Quarterlytics / Industrials / Specialty Business Services / First Advantage

First Advantage

fa · LSE Industrials
Claim this profile
Ticker fa
Exchange LSE
Sector Industrials
Industry Specialty Business Services
Employees 51-200
← All annual reports
FY2019 Annual Report · First Advantage
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
ANNUAL REPORT 
ANNUAL REPORT 
ANNUAL REPORT 
AND ACCOUNTS 2019
AND ACCOUNTS 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc

I

F
R
E
A
N
G
E
L
S
A
F
E
T
Y
T
E
C
H
N
O
L
O
G
Y
G
R
O
U
P
P
L
C

A
n
n
u
a
l

R
e
p
o
r
t
a
n
d
A
c
c
o
u
n
t
s
2
0
1
9

1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FireAngel’s mission is to protect and save lives by making 
innovative, leading-edge technology home safety products 
which are simple and accessible.

FireAngel is one of the market leaders in the European home safety products market with its growing proprietary connected home products 
proposition.  Its principal products are smoke alarms, carbon monoxide (‘CO’) alarms and accessories sold under the principal brand of FireAngel.  
The Group has an extensive portfolio of patented intellectual property.  Barriers to entry are high with considerable costs of product certifi cation 
and signifi cant know-how required to sell home safety products. 

The introduction of new technologically more-advanced products and new safety legislation, together with increasing levels of awareness of the 
dangers of smoke and CO, continue to drive the Group’s sales.

FireAngel manufactures CO sensors at its subsidiary, Pace Sensors, for use in its CO alarms.  All other manufacturing and product assembly 
is outsourced and almost all of the Group’s product cost base is sourced in US dollars.  FireAngel’s smoke, heat and accessory products are 
manufactured by Flex in Poland.  Other ranges of smoke products are sourced from a leading supplier in the Far East.  The Group’s CO detectors 
are manufactured at Pace Technologies in China. 

FireAngel enjoys the leading sales footprint of any home products supplier across UK Retail and is the largest supplier to the UK’s Fire & Rescue 
Services (‘UK F&RS’), both of which are a strong endorsement of the quality and technical capability of our products.  The Group also supplies 
the UK Utilities sector with British Gas as its key customer.  FireAngel has a well-established but low market share of the UK Trade sector and 
is seeking to signifi cantly expand this with its range of trade products.  The Group also makes signifi cant sales into Continental Europe, mainly 
selling in euros through a network of independently-owned, third-party distributors.

Financial headlines

•  Revenue £45.5 million (2018: £37.6 million)
•   Underlying operating loss1 £2.9 million, before £0.9 million impact of change to a 
more appropriate amortisation approach (2018: underlying operating loss1 £2.0 
million)  

•  Operating loss £10.7 million (2018 restated: operating loss £5.8 million)
•  Adjusted gross profi t2 £8.7 million (2018: £8.7 million)
•  Adjusted gross margin2 19.0% (2018: 23.2%)
•  Gross margin 9.6% (2018 restated: 20.1%)
•  Non-underlying items totalling £6.9 million before tax (2018 restated: £3.8 million)
•   Underlying loss before tax3 £3.2 million (2018: underlying loss before tax3 £2.1 

million)

•  Loss before tax £11.0 million (2018 restated: loss before tax £5.9 million)
•  Underlying EBITDA4
•  Underlying EBITDA4
•  Underlying EBITDA  loss £0.4 million (2018: loss £0.9 million)
•  Basic and diluted EPS (14.0p) (2018 restated: (9.9p))
•   Capitalised product development spend reduced to £2.9 million (2018: £3.4 

million)

•   Net debt (before lease obligations) at 31 December 2019 £4.9 million (cash £2.1 

million, debt £7.0 million) (2018: net debt £4.4 million)

•   While COVID-19 has impacted the Company outlook in the short term, revenue 
for April 2020, at almost 55% of the Company’s pre-COVID-19 budget, was, 
encouragingly, some way ahead of the Board’s expectations.  Revenue for 
May 2020 is expected to be at a similar level of budget achievement.  Due to 
uncertainty around the impact of COVID-19 and timing of when restrictions will 
be lifted, the Board withdrew the Company’s market guidance given that it is too 
early to substantiate or vary it with any certainty

•   Announcement post year end of open offer and placing to raise approximately 
£6.1 million to strengthen the balance sheet and deploy connected homes 
technology

1 Underlying operating loss in 2019 of £2.9 million is before the impact of the change to straight line amortisation 
of £0.9 million and before non-underlying items of £6.9 million (2018: underlying operating loss of £2.0 million 
before non-underlying items of £3.8 million).  A reconciliation of ‘alternative performance measures’ to 
measures prescribed in fi nancial standards is given in the Performance Review section.

2 Adjusted gross profi t is stated before non-underlying items of £4.3 million (2018 restated: non-underlying 
items of £1.2 million).  Adjusted gross margin is adjusted gross profi t as a percentage of revenue.

3 Underlying loss before tax in 2019 of £3.2 million is before the impact of the change to straight line 
amortisation of £0.9 million and before non-underlying items of £6.9 million (2018: underlying loss before tax of 
£2.1 million before non-underlying items of £3.8 million).

4 Underlying EBITDA in 2019 of (£0.4) million is loss before tax before depreciation and amortisation of £3.4 
million, fi nance costs of £0.3 million and non-underlying items of £6.9 million (2018: underlying EBITDA of (£0.9) 
million is loss before tax before depreciation and amortisation of £1.1 million, fi nance costs of £0.1 million and 
non-underlying items of £3.8 million).

Operational headlines

•   Total revenue growth of 21% to £45.5 million with growth of 36% in UK Retail, 

23% in UK Trade and 26% internationally

•   UK Retail wins with Aldi, Asda, Morrisons and secured principal supply to 

Homebase and signifi cant online growth through Amazon

•  Good progress in gaining share of core UK Trade market

•  Grant of European patent for FireAngel Predict™ post year end

•   Solid start to 2020 with sales up 15% and gross profi t up 39% on the fi rst 

two months of 2019; performance in the fi rst quarter of 2020 was close to the 
Board’s expectations, with revenue and gross profi t slightly below budget.  
Gross profi t margin remained ahead of Q1 2019 and in line with budget, 
however, an opportunity to outperform was lost in part due to the impact of 
COVID-19 as March progressed

•  Comprehensive gross margin improvement plan being rolled out

•  Board changes to align to future challenges and opportunities

•   Trials of FireAngel’s connected home products, including FireAngel Predict™, 

have been well received, and market response is building, which bodes well for 
2020 and beyond

•   Close to securing our fi rst large connected rollout using FireAngel Pro Connect 
and FireAngel Predict™ which represents an important endorsement of our 
strategy and unique offering

•   Company is now an independent, technology-led business with the key 

objectives of monetising the investment made in connected technology and 
to complete the transition to become a provider of safety-critical connected 
home solutions

I

n
t
r
o
d
u
c
t
i
o
n

Contents 

Introduction

3 Overview

4 FireAngel at a glance

6 Executive Chairman’s statement

Strategic review

10 Our proprietary technology

11 Corporate social responsibility

Performance review

12 Group fi nancial results

Governance

18 Board of Directors and Company Secretary

20 Corporate governance report

25 Audit Committee report

27 Remuneration Committee report

31 Statutory Directors’ report

35 Section 172 Companies Act statement

37 Risks and risk management

Financial statements

40 Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

41 Independent auditor’s report

44 Consolidated income statement

44  Consolidated statement of comprehensive 

income

45  Consolidated and Company statement of 

fi nancial position

46  Consolidated and Company cash fl ow 

statement

47 Consolidated statement of changes in equity

47 Company statement of changes in equity

48 Notes to the fi nancial statements

Other information

74 Corporate directory

74 Shareholder information

The Statutory Strategic Report comprises the 
Executive Chairman’s Statement, the Strategic 
Review, the Performance Review, the Section 
172 Companies Act Statement and the Risks 
and Risk Management sections.

Visit our investor website for 
the latest news and announcements: 
www.fi reangeltech.com

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

3

Introduction

FireAngel at a glance

Our business model 

The FireAngel story started in 1998 when the business model was conceived by Nick Rutter, one of the two founders, 
who wanted to design and sell products:

•  where existing product solutions did not meet customer needs;

•  which had global sales potential;

•  manufactured using plastics and electronics (as this was the area most familiar to Nick); and

•  which would provide an opportunity to take advantage of economies of scale of manufacture with low cost manufacturers.

2001
First domestic smoke  alarm 
to utilise environmentally 
friendly PET packaging

First domestic smoke 
alarm to utilise SMT

Sourcing of our own smoke, heat and 
accessory products from Flex in Poland has 
enabled us to consolidate our product range, 
reduced lead times and leverage economies 
of scale from a manufacturing facility just a 
short fl ight away.  It has also allowed us to bring 
manufacturing closer to our core markets.

1998
FireAngel established

After a huge amount of product testing and 
validation work, the business, with Nick as 
Managing Director, launched the world’s fi rst 
plug-in smoke alarm.  Since that ground-
breaking design, the Company has gradually 
extended its product range and expanded 
to become the business it is today with a 
comprehensive range of smoke, CO and 
wireless products sold under its principal 
FireAngel brand. 

Our customer-centric approach, combined 
with a comprehensive product range, world-
class third-party manufacturing capabilities 
and high barriers to entry through product 
certifi cation, makes our business model robust 
and defensible.  In turn, this enables us to build 
strong, long-lasting partnerships with key 
customers to maintain and gain market share.  

Over time, we want to become the European 
market leader selling FireAngel branded 
products of choice in each of the markets 
we serve.

The product and brand advocacy we have from 
supplying smoke and hearing-impaired alarms 
to the UK F&RS is illustrated through strong 
customer loyalty across our business.  This 
philosophy shapes our business model as we 
continue to listen to our customers’ needs to 
develop the products they want in the future.  
We have an exciting pipeline of products 
coming through, including an enhanced range 
of connected home products that incorporate 
FireAngel’s unique predictive algorithm, 
FireAngel Predict™, which not just detects fi res, 
but predicts where fi res are more likely 
to occur.

I

n
t
r
o
d
u
c
t
i
o
n

2003
First UL Listed 
rechargeable

2007 
SSP launch award-
winning  range of 
accessory products

2009
First domestic smoke 
alarm to incorporate 
diagnostics

2015 
Biggest wireless footprint 
in the EU

2016 
Launch of Wi-Safe  Connect cloud 
based B2B monitoring system

2014 
Launch of lowest  power AC 
alarm  in Europe

2017
Launch of NG-9B the fi rst battery 
powered natural gas alarm in Europe

2019

2018
Launch of Co-Exist product 
range utilising common smart 
home protocols

2012 
First domestic alarm to  utilise 100% 
EOL smoke  test in production

2010 
First domestic battery smoke alarm to 
utilise aerosol  calibration in production

First domestic battery smoke alarm 
to use  multi-sensor technology

FireAngel’s mission is to protect and save lives by 
making innovative, leading-edge technology home 
safety products which are simple and accessible.

1

2

3

Number 1

50+

Supplying 90% of the 
UK’s Fire & Rescue Services

Registered technology
patents & further pending

Unique

In-house CO sensing
technology

Think Ahead

Think Customer

Think Team

Three

Supplier / manufacturing 
partnerships

Four

Brands targeted at 
different markets

Infl uential

Member of Industry 
and Trade Associations

4

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

5

Scalable & Defensive

Leading

Established

Business model with high 
barriers to entry

Designer & supplier of smoke, heat and CO 
alarms and wireless connectivity in Europe

Third party distribution across 
Europe, the Middle East and Asia

Introduction

Executive Chairman’s statement

“The Group enters 2020 beginning to realise the promise of its 
investment in R&D for connected alarms.  2019 was a challenging year 
with results continuing to be negatively impacted by legacy issues.  We 
have addressed these issues and are taking action to improve gross 
margins which we expect will increase in 2020 and continue to do so in 
subsequent years.  The opportunity presented by the growing demand 
for connected home solutions is signifi cant and I look forward to the 
Group’s next phase of growth.  FireAngel has fi nally reached the start 
line of an exciting future.”

John Conoley - Executive Chairman

Overview

In late 2019, the Group fi nally began fi eld installations of its connected products which was very encouraging, but not suffi ciently so to outweigh 
what proved to be a very challenging year operationally for the Group.  Our sales and marketing efforts represented a considerable success with 
revenue up signifi cantly at 21%, yet we were disappointed to report an underlying loss for 2019 and to record substantial non-underlying charges 
linked to historical issues.  Signifi cant management time has once again been spent on resolving legacy problems, which should have been spent 
moving forward with the Group’s clear strategic aims.

Although revenue saw impressive growth to £45.5 million, the impact on gross margin was held back for four main reasons: 

1.  Detrimental impact of the value of sterling against the US dollar

The prolonged weakening of sterling against the US dollar in 2019 signifi cantly increased the sterling cost of components used in the Group’s 
products.  

2.  Higher costs and delayed product availability at the Group’s smoke and connected devices manufacturing partner

During 2018, a new manufacturing partner in Poland commenced production of FireAngel’s smoke and connected devices products and a new 
Far East based supplier commenced supply of alternatives to the BRK/First Alert products.

Delays in reaching production capacity and effi ciency at the Polish manufacturer impacted both the availability of products and the product 
cost in 2018.  Although progress was made during 2019 in moving forward with both yield and effi ciency, we continue to see higher costs due, in 
particular, to wage infl ation in Poland and delays in the availability of certain higher-margin products. 

3.  Change in sales mix towards lower margin UK Retail

Revenue from the lower-margin UK Retail sector increased by 36% to £11.3 million in 2019 and represented 25% of the Group’s turnover 
compared to 22% in the previous year.  This change in margin mix detrimentally impacted the Group’s overall gross margin compared with 2018.

4. 

Impact of sales growth on the Company’s processes

Sales growth in 2019 of 21% put stress on the Company’s processes from production through to customer fulfi lment.  This had the effect of 
repeatedly shaving small amounts of both revenue and margin from the year’s results.  In addition, the Company had to incur more costly air 
freight charges to meet the growth in demand for certain of its products.

Fuller details of these issues and other factors affecting the year’s results are set out in the Strategic Review and Performance Review sections of 
this Annual Report.

Results

For the year to 31 December 2019, the Group’s revenue was £45.5 million (2018: £37.6 million).  The Group made an underlying loss before tax1
of £3.2 million (2018: £2.1 million).  After charging £6.9 million for non-underlying costs (2018 restated: £3.8 million) and incurring £0.9 million in 
changing to straight line amortisation for intangible development assets, the consolidated loss before tax for the year was £11.0 million (2018 
restated: £5.9 million).  Underlying EBITDA3 improved from a loss of £0.9 million in 2018 to a reduced loss of £0.4 million in 2019.

The adjusted gross profi t2 was maintained at £8.7 million, but represented a reduced adjusted gross margin2 of 19.0% (2018: 23.2%).

1 Underlying loss before tax in 2019 of £3.2 million is before the impact of the change to straight line amortisation of £0.9 million and before non-
underlying items of £6.9 million (further details of which are set out below) (2018: underlying loss before tax of £2.1 million before non-underlying 
items of £3.8 million).

I

n
t
r
o
d
u
c
t
i
o
n

2 Adjusted gross profi t is stated before non-underlying items of £4.3 million (2018 restated: non-underlying items of £1.2 million).  Adjusted gross 
margin is adjusted gross profi t as a percentage of revenue.

3 Underlying EBITDA in 2019 of (£0.4) million is loss before tax before depreciation and amortisation of £3.4 million, fi nance costs of £0.3 million 
and non-underlying items of £6.9 million (2018: underlying EBITDA of (£0.9) million is loss before tax before depreciation and amortisation of £1.1 
million, fi nance costs of £0.1 million and non-underlying items of £3.8 million).

FireAngel’s results continue to be negatively impacted by legacy issues as a result of certain historically poor internal processes.

Signifi cant non-underlying charges have been incurred during the year to increase the legacy battery warranty provision, for stock provisions and 
for the impairment of intangible development costs.  Details of these non-underlying items are given in the Performance Review section below.  

Net debt (before lease obligations) at 31 December 2019 was £4.9 million (2018: £4.4 million).  On 23 March 2020 the Company announced 
details of an open offer and placing to raise approximately £6.1 million to strengthen its balance sheet, execute self-help plans to improve gross 
margin, deploy and support the connected homes technology and fund part of the additional expected liabilities for the Company’s legacy battery 
warranty issue fi rst identifi ed in 2016, further details of which are set out below. On 8 April 2020, the Company issued 50,623,480 new ordinary 
shares at 12 pence per share as a result of valid acceptances under the open offer and placing.

Business unit performance

Revenue for the Group grew by 21% in the year, with signifi cant growth seen in all major business units.  Gross margin, however, was lower 
compared to the prior year due to the reasons outlined above.

Revenue split between the Group’s business units was as follows:

UK Trade

UK Retail

UK F&RS

UK Utilities

Total sales in the UK

International

Pace Sensors

Total revenue

2019

£m

15.2

11.3

4.7

1.5

32.7

11.1

1.7

45.5

2018

£m

12.4

8.3

4.2

2.3

27.2

8.8

1.6

37.6

Inc/(dec)

Inc/(dec)

Proportion

Proportion

2019

2018

£m

2.8

3.0

0.5

(0.8)

5.5

2.3

0.1

7.9

%

23%

36%

12%

(35%)

20%

26%

6%

21%

%

34%

25%

10%

3%

72%

24%

4%

%

33%

22%

11%

6%

72%

24%

4%

100%

100%

UK Trade

A very strong performance in UK Trade in 
the year saw sales increase by 23% to £15.2 
million, representing around a third of the 
Group’s revenues.  The UK Trade sector 
represented the highest proportion of total 
revenue in both 2019 and the prior year.  
The growth in absolute sales of £2.8 million 
shows the progress made in gaining share of 
an addressable UK Trade market estimated 
to be worth in excess of £100 million annually 
and the recovery of demand throttled back 
by stock availability issues in the second half 
of 2018.

Our progress in winning market share 
through 2019 continued to gain momentum 
with announcements of agreements 
to supply West of Scotland Housing 
Association, North View Housing Association 
and Link Group, all linked to the requirement, 
from 1 February 2019, for greater safety 
standards in Scotland as part of the Housing 
(Scotland) Act.  The Group is currently 
engaged in rollouts with 17 housing 
associations in Scotland.  All properties in 
Scotland must comply with this legislation 
by the end of February 2021.  In addition 
to these announcements, since the start of 
the year, the Group has begun supplying 
products to local authorities and housing 
associations with a combined portfolio of 
approximately 65,000 properties.

Alarms fi tted through the UK Trade channel 
are predominantly mains-powered solutions 
with multiple devices being required in each 
property.  This signifi cantly increases the 
value of each sale.  FireAngel’s new and 
unique connected technology solutions 
offer housing associations, landlords and 
their tenants the highest level of protection 
and maintenance.  As a result, the Group 
is seeing signifi cantly increased interest in 
its connected solutions which have been 
designed to meet heightened duty of care 
concerns within social housing.  The Group 
is currently engaged in connected solution 
trials with social housing providers with a 
combined portfolio in excess of 100,000 
properties with further trials expected 
to commence shortly for providers with 
combined estates in excess of 110,000 
properties.  In addition, fi rst expressions of 
interest have been received from a number 
of other providers with a signifi cantly higher 
combined portfolio.  Progress with current 
trials is detailed later in this statement.

UK Retail 

Revenue from the UK Retail sector increased 
by 36% to £11.3 million in 2019.  In 
addition to recovering ground lost in 2018 
as product availability issues impacted 
retailers re-stocking FireAngel ranges as 
they transitioned from BRK/First Alert stock, 
signifi cant competitive wins in the year 

included Aldi, Asda, Morrisons and securing 
principal supply to Homebase.  However, 
the most signifi cant contributor to growth 
was seen in online sales.   Revenue through 
online platforms increased signifi cantly, 
particularly through Amazon with which 
we secured business directly in August 
2018.  Our connected home proposition is 
ideally suited to online platforms and digital 
channels where we can create the content 
to clearly articulate the product features and 
user benefi ts of this new technology. 

This online growth and strong traditional 
retailer support led to UK Retail sales 
representing 25% of the Group’s turnover in 
2019 (2018: 22%).

The Retail team worked hard in the year to 
rollout the Group’s latest Pro Connected 
range of products across all retailers.  This 
culminated with the launch of the FireAngel 
Pro Connected B2C platform in January 
2020 through Amazon, Screwfi x and 
Toolstation.  The FireAngel Pro Connected 
gateway connects directly to the FireAngel 
Pro Connected range of domestic safety 
products and utilises the unique features 
provided by FireAngel Predict™, the  Group’s 
AI data analytics technology, which has 
the potential to avert domestic fi res before 
they start by automatically analysing large 
amounts of historical data in the Cloud.

6

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

7

Introduction

Executive Chairman’s statement continued

UK Fire and Rescue Services (‘UK 
F&RS’) and Utilities

Together the UK F&RS and Utilities sectors 
accounted for 13% of the Group’s revenue in 
the year (2018: 17%).  Although revenue from 
the Utilities sector declined to £1.5 million 
due to reduced demand for CO alarms from 
British Gas, the UK F&RS sector saw growth 
of 12% to £4.7 million refl ecting an increase in 
demand for FireAngel’s interconnected range 
of products and heat alarms.  We continue 
to be very proud that over 90% of the UK 
F&RS choose to fi t FireAngel alarms within 
properties.

International

Revenue from the Group’s International 
business continued to represent 24% of 
total turnover in the year.  Sales increased by 
26% to £11.1 million as overstocking issues 
at the Group’s German distributor were 
worked through and sales in Belgium grew 
signifi cantly due to legislative requirements 
for smoke alarms and the successful 
transition from BRK and First Alert products to 
FireAngel’s own product range.

Sales in France continued to show signifi cant 
improvement after record legislative-driven 
demand in 2015 and we continued to 
supply to the Singapore market to address 
the ongoing legislative requirement in that 
country.  Sales also increased in Central and 
Eastern Europe as a result of appointing a new 
network of distributors. 

The Group continues to build an exciting 
pipeline of core and connected opportunities 
internationally for 2020 and beyond.

Pace Sensors

At £1.7 million, revenue at Pace Sensors, 
the Group’s manufacturer of CO sensors, 
continued to represent 4% of total turnover 
for the Group.  As stated in previous reports, 
although the value of sales is reduced from 
levels seen prior to 2018, this refl ects the 
transition of demand to the lower cost but 
higher margin nano sensor, fi tted into an 
increasing proportion of the Group’s CO 
alarms.

Dividend

Consistent with the decision not to pay 
an interim dividend for 2019 in light of the 
Group’s trading performance, the Board is not 
recommending payment of a fi nal dividend 
for the year.  The total dividend payable for 
2019 is therefore nil pence per share (2018: nil 
pence per share).

Our dividend policy will remain under review 
with the Board’s desire to recommence 
dividend payments when it is prudent to 
do so.

Board changes 

There were a number of signifi cant changes to 
the Board during the year and subsequently.

In July 2019, the Group announced the 
resignation of Neil Smith, the Group Chief 

Executive.  Again, I would like to place on 
record here the Board’s thanks to Neil for his 
hard work and commitment through a period 
of signifi cant change.  With effect from the 
beginning of August 2019 I was appointed as 
Executive Chairman.

In September 2019, after long service to the 
Group, William Payne stepped down as a 
Non-Executive Director and was replaced 
by Simon Herrick who took on chairmanship 
of both the Audit and Remuneration 
Committees.  In the same month, Zoe Fox 
was appointed as Company Secretary.  Zoe is 
Finance Director of the Company’s principal 
subsidiary, a role which she has held since 
2010.

Subsequent to the year end, in February 2020, 
it was announced that Graham Whitworth, 
Executive Director, would become a Non-
Executive Director with effect from the release 
of the Company’s audited fi nal results for the 
year ended 31 December 2019.  As a Non-
Executive Director, Graham will continue to 
have Business Development responsibilities, 
in particular working to exploit FireAngel’s 
strong IP portfolio globally, including FireAngel 
Predict™.  

At the same time, it was also announced that 
Nick Rutter, co-founder and Chief Product 
Offi cer, had decided to step down from the 
Board continuing in his current role to focus 
on connected home development.  The 
Company’s unique technological advantage 
at this exciting time is due, in particular, to 
Nick’s foresight and vision.  

Finally, it was announced that Ashley Silverton 
had decided to step down as a Non-Executive 
Director at the Company’s forthcoming 
Annual General Meeting.  Ashley, who joined 
the Board in 2011, has provided wise and 
experienced counsel through his corporate 
experience and fi nancial expertise.  The 
search is underway for a Non-Executive 
Director with business-to-business 
experience of the technology sector to 
succeed Ashley.  

I would like to place on record my thanks 
to each of Graham, Nick and Ashley.  Their 
commitment and vision have positioned 
FireAngel at the start line of an exciting future 
and I look forward to continuing to work with 
Graham and Nick to realise the investment 
made in getting the business to this unique 
position.

Manufacturing

Following the transition of the majority of the 
Group’s manufacturing from China to Poland 
during 2018, production at the Group’s 
primary smoke alarm and connected devices 
manufacturing partner increased in 2019 
to meet the growth in demand.  However, 
despite signifi cant efforts on both sides 
to improve effi ciencies in the production 
process, there will only be incremental 
improvements in margin from this source 
in 2020.  From 2021, it is expected that 

rationalisation of the Group’s product range, 
designing for automation for new products, 
and changes in the mix of products will 
lead to more signifi cant cost and effi ciency 
improvements.

People

2019 continued to place signifi cant pressures 
on FireAngel’s employees who responded 
with exceptional commitment to the needs 
of our customers.  I once again thank them 
sincerely.

Products and brands

The Company’s investment in connected 
technology made over the last few years 
is now being evidenced by the launch of a 
range of connected products with unique 
functionality and effi ciency.  The Directors 
estimate that typical connected product 
spend is approximately £205 per property on 
initial installation.  There are 4.6 million social 
properties in the UK, giving a market size in 
the UK Trade business of almost £1 billion 
product value over fi ve years. The recurring 
revenue opportunity builds to approximately 
£55 million per annum if installed in all UK 
social housing properties.  The Directors also 
believe that the available margins in UK Trade 
are potentially double those in the ‘traditional’ 
market.

In October 2019, FireAngel launched its 
Specifi cation and Pro ranges of smoke, 
heat and CO alarms which feature Smart 
RF technology which enables all devices to 
connect wirelessly, signifi cantly removing 
the time-consuming requirement for wiring, 
channelling or trunking.  These are the only 
alarms with proven low carbon footprints 
producing on average 95 per cent. less 
carbon dioxide compared with other leading 
mains-powered alarms.  These ranges 
allow their connectivity to be upgraded 
to communicate information outside the 
property by installing a FireAngel Connect 
Gateway.  This has advantages to landlords 
in fulfi lling their duty of care in accessing vital 
information, including alarm status, history, 
replacement dates and network health.  
The system features ‘FireAngel Predict™’, 
patented technology to identify and highlight 
dangerous patterns of behaviour that increase 
fi re risk.  A network including a FireAngel 
Connect Gateway can provide real-time 
fi re and CO safety notifi cations via remote 
monitoring of the alarms for more accurate 
risk management.

In January 2020, the Group’s retail range was 
completed with the launch of the FireAngel 
Pro Connected B2C platform, initially through 
selected retail channels.  The FireAngel Pro 
Connected gateway connects directly to the 
FireAngel Pro Connected range of domestic 
safety products and utilises the unique 
features provided by FireAngel Predict™.

In February 2020, the Group announced that 
FireAngel Predict™, the Group’s predictive 
algorithm management information platform, 
had been granted a patent by the European 

Patent Offi ce following successful patent 
awards in both the US and Australia.  This 
gives FireAngel the exclusive right to exploit 
this technology in Europe and protects the 
key operating system required to deliver 
the functionality behind FireAngel Predict™.  
The technology pinpoints properties where 
there is a higher risk of a fi re which provides 
stakeholders within the housing sector a 
unique insight into the safety of the occupants 
and their property portfolio.  This is delivered 
seamlessly through online notifi cations, 
thereby protecting lives and homes and 
providing a compelling proposition to help 
fulfi l the stakeholders’ duty of care.

The launch of the connected range, combined 
with the predictive analytics offered by 
FireAngel Predict™, will address the increasing 
demand for connected solutions and allow 
the Company to access the higher margin 
product and recurring revenue streams this 
unique technology will command.

Progress with connected trials

As previously announced, trials of FireAngel’s 
connected home products, including 
FireAngel Predict™, have been ongoing and 
have been well received.  On 23 March 2020, 
the Company announced that it was close to 
signing a contract with a local authority for a 
large connected rollout using FireAngel Pro 
Connect and FireAngel Predict™.  
While commercial discussions have now 
been concluded and training for installers is 
planned in June 2020, subject to lockdown 
restrictions, with product rollout planned later 
in the same month, the inevitable disruption 
caused by the COVID-19 lockdown measures 
has delayed contractual sign off.  Further 
trials have been completed with two other 
signifi cant connected opportunities which 
have now entered commercial discussions, 
albeit, for obvious reasons, at a slower pace.  
Some further opportunities have in the past 
few weeks in fact become fi rmer despite 
the impact of COVID-19.  Further updates 
will be announced as appropriate.  Prior to 
commencing active marketing, the total 
identifi ed funnel of opportunities is worth 
approximately £100 million, of which £34 
million is already in the pipeline.  The Board 
expects to have several rollouts commencing 
in H2 2020, each of which is expected to last 
for 3 to 5 years, with a signifi cantly increasing 
recurring revenue element.  The business is 
very scalable against volume longer term, 
but the late 2020 challenge will be managing 
growth and customer expectations.  It is 
pleasing to see the Group’s connected home 
products performing well in the fi eld and the 
fi rst responses to FireAngel Predict™ have 
been positive and extremely informative for 
both customers and FireAngel.

Strategy

We have closely considered FireAngel’s 
purpose and strategic direction over the 
course of 2019.  FireAngel’s mission is to 
protect and save lives by making innovative, 
leading-edge technology home safety 
products which are simple and accessible.

The Group is now an independent, 
technology-led business with the key 
objectives of monetising the investment made 
in connected technology and to complete 
the transition of the business to become a 
provider of safety-critical connected home 
solutions.

Production yields and capacity at our 
Polish manufacturing partner have met the 
signifi cant increase in demand in the year.  
However, it remains unlikely that any cost 
reductions will be realised in the short term.  
We will continue to work together to achieve 
greater effi ciencies, but we are unlikely to 
see meaningful improvements until product 
rationalisation plans have been executed 
and we are able to introduce new products 
specifi cally designed for automation.  The 
labour content engineered into our existing 
product range is not optimal in a higher labour 
cost environment.  I remain confi dent that 
Flex is the right partner to support the Group’s 
strategic objective of developing technology 
which provides customers with innovative and 
market-leading products and solutions, and 
that this benefi t will be fully realised through 
product rationalisation and the introduction of 
new products designed for automation in the 
medium to longer term.

In the short term, the Group will seek to 
improve gross margin, which it is hoped will 
be achieved through reorganisation and 
upskilling to focus on other costs of sale, for 
example items such as warranty and product 
rework, and also in improving its speed of 
reaction.  In addition, a signifi cant short 
and medium-term opportunity for margin 
progression is expected to be realised through 
better focus on marketing and sales in the UK 
Trade market and more assertively exploiting 
digital channels.  The Group is repositioning 
existing products, reviewing pricing product 
by product and, at the same time, continuing 
to introduce newer product lines.

The strategic decision to invest heavily 
in connected technology is proving to be 
correct.  The Directors believe that FireAngel 
is uniquely positioned to satisfy the emerging 
demand and benefi t from the recurring 
revenue streams associated with services 
offered by this technology.  The benefi ts are 
now beginning to come through in successful 
real-world trials, the fi nancial benefi ts of 
which are expected to be realised in the short, 
medium and long term.  The business must 
reassess its delivery of technical solutions to 
adequately meet the size and complexity of 
these new opportunities. 

The Board continues to expect connectivity 
and interoperability between devices with 
external monitoring and messaging to be at 
the heart of medium to longer-term growth 
and profi tability.

Outlook

The Group made a solid start to the year with 
sales up 15 per cent. and gross profi t up 39 
per cent. respectively on the fi rst two months 
of 2019.  Performance in the fi rst quarter of 

I

n
t
r
o
d
u
c
t
i
o
n

2020 was close to the Board’s expectations, 
with revenue and gross profi t slightly below 
budget.  Gross profi t margin remained ahead 
of Q1 2019 and in line with budget, however, 
an opportunity to outperform was lost in part 
due to the impact of COVID-19 as March 
progressed.  The Directors believe that there 
is a rapidly increasing market interest in the 
Group’s unique solutions which bodes well for 
the future. 

As announced on 30 April 2020, while 
COVID-19 has impacted the Company 
outlook in the short term, revenue for April, at 
almost 55% of budget, was, encouragingly, 
some way ahead of the Board’s expectations.  
Revenue for May is expected to be at a 
similar level of budget achievement.  Due 
to the uncertainty around COVID-19 and 
timing of when restrictions will be lifted, the 
Board decided to withdraw the Company’s 
market guidance given that it is too early to 
substantiate or vary it with any certainty.

The Board continues to believe that the 
medium and long-term prospects for the 
Company’s unique technology are strong.  
We are encouraged by online sales resilience 
and the increasing shift to online fulfi lment 
in our Retail business.  In recent days new 
enquiries have come through our Trade 
business, adding to our growing funnel of 
opportunities.  The recent re-opening of retail 
and trade channels, and clear attempts to 
restart the construction sector, reinforce the 
expectation of a quick rebound in demand for 
FireAngel’s unique cost-effective connected 
solutions.  It is pleasing that demand, whilst 
reduced, has continued to recover in our 
international markets and the emphasis in 
many UK-customer conversations has moved 
to preparing to return to normal behaviour 
after lockdown restrictions have been lifted.

The Group is close to signing a contract for a 
large connected rollout by a London Borough 
using FireAngel Pro Connect and FireAngel 
Predict™.  This represents an important 
endorsement of the Group’s strategy and 
unique offering.  The Directors believe that no 
company in the Group’s marketplace is better 
positioned to support providers of social 
housing in their pursuit of higher levels of 
proactive fi re risk management.  
The Group has completed further trials and 
has entered commercial discussions with 
certain other larger social housing providers 
and the Directors are optimistic of further 
business wins, and of generating recurring 
revenue streams, from our growing pipeline of 
large opportunities.  The Company has fi nally 
reached the start line of an exciting future.

John Conoley - Executive Chairman
26 May 2020

8

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

9

i

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
c
r
e
v
e
w

i

Strategic review

Our proprietary technology

Our range of products is comprehensive, 
allowing the Group to tailor its smoke and CO 
alarms and accessories to suit its customers’ 
needs at various price points under the 
following brands:

FireAngel.  A market-leading and innovative 
battery operated range of smoke and CO 
alarms principally targeted at UK Retail and 
UK F&RS.

AngelEye.  Launched in 2012, FireAngel sells 
smoke alarms and CO detectors principally 
into the French market under the AngelEye 
brand which has become a leading brand 
targeted at the DIY channel in France.

FireAngel Specifi cation and FireAngel Pro.  
Our ranges of smoke, heat and CO alarms 
which feature Smart RF technology which 
enables all devices to connect wirelessly, 
signifi cantly removing the time-consuming 
requirement for wiring, channelling or 
trunking.  These are the only alarms with 
proven low carbon footprints producing on 
average 95 per cent. less carbon dioxide 
compared with other leading mains-powered 
alarms.  These ranges allow their connectivity 
to be upgraded to communicate information 
outside the property by installing a FireAngel 
Connect Gateway.  The system features 
‘FireAngel PredictTM’, patented technology to 

identify and highlight dangerous patterns of 
behaviour that increase fi re risk.  A network 
including a FireAngel Connect Gateway 
can provide real-time fi re and CO safety 
notifi cations via remote monitoring of the 
alarms for more accurate risk management.

Pace Sensors.  CO sensors used within 
FireAngel’s CO products are developed by 
FireAngel and Pace Sensors, FireAngel’s 
wholly-owned subsidiary in Canada. Pace 
Sensors’ CO sensors are used within all 
FireAngel, AngelEye and Pace Sensors’ CO 
detectors.

Enhanced Protection

Simple Connection

The Wi-Safe 2 range of products are designed 
to provide an enhanced level of fi re and CO 
safety for high risk individuals such as the 
deaf, those with mild to moderate hearing 
loss, children and people under the infl uence 
of alcohol or drugs.

Wi-Safe 2 products can be linked together in 
a matter of seconds with a simple two button 
connection process. Wi-Safe 2 simplifi es 
installation with no need for extra wiring, 
mess or fuss.

Intelligent Locate
The intelligent locate feature means on 
activation, pressing the Test / Silence button 
on any alarm in the network will silence all but 
the initiating alarm which has sensed smoke, 
heat or CO.

Corporate social responsibility

Introduction

Corporate social responsibility is integral to our success.  We aspire to carry out our business activities to the highest ethical standards, act 
responsibly and make a positive impact in our interactions with all our stakeholders.

Respect for people and diversity

Employee experience and satisfaction in the workplace are very important to us.  Operating our business in a non-discriminatory manner that 
focusses on the fair treatment and respect for each other is a core value and underpins our interactions with our employees, customers and suppliers.

The Board and the Company’s human resources function are responsible for ensuring that our policies and practices refl ect best practice for equality 
of opportunity and long-term professional development for our employees.  All senior management are responsible for ensuring that throughout the 
business our workplace is free from harassment and bullying and we strive to create a positive environment that is supportive, enables employees to 
fulfi l their maximum potential and drives our business performance.

We are committed to ensuring that within the framework of the law, FireAngel is free from discrimination on any grounds.  FireAngel is an equal 
opportunities employer and ensures that all applications for employment are given full and fair consideration.  Every effort is made to support 
employees to be successful in their careers.  Our people and development policies are reviewed regularly to ensure that they are non-discriminatory 
and promote equal opportunity.  In particular, recruitment, selection, promotion, and training and development are all monitored to ensure that all 
employees have the opportunity to progress in line with their abilities.

Supporting our community

We regularly donate to various charities, including a number of CO and fi re fi ghter charities.  We have an established charity committee to manage our 
involvement with, and support of, local and national charities.  We also work closely with local universities to give presentations and support students 
with their career progression including, where appropriate, work experience in the Group.

Health, safety and the environment

Supporting health, safety and the environment are important elements to our success.  We view the standards of health and safety required by law 
as being only the minimum and endeavour to follow best practice at each of our sites.  The Group complies with all local legislation relevant to the 
respective territories in which it operates.

To support the environment, we have a range of initiatives from recycling to encouraging staff to cycle to work through a tax-effi cient cycle-to-work 
scheme.  We believe that we were the fi rst company in our industry to have a smoke alarm with its own very low carbon footprint where the product 
range has been specifi cally designed to minimise power consumption using approximately 10% of the stand-by power of a conventional alarm.

Wider stakeholder engagement

The Group conducts employee opinion surveys to receive employees’ feedback on all aspects of employment with the business.  Senior managers 
meet regularly with employees to update them on the Group’s performance and to discuss business-related issues.

The Group also encourages feedback from its customers through its Business Unit Directors supported by product management specialists as 
required.

The Group’s marketing, product management and new product introduction teams regularly engage with customers, industry bodies and trade 
associations, both directly and through social media.  In addition the Group’s technical support team liaises with customers through its call centre, 
social media and its website.

10

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

11

 
Performance review

Group fi nancial results

“Although the Group moved forward signifi cantly with revenue, legacy 
issues continued to be a major distraction at the expense of driving 
forward strategic goals.  The success of recent trials positions us well 
to move forward into 2020 and beyond.”

Mike Stilwell - Group Finance Director

Overview

Despite a signifi cant increase in revenue, 2019 proved once again to be a year of signifi cant disruption and distraction for the Group with results 
negatively impacted by legacy issues as a result of certain historically poor internal processes.  Actions have been taken to address this.

Underlying Group performance

2019

2018 Restated

Before non-
underlying items and 
change to straight 
line amortisation
£m

Impact of 
change to 
straight line 
amortisation
£m

Non-
underlying 
items
£m

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profi t

Operating expenses

Loss from operations

45.5

(36.8)

8.7

(11.6)

(2.9)

-

-

-

(0.9)

(0.9)

-

(4.3)

(4.3)

(2.6)

(6.9)

Before non-
underlying 
items
£m

Non-
underlying 
items
£m

37.6

(28.9)

8.7

(10.7)

(2.0)

-

(1.2)

(1.2)

(2.7)

(3.8)

Total
£m

45.5

(41.1)

4.4

(15.1)

(10.7)

Total
£m

37.6

(30.0)

7.6

(13.4)

(5.8)

Total revenue for the year increased by 21% from £37.6 million to £45.5 million resulting in an underlying operating loss1 of £2.9 million compared 
to £2.0 million in 2018.  The adjusted gross profi t2 was maintained at £8.7 million which represented an adjusted gross margin2 of 19.0% (2018: 
23.2%).  The underlying loss before tax3 was £3.2 million (2018: £2.1 million).  Underlying EBITDA4 improved from a loss of £0.9 million in 2018 to a 
reduced loss of £0.4 million in 2019.

1 Underlying operating loss in 2019 of £2.9 million is before the impact of the change to straight line amortisation of £0.9 million and before non-
underlying items of £6.9 million (further details of which are set out below) (2018: underlying operating loss of £2.0 million before non-underlying 
items of £3.8 million).

2 Adjusted gross profi t is stated before non-underlying items of £4.3 million (2018 restated: non-underlying items of £1.2 million).  Adjusted gross 
margin is adjusted gross profi t as a percentage of revenue.

3 Underlying loss before tax in 2019 of £3.2 million is before the impact of the change to straight line amortisation of £0.9 million and before non-
underlying items of £6.9 million (2018: underlying loss before tax of £2.1 million before non-underlying items of £3.8 million).

4 Underlying EBITDA in 2019 of (£0.4) million is loss before tax before depreciation and amortisation of £3.4 million, fi nance costs of £0.3 million 
and non-underlying items of £6.9 million (2018: underlying EBITDA of (£0.9) million is loss before tax before depreciation and amortisation of £1.1 
million, fi nance costs of £0.1 million and non-underlying items of £3.8 million).

The key drivers for changes in revenue and adjusted gross margin are detailed in the Executive Chairman’s statement on pages 6 to 9. 

Overall cash infl ow in the year was £0.8 million (2018: outfl ow of £2.0 million) and net debt (before lease obligations) at 31 December 2019 was 
£4.9 million.  This compared with net debt (before lease obligations) of £4.4 million at 31 December 2018.  The net movement of £0.5 million 
comprised an increase in cash and cash equivalents of £0.8 million and a net increase in bank debt of £1.3 million through repayment of £5.7 
million under the revolving credit facility and drawdown of £7.0 million under the invoice discounting facility.

P
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
c
e
r
e
v
e
w

i

Income statement

Revenue by business unit 

Revenue split between the Group’s business units and Pace Sensors is as follows:

UK Trade

UK Retail

UK F&RS

UK Utilities

Total sales in the UK

International

Pace Sensors

Total revenue

2019
£m

15.2

11.3

4.7

1.5

32.7

11.1

1.7

45.5

2018
£m

12.4

8.3

4.2

2.3

27.2

8.8

1.6

37.6

Inc/(dec)
£m

Inc/(dec)
%

Proportion
%

Proportion
%

2019

2018

2.8

3.0

0.5

(0.8)

5.5

2.3

0.1

7.9

23%

36%

12%

(35%)

20%

26%

6%

21%

34%

25%

10%

3%

72%

24%

4%

33%

22%

11%

6%

72%

24%

4%

100%

100%

Overall, the Group’s revenue increased by 21% to £45.5 million.  The most signifi cant factors in the £7.9 million increase were the improvement 
in sales in the UK Retail, UK Trade and International markets which saw revenues increase to £11.3 million, £15.2 million and £11.1 million 
respectively as a result of growth in core demand, the completion of the transition process to FireAngel products and the resolution of stock 
availability issues which impacted 2018.  Revenue increased in the UK F&RS business unit to £4.7 million as demand increased for FireAngel’s 
interconnected range of products and heat alarms.  This was partially offset by a reduction in revenue in the UK Utilities business unit due to 
reduced demand from British Gas for CO alarms. Revenue at Pace Sensors, the Group’s manufacturer of CO sensors, increased slightly to £1.7 
million through increased demand of its cheaper, higher-margin, nano sensor technology.

Gross profi t and gross margin

Adjusted gross profi t2 remained level at £8.7 
million and represented an adjusted gross 
margin2 of 19.0% (2018: 23.2%).  
The reduction in adjusted gross margin2 was 
largely due to the detrimental impact of the 
value of sterling against the US dollar (due to 
the prolonged weakening of sterling against 
the US dollar increasing the sterling cost of 
components used in the Group’s products, 
and the strengthening of sterling against the 
US dollar since September 2019 increasing 
the committed cost of forward contracts 
at the year end), higher costs and delayed 
product availability at the Group’s smoke and 
connected devices manufacturing partner, the 
change in sales mix towards the lower margin 
UK Retail sector, and the impact of sales 
growth on the Company’s processes.

During the year, overall gross profi t was 
impacted by a number of non-underlying 
items charged to cost of sales.  Firstly, the 
legacy FireAngel battery warranty provision 
was increased by £1.4 million due to increased 
costs of supplying replacement products.  The 
provision was also increased by £2.7 million 
largely refl ecting an increase in the terminal 
volume of units expected to be impacted, of 
which £1.2 million was charged through the 
income statement for 2019 and £1.5 million 
was accounted for as a prior period adjustment 
(see note 8 to the fi nancial statements).  
Secondly, a provision of £1.7 million was made 
against certain lines of stock and associated 
disposal costs as a result of a thorough review 
of product lines and future development plans.  
Further details are given below.

restated: 20.1%).  As a result of the termination 
of the BRK agreement, the distribution fee paid 
by the Group to BRK, its former manufacturing 
and distribution partner, reduced to £nil for the 
year (2018: £0.9 million).

Exchange rates

Sterling strengthened slightly against the euro 
by around 1% on average over the year.  This 
was unfavourable to the sterling translation 
of the Group’s euro-denominated income, on 
signifi cantly higher year-on-year revenue from 
this sector.  Over the same period, sterling 
weakened against the US dollar by around 
4% on average.  This was unfavourable to the 
sterling translation of the Group’s US dollar-
denominated component purchases.

There was signifi cant variation in the value 
of sterling against the US dollar over the 
year, particularly in the second half of 2019.  
The Group has a forward hedging policy 
which aims to mitigate the risk of currency 
fl uctuations by locking into current rates for 
future periods on a set percentage of expected 
future currency fl ows.  The strengthening of 
sterling against the US dollar since September 
2019 increased the committed sterling cost of 
forward contracts entered into in accordance 
with the Group’s policy to hedge future US-
dollar purchase requirements.  This mark-to-
market increase in sterling cost is required to 
be recognised in cost of sales for the year and, 
to the extent that this was not mitigated by the 
retranslation of other US-dollar denominated 
monetary items, had a detrimental impact on 
the gross margin for the year.

Overheads

The overall gross profi t decreased from 
£7.6 million to £4.4 million, largely due to the 
non-underlying items described above, and 
represented a gross margin of 9.6% (2018 

The Group’s overhead costs comprise the 
distribution and administrative costs of running 
the business.  Excluding non-underlying 
items totalling £2.6 million (2018: £2.7 million), 

further details of which are given below, and 
the £0.9 million impact of changing to straight 
line amortisation, overheads of £11.6 million 
were 8% ahead of the prior year’s £10.7 
million, approximately £1.2 million of which 
was due to increased underlying depreciation 
and amortisation of the Group’s tangible and 
intangible assets as a result of a full year’s 
charge relating to machinery and set up costs 
at the Group’s new manufacturer of products 
in Poland.  Excluding this increase, underlying 
overheads were lower than the previous year.

As a result of a review during the year of 
the Group’s processes, procedures and 
controls, it was concluded that the ‘straight 
line’ method of amortisation for the Group’s 
connected home capitalised development 
costs was more appropriate given the diffi culty 
in accurately predicting the timing of the 
take up of its connected home technology.  
This reverses the decision taken in 2017 to 
adopt the ‘units of production’ method of 
amortisation which, under accounting rules, 
is only appropriate where demand can be 
measured with suffi cient reliability.  
This change to straight line amortisation over 
seven years has no impact on expected cash 
fl ows and gives greater certainty to future 
income statement charges.  The impact of 
the move to straight line amortisation was to 
increase overheads by £0.9 million in the year.  
Further details are given in note 17 to 
the fi nancial statements.

Total overhead costs amounted to £15.1 
million (2018: £13.4 million), the adverse 
movement largely due to the increase in 
underlying depreciation and amortisation 
and the move to straight line amortisation 
described above.

12

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

13

 
Performance review

Group fi nancial results continued

Non-underlying items in 2019

Non-underlying costs totalling £6.9 million were incurred in the year as follows:

Within cost of sales:

•  Provision for warranty costs: during the year, the FireAngel battery warranty provision, an isolated legacy issue relating to a third-party supplier fi rst 
identifi ed in April 2016, was increased by £1.4 million as lower rework yields and higher product costs compared to those originally anticipated when 
the provision was estimated three years ago, were leading to increased costs of supplying replacement products.  In addition, a charge of £1.2 million 
was made largely to refl ect an increase in the terminal volume of units expected to be impacted by the issue based on the level of returns currently 
being seen.

•  Stock impairment and disposal costs: £1.7 million was provided in the year as a result of a thorough review of product lines and future 
development plans in line with the Group’s evolved strategy to become a more technology-led connected home solutions provider.

Within operating expenses:

•  Restructuring and certain fundraising costs of £0.7 million were incurred in the year.

•   Intangible capitalised development assets of £1.8 million were impaired during the year as a result of a thorough review of product lines and future 

development costs.

•  Share-based payment charges of £37,000 were incurred during the year.

Non-underlying items in 2018

Non-underlying costs totalling £3.8 million were incurred in 2018 to provide against stock and disposal costs, for incremental production ramp up 
costs at the Group’s smoke alarm and connected devices manufacturing partner, for the costs of restructuring the Group’s German distribution 
channels, and share-based payment charges.  Further details are given in note 7 to the fi nancial statements.

Prior period adjustment

In addition to the items above charged through the 2019 income statement in relation to the legacy battery warranty provision, an amount of £1.5 
million was recorded to increase the provision through a prior period adjustment.  Towards the end of 2019, continuing ongoing monitoring of 
warranty returns data identifi ed that the number of units expected to be impacted by the third-party supplied battery impedance issue could be 
higher than originally anticipated.  The need for this prior period adjustment was due to an error in the operational assumptions made regarding 
product manufactured between 2016 and Q1 2018.  No further increase in the number of units impacted is expected as the issue relates only to units 
produced at one of the Company’s previous manufacturers in China up to the end of March 2018.  Approximately £0.3 million of this additional charge 
has been utilised at 31 December 2019.  Due to the introduction of various product design changes, units produced at the Company’s manufacturing 
partner in Poland since April 2018 should not be affected by these historic issues.  Further details are given in note 8 to the fi nancial statements.

Result for the year

The underlying operating loss1 for the year amounted to £2.9 million compared to an underlying operating loss1 of £2.0 million in 2018.  After taking 
account of the impact of the change to straight line amortisation of £0.9 million, the non-underlying items of £6.9 million and fi nance charges of £0.3 
million as a result of interest on borrowings in the year, the Group reported a loss before tax of £11.0 million (2018 restated: £5.9 million).

The Group booked a tax credit of £1.6 million (2018 restated: tax credit of £1.4 million) due largely to the recognition of tax losses and the surrender of 
taxable losses for a research and development tax credit.

Basic and diluted EPS for the year was a loss of 14.0 pence per share (2018 restated: loss of 9.9 pence per share).

Statement of fi nancial position

The net assets of the Group amounted to £17.2 million at 31 December 2019 (2018 restated: £21.0 million) and can be summarised as follows:

 2019 

 2018 Restated 

Goodwill

Plant and equipment 

Right-of-use-assets

Capitalised development costs 

Purchased software costs

Non-current assets

Net cash balances

Loans and borrowings

Net debt

Lease liabilities

Net working capital 

Net tax asset (including deferred tax)

Net derivative fi nancial (liabilities)/assets

Warranty provision 

Net assets 

14

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

£m

0.2

3.8

1.5

12.6

2.5

20.6

2.1

(7.0)

(4.9)

(1.5)

6.2

0.7

(0.4)

(3.5)

17.2

£m

0.2

4.0

-

13.2

2.9

20.3

1.3

(5.7)

(4.4)

-

7.8

0.3

0.1

(3.1)

21.0

Non-current assets at 31 December 2019 amounted to £20.6 million compared with £20.3 million at 31 December 2018.  The most signifi cant 
components of this were capitalised development costs, with a net book value of £12.6 million, plant and equipment (£3.8 million) and purchased 
software costs (£2.5 million).  Capitalised development assets of £1.8 million were impaired during the year as a result of a thorough review of product 
lines and future development costs.

Total capital expenditure in the year decreased to £3.7 million compared to £6.1 million in 2018 refl ecting completion in the prior year of signifi cant 
investment in tooling at the Group’s primary smoke alarm and connected devices manufacturer.  Of this total, £2.9 million represented capitalised 
development expenditure to further enhance the Group’s connected home and wider technology portfolio as described in note 17 to the fi nancial 
statements.

Total capital expenditure of £3.7 million (2018: £6.1 million) compares with depreciation, amortisation and impairment charges totalling £5.2 million in 
the year (2018: £1.1 million).

The Group adopted IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ with effect from 1 January 2019.  The standard eliminates the classifi cation of leases as either operating or 
fi nance leases and introduces a single accounting model requiring lessees to recognise assets and liabilities for all leases unless the underlying 
asset has a low value or the lease term is twelve months or less.  Lessees are required to recognise on the balance sheet right-of-use assets which 
represent the right to use underlying assets during the lease term and a lease liability representing the minimum lease payment for all leases.  
Depreciation of right-of-use assets and interest on lease liabilities is charged to the income statement, replacing the corresponding operating lease 
rentals.  The Group has applied the modifi ed retrospective approach and therefore at the date of initial application an amount equal to the lease 
liability, using appropriate incremental borrowing rates, has been recognised as a right-of-use asset.  The adoption of IFRS 16 has increased both 
‘Non-current assets’ and ‘Total liabilities’ at 31 December 2019 by £1.5 million, but has not had a material impact on the overall result for the year in 
the income statement.  Further details are given in notes 1 and 18 to the fi nancial statements.

Working capital reduced signifi cantly by £1.6 million to £6.2 million at 31 December 2019.  Stock reduced by £2.1 million to £6.3 million (2018: £8.4 
million) a large part of which was due to the non-underlying charge of £1.7 million to provide for the cost of older stock and its disposal as a result of a 
thorough review of product lines and future development plans in line with the Group’s evolved strategy to become a more technology-led connected 
home solutions provider.    

Trade and other receivables increased by £1.3 million to £12.1 million (2018: £10.8 million) as a result of increased revenue in the year with average 
debtor days reducing from 89 to 59 due to the favourable mix of customers across the year.

Trade and other payables increased by £0.7 million to £12.2 million (2018: £11.5 million).  Average creditor days returned to a more normal 76 days 
(2018: 137 days), the prior year infl ated due to the delayed payment terms negotiated as part of the BRK Settlement Agreement.

Net tax assets at 31 December 2019 amounted to £0.7 million (2018 restated: £0.3 million) and comprised a current tax asset of £0.7 million (2018: 
£1.2 million), deferred tax assets of £2.4 million (2018 restated: £1.5 million) and deferred tax liabilities of £2.4 million (2018: £2.4 million).  Deferred tax 
assets refl ect temporary timing differences in the treatment for tax and accounting of the Group’s trading losses and share-based payments charge.  
Deferred tax liabilities largely refl ect timing differences in the treatment of accelerated research and development tax credits on product development 
costs.

The Group’s warranty provision at 31 December 2019 amounted to £3.5 million (2018 restated: £3.1 million) of which £1.5 million is expected to 
be utilised within twelve months of the balance sheet date.  This provision predominantly covers the expected costs of replacing smoke alarm 
products over the next three to four years where an issue in certain batteries provided by a third-party supplier, announced in April 2016, may cause a 
premature low battery warning chirp and increased during the year as explained above.

Cash

The Group ended the year with net debt (before lease obligations) of £4.9 million at 31 December 2019 (2018: net debt £4.4 million).

The movement in net debt (before lease obligations) during the year is refl ected in the statement of fi nancial position as follows:

P
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
c
e
r
e
v
e
w

i

Increase in cash balances and net cash infl ow

Drawdown of invoice discounting facility

Repayment of revolving credit facility

Increase in net debt (before lease obligations)

£m

(0.8)

7.0

(5.7)

0.5

The net cash infl ow of £0.8 million in the year is summarised in the table below.  The most signifi cant non-operating cash fl ow items include the costs 
of the warranty provision and other non-underlying items totalling £2.4 million, capital expenditure of £3.7 million as described above, and the cash 
fl ows in relation to the fundraising and restructure of bank facilities described below.

On 16 April 2019, the Company raised £6.0 million through the issue of 30,000,000 new ordinary shares at an issue price of 20p per share and 
incurred fundraising costs of £0.5 million.  In conjunction with the fundraising, the Group restructured its borrowing facilities with HSBC and moved 
from a revolving credit facility to an invoice discounting and overdraft facility.  As such, in the year the Group repaid the £7.0 million loan drawn under 
the revolving credit facility, £1.3 million of which had been drawn since the beginning of the period, and drew down £7.0 million of invoice 
discounting facility.

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

15

 
2019

2018 Restated

 £m

(11.0)

0.9

2.6

1.7

0.7

1.8

-

-

0.1

(3.2)

 £m

(5.9)

-

-

1.1

-

-

0.9

1.7

0.1

(2.1)

2019

2018 Restated

 £m

(11.0)

0.3

3.4

2.6

1.7

0.7

1.8

-

-

0.1

(0.4)

 £m

(5.9)

0.1

1.1

-

1.1

-

-

0.9

1.7

0.1

(0.9)

P
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
c
e
r
e
v
e
w

i

Performance review

Group fi nancial results continued

Underlying operating loss1

Depreciation and amortisation charges

(Increase)/decrease in working capital

Decrease/(increase) in fair value of derivatives

Cash (used by)/from operations before non-underlying payments

Cash cost of warranty provision and other non-underlying items

Cash used by operations

Interest paid (net)

Taxation received

Capital expenditure

Proceeds from share issue (net)

Drawdown of invoice fi nance

Drawdown of loan

Repayment of loan

Loan restructuring costs

Lease payments

Net cash fl ow

 2019 

 2018 

Impact of change to straight line amortisation

Underlying loss before tax 

Reported loss before tax

 £m

(2.9)

2.5

(0.4)

0.6

(0.2)

(2.4)

(2.6)

(0.4)

1.2

(3.7)

5.5

7.0

1.3

(7.0)

(0.2)

(0.3)

0.8

 £m

(2.0)

1.1

2.1

(0.6)

0.6

(2.2)

(1.6)

(0.1)

-

(6.0)

-

-

5.7

-

-

-

(2.0)

Non-underlying items:

- Provision for warranty costs

- Provision against stock and disposal costs

- Restructuring and fundraising costs

- Impairment of intangible assets

- Incremental production ramp up costs

- Restructure of distribution channels

- Share-based payments charge

Underlying loss before tax

Underlying EBITDA 

Reported loss before tax

Finance costs

Depreciation and amortisation

Non-underlying items:

- Provision for warranty costs

- Provision against stock and disposal costs

- Restructuring and fundraising costs

- Impairment of intangible assets

- Incremental production ramp up costs

- Restructure of distribution channels

- Share-based payments charge

Underlying EBITDA

1 Underlying operating loss in 2019 of £2.9 million is before the impact of the change to straight line amortisation of £0.9 million and before non-
underlying items of £6.9 million (2018: underlying operating loss of £2.0 million before non-underlying items of £3.8 million).

Use of non-GAAP fi nancial performance measures

Certain disclosures and analyses set out in this Annual Report and Accounts include measures which are not defi ned by generally accepted 
accounting principles (‘GAAP’) under EU-adopted IFRS.  We believe this information, along with comparable GAAP measurements, is useful 
to investors.  Management uses these fi nancial measures, along with the most directly comparable GAAP fi nancial measures, in evaluating our 
operating performance.  Non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, fi nancial information presented in 
compliance with GAAP.  

In the following table we provide a reconciliation of this and other non-GAAP measures, as defi ned in the Performance Review on pages 12 to 17, to 
relevant GAAP measures:

Net cash

Underlying profi t measures

Adjusted gross profi t

Reported gross profi t

Non-underlying items:

- Provision for warranty costs

- Provision against stock and disposal costs

Adjusted gross profi t

Adjusted gross margin percentage
Adjusted gross margin percentage is the adjusted gross profi t (as defi ned above) as a proportion of revenue.

Underlying operating loss 

Reported operating loss

Impact of change to straight line amortisation

Non-underlying items:

- Provision for warranty costs

- Provision against stock and disposal costs

- Restructuring and fundraising costs

- Impairment of intangible assets

- Incremental production ramp up costs

- Restructure of distribution channels

- Share-based payments charge

Underlying operating loss

16

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

2019
 £m

2018 Restated
 £m

4.4

2.6

1.7

8.7

7.6

-

1.1

8.7

Net cash is considered to be a non-GAAP measure as it is not defi ned in IFRS.  The most directly comparable IFRS measure is the aggregate of loans 
and other borrowings (current and non-current) and cash and cash equivalents.  This is the calculation used by the Group to measure net cash.

Post balance sheet events

On 23 March 2020, the Company announced details of an open offer and placing to raise approximately £6.1 million to strengthen its balance sheet, 
execute self-help plans to improve gross margin, deploy and support the connected homes technology and fund part of the additional expected 
liabilities for the Company’s legacy battery warranty issue fi rst identifi ed in 2016.  On 8 April 2020, the Company issued 50,623,480 new ordinary 
shares at 12 pence per share as a result of valid acceptances under the open offer and placing.  The Company’s share capital consequently increased 
to 126,558,845 ordinary shares.

The impact of COVID-19 is described in detail in the Executive Chairman’s statement on page 9 and within the Going Concern accounting policy.

2019

2018 Restated

Mike Stilwell - Group Finance Director
26 May 2020

 £m

(10.7)

0.9

2.6

1.7

0.7

1.8

-

-

0.1

(2.9)

 £m

(5.8)

-

-

1.1

-

-

0.9

1.7

0.1

(2.0)

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

17

 
Governance

Board of Directors and Company Secretary

At the date of this report, FireAngel’s Board of Directors comprises four Non-Executive Directors and two Executive Directors, including the Executive 
Chairman.  Membership of the Audit Committee is made up solely of certain of the Independent Non-Executive Directors.  Membership of the 
Remuneration Committee includes the Executive Chairman.

The Board has the breadth and depth of skills necessary to guide the Group as it seeks to take full advantage of new opportunities and contend with 
new challenges.   A brief biography of each of the current Directors is set out below:

Non-Executive Directors

John Shepherd
Senior Independent
Non-Executive Director
AGED 66

Simon Herrick
Non-Executive Director
AGED 56

Executive Directors

John Conoley
Executive Chairman
AGED 59

Mike Stilwell
Group Finance Director
AGED 44

Mike joined FireAngel in December 2018 as Group Finance Director, 
after previously spending six years with AIM-listed Synectics plc, the 
last four of which as Group Finance Director.  Prior to this, he held senior 
fi nance roles with the Saint-Gobain Group, Coventry Building Society 
and the Caparo Group.  Mike qualifi ed as a Chartered Accountant with 
KPMG and has a fi rst-class degree in Accounting and Financial Analysis 
from the University of Warwick.

John was appointed as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board on 
22 January 2019.  With effect from 1 August 2019, following the resignation 
of Neil Smith as Group Chief Executive, John was appointed Executive 
Chairman.  He brings signifi cant executive and non-executive Board-level 
experience of both fully-listed and AIM-quoted businesses.  John began his 
career in the IT industry with IBM in 1983, and worked in a range of industries 
in technical, sales, and marketing roles.  Since then, John has held general 
management and director-level roles in small and medium-sized private and 
public companies.  Recent public company roles include Chief Executive 
Offi cer of Psion PLC, 
the fully-listed international mobile device company, from April 2008 to 
October 2012 when it was sold to Motorola; and Non-Executive Director 
of NetDimensions (Holdings) Limited, the AIM-quoted human capital 
management software company, from October 2016 to April 2017 when it was 
sold to Learning Technologies plc.  Current roles comprise Non-Executive 
Chairman of Wameja Limited, the AIM and ASX quoted innovative mobile 
fi nancial services company, and related to that role John serves as a Non-
Executive Director of HomeSend SCRL, 
the company jointly owned by Wameja Limited and Mastercard; and 
Non-Executive Chairman of Parity Group plc, the AIM-quoted professional 
recruitment and IT services company to which he was appointed in April 2017.

Company Secretary

Zoe Fox
Company Secretary
AGED 47

Zoe was appointed as Company Secretary to the Board during 2019.  
She is Finance Director of the Group’s principal subsidiary, a role which 
she has held since 2010.  Prior to this she held the Finance Director 
position in BRK Brands Europe Limited, part of the Jarden Corporation.  
Zoe qualifi ed as an Accountant in 2004 and has a degree from the 
University of South Bank, London.

18

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

John began his career at British Aerospace where he held various 
systems and software engineering management positions.  In 1990 
he joined Smiths Industries where, as Managing Director of the 
Smiths Detection division, he was responsible for building a world-
leading transport, security and military detection systems business.  
Subsequently, he was appointed as Chief Executive of First Technology 
Group plc where he built up a substantial gas sensor and detection 
systems business prior to the company being acquired by Honeywell.  
From 2008 until 2014, John served as Chief Executive of Synectics plc, 
an AIM-listed leader in the design, integration, control and management 
of advanced surveillance technology and networked security systems.  
John succeeded William Payne as the Company’s Senior Independent 
Non-Executive Director on 24 September 2019. 

Simon joined the FireAngel Board on 24 September 2019.  He has 
signifi cant experience in senior fi nance and operational roles including 
as Chief Financial Offi cer of Debenhams plc, Chief Executive Offi cer 
and Chief Financial Offi cer of Northern Foods plc, Chief Financial 
Offi cer of Darty plc and Chief Financial Offi cer at PA Consulting Limited.  
Simon has most recently pursued a plural career and is a Non-Executive 
Director of Ramsdens plc and has undertaken a number of consultancy 
projects in a broad range of companies and sectors, most recently as 
Interim Chief Executive Offi cer of Blancco Technology Group PLC. 
Simon is a Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England 
and Wales having qualifi ed at Price Waterhouse in London and holds an 
MBA from Durham University.

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

Ashley Silverton
Non-Executive Director
AGED 60

Graham Whitworth
Non-Executive Director
AGED 65

Ashley was appointed to the Board in February 2011.  He has worked 
for Brewin Dolphin and its predecessor fi rms for more than 30 years 
and has represented Brewin Dolphin at the National Association of 
Pension Funds.  Having joined a City-based stockbroking partnership 
after graduation, he was elected to Membership of the Stock Exchange 
in 1985 and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities 
& Investment.  Throughout his career, Ashley has specialised in 
investment management for private clients and charities.  He has served 
as a committee member of the FTSE/WMA Private Investor Indices 
and was previously Head of the Brewin Dolphin London offi ce and 
a member of the Advisory Board.  Subsequent to the year end, on 5 
February 2020, it was announced that Ashley would step down from the 
Board at the Company’s forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Prior to investing as a seed investor in the business, Graham developed 
a diverse set of international business skills from the corporate 
boardroom to his own start up.  Graham has worked in a number of 
technology businesses, initially in engineering and then IT-based 
design technology roles, where he led a number of strategic initiatives 
and directed many multi-million dollar contracts with leading blue chip 
companies across a diverse set of industries with ComputerVision 
Corporation, a leading US CAD/CAM provider.  From the late 1980s 
Graham was Sales Director, Managing Director and then Executive 
Vice-President, before leaving in 1997.  In 1998, Graham started his 
own company which he later merged with Division Plc.  He became 
Managing Director before disposing of the enlarged business to 
Parametric Technology in 2000.  Graham led the original Sprue 
Aegis (now FireAngel) IPO and until February 2016 was the Group 
Chief Executive and Chairman.  He subsequently undertook the 
role of Executive Chairman until 22 January 2019, on which date he 
transitioned to the role of Executive Director.  Subsequent to the year 
end, on 5 February 2020, it was announced that Graham would become 
a Non-Executive Director on the release of the Company’s audited 
fi nancial results for the year ended 31 December 2019.  He will continue 
to have Business Development responsibilities, in particular working to 
exploit FireAngel’s strong IP portfolio globally.

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

19

Governance

Corporate governance report

“The Board is committed to ensuring the highest standards of 
corporate governance are maintained.  During 2019 the Board 
reviewed the extent of compliance with the Quoted Companies 
Alliance Corporate Governance Code for small and mid-size quoted 
companies with the aim to move to full compliance in due course.”

John Conoley - Executive Chairman

Introduction

The Board of FireAngel places great importance on effective corporate governance.  This is refl ected in our governance principles, policies and 
practices.  We believe that effective governance, not only in the boardroom but right across the business, ultimately supports an organisation in 
improving long-term fi nancial performance.  Central to this is the Group’s culture.  We work hard across the organisation to ensure that we operate 
with high standards of moral and ethical behaviour and that this expectation is clear at all levels, in the way we work, in the way we reward, and in 
everything we do.

We are rightly proud of our culture and the high standards with which our employees and the business acts.  We also recognise that culture does not 
stand still.  It must evolve as the business grows and as the environment changes to ensure our behaviours remain aligned with our size, structure and 
interests of our stakeholders.  Culture is a continuous journey and we must invest in our people and structures to ensure this remains central to driving 
behaviours as the business grows.

During 2018 the Board conducted its fi rst review of the Company’s corporate governance policies and procedures to ensure it was compliant with the 
reporting changes that came into effect in September 2018.  The Board has fully adopted, and is working towards full compliance with, the Quoted 
Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code (‘the Code’) for small and mid-size quoted companies.

The extent of compliance with the ten principles that comprise the Code was most recently reviewed by the Board on 16 December 2019.  The 
results of this review, together with an explanation of any areas of non-compliance, and any steps taken or intended to be taken to move towards full 
compliance, are set out below:

Principle

Deliver growth

Current 
compliance

Comment and disclosures

1

2

3

4

Establish a strategy and business model 
which promote long-term value for 
shareholders

Full 

The Group’s business model and strategy, together with the key risks to achieving these goals, 
and mitigating actions taken, are documented in the Introduction, Strategic review and Risks 
and risk management sections of this Annual Report.  These disclosures are supplemented by 
information in the About Us section of our website www.fi reangeltech.com.

Seek to understand and meet shareholder 
needs and expectations

Full

The Group’s approach to engagement with shareholders is documented in the Investor 
relations section of this Corporate governance report of this Annual Report.  The success of 
this engagement is measured through approval of shareholder resolutions recommended by 
the Board.  This is communicated in the Regulatory announcements section of the Investors 
area of the Group’s website www.fi reangeltech.com.

Take into account wider stakeholder and 
social responsibilities and their implications 
for long-term success

Full

The Group’s approach and actions in relation to wider stakeholder involvement and social 
responsibilities are detailed in the Corporate social responsibility section and Statutory 
Directors’ report of this Annual Report.

Embed effective risk management, 
considering both opportunities and threats, 
throughout the organisation

Full

The Group’s internal control environment and system of risk management, including the key 
risks to which the Group is exposed, are documented in this Corporate governance report 
and the Risks and risk management section of this Annual Report.

Maintain a dynamic management framework

5

Maintain the Board as a 
well-functioning, balanced 
team led by the chair

Partial

The role, composition and independence of the Board are documented in this Corporate governance report of this 
Annual Report and supplemented by information in the Directors section of the Investors area of our website 
www.fi reangeltech.com.

Since the publication of the Annual Report and Accounts 2018, it was announced on 30 July 2019 that Neil Smith, the 
Group Chief Executive, would be leaving the Company with effect from 31 July 2019 and, with effect from 1 August 
2019, John Conoley, the Company’s Chairman, would be appointed as Executive Chairman.  Graham Whitworth, 
part-time Executive Director of the Company, had agreed to extend his tenure as an Executive Director until January 
2021.  Zoe Fox was appointed Company Secretary on 17 September 2019.  In addition, on 24 September 2019, it 
was announced that Simon Herrick had joined the Company as a Non-Executive Director replacing William Payne 
who resigned with immediate effect.  Simon succeeded William in chairing the Company’s Audit and Remuneration 
Committees and John Shepherd succeeded William as Senior Independent Non-Executive Director.  Subsequent 
to the year end, on 5 February 2020, it was announced that Graham Whitworth would become a Non-Executive 
Director on the release of the Company’s audited fi nancial results for the year ended 31 December 2019.

The Board recognises that the primary responsibility of the chair is to lead the Board effectively and to oversee 
the adoption, delivery and communication of the Company’s corporate governance model.  There should be 
adequate separation from the day-to-day business to be able to make independent decisions.  The chair should not 
normally also fulfi l the role of chief executive.  This separation of roles existed in the Company from John Conoley’s 
appointment as Non-Executive Chairman on 22 January 2019 until his appointment as Executive Chairman on 1 
August 2019 after the departure of the Chief Executive, Neil Smith.  The Nominations Committee considered carefully 
the appropriateness of the joint role and concluded that John’s skillset and experience were well matched to the 
current requirements of the Company as it transitioned to become a provider of safety-critical connected home 
solutions.  The joint role, discussed beforehand with major shareholders, is expected to be short to medium term 
in tenure until the Company has moved further in its transition described above, at which point it is the intention to 
appoint a Chief Executive with skills appropriate for the challenges of the transitioned business.  In addition, Board 
independence and structure, particularly with more recent changes in composition, are considered to be suffi ciently 
robust to ensure that independent decisions can be made despite increased day-to-day involvement by the chair.

The experience and skills of each Director are described in the Board of Directors section of the Governance 
section of this Annual Report and supplemented by information in the Directors section of the Investors area of our 
website www.fi reangeltech.com.  The roles of the Senior Independent Non-Executive Director and the Company 
Secretary, together with a description of the ongoing education of the Directors, are detailed in this Corporate 
governance report of this Annual Report.

Given the changes in Board composition during 2019, it was concluded that a formal process for evaluating the 
Board would be undertaken by the Nominations Committee during 2020 when new structures and relationships 
had been established.  However, the understanding, effectiveness and contribution of each Director is kept under 
constant review by the Chairman with each Director’s performance being reviewed before any proposal for re-
election at the Annual General Meeting.

The promotion of the Group’s corporate culture is evident in everything the Group does.  This can be seen in our 
Business Model in the Introduction section of this Annual Report, in the Corporate and social responsibility section 
and addressed specifi cally in the Chairman’s Introduction to this Corporate governance report.

The Board structure, its committees, their roles and members, and the roles of Directors with specifi c remits, are 
described in this Corporate governance report and in the individual committee reports of this Annual Report.  The 
terms of reference of the committees are detailed in the Resources section of our website www.fi reangeltech.com.

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

The Group’s approach and actions in relation to wider stakeholder engagement are detailed in the Statutory 
Directors’ report of this Annual Report.  Details of all shareholder communications are provided on the Group’s 
website, including historical annual reports, general meetings and the outcome of all general meeting votes.  The 
Group’s regulatory RNS and RNS Reach announcements are also listed in the Regulatory announcements section 
of the Investors area of our website www.fi reangeltech.com. 

6

7

8

9

Build trust

10

Full

Partial

Full

Full

Full

Ensure that between 
them the directors have 
the necessary up-to-date 
experience, skills and 
capabilities

Evaluate board 
performance based 
on clear and relevant 
objectives, seeking 
continuous improvement

Promote a corporate 
culture that is based 
on ethical values and 
behaviours

Maintain governance 
structures and processes 
that are fi t for purpose and 
support good decision-
making by the board

Communicate how the 
company is governed 
and is performing by 
maintaining a dialogue with 
shareholders and other 
relevant stakeholders

The Group’s corporate governance disclosures include the Corporate Governance Report, the Audit Committee Report and the Remuneration 
Committee Report.

Leadership and operation of the Board

The Board has ten full meetings scheduled in a year, with attendance in person expected where possible.  Occasionally, Board members may join by 
telephone if other commitments prevent attendance in person.  In addition, ad hoc board meetings are called to address exceptional or administrative 
matters.

All Directors are expected to devote such time as is necessary for the proper performance of their duties.  After taking into consideration the 
availability and time commitment demanded of individual members, the Chairman was satisfi ed that the members of the Board were able to devote 
suffi cient time and resource to perform their roles for the Group.

The ‘chief operating decision making’ authority is the Board which delegates day-to-day responsibility for managing the Group to the Executive 
Management Team (‘EMT’) led by the Executive Chairman.  The Executive Chairman leads the weekly trading review meetings of the Group to ensure 
operational targets are met or exceeded.  Details of the EMT and trading review meetings are set out below.

The EMT is responsible for developing and implementing the strategy approved by the Board and led by the Executive Chairman.  In particular, 
it is responsible for ensuring that the Group’s budget and forecasts are properly prepared, that targets are met, and for generally managing and 
developing the business within the overall budget.  Any changes in strategy or signifi cant deviation from budget require explanation to, and approval 
of, the Board.

The EMT typically meets weekly and comprises the two Executive Directors, with other senior managers attending as appropriate.

20

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

21

Governance

Corporate governance report continued

Three business unit directors collectively manage the Group’s fi ve business units.  They report into, and meet with, the Executive Chairman.  
Trading review meetings are also held weekly and include key managers from each of the departments across the business.  Business unit reviews 
are typically held once per quarter and together with the trading review meetings, this provides the forum for the Executive Chairman to ensure 
a consistent implementation of FireAngel’s business agenda across the organisation.  Business unit meetings are also attended by other senior 
departmental managers as required.

On 17 September 2019, Zoe Fox was appointed Company Secretary of the Group.  All Directors have access to the advice and services of the 
Company Secretary.  Both the appointment and removal of the Company Secretary are matters reserved for the Board.  All Directors have the benefi t 
of directors’ and offi cers’ liability insurance and are entitled to take independent professional advice at the Group’s expense.  The Directors keep their 
skills up-to-date through regular updates from the Group’s advisory team, review of relevant publications, and attendance at appropriate seminars 
and market updates.

On 24 September 2019, John Shepherd succeeded William Payne as Senior Independent Non-Executive Director of the Group following William’s 
resignation from the Board.  John provides a communication channel between the Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors and is available to 
discuss matters with shareholders when required.

The Board agenda
The Board’s responsibilities include:
•  setting and monitoring the strategic objectives of the Group and reviewing individual management performance;
•  monitoring the risks to achieving the strategic objectives;
•  providing entrepreneurial leadership within a framework of prudent and effective controls for risk assessment and management;
•  ensuring that appropriate resources are in place and being managed effectively for the Group to create long-term shareholder value; and
•  approving annual budgets and investments in the Group’s technology roadmap.

The agenda for each Board meeting is reviewed by the Chairman to ensure that suffi cient time is given to consideration of the most signifi cant issues.
The Board receives the minutes of all Board Committee meetings at the next Board meeting following the Board Committee meeting.  The culture 
of the Board is such that Non-Executive Directors are encouraged to constructively challenge the performance of management through rigorous 
discussion and debate in meeting the goals and objectives agreed to achieve the Group’s strategy.

Board meetings
During 2019 matters dealt with by the Board included:

•   review and monitoring of Group strategy and progress against 

•   review of corporate governance matters and reporting including a 

business objectives;

•  operational and fi nancial performance of the Group;
•  approval of the Group’s budget;
•  approval of fi nancial statements and dividend policy;
•  risk management oversight;
•  Board and senior management succession planning;
•  approval of large contracts and bids;
•  consideration of Audit and Remuneration Committee reports and 
recommendations;

review of compliance with the Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate 
Governance Code for small and mid-size quoted companies, fi rst 
adopted during 2018;

•  review of the Group’s plans in relation to Brexit;
•   the re-appointment of RSM UK Audit LLP as external auditor, upon 

the recommendation of the Audit Committee; and

•   reviewing the Group’s product development roadmap and 

technological developments in the industry.

Excluding ad hoc Board meetings for general administrative matters, the number of Board and Board 
Committee meetings attended in person or by telephone is set out as follows:

JR Conoley - Executive Chairman

SE Herrick1 - Chairman of Audit and Remuneration Committees

WJB Payne2

NA Rutter

J Shepherd

AV Silverton

NC Smith3

MJ Stilwell

GRA Whitworth

1. Number of meetings eligible to attend after appointment, Board: two; Audit Committee: nil; Remuneration Committee: one
2. Number of meetings eligible to attend before resignation, Board: eight; Audit Committee: two; Remuneration Committee: four
3. Number of meetings eligible to attend before resignation, Board: six

22

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Total number of meetings

Board

Audit 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

10

2

8

10

10

9

6

10

10

-

-

1

-

2

2

-

-

-

5

1

4

-

5

4

-

-

-

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

Board Committees

The Group has two standing Board Committees: 
an Audit Committee and a Remuneration 
Committee.  The roles and activities of those 
Committees are included in the respective 
Committee reports on pages 25 to 30. 
The functions of a nominations committee are 
generally undertaken by the Group Board as 
a whole.  Given the size of the Group and the 
size and composition of its Board, the Directors 
believe it is both practical and benefi cial for 
matters of Board composition and recruitment, 
Board performance evaluation, Executive and 
Non-Executive succession planning, and training 
and development, to be undertaken by the Board 
as a whole unless it is necessary and appropriate 
for a separate nominations committee to be 
established for the most senior appointments.  
All such matters are regularly scheduled on the 
Board’s agenda and are discussed thoroughly 
and robustly, incorporating the detailed 
perspectives and experience of all Directors.

Directors’ confl icts of interest

Training on the Companies Act 2006 has been 
given to all Directors on the provisions within, 
and Directors are reminded of their duties at each 
Board meeting.  All Directors maintain confl icts 
of interest declarations and any planned changes 
in their interests, including directorships outside 
the Group, are notifi ed to the Board.  None of 
the relationships declared are considered to be 
of a detrimental nature to FireAngel’s business 
and as such none are deemed to impact on the 
independence of the Directors.  Any confl icts are 
declared at the fi rst Board meeting at which the 
Director becomes aware of a potential confl ict.
The benefi cial interests of all Directors in the 
share capital of the Company are set out on page 
32 of the Annual Report.

Effectiveness and ensuring the Board 
is effective 
The Board has considered the overall balance 
between Executive and Non-Executive Directors 
and believes that the structure of the Board, with 
two Executive and four Non-Executive Directors, 
ensures that there is no one individual or interest 
group dominating the decision-making process.

The independence of all Non-Executive 
Directors is reviewed and evaluated annually 
as part of the appraisal of each Director.  Ashley 
Silverton, John Shepherd and Simon Herrick 
have served on the Board for eight years, four 
years and less than one year respectively.  The 
Board considers each of the Non-Executive 
Directors to be independent.  This is because 
each has different and complementary skills 
and experiences which allow each issue facing 
the Board to be viewed and addressed from a 
variety of perspectives.  The lengths of service 
of Ashley Silverton and John Shepherd have 
positively impacted the effectiveness of the 
Board through their knowledge of the Group, and 
of the home safety products industry, their tenure 
has afforded. Subsequent to the year end, on 5 
February 2020, it was announced that Graham 
Whitworth would become a Non-Executive 
Director on the release of this Annual Report and 
that Ashley Silverton would step down from the 
Board at the Company’s forthcoming Annual 
General Meeting.

The Board considers that its size and 
composition are appropriate and that the 
balance of qualifi cations and experience 
appropriately refl ects the fi nancial, sector 
specifi c, technology and general international 
business skills required for it to discharge its 
duties and responsibilities effectively.
In advance of each meeting, Board members 
are provided with accurate, timely and clear 
information including operational updates and 
details of the fi nancial performance and position 
of the Group.  In this way, informed decisions 
and discussions can take place which enable the 
Board to properly discharge its duties.
Should they wish to, Non-Executive Directors are 
able to infl uence agendas for Board discussions 
and to ensure the amount of time spent reviewing 
strategic and operational issues is appropriately 
balanced.  From time to time, the Board meets 
off site to review and discuss specifi c business 
issues.
In the event that Directors are unable to attend 
a meeting or a conference call, they receive 
and read the papers for consideration and have 
the opportunity to relay their comments to the 
Chairman.
All new Directors undertake a formal and 
comprehensive induction to the Group which 
is designed to develop their knowledge and 
understanding of the Group’s culture and 
operations.  Non-Executive Directors have 
regular opportunities to meet with senior 
managers to ensure they have a thorough 
understanding of the Group, its operations and 
markets.
All Directors are expected to devote such time as 
is necessary for the proper performance of their 
duties.  With the exception of Graham Whitworth 
whose time commitment is longer, the Non-
Executive Directors’ commitment approximates 
to two days per month.  Executive Directors are 
expected to work full time.

Performance evaluation

The Remuneration Committee regularly reviews 
and evaluates the performance of Directors 
and senior managers.  The most recent review 
concluded that the Board and its individual 
members continue to operate effectively with 
robust constructive challenge from the Non-
Executive Directors.
Subjects covered during the most recent 
review included a general overview as to the 
operation of the Board, opinions on shareholder 
relationships, views on the Board’s input 
into strategy discussions, governance and 
compliance, risk management and succession 
planning.  The Board culture and relationships 
with senior management were also considered. 
Where required, the Executive Chairman holds 
meetings with the Non-Executive Directors 
without the other Executive Directors present.  
The Non-Executive Directors, led by the Senior 
Non-Executive Director, meet without the 
Chairman present at least once annually to 
appraise the Chairman’s performance.

Internal control

The Board acknowledges its responsibility for 
safeguarding the investment of shareholders and 
the Group’s assets.  It has established processes 
for identifying, evaluating and managing the 

signifi cant risks facing the Group.

The Board has overall responsibility for ensuring 
the Group maintains an adequate system of 
internal control and risk management, whilst 
the Audit Committee reviews its effectiveness 
on behalf of the Board.  The implementation of 
internal control systems is the responsibility of 
management.

The Group’s system of internal control is 
designed to help ensure:
•   the effective and effi cient operation of the 

Group by enabling management to respond 
appropriately to signifi cant risks to achieving 
the Group’s business objectives;

•   the safeguarding of assets from inappropriate 
use or from loss or fraud and ensuring that 
liabilities are identifi ed and managed;

•   there is high quality of internal and external 

fi nancial reporting;

•   compliance with applicable laws and 

regulations and with internal policies on the 
conduct of the Group’s business; and

•   the ability to recover in a timely manner from 
the effects of disasters or major accidents 
which originate from outside the Group’s direct 
control.

The Directors believe the internal control 
environment is generally adequate and 
appropriate given the size and complexity of the 
Group.  However, subsequent to the year end it 
became clear that there had been failures within 
certain of the Group’s historical manufacturing 
quality review processes leading to an increase in 
the legacy battery warranty provision (see note 8 
to the fi nancial statements).  The Directors do not 
anticipate that there will be any further increase in 
the number of units impacted as the issue relates 
only to units produced at one of the Company’s 
previous manufacturers in China up to the end of 
March 2018.

The principal risks and uncertainties facing the 
Group, together with mitigating actions taken to 
address those risks, are set out on pages 37 to 
39.  These refl ect the risks of most concern to the 
Group, as considered at recent Board and Audit 
Committee meetings.

Given the Group’s size and complexity, it does 
not have a separate internal audit function.  The 
external auditor reports to the Audit Committee 
(and to the Board) on any controls which, during 
the course of its audit work, it has identifi ed 
as requiring improvement.  The Group then 
takes prompt action to address any control 
defi ciencies.  The Audit Committee reviews the 
need for a separate internal audit function on an 
annual basis.  Its most recent review concluded 
that the reporting lines within the Group, and the 
level of control exercised by the management 
team, are both suffi ciently robust to make an 
internal audit function neither necessary nor 
cost effective at this time.  The Directors have 
taken steps to ensure that the Group has an 
appropriate control environment for its size and 
complexity.  The management team will ensure 
that the internal control environment develops 
appropriately with the size of the Group, with 
respect to the identifi cation, evaluation and 
monitoring of risk.

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

23

Governance

Corporate governance report continued

Audit Committee report

Investor relations

The Board believes it is important to have open communications with shareholders and seeks to ensure that these are informative and transparent.  
The Executive Directors make themselves available to, and expect to meet with, major institutional shareholders at least twice per year to discuss 
the published fi nancial results.  The Executive Directors also attend private investor seminars and events.  From time to time, where appropriate, the 
Group may consult with major shareholders on any signifi cant issues.

Members of the Board develop an understanding of the views of major shareholders through direct contact that may be initiated by the Group’s 
broker or through shareholder feedback following investor roadshows, and through analysts’ and brokers’ briefi ngs.  The Group also regularly hosts 
investor days at its Coventry head offi ce and seeks investor feedback on its performance.  Where voting decisions are not in line with the Group’s 
expectations, the Board will engage with any dissenting major shareholders to understand and address any issues.  The Company Secretary is the 
main point of contact for such matters.

Whistleblowing procedures

The Board has adopted a whistleblowing policy which provides a mechanism for all employees to raise concerns to the Non-Executive Directors, in 
strict confi dence and without recrimination, regarding any unethical business practices, fraud, misconduct or wrongdoing.  Any such incident would 
be addressed confi dentially by the Audit Committee.  There were no whistleblowing reports during 2019 nor to the date of this report.

Anti-bribery and anti-corruption policy

The Board is committed to the fundamental values of integrity, transparency and accountability.  As such it seeks to prohibit bribery and corruption 
in any form, whether direct or indirect.  The Group aims to create and maintain a trust-based and inclusive internal culture in which bribery and 
corruption is not tolerated.

The Group would cease to trade with any third party it had reasonable grounds to suspect was involved in bribery or corruption.  It would not hesitate 
to take legal and/or disciplinary action against employees or third parties who breach the Group’s bribery and corruption policy.

By Order of the Board

John Conoley - Executive Chairman
26 May 2020

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the Audit Committee report for the year ended 31 December 2019, which provides information about 
the Audit Committee, its principal duties, and the specifi c matters it has considered during the year.  

The Group’s Audit Committee comprises:

•   From 24 September 2019, Simon Herrick, Chairman of the Committee, Independent Non-Executive Director, succeeding William Payne, 

Independent Non-Executive Director;

•  John Shepherd, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director; and

•  Ashley Silverton, Independent Non-Executive Director.

All the Committee members are Independent Non-Executive Directors and have no personal or fi nancial interests, other than as shareholders, in the 
matters considered by the Committee.

The Audit Committee operates within the remit delegated by the Board, which is set out in formal terms of reference.  A copy of the terms of reference 
can be obtained from the Corporate Governance section within the Investors area of the Group’s website (www.fi reangeltech.com).

Neither the Chairman nor any other Executive Director attend meetings other than by invitation of the Committee members.  The Committee invites 
the auditor to attend certain meetings.

In accordance with best practice, the Audit Committee is required to comprise at least one fi nancially qualifi ed member (as recognised by the 
Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies).  I am deemed by the Board to have recent and relevant fi nancial experience as a qualifi ed chartered 
accountant with extensive experience in the fi nancing and management of businesses generally.

The Committee’s key objective is the provision of effective fi nancial governance and assistance to the Board in ensuring the integrity of the Group’s 
fi nancial reporting.  The Committee oversees the external audit process and reviews the Group’s risk management framework, the effectiveness of its 
risk management processes and the system of internal control.  Its principal duties are to:

•   monitor the integrity of the fi nancial statements of the Group and any formal announcements relating to the Group’s fi nancial performance and 

review signifi cant fi nancial reporting judgements contained therein;

•   consider whether in its view the Annual Report taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary to 

assess the Group’s performance, business model and strategy, the ultimate approval of which is decided by the Board;

•  review the effectiveness of the Group’s fi nancial reporting and the internal control and risk management policies and systems;

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

•  review annually, the need for an internal audit function;

•   make recommendations to the Board for a resolution to be put to shareholders for their approval in general meeting, on the appointment of the 

external auditor and approval of its remuneration and terms of engagement;

•   review the external auditor’s independence and objectivity and the effectiveness of the audit process, taking into consideration relevant UK 

professional and regulatory requirements;

•  review the appropriateness of accounting policies;

•   develop and implement a policy on the engagement of the external auditor to supply non-audit services, taking into account relevant guidance 

regarding the provision of non-audit services by the external audit fi rm; and 

•  review the arrangements by which staff may in confi dence raise concerns about possible improprieties.

Key considerations in 2019

During the year the Committee met twice and considered the following matters:

•  the suitability of the Group’s accounting policies and practices;

•  the half-year and full-year fi nancial results;

•  the scope and cost of the external audit;

•  the auditor’s report for 2018;

•  the evaluation of the performance and independence of RSM UK Audit LLP as the Group’s external auditor;

•  the review and approval of the external auditor’s plan for 2019, which detailed the proposed audit scope and risk and governance assessment;

•  the review and approval of the external auditor’s fees for 2019; and

•  the internal control environment across the Group.

Signifi cant fi nancial statement reporting issues 

The Audit Committee looks carefully at those aspects of the fi nancial statements which require signifi cant accounting judgements or where there 
is estimation uncertainty.  The Audit Committee also reviews the draft of the external Auditor’s Report on the fi nancial statements, with particular 
reference to those matters reported as carrying risks of material misstatement.  The Audit Committee discusses the range of possible treatments both 
with management and with the external auditor and satisfi es itself that the judgements made by management are robust and should be supported.

24

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

25

Governance

Audit Committee report continued

Remuneration Committee report

Internal controls

Introduction

The Board of Directors, advised by the Audit Committee, has overall responsibility for the Group’s system of internal control and for reviewing its 
effectiveness.  Details of the system of internal control, the principal risks facing the Group, and the strategies put in place to mitigate them, are set 
out in the Risk and Risk Management section on pages 37 to 39.

Audit independence

The Audit Committee and the Board place great emphasis on the objectivity of the external auditor in its reporting to shareholders.

The Audit Partner is present at Audit Committee meetings as required to ensure full communication of matters relating to the audit.  The overall 
performance of the auditor is reviewed annually by the Audit Committee, taking into account the views of Committee members and senior fi nance 
personnel covering overall quality, independence and objectivity, business understanding, technical knowledge, quality and continuity of personnel, 
responsiveness and cost effectiveness.  The Audit Committee also has discussions with the auditor, without management being present, on the 
adequacy of controls and on any judgemental areas.  The scope of the forthcoming year’s audit is discussed in advance by the Audit Committee.  
Audit fees are approved by the Audit Committee.

RSM UK Audit LLP was appointed as auditor in 2001.  This appointment has not been subject to a tender process since that date although, from time 
to time, the Board has benchmarked the audit cost with third parties.  The Committee has concluded that RSM UK Audit LLP continues to provide an 
effective audit and the Committee and Board will recommend their reappointment at the 2020 Annual General Meeting.

Other than the audit, the Audit Committee is required to give prior approval of all work carried out by the auditor and its associates.  Part of this review 
is to determine that other potential providers of the services have been adequately considered.  These controls provide the Audit Committee with 
confi dence in the independence of the auditor in its reporting on the audit of the Group.

Non-audit services

RSM UK Audit LLP provides non-audit services to the Group, which are governed, so as to safeguard its independence and objectivity, by the 
Group’s non-audit services policy.  Compliance with the policy is actively managed and an analysis of non-audit services is reviewed throughout 
the year.  During the year ended 31 December 2019 28% of services provided to the Group were non-audit services and related predominantly to 
corporate tax advice and the preparation of claims for research and development tax credits (see note 9 to the fi nancial statements).

By Order of the Board

Simon Herrick - Chairman of the Audit Committee
26 May 2020

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the Remuneration Committee report for the year ended 31 December 2019, which provides 
information about the Remuneration Committee, the remuneration policies approved and applied by the Board, and the actual remuneration of 
Directors earned during the year.  The report is divided into two sections:  a policy report, which sets out the approach to remuneration, and a 
remuneration report, which details amounts paid to the Directors during 2019.  

Basis of preparation

This report follows the principles of the Companies Act 2006.  The Directors have chosen to apply these principles as best practice and in order to 
provide greater transparency to shareholders.  This includes details of the Committee’s policy on Directors’ remuneration, which will be put to an 
advisory vote at the 2020 Annual General Meeting.

Remuneration Committee

The Group’s Remuneration Committee comprises:

•   From 24 September 2019, Simon Herrick, Chairman of the Committee, Independent Non-Executive Director, succeeding William Payne, 

Independent Non-Executive Director;

•  John Conoley, Executive Chairman of FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc; 

•  John Shepherd, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director; and

•  Ashley Silverton, Independent Non-Executive Director.

With the exception of John Conoley, Executive Chairman of FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc, at the date of this report the Committee 
members are Independent Non-Executive Directors and have no personal or fi nancial interests, other than as shareholders, in the matters considered 
by the Committee.

The Remuneration Committee operates within the remit delegated by the Board, which is set out in formal terms of reference.  The remuneration 
of Non-Executive Directors is a matter for the Chairman and the other Executive members of the Board.  No Director or manager is involved in any 
decision regarding their own remuneration.  A copy of the terms of reference can be obtained from the Corporate Governance section within the 
Investors area of the Group’s website (www.fi reangeltech.com).

Other than John Conoley’s membership of the Committee described above, the Executive Directors do not attend meetings other than by invitation 
of the Committee members and are not present at any discussion of their own remuneration.

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

Remuneration philosophy

The Remuneration Committee’s policy is to attract and retain individuals of the highest calibre by offering remuneration competitive with comparable 
publicly quoted companies, and to drive the Group’s fi nancial performance by providing arrangements which fairly and responsibly reward 
individuals for their contribution to the success of the Group.  Performance-related bonuses and long-term equity-based remuneration linked to a 
demanding profi t target represent a signifi cant proportion of Executive Directors’ potential remuneration, which aligns the interests of the individuals 
with those of the shareholders.

The Committee continues to seek to ensure that the remuneration of Executive Directors, as well as the wider senior management team, is suffi cient 
to attract, retain and motivate quality individuals.  The principal duties of the Remuneration Committee are to:  

•  consider and make recommendations to the Board on the policy for the remuneration package of the Executive Directors;  

•  determine the whole remuneration package for Senior Executives; 

•  recommend to the Board the remuneration package for the Chairman;

•  determine the terms and conditions of service contracts for Senior Executives;

•   determine the design, conditions and coverage of the annual long-term incentive schemes for Senior Executives and to approve total and 

individual payments under these schemes;

•  determine targets for any annual and long-term incentive schemes;

•  determine the issue and terms of all share-based plans available to all employees; and

•  determine compensation in the event of termination of service contracts of any Senior Executive.
Remuneration policy framework

The Group is committed to achieving sustained improvements in performance.  This depends crucially on the individual contributions made by 
the executive team and by employees at all levels.  The Board believes that an effective remuneration strategy plays an essential part in the future 
success of the Group.  Accordingly, the remuneration policy refl ects the following broad principles:

•   the remuneration of Executive Directors and senior managers refl ects their responsibilities and contains incentives to deliver the Group’s 

performance objectives without encouraging excessive risk taking;

•  remuneration must be capable of attracting and retaining the individuals necessary for business success;

•  remuneration should be based on both individual and Group performance, both in the short and long term;

•   the system of remuneration should establish a close alignment of interest between senior executives and shareholders by ensuring a signifi cant 

proportion of senior executive remuneration is generated from equity-based incentives; and

•  when determining remuneration, the Committee will take into account pay and employment conditions in the market. 

26

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

27

Governance

Remuneration Committee report continued

Details of the Directors’ emoluments are given below.

a) Remuneration

The Group has a clearly defi ned strategy to drive the business forward by understanding the product needs of our customers, focussing on product 
innovation and working to develop market-leading positions in each of the markets we serve.  Our remuneration policy supports the delivery of this 
strategy and aligns the interests of Directors and shareholders.  This is achieved by short-term profi t-based bonus incentives and longer-term share-
based incentive plans which focus on delivering key business objectives, profi table growth and strong shareholder returns.

The Committee monitors the market competitiveness of the overall remuneration package for each member of the Group’s senior management team 
in order to ensure the Group is able to retain and attract new talent as required.

Group employee considerations

The Group employs people across fi ve countries with the majority of staff based in the UK.  Inevitably remuneration arrangements differ to refl ect local 
markets, but a common theme applied to employees at all levels is the Group’s aim to offer competitive levels of remuneration, benefi ts and incentives to 
attract and retain employees.  At more senior levels, remuneration has a larger variable proportion dependent on the Group’s fi nancial performance.

Shareholder views

The Committee has considered the guidance provided by shareholder advisory groups in preparing this policy and has followed this insofar as it 
is appropriate in the context of the Group’s business.  The Committee continues to welcome an open dialogue and input from shareholders on the 
remuneration policies of the Group.

Key considerations in 2019

During the year the Committee met fi ve times and considered the following matters:

•  approval of 2019 salary increases for the Executive Directors and certain senior managers;

•  approval of the 2019 discretionary bonus scheme for certain senior managers and Executive Directors;

•  consideration of the terms and conditions for Executive Director and Non-Executive Director appointments; and

•  approval of the performance criteria and share option awards under the FireAngel Safety Technology Group 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

The following tables set out the key elements of the Group’s remuneration policy for Directors.

Remuneration policy for Non-Executive Directors

Element Purpose and link to strategy Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

Fees

To reward individuals for 
fulfi lling the relevant role 
and to attract individuals 
with the skills and calibre 
required

The Committee makes recommendations to the 
Board on the remuneration of the Non-Executive 
Directors. The level of remuneration is set within a 
limit approved from time to time by shareholders.  
Non-Executive Directors are paid a base fee 
covering Board and committee membership

Fees are set at a level appropriate for the 
role and are reviewed regularly, taking into 
account fees payable to Non-Executive 
Directors of companies of a similar size and 
complexity

Evaluation of overall 
contribution to the Board

Remuneration policy for Executive Directors

Element

Purpose and link to strategy Operation

Maximum opportunity

Salary

It is essential that the 
Group pays competitive 
salaries to attract and 
retain individuals of the 
right calibre to develop 
and execute the business 
strategy

Salary levels are set using careful 
judgement, taking into account the 
scope of the role and responsibilities, 
performance, experience, potential, 
retention issues and salaries elsewhere 
in the Group and in the market place.  
Judgement will be informed, but not 
led, by reference to companies of 
similar size and complexity.  Salaries 
are reviewed annually either in March 
or October taking into account the 
fi nancial performance of the Group.  
Salary increases are not automatic.  
In exceptional circumstances, salaries 
may be increased on other dates in 
the year

Annual salary increases will not normally exceed 
average increases for employees in other 
appropriate parts of the Group.  On occasion, 
increases may be larger where the Committee 
considers this to be necessary to align with 
market rate or exceptional performance. 
Circumstances where this may apply include: 
growth into a role to refl ect a change in scope 
of role and responsibilities or where market 
conditions indicate lack of competitiveness and 
the Committee judges that there is a risk in relation 
to attracting or retaining Executives.  Where the 
Committee exercises its discretion to award 
increases above the average for other employees, 
the resulting salary will not exceed the competitive 
market range

Performance measures

Overall contribution to 
the Group.   Individual 
performance is the 
primary consideration in 
setting salary alongside 
overall affordability and 
market competitiveness

Benefi ts

Pension

To provide market 
competitive benefi ts 
suffi cient to recruit and 
retain

To provide market 
competitive pension 
arrangements suffi cient to 
recruit and retain

Benefi ts include life assurance and 
medical insurance

Benefi ts will be market competitive taking into 
account the role and the local market

None

New Executive Directors to the 
Company are offered membership 
of the Group’s defi ned contribution 
pension plan.  Pension contributions 
are based only on an individual’s salary

The maximum employer contribution to 
the Group’s defi ned contribution pension 
arrangements is 10% of gross salary

None

Annual 
performance
related 
bonus

To incentivise and reward 
execution of the business 
strategy, delivery of 
fi nancial performance 
targets and the Group’s 
strategic plan

In line with the scheme covering other 
senior members of staff, performance-
related bonuses for the Executive 
Directors are based on the achievement 
of specifi c fi nancial targets for the 
Group and agreed personal objectives

Bonus potential is capped at an appropriate level 
to encourage outperformance of budgeted targets

Bonus payments are 
at the discretion of 
the Remuneration 
Committee and take 
into account the overall 
fi nancial performance 
of the Group

Executive Directors

JR Conoley3 (appointed 22 January 2019)

JR Gahan (resigned 5 March 2018)

NA Rutter (resigned 5 February 2020)

NC Smith (resigned 31 July 2019)

MJ Stilwell (appointed 3 December 2018)

GRA Whitworth4

Non-Executive Directors

SE Herrick (appointed 24 September 2019)

WJB Payne (resigned 24 September 2019)

J Shepherd 

AV Silverton

Total

Salary, fees 
and car 
allowances

Benefi ts 

Bonuses1

Pension 
allowance2

£000

£000

£000

£000

2019  

Total 

£000

2018  

Total 

£000

140

-

187

138

179

219

10

31

36

36

976

-

-

5

3

3

8

-

-

-

-

19

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

18

12

17

-

-

-

-

-

140

-

210

153

199

227

10

31

36

36

47

1,042

-

34

206

292

16

224

-

42

39

36

889

1.  Bonuses are paid or accrued based on the achievement of agreed personal objectives and corporate performance metrics.
2.  Pension allowance includes both contributions to the Group’s defi ned contribution pension scheme and cash payments in lieu of contributions.
3. 

 John Conoley was appointed as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board on 22 January 2019.  With effect from 1 August 2019, following the resignation of Neil Smith as Group Chief Executive, John 
was appointed Executive Chairman.

4.  On the appointment of John Conoley on 22 January 2019, Graham Whitworth’s role changed from Executive Chairman to Executive Director.

b) Share schemes

Directors’ interests in unvested and vested share option awards are as follows:

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

2014 EMI

NA Rutter

GRA Whitworth

2015 LTIP

JR Conoley

NA Rutter

MJ Stilwell

Number of 
awards over 
shares at 1 
January 2019

Awards 
granted in the 
year

Awards 
lapsed in the 
year

Awards 
exercised in 
the year

Number of 
awards over 
shares at 31 
December 
2019

Expiry date

Exercise price 
(pence)

125,000

125,000

-

-

-

-

-

1,500,000

250,000

750,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

125,000

28/4/2024

125,000

28/4/2024

1,500,000

250,000

750,000

2/8/2029

2/8/2029

2/8/2029

200

200

2

2

2

Further information on the Group’s share schemes are given in note 31 of the fi nancial statements.

c) Service contracts

There are no service contracts for Directors with notice periods in excess of twelve months.  The notice periods under the service agreements for 
Executive Directors and letters of appointment for Non-Executive Directors are as follows:

JR Conoley

SE Herrick

NA Rutter

J Shepherd

AV Silverton

MJ Stilwell

GRA Whitworth

Notice period

6 months

3 months

12 months

3 months

3 months

6 months

12 months

28

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

29

Governance

Remuneration Committee report continued

Statutory Directors’ report

Policy on exit payments

The notice periods the Group is required to give to Executive Directors under their contracts of employment is as set out above.   Payment in lieu of 
notice includes the value of salary in the notice period, bonus, benefi ts, car allowance and pension contributions.  Both mitigation and the staggering 
of payments through the notice period will be considered by the Committee where appropriate, as will the funding of professional fees.  Should 
additional compensation matters arise, such as a settlement or compromise agreement, the Committee would exercise judgement and take into 
account the specifi c commercial circumstances.

The Committee has the discretion to preserve incentive awards pro-rated to service.  In exercising its discretion on incentive awards, the Committee 
will have regard to performance, the circumstances of the Director leaving the Group and the terms of the relevant service agreement.

For share options, the rules state that unvested awards may be preserved at the Committee’s discretion according to the circumstances.  In such 
cases, vesting will be at the normal date, subject to the established performance conditions, and pro-rata to the duration of employment in the 
performance period.  In cases such as death and terminal illness, the Committee also has the discretion to vest the awards immediately.

In the event of a change of control of the Group, all share option awards may be permitted to vest in full at the discretion of the Remuneration 
Committee.

Policy on new appointments

Newly appointed Executive Directors will be awarded a remuneration package which is consistent with the policy and principles as set out in this 
report.  Base salary may be set at a level higher or lower than previous incumbents and in certain circumstances, to facilitate the recruitment of 
individuals of the required calibre, the Committee may use its discretion to make individual additional incentive awards.  This level of discretion is 
considered appropriate given the Group’s growth strategy.

By Order of the Board

Simon Herrick - Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
26 May 2020

The following matters are reported by the Directors in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 requirements in force at the date of this Annual 
Report. 

Principal activities

The principal activities of FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc (the ‘Company’) and its subsidiary companies (the ‘Group’) are set out within the 
Statutory Strategic Report, which comprises the Executive Chairman’s Statement, the Strategic Review, the Performance Review, the Section 172 
Companies Act Statement and the Risks and Risk Management section, on pages 6 to 17, and pages 35 to 39.

Review of business and future developments

The consolidated income statement for the year ended 31 December 2019 is set out on page 44.

A review of the Group’s business activities during the year and its prospects for the future can be found in the Executive Chairman’s Statement, 
the Strategic Review and the Performance Review on pages 6 to 17.  These reports, together with the Chairman’s Introduction, the Corporate 
Governance Report, the Audit Committee Report and the Remuneration Committee Report, are incorporated into this report and should be read as 
part of this report.

Key performance indicators

The Board’s principal objective is to increase shareholder value.  The Directors measure the Group’s progress in achieving this objective principally 
using the following indicators (as refl ected in this Annual Report):

•   Sales performance.  Sales are reviewed each week to assess individual business unit performance against budget and to ensure all sales 

opportunities are being appropriately pursued.  The Group seeks to build long-term customer relationships and maximise the sales mix of its 
higher margin products.

•   Gross margin percentage.  Gross margins are reviewed each week to assess individual business unit performance and to identify areas to improve 
the profi tability of the Group.  Different market segments have varying gross margin opportunities, depending on the level of competition in that 
market and the positioning of the Group’s products and brands.

•   Adjusted gross margin percentage.  The adjusted gross margin of the Group is measured to understand underlying business performance before 

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

the impact of one-off non-recurring items.

•   Operating result.  The fi xed costs of the business are carefully managed to ensure that, in conjunction with the gross profi t generated, the Group 

can return an acceptable operating result.

•   Underlying operating result.  The operating performance of the Group before the impact of one-off non-recurring items is monitored to better 

understand the underlying trends in operating results.

•   Underlying EBITDA.  The underlying cash generation of the business is measured through operational cash fl ows represented by underlying 

EBITDA. 

•  Basic EPS.  The Group seeks to reward its shareholders with an annual dividend where possible.

•   Net working capital.  The Group seeks to proactively manage its working capital to ensure that it minimises its asset base to maximise cash fl ow 

from which to pay dividends.

•   Investment in research and development.  The Group’s principal source of product differentiation is through investment in its technology base, 

rather than simply price.  The Board regularly reviews the Group’s product roadmap to ensure its internal investment is focussed on the right areas 
and that products come to market on time.

 Commentary on the key performance indicators above is set out in the Performance Review on pages 12 to 17.

Principal risks and uncertainties

Details of the principal risks and uncertainties considered by the Board to affect the Group, and the related risk mitigation actions, are given on pages 
37 to 39.

Group results and dividends

The fi nancial results for the year and fi nancial position of the Group and the Company are as shown on pages 44 and 45.  The consolidated loss after 
tax for the year was £9.4 million (2018 restated: loss after tax of £4.5 million). 

As a result of the loss reported for the year, and consistent with the decision not to pay an interim dividend (2018: nil pence per share), the Directors do 
not recommend payment of a fi nal dividend for the year (2018: nil pence per share).  The total dividend payable for 2019 was therefore nil pence per 
share (2018: nil pence per share).

Financial instruments 

The Group’s fi nancial risk management objectives and policies, including the policy for hedging future foreign exchange rate risk, are outlined in note 
4 to the fi nancial statements. The Group does not adopt hedge accounting and all future contracts beyond the balance sheet date are marked-to-
market at the balance sheet date with the net gain or loss on those contracts taken through the income statement in the period.

Research and development expenditure

The Group has continued to invest in research and development of both software and hardware products during the year.  The people and non-
people costs of product development on specifi c identifi able projects are capitalised in accordance with the accounting policy set out on pages 50 
and 51.  General research costs undertaken in respect of the Group’s principal activities are charged through the income statement as incurred.

30

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

31

 
 
 
 
Governance

Statutory Directors’ report continued

Share capital and voting rights

The Company’s issued share capital comprises a single class of ordinary shares of 2p each, with 75,935,365 shares in issue and listed on AIM of the 
London Stock Exchange as at 31 December 2019.  No shares were held in treasury.  Details of movements in the issued share capital can be found in 
note 29 to the fi nancial statements.  On 8 April 2020, the Company issued 50,623,480 new ordinary shares at 12 pence per share as a result of valid 
acceptances under the open offer and placing announced on 23 March 2020.  The Company’s share capital consequently increased to 126,558,845 
ordinary shares.

Each share carries the right to one vote at general meetings of the Company.  Holders of the shares are entitled to receive the Company’s annual 
report.  They are also entitled to attend and speak at general meetings of the Company, to appoint one or more proxies or, if they are corporations, 
corporate representatives, and to exercise voting rights.  They have the right to ask questions at the Annual General Meeting relating to the business 
of the meeting and for these to be answered, unless such answer would interfere unduly with the business of the meeting, involve the disclosure of 
confi dential information, if the answer has already been published on the Group’s website or if it is not in the interests of the Group or the good order 
of the meeting that the question be answered.

All issued shares are fully paid up and carry no additional obligations or special rights.  The full rights are set out in the Company’s Articles of 
Association (the ‘Articles’), the latest copy of which can be found in the Incorporation section of the Investors area of the Group’s website at www.
fi reangeltech.com.  There are no restrictions on transfers of shares in the Company, or on the exercise of voting rights attached to them, other than 
those which may from time to time be applicable under existing laws and regulations.

Control and share structure 

Details of the authorised and issued share capital, together with details of the movements in the Company’s issued share capital during the year, are 
shown in note 29 to the fi nancial statements.  The Company has one class of ordinary share which carries no right to fi xed income.

There are no specifi c restrictions on the size of a holding nor on the transfer of shares, which are both governed by the general provisions of the 
Articles and prevailing legislation.  The Directors are not aware of any agreements between shareholders of the Company’s shares that may result in 
restrictions on the transfer of securities or voting rights.

Details of employee share schemes are set out in note 31 to the fi nancial statements.  No person has any special rights of control over the Company’s 
share capital and all issued shares are fully paid.

Directors’ interests in shares

Interests of the Directors and their connected persons in the issued share capital 
of the Company as at 31 December 2019 were as follows:

JR Conoley

SE Herrick

NA Rutter

J Shepherd

AV Silverton

MJ Stilwell

GRA Whitworth

2019 
Number of 
shares held

2019 
Interests in 
share schemes

2019 
Total interests 
in shares

2018 
Total interests 
in shares

68,181

1,500,000

1,568,181

-

-

-

-

-

3,800,000

375,000

4,175,000

3,125,000

237,497

100,000

55,538

-

-

750,000

237,497

100,000

805,538

23,063

35,000

-

3,560,938

125,000

3,685,938

3,646,937

7,822,154

2,750,000

10,572,154

6,830,000

There has been no change in the interests of the Directors and their connected persons in the issued share capital of the Company from those set out 
in the table above to 26 May 2020.

Signifi cant shareholdings

As at the close of the market on 19 May 2020, the Company was aware of the following holdings, excluding Directors’ holdings, of 3% or more of the 
Company’s total issued share capital:

Newell Rubbermaid UK Services Limited

Downing LLP

BGF Investment Management Limited

Canaccord Genuity Group Inc

Number of 
shares

% of total 
voting rights 

Nature of 
interest

29,582,205

26,718,571

14,638,098

12,561,851

23.4

21.1

11.6

9.9

Direct

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Agreements affected by change of control

Other than some customer and supplier contracts that have an option to be terminated, the Company is not a party to any agreements which take 
effect, alter or terminate upon a change of control of the Company following a takeover bid.  There are no agreements between the Company and its 
Directors or employees providing compensation for loss of offi ce or employment (whether through resignation, purported redundancy or otherwise) 
that occurs because of a takeover bid.

Board of Directors

All Directors were in offi ce throughout the year ended 31 December 2019 with the exception of the following appointments and resignations during 
the year: 

•  John Conoley (appointed as Non-Executive Chairman on 22 January 2019, then Executive Chairman on 1 August 2019)

•  Simon Herrick (appointed 24 September 2019)

•  William Payne (resigned 24 September 2019)

•  Neil Smith (resigned 31 July 2019)

Subsequent to the year end, on 5 February 2020, Nick Rutter stepped down from the Board with immediate effect and it was announced that Graham 
Whitworth would become a Non-Executive Director on the release of the Company’s audited fi nancial results for the year ended 31 December 2019.  
It was also announced that Ashley Silverton would step down from the Board at the Company’s forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Details and biographies of the current Directors and Company Secretary are shown on pages 18 and 19.

The powers of the Company’s Directors and rules that apply to changes in the Directors are set out in the Company’s Articles.  Any changes to the 
Articles would require the consent of the Company’s shareholders.

The Board may delegate to a Director holding any executive offi ce any of the powers, authorities and discretions exercisable by the Board for such 
time and on such terms and conditions as it thinks fi t.  The Board may revoke or alter the terms and conditions of the delegation and may retain or 
exclude the right of the Board to exercise the delegated powers, authorities or discretions collaterally with the Executive Director.

The Company’s Articles require that a minimum of one-third of the Directors must retire by rotation at each Annual General Meeting, or if their number 
is not three or a multiple of three, then the number nearest to but not exceeding one-third shall retire from offi ce, excluding Directors who are retiring 
and standing for election at the fi rst Annual General Meeting following their appointment to the Board.  If the number of Directors subject to retirement 
by rotation is fewer than three, one of such Directors shall retire.  At the forthcoming Annual General Meeting, John Shepherd and Mike Stilwell will 
retire and stand for re-election.  As a newly appointed Director, Simon Herrick will be subject to election being the fi rst Annual General Meeting since 
he was appointed.

The Company’s shareholders may by ordinary resolution appoint any person to be a Director.  The Company must not have less than three and 
no more than twelve directors holding offi ce at any time.  The Company may by ordinary resolution from time to time vary the minimum and/or the 
maximum number of directors.

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

Confl icts of interest 

The Group has procedures in place for managing confl icts of interests.  If a Director becomes aware that they, or a connected party have an interest 
in an existing or proposed transaction with the Group, they should notify the Company Secretary as soon as possible.  Directors have a continuing 
obligation to update any changes to confl icts and the Board formally reviews any such confl icts periodically.

Directors’ and offi cers’ liability insurance

The Group maintains a management protection policy including directors’ and offi cers’ liability insurance which is reviewed annually.  The insurance 
covers the Directors and offi cers of the ultimate holding company of the Group, FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc, and its subsidiaries, against 
the costs of defending themselves in civil proceedings taken against them in their capacity as a director or offi cer of a Group company and in respect 
of damages or civil fi nes or penalties resulting from the unsuccessful defence of any proceedings.  The indemnity was in force throughout the fi nancial 
year and is currently in force.

No indemnity is provided for the Group’s auditor. 

Employment policies

Details of the Group’s policy in respect of employment and training are given in the Corporate social responsibility section on page 11.

The Group employed an average of 149 people in 2019 (2018: 154).

The Group has established employment policies that comply with current legislation and codes of practice, including in the areas of health and safety 
and equal opportunities.  The Group consults employees on developments and changes to take account of their views when making decisions that 
may impact their interests.

The Group has in place a Diversity and Equality Policy which sets out the Group’s approach to equal opportunities and avoidance of discrimination at 
work.  This policy confi rms the Group’s commitment to treating employees fairly and inclusively, ensuring that all decisions on recruitment, selection, 
training, promotion, career opportunities, pay and other terms and conditions are based solely on objective and job-related criteria.  The Group is 
committed to offering employment to suitably qualifi ed people with disabilities and making reasonable adjustments to the working environment to 
accommodate their needs.

Policy on payment of suppliers

The Group’s policy during the year was to pay suppliers in accordance with agreed terms.  At 31 December 2019, the Group had 76 days’ purchases 
outstanding in trade payables (2018: 137 days’).

Charitable contributions

The Group made charitable contributions amounting to £420 (2018: £622) during the year.  The Group has a charity committee that organises regular 
events and donates money to specifi c charities.

32

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

33

 
 
 
Governance

Statutory Directors’ report continued

Going concern

In determining whether the Group and 
Parent Company’s fi nancial statements can 
be prepared on a going concern basis, the 
Directors considered the Group’s business 
activities, together with the factors likely to 
affect its future development, performance 
and position.  The review also included the 
fi nancial position of the Group, its cash fl ows, 
and borrowing facilities.  

The Board regularly reviews revenue, 
profi tability and cash fl ow forecasts across 
the short, medium and longer term.  A 
number of downside sensitised scenarios are 
modelled and considered to create a wide 
range of possible outcomes, the assumptions 
behind which are robustly challenged.  The 
Board compares actual performance against 
budgets and forecasts and reviews variances 
to continually refi ne and improve forecasting 
ability from which to make effective decisions.

However, the uncertain impact of COVID-19 
makes such an assessment more challenging 
than usual.  In order to understand the 
potential impact of the risks associated 
with this uncertainty, a number of highly 
sensitised illustrative scenarios have been 
modelled.  Although the Board expects the 
most signifi cant effects of COVID-19 on 
revenue and profi tability still to be in Q2 2020, 
it considers a scenario based on the following 
assumptions to be prudent given the nature 
of the Company’s customers, products and 
distribution channels:

•   Revenue in May 2020 to be at a similar level 
of budget achievement to that seen in April 
2020 with some recovery in June 2020, 
although still signifi cantly below budgeted 
levels, due to the impact of restrictions 
being lifted and some normality returning 
to retailer and customer behaviour

•    Revenue to be stronger in H2 2020 and 
improving continually across the half as:

     There will be an element of pent up 
demand which has been deferred, 
not lost, due in part to a drive in the 
self-employed trade sector which we 
would expect to be highly motivated 
to recover earnings lost during the 
lockdown period

     The opportunity for cost savings 

afforded by the Company’s connected 
solution will become more attractive 
as non-safety critical budgets tighten 
as evidenced by recent UK customer 
enquiries

     Many social housing authorities will 
have ring-fenced fi re safety budgets 
for the fi scal year to utilise over a now 
reduced period of time

     There has been no change in the 

underlying demand for the Company’s 
unique technology and there is unlikely 
to be any change in the necessity and 
desire to meet increased duty of care 
requirements post Grenfell

     Existing smoke and CO alarms 

installed by all manufacturers will 
continue to reach end of life and require 
replacement

issue.  Details of the resolutions passed at the 
2020 Annual General Meeting will be made 
available on the Company’s website after the 
meeting.

Post balance sheet events

Information on any events occurring after the 
balance sheet year end is described in note 34 
to the fi nancial statements.

Auditor

RSM UK Audit LLP has indicated its 
willingness to continue in offi ce and a 
resolution that it be reappointed as auditor 
will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual 
General Meeting. 

Statement as to disclosure of 
information to the auditor

The Directors who were in offi ce on the date 
of approval of these fi nancial statements have 
confi rmed, that as far as they are aware, there 
is no relevant audit information of which the 
Company’s auditor is unaware. 

Each Director has confi rmed that they 
have taken all the steps that they ought to 
have taken as Directors in order to make 
themselves aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that it has been 
communicated to the Company’s auditor.

Forward-looking statements

This report may contain certain statements 
about the future outlook for FireAngel Safety 
Technology Group plc.  Although the Directors 
believe their expectations are based on 
reasonable assumptions, any statements 
about future outlook may be infl uenced by 
factors that could cause actual outcomes and 
results to be materially different.

Statutory Strategic Report

The Statutory Strategic Report comprises 
the Executive Chairman’s Statement, the 
Strategic Review, the Performance Review, 
the Section 172 Companies Act Statement 
and the Risks and Risk Management section, 
on pages 6 to 17 and pages 35 to 39.

The Statutory Strategic Report and the 
Directors’ Report have been approved by the 
Board.

By Order of the Board

Zoe Fox - Company Secretary
26 May 2020

     Recent conversations with the UK Fire 
& Rescue Service have highlighted an 
increased awareness of the importance 
of protecting vulnerable people in 
their homes, particularly in the current 
climate

•   Some strengthening in the value of 
sterling against the US dollar in H2 
2020, recovering to levels near those 
seen immediately before the impact of 
COVID-19

•   Expected full year cost savings of £0.5 
million from actions already taken to 
reduce staff costs through furlough and 
redundancy, Board and senior manager 
salary savings, deferred recruitment, 
marketing savings and other overhead 
reductions 

The sensitised cash fl ow forecast based on 
these assumptions demonstrates that the 
Group will be able to pay its debts as they 
fall due for a period of at least twelve months 
from the date of these fi nancial statements.  
The Directors are, therefore, satisfi ed that the 
fi nancial statements should be prepared on 
the going concern basis. 

However, in the event that the COVID-19 
impact is worse than modelled regarding 
sales demand (including the speed of demand 
recovery and further possible lockdown 
restrictions) then further measures would 
be required to relieve any short-term cash 
pressures which may arise.  The Company 
has applied for a Coronavirus Large Business 
Interruption Loan as a further measure 
of prudence.  Further measures required 
could include increasing the number of 
staff furloughed, deeper cost savings and 
tougher working capital management 
through negotiation of payment terms with 
key suppliers.   Given the uncertainty that 
COVID-19 has created for the Group’s 
operations, markets, partners and distribution 
channels there is a risk that, in the event of a 
signifi cant and ongoing fall in sales demand, 
the measures described above may not be 
suffi cient to allow the group to operate within 
current banking facilities and these conditions 
therefore indicate the existence of a material 
uncertainty which may cast signifi cant doubt 
on the Company’s ability to continue as a 
going concern. 

The fi nancial statements do not include any 
adjustments that would result in the basis 
of preparation as a going concern being 
inappropriate. 

Annual General Meeting

The notice convening the Annual General 
Meeting is distributed separately to 
shareholders at least 20 working days before 
the meeting.  Separate Resolutions are 
proposed on each substantially separate 

Section 172 Companies Act statement

The following disclosure describes how the Directors have had regard to the matters set out in section 172(1)(a) to (f) and forms the Directors’ 
statement required under section 414CZA of The Companies Act 2006.

Who was 
engaged?

Stakeholder group

Investors

The Company’s 
major shareholders 
are set out on page 
32 of the Statutory 
Directors’ Report.

Why were they engaged?

How were they engaged?

Why it is important to engage

How management and/or Directors engaged

The Board believes it is important 
to have open communications 
with shareholders to continue to 
access capital to ensure the long-
term success of the business.

Through its engagement activities 
the Board seeks to:

• 

 broaden the investor base to 
encourage long-term support 
and increased liquidity in the 
market for the Company’s 
shares

• 

 obtain investor buy-in into the 
Group’s strategic objectives 
and how they are executed

The Board’s approach to investor engagement 
is detailed in the Corporate Governance 
Report on page 24.

Key interactions included through:

•  The Annual General Meeting

•  Meetings with major institutional investors

•  Private investor seminars

• 

 One-to-one investor meetings with the 
Executive Chairman and Chair of the Audit 
and Remuneration Committees

Suppliers

The Group has a 
limited number 
of international 
suppliers who 
manufacture 
products designed 
by the Group.

With all its production outsourced, 
the performance of the Group’s 
suppliers is crucial to the continued 
success of the business.

In some cases production of the 
Group’s products represents 
a signifi cant proportion of the 
supplier’s total output.  It is 
therefore vital that the Group 
engages with these suppliers to 
ensure the continuity of supply in 
the longer term.

Key interactions included through:

• 

• 

• 

 Regular operational workshops between 
key staff at the Group’s Coventry facilities 
and the suppliers’ manufacturing facilities

 Presentation of strategic and product 
roadmaps

 Regular ongoing internal and external 
quality audits at suppliers’ production 
facilities

Workforce

The Group 
employs staff with 
key managerial, 
engineering and 
technical skills.  

The contribution of the Group’s 
dedicated staff and management 
team is critical to the Group’s 
success.  Should the Group be 
unable to attract new employees, 
or retain existing staff, this could 
have a material adverse effect 
on the Group’s ability to grow or 
maintain its business.

The Group’s approach to workforce 
engagement is detailed in the Corporate 
social responsibility section of the Strategic 
Review report on page 11.

Key interactions included through:

• 

• 

• 

 A Group-wide colleague engagement 
survey in July 2019

 Regular Company Briefi ng Updates, 
including question and answer sessions, 
delivered throughout the year

 Offsite presentation of the Group’s 
strategic objectives to the senior 
management team in September 2019

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

What was discussed and what were the outcomes 
and actions?

What were the key topics of engagement, what feedback 
and input did the Board/management obtain, and what 
were the outcomes and actions?

The Directors regularly engage with investors through the 
cycle of presentations linked to results announcements 
during which the topics of strategy, governance and 
performance are discussed.

In addition to this, specifi c matters on which the Board 
engaged and the outcomes and actions that followed, 
included:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Long-Term Incentive Plan considerations: feedback 
and input around the structure and performance 
criteria of the scheme was provided by certain major 
shareholders and incorporated within the scheme 
rules and awards

 Board succession planning: feedback and input 
was provided around certain Board changes and 
in succession around the Chair of the Audit and 
Remuneration Committees which informed the Board 
changes detailed in the Statutory Directors’ Report

 Fundraising in April 2019: certain major new and 
existing shareholders were consulted as to their 
appetite for participating in a fundraising in April 
2019, the outcome of which was a full placing of the 
fundraising amount subject to clawback under the 
open offer

 Improvements to production yields, forecast and 
capacity planning, and ways of working were 
identifi ed and implemented through the operational 
workshops held during the year

 Sharing strategic plans and product roadmaps 
during the year has enabled suppliers to build future 
capacity requirements into their longer-term decision-
making, ensuring that the Group’s future plans can be 
accommodated by the current supplier relationships

 Audits of supplier facilities and processes during 
the year ensured that the Group met its ongoing 
requirements to demonstrate compliance with 
external quality standards and led to a number of 
operational improvement targets being put in place 
around staff training and product handling 

 Feedback in the colleague engagement survey 
resulted in action plans being put in place to address 
Company-wide improvements to working life and 
communications, individual departmental plans to 
improve working practices, and the identifi cation 
of training requirements and plans for individual 
members of staff

• 

 Employee responses to the Company Briefi ng 
Updates helped focus future briefi ngs on specifi c 
areas of current product development and feature 
sets, future strategy and remuneration policies

34

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

35

  
   
  
  
   
  
Governance

Section 172 Companies Act statement continued

Risks and risk management

Why were they engaged?

Why it is important to engage

How were they engaged?

How management and/or Directors 
engaged

What was discussed and what were the outcomes 
and actions?

What were the key topics of engagement, what feedback 
and input did the Board/management obtain, and what 
were the outcomes and actions?

Who was 
engaged?

Stakeholder group

Customers

The Group has 
customers of 
varying size across 
its divisions both 
in the UK and 
internationally.

The Group is dependent upon its 
customers and distribution channels to 
sell and promote the Group’s products 
in its chosen markets.

The Group’s products form part of range 
strategies and long-term rollout plans 
for many of its customers.  Customer 
feedback and communication is 
therefore vital to ensure that the Group’s 
products evolve as part of a planned, 
thought-through strategy such that 
supply meets future demand. 

Lenders

The Group has 
access to debt 
fi nance through 
its banking 
relationships.

In addition to equity funding, the Group 
uses debt fi nance to provide short-term 
funds.

The Group must demonstrate the future 
viability of the business in order to 
ensure that debt fi nance continues to be 
available at acceptable rates of interest.

Key interactions included through:

• 

• 

• 

 Regular account management 
meetings with key customers during 
2019

 Attendance at fi re and CO safety 
seminars and industry groups 
presenting the Group’s future 
product roadmap and evolving 
connected technology including 
FireAngel Predict™

Key interactions included through:

• 

• 

• 

 Input into the Group’s fundraising 
plans in March 2019

 Regular performance review 
meetings throughout the year 
including presentation of the Group’s 
budget for the year ahead

 Independent audit of the Group’s 
compliance with the terms of the 
invoice discounting facility

 Key customers and industry groups provided 
feedback on proposed future range strategies and 
evolving feature sets which impacted the Group’s 
connected homes technology product design and 
market positioning plans

• 

 Customer feedback on future demand also informed 
the Group’s decision to halt the development of 
certain technology projects leading to the impairment 
of certain intangible assets and stock during the year 
as detailed in note 7 to the fi nancial statements

• 

• 

 The Group discussed with its primary lender the 
intention to raise £6.0 million of funds through a 
placing and open offer

 The feedback received led to the restructuring of 
the Group’s facilities with its primary lender from 
a revolving credit facility to an invoice discounting 
facility

Principal decisions

Principal decisions are defi ned as those material to both the Group and any of its key stakeholder groups.  In making the following principal decisions 
the Board considered the outcome from its stakeholder engagement as well as the need to maintain a reputation for high standards of business 
conduct and the need to act fairly between the members of the Company:

Principal decision 1: Fundraising in April 2019

In April 2019, the Board concluded that it was in the best interests of the Company, and was most likely to promote its success, for it to enter into a 
fundraising process to raise £6.0 million.   In particular, the Board considered its engagement with major shareholders and its lender in assessing the 
quantum and method of fundraising.  Further details of the fundraising are given in note 29 to the fi nancial statements.

Principal decision 2: Review of product lines and future development plans

During the year, the Board conducted a thorough review of product lines and future development plans in line with the Group’s evolved strategy to 
become a more technology-led connected home solutions provider.  The Board considered the Company’s engagement with its customers and 
shareholders in relation to future strategy and product offering and concluded that given the progress made with the Company’s connected home 
safety system strategy, it was appropriate to narrow its focus to developing and promoting those products and services which give the highest and 
quickest returns.  As a result, it was appropriate to make non-underlying charges in relation to stock provisions and the impairment of intangible 
development costs, further details of which are given in note 7 to the fi nancial statements.

Zoe Fox - Company Secretary
26 May 2020

Product 
prices from 
the Group’s 
primary smoke 
alarm and 
connected 
products 
manufacturer 
cannot be 
reduced 

Inability to 
multi-source 
production

Product 
warranty risk

Like every business, the Group faces risks undertaking its day-to-day operations and in pursuit of its longer-term objectives.

Further information on those risks and how they are managed by the Group is set out in the following pages.  It is recognised that the Group is exposed to a 
number of risks wider than those identifi ed here.  However, we have chosen to disclose those risks of most concern to the Board and those that have been 
the subject of debate at recent Board or Audit Committee meetings.  It is recognised, however, that no risk management strategy can provide absolute 
assurance against loss.

Through the management of our business units, the Group has an established risk management process for identifying, assessing, evaluating and managing 
signifi cant risks whereby the Executive Directors, in conjunction with the Board and Audit Committee, seek to identify, assess and manage risk.

The Chairman of the Board has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Group’s risk management framework.  His role is to set the 
tone and infl uence the culture of risk management within the Group, determine the Group’s risk prioritisation and monitor and manage the fundamental risks 
which the business faces through clear delegation of responsibility to each member of the Executive team.

All the Executive Directors are responsible for identifying, evaluating and mitigating risk in a timely manner, ensuring that there is an open and receptive 
approach to solving risk problems in the Group, embedding risk management as part of the system of internal controls within the Group and regularly 
updating the Board on the status of risks and controls where signifi cant issues are identifi ed.  

Signifi cant risks, which are defi ned with reference to magnitude of impact and likelihood of occurrence, are escalated to the Executive Chairman and Group 
Finance Director and, if appropriate, formally reviewed by the Board to assess the potential fi nancial impact on the Group and to determine the optimum 
course of action to address these risks. Read more about how the Group manages risk in the Corporate Goverance Report from page 20.

The Audit Committee advises the Board of Directors on matters of risk management.  It has its own report, which can be read on pages 25 and 26.

The principal risks facing the Group, and the strategies put in place to mitigate them, are described in the following table.

Risk
Factors that may impact the business

Mitigation
What we are doing to minimise the risk 

The impact of 
COVID-19

COVID-19 has impacted the Company outlook in the short term, although revenue 
for April 2020, at almost 55% of budget, was, encouragingly, some way ahead 
of expectation.  Revenue for May is expected to be at a similar level of budget 
achievement.

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

The Board continues to believe that the medium and long-term prospects for the 
Company’s unique technology are strong.  We are encouraged by online sales 
resilience and the increasing shift to online fulfi lment in our Retail business.  In 
recent days new enquiries have come through our Trade business, adding to our 
growing funnel of opportunities.  In addition, pre-existing commercial opportunities 
for our connected technology continue to move forward.  The recent re-opening 
of retail and trade channels, and clear attempts to restart the construction sector, 
reinforce the expectation of a quick rebound in demand for FireAngel’s unique 
cost-effective connected solutions.  It is pleasing that demand, whilst reduced, has 
continued to recover in our international markets and the emphasis in many UK-
customer conversations has moved to preparing to return to normal behaviour after 
lockdown restrictions have been lifted.

Due to uncertainty around COVID-19 and timing of when restrictions will be lifted, 
the Board has withdrawn the Company’s market guidance given that it is too early 
to substantiate or vary it with any certainty.

The relationship with the Group’s primary smoke alarm and connected products 
manufacturer is relatively new.  Whilst satisfactory progress has been made in 
increasing production yield and volumes, there remain challenges in levels of 
utilisation and effi ciency in the manufacturing process which is impacting product 
costing in the short term. 

The Board continues to take mitigating actions to conserve 
cash and protect profi t, whilst maintaining capability in these 
times of exceptional uncertainty.  In addition to the initial range 
of measures, which included placing a number of employees on 
furlough and further headcount savings through a reassessment 
of R&D project deliverables, the Board has reinforced the actions 
taken in response to the impact of COVID-19 by extending the 
furlough period for some employees and placing additional 
employees on furlough.  Consistent with this, the Executive 
Directors have agreed to extend their reductions of 10% of salary 
for a further two months and senior managers have volunteered to 
reductions for two months.  All measures remain subject to review 
as the macro and trading picture become clearer.

To conserve cash, the Company has taken advantage of the 
Government’s tax payment deferral arrangements and is in the 
process of applying for a Coronavirus Large Business Interruption 
Loan as a further measure of prudence.  Together with our recent 
equity fundraising, this will strengthen the Company’s ability to 
navigate through these unprecedented times.

Whilst the Group’s supply chain and technical teams are working 
with its primary manufacturing partner to ensure that effi ciency 
is improved to reduce the future costs of production, and whilst 
all new products are designed to be manufactured in the most 
effi cient way, if such challenges remain in the longer term, this may 
have a material adverse effect on the operating results, business, 
fi nancial condition and prospects of the Group.  In addition, the 
impact of the coronavirus outbreak may lead to increases in the 
costs of the electronic components used in the Group’s products, 
which may detrimentally impact operating results.

Due to the high complexity and certifi cation requirements of the Group’s products, 
it is not practical to multi-source production across a number of suppliers.  This 
weakens the Group’s negotiating position with its existing suppliers and increases 
the concentration risk associated with a sole source of supply. 

Although the Group is addressing this in the future through 
modularity of product design, there is a heightened risk in the short 
term of supply disruption and higher prices with single-source 
supplier relationships.

Each year, the number of the Group’s smoke and CO products in the market 
increases and it is inevitable, given the technology-content of the Group’s products, 
that despite best efforts to produce a product with zero defects, from time to time 
the Group will experience product warranty issues.  Products are designed to 
‘fail safe’ so that if it is not working, it is designed to alert the user that it requires 
attention.  Many products have a ten-year life and if product issues do emerge, it 
is not unusual to experience the same product issues over a number of years.  If a 
product fails, the Group’s liability is governed by the contractual agreement with its 
immediate customer which may include the provision of a replacement product.  If 
the defect relates to the design of the product, the Group has insurance in place 
against potential claims but not the cost of replacing products in the market.  A 
manufacturing defect may not be covered by the Group’s suppliers’ insurance in all 
circumstances. The cost to the Group of any product issued with a design defect 
would extend beyond the cost of any specifi c claims brought against it, including 
potentially swapping products out in the market or in the worst case, a product 
recall.  The cost of potentially replacing defective units already distributed and 
the reputational impact that could occur at product, brand and Group level would 
be signifi cant.  As at 31 December 2019, a provision of £3.5 million is recognised 
against the FireAngel battery warranty provision, an isolated legacy issue relating to 
a third-party supplier. 

The Group seeks to ensure that products manufactured by its 
suppliers comply with the relevant product specifi cations which 
are approved by various test houses and regulatory bodies.  If 
a product is not compliant, the Group would potentially have 
a warranty claim on its supplier.  Where it becomes clear there 
are issues with batches of a certain product, the Group makes 
specifi c provision to cover 100% of the estimated warranty costs 
of providing free of charge replacements with a ‘no quibble’ 
warranty policy.  Product returns in each market are managed by 
the Group’s in-house Technical Support team which records all 
product warranty by date of manufacture.

36

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

37

Governance

Risks and risk management continued

Exchange 
rate risk

Working 
capital and 
liquidity risk

Risk
Factors that may impact the business

The Group operates internationally giving rise to 
exposure from changes in foreign currency exchange 
rates.  The majority of the components used in the 
manufacture of the Group’s products are priced in 
US dollars.  The Group also receives a signifi cant 
proportion of its revenues in euros from sales into 
Europe.  Unprecedented levels of uncertainty in global 
economic markets, and in particular around the UK’s 
future trading relationship with the rest of the world, 
has led to a prolonged weakening in the value of 
sterling against both currencies.

Recent poor fi nancial results may lead to reduced 
credit terms being offered by suppliers.  The 
requirement to pay suppliers earlier than anticipated 
could put short term pressure on the Group’s cash 
fl ows, lead to the deferral of investment decisions 
and in the worst case have a material adverse effect 
on its fi nancial condition.

Changing 
trends in 
the market 
place

The introduction of connected home products and 
solutions with companies seeking to connect and 
monitor products in the home via the internet could 
potentially reduce the popularity of the Group’s 
standalone safety product range.

It is possible that new products and technologies may 
emerge in the future as more viable alternatives to the 
Group’s products.

Competition 
risk

Several home safety product companies are 
considered to be direct competitors of the Group.  
These companies vary in the relative strength of 
their product offering.  As competitors launch new 
products, the Group’s prospects may be impacted 
which could either reduce or enhance the Group’s 
product sales.

Intellectual 
property risk

Many of the Group’s products are protected by 
intellectual property rights and the market can be 
characterised as having relatively high barriers to 
entry in this regard.  Before introducing new products, 
the Group carefully checks that it is not infringing the 
patented technology of third parties.  Potentially, third 
parties could seek to copy or fi nd a workaround to the 
Group’s registered technology.

Mitigation
What we are doing to minimise the risk 

The Group manages this risk through the matching of foreign currency receipts and payments, 
where possible, and also through a policy of hedging using forward exchange contracts to 
guarantee the future exchange rate at which chosen volumes of currency are exchanged, however, 
if such levels of uncertainty continue and the value of sterling against the US dollar remains 
depressed, this may have a material adverse effect on the operating results, business, fi nancial 
condition and prospects of the Group. 

The Group maintains regular communications with its suppliers around the size and timing of 
payment runs and routinely updates on the Group’s performance as part of scheduled account 
management meetings.  The recently announced fundraising will strengthen the balance sheet and 
reassure all stakeholders as to the fi nancial stability of the Group.

The Group is selling its own connected home solutions products and is increasing its investment in 
technology and products which connect to the internet.  The Group continues to invest in product 
technology to reduce the cost of connected home solutions and to ensure that they are the 
products of choice for the Group’s customers.

The Group dedicates signifi cant resources to product research and development to keep the 
business and its products at the forefront of technology.  The Group seeks to stay abreast of 
emerging market trends to position the Group to exploit and commercialise such technologies 
as they appear.  The Group regularly reviews other technologies to ensure that it has the right 
technology and engineering capability in-house.

However, there can be no guarantees that new products, modifi cations or services will be 
successfully developed or, if developed, successfully sold to customers.  This could affect the 
Group’s future revenues and profi ts.

The Group monitors competitors’ offerings and regularly reviews competitor products.  The 
Group’s continued investment in new products and technology provides a barrier to new entrants 
in the market.  Certifi cation costs per product are high at approximately £100,000 per new product.  
This also acts as a signifi cant barrier to entry.

The Group, in part to mitigate against this competitive threat, continues to commit signifi cant 
resources to research and development, as it has done since foundation.  It cannot, however, be 
guaranteed that the Group will be able to succeed in developing new products that can compete 
head-on with competitors’ products.

The Group’s principal protection in the market lies in its business model and patented intellectual 
property rights.  The breadth of the Group’s product range and its ability to add new products 
and leverage its brands across the markets it serves represents a signifi cant barrier to entry 
to competitors.  The Group is not dependent on any one single patent for sales.  The Group’s 
products are protected by over 50 granted patents in its major markets and the Group continues to 
register new patents to protect its intellectual property where the Group believes it is appropriate 
to do so.

Notwithstanding this, any failure to protect or successfully defend the Group’s intellectual property 
may result in another party copying or otherwise obtaining and using its proprietary technology 
or other intellectual property without authorisation. There may not be adequate protection for 
the intellectual property in every country in which the Group’s products are sold and policing 
unauthorised use of proprietary information is diffi cult and expensive.  The Group cannot 
guarantee that it will be able to detect and prevent infringement of its intellectual property but 
would vigorously defend its intellectual property if it believed it was being infringed.

Any misappropriation of the Group’s intellectual property could have a material adverse impact 
on the Group’s business and its operating results.  Furthermore, the Group may need to take legal 
action to enforce its intellectual property, to protect trade secrets or to determine the validity or 
scope of the proprietary rights of others which may result in substantial costs and the diversion 
of resources and management attention and there can be no guarantee as to the outcome of any 
such litigation.

The Group is not aware of any third party that has any claim over the intellectual property of the 
Group, however, if it was proven that part of the Group’s intellectual property was in fact owned 
by a third party, this could lead to the removal of certain functionality from the Group’s products 
or for certain products to be removed from the market altogether.  Any legal action resulting from 
such claims would likely be time-consuming and expensive.  In either case the business, fi nancial 
condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

Distributor 
relationships

The Group works with third party distributors of its 
products in Continental Europe who own the key customer 
relationships and undertake marketing support activities 
to drive revenue in the markets they serve.  The Group is 
dependent upon these distributors to fulfi l these roles in 
an effective and effi cient manner to continue to grow sales 
in these jurisdictions.  Given the signifi cant concentration 
of sales through a small number of distributors, the Group 
closely monitors sales by the third-party distributors.  
From time to time, the Group has fi nancially supported its 
distributors with extensions to payment terms.

Product 
certifi cation 
compliance

Products are required to comply with the appropriate 
certifi cation standards.  If products do not comply, 
certifi cation bodies could insist on quarantining product 
for further testing, rework, or, in extreme situations, a recall.  
This could affect the Group’s future revenues and profi ts.

Risks 
following 
the UK’s 
exit from the 
European 
Union

In October 2019, a withdrawal agreement (the ‘Withdrawal 
Agreement’) setting out the terms of the UK’s exit from the 
EU was agreed between the UK and EU governments.  
The Withdrawal Agreement, which became effective on 
31 January 2020, includes the terms of a transition or 
‘standstill’ period until 31 December 2020. During the 
transition period, the UK has formally withdrawn from the 
EU but is still treated for most purposes as an EU member 
state.  The UK and EU have been negotiating the terms of 
a trading arrangement which will apply following the end of 
the transition period. 

Staff 
recruitment 
and 
retention 
risk

International 
trade 
regulations

Health and 
safety risk

As with most businesses, particularly those operating 
in a technical fi eld, the Group is dependent on engaging 
employees with key managerial, engineering and technical 
skills.  The contribution of the Group’s dedicated staff and 
management team has been, and continues to be, critical 
to the Group’s success.  Should the Group be unable to 
attract new employees, or retain existing employees, this 
could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s ability 
to grow or maintain its business.

The Group’s development and prospects are somewhat 
dependent upon the continued services and performance 
of its Directors, senior management and other key 
personnel.  The loss of the services of any of the Directors, 
senior management or key personnel or a substantial 
number of talented employees, could cause disruption 
which could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s 
business, fi nancial condition and results of operations until 
suitable replacements are found.

The Group’s activities involve the import and export of 
products.  Any changes in the regulations covering such 
movements might impact the Group’s trading activities.  
Increasing geographical reach and continual expansion of 
the Group’s customer base, particularly into Continental 
Europe, exposes the Group to a potentially wider set of 
regulatory restrictions.  Risks associated with Brexit are 
described as a separate risk within this table.  If the Group 
is unable to comply with, or react quickly enough to, any 
new regulation introduced, or changes made to existing 
regulations, it may lose customers, fi nd it more diffi cult to 
win new customers or, in the worst case, lose the ability 
to distribute products into certain jurisdictions resulting in 
lost sales and profi ts.

As the Group’s product range expands, the risk of non-
compliance with health and safety regulations increases.  
The Group handles products with low levels of radioactive 
particles in the ‘foils’ contained within ionisation alarms 
which were historically sold in the UK.  Changes to product 
design mean that products incorporating radioactive 
particles are no longer sold.

The Group has contracts with most of its major distributors.  Many of these relationships 
are well established and, in some cases, the distributor only or mainly sells the Group’s 
products.  The Group ensures that the contractual relationships with its customers are fair and 
commercially benefi cial for both parties and monitors outstanding credit balances owed by 
distributors to minimise potential bad debt risk for the Group.  From time to time, overstocking 
in the distribution channel may cause fi nancial pressures on the Group and its third-party 
distributors depending on the sales conditions in the relevant market.   The Group keeps in 
close contact with each of its distributors to monitor their sales and market conditions to 
maximise the sales potential of the distributor and the Group. 

In conjunction with suppliers, the Group seeks to ensure that all products are manufactured 
in accordance with the relevant product certifi cation standards.  Detailed compliance records 
are maintained for each product which is approved for sale.  In addition, detailed testing is 
performed on each product with traceability of key components a contractual commitment 
by each of the Group’s suppliers.  The Group works closely with the standard review bodies 
to ensure that its products remain of the highest quality.  Suppliers are also audited by 
independent third parties to ensure that they maintain the highest quality standards.  Ensuring 
product certifi cation is obtained in a timely manner helps ensure that the Group’s sales are not 
impacted by issues with certifi cation.

The Board has taken steps to prepare for the end of the transition period. These actions 
include setting up a dedicated cross-functional project team; reviewing all imports and 
exports by country with visibility maps of supply routes; considering the impact of potential 
changes on the Group’s strategic objectives; reviewing warehouse locations and logistics 
procedures; registering for appropriate VAT and customs procedures; and assessing the 
potential cash impact of tariffs and new arrangements.

The extent of the impact would depend in part on the nature of the arrangements that are put 
in place between the UK and the EU following the end of the transition period and the extent 
to which the UK continues to apply laws that are based on EU legislation.  However, the 
Group’s primary manufacturing partner for smoke, heat and accessory products is based in 
Poland, and Poland has not adopted the euro (notwithstanding it has been a full member of 
the EU since 2004).  Should the import duty regime change following the end of the transition 
period, the Group would review the import duty arrangements and adjust its product pricing 
accordingly.

The general speculation and concern surrounding the nature of the trading arrangement 
which will apply following the end of the transition period has also caused uncertainty in the 
market which may damage confi dence.  Due to this, the macroeconomic effect of this on 
the Group’s business is unknown.  As such, it is not possible to state the impact that any 
such trading arrangement would have either on the Group and whether such impact would 
positively or adversely affect the business.  Any of these risks could have a material adverse 
effect on the operating results, business, fi nancial condition and prospects of the Group.

The Group places great importance on open communication with its employees, including 
regular staff updates and, where results permit, an annual staff away day.  The Group aims to 
offer appropriate remuneration packages and incentive arrangements in order to mitigate this 
risk and seeks to create a supportive working environment where employees are encouraged 
to learn and develop in their roles through personal development plans.

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

The Group closely monitors international import and export regulations and adapts its 
procedures to minimise duty costs while remaining compliant.

The Group places the greatest importance on maintaining the highest standards of health and 
safety compliance.  The Group’s procedures comply with the requirements of ISO audits and 
detailed records are maintained to ensure that products are correctly stored and disposed.

38

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

39

Financial statements

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Statutory Strategic Report, the Directors’ Report and the fi nancial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and Company fi nancial statements for each fi nancial year.  The Directors are required by the 
AIM rules of the London Stock Exchange to prepare the Group fi nancial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(‘IFRS’) as adopted by the European Union (‘EU’) and have elected under company law to prepare the Company fi nancial statements in accordance 
with IFRS as adopted by the EU. 

The fi nancial statements are required by law and IFRS adopted by the EU to present fairly the fi nancial position of the Group and the Company and 
the fi nancial performance of the Group.  The Companies Act 2006 provides in relation to such fi nancial statements that references in the relevant part 
of that Act to fi nancial statements giving a true and fair view are references to their achieving a fair presentation.

Under company law the Directors must not approve the fi nancial statements unless they are satisfi ed that they give a true and fair view of the state of 
affairs of the Group and the Company and of the profi t or loss of the Group for that period. 

 In preparing the Group and Company fi nancial statements, the Directors are required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

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

•  state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRS adopted by the EU; and

Independent auditor’s report
TO THE MEMBERS OF FIREANGEL SAFETY TECHNOLOGY GROUP PLC

Opinion

We have audited the fi nancial statements of FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc (the ‘parent company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) for 
the year ended 31 December 2019 which comprise the consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, 
the consolidated and company statements of fi nancial position, the consolidated and company cash fl ow statement, the consolidated statement 
of changes in equity, the company statement of changes in equity and the notes to the fi nancial statements, including a summary of signifi cant 
accounting policies.  The fi nancial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and, as regards the parent company fi nancial statements, as applied in accordance 
with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion:

•   the fi nancial 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 2019 and of the 

group’s loss for the year then ended;

•  the group fi nancial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union;

•   the parent company fi nancial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union and as 

applied in accordance with the Companies Act 2006; and

•  the fi nancial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

•   prepare the fi nancial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the Company will continue in 

Basis for opinion

business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are suffi cient to show and explain the Group’s and the Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the fi nancial position of the Group and the Company and enable them to ensure that 
the fi nancial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006.  They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and the Company 
and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and fi nancial information included on the FireAngel Safety 
Technology Group plc website.

Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of fi nancial statements may differ from legislation in other 
jurisdictions.

By order of the Board

Zoe Fox - Company Secretary
26 May 2020

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 fi nancial statements section of our report.  We are independent 
of the group and parent company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the fi nancial statements in the UK, 
including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to SME listed entities and we have fulfi lled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these 
requirements.  We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is suffi cient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Material uncertainty related to going concern

We draw attention to note 2 in the fi nancial statements, which indicates that the group may be adversely affected by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) 
outbreak and in particular the potential impact of a signifi cant and ongoing fall in sales demand on the group’s cash fl ow.  As stated in note 2, these 
events or conditions, along with the other matters as set forth in note 2, indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may cast signifi cant doubt on 
the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.  Our opinion is not modifi ed in respect of this matter.

Summary of our audit approach

Key audit matters

Group

•  FireAngel warranty provisioning 

• 

Impairment of product development costs

Parent Company

• 

Impairment of intercompany receivables

Materiality

Group

•  Overall materiality: £461,000

•  Performance materiality: £346,000

Parent Company

•  Overall materiality: £225,000

•  Performance materiality: £168,000

Scope

Our audit procedures covered 96% of revenue, 94% of total assets and 99% of loss before tax

Key audit matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most signifi cance in our audit of the group and parent company 
fi nancial statements of the current period and include the most signifi cant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) we 
identifi ed, 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 group and parent company fi nancial statements as a whole, 
and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

40

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

41

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

 
Independent auditor’s report continued

In addition to the matter described in the Material uncertainty related to going concern section, we have determined the matters described below to 
be the key audit matters to be communicated in our report.

FireAngel warranty provisioning 

Key audit matter description

How the matter was addressed 
in the audit

The group reported a signifi cant battery warranty issue in the fi nancial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015 which included 
an exceptional warranty cost charge of £5.5 million. The warranty provision at 31 December 2019 of £3.5 million is stated after recording 
an additional exceptional warranty charge in the income statement of £2.6 million, and an additional amount of £1.5 million in respect of 
prior periods.

The recorded provision is one of the most signifi cant risks of material misstatement due to the high degree of estimation uncertainty 
contained within management’s calculations of the required provision. Management have explained in detail in note 3 and note 25 the 
estimation uncertainties relevant to the calculation of the warranty provision. Management have explained the additional exceptional 
warranty charge of £2.6 million and the restatement of the provision in relation to prior periods in notes 7 and 8, respectively.

The most signifi cant estimates include the terminal rate of product return, and the cost of servicing each returned unit, having regard to 
current inventory, purchase price and returns reworking.

Management provided us with a calculation of the warranty provision. Our audit work included, but was not restricted to:

•   Obtaining an understanding of the calculation methodology used by management to calculate the warranty provision in light of our 

understanding of the specifi c warranty issue, the wider business, and the signifi cant charge recorded during the year.

•   Challenging the appropriateness of key assumptions used in the calculations, and any changes made compared to prior periods, by 

comparing them to other internal information held by management.

•   Comparing the actual rates of return to those anticipated when the issue was initially identifi ed to assess the adequacy of projected 

terminal rates of return and challenging management as to the reasons for any changes made to assumptions in this regard.

•   Considering the circumstances relating to the restatement of the prior periods and the extent to which this treatment was 

appropriate.

•  Considering the adequacy of disclosures and whether they were in accordance with the applicable fi nancial reporting framework.

Impairment of product development costs 

Key audit matter description

How the matter was addressed 
in the audit

The group continues to develop new products and has unamortised capitalised product development costs of £13.1 million at the 
reporting date, of which £5.1 million relates to projects where amortisation has not yet commenced. In accordance with their stated 
accounting policy, management should only capitalise these costs on the basis that it is probable that the asset created will generate future 
economic benefi ts and management are required to consider whether or not there are any indicators of impairment for each asset at each 
reporting date. As a result of these considerations, the group has recorded an impairment charge of £1.8 million as disclosed in note 7.

The recovery of these assets in future periods is dependent upon the successful completion and / or sale of each project. The potential 
for impairment is one of the most signifi cant risks of material misstatement due to the quantum of costs capitalised in respect of certain 
individual projects and also due to the exercise of management judgement regarding inherently uncertain future outcomes relating to the 
adoption of new technologies and sales performance. 

Management have explained in detail in note 3 the estimation uncertainties relevant to their impairment considerations, and detailed 
analysis of the amounts capitalised are set out in note 17.

Our audit work included, but was not restricted to:

•  Obtaining and reviewing management’s assessment of all projects within capitalised product development costs. 

•   Reviewing the impairment charge recorded by management and considering the appropriateness of the impairment in the context of 

the wider business.

•   For projects where amortisation has not yet commenced, we challenged management’s assessment, corroborated explanations to 

supporting evidence where available and considered whether there was any contradictory evidence gathered during our audit.

•   For projects where amortisation has commenced, we reviewed the sales and gross margin achieved on products using this 

technology and comparing the gross margin achieved with unamortised capitalised costs at the reporting date to assess the period 
over which the capitalised costs will be recovered.

•  Considered the adequacy of disclosures and whether they were in accordance with the applicable fi nancial reporting framework.

Impairment of intercompany receivables (parent company only)

Key audit matter description

At 31 December 2019 the parent company balance sheet includes amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings of £25.9 million. The 
loan is interest free and repayable on demand. The subsidiary undertaking does not have suffi cient liquid assets to make repayment 
should the parent company demand repayment. The key audit matter is that an Expected Credit Loss (‘ECL’) provision is required in 
accordance with IFRS 9, Financial Instruments and the measurement of the ECL involves a signifi cant degree of judgement.

At 31 December 2019, the gross amount owed by subsidiary undertakings was £27.8 million and the ECL recorded was £1.9 million as 
detailed in notes 3 and 21.

How the matter was addressed 
in the audit

We obtained management’s calculation of the ECL and the underlying calculations prepared to support the carrying value of the 
balance and performed work as follows:

•  Assessed the reasonableness of the recovery scenarios considered by management and the probabilities assigned thereon.

•  Reviewed and challenged the assumptions and estimates utilised in the model.

•  Recalculated the computation of the ECL.

•  Considered the sensitivity of key assumptions and estimates.

•  Considered the adequacy of disclosures and whether they were in accordance with the applicable fi nancial reporting framework.

Our application of materiality

When establishing our overall audit strategy, we set certain thresholds which help us to determine the nature, timing and extent of our audit 
procedures. When evaluating whether the effects of misstatements, both individually and on the fi nancial statements as a whole, could reasonably 
infl uence the economic decisions of the users we take into account the qualitative nature and the size of the misstatements. Based on our 
professional judgement, we determined materiality as follows:

Overall materiality

Basis for determining overall 
materiality

Group

£461,000

4.9% of Loss before tax

Rationale for benchmark applied Result before tax chosen as the group is profi t oriented.

Performance materiality

£346,000

Basis for determining 
performance materiality

75% of overall materiality

Reporting of misstatements to 
the Audit Committee

Misstatements in excess of £23,000 and misstatements below that threshold 
that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. 

Parent company

£225,000

0.9% of Net assets

Net assets chosen as parent company is purely a 
holding company.

£168,000

75% of overall materiality

Misstatements in excess of £11,000 and 
misstatements below that threshold that, in our 
view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. 

An overview of the scope of our audit

The group consists of three components, located in the United Kingdom and Canada. The coverage achieved by our audit procedures was:

Number of components

Revenue

Total assets

Profi t before tax

Full scope audit

Total

2

2

96%

96%

94%

94%

99%

99%

Analytical procedures at group level were performed for the remaining component.

Other information

The directors are responsible for the other 
information.  The other information comprises 
the information included in the annual report, 
other than the fi nancial statements and our 
auditor’s report thereon.  Our opinion on the 
fi nancial 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 fi nancial 
statements, our responsibility is to read the other 
information and, in doing so, consider whether 
the other information is materially inconsistent 
with the fi nancial 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 
fi nancial 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.

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 fi nancial 
year for which the fi nancial statements are 
prepared is consistent with the fi nancial 
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 their 

environment obtained in the course of the audit, 
we have not identifi ed 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 fi nancial statements are 
not in agreement with the accounting records 
and returns; or

•   certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration 

specifi ed 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 Statement of 
directors’ responsibilities, the directors are 
responsible for the preparation of the fi nancial 
statements and for being satisfi ed that they 
give a true and fair view, and for such internal 
control as the directors determine is necessary 
to enable the preparation of fi nancial statements 
that are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the fi nancial 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.

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 infl uence the economic decisions 
of users taken on the basis of these fi nancial 
statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for 
the audit of the fi nancial statements is located 
on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: 
http://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.  
This description forms part of our auditor’s 
report.

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.

Michael Thornton (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of RSM UK Audit LLP, 
Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants
St Philips Point
Temple Row
Birmingham
B2 5AF

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit 
of the fi nancial statements

26 May 2020

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable 
assurance about whether the fi nancial 

42

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

43

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

 
Consolidated income statement

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Consolidated and Company statement of fi nancial position

As at 31 December 2019

2019

2018 Restated

Consolidated

Company

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profi t

Operating expenses

Loss from operations 

Finance costs

Loss before tax

Income tax credit

Loss attributable to equity 
owners of the Parent

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Before non-
underlying items 

Non-underlying 
items (note 7)

£000

45,486

(36,821)

8,665

(12,461)

(3,796)

(312)

(4,108)

548

(3,560)

-

-

£000

-

(4,308)

(4,308)

(2,608)

(6,916)

- 

(6,916)

1,056

(5,860)

-

-

Note

6

9

-

-

9

11

-

12

14

14

Total

£000

45,486

(41,129)

4,357

(15,069)

(10,712)

(312)

(11,024)

1,604

(9,420)

(14.0)

(14.0)

Before non-
underlying items 

Non-underlying 
items (note 7)

£000

37,587

(28,866)

8,721

(10,712)

(1,991)

(114)

(2,105)

508

(1,597)

-

-

Total

£000

37,587

(30,024)

7,563

(13,387)

(5,824)

(114)

(5,938)

1,412

£000

-

(1,158)

(1,158)

(2,675)

(3,833)

-

(3,833)

904

(2,929)

(4,526)

-

-

(9.9)

(9.9)

All amounts stated relate to continuing activities.

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Loss for the year

Items that may be reclassifi ed subsequently to profi t and loss:
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations (net of tax)

Total comprehensive loss for the year

2019

£000

(9,420)

31

(9,389)

2018 Restated

£000

(4,526)

(67)

(4,593)

Non-current assets

Goodwill

Other intangible assets

Purchased software costs

Property, plant and equipment 

Shares in subsidiaries

Deferred tax assets

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Current tax asset

Derivative fi nancial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Lease liabilities

Current tax liabilities

Provisions 

Invoice discounting facilities

Derivative fi nancial liabilities

Net current (liabilities)/assets

Non-current liabilities

Loans and borrowings

Lease liabilities

Provisions

Deferred tax liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Called up share capital

Share premium account

Currency translation reserve

Retained earnings

Total equity attributable to equity holders of the 
Parent Company

Note

16

17

17

18

19

27

20

21

-

22

-

26

23

-

25

23

22

23

23

25

27

29

-

-

-

2019

£000

169

12,560

2,492

5,323

-

-

2018 Restated

2017 Restated

£000

169

13,201

2,899

4,006

-

-

£000

169

10,475

2,574

2,077

-

523

20,544

20,275

15,818

6,304

12,073

729

-

2,062

21,168

41,712

8,425

10,792

1,248

214

1,251

21,930

42,205

11,201

17,366

625

-

3,273

32,465

48,283

(12,150)

(11,465)

(16,472)

(348)

-

(1,496)

(6,985)

(429)

(21,408)

(240)

-

(1,131)

(1,997)

-

(3,128)

(24,536)

17,176

1,519

17,617

143

(2,103)

17,176

-

(39)

(1,195)

-

-

(12,699)

9,231

(5,700)

-

(1,871)

(896)

(8,467)

(21,166)

21,039

918

12,729

112

7,280

21,039

-

(15)

(1,507)

-

(364)

(18,358)

14,107

-

-

(2,166)

(1,974)

(4,140)

(22,498)

25,785

918

12,729

179

11,959

25,785

2019

£000

-

-

-

-

149

-

149

-

25,947

-

-

4

25,951

26,100

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

25,951

-

-

-

-

-

-

26,100

1,519

17,617

-

6,964

26,100

2018

£000

-

-

-

-

149

-

149

-

27,343

-

-

1

27,344

27,493

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

27,344

(5,700)

-

-

-

(5,700)

(5,700)

21,793

918

12,729

-

8,146

21,793

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption contained within section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present its own statement 
of comprehensive income.  The result for the year dealt with in the fi nancial statements of the Company was a loss of £1,182,000 (2018: loss of 
£848,000).

The fi nancial statements on pages 44 to 73 were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 26 May 2020 and were signed on its 
behalf by:

John Conoley - Executive Chairman

Mike Stilwell - Group Finance Director

Company registered number: 3991353

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

44

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

45

 
Consolidated and Company cash fl ow statement

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Consolidated

Company

Note

2019

2018 Restated

£000

(11,024)

312

£000

(5,938)

114

2019

£000

(1,182)

18

(10,712)

(5,824)

(1,164)

Loss before tax

Finance expense

Operating loss for the year

Adjustments for:

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment, and right-of-use assets

Amortisation of intangible assets

Loss on disposal of non-current assets

Non-underlying items

Cash fl ow relating to non-underlying items

Decrease/(increase) in fair value of derivatives

Provision against intercompany receivables

Operating cash fl ow before movements in working capital

Movement in inventories

Movement in receivables

Movement in provisions

Movement in payables

Cash (used in)/generated by operations

Income taxes received/(paid)

Net cash (used in)/generated by operating activities

Investing activities

Capitalised development costs

Purchased software

Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

Interest received

1,267

2,105

16

6,916

(2,346)

643

-

(2,111)

418

(1,281)

(106)

520

(2,560)

1,191

(1,369)

(2,882)

 -  

(841)

1

385

689

-

3,833

(2,199)

(578)

-

(3,694)

1,672

4,754

611

(4,983)

(1,640)

(35)

(1,675)

(3,415)

(325)

(2,342)

7

Net cash used in investing activities

(3,722)

(6,075)

Financing activities

Repayment of loan

Drawdown of loan

Drawdown of invoice fi nance

Loan restructuring costs

Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares (net of expenses)

Repayment of lease obligations

Interest paid

Net cash generated by/(used in) fi nancing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Non-cash movements – foreign exchange

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

23

23

(7,000)

1,300

6,985

(209)

5,488

(307)

(382)

5,875

784

1,251

27

2,062

-

5,700

-

-

-

-

(121)

5,579

(2,171)

3,273

149

1,251

2018

£000

(848)

121

(727)

-

-

-

-

-

-

725

(2)

-

(5,640)

-

-

(5,642)

-

(5,642)

-

-

-

-

-

-

5,700

-

-

-

-

(121)

5,579

(63)

64

-

1

Balance at 1 January 2018 as originally presented

Correction of error (net of tax) (note 8)

Restated total equity at 1 January 2018

Loss for the year - restated

Net foreign exchange losses from overseas subsidiaries

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Credit in relation to share-based payments

Deferred tax charge in relation to share-based payments

Share  capital

Share premium 
account

£000

918

-

918

-

-

-

 -  

-

£000

12,729

-

12,729

-

-

-

 -  

-

Balance at 31 December 2018

918

12,729

Loss for the year

Net foreign exchange gains from overseas subsidiaries

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Issue of equity shares 

Premium arising on issue of equity shares

Share issue expenses

Total transactions with owners in their capacity as owners

Credit in relation to share-based payments

-

-

-

601

-

-

601

 -  

-

-

-

-

5,400

(512)

4,888

 -  

Balance at 31 December 2019

1,519

17,617

Company statement of changes in equity

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Currency 
translation 
reserve

£000

179

-

179

-

(67)

(67)

 -  

-

112

-

31

31

-

-

-

-

 -  

143

Retained 
earnings

£000

13,188

(1,229)

11,959

(4,526)

-

Total

£000

27,014

(1,229)

25,785

(4,526)

(67)

(4,526)

(4,593)

107

(260)

7,280

(9,420)

-

107

(260)

21,039

(9,420)

31

(9,420)

(9,389)

-

-

-

-

37

601

5,400

(512)

5,489

37

(2,103)

17,176

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Share  capital

Share premium 
account

Retained earnings

Balance at 1 January 2018

Loss for the year

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Balance at 31 December 2018

Loss for the year

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Issue of equity shares

Premium arising on issue of equity shares

Share issue expenses

Total transactions with owners in their capacity as owners

Balance at 31 December 2019

£000

918

-

-

918

-

-

601

-

-

601

1,519

£000

12,729

-

-

12,729

-

-

-

5,400

(512)

4,888

17,617

£000

8,994

(848)

(848)

8,146

(1,182)

(1,182)

-

-

-

-

6,964

26,100

Total

£000

22,641

(848)

(848)

21,793

(1,182)

(1,182)

601

5,400

(512)

5,489

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,155

(9)

-

242

-

-

233

-

233

-

-

-

-

-

(7,000)

1,300

-

-

5,488

-

(18)

(230)

3

1

-

4

46

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

47

 
Notes to the fi nancial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2019

1. Principal activities

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc (the ‘Company’) is registered and domiciled in England and Wales, having been incorporated under the 
Companies Act, company registration number 3991353.  The Company is listed on AIM.  The Company’s registered offi ce and the address of its 
principal place of business is The Vanguard Centre, Sir William Lyons Road, Coventry, West Midlands, CV4 7EZ. 

The Company and its subsidiary undertakings (the ‘Group’) are in the business of the design, sale and marketing of smoke and CO alarms and 
accessories sold under the brands of FireAngel, FireAngel Pro and Specifi cation, AngelEye and Pace Sensors.  The Group also operates its own CO 
sensor manufacturing facility in Canada. 
2. Summary of signifi cant accounting policies

The Group has adopted the accounting policies set out below in preparation of the consolidated fi nancial statements.  All of these policies have been 
applied consistently throughout the periods presented, with the exception of the adoption of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ and the change to a straight-line basis 
of amortisation for product development costs.  Both of these changes are described further below.
Basis of preparation

These consolidated fi nancial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European 
Union (‘IFRS’). 

The preparation of fi nancial statements requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies.  
The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where the Group’s assumptions and estimates are signifi cant to the 
consolidated fi nancial statements, are disclosed in note 3. 
Basis of consolidation

The consolidated fi nancial statements of the Group incorporate the fi nancial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company (its 
subsidiaries) made up to 31 December each year. 
Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are entities over which the Group has power to govern the fi nancial and operating policies so as to obtain economic benefi ts from their 
activities.  Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is obtained (the acquisition date) up until the date that control ceases. 

The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group.  The cost of an acquisition is measured as 
the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued, contingent consideration and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange.  
Costs directly attributable to the acquisition are expensed as incurred.  Identifi able assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination 
are initially measured at fair value at the acquisition date. 

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the fi nancial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by 
the Group. 

Intra-group transactions, balances, and unrealised gains and losses on transactions between Group companies are eliminated on consolidation.
Going concern

In determining whether the Group and Parent Company’s fi nancial statements can be prepared on a going concern basis, the Directors considered 
the Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position.  The review also included 
the fi nancial position of the Group, its cash fl ows, and borrowing facilities.  

The Board regularly reviews revenue, profi tability and cash fl ow forecasts across the short, medium and longer term.  A number of downside 
sensitised scenarios are modelled and considered to create a wide range of possible outcomes, the assumptions behind which are robustly 
challenged.  The Board compares actual performance against budgets and forecasts and reviews variances to continually refi ne and improve 
forecasting ability from which to make effective decisions.

However, the uncertain impact of COVID-19 makes such an assessment more challenging than usual.  In order to understand the potential impact of 
the risks associated with this uncertainty, a number of highly sensitised illustrative scenarios have been modelled.  Although the Board expects the 
most signifi cant effects of COVID-19 on revenue and profi tability still to be in Q2 2020, it considers a scenario based on the following assumptions to 
be prudent given the nature of the Company’s customers, products and distribution channels:

•   Revenue in May 2020 to be at a similar level of budget achievement to that seen in April 2020 with some recovery in June 2020, although still 

signifi cantly below budgeted levels, due to the impact of restrictions being lifted and some normality returning to retailer and customer behaviour

•   Revenue to be stronger in H2 2020 and improving continually across the half as:

      There will be an element of pent up demand which has been deferred, not lost, due in part to a drive in the self-employed trade sector which we 

would expect to be highly motivated to recover earnings lost during the lockdown period

      The opportunity for cost savings afforded by the Company’s connected solution will become more attractive as non-safety critical budgets tighten 

as evidenced by recent UK customer enquiries

     Many social housing authorities will have ring-fenced fi re safety budgets for the fi scal year to utilise over a now reduced period of time

     There has been no change in the underlying demand for the Company’s unique technology and there is unlikely to be any change in the necessity 

and desire to meet increased duty of care requirements post Grenfell

     Existing smoke and CO alarms installed by all manufacturers will continue to reach end of life and require replacement

      Recent conversations with the UK Fire & Rescue Service have highlighted an increased awareness of the importance of protecting vulnerable 

people in their homes, particularly in the current climate

•   Some strengthening in the value of sterling against the US dollar in H2 2020, recovering to levels near those seen immediately before the impact of 

COVID-19 

•   Expected full year cost savings of £0.5 million from actions already taken to reduce staff costs through furlough and redundancy, Board and senior 

manager salary savings, deferred recruitment, marketing savings and other overhead reductions 

The sensitised cash fl ow forecast based on these assumptions demonstrates that the Group will be able to pay its debts as they fall due for a period 
of at least twelve months from the date of these fi nancial statements.  The Directors are, therefore, satisfi ed that the fi nancial statements should be 
prepared on the going concern basis. 

However, in the event that the COVID-19 impact is worse than modelled regarding sales demand (including the speed of demand recovery and 
further possible lockdown restrictions) then further measures would be required to relieve any short-term cash pressures which may arise.  The 
Company has applied for a Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan as a further measure of prudence.  Further measures required could 
include increasing the number of staff furloughed, deeper cost savings and tougher working capital management through negotiation of payment 
terms with key suppliers.   Given the uncertainty that COVID-19 has created for the Group’s operations, markets, partners and distribution channels 
there is a risk that, in the event of a signifi cant and ongoing fall in sales demand, the measures described above may not be suffi cient to allow the 
group to operate within current banking facilities and these conditions therefore indicate the existence of a material uncertainty which may cast 
signifi cant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. 

The fi nancial statements do not include any adjustments that would result in the basis of preparation as a going concern being inappropriate.

Changes in accounting policies and disclosures

New standards, amendments and interpretations adopted by the Group

The Group adopted IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ with effect from 1 January 2019.  The standard eliminates the classifi cation of leases as either operating or 
fi nance leases and introduces a single accounting model requiring lessees to recognise assets and liabilities for all leases unless the underlying 
asset has a low value or the lease term is twelve months or less.  Lessees are required to recognise on the balance sheet right-of-use assets which 
represent the right to use underlying assets during the lease term and a lease liability representing the minimum lease payment for all leases.  
Depreciation of right-of-use assets and interest on lease liabilities is charged to the income statement, replacing the corresponding operating lease 
rentals.  The Group has applied the modifi ed retrospective approach and therefore at the date of initial application an amount equal to the lease 
liability, using appropriate incremental borrowing rates, has been recognised as a right-of-use asset.  The adoption of IFRS 16 has increased both 
‘Non-current assets’ and ‘Total liabilities’ at 31 December 2019 by £1.5 million, but has not had a material impact on the overall result for the year in 
the income statement.

The following other new standards and amended standards, none of which have had a material impact on these fi nancial statements, are mandatory 
and relevant to the Group for the fi rst time for the fi nancial period commencing 1 January 2019:

•  IFRIC 23: Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments

•  Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2015-2017 Cycle

Accounting standards in issue but not yet effective

At the date of authorisation of these fi nancial statements the following standards and interpretations, which have not been applied in these fi nancial 
statements and which are considered potentially relevant, were in issue but not yet effective (and in some cases had not yet been adopted by the EU):

•  Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards

•  Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8: Defi nition of Material

•  Amendments to IAS 1: Presentation of Financial Statements: Classifi cation of Liabilities as Current or Non-current

The Directors anticipate that the adoption of the amendments to standards in future periods will have no material impact on the recognition and 
measurement of assets, liabilities and the associated performance of the Group or the Company when the relevant standards and interpretations 
come into effect.

Revenue recognition

Revenue is recognised when revenue and associated costs can be measured reliably and future economic benefi ts are probable.  Revenue is 
measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, net of rebates 
and settlement discounts, VAT and other sales related taxes.

Sales of goods are recognised when the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the customer.  For the majority of customers this 
is when goods are delivered and title has passed.  For others it is when goods are delivered for shipment by our contract manufacturers, depending 
upon the terms and conditions of the sales contract as to when the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred.

Revenue recognition – warranty obligations

IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from customer contracts’ provides guidance on the treatment of warranties provided on the sale of goods.  The Group sells 
products with warranties ranging from one to ten years. 

The longer-term warranties are usually applicable to products with either long-term sealed batteries or sealed CO sensors that degrade over time.  
The performance of either the battery or the sensor for the warranted period of time is integral to the overall performance of the product and is a key 
feature of the product at the point of sale.

The Directors have considered the guidance within IFRS 15 as to whether these warranties are assurance type or service type.  Assurance warranties 
solely warrant that the product will function as sold, whilst service warranties provide a higher level of assurance.  Assurance warranties are not 
separate performance obligations, whilst service warranties are considered separate performance obligations and revenue attributes to the service 
element should be spread over the service period.

On the basis that the majority of warranties provided by the Group solely warrant that the product will operate as sold, the Directors have concluded 
that these warranties are assurance type warranties and do not represent a separate performance obligation.

Interest income

Interest income is accrued on a time-apportioned basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable, which is 
the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the fi nancial asset to that asset’s net carrying amount.

Accounting for discretionary payments made to customers

The Group made discretionary payments in total amounting to £0.4 million (2018: £0.6 million) to certain UK retailers in respect of maintaining the 
ongoing relationship with these customers and to secure promotional activities during the year.  Such costs are taken to the income statement in the 
year to which they relate and are recorded in operating expenses.

48

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

49

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
Notes to the fi nancial statements continued

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Goodwill

Goodwill arising on consolidation represents the excess of the consideration transferred and the fair value of any previous interest in the acquired 
entity over the fair value of the identifi able assets and liabilities of a subsidiary at the date of acquisition.  Goodwill on acquisition of subsidiaries is 
separately disclosed.

Goodwill is recognised as an asset and reviewed for impairment at least annually.  It is allocated to cash-generating units which represent the Group’s 
investment in each country of operation.  Impairment losses are recognised immediately in profi t or loss and are not subsequently reversed.

Other intangibles assets – internally-generated intangible assets 

Expenditure on research activities is recognised through the income statement as incurred.

Expenditure arising from the Group’s development of future products is capitalised only if all the following conditions are met:

•  an asset is created that can be identifi ed;

•  it is probable that the asset created will generate future economic benefi ts; 

•  the development cost of the asset can be measured reliably;

•  the Group has the intention to complete the asset and the ability and intention to use or sell it;

•  the product or process is technically and commercially feasible; and 

•  suffi cient resources are available to complete the development and to either sell or use the asset.

Where these criteria have not been achieved, development expenditure is recognised through the income statement in the period in which it is 
incurred.

Development expenditure is written off, except where the Directors are satisfi ed as to the innovative nature and technical, commercial and fi nancial 
viability of clearly defi ned projects whose outcome can be assessed with reasonable certainty.  In such cases, identifi able people and non-people 
costs by product/technology are capitalised and carried forward to be amortised over the expected life of the product over which the Group is 
expected to benefi t from sales of such products.

From 2017, the Group used the ‘units of production’ method of amortisation for all product development costs (excluding the costs of readying Flex 
and the Far East based supplier for full manufacturing).  However, as a result of a review during the year of the Group’s processes, procedures and 
controls it was concluded that the ‘straight line’ method of amortisation was more appropriate given the diffi culty in accurately predicting the timing 
of the take up of its connected home technology.  This reverses the decision taken in 2017 to adopt the ‘units of production’ method of amortisation 
which, under accounting rules, is only appropriate where demand can be measured with suffi cient reliability.  The impact of the move to straight line 
amortisation was to increase overheads by £0.9 million in the year.

The Directors estimate that the useful economic lives of these various intangible assets is between seven and 15 years.  Amortisation commences 
from the date of fi rst sale of the related product.  Intangible assets are described in note 17 to the fi nancial statements.

Directly attributable costs in bringing the Group’s manufacturing assets in to use at Flex and our Far East based supplier have been amortised using 
a straight-line method as the Board believes this is most appropriate given forecast production volumes.  These assets are being amortised over fi ve 
years.

Other intangible assets - computer software

Software capitalised is amortised at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a straight-line basis over its 
estimated useful life of four years.

Plant, equipment and tooling

All plant, equipment, tooling, fi xtures and fi ttings, motor vehicles, offi ce equipment and right-of-use assets are stated at cost less accumulated 
depreciation and any recognised impairment loss.  A right-of-use asset is recognised at commencement of the lease and initially measured at the 
amount of the lease liability, plus any incremental costs of obtaining the lease and any lease payments made at or before the leased asset is available 
for use by the Group.  The right-of-use asset is subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment 
losses.  Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Subsequent costs, including replacement parts and major inspections, are capitalised only when it is probable that such costs will generate future 
economic benefi ts.  Any replaced parts are derecognised.  All other costs of repairs and maintenance are charged to through the income statement 
as incurred.

Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets, other than land and properties under construction, over their estimated 
useful lives, using the straight-line method, on the following bases:

Manufacturing tooling 

5 years

Fixtures and fi ttings 

4 years 

Motor vehicles 

Offi ce equipment 

4 years 

3 years

Right-of-use assets 

over the period of the lease

50

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount 
of the asset and is recognised in the income statement.

Investment made in manufacturing tooling at Flex, the Group’s primary manufacturing partner for smoke alarms and connected products, is 
depreciated over fi ve years.  Regular reviews are conducted to ensure that any obsolete assets are appropriately recognised in the fi nancial 
statements.

Impairment of plant and equipment and intangible assets 

At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its property, plant and equipment and intangible assets to determine whether there 
is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss.  Intangible assets with an indefi nite useful life and other intangible assets not yet 
available for use are tested for impairment annually and whenever there is an indication that the asset may be impaired. 

If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).  Where 
the asset does not generate cash fl ows that are independent from other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating 
unit to which the asset belongs.  Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use.  In assessing value in use, the 
estimated future cash fl ows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that refl ects current market assessments of the time 
value of money and the risks specifi c to the asset (or cash-generating unit) for which the estimates of future cash fl ows have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or 
cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount.  An impairment loss is recognised as an expense immediately, unless the relevant asset is 
carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of 
its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no 
impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years.  A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised in profi t or loss 
immediately, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation 
increase.

Leases

On commencement of a contract which gives the Group the right to use assets for a period of time in exchange for consideration, the Group 
recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability unless the lease qualifi es as a ‘short-term’ lease (where the term is twelve months or less with no 
option to purchase the lease asset) or a ‘low-value’ lease (where the underlying asset is £4,000 or less when new). 

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments during the lease term discounted using the interest rate implicit in the 
lease, or the incremental borrowing rate if the interest rate implicit in the lease cannot be readily determined.  The lease term is the non-cancellable 
period of the lease plus extension periods that the Group is reasonably certain to exercise and termination periods that the Group is reasonably 
certain not to exercise.  Lease payments include fi xed payments, less any lease incentives receivable, variable lease payments dependent on an 
index or a rate and any residual value guarantees. 

The lease liability is subsequently increased for a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the lease liability and reduced for 
lease payments.  Interest on the lease liability is recognised in profi t or loss.  Variable lease payments not included in the measurement of the lease 
liability as they are not dependent on an index or rate, are recognised in profi t or loss in the period in which the event or condition that triggers those 
payments occurs.

For the 2018 comparatives only, rentals payable under operating leases were expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease.  
Benefi ts received and receivable as an incentive to enter into an operating lease were also spread on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the fi nancial information of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in 
which the entity operates (‘the functional currency’).  The consolidated fi nancial statements are presented in sterling, which is the functional currency 
of the Group and the Group’s presentational currency.

Foreign currency transaction and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of the transaction.  At each reporting date, monetary assets 
and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the exchange rate prevailing at the reporting date.  Non-monetary assets 
and liabilities carried at values that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates prevailing at the date when the values were 
determined.  Gains and losses arising on retranslation are included in the income statement for the period, except for exchange differences on non-
monetary assets and liabilities, which are recognised directly in other comprehensive income when the changes in fair value are recognised directly in 
other comprehensive income.

On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s overseas operations are translated into the Group’s presentational currency at exchange 
rates prevailing at the reporting date.  Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the period.  All resulting exchange 
differences are recognised in other comprehensive income.  All exchange differences arising, if any, are transferred to the Group’s foreign exchange 
reserve and are recognised as income or as expenses in the period in which the operation is disposed of, or when control, signifi cant infl uence or joint 
control is lost.

The Group has elected to treat goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on acquisitions before the date of transition to IFRS as sterling 
denominated assets and liabilities.

Retirement benefi t costs

For defi ned contribution schemes the amount charged through the income statement in respect of pension costs and other post retirement 
contributions is the contribution payable in the year.  Differences between contributions payable in the year and contributions actually paid are shown 
as either accruals or prepayments in the statement of fi nancial position.

Taxation

The tax expense represents the sum of the current tax expense and deferred tax expense.

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

51

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

 
Notes to the fi nancial statements continued

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Current tax 

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profi t for the year.  Taxable profi t differs from accounting profi t as reported through the income statement 
because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or 
deductible.  The Group’s liability or asset for current tax is measured using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting 
date.

Deferred tax

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in 
the fi nancial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profi t, and is accounted for using the balance sheet 
liability method.  Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that 
it is probable that taxable profi ts will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised.  Such assets and liabilities are not 
recognised if the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of 
other assets and liabilities in a transaction which affects neither the taxable profi t nor the accounting profi t.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised or the liability is settled based upon tax rates 
that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.  Deferred tax is charged or credited through the income statement, except when 
it relates to items credited or charged directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity, or items charged or credited directly to 
other comprehensive income, in which case the deferred tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income.

Financial instruments

Financial assets and fi nancial liabilities are recognised when the Group has become a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

a) Financial assets

The Group categorises its fi nancial assets as: fair value through profi t and loss or at amortised cost.  The classifi cation depends on the purpose for which 
the fi nancial assets were acquired.  Management determines the classifi cation of its fi nancial assets at initial recognition.

Financial assets include ‘trade receivables’ and ‘cash and cash equivalents’.

b) Trade receivables

Trade receivables are initially measured at their transaction value and are subsequently measured at amortised cost.  Under IFRS 9 the expected credit 
loss model requires the Group to consider expectations of future events when determining its expectations of impairment.

c) Borrowings

Group borrowings, namely bank loans, are initially recognised at fair value and are subsequently carried at amortised cost.  Fees paid on the arrangement 
of the loan facility are recognised as transaction costs and spread over the life of the arrangement.

d) Financial assets at fair value through profi t and loss

Financial assets at fair value through profi t and loss are fi nancial assets held for trading.  Assets in this category are classifi ed as current assets if 
expected to be settled within twelve months, otherwise they are classifi ed as non-current.  The only assets/liabilities currently held in this category are 
forward currency derivatives (described further below) and cash and cash equivalents.

The Group does not have the right of offset between such derivatives, and so all derivatives that are fi nancial assets are shown separately from all 
derivatives that are fi nancial liabilities, at each period end.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand and other short-term deposits held by the Group with maturities of less than three 
months.

Trade payables

Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers.  Trade payables 
are classifi ed as current liabilities if payment is due within one year.

Provisions

Provisions for product warranty claims are recognised when the Group has a present obligation as a result of a past event which it is probable will result in 
an outfl ow of economic benefi ts that can be reliably estimated.

Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of future outfl ows, discounted at the pre-tax discount 
rate that refl ects the risks specifi c to the liability.  The increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognised as an interest expense.

Equity instruments

Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at fair value on initial recognition net of transaction costs.

Share-based payment transactions

The Group issues equity-settled share options to certain employees.  Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of 
grant by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments granted.  The fair value determined at the grant date of equity-settled share-based payments 
is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of the number of instruments that will eventually vest with a 
corresponding adjustment to equity.  Fair value is measured by use of the Black-Scholes model.  The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, 
based on management’s best estimate, for the effect of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations.

Non-vesting and market vesting conditions are taken into account when estimating the fair value of the option at grant date.  Service and non-market 
vesting conditions are taken into account by adjusting the number of options expected to vest at each reporting date.

Options over the Company’s shares granted to employees of subsidiaries are recognised as a capital contribution by the Company to the subsidiaries.

Operating segments 

IFRS 8 requires the presentation of segmental information in relation to the Group in the Annual Report on the same basis as information reported to 
the Board.  The Board is considered to be the chief operating decision maker for the purposes of resource allocation.  Assessment of performance is 
based wholly on the overall activities of the Group.  The Board considers that there are no separately identifi able business segments that are engaged 
in providing individual products or services, or a group of related products and services, that are subject to risks and returns that are different to the core 
business.

Non-underlying items

The Group discloses certain fi nancial information both including and excluding non-underlying items.  The presentation of information excluding non-
underlying items allows a better understanding of the underlying trading performance of the Group and provides consistency with the Group’s internal 
management reporting.  Non-underlying items are identifi ed by virtue of their size, nature or incidence and the Directors consider that these items should 
be separately identifi ed so as to facilitate comparison with prior periods and to assess the underlying trends in the fi nancial performance of the Group.

e) Financial liabilities and equity

3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classifi ed according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. 

Impacting the Group

An equity instrument is any contract that gives a residual interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all its liabilities.

Derivative fi nancial liabilities are measured at fair value through profi t and loss; all other fi nancial liabilities are measured at amortised cost.

f) Recognition and measurement

Gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of the ‘fi nancial assets at fair value through profi t and loss’ category are presented in the income 
statement within ‘Cost of sales’ in the period in which they arise as these assets relate to the purchase of goods.

g) Impairment of fi nancial assets

The Group and Company recognise an impairment loss on fi nancial assets using the expected credit loss model by assessing the probability that the 
counterparty will be unable to settle their contractual cash fl ow at the contractual due dates.

The likelihood of default and expected recoverable amounts are assessed using reasonable and supportive past and forward-looking information that is 
available without undue cost.  The output of the expected credit loss model is a probability-weighted amount determined from a range of outcomes.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of historical cost and net realisable value.  Cost comprises direct material cost and, where applicable, direct labour 
costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition.  Cost is calculated using the fi rst-in 
fi rst-out method.  Net realisable value represents the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less all estimated costs to completion and 
selling costs to be incurred.  The Group’s approach to inventory provisioning is described in note 3.

Forward currency derivatives

The Group enters into derivative foreign currency forward contracts which are classifi ed as fi nancial instruments at fair value through profi t and loss.  
They are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value.  Fair value 
gains and losses are recognised in profi t and loss. 

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events 
that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future.  The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by defi nition, seldom 
equal the related actual results.  The estimates and assumptions at the end of the accounting period that have a signifi cant risk of resulting in a material 
adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next fi nancial year are discussed below.

Warranty provision for FireAngel products

In April 2016, the Group identifi ed a non-safety critical issue in relation to certain batteries supplied by a third-party supplier that may cause a premature 
low battery warning chirp in certain of its smoke alarm models sold in the UK and in Continental Europe.  As a result, to support the Group’s customer 
service obligations, the Board increased the Group’s total warranty provisions as at 31 December 2015 to £6.8 million and has continued to provide 
replacement products in line with the Group’s contractual obligations.  The Group’s total warranty provision as at 31 December 2019 increased to £3.5 
million as explained below.

With specifi c reference to FireAngel products, the determination of the amount of the provision, which refl ects the Board’s best estimate of resolving 
these issues, requires the exercise of signifi cant judgement.  It is necessary, therefore, to form a view on matters which are inherently uncertain, such 
as the returns profi le over time, the fi nal return rate, whether the return rate of each year of production will be similar, whether the return rates from 
different sales channels will vary and the average cost of redress.  There is a greater degree of uncertainty in assessing these factors when an issue is fi rst 
identifi ed.  Consequently, the continued appropriateness of the underlying assumptions will be reviewed on an ongoing basis against actual experience 
and other relevant evidence, and adjustment made to the provision over time as required.

52

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

53

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

 
Notes to the fi nancial statements continued

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Impacting the Company only

Recoverability of intercompany receivables 

The provision relates mainly to the high impedance battery issue and is most sensitive to the assumption regarding the fi nal return percentage rate.   The 
expected terminal rate of return percentage for each year of production for each market was estimated by FireAngel’s Technical team.  For reference, a 
10% increase in the estimated fi nal return rate, with no further improvement for each subsequent year of affected production, would result in an increase 
in the provision of approximately £0.5 million.  The Board is not aware of any other major warranty issues but has continued to expense FireAngel 
warranty at approximately 2% of sales in the year.

During the year, the FireAngel battery warranty provision was increased by £1.4 million as lower rework yields and higher product costs compared to 
those originally anticipated when the provision was estimated three years ago, were leading to increased costs of supplying replacement products.  In 
addition, a charge of £1.2 million was made largely to refl ect an increase in the terminal volume of units expected to be impacted by the issue based 
on the level of returns currently being seen.  Further to this, an amount of £1.5 million was recorded to increase the provision through a prior period 
adjustment.  Towards the end of 2019, continuing ongoing monitoring of warranty returns data identifi ed that the number of units expected to be 
impacted by the third-party supplied battery impedance issue could be higher than originally anticipated.  The need for this prior period adjustment was 
due to an error in the operational assumptions made regarding product manufactured between 2016 and Q1 2018.  No further increase in the number of 
units impacted is expected as the issue relates only to units produced at one of the Company’s previous manufacturers in China up to the end of March 
2018.  Approximately £0.3 million of this additional charge has been utilised at 31 December 2019.  Due to the introduction of various product design 
changes, units produced at the Company’s manufacturing partner in Poland since April 2018 should not be affected by these historic issues.

To prevent the issue happening again, various product design changes were implemented at both the supplier of the batteries and to the fi rmware 
used in fi nished products when manufactured at the Group’s primary smoke alarm and connected devices manufacturing partner.  The group has also 
reviewed its returns processes to reduce the cost of servicing product returns and has identifi ed a number of signifi cant improvements that will reduce 
the cost of servicing the warranty in the fi eld going forwards.

Impairment of non-fi nancial assets

At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets (including goodwill) to determine whether there 
is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss.  If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated 
in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).  Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the 
Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.  Where a reasonable and consistent basis of allocation 
can be identifi ed, corporate assets are also allocated to individual cash-generating units, or otherwise they are allocated to the smallest group of cash-
generating units for which a reasonable and consistent allocation basis can be identifi ed.

Intangible assets with indefi nite useful lives and other intangible assets not yet available for use are tested for impairment annually and whenever there is 
an indication that the asset may be impaired.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use.  If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is 
estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount.  An 
impairment loss is recognised immediately through the income statement, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the 
impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

During 2019, the Group recognised a £1.8 million impairment charge against its capitalised intangible product development costs after a thorough review 
of product lines and future development costs (see note 17).

The Board notes that the Group has a signifi cant value of intangible assets on the balance sheet at the year end.  Connected home intangible assets 
with a net book value of £1.5 million are not yet being amortised as they are currently being developed for sale.  Connected home intangible assets with 
a net book value of £3.9 million are being amortised.  The Board expects that in future, the vast majority of products sold will in some way be connected 
(through Wi-safe 2, Z-wave or Zigbee technology) and given that the Group already has a connected homes technology product offering which is 
working, the Board believes that the carrying value of connected homes technology intangibles is not impaired.  In reaching this conclusion, the Board 
also acknowledges the losses incurred by the Group over the past two years and the heightened risk of impairment that this leads to.

At times during the year, and at 31 December 2019, the market capitalisation of the Group was lower than Group net assets.  IAS 36, Impairment of 
Assets, states that this circumstance may be an indicator of impairment and accordingly the Directors have performed an impairment test on the primary 
cash-generating unit of the Group (being FireAngel Safety Technology Limited).  The test, details of which are given in note 16, did not indicate any such 
impairment.

Inventory provision

The Group reviews each stock keeping unit (‘SKU’) on a line-by-line basis taking into account sales and gross margins achieved on every SKU over the 
past 24 months and the expected sales of each SKU over the next twelve months (and beyond) and the likely gross margin thereon.  

Discontinued SKUs are fully provided against (at 100% of the cost) as future sales are very unlikely.  In addition, where stock is identifi ed as being slow-
moving, a 10% provision is typically booked against the cost of the stock.  The Group’s stock provisioning policy reviews unit sales and margins on each 
line of stock and considers the level of sales likely to be achieved in the future, and at what margin, before determining if a stock provision is required.  

Historically, on eventual sale of slow-moving SKUs, the Group has not experienced any material issues where the net realisable value of stock ultimately 
transpires to be less than the book value of the stock (plus associated rework costs).  Moreover, where stock has been identifi ed as slow-moving, ten-
year life products are typically reworked into seven-year or fi ve-year product packaging and sold as such still at a positive net margin.  Even after rework 
costs, the net realisable value of slow-moving SKUs typically exceeds the combined product and rework costs.  The Group is fortunate that products 
are certifi ed to common European standards (and certain country standards) and many products are saleable in markets other than the original market 
destination.

The inventory provision at 31 December 2019 amounted £2.4 million (2018:  £2.4 million).  An amount of £1.7 million was provided in the year as a 
result of a thorough review of product lines and future development plans in line with the Group’s evolved strategy to become a more technology-led 
connected home solutions provider.

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings represent interest-free loans made to the Company’s main subsidiary undertaking.  The gross loan advanced 
by the Company is £27.8 million. 

In accordance with IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’, as the subsidiary undertaking cannot repay the loan at the reporting date, the Company has made 
an assessment of expected credit losses.  Having considered multiple scenarios on the manner, timing, quantum and probability of recovery of the 
receivables, a lifetime expected credit loss (‘ECL’) of £1.9 million has been provided.

The calculation of the allowance for lifetime expected credit losses requires a signifi cant degree of estimation and judgment, in particular determining the 
probability-weighted likely outcome for each scenario considered.  The Directors assessment of ECL included repayment through future cash fl ows over 
time (which are inherently diffi cult to forecast for the Company given the timing of take up of its connected homes technology) and also the amount that 
could be realised through an immediate sale of the subsidiary undertaking.  The Directors’ assessment of repayment through future cash fl ows included 
a scenario where the loan was not recovered in full.  The provision is sensitive to the key assumptions inherent in the calculation.

The carrying value of amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings at 31 December 2019, net of provisions, was £25.9 million (2018: £27.3 million) and is 
disclosed in note 21 to the fi nancial statements.

4. Financial risk management

The Group’s operations expose it to a variety of fi nancial risks that include the effects of changes in market prices including foreign exchange rate risk, 
credit risk and liquidity risk.  The Group has in place a risk management programme that seeks to limit the adverse effects on the fi nancial performance of 
the Group by monitoring these risks and taking appropriate action where necessary.

Liquidity risk

Management’s objective is to meet its liabilities as they fall due whilst maintaining suffi cient headroom to enable the Board to react to unexpected 
changes in market conditions.  Management monitors its cash fl ows through the preparation of forecasts on a monthly basis.  Cash forecasts are based 
on historic trading levels, expected settlement of supplier balances and collection of trade receivables as they fall due.  Subject to unforeseen adverse 
trading conditions, the cash fl ows from operations are not expected to change signifi cantly from the level of underlying business performance.

Maturity analysis

The table below analyses the Group’s fi nancial liabilities on a contractual gross undiscounted cash fl ow basis into maturity groupings based on amounts 
outstanding at the reporting date up to the contractual maturity date.

2019

Trade payables

Loans and borrowings

Other payables

Lease liabilities

Derivative fi nancial liabilities

Financial liabilities

2018

Trade payables

Other payables

Loans and borrowings

Financial liabilities

Within 6 months
£000

 6 months to 1 year
£000

1 to 5 years
£000

Over 5 years
£000

7,355

6,985

3,282

174

401

18,197

£000

8,220

1,868

-

10,088

-

-

-

174

28

202

-

-

-

1,131

-

1,131

-

-

-

-

-

-

£000

£000

£000

-

-

-

-

-

-

5,700

5,700

-

-

-

-

  Total
£000

7,355

6,985

3,282

1,479

429

19,530

£000

8,220

1,868

5,700

15,788

The table below analyses the Group’s fi nancial assets held for managing liquidity risk which are considered to be readily saleable or are expected to 
generate cash infl ows to meet cash outfl ows on fi nancial liabilities.

2019

Trade receivables and other debtors

Cash and cash equivalents

Financial assets

2018

Trade receivables and other debtors

Cash and cash equivalents

Derivative fi nancial assets

Financial assets

Within 6 months
£000

 6 months to  1 year
£000

1 to 5 years
£000

Over 5 years
£000

11,270

2,062

13,332

£000

10,269

1,251

214

11,734

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

£000

£000

£000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

  Total
£000

11,270

2,062

13,332

£000

10,269

1,251

214

11,734

54

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

55

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

 
Notes to the fi nancial statements continued

For the year ended 31 December 2019

The Group would normally expect that suffi cient cash is generated in the operating cycle to meet the contractual cash fl ows as disclosed above through 
effective cash management.  In addition, the Group maintained a £7.5 million invoice discounting facility with HSBC UK Bank plc secured on UK and 
international trade debtors which can be accessed as required.

On 23 March 2020, the Group announced details of an open offer and placing to raise approximately £6.1 million to strengthen its balance sheet, execute 
self-help plans to improve gross margin, deploy and support the connected homes technology and fund part of the additional expected liabilities for the 
Company’s legacy battery warranty issue fi rst identifi ed in 2016. On 8 April 2020, the Company issued 50,623,480 new ordinary shares at 12 pence per 
share as a result of valid acceptances under the open offer and placing.

Foreign currency risk

The Group operates in a number of markets across the world and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures in 
particular, with respect to the US dollar and euro.  The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk arising from recognised assets and liabilities as well as 
commitments arising from future trading transactions.  Management has a policy to manage foreign exchange risk by entering into forward exchange 
contracts.

Sensitivity analysis

The Group derived the following sensitivities based on the forward rates readily available for the US dollar and euro.  Management believe that these 
most closely refl ect the probable performance of the various economies in which the Group’s fi nancial assets and liabilities are located.

The approximate impact on the Group’s operating result in 2020 from a one cent change in the value of the US dollar and euro against sterling on a full 
year basis is approximately £0.2 million and £0.1 million respectively.

Interest rate risk

The Group regularly reviews its exposure to fl uctuations in underlying interest rates and will take appropriate action if required to minimise the impact on 
the performance and fi nancial position of the Group.

Credit risk

Group credit risk predominantly arises from trade receivables and cash and cash equivalents.  The Company’s credit risk arises solely from amounts 
receivable from subsidiary undertakings. 

Credit exposure is managed on a Group basis.  External credit ratings are obtained for new customers and the Group’s policy is to assess the credit 
quality of each customer internally before accepting any terms of trade.  Internal procedures take into account the customer’s fi nancial position as well as 
their reputation within the industry and past payment experience where relevant.  

6. Revenue and segmental reporting

The Group sells and distributes home safety products and accessories in the UK, Continental Europe and certain other countries and undertakes 
manufacturing activities in Canada.  Its major customers are based throughout the UK, Continental Europe and in a number of other countries outside 
Continental Europe.  Financial information is reported to the Board on a consolidated basis with revenue and operating profi t stated for the Group.

The Board considers that there are no identifi able business segments that are engaged in providing individual products or services or a group of related 
products and services that are subject to risks and returns that are different to the core business of the home safety products market in Europe.

Revenue and gross profi t for each of the Group’s business units are reviewed by the Board and rolled up into consolidated fi nancial information with non-
business unit costs included to arrive at the results that investors see.  Business unit reporting to the Board generally excludes information on overheads 
by business and other income statement information, which is all reported on a consolidated basis.  Assets and liabilities are also generally reported to 
the Board on a consolidated basis.

Revenue from continuing operations

Business Units:

UK Trade

UK Retail

UK Fire & Rescue Services

UK Utilities

International

Pace Sensors

Total revenue from external customers

2019
£000

15,221

11,266

4,718

1,455

11,140

1,686

45,486

2018
£000

12,433

8,281

4,208

2,259

8,756

1,650

37,587

All business units earn revenue from the sale of smoke alarms and CO alarms and accessories to end customers.  Pace Sensors earns revenue from the 
manufacture and sale of CO sensors to a third-party CO detector assembler based in China.

For 2019, revenues of approximately £5.5 million were derived from one external customer (2018: £4.5 million from one external customer), which 
individually contributed over 10% of total revenue of the Group.  These revenues are attributable to the UK Trade business unit in both the current and 
preceding year.  An analysis of the Group’s revenue is as follows:

Continuing operations:

UK 

Continental Europe                                                                                                               

Cash and cash equivalents and derivative fi nancial instruments are all held with an AA- rated bank, HSBC UK Bank plc. 

Rest of World

The Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk relating to its fi nancial assets is equivalent to their carrying value as disclosed below.  All fi nancial assets 
have a fair value which is equal to their carrying value. 

Maximum exposure to credit risk

Trade receivables and other debtors

Cash and cash equivalents

Derivative fi nancial assets

2019
£000

11,270

2,062

-

13,332

2018
£000

10,269

1,251

214

11,734

The Group did not have any fi nancial instruments that would mitigate the credit exposure arising from the fi nancial assets designated at fair value through 
profi t or loss in either the current or the preceding fi nancial year.

The Company’s credit risk arises exclusively through its intercompany balances which stand at £25.9 million (2018: £27.3 million).  For the Company, 
impairment losses on fi nancial assets measured at amortised cost relate solely to amounts due from fellow group companies and total £1.9 million at 
31 December 2019 (2018: £725,000).  The impairment loss recorded against amounts due from fellow group companies is calculated based on lifetime 
expected credit losses.

5. Capital management

The Group’s main objective when managing capital is to protect returns to shareholders by ensuring the Group will continue to trade profi tably in the 
foreseeable future and cash is managed on a conservative basis.  

The Group manages its capital with regard to the risks inherent in the business and the sector within which it operates by monitoring its cash balances on 
a daily basis.

The Group considers its capital to include called up share capital, share premium account, currency translation reserve and retained earnings.

Non-current assets, excluding deferred tax assets, for UK and overseas territories are as follows:

Continuing operations:

UK

Canada

Non-current assets

7. Non-underlying items

Within cost of sales

Provision for warranty costs (note a)

Provision against stock and disposal costs (note b)

Within operating expenses

Restructuring and fundraising costs (note c)

Impairment of intangible assets (note d)

Incremental production ramp up costs (note e)

Restructuring of distribution channels (note f)

Share-based payment charges

Total non-underlying items

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

2019
£000

32,660

10,677

2,149

45,486

2019
£000

20,362

182

20,544

2019
£000

2,605

1,703

4,308

746

1,825

-

-

37

2,608

6,916

2018
£000

27,181

8,456

1,950

37,587

2018
£000

20,159

116

20,275

2018 
Restated
£000

53

1,105

1,158

-

-

928

1,640

107

2,675

3,833

56

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

57

 
Notes to the fi nancial statements continued

For the year ended 31 December 2019

a.  During the year, the FireAngel battery warranty provision, an isolated legacy issue relating to a third-party supplier fi rst identifi ed in April 2016, was 
increased by £1.4 million as lower rework yields and higher product costs compared to those originally anticipated when the provision was estimated 
three years ago, were leading to increased costs of supplying replacement product.  In addition, a charge of £1.2 million was made to refl ect an increase 
in the terminal volume of units expected to be impacted by the issue based on the level of returns currently being seen.  2018 results have been restated 
by £53,000 to correct an error in the amount previously reported (see note 8).

b.  Stock impairment and disposal costs of £1.7 million were provided in the year as a result of a thorough review of product lines and future development 
plans in line with the Group’s evolved strategy to become a more technology-led connected home solutions provider.  In the prior year, £1.1 million was 
provided against stock originally purchased for the French market to address demand driven by local legislative change.

c.  Restructuring and certain fundraising costs of £0.7 million were incurred in the year.

d.  Intangible capitalised development assets of £1.8 million were impaired during the year as a result of a thorough review of product lines and future 
development costs.  

e.  In the prior year, one-off non-underlying costs of £0.9 million were incurred due to delays in reaching full production capacity and pricing expectations 
at the Group’s primary smoke alarm and connected devices manufacturing partner.

f.  In the prior year, non-underlying costs of £1.6 million were incurred in executing the Group’s previously announced strategy to transition from a 
hardware safety products provider to a more integrated safety solutions provider.  The Group took action to move from a traditional distributor model to 
more value-added reseller partnerships in its German distribution channel for both its core and connected product ranges.

8. Restatement of primary statements for the year ended 31 December 2018

In addition to the items charged through the 2019 income statement in relation to the legacy battery warranty provision, an amount of £1.5 million was 
recorded to increase the provision through a prior period adjustment.

Towards the end of 2019, continuing ongoing monitoring of warranty returns data identifi ed that the number of units expected to be impacted by the 
third-party supplied battery impedance issue could be higher than originally anticipated.  The need for this prior period adjustment was due to an 
error in the operational assumptions made regarding product manufactured between 2016 and Q1 2018.  No further increase in the number of units 
impacted is expected as the issue relates only to units produced at one of the Company’s previous manufacturers in China up to the end of March 2018.  
Approximately £0.3 million of this additional charge has been utilised at 31 December 2019.  Due to the introduction of various product design changes, 
units produced at the Company’s manufacturing partner in Poland since April 2018 should not be affected by these historic issues.

It was determined by the Board that the results for the year ended 31 December 2018 should be restated to refl ect the actual position and performance of 
the Group for that year.

The adjustments to the fi nancial statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 are as follows:

1.  Non-underlying provision for legacy battery warranty costs of £53,000.

2.  Non-underlying tax credit in relation to the provision for legacy battery warranty costs of £10,000.

The adjustments to the fi nancial statements for the years ended on or before 31 December 2017 are as follows:

1.  Non-underlying provision for legacy battery warranty costs of £1,479,000.

2.  Non-underlying tax credit in relation to the provision for legacy battery warranty costs of £250,000.

Extract from restated consolidated income statement for the year ended 31 December 2018:

Extract from restated consolidated statement of fi nancial position as at 31 December 2018:

As previously 
stated 
£000

2017 
Adjustment
£000

2017 
Adjustment
£000

2018 
Adjustment
£000

2018 
Adjustment
£000

Current liabilities

Provisions

Net current assets

Non-current liabilities

Provisions

Deferred tax liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Total equity

(934)

9,492

(600)

(1,156)

(19,894)

22,311

22,311

(261)

(261)

(1,218)

-

(1,479)

(1,479)

(1,479)

-

-

-

250

250

250

250

-

-

(53)

-

(53)

(53)

(53)

9. Loss from operations

The following table analyses the nature of expenses:

Staff costs (note 10) 
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment (notes 17 and 18)

 - Owned assets

 - Right-of-use assets

Premises costs

Cost of inventories recognised as an expense

Inventory provision recorded in year, excluding non-underlying charges 

BRK distribution fee

Distribution costs

Marketing and trade contributions

Professional fees excluding Non-Executive Directors

Research and development costs

Non-underlying items excluding staff costs (note 7)

Foreign exchange revaluations and mark-to-mark movements

Other net expenses/costs

Total cost of sales and operating expenses

Loss from operations has been arrived at after charging:

Revenue

Gross profi t

Loss from operations 

Loss before tax

Income tax credit

Loss attributable to equity owners of the Parent

               As previously stated

Adjustment

Restated

Before non-
underlying items 
£000

Non-underlying 
items (note 7)
£000

Non-underlying 
items (note 7)
£000

37,587

8,721

(1,991)

(2,105)

508

(1,597)

-

(1,105)

(3,780)

(3,780)

894

(2,886)

-

(53)

(53)

(53)

10

(43)

Total
£000

37,587

7,563

(5,824)

(5,938)

1,412

(4,526)

Net foreign exchange (gains)/losses excluding foreign currency forward transactions

Research and development costs

Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets

Depreciation of owned assets

Depreciation and interest on right-of-use assets

Rentals under operating leases

Amounts payable to RSM UK Audit LLP and its associates in respect of both audit and non-audit 
services are set out below:

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and their associates for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and their associates for other services to the Group;

The audit of the Company’s subsidiaries

Other audit related services

Total audit fees

Taxation services

Accounting services

Total non-audit fees

Restated
£000

(1,195)

9,231

(1,871)

(896)

(21,166)

21,039

21,039

2018
Restated
£000

5,677

1,074

-

1,206

25,692

(40)

944

992

965

718

260

3,833

(504)

2,594

43,411

2018
£000

21

260

689

385

-

386

2018
£000

30

61

37

128

23

13

36

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

-

-

-

10

10

10

10

2019
£000

5,465

3,065

307

879

33,190

33

-

920

728

540

270

6,916

405

3,480

56,198

2019
£000

(210)

270

3,730

958

354

-

2019
£000

32

66

-

98

32

7

39

58

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

59

 
Notes to the fi nancial statements continued

For the year ended 31 December 2019

10. Staff costs

The average monthly number of employees (including Executive Directors) within the Group was as follows:

Manufacturing (Pace Sensors)

Technology

Administration

Sales and marketing

Executive and Non-Executive Directors

Warehousing

The aggregate remuneration for the above persons (excluding Non-Executive Directors) comprised:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Other pension costs 

Share-based payment expense

Total remuneration

Less: Capitalised product development costs

Staff costs in prepayments

Total remuneration charged to the income statement

11. Finance costs

Interest expense on bank balance

Lease liability interest expense

Total fi nance costs

12. Income tax

Current tax

UK corporation tax credit

UK – adjustments in respect of prior periods (credit)/charge  

Foreign tax charge

Deferred tax (note 27) 

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Adjustments in respect of prior periods

Income tax credit

2019
Number

2018
Number

23

40

48

27

7

4

27

42

49

27

6

3

149

154

2019
£000

6,341

598

214

37

7,190

(1,635)

(90)

5,465

2019
£000

(265)

(47)

(312)

2018
£000

6,338

614

213

107

7,272

(1,595)

-

5,677

2018
£000

(114)

-

(114)

2019
£000

2018 Restated
£000

(707)

(47)

46

(708)

(1,024)

128

(1,604)

(686)

61

27

(598)

(814)

-

(1,412)

Domestic income tax is calculated at 19.00% (2018: 19.00%) of the estimated assessable profi t or loss for the year.

The tax credit for the year can be reconciled to the profi t per the consolidated 
income statement as follows:

Loss before tax

Tax at the domestic income tax rate of 19.00% (2018: 19.00%)

Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profi t

Effect of allowance for capitalised development expenditure

Adjustments in respect of prior periods

Deferred tax not recognised

Impact of foreign tax rates

Difference in current and deferred tax rates

Other adjustments

Tax credit and effective tax rate for the year

60

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

2019
£000

2018 Restated
£000

%

%

(11,024)

(2,095)

60

(305)

81

437

23

168

27

(5,938)

(1,128)

13

(295)

(69)

-

1

96

(30)

(1,604)

15%

(1,412)

24%

The weighted average applicable tax rate was 15% (2018: 24%).  The tax credit for 2019 is largely due to enhanced research and development tax relief 
at a rate of 230% and operating losses in the year of £11.0 million.

Tax losses are, where possible, realised during the year through surrender for research and development tax credits. 

At 31 December 2019 there is a deferred tax asset of £437,000 which has not been recognised as the timing of utilisation is uncertain.  Deferred tax 
assets should only be recognised where they are more likely than not to be realised.  Whilst the Group expects a return to profi tability in the future, the 
generous deduction available for research and development expenditure means that it is likely to be several years before these losses will need to be 
accessed.

The income tax charged to equity during the year was as follows:

Deferred tax
Share-based payments

Income tax charge

13. Dividends

2019
£000

-

-

2018
£000

(260)

(260)

As a result of the loss reported for the year, and consistent with the decision not to pay an interim dividend (2018: nil pence per share), the Directors do 
not recommend payment of a fi nal dividend for the year (2018: nil pence per share).  The total dividend payable for 2019 is therefore nil pence per share 
(2018: nil pence per share).

14. Earnings per share

Earnings from continuing operations

Earnings for the purposes of basic and diluted earnings per share (loss for the year attributable to owners of the Parent)

Number of shares

Weighted average number of ordinary shares – basic calculation

Dilutive potential ordinary shares from share options

Weighted average number of ordinary shares – diluted calculation

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

2019
£000

(9,420)

‘000

67,219

-

67,219

2019
pence

(14.0)

(14.0)

2018 Restated
£000

(4,526)

‘000

45,905

30

45,935

2018 Restated
pence

(9.9)

(9.9)

Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to ordinary owners of the parent by the weighted average number of shares outstanding 
during the period.

Diluted EPS is calculated on the same basis as basic EPS but with a further adjustment to the number of weighted average shares in issue to refl ect the 
effect of all potentially dilutive share options.  The number of potentially dilutive share options is derived from the number of share options and awards 
granted to employees and Directors where the exercise price is less than the average market price of the Company’s ordinary shares during the period.  
Under IFRS no allowance is made for the dilutive impact of share options which reduce a loss per share.  The basic and diluted EPS measures are 
therefore the same for the year ended 31 December 2019.  

15. Financial instruments 

2019 Financial assets

Trade receivables and other debtors

Cash and cash equivalents

Total

2018 Financial assets

Trade receivables and other debtors

Cash and cash equivalents

Derivative fi nancial assets

Total

Assets at fair 
value through 
profi t and loss
£000

Financial 
assets at 
amortised cost
£000

-

2,062

2,062

11,270

-

11,270

Assets at fair 
value through 
profi t and loss
£000

Financial 
assets at 
amortised cost
£000

-

1,251

214

1,465

10,269

-

-

10,269

Total
£000

11,270

2,062

13,332

Total
£000

10,269

1,251

214

11,734

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

61

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

 
Notes to the fi nancial statements continued

For the year ended 31 December 2019

2019 Financial liabilities

Trade payables 

Loans and borrowings

Other payables

Lease liabilities

Derivative fi nancial liabilities

Total

2018 Financial liabilities

Trade payables 

Other payables

Loans and borrowings

Total

Liabilities at fair 
value through 
profi t and loss
£000

Financial 
liabilities held at 
amortised cost
£000

Total
£000

7,355

6,985

3,282

1,479

429

Total
£000

8,220

1,868

5,700

7,355

6,985

3,282

1,479

-

8,220

1,868

5,700

15,788

15,788

-

-

-

-

429

429

-

-

-

-

19,101

19,530

Liabilities at fair 
value through 
profi t and loss
£000

Financial 
liabilities held at 
amortised cost
£000

At 31 December 2019 the Company held fi nancial assets held at amortised cost in the form of intercompany balances to the value of £25.9 million 
(2018: £27.3 million).  At the same date the Company had a fi nancial liability held at amortised cost in the form of borrowings to the value of £nil (2018: 
£5.7 million).

Credit risk management

The Group’s exposure to credit risk is limited to the carrying amount of fi nancial assets recognised at the balance sheet date, which are set out below.

Trade and other receivables

2019
£000

11,270

11,270

2018
£000

10,269

10,269

The Group has applied the IFRS 9 simplifi ed approach in measuring the lifetime expected credit losses for trade receivables.  The credit loss provision 
has been calculated using a provision matrix based on the Group’s historic default rates over the expected life of the asset and is adjusted where 
needed for forward looking estimates.  The expected losses are based on the experience over the past twelve months with trade receivables grouped 
together on similar credit risk and aging.

As at 31 December 2019 a credit loss provision of £7,000 (2018: £10,000) was held against the exposure of potential bad debts. 

16. Goodwill

Cost and carrying value

Cost and carrying value of goodwill at 31 December 2019 and 2018

The goodwill above relates solely to Pace Sensors.

£000

169

Group impairment test

At times during the year, and at 31 December 2019, the market capitalisation of the Group was lower than Group net assets.  IAS 36, Impairment of 
Assets, states that this circumstance may be an indicator of impairment and accordingly the Directors have performed an impairment test on the primary 
cash-generating unit of the Group (being FireAngel Safety Technology Limited).  The test did not indicate any such impairment and the key disclosures 
relating to the test are set out below.

The carrying amount of the cash-generating unit assets and liabilities at 31 December 2019 amounted to £22.1 million.  The recoverable amount of the 
cash-generating unit is determined based on a value-in-use calculation which uses cash fl ow projections based on fi nancial budgets and business plans 
approved by the Directors covering a two-year period.  Cash fl ows beyond that period have been extrapolated using a steady 2.0% per annum growth 
rate, which the Directors consider to be specifi c to the business and does not exceed the UK long-term average growth rate.

The key inputs to the cash fl ow forecasts are:

•  forecasted changes in revenue taking into account future expectations of revenue streams and sales mix linked to the Board’s strategic plans; 

•   forecasted changes in gross margin taking into account expected improvements in production effi ciencies at the Group’s outsourced manufacturers, 

simplifi cation afforded by modular product design, foreign exchange trends and sales mix;

•  future anticipated capital expenditure; and

•  requirements for working capital based on revenue growth. 

The key assumptions used in the cash fl ow projections are a terminal value applied after fi ve years assuming a 7.5 times multiple and pre-tax weighted 
average cost of capital of 15.3% cross-referenced to comparable companies operating within the sector.  The other key assumptions have been 
assigned values by the Directors using estimates based on past experience and expectations of future performance.

Based on these assumptions, the value-in-use calculation amounted to £56.8 million compared with the carrying amount of £22.1 million.  The Directors 
believe that, based on the sensitivity analysis performed and described below, any reasonably possible change in the key assumptions on which the 
recoverable amounts are based would not cause the Group’s net asset value to exceed the recoverable amount.  As a result, there is no impairment in the 
period (2018: no impairment).

In assessing the impact on the value-in-use calculation of changes in the assumptions used, the Directors considered the following sensitivities:

•  a restriction in the gross margin in 2021 and thereafter to that expected to be achieved in 2020;

•  an increase in overheads in 2021 and in each year thereafter;

•  an increase in capital expenditure in 2021 and in each year thereafter; and

•  an increase in working capital required as a percentage of revenue in 2020 and maintained thereafter.

In performing this sensitivity analysis, the Directors noted the signifi cant headroom of the value-in-use calculation compared with the carrying value in 
each of the scenarios above.

17. Other intangible assets

Cost

At 1 January 2018

Additions 

Disposals

At 31 December 2018

Additions 

At 31 December 2019

Amortisation

At 1 January 2018

Amortisation for the year 

Impairment for the year

Disposals

At 31 December 2018

Amortisation for the year 

Impairment for the year

At 31 December 2019

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2019

Product 
development
costs
£000

Purchased 
software     
costs
£000

Computer 
software 
costs
£000

12,874

3,387

(280)

15,981

2,867

18,848

2,492

617

30

(280)

2,859

1,660

1,825

6,344

13,122

12,504

2,574

325

-

2,899

-

2,899

-

-

-

-

-

407

-

407

2,899

2,492

387

28

-

415

15

430

294

42

-

-

336

38

-

374

79

56

Total
£000

15,835

3,740

(280)

19,295

2,882

22,177

2,786

659

30

(280)

3,195

2,105

1,825

7,125

16,100

15,052

The amortisation charge of £2,105,000 (2018: £659,000) and impairment charge of £1,825,000 (2018: £30,000) have been recognised within operating 
expenses.

A summary of intangible costs as at 31 December 2019 is shown in the table which follows.

Except as outlined below, intangible assets are typically amortised over seven to 12 years depending on the Group’s assessment of the likely period of 
time over which the benefi t from the technology is expected to be realised.

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

62

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

63

 
Notes to the fi nancial statements continued

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Impairment review

During 2019, the Group recorded a £1.8 million impairment charge (2018: £30,000) against projects which were no longer considered to be commercially 
viable after a thorough review of product lines and future development costs.

As part of the impairment review, the Group compares the net book value of each intangible asset with the gross profi t which is expected to be derived 
from the sale of products over the next one to fi ve years that use the relevant intangible asset.  The purpose of this review is to ensure that the value of 
the intangible asset is likely to be recovered within the foreseeable future.  In many cases, the expected gross profi t over the next two to three years from 
the sale of products that use the intangible asset is materially greater than the net book value of the individual intangible asset on the balance sheet.  This 
provides signifi cant comfort that the carrying value of the intangible is supportable and, therefore, is not impaired. 

Assessing the potential sales of products such as the Group’s connected homes technology is inherently more diffi cult than products where the run rate 
of sales is already well known and the pattern of sales is established.  The Board expects that the take up of connected homes technology products will 
increase over time as the technology gradually becomes mainstream, and is pleased with the good progress made in trials currently underway.  

Change in method of amortisation

From 2017, the Group used the ‘units of production’ method of amortisation for all product development costs (excluding the costs of readying Flex and 
the Far East based supplier for full manufacturing).  However, as a result of a review during the year of the Group’s processes, procedures and controls 
it was concluded that the ‘straight line’ method of amortisation was more appropriate given the diffi culty in accurately predicting the timing of the take 
up of its connected home technology.  This reverses the decision taken in 2017 to adopt the ‘units of production’ method of amortisation which, under 
accounting rules, is only appropriate where demand can be measured with suffi cient reliability.  The impact of the move to straight line amortisation was 
to increase operating expenses by £0.9 million in the year.

Projects being amortised

Projects not currently being 
amortised

Connected     
homes
£000

Wi-safe 2 
£000

Nano
£000

Mains- 
powered
£000

Smoke- 
sensing 
products
£000

Manu-
facturing 
setup costs  
£000

Other
£000

Total
£000

Future 
projects
£000

Connected 
homes
£000

Total
£000

Grand
Total
£000

Cost

At 1 January 2019

4,909

2,353

1,567

1,280

1,803

1,688

1,764

15,364

Projects amortised in 
2019

Technical costs 
capitalised

Employment costs 
capitalised

Total additions

18

46

40

86

(430)

32

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

203

-

234

57

25

33

58

336

-

336

-

-

-

407

73

480

At 31 December 2019

5,013

1,923

1,599

1,280

2,064

2,024

1,998

15,901

588

289

3,516

18,880

(57)

-

615

825

1,232

592

1,562

1,635

1,207

2,387

2,867

2,084

5,846

21,747

Amortisation

At 1 January 2019

Charge 

Impairment 

38

805

255

At 31 December 2019

1,098

Carrying amount

At 1 January 2019

At 31 December 2019

4,871

3,915

% of total

     26%

7%

9%

*Analysed in more detail on the following pages.

Projects being amortised

548

220

68

836

147

153

-

300

192

135

-

327

700

202

424

90

1,144

2,859

418

-

134

284

2,067

1,031

1,326

508

1,562

5,957

-

-

545

545

-

-

794

794

1,805

1,420

1,088

1,103

1,087

1,299

738

1,598

1,516

620

12,505

*2,928

588

3,516

436

9,944

*3,513

1,539

5,052

      5%

       10%     3%   66%     

24%

10% 34%

953

6%

2,859

2,067

1,825

6,751

16,021

14,996

100%

2,928

(346)

210

970

1,180

3,762

-

-

249

249

Wi-safe 2

Wi-safe 2 (including products using Wi-safe 2 capabilities) are an enhancement and development of the Group’s Wi-safe I technology with a combined 
net book value of £1.1 million at 31 December 2019 (2018: £1.8 million).  Wi-safe 2 is core technology which underpins a number of key products and 
accessories, including the Group’s connected homes technology. 

Nano

Nano is the Group’s miniaturised CO sensor developed by FireAngel’s wholly-owned subsidiary in Canada, Pace Sensors.  The Nano went into 
production into fi nished CO detectors in November 2016.  The net book value of Nano technology was £1.3 million at 31 December 2019 (2018: £1.4 
million) and represents the costs incurred in the development of the CO sensor and the fi nal development of fi nished CO products which incorporate the 
sensor.

Mains-powered products

Mains-powered products include FireAngel Specifi cation and FireAngel Pro ranges which at 31 December 2019 had a net book value of £1.0 million 
(2018: £ 1.1 million).  

Smoke-sensing products

The net book value of non mains-powered smoke-sensing products (being heat and optical products) at 31 December 2019 was £0.7 million (2018: £1.1 
million).  This category includes all FireAngel’s own-brand developed products.  

Manufacturing setup costs

The net book value of manufacturing setup costs at 31 December 2019 was £1.5 million (2018: £1.6 million), and includes costs incurred by the Group’s 
Technical and Project Management teams in preparing its Polish manufacturing partner to produce FireAngel products and in preparing the Group’s Far 
East based supplier to produce replacements to the BRK range.  Such costs have been included within intangible assets and are being amortised over 
fi ve years.

Other projects 

The net book value of other projects at 31 December 2019 amounted to £0.4 million (2018: £0.6 million).  This includes FireAngel’s 10-year life CO alarm 
and the CO alarm developed for British Gas.

Projects not currently being amortised

Product development costs and other intangible assets not yet available for use are regularly tested for impairment.  This assessment includes 
consideration of the likely costs of completing the project, the time to market and an assessment of the potential sales and gross profi t opportunity using 
the relevant technology.   

Future projects

Future projects have a combined net book value of £3.5 million at 31 December 2019 (2018: £2.9 million).  This includes the major project development 
activities of the Group, including ‘Gen 5’ costs of £2.5 million.  Gen 5 is the next generation of smoke, heat, CO and combined alarms.  Gen 5 will be a 
common platform across all product types and will allow the Group to develop new products using ‘bookshelf’ technologies developed as part of this 
project.  As well as standalone smoke, heat and CO alarms, combination alarms utilise all three of these sensing methods in a single product that can 
use CO and heat to augment smoke measurements to improve the rapid detection of fi res, while further reducing the incidence of false alarms.  Gen 5 
also provides enhanced data logging of events and the ability for wireless diagnostic downloads to a smartphone, enabling service technicians to easily 
access diagnostic data on the alarm without the need to remove it from the base.  The Group has also invested £0.7 million in developing its mains-
powered Wi-safe 2 CO alarm which is expected to be rolled out shortly.  In addition, a total of £0.3 million has been capitalised in relation to a number of 
smaller product developments.

Connected homes technology

Connected homes technology which is not currently in use includes approximately £1.5 million at 31 December 2019 (2018: £0.6 million) in total of 
specifi c product development costs.  The Group continues to invest in its FireAngel Connected B2B and B2C offerings which include new gateway 
products, end mobile user apps and web interfaces.

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

The following is a high-level summary of the projects being amortised which are set out in the table above.

Connected homes technology

Connected homes technology products connect a range of FireAngel’s own products, through its interface gateway technology, to the internet.  This 
technology is key to the Group’s growth in sales in the year, particularly in UK Trade and UK Retail, and is the cornerstone of the ongoing trials with a 
number of UK Housing Associations.

During 2019, the Group redeveloped its FireAngel Connect B2B offering to incorporate a new range of Amazon Web Services (‘AWS’) technologies 
which make the system more scalable.  In addition, signifi cant development was undertaken to develop a B2C offering, which includes new gateway 
products, end mobile user apps and web interfaces.

The total net book value at 31 December 2019 of projects being amortised with connected homes technology amounted to £3.9 million (2018: £4.9 
million) which includes £2.5 million incurred to purchase core software modules from Intamac.

64

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

65

 
Notes to the fi nancial statements continued

For the year ended 31 December 2019

18. Property, plant and equipment

Tooling
£000

Offi ce 
equipment
£000

Motor      
vehicles
£000

Fixtures & 
fi ttings
£000

Right-of-use 
assets
£000

Cost

At 1 January 2018

Additions

Disposals

At 31 December 2018

Recognition of right-of-use assets on initial application of IFRS 16

Restated opening book cost 1 January 2019

Additions

Disposals

At 31 December 2019

Accumulated depreciation 

At 1 January 2018

Depreciation charge for the year

Effect of exchange rates

At 31 December 2018

Depreciation charge for the year

Disposals

Effect of exchange rates

At 31 December 2019

Net book value

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2019

1,382

2,288

-

3,670

-

3,670

724

(15)

4,379

-

156

-

156

789

-

-

1,400

51

(38)

1,413

-

1,413

89

(5)

1,497

950

179

(10)

1,119

122

(2)

-

945

1,239

3,514

3,434

294

258

12

-

(5)

7

-

7

-

-

7

7

2

(5)

4

2

-

-

6

3

1

432

3

-

435

-

435

28

(55)

408

192

48

-

240

47

(22)

(4)

261

195

147

-

-

-

-

768

768

1,022

-

1,790

-

-

-

-

307

-

-

307

-

1,483

Total
£000

3,226

2,342

(43)

5,525

768

6,293

1,863

(75)

8,081

1,149

385

(15)

1,519

1,267

(24)

(4)

2,758

4,006

5,323

The total depreciation expense of £1,267,000 (2018: £385,000) has been charged to operating expenses.  

There are no material capital commitments at the balance sheet date.

Leases under IFRS 16

The Group leases a variety of offi ces, warehouses, equipment and vehicles. Rental contracts are typically made for fi xed periods of three to fi ve years.  
IFRS 16 eliminates the classifi cation of leases as either operating or fi nance leases and introduces a single accounting model requiring lessees to 
recognise assets and liabilities for all leases unless the underlying asset has a low value or the lease term is twelve months or less.  At 1 January 2019 
the Group did not recognise a number of its offi ce leases under IFRS 16 as the remaining lease term was less than twelve months.  These leases were 
renewed in 2019 and at this point were accounted for under IFRS 16.

Until 1 January 2019, leases of property, plant and equipment were classifi ed as either fi nance leases or operating leases.  From 1 January 2019, leases 
are recognised as right-of-use assets with corresponding liabilities at the date at which the leased assets are available for use by the Group. 

Right-of-use assets are measured at cost comprising the following:

•  the amount of the initial measurement of lease liability;

•  any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received; and

•  any initial direct costs.

Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s useful life and the lease term on a straight-line basis.

Lease liabilities are calculated based on the net present value of the fi xed lease payments.  The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate 
implicit in the lease.  Where there is no implicit rate, the Group’s incremental borrowing rate is used, being the rate that the Group would have to pay to 
borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment with similar terms, security and 
conditions.

Differences between the operating lease commitments disclosed at 31 December 2018 under IAS 17 discounted at the incremental borrowing rate at 1 
January 2019 and lease liabilities recognised at 1 January 2019 are explained below:

Minimum operating lease commitments disclosed as at 31 December 2018

Include break clauses included under IFRS 16

Exclude operating leases not treated under IFRS 16

Discounted using the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate at the date of initial application

Lease liability recognised as at 1 January 2019

66

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

£000

628

338

(132)

(66)

768

The following table breaks down the net book value of right-of-use assets by category:

Carrying amount of right-of-use assets by category:

Land and buildings

Plant and machinery

Vehicles

Total carrying amount presented within property, plant and equipment

The following depreciation and interest have been charged to profi t and lost in the period:

Depreciation charge for the year included in operating expenses

 Land and buildings

 Plant and machinery

 Vehicles

Total depreciation charge on leased assets

Interest expense for the year recognised in fi nance costs

 Land and buildings

 Plant and machinery

 Vehicles

Total interest expense on lease liabilities

19. Shares in subsidiaries

Company

Cost
At 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019

Accumulated impairment
At 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019

Net book value
At 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019

2019
£000

1,464

11

8

1,483

Shares
£000

149

-

149

1 January 2019
£000

725

19

24

768

2019
£000

284

8

15

307

2019
£000

45

1

1

47

Total
£000

149

-

149

The Group has two non-trading subsidiary companies, AngelEye Corporation and AngelEye Incorporated, both, registered in North America.  
The Company’s subsidiaries as at 31 December 2019 are as follows:

Name of subsidiary

FireAngel Safety Technology Limited

Pace Sensors Limited

AngelEye Corporation

AngelEye Incorporated

Registered 
offi ce (see 
footnote)

Place of 
incorporation 
(or registration) 
and operation

Proportion 
of ownership 
interest %

Proportion of 
voting power 
held %

1

2

3

4

UK

Canada

Canada

USA

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Principal activity

Distribution of smoke and CO alarms

Manufacture of CO sensors

Non-trading

Non-trading

1.    Vanguard Centre, Sir William Lyons Road, Coventry, CV4 7EZ, UK
2.    3-3165 Unity Dr., Mississauga, ON, L5L 4L4, Canada
3.    82 Bilbermar Drive, Richmond Hill, ON, L4S 1C1, Canada
4.    The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, DE, 19801, USA

The results of all subsidiary undertakings are included in the consolidated accounts.   

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc has direct holdings in FireAngel Safety Technology Limited, AngelEye Corporation and AngelEye Incorporated.  It 
has an indirect holding in Pace Sensors Limited, via AngelEye Incorporated.

Company impairment test

As part of the Group impairment test detailed in note 16, the Directors considered the need to impair the carrying value of the Company’s shares in its 
subsidiaries.  In common with the conclusion reached in the Group impairment test, no impairment was considered necessary in the period (2018: no 
impairment).

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

67

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

 
Notes to the fi nancial statements continued

For the year ended 31 December 2019

20. Inventories

Raw materials

Work-in-progress

Finished  goods

Total gross inventories

Inventory provisions

Total net inventories

Group
2019
£000

126

265

8,310

8,701

(2,397)

6,304

Group
2018
£000

131

562

10,102

10,795

(2,370)

8,425

Company
2019
£000

Company
2018
£000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Pace Sensors Limited, the Group’s wholly-owned subsidiary in Canada, manufactures CO sensors for use in the Group’s CO alarms.  The CO sensors 
are shipped to Pace Technologies, an independent third-party supplier based in China, for assembly into fi nished CO alarms, which are then purchased 
by the Group in the UK.  The Group does not maintain a provision for unrealised profi t in CO sensors within fi nished CO alarm stock, as CO sensors are 
sold to an independent third party, Pace Technologies, before being acquired as fi nished CO alarm products and put into stock by the Group.

Stock impairment and disposal costs of £1.7 million were provided in the year as a result of a thorough review of product lines and future development 
plans in line with the Group’s evolved strategy to become a more technology-led connected home solutions provider.  In the prior year, £1.1 million was 
provided against stock originally purchased for the French market to address demand driven by local legislative change.

21. Financial assets

Trade receivables and other debtors

Cash and cash equivalents

Derivative fi nancial assets

Maximum exposure to credit risk

Group
2019
£000

11,270

2,062

-

13,332

Group
2018
£000

10,269

1,251

214

11,734

Company
2019
£000

Company
2018
£000

25,947

27,343

4

-

1

-

25,951

27,344

The Directors are of the opinion that whilst there are signifi cant concentrations of credit risk, customer payments are closely scrutinised to ensure debts 
are paid on time and credit limits are reasonably adhered to.

The fair value of the fi nancial assets is not considered to be materially different from their carrying value.

Trade and other receivables for the Company represents balances owed to it by fellow Group undertakings.

Trade and other receivables comprise:

Trade receivables

Amounts due from fellow group companies

Other debtors

Prepayments

Trade and other receivables

Group
2019
£000

10,316

-

1,307

450

12,073

Group
2018
£000

9,589

-

680

523

Company
2019
£000

Company
2018
£000

-

-

25,947

27,343

-

-

-

-

10,792

25,947

27,343

The primary credit risk relates to customers which potentially may be unable to settle their debts with the Group.  The average credit period taken on sale 
of goods is 59 days (2018: 89 days).  There are no provisions for impairment losses in respect of trade and other receivables.

The Directors believe that the carrying value of trade and other receivables represents their fair value.  In determining the recoverability of trade 
receivables the Group considers any change in the credit quality of the receivable from the date credit was granted up to the reporting date.  Factors 
considered include a review of past payment history and the current fi nancial status of customers and the ongoing relationship with the Group.  Credit 
limits are kept under review to ensure customers are not exceeding agreed terms.

Domestic trade debtors are pledged as security to the Group’s bankers as part of the Group’s banking facilities.  The domestic trade debtor balance at 
31 December 2019 was £7.9 million (31 December 2018: £7.8 million). At 31 December 2019 £8.0 million (2018: £7.8 million) of trade receivables were 
denominated in sterling, £0.5 million (2018: £0.8 million) in US dollars and £1.8 million (2018: £1.0 million) in euros.

At 31 December 2019, cash of £1.6 million (2018: overdrawn balance of £1.1 million) was denominated in sterling, an overdrawn balance of  £0.8 million 
(2018: cash of £2.3 million) in US dollars, cash of £0.1 million (2018: cash of £0.2 million) in Canadian dollars and a cash balance of £1.2 million (2018: 
overdrawn balance of £0.1 million) in euros. At the year end, all other fi nancial assets held were denominated in sterling.

Amounts owed by fellow group companies represent interest-free loans made to the Company’s main subsidiary undertaking.  The gross loan advanced 
by the Company is £27.8 million.  Whilst the loan is legally repayable on demand, the Company has confi rmed to the subsidiary undertaking that it does 
not intend to demand repayment within at least one year. 

In accordance with IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’, as the subsidiary undertaking cannot repay the loan at the reporting date, the Company has made 
an assessment of expected credit losses.  Having considered multiple scenarios on the manner, timing, quantum and probability of recovery on the 
receivables, a lifetime expected credit loss of £1.9 million has been provided.  Further details are given in note 3.

The carrying value of amounts owned by subsidiary undertakings at 31 December 2019, net of provisions, was £25.9 million (2018: £27.3 million).

22. Derivative fi nancial instruments

Assets
Foreign currency forward contracts

Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts

2019
£000

-

429

2018
£000

214

-

Derivative fi nancial instruments are classifi ed between current and non-current based on the date of their maturity.  They are measured at their fair value.  
The maturity of all forward contracts at each year end was less than twelve months, and therefore all contracts are classifi ed as current.

The notional principal amounts of the outstanding foreign currency forward contracts at 31 December 2019 were US $14.7 million (2018: US $8.1 
million), sterling of £3.6 million (2018: £nil) and euro of €nil (2018: €nil).  

Gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts are recognised within cost of sales each month, as the forward contracts are utilised to mitigate 
foreign currency risk associated with product sales and purchases in currencies other than the Group’s sterling functional currency.

23. Loans and borrowings

Bank term loan

Invoice discounting facilities

Group
2019
£000

-

6,985

6,985

Group
2018
£000

5,700

-

5,700

Company
2019
£000

Company
2018
£000

-

-

-

5,700

-

5,700

On 16 April 2019, the Company raised £6.0 million through the issue of 30,000,000 new ordinary shares at an issue price of 20p per share and incurred 
fundraising costs of £0.5 million.  In conjunction with the fundraising, the Group restructured its borrowing facilities with HSBC and moved from a 
revolving credit facility to an invoice discounting facility.  As such, in the year the Group repaid the £7.0 million loan drawn under the previous revolving 
credit facility, £1.3 million of which had been drawn since the beginning of the period, and drew down £7.0 million from the invoice discounting facility.

At 31 December 2019 the Group had lease liabilities totalling 
£1.5 million detailed below:

Maturity analysis of lease liabilities:

 Land and buildings

 Plant and machinery

 Vehicles

Total lease liabilities

Within 6 
months
£000

6 months to 
1 year
£000

1 to 5 years
£000

Over 5 years
£000

Total at 31 
December 2019
£000

166

2

6

174

170

1,123

1

3

8

-

174

1,131

-

-

-

-

1,459

11

9

1,479

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

24. Fair value disclosures
The total net loss on forward contracts recognised in the income statement for the year ended 31 December 2019 was £0.6 million (2018: gain of £0.6 
million) and is included within cost of sales. 

The table below analyses fi nancial instruments carried at fair value, by valuation method. The different levels have been defi ned as follows:

•  Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1)

•   Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, 

derived from prices) (level 2)

•  Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs) (level 3)

The following table presents the Group’s fi nancial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value at the last two year ends.  All assets and liabilities 
measured are valued at level 2.

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Level 2

Assets
Foreign currency forward contracts

Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts

25. Provisions

At 1 January 2017

Credit/(charge) in year (Restated)

Utilisation in year

At 1 January 2018 (Restated)

Charge in year (Restated)

Utilisation in year

At 31 December 2018 (Restated)

Charge in year

Utilisation in year

At 31 December 2019

2019
£000

-

429

FireAngel 
warranty 
provisions         
£000

BRK Brands 
warranty
provisions          
£000

5,317

(86)

(1,835)

3,396

634

(1,098)

2,932

2,605

(2,072)

3,465

260

245

(228)

277

30

(173)

134

-

(106)

28

2018
£000

214

-

Total
£000

5,577

159

(2,063)

3,673

664

(1,271)

3,066

2,605

(2,178)

3,493

68

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

69

 
Notes to the fi nancial statements continued

For the year ended 31 December 2019

The total warranty provision is classifi ed between less than one year and greater than one year as follows:

Current provision

Non-current provision

Total warranty provisions

Review of warranty provision

2019
£000

1,496

1,997

3,493

2018 
Restated
£000

1,195

1,871

3,066

In assessing the adequacy of the warranty provision, it is necessary to form a view on matters which are inherently uncertain, such as the returns profi le 
over time, the fi nal return rate, whether the product return rates of each year of production will be similar, whether the return rates from different sales 
channels will vary and the average cost of redress. 

There is a greater degree of uncertainty in assessing these factors when an issue is fi rst identifi ed although with the known battery warranty issue (which 
represents the majority of the provision) the Board has considerably more experience of the returns rates having monitored product returns by year of 
manufacture by market for several years.  Consequently, the continued appropriateness of the underlying assumptions is reviewed on an ongoing basis 
against actual experience and other relevant evidence and adjustment made to the provision over time as required.  

During the year, the FireAngel battery warranty provision was increased by £1.4 million as lower rework yields and higher product costs compared to 
those originally anticipated when the provision was estimated three years ago, were leading to increased costs of supplying replacement product.  In 
addition, a charge of £1.2 million was made to refl ect an increase in the terminal volume of units expected to be impacted by the issue based on the level 
of returns currently being seen.

Provisions as at 1 January 2018 have been restated by £1.5 million refl ecting the prior period adjustment additional warranty provision charge for 2016 
and 2017.  The charge for 2018 has been restated by £53,000 refl ecting the additional warranty provision charge for 2018 (see notes 7 and 8).

26. Trade and other payables

Trade payables

Accruals and deferred income

Other tax and social security

Group
2019
£000

7,355

3,282

1,513

Group
2018
£000

8,220

1,868

1,377

12,150

11,465

Company
2019
£000

Company
2018
£000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

At 31 December 2019, £0.5 million (2018: £1.2 million) of payables were denominated in sterling, £0.2 million (2018: £0.2 million) in euros and £6.6 million 
(2018: £6.8 million) in US dollars.  Trade and other payables principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs.  The 
average credit period taken for trade purchases is 76 days (2018: 137 days).  Creditor days in 2018 were unusually high due to the delayed payment 
terms negotiated as part of the BRK Settlement Agreement.

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates to their fair value.

27. Deferred tax

Deferred tax liabilities

Deferred tax assets

Net position at 31 December

The movement in the year in the Group’s net deferred tax position was as follows:

At 1 January 

Credit/(charge) to income for the year

Charge to equity for the year

At 31 December

The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the Group 
and the movements thereon during the period:

Deferred tax liabilities

At 1 January 2019

Credit to income for the year

At 31 December 2019

70

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

2019
£000

2018 Restated
£000

2017 Restated
£000

(2,404)

1,508

(896)

(1,974)

523

(1,451)

2018 Restated
£000

2017 Restated
£000

(2,364)

2,364

-

2019
£000

(896)

896

-

-

(1,450)

814

(260)

(896)

Derivative 
fi nancial 
instruments
£000

Non-current 
asset timing 
differences
£000

38

(6)

32

2,366

(34)

2,332

(777)

(613)

(61)

(1,451)

Total
£000

2,404

(40)

2,364

Deferred tax assets

At 1 January 2019 (Restated)

Credit/(charge) to income for the year

At 31 December 2019

Deferred 
tax losses          
 £000

Derivative 
fi nancial 
instruments
£000

Share-based 
payments
£000

1,501

853

2,354

(6)

7

1

13

(4)

9

Total
£000

1,508

856

2,364

As at 31 December 2019 there is an unrecognised net deferred tax asset of £437,000.  This has not been recognised due to uncertainty as to when the 
asset will be utilised by the Group.  Whilst the Group expects a return to profi tability in the future, the generous deduction available for research and 
development expenditure means that it is likely to be several years before these losses will need to be accessed.

28. Retirement benefi ts - defi ned contribution plan

The Group operates a defi ned contribution retirement benefi t plan.  The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group in an 
independently-administered fund.  The pension cost charge of £0.2 million (2018: £0.2 million) represents contributions payable by the Group to the fund 
for the year.  Contributions amounting to £nil (2018: £24,000) were payable at the year end.

29. Called up share capital

Authorised:

100,000,000 ordinary shares of 2p each

Ordinary shares in issue:

As at 1 January

Issue of shares in respect of capital raise

Issue of shares in respect of share options exercised

As at 31 December 

Issued and fully paid ordinary shares of 2p each:

As at 1 January

Issue of shares in respect of capital raise

Issue of shares in respect of share options exercised

As at 31 December 

Company 
2019
Number
‘000

Company 
2018
Number
‘000

45,905

30,000

30

45,905

-

-

75,935

45,905

£000

918

600

1

1,519

£000

918

-

-

918

The Company has one class of ordinary share which carries no right to fi xed income.

On 16 April 2019, the Company raised £6.0 million through the issue of 30,000,000 new ordinary shares of 2p nominal value each at an issue price of 20p 
per share.  The premium on issue was 18p per share amounting to £5.4 million.  This was credited to the share premium account.  Share issue expenses 
amounted to £0.5 million.  These were debited to the share premium account.  

On 23 March 2020, the Group announced details of an open offer and placing to raise approximately £6.1 million to strengthen its balance sheet, execute 
self-help plans to improve gross margin, deploy and support the connected homes technology and fund part of the additional expected liabilities for the 
Company’s legacy battery warranty issue fi rst identifi ed in 2016. On 8 April 2020, the Company issued 50,623,480 new ordinary shares at 12 pence per 
share as a result of valid acceptances under the open offer and placing.  The Company’s share capital consequently increased to 126,558,845 ordinary 
shares.
30. Reserves

Share premium account

The share premium account represents the excess of consideration received for shares issued above their nominal value net of transaction costs.

Currency translation reserve 

The currency translation reserve represents the exchange gains and losses that have arisen on the retranslation of overseas operations.

Retained earnings 

Retained earnings represents the cumulative profi t and loss net of distributions to owners.

The loss for the fi nancial year dealt with in the Company was £1,182,000 (2018: loss of £848,000).  As permitted under Section 408 of the Companies Act 
2006, a separate profi t and loss account has not been presented for the Company.
31. Share-based payments

The share-based payments charge of £37,000 (2018: £107,000), included in the consolidated income statement within operating expenses, relates to 
the 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan nominal cost options awarded on 2 August 2019.

Outstanding at 1 January 

Exercised during the year

Granted during the year

Expired or lapsed during the year

Outstanding at 31 December

2019

2018

Options
‘000

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 

684

(30)

3,400

(86)

3,968

99p

2p

2p

200p

30p

Options
‘000

1,902

-

-

(1,218)

684

Weighted 
average    
exercise price 

99p

-

-

46p

191p

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

71

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

 
Notes to the fi nancial statements continued

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Details of the share options outstanding at the end of the year are as follows:

Grant date

Directors’ share options

25/04/2014

02/08/2019

Employee share options

25/04/2014

03/06/2015

02/08/2019

Outstanding at 
start of the year

Exercised during 
the year

Lapsed during  
the year

Granted during 
the year 

Outstanding at 
end of the year 

Expiry date

Exercise price

250,000

-

403,723

30,000

-

-

-

-

(30,000)

-

-

-

(86,111)

-

-

-

250,000

28/04/2024

2,500,000

2,500,000

02/08/2029

-

-

317,612

28/04/2024

-

03/06/2020

900,000

900,000

02/08/2029

683,723

(30,000)

(86,111)

3,400,000

3,967,612

200p

2p

200p

2p

2p

As at 31 December 2019, a total of 3,967,612 options were outstanding which had an average exercise price of 30p, and a weighted average remaining 
contractual life of 5.6 years.  

2014 EMI share options award

The Company has an approved EMI scheme for qualifying UK-based employees which provided for an award of share options based on seniority.  
Share options vest over three years.  If options remain unexercised after a period of ten years from the date of grant, the options usually expire except in 
exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Board. 

On 30 April 2014, the Company granted  awards over 1.46 million shares under the EMI scheme at an exercise price of £2.00 per share.  The share 
options vested evenly over three years and are exercisable for ten years from the date of grant.

2019 share options award

On 2 August 2019, the Company granted awards over a total of 3.4 million shares under its 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (‘LTIP’).  Under the LTIP, 
selected employees are entitled to exercise an option to receive a certain number of shares at any time after a three-year vesting period, at a cost 
to the employee of the nominal value of the shares.  The number of shares that are awarded at the end of the three-year period is dependent on the 
achievement of certain performance criteria.

Vesting of the LTIP awards is dependent on achievement of total shareholder return (‘TSR’).  If TSR on Shares is 200% or more at the end of three years 
following the award, all of the shares awarded will vest.  If TSR is 100%, then 25% of the awarded shares will vest.  Between these points the number 
of shares that vest will be pro-rata.  If TSR is less than 100% then no shares will vest.  The limit on the number of shares over which interests may be 
awarded remains unchanged.

32. Operating lease arrangements

The minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating lease rentals are in aggregate as follows:

Amounts due:

Within one year

Between one and fi ve years

More than fi ve years

Total lease payments

2019
£000

-

-

-

-

2018
£000

325

303

-

628

Operating lease payments represent rentals payable by the Group principally for its offi ces and warehouse.  The operating lease expenditure charged to 
the income statement during the year is disclosed in note 9 of the fi nancial statements.

33. Related party transactions

Balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries were as follows:

Drawdown of loans and borrowings (principal amount)

Repayment of loans and borrowings (principal amount)

Impairment of intercompany loan (IFRS 9) 

Cash transfer

Total transactions between Company and subsidiaries

2019
£000

1,300

(7,000)

(1,155)

5,459

(1,396)

Newell Brands, through its subsidiary Newell Rubbermaid UK Services Limited (formerly BRK Brands Europe Limited), holds a signifi cant proportion 
of the Company’s ordinary shares (23.4% as at 31 December 2019).  Up to 31 March 2018, Newell represented the single largest supplier to the Group 
supplying all the Group’s smoke alarms, heat alarms and accessories from DTL.  Since 31 March 2018, products which were being acquired from 
DTL are now sourced directly from Flex in Poland and a Far East Asia based supplier.  Purchases between related parties are made under contractual 
arrangements negotiated on an arm’s length basis.  

During the year, Group companies entered into the following transactions with 
Newell Brands which is not a member of the Group:

Newell Brands 

Net purchases of goods in year including engineering fees

Distribution agreement fee

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of the key management personnel of the Group, together with the Non-Executive Directors, is set out below. 

Details of individual Directors’ remuneration are given in the remuneration section of the Remuneration Committee report.

Remuneration of key management personnel

Aggregate emoluments

Company pension contributions 

Sums paid for Non-Executive Directors’ services

Share-based payments

Total remuneration

The remuneration in respect of the highest paid Director was:

Emoluments

Defi ned pension contributions

Share-based payments

2019
£000

-

-

2019
£000

1,319

74

113

37

2018
£000

4,540

944

2018
£000

1,400

74

117

107

1,543

1,698

2019
£000

227

-

227

2018
£000

270

22

292

During 2019, the Company  granted awards over 2.5 million shares in total to three Executive Directors under its 2015 LTIP.  These options have 
an exercise price of the nominal cost of the shares of 2 pence per share and have an expected life of ten years.  The share options vest following a 
performance period of three years and are subject to the achievement of total shareholder return targets.  The element of the share-based payment 
charge relating to the Directors is £27,206.

Wilkins Kennedy

William Payne, a Non-Executive Director of the Company for part of 2019, is a partner of Wilkins Kennedy, which is the fi rm through which his services are 
provided.  During the year, Wilkins Kennedy were paid £31,500 (2018: £42,000) for the provision of William Payne’s services as a Non-Executive Director 
and £11,937 (2018: £9,775) for accounting and management services.  At the year end the Company owed Wilkins Kennedy £nil (2018: £nil).

34. Post balance sheet events

On 23 March 2020, the Group announced details of an open offer and placing to raise approximately £6.1 million to strengthen its balance sheet, execute 
self-help plans to improve gross margin, deploy and support the connected homes technology and fund part of the additional expected liabilities for the 
Company’s legacy battery warranty issue fi rst identifi ed in 2016.

On 8 April 2020, the Company issued 50,623,480 new ordinary shares at 12 pence per share as a result of valid acceptances under the open offer and 
placing.  The Company’s share capital consequently increased to 126,558,845 ordinary shares.

The impact of COVID-19 is described in detail in the Executive Chairman’s statement on page 9 and within the Going Concern accounting policy.

72

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

73

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

 
Other information

Corporate directory

REGISTERED NUMBER

3991353

COMPANY SECRETARY

Mrs ZA Fox

REGISTERED OFFICE

Vanguard Centre
Sir William Lyons Road
Coventry
CV4 7EZ

AUDITOR

RSM UK AUDIT LLP 
Chartered Accountants
St Philips Point
Temple Row
Birmingham 
B2 5AF

SOLICITORS

Pinsent Masons
30 Crown Place
London 
EC2A 4ES 

NOMINATED ADVISOR AND BROKER

Shore Capital & Corporate Limited
Cassini House
57-58 St James’s Street
London
SW1A 1LD

REGISTRAR

Neville Registrars Limited
Neville House
Steelpark Road
Halesowen
B62 8HD

BANKER

HSBC UK Bank plc
3 Rivergate
Temple Quay
Bristol
BS1 6ER

Shareholder information

SHAREHOLDER ENQUIRIES

SHARE PRICE INFORMATION

INVESTOR RELATIONS 

Any shareholder with enquiries should, in the 
fi rst instance, contact the Company’s registrar, 
Neville Registrar, using the address provided in 
the Corporate directory.

London Stock Exchange AIM symbol:  FA.

Information on the Company’s major 
shareholders is available in the Share Details 
section of the Investors area of the FireAngel 
Safety Technology Group plc website at 
www.fi reangeltech.com.

Vanguard Centre
Sir William Lyons Road
Coventry
CV4 7EZ

Telephone: 024 7771 7700
Email: info@fi reangeltech.com
Website: www.fi reangeltech.com

O
t
h
e
r
i

n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

74

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

75