 
 Amendments to IAS 12 (Income taxes): International Tax Reform – Pillar Two Model Rules

 All new standards and amendments to standards and interpretations effective for annual periods beginning 
on or after 1 January 2023 that are applicable to the Group have been applied in preparing these Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

3. NEW AND REVISED IFRS STANDARDS IN ISSUE BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE 

 The standards and interpretations that are issued, but not yet effective, up to the date of issuance of the 
Consolidated Financial Statements are disclosed below. The Group intends to adopt these standards, if 
applicable, when they become effective. 

Standard 

Amendments to IFRS 16: Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback 
Amendments to IAS 1: Classification of Liabilities as Current or
Non-Current, Non-current Liabilities with Covenants 
Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7: Supplier Finance Arrangements 

Effective date

1 January 2024

1 January 2024
1 January 2024

The Directors are continuing to assess the potential impact that the adoption of the standards listed above will 
have on the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

42

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DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

4. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

  Principal accounting policies

 The Group is a public Group incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The principal accounting 
policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below. These policies 
have been consistently applied to all the periods presented, unless otherwise stated.

 Basis of preparation
 The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, 
International Accounting Standards and Interpretations (collectively IFRS) issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board (IASB) as adopted by the United Kingdom (“adopted IFRSs”) and those parts of 
the Companies Act 2006 which apply to companies preparing their financial statements under IFRSs. The 
financial statements are presented to the nearest round thousand (£’000) except where otherwise indicated.

  Basis of Consolidation

 The Group comprises the parent company and its subsidiaries, as detailed in note III to the company financial 
statements. All of these have been included in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with the 
principles of acquisition accounting as laid out by IFRS 3 Business Combinations. 

  Going concern

 The Group generated a loss during the year of £6,677k (2022: profit of £804k), the Group had closing net assets 
of £7,394k (2022: £13,975k), net current assets of £2,301k (2022: £3,318k) and cash at bank and in hand of £1,913k 
(2022: £2,827k).

 The Group generated net cash from operating activities of £180k during the year (2022: £1,183k). The Group 
has remained cash generative during a difficult economic period which saw the impact of the war in Ukraine 
inflating global food and energy prices which, in turn, has driven consumer spending power down driving a 
consequent downturn in global advertising spend. This, together with the adverse changes in the distribution 
models of the global tech platforms led to a challenging year for media businesses worldwide.

 In considering going concern, the Directors consider the current financial position and performance of the 
business, as well as reviewing financial information for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval 
of the financial statements. Given the strong and liquid balance sheet position, the ability of the Group to 
generate operating cash in a challenging market, the full year effect of the successful acquisition of The Poke 
and the completion of the acquisition of tvguide.co.uk, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the 
Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The going 
concern basis of accounting has therefore been adopted in preparing the financial statements. 

  Business combinations and goodwill

 Acquisitions of subsidiaries and business are accounted for using the acquisition method. On acquisition of a 
subsidiary, the Directors determine whether substantially all of the fair value is concentrated into a single asset 
or group of assets. When applicable, the Directors elect to apply the optional concentration test and recognise 
the acquisition as an asset acquisition, rather than a business combination. The assets and liabilities and 
contingent liabilities of the subsidiaries are measured at their fair value at the date of acquisition. Any excess 
of acquisition over fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recognised as goodwill. Goodwill arising 
on consolidation is recognised as an asset and reviewed for impairment at least annually. Any impairment is 
recognised immediately in profit or loss accounts and is not subsequently reversed. Acquisition related costs 
are recognised in the income statement as incurred.

 Transactions between wholly owned group members involving the hive-up or hive-across of trade and / or 
assets and liabilities are outside the scope of IFRS 3 on the grounds that they represent common control 
business combinations. The group has elected to apply IFRS 3 in accounting for all such transactions, which 
involves a full fair value exercise at the date of the transaction. This accounting policy has been consistently 
applied to all such transactions, and has been chosen on the grounds that the nature of these transactions is
the amalgamation of acquired businesses into the existing trading business, which generally takes place  
shortly after the original acquisition.

  Revenue recognition

 Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group. and 
the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or 
receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes.  

 The Group does not expect to have any contracts where the period between the transfer of the promised 
goods or services to the customer and payment exceeds one year. As a consequence, the Company does not 
adjust any of the transaction prices for the time value of money.

 The Group monitors the performance obligations in accordance with IFRS 15 considering that the 
performance obligations are met upon the Group delivering the advertisement to the customer. 

 A receivable is recognised when the services are delivered at this is the point in time that the consideration is 
unconditional because only the passage of time is required before the payment is due.

 Rendering of services
 Revenue from providing services is recognised in the accounting period in which the services are rendered. 

 Revenue from the sale of advertising space is recognised upon the advertisement being generated and the 
Group delivering the advertisement to the customer. The Group recognises revenue when the amount of 
revenue can be reliably measured, it is probable future economic benefits will flow to the entity and the Group 
has satisfied the performance obligations. Revenue is not received in advance and therefore the Group does 
not account for contract liabilities.

  Foreign currency

 The individual financial statements of each group company are presented in the currency of the primary 
economic environment in which it operates (its functional currency). For the purpose of the consolidated 
financial statements, the results and financial position of each group company are expressed in pound 
sterling, which is the functional currency of the Group, and the presentational currency for the consolidated 
financial statements. 

 In preparing the financial statements of the individual companies, transactions in currencies other than the 
individual company’s functional currency (foreign currencies) are recorded at rates of exchange prevailing on 
the dates of the transactions. At the reporting date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in 
foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting date. Non-monetary items carried 
at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates prevailing at the date when 
the fair value was determined. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in foreign 
currency are not retranslated. Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items, and on the 
retranslation of monetary items, are included in profit or loss for the period. Exchange differences arising on 
the retranslation of non-monetary items carried at fair value are included in profit or loss for the period except 
for differences arising on the retranslation of non-monetary items in respect of which gains and losses are 
recognised directly in equity. For such non-monetary items, any exchange component of the gain or loss is 
also recognised directly in equity.

Intangible assets
 Intangible assets include goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries and represents the difference 
between the fair value of the consideration payable and the fair value of the net assets that have been 
acquired. The residual element of goodwill is not being amortised but is subject to an annual impairment 
review. 

 Also included within intangible assets are various assets separately identified in business combinations (such 
as brand value) to which the Directors have ascribed a fair value and a useful economic life. The ascribed value 
of these intangible assets is being amortised on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful economic life, 
which is considered to be 7 years.

44

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DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

4. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 Other intangible assets purchased by the Group are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the 
cost model, intangible assets are measured at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated 
impairment losses.

  Pensions

 The pension schemes operated by the Group are defined contribution schemes. The pension cost charge 
represents the contributions payable by the Group.

 Amortisation is recognised so as to write off the cost less their residual values over their useful lives, which 
is considered to be 3 years straight line for development costs and between 3-7 years straight line for other 
intangible assets.

  Financial instruments

 The Group classifies financial instruments, or their component parts, on initial recognition as a financial asset, 
a financial liability or an equity instrument.

  Contract liabilities

 Contract liabilities comprise payments in advance of revenue recognition and revenue deferred due to 
contract performance obligation not being completed. They are classified as current liabilities if the contract 
performance obligations payments are due to be completed within one year or less (or in the normal 
operating cycle of the business if longer). If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Contract liabilities 
are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently at amortised cost.

Trade and other receivables
 Trade and other receivables are measured at initial recognition at fair value, and subsequently measured at 
amortised cost using the effective interest method. A provision is established when there is objective evidence 
that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due. The amount of any provision is recognised in profit 
or loss.

 The Group always recognises lifetime expected credit losses (ECL) for trade receivables and amounts due on 
contracts with customers. The expected credit losses on these financial assets are estimated based on the 
Group’s historical credit loss experience, adjusted for facts that are specific to the debtors, general economic 
conditions and an assessment of both the current as well as the forecast director of conditions at the 
reporting date, including time value of money where appropriate. Lifetime ECL represents the expected credit 
losses that will result from all possible default events over the expected life of a financial instrument. 

  Cash and cash equivalents

 Cash and cash equivalents are recognised as financial assets. They comprise cash held by the Group and 
short-term bank deposits with an original maturity date of three months or less. 

Trade payables
 Trade payables are initially recognised as financial liabilities measured at fair value, and subsequent to initial 
recognition measured at amortised cost.

  Property, plant and equipment

 Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost net of accumulated depreciation and 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 on a straight-line basis over its expected useful life. The 
residual value is the estimated amount that would currently be obtained from disposal of the asset if the asset 
were already of the age and in the condition expected at the end of its useful economic life.

The method of depreciation for each class of depreciable asset is:

  Office equipment 

- 25% reducing balance

Impairment of Assets
 Impairment tests on goodwill are undertaken annually at the balance sheet date. The recoverable value of 
goodwill is estimated on the basis of value in use, defined as the present value of the cash generating units 
with which the goodwill is associated. This is computed by applying an appropriate discount rate to the 
estimated value of future cash flows. When value in use is less than the book value, an impairment is recorded 
and is irreversible.

 Other non-financial assets are subject to impairment tests whenever circumstances indicate that their 
carrying amount may not be recoverable. Where the carrying value of an asset exceeds its estimated 
recoverable value (i.e. the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell), the asset is written down 
accordingly. Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable value of an individual asset, the impairment 
test is carried out on the asset’s cash-generating unit. The carrying value of property, plant and equipment 
is assessed in order to determine if there is an indication of impairment. Any impairment is charged to the 
statement of comprehensive income. Impairment charges are included under administrative expenses within 
the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.  

 Taxation and deferred taxation

  Corporation tax payable is provided on taxable profits at prevailing rates.

 Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised where the carrying amount of an asset or liability in the 
balance sheet differs from its tax base, except for differences arising on

:

  the initial recognition of goodwill; and
  the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction which is not a business combination and 
at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit.

  Equity instruments

 An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity after 
deduction of all its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by the Group are recorded at the proceeds received 
net of direct issue costs.

 Recognition of deferred tax assets is restricted to those instances where it is probable that future taxable profit 
will be available against which the asset can be utilised. The amount of the asset or liability is determined 
using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected 
to apply when the deferred tax liabilities/(assets) are settled/(recovered).

  Share based payments

 Where share options are awarded to employees, the fair value of the options at the date of grant is charged to 
the statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. 

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

 Non-market vesting conditions are taken into account by adjusting the number of options expected to vest 
at each statement of financial position date so that, ultimately, the cumulative amount recognised over the 
vesting period is based on the number of options that eventually vest. Market vesting conditions are factored 
into the fair value of the options granted. The cumulative expense is not adjusted for failure to achieve a 
market vesting condition. 

  Fair value is calculated using the Black-Scholes model, details of which are given in note 22.

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

46

47

ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.com 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

 There were unused tax losses at 31 December 2023 amounting to £3,610k. In the majority, these were 
restricted for use for 5 years from the date of acquisition of Tab Media Limited against future taxable profits 
arising from the trade formerly carried on in Tab Media Limited and now carried on in Digitalbox Publishing 
Limited.  A deferred tax asset was recognised in relation to these losses for the first time in 2022, as the losses 
were considered to be highly likely to be recoverable against future profits. It is still the view that these losses 
will be highly likely to be recoverable against future profits.

  Segmental reporting

 Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the 
Executive Directors, who are responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating 
segments.

 A business segment is a group of assets and operations, engaged in providing products or services that are 
subject to risks and returns that are different from those of other operating segments.

 A geographical segment is engaged in providing products or services within a particular economic 
environment that are subject to risks and returns that are different from those of segments operating in 
other economic environments. The Executive Directors assess the performance of the operating segments 
based on the measures of revenue, profit before taxation and profit after taxation. Central overheads are not 
allocated to business segments. 

Share based payment expense
 Non-market performance and service conditions are included in the assumptions about the number of 
options that are expected to vest. At the end of each reporting period the Group revises its estimates of the 
number of options that are expected to vest based on the non-market vesting conditions. It recognises 
the impact of the revision to the original estimates, if any, in the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income, with a corresponding adjustment to equity. 

 This requires an estimate as to how many options will meet the future vesting criteria as well as the 
judgements required in estimating the fair value of the options at the date of grant for equity-settled options. 

  Provision for bad and doubtful debts

 The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses using a lifetime 
expected credit loss provision for trade receivables. To measure expected credit losses on a collective basis, 
trade receivables are grouped based on similar ageing. The expected loss rates are based on the Group’s 
historical credit losses experience over the twelve month period prior to the period end. Forward looking 
issues have been considered, including in relation to the ongoing impact of the hostile global trading 
conditions driven by the impact of the war in Europe. This has had an immaterial effect on the expected credit 
loss rate.

6.  SEGMENTAL INFORMATION 

5. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS

  A segmental analysis of revenue and expenditure is as follows:

 In the application of the Group’s accounting policies, which are described in note 4, the Directors are required 
to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are 
not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on experience 
and other factors considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting 
estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, 
or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

 The following are the critical judgements and estimations that the Directors have made in the process 
of applying the Group’s accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts 
recognised in the financial statements.

  Critical accounting judgements

 Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
 Impairment of the valuation of the goodwill relating to the acquisition of subsidiaries is considered annually 
for indicators of impairment to ensure that the asset is not overstated within the financial statements. The 
annual impairment assessment in respect of goodwill requires estimates of the value in use (or fair value less 
costs to sell) of subsidiaries to which goodwill has been allocated. 

 This requires the Directors to estimate the future cash flows and an appropriate discount factor, in order that 
the net present value of those cash flows can be determined. Discounted cash flow forecasts are stress tested 
under a range of scenarios. The headroom was deemed insufficient and therefore an impairment has been 
recognised against goodwill and intangible assets relating to Entertainment Daily in the year of £6,384k  
(2022: nil).

  Critical accounting estimates
  Amortisation of intangible assets

 The periods of amortisation adopted to write down capitalised intangible assets requires estimates to be 
made in respect of the useful lives of the intangible assets, to determine an appropriate amortisation rate. 
Development costs (domain names and website costs) are being amortised on a straight-line basis over the 
period during which the economic benefits are expected to be received, which has been estimated at 3 years. 
Intangible assets recognised in relation to the brand names are being amortised straight-line over 7 years.

2023 

Entertainment 
Daily 

Mashed  
Productions 

The 
Tab 

The 
Poke 

TV 
Guide 

Head 
Office 

Total
2023

£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

    £’000 

   £’000 

  £’000 

£’000

Revenue 
Cost of sales 

1,440  
(305) 

117  
(147) 

921  
(110) 

Administrative expenses* 

(484) 

(122) 

(444) 

Adjusted EBITDA* 

651  

(152) 

 367 

Amortisation, depreciation,
and impairment 
Direct costs of intangible
asset additions 
Share based payments 
Finance income 
Finance costs 
Tax 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

219  
(40) 

(87) 

92 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

93 
(4) 

(9) 

80 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

2,790
(606)

(1,018) 

(2,164)

(1,018) 

20

(6,663) 

(6,663)

(34) 
    (96) 
44 
(6) 
58  

(34)
(96)
44 
(6)
58 

Profit/(loss) for the year 

651  

(152) 

367 

92  

80 

(7,715) 

(6,677)

48

49

ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.com 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

6.  SEGMENTAL INFORMATION (continued)

2022 

Entertainment 
Daily 
£’000 

Mashed 
Productions 
£’000 

Revenue 
Cost of sales 

2,261  
(224) 

Administrative expenses* 

(529) 

Adjusted EBITDA* 

1,508 

Amortisation, depreciation,
and impairment 
Acquisition costs 
Capital restructure costs 
Share based payments 
Finance income 
Finance costs 
Tax 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

243  
(190) 

(111) 

(58) 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

The 
Tab 
£’000 

1,059  
(118) 

(398) 

543 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Profit/(loss) for the year 

1,508  

(58) 

543  

The 
Poke 
£’000 

15  
(2) 

(6) 

7  

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

7  

Head 
Office 
£’000 

- 
- 

(919) 

(919) 

(914) 
(57) 
(3) 
(62) 
8  
(8) 
759  

(1,196) 

Total
2022
£’000

3,578 
(534)

(1,963)

1,081

(914)
(57)
(3)
(62)
8 
(8)
759 

804

*Adjusted EBITDA is defined as the operating profit after adding back depreciation, amortisation, impairment, 
share based payments, acquisition costs and direct costs associated with business combinations.

The segmental analysis above reflects the parameters applied by the Board when considering the Group’s monthly  
management accounts. 

External revenue by location 
of customer

Total assets by location

Net tangible capital 
expenditure by location

31 December 
2023 
Continuing 
£’000 

477 
1,249 
1,064 

2,790 

United Kingdom 
Europe 
Rest of World 

31 December 
2022  

31 December 
2023 

31 December 
2022  

31 December 
2023 

31 December
2022

Continuing
£’000 

759 
1,381 
1,438 

3,578 

£’000 

7,511 
307 
228 

8,046 

£’000 

14,097 
284 
261 

14,642 

£’000 

£’000 

8 
- 
- 

 8 

43
-
-

43

7. REVENUE 

Revenue by stream is split: 

Advertising space 

Revenue by location is split: 

United Kingdom 
Europe 
Rest of world 

2023 
£’000 

2,790 

2,790 

477 
1,249 
1,064 

2,790 

2022
£’000

3,578

  3,578

759
1,381
1,438

3,578

The Group had two (2022: four) customers whose revenue individually represented 10% or more of the Group’s total 
revenue, being 17.21% and 14.22% respectively (2022: 19.70%, 13.65%, 12.33% and 11.03% respectively).

8. PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS 

This is arrived at after charging/(crediting): 
Continuing operations 
Staff costs (see note 9) 
Direct costs of business combinations 
Depreciation of property, plant & equipment 
Amortisation of intangible fixed assets 
Impairment on goodwill and intangible assets 

Auditors’ remuneration in respect of the Company 
Audit of the Group and subsidiary undertakings 
Review of interim financial information 

2023 
£’000 

1,620 
- 
14 
265 
6,384 

20 
42 
5 

67 

2022
£’000

1,384
57
7
191
716

18
37
4

59

50

51

ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.com 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

9. STAFF COSTS 

Staff costs for all employees, 
including Directors consist of:
Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Pensions 

Share based payment charge 

2023 
£’000 

2022
£’000

1,357 
149 
18 

1,524 
96 

1,620 

1,176
134
12

1,322
62

1,384

The average number of employees of the 
group during the year was as follows: 

2023 
Number 

2022
Number

Directors  
Management and administration 
Content 

5 
5 
22 

32 

6
4
22

32

Directors’ Detailed Emoluments

Details of individual Directors’ emoluments for the year are as follows:

Salary 
2023 
£’000 

Consultancy 
2023 
£’000 

Bonus 
2023 
£’000 

Pension 
2023 
£’000 

J Carter  
J Douglas 
M Higginson
(resigned 30 April 2023) 
D Joseph  
P Machray 
M Rich 

Total 

154 
154 

2 
50 
26 
37 

423 

- 
- 

6 
- 
- 
- 

6 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

1 
1 

- 
- 
- 
- 

2 

Total 
2023 
£’000 

155 
155 

8 
50 
26 
37 

431 

Total
2022
£’000

138
138

25
45
25
35

406

All pension contributions represent payments into defined contribution schemes. 

The Executive Directors have service contracts with the Company which are terminable by the Company or relevant director after a 
fixed term of 12 months followed by 6 months’ notice.

The Directors’ interests in the issued ordinary share capital of the Company was as follows:

Shares of £0.01
31/12/2023

Shares of £0.01
31/12/2022

Director 
James Carter 
Jim Douglas 
David Joseph* 

10,908,078 
10,908,078 
1,150,000 

9.3% 
9.3% 
1.0% 

10,908,078 
10,908,078 
600,000 

9.3%
9.3%
0.5%

*David Joseph acquired shares through Integral 2 Limited, a company controlled by him.

There is a share-based payment charge attributable to options held by the directors during the year amounting 
to £46k (2022: £17k). The options held in the prior year lapsed on 28 February 2022. New options were issued in 
the year that lapse on 5 April 2026.

Effective options in Digitalbox plc exist due to two directors having warrants in its subsidiary company, Digital 
Publishing (Holdings) Limited, which, when exercised, are satisfied by issuing shares in Digitalbox plc.

These are set out in the table below,

‘Effective Option’ Holder 

  Number of Shares

James Carter 
Jim Douglas 

681,958
681,958

1,363,916

The warrants had vested prior to admission onto AIM on 28 February 2019 and carry an 
effective exercise price of 2.28 pence per share issued in Digitalbox plc. 

A full breakdown of options in issue are shown at page 27. Further information on share 
options is included in note 22. 

The market price of the shares at 31 December 2023 was 3.35p with a quoted range 
from throughout 2023 of 3.35p to 8.75p. The options vest based on performance criteria 
detailed in note 22.

52

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ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.com 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

10. FINANCE COSTS   

Interest on bank loans  

2023 
£’000 

6 

6 

2022
£’000

8

8

11. TAXATION ON PROFIT/LOSS FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES

Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the current period 
Adjustment in respect of prior periods 

Deferred tax 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences   
Changes in tax rates 
Benefit arising from previously unrecognised tax losses 
Adjustment in respect of prior periods 

Total tax credit 

2023 
£’000 

- 
(127) 

97 
- 
- 
(28) 

 (58) 

2022
£’000

132
1

(96)
(3)
(793)
-

 (759)

The tax assessed for the year differs from the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK applied to profit/(loss) before tax.

Total profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before tax 

Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities at the standard
rate of corporation tax in the UK of 23.52% (2022: 19%) 

Effects of: 
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 
Income not taxable 
Impairment on goodwill 
Adjustments to prior periods 
Fixed asset differences 
Deferred tax asset not previously recognised 
Deferred tax not recognised – loss relief in current period 
Effect of changes in tax rates on deferred tax 
Losses carried back 

Tax credit for the year 

2023 
£’000 

(6,734) 

(1,584) 

40 
- 
1,491 
(155) 
- 
42 
- 
3 
105 

(58) 

2022
£’000

45

9

24
(6)
61
1
(2)
(793)
(50)
(3)
-

(759)

In the Budget on 3 March 2021, the Chancellor announced the intention to increase the main rate of UK corporation tax to 25% for 
the financial year beginning 1 April 2023. This was substantively enacted on 24 May 2021.Deferred tax at the balance sheet date has 
therefore been measured using the enacted tax rate of 25% (2022: 25%) in these financial statements.

There were unused tax losses at 31 December 2023 amounting to £3,610k. In the majority, these were restricted for use for 5 years 
from the date of acquisition of Tab Media Limited against future taxable profits arising from the trade formerly carried on in Tab 
Media Limited and now carried on in Digitalbox Publishing Limited.  A deferred tax asset was recognised in relation to these losses 
for the first time in 2022, as the losses were considered to be highly likely to be recoverable against future profits. It is still the view 
that these losses will be highly likely to be recoverable against future profits.

12.EARNINGS PER SHARE 

The earnings per share is based on the following: 

Continuing (loss)/earnings post tax attributable to shareholders 

2023 
£’000 

(6,677) 

2022
£’000

804

Basic weighted average number of shares 
Diluted weighted average number of shares 

117,923,393 
118,809,024 

117,718,533
120,002,622

Basic earnings/(loss) per share (£) 
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share (£) 

(0.05662) 
(0.05662) 

0.00683
0.00670

Earnings per ordinary share has been calculated using the weighted average number of shares in issue during the relevant financial 
periods. IAS 33 requires presentation of diluted EPS when a company could be called upon to issue shares that would decrease 
earnings per share or increase the loss per share. The exercise price of the outstanding share options is significantly more than the 
average and closing share price. Therefore, as per IAS33 the potential ordinary shares which could arise from exercised share options 
are disregarded in the calculation of diluted EPS.  

13. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS 

Cost 
Balance at 1 January 2022 
Additions 
Disposals 

Balance at 1 January 2023 
Additions 

Balance at 31 December 2023 

Accumulated depreciation 
Balance at 1 January 2022 
Depreciation charge 
Depreciation eliminated on disposal 

Balance at 1 January 2023 
Depreciation charge 

Balance at 31 December 2023 

Net Book Value 
At 31 December 2023 

At 31 December 2022 

IFRS 16  
 Right-of-Use Asset 
£’000 

Office 
equipment
£’000 

Total

£’000

56 
- 
(56) 

- 
- 

- 

25 
- 
(25) 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

29 
43 
(14) 

58 
8 

66 

14 
7 
(15) 

6 
14 

20 

46 

52 

85
43
(70)

58
8

66

39
7
(40)

6
14

20

46

52

All tangible fixed assets held in the current and prior year were owned assets.

54

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ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.com 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

14. INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

GROUP 

Cost 
Balance at 1 January 2022 
Additions 
Business combinations 

Balance at 1 January 2023 
Additions 

Balance at 31 December 2023 

Accumulated amortisation 
Balance at 1 January 2022 
Amortisation 
Impairment 

Balance at 1 January 2023 
Amortisation 
Impairment 

Balance at 31 December 2023 

Net Book Value 
At 31 December 2023 

At 31 December 2022 

At 31 December 2021 

Goodwill 
Arising on 
Consolidation 
£’000 

Other 
Intangible 
Assets 
£’000 

9,610 
- 
- 

9,610 
- 

9,610 

- 
- 
321 

321 
- 
6,341 

6,662 

2,948 

9,289 

9,610 

1,476 
18 
202 

1,696 
937 

2,633 

457 
159 
395 

1,011 
178 
- 

1,189 

1,444 

684 

1,018 

Development 
costs 

£’000 

121 
171 
- 

292 
112 

404 

40 
32  
- 

72 
87 
43 

202 

202 

221 

82 

Total

£’000

11,207
189
202

11,598
1,049

12,647

497
191
716

1,404
265
6,384

8,053

4,594

10,194

10,710

During the year, the Group acquired the website tvguide.co.uk which has a carrying value in the financial statements 
of £453,214. The Group also capitalised development costs of £84k relating to development activities performed in 
respect of the tvguide.co.uk platform. These assets will be amortised over the same period. This is considered to have 
a useful economic life of 7 years and will be amortised over this period.

The Group subsequently purchased a collection of social media platforms from Media Chain Group Limited, which have 
a carrying value of £450,726. These assets have been subsumed within Entertainment Daily and The Tab split equally. 
The portion attributable to Entertainment Daily is being written off over 7 years. The portion attributable to The Tab is 
being written off over the unexpired portion of the 7 year write off period relating to the original acquisition of The Tab.

Amortisation is charged to administrative expenses in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

GOODWILL AND IMPAIRMENT 

The carrying value of goodwill in respect of each cash generating unit is as follows:

Digitalbox Publishing (Holdings) Limited 
Mashed Productions Limited 
Tab Media Limited 

31 December  
2023 
£’000 

31 December 
2022 
£’000 

2,830 
- 
118 

2,948 

9,171
-
118

9,289 

The Group is obliged to test goodwill annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indications that 
goodwill and indefinite life intangibles might be impaired, as the goodwill is deemed to have an indefinite useful 
life. In order to perform this test, management is required to compare the carrying value of the relevant cash 
generating unit (“CGU”) including the goodwill with its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of the CGU 
is determined from a value in use calculation.

Digitalbox Publishing (Holdings) Limited
The recoverable amount of Digitalbox Publishing (Holdings) Limited relates to the Entertainment Daily segment 
and has been determined from a review of the current and anticipated performance of this unit. In preparing this 
projection, a discount rate of 20% (2022: 10%) has been used based on the weighted average cost of capital and 
a future growth rate of 3% has been assumed. It has been assumed investment in capital equipment will equate 
to depreciation over the year. The discount rate was based on the Group’s weighted average cost of capital as 
estimated by management. After applying sensitivity analysis in respect of the results and future cash flows, in 
particular for presumed growth rates and discount rates, management concluded that it was probable that such 
a change in key assumptions would reduce the recoverable amount below book value. The impairment loss 
being recognised amounts to £6,341k which results in a carrying value of £2,948k. The asset is considered to have 
a value in use of £3,894k over a 10 year period.

Management consider that the discount rate used is a key assumption. A 5% increase in that rate would result in 
a further impairment of £496k. A 5% reduction in that rate would result in a reduction in the impairment of £665k.

Mashed Productions Limited
The recoverable amount of Mashed Productions Limited has been determined with reference to the trade and 
assets hived across to Digitalbox Publishing Limited in 2020. Due to a change in the revenue model for this CGU 
the recoverable amount was deemed to be £nil in 2022 and therefore, a full impairment of Mashed Productions 
Limited was made.

Tab Media Limited
The recoverable amount of the Tab Media segment, which was hived up from Tab Media Limited to Digitalbox 
Publishing Limited on 1 October 2020, has been determined from a review of the current and anticipated 
performance of this unit. In preparing this projection, a discount rate of 20% (2022: 10%) has been used based 
on the weighted average cost of capital and a future growth rate of 3% has been assumed. It has been assumed 
investment in capital equipment will equate to depreciation over the year. The discount rate was based on the 
Group’s weighted average cost of capital as estimated by management. After applying sensitivity analysis in 
respect of the results and future cash flows, in particular for presumed growth rates and discount rates, 
management is satisfied that it is highly improbable that such a change in key assumptions would reduce the 
recoverable amount below book value. 

Management consider that the discount rate used is a key assumption, however, a 5% increase in that rate would 
not result in the requirement for an impairment.

15. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables 
Prepayments and accrued income 
Corporation tax 
Other receivables 

31 December 
2023 
£’000 

31 December 
2022
£’000

757 
84 
80 
25 

946 

784
100
-
68

952

56

57

ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.com 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

16. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash at bank and in hand 

17. LIABILITIES

Current liabilities 
Trade payables 
Social security and other taxes 
Accruals 
Other payables* 
Bank loans and overdrafts 
Corporation tax payable 

Non-current liabilities 
Bank loans 

31 December 
2023 
£’000 

31 December
2022
£’000

1,913 

1,913 

2,827

2,827

31 December 
2023 
£’000 

31 December 
2022
£’000

78 
81 
69 
181 
149 
- 

558 

94 

94 

124
84
76
4
112
61

461

206

206

On 7 October 2020, Digitalbox Publishing Limited drew down a loan facility amounting to £450k under the CBILS scheme. The 
present value of the loan at inception discounted at a market rate of interest was £440k. The loan is for a term of five years and is 
repayable in equal monthly instalments which commenced in 2021. Interest is charged at a fixed rate of 2.43% per annum, with the 
cost being fully subsidised by central Government for the first 12 months.

The loan is secured by a debenture over the assets of the Digitalbox Publishing Limited and a £450k guarantee granted by Digitalbox 
plc. The outstanding balance at 31 December 2023 was £206k (2022: £318k).

19. DEFERRED TAX 

Balance at 1 January 2023 
Deferred tax charge for the year 

Balance at 31 December 2023 

The deferred tax provision comprises: 

Intangible asset timing differences 
Tax losses 

Total
£’000

(617)
70

(547)

31 December 
2023 
£’000 

31 December
2022
£’000

257 
(804) 

(547) 

176
(793)

(617)  

*During the year, the Group acquired the website tvguide.co.uk which has a carrying value in 
the financial statements of £453,214. Of this sum, £180,000 was deferred until 2024 hence this 
is recorded within current liabilities. 

The expected net reversal of deferred tax in 2024 is £41k.

20. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

18. LOANS AND OVERDRAFTS

Bank overdrafts 
Due in less than one year 

Bank loans 
Due in less than one year 
Due in between one and two years 
Due in between two and five years 

31 December  
2023  
£’000 

31 December
2022
£’000

37 

112 
94 
- 

243 

-

112
122
84

318

The Group is exposed to risks that arise from its use of financial instruments. These financial instruments are 
within the current assets and current liabilities shown on the face of the statement of financial position and 
comprise the following:

Credit risk
The Group is exposed to credit risk primarily on its trade receivables. The Group maintains its cash reserves at 
a reputable bank. It is group policy to assess the credit risk of each new customer before entering into binding 
contracts. 

The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying value in the statement of financial position. 
The credit risk on liquid funds is low as the funds are held at a bank with a high credit rating assigned by 
international credit agencies. 

Current financial assets 
Trade receivables 
Other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 

31 December 
2023 
£’000 

31 December
2022
£’000

757 
189 
1,913 

2,859 

784
67
2,827

3,678

58

59

ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.comANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023   |   digitalbox.com 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

20. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

The table below illustrates the due date of trade receivables:

Current 
31 – 60 days 
61 – 90 days 
91 – 120 days 
121 and over 

The table below illustrates the geographical location of trade receivables:

United Kingdom 
Europe 
Rest of world 

31 December 
2023 
           £’000 

31 December
2022
£’000

330 
250 
155 
10 
12 

757 

286
215
158
68
57

784

31 December 
2023 
           £’000 

31 December
2022
£’000

226 
307 
224 

757 

252
270
262

784

The directors have considered expected credit losses under IFRS9 and have adopted the simplified approach 
to their evaluation as the Group has limited exposure to them. The Directors have provided for expected credit 
losses on a specific basis and this has led to the Group carrying a specific provision against trade debtors of £4k 
(2022: £20k). The Group experienced one bad debt write off in 2023 amounting to £4k.

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk arises from the Group’s management of working capital and the finance charges and repayments 
of its liabilities.

The Group’s policy is to ensure that it will have sufficient cash to allow it to meet its liabilities when they become 
due and so cash holdings may be high during certain periods throughout the period. 

The Group’s policy in respect of cash and cash equivalents is to limit its exposure by reducing cash holding in the 
operating units and investing amounts that are not immediately required in funds that have low risk and are 
placed with a reputable bank.

Cash at bank and cash equivalents

31 December 
2023 
           £’000 

31 December
2022
£’000

 At the year end the Group had the following cash balances: 

1,913 

2,827

Cash at bank comprises Sterling and US Dollar cash deposits.

All monetary assets and liabilities within the group are denominated in the functional currency of the 
operating unit in which they are held. All amounts stated at carrying value equate to fair value.

Financial liabilities at amortised cost 
Trade payables 
Accruals 
Bank loans and overdrafts 
Other payables 

The table below illustrates the maturities of trade payables:

Current 
31 – 60 days 
61 – 90 days 
91 – 120 days 
121 and over 

31 December 
2023 
£’000 

31 December
2022
£’000

78 
69 
244 
180 

571 

124
76
318
4

522 

31 December 
2023 
£’000 

31 December
2022
£’000

62 
1 
- 
- 
15 

78 

93
21
-
-
10

124

The table below shows the maturities of financial liabilities:

2023 

Trade payables 
Accruals 
Loans 
Other payables 

2022 

Trade payables 
Accruals 
Loans 
Other payables 

Carrying amount  6 months or less 
£’000 

£’000 

6-12 months 
£’000 

1 or more year
£’000 

78 
69 
244 
180 

571 

78 
69 
94 
180 

421 

- 
- 
56 
- 

56 

-
-
94
-

94

Carrying amount  6 months or less 
£’000 

£’000 

6-12 months 
£’000 

1 or more year
£’000 

124 
76 
318 
4 

522 

114 
76 
56 
4 

250 

- 
- 
56 
- 

56 

10
-
206
-

216

60

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DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

20. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

22. SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

Capital Disclosures and Risk Management

 The Group’s management define capital as the Group’s equity share capital and reserves.

The Group’s objective when maintaining capital is to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, so that 
in due course it can provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders.

The Group manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it in the light of changes in the business and 
in economic conditions. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may from time to time 
issue new shares, based on working capital and product development requirements and current and future 
expectations of the Company’s share price.

Share capital is used to raise cash and as direct payments to third parties for assets or services acquired.

Market risk
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of financial instruments will fluctuate due to changes in market interest 
rates. The Group considers the interest rates available when deciding where to place cash balances. 

Foreign currency risk
Foreign exchange transaction risk arises when individual Group operations enter into transactions 
denominated in a currency other than the functional currency. The principal risk arises from the Group’s reliance 
on US Dollar denominated annual revenues which amounted to $1.2m (2022: $1.8m) with a trade debtor balance 
at the year-end of $228k (2022: $11k). The Group mitigates foreign exchange risk by selling forward US Dollars on a 
quarterly basis.

21. SHARE CAPITAL

Called up share capital 
Allotted, called up and fully paid 

No.  
31 December 
2023 

Value 
£’000 

No. 
31 December 
2022 

Ordinary shares of £0.01 each 

117,923,393 

117,923,393 

1,179 

1,179 

117,923,393 

117,923,393 

Value
£’000

1,179

1,179

During the year, the Group incurred a £96k share based payment charge (2022: £62k). Of this total, £46k (2022: £17k) was recorded as 
an expense in Digitalbox plc and £50k (2022: £45k) was recorded as an expense in Digitalbox Publishing Limited.

2023 
No. of share  
options 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 

2022 
No. of share 
options 

Weighted
average
exercise price

Outstanding at beginning of year 
Granted during the year 
Exercised during the year 
Expired during the year 

4,541,919 
4,513,322 
- 
(2,005,812) 

Outstanding at the end of the year 

7,049,429 

5.51p 
6.07p 
- 
5.20p 

6.68p 

9,141,663 
- 
(1,590,936) 
(3,008,808) 

4,541,919 

7.74p
-
5.51p
9.95p

5.51p

5,516,228 options are exercisable after 3 years (see page 27), or an exit event.
169,285 options are exercisable immediately.
1,363,916 options relates to Warrants issued prior to the group’s admission by Digitalbox Publishing (Holdings) 
Limited, a subsidiary of the company. These are exercisable upon the exercise of those warrants in a share for 
share exchange arrangement, under which the company acquires all shares issued in Digitalbox Publishing 
(Holdings) Limited and in consideration, issues shares to the warrant holders.

A Black-Scholes model has been used to determine the fair value of the share options on the date of grant. The fair value is expensed 
to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, which is determined annually.  The model assesses a number 
of factors in calculating the fair value.  These include the market price on the date of grant, the exercise price of the share options, 
the expected share price volatility of the Company’s share price, the expected life of the options, the risk-free rate of interest and the 
expected level of dividends in future periods.

The inputs into the models of options previously granted which have contributed to the share-based payment 
arising in the year are:

Date of grant 
Model type 
Vesting date 
Number of options granted 
Share price at date of grant 
Exercise price 
Option life in years 
Risk-free rate 
Expected volatility 
Expected dividend yield 
Fair value of options 

23.  RESERVES

17/04/2020 
Black Scholes 
16/04/2023 
2,005,812  
6.75p 
6.75p 
10 
10% 
65% 
0% 
4.62p 

24/02/2021 
Black Scholes 
23/02/2024 
 1,002,906  
6.00p 
6.00p 
10 
10% 
65% 
0% 
5.20p 

06/04/2023
Black Scholes
05/04/2026
 4,513,322 
7.88p
7.88p
10
5.25%
65%
0%
6.07p

Full details of movements in reserves are set out in the consolidated statement of changes in equity. The following describes the 
nature and purpose of each reserve within owners’ equity:

Share premium: Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value. 

Retained earnings: Cumulative net gains and losses recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

Share based payment reserve: Cumulative charges recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
in relation to share based payments.

62

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DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

24. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

At 31 December 2023 and 31 December 2022 there were no capital commitments.

25.RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the year, Integral2 Limited billed £73k (2022: £65k) to the Group, a company related by virtue of David 
Joseph, a member of key management personnel, having control over the entity. As at 31 December 2023, £7k 
(2022: £6k) was owed to Integral2 Limited. During the year, David Joseph acquired 550,000 shares in Digitalbox 
plc at 8 pence per share through Integral 2 Limited.

During the year, M Capital Investment Partners (Holdings) Limited billed £6k (2022: £25k) to the Group, a 
company related by virtue of Martin Higginson, a member of key management personnel for part of the year, 
having control over the entity. As at 31 December 2023, £nil (2022: £3k), was accrued as owing to M Capital 
Investment Partners (Holdings) Limited. The balances stated here were for transactions up to the point that 
Martin Higginson resigned as a director and was therefore no longer a related party.

The key management personnel are considered to be the Board of Directors. Their remuneration is disclosed in 
detail in note 9. Key management were remunerated £431k in the year ended 31 December 2023 (2022: £406k).

The key management personnel have been provided with a total of 1,363,916 effective share options resulting in a 
charge of £46k in the period (2022: £17k).

Fixed assets 
Investments 
Deferred tax asset 

Current assets 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Current liabilities 
Bank overdrafts and loans 
Trade and other payables 

Total current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net current assets 

Total assets less total liabilities 

Capital and reserves 
Called up share capital 
Share premium account 
Share-based payment reserve 
Retained deficit 

Shareholders’ funds 

III 
IV 

V 
VI 

VII 
VII 

VIII 
IX 
IX 
IX 

At 31 December 
2023 
£’000 

  At 31 December
2022
£’000

6,226 
17 

6,243 

1,213 
- 

1,213 

(38) 
(31) 

(69) 

(69) 

1,144 

7,387 

1,179 
11,169 
138 
(5,099) 

7,387 

11,209
-

11,209

1,286
1

1,287

-
(73)

(73)

(73)

1,214

12,423

1,179
11,169
196
(121)

12,423

 The Company has taken advantage of the exemptions allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented 
its income statement in these financial statements. The Group profit for the year included a loss on ordinary activities after tax of 
£5,082k (2022: £102k loss) in respect of the Company.

 The financial statements were approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 25 March 2024.

James Carter
CEO

David Joseph
CEO

Company registration number: 04606754

64

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DIGITALBOX PLC
COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

NOTES FORMING PART OF THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Share 
Capital 
£’000 

Share 
Premium 
£’000 

Share-based 
payment 
£’000 

Retained
defecit 
£’000 

Balance at 1 January 2022  

1,163 

11,149 

464 

Loss after tax 

Issue of new shares 

Share-based payments 

Reserves transfer in respect
of lapsed options 

- 

16 

- 

- 

- 

20 

- 

- 

- 

- 

62 

(349) 

(102) 

- 

- 

(330) 

330 

Total 
£’000

12,427

(102)

36

62

-

Balance at 31 December 2022  

1,179 

11,169 

Loss after tax 

Share-based payments 

Reserves transfer in respect of lapsed options 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

196 

- 

46 

(104) 

(121) 

12,423

(5,082) 

(5,082)

- 

104 

46

-

Balance at 31 December 2023 

1,179 

11,169 

138 

(5,099) 

7,387

The notes on pages 67 to 70 form part of the Company financial statements. 

I. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The separate financial statements of the Company are presented as required by the Companies Act 2006. 
As permitted by the Act the separate financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial 
Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (FRS 101) and in accordance with applicable accounting 
standards. 

The company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions under FRS 101:

    the requirements of paragraphs 45(b) and 46 to 52 of IFRS 2 Share-based Payment
    the requirements of paragraphs 62, B64(d), B64(e), B64(g), B64(h), B64(j) to B64(m), B64(n)(ii), B64(o)(ii), 

B64(p), B64(q)(ii), B66 and B67 of IFRS 3 Business Combinations;

    the requirements IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures;
    the requirements of the second sentence of paragraph 110 and paragraphs 113(a), 114, 115, 118, 119(a) to (c), 120 

to 127 and 129 of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers;

    the requirements of paragraph 58 of IFRS 16, provided that the disclosure of details of indebtedness 

required by paragraph 61(1) of Schedule 1 to the Regulations is presented separately for lease liabilities and 
other liabilities, and in total;

  the requirement in paragraph 38 of IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’ to present comparative  
information in respect of: (i) paragraph 79(a) (iv) of IAS 1, (ii) paragraph 73(e) of IAS 16 Property Plant and  

  Equipment and (iii) paragraph 118 (e) of IAS 38 Intangible Assets;

    the requirements of paragraphs 10(d), 10(f), 16, 38A to 38D, 40A to 40D, 111 and 134-136 of IAS 1 Presentation 

of Financial Statements;

    the requirements of IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows;
    the requirements of paragraphs 30 and 31 of IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates 

and Errors;

    the requirements of paragraph 17 and 18a of IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures; and 
    the requirements in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures to disclose related party transactions entered into 

between two or more members of a group, provided that any subsidiary which is a party to the transaction 
is wholly owned by such a member.

  Where required, equivalent disclosures are given in the group financial statements of Digitalbox plc.

  The principal accounting policies adopted are the same as those set out in note 4 to the consolidated  
  financial statements except as noted below:

 Valuation of investments
 Investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost less any provision for impairment in value. 

II. OPERATING PROFIT
  The auditor remuneration for audit and other services is disclosed in note 8 to the consolidated financial  
  statements.

 The average number of employees of the company during the year was 5 (2022: 6) and total staff costs were 
£477k (2022: £468k). Directors’ remuneration is disclosed in note 9 to the consolidated financial statements.

66

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DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

III. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS 

Subsidiary undertakings

31 December 2023
£’000

Cost
Balance at 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2023 

Provisions 
Balance at 1 January 2023
Impairment charge for the year* 

Balance at 31 December 2023 

Carrying value of investments 

11,209

(4,983)

(4,983)

6,226

At the year end the Company had the following subsidiaries:

Subsidiary name 

Class of shares 

Proportion of ownership 

Registered office

Digitalbox Publishing Limited 

Ordinary 

100% Indirect 

Digitalbox Publishing (Holdings) Limited  Ordinary 

100% Direct 

Jubilee House, 92 Lincoln Road,  
Peterborough, PE1 2SN
Jubilee House, 92 Lincoln Road,  
Peterborough, PE1 2SN

Subsidiary name 
Digitalbox Publishing Limited 
Digitalbox Publishing (Holdings) Limited  Holding company

Principal activity
Sale of digital advertising space

V. RECEIVABLES: due within one year

Amounts owed by group undertakings 
Prepayments and accrued income 

VI.  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash at bank and in hand 

VII. PAYABLES: amounts falling due within one year 

* In determining the required level of impairment on the investment held by the Company in Digitalbox Publishing Limited, via its 
investment in Digitalbox Publishing (Holdings) Limited, the directors considered the aggregate contribution of the cash generating 
units held in that subsidiary, using the same forecasts, Weighted average cost of capital and lifetime term as that provided for the 
goodwill and intangible asset impairment assessment. This demonstrated a required impairment of £4,983k.

Bank overdrafts and loans 
Trade payables 
Accruals 
Other tax and social security 

31 December 
2023 
£’000 

31 December
2022
£’000

1,177 
36 

1,213 

1,261
25

1,286

31 December 
2023 
£’000 

31 December
2022
£’000

- 

- 

1

1

31 December 
2023 
£’000 

31 December
2022
£’000

38 
8 
3 
20 

69 

-
10
45
18

73

IV. DEFERRED TAX 

Balance at 1 January 2023 
Deferred tax charge for the year 

Balance at 31 December 2023 

The deferred tax provision comprises: 

Tax losses 

Total
£’000
-
(17)

(17)

31 December 
2023
£’000

(17)

(17)

68

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DIGITALBOX PLC
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIGITALBOX PLC
DIRECTORS, SECRETARY AND ADVISERS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

VIII. SHARE CAPITAL 

Directors 

 Details of the Company’s share capital can be found in Note 21 to the consolidated financial 
statements.

IX. RESERVES

Full details of movements in reserves are set out in the company statement of changes in 
equity. The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve within owners’ equity:

Company Secretary and Registered Office 

Marcus Rich
James Carter 
Jim Douglas 
Martin Higginson
(resigned 30 April 2023)
David Joseph 
Philip Machray 

David Joseph
Jubilee House
92 Lincoln Road
Peterborough
PE1 2SN

Share premium: Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value. 

Retained deficit: Cumulative net losses recognised in the company statement of 
comprehensive income. 

Share based payment reserve: Cumulative charges recognised in the company statement of 
comprehensive income in relation to share based payments.

X. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the year, M Capital Investment Partners (Holdings) Limited billed £6k (2022: £25k) to 
the Group, a company related by virtue of Martin Higginson, a member of key management 
personnel for part of the year, having control over the entity. As at 31 December 2023, £nilk 
(2022: £3k), was accrued as owing to M Capital Investment Partners (Holdings) Limited. The 
balances stated here were for transactions up to the point that Martin Higginson resigned as 
a director and was therefore no longer a related party.

The key management personnel are considered to be the Board of Directors. Their 
remuneration is disclosed in detail in note 9. Key management were remunerated £431k in 
the year ended 31 December 2023 (2022: £406k).

The key management personnel have been provided with a total of 1,363,916 effective share 
options resulting in a charge of £46k in the period (2022: £17k).

Company Number 

04606754

Registrars 

Nominated Adviser and Broker 

Link Group
6th Floor
65 Gresham Street
London
EC2V 7NQ

Panmure Gordon
One New Change
London
EC4M 9AF

Joint Broker 

Alvarium Capital Partners
10 Old Burlington Street
London
W1S 3AG

Independent Auditors 

Solicitors 

Haysmacintyre LLP
10 Queen Street Place
London 
EC4R 1AG

FREETHS LLP
Floor 3
100 Wellington Street
Leeds
LS1 4LT

Country of Incorporation of Parent Company 

England and Wales

Legal Form 

Public Limited Company

Domicile 

United Kingdom

70

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Digitalbox plc

Jubilee House

92 Lincoln Road

Peterborough

PE1 2SN

United Kingdom

Co Reg No. 04606754

+44 (0)1225 430 091

digitalbox.com

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