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FY2020 Annual Report · Gilead Sciences
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Company Registration No. 12187837 (England and Wales)

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Directors

Secretary

Company number

Registered office

Auditor

(Appointed 18 June 2020)
(Appointed 3 December 2019)
(Appointed 14 October 2019)
(Appointed 3 December 2019)
(Appointed 30 March 2020)
(Appointed 1 September 2020)
(Appointed 1 September 2020)
(Appointed 18 June 2020)

Mr C Curtis
Mr A Drake
Mr K Hourd
Mr F Lew
Mr J Savage
Mr C Sullivan
Mr S Walters
Mr D Gardner

Mr J Savage

12187837

Craven House
16 Northumberland Avenue
London
WC2N 5AP

PKF Littlejohn LLP
Statutory Auditor
15 Westferry Circus
Canary Wharf
London
E14 4HD

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

CONTENTS

Chairman’s statement

Strategic report

Directors’ report

Directors’ responsibilities statement

Remuneration report

Independent auditor’s report

Income statement

Statement of financial position

Statement of changes in equity

Statement of cash flows

Page

1 - 3

4 - 8

9 - 12

13

14 - 17

18 - 21

22

23

24

25

Notes to the financial statements

26 - 39

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

I am pleased to report Guild’s maiden results spanning the first financial period from incorporation on 3 September 
2019 to 30 September 2020, a period that pre-dates the Company’s debut on the LSE on 2 October 2020.

No revenue was generated and a loss before tax of £2.7m was incurred in the period under review. These reflect the 
start-up costs of the business, professional and other costs relating to the early rounds of equity funding, followed by 
the Company’s IPO. Cash and near cash amounted to £2.5m as at 30 September 2020.

The focus of 2020 was to formulate a clear strategy and raise the necessary capital to build one of the world’s leading 
esports  organisations  with  a  global  fanbase  and  a  roster  of  professional  players  to  compete  in  major  esports 
competitions under the Guild brand.

A key element of our vision was to find and nurture new talent by adopting the proven academy system pioneered by 
Premier League football clubs such as Manchester United. An early breakthrough was made after we clinched long-
term  backing  from David Beckham  as Guild’s  global  brand  ambassador,  principal influencer, as  well  as  securing 
financial investment that made him a co-owner of the Company.

David is closely involved in many aspects of the business and brings wide-ranging experience as a sports industry 
entrepreneur with an international brand management and marketing organisation behind him. He has a social media 
following of 125 million, providing Guild with the ability to reach a global audience, and gives Guild high-level access 
to many leading corporate advertisers and sponsors, which assists our strategy of developing mutually beneficial 
long-term partnerships leading to significant revenues for Guild. Furthermore, his direct experience, interest in and 
contribution to the development of Guild’s academy system is of great value to the Company.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all shareholders for their support, which has enabled the Company to 
ramp up its resources and activities in a very short time. Our staff numbers have increased from just a handful to 
more than 20 at present and I commend all our employees, players and partners for their hard work and dedication 
as we navigate through the challenges posed by Covid-19. 

The  pandemic  has  caused  widespread  great  human  and  economic  disruption;  however,  Guild  remains mostly
unaffected and the growth of the esports sector has been accelerated by increased time at home during the pandemic 
and restrictions on other leisure activities. For example, Twitch saw its traffic jump by 50% from March to April during 
lockdown  (as  reported  by  The Economist),  which  shows  how  the  e-gaming  sector  has  provided  an  alternative  to 
traditional leisure activity to occupy their extra time whilst at home. This dynamic has increased media consumption 
by existing esports followers and brought new followers into the esports ecosystem, which we expect to benefit the 
esports sector and Guild long term.      

Post-period review
Good progress has been made in the four months since IPO, which coincided with the start of the Company’s new 
financial year.

The esports sector continues to enjoy strong growth, driven by favourable long-term fundamentals such as increasing 
access to high-speed broadband, which facilitates multiplayer gaming, the introduction of a new generation of games 
consoles, as well as the growing popularity of esports as a mass market leisure and entertainment activity. As noted 
above, the virus and lockdowns have spurred much interest and engagement in esports which we expect to be an 
enduring factor in their long-term growth prospects well beyond the duration of the pandemic.   

The esports market is forecast to grow by around 50% from approximately $1bn a year in 2019 to $1.6bn by 2023 
(Source: Newzoo). The total viewing audience is estimated to increase from more than 400 million to approximately 
650 million in the same period.

1

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

Sponsorship
Shortly after the stock market debut, Guild clinched its first sponsorship deal, with a new European fintech company 
for a total of £3.6m spread over three years. The deal enables the sponsor to promote its brand and logo on team 
jerseys, exposure during streaming of gameplay by Guild and its team players as well as other marketing initiatives. 
Our sponsor’s plans to unveil their brand at a major marketing event were pushed back by travel disruption caused 
by Covid-19. Our deal remains completely unaffected and both sides continue to work and collaborate normally. 
The brand is expected to be launched by the sponsor shortly at which point Guild’s revenues will commence. 

This  deal  was  followed  by  a  two-year  contract  with  HyperX,  a  leading  gaming  peripherals  brand  of  Kingston 
Technology Company Inc, the world’s largest independent manufacturer of memory products, based in California. 
HyperX has a long association with the esports sector and will become Guild’s exclusive peripherals partner and as 
part of the agreement, its products will be used by our pro-players, content-creators and academy students as well 
as to fit out our London headquarters. 

Together  these  sponsorship  deals  have  enabled  Guild  to  take  big  strides  towards  achieving  its  goal  of  £5m  in 
sponsorship revenues in the first year after flotation. The Company’s pipeline of new business from other potential 
sponsors and advertisers has also strengthened significantly. Discussions are currently at an advanced stage with 
several such prospects. These potential sponsors are engaged in multiple industries and have shown great interest 
in partnering with Guild as we emerge as a leading esports brand and expand our audience in a rapidly growing 
esports sector.    

Rapidly growing audience
Guild is building its endemic audience through the creation of original content, signing of top-tier players and working 
with  influencers  and  content  creators,  with  David  Beckham’s  social  posts  bringing  in  fans  from  the  general 
population.  Guild’s  fanbase  and  social  reach  has  gone  from  strength  to  strength,  with  subscribed  fans  rapidly 
approaching  100,000,  video  views  surpassing  9  million,  and  social  impressions  of  over 59 million.  With  the 
Company’s  roster  of  players  and  influencers,  Guild  has  direct  access  to  over  1.8 million  fans (excluding  David 
Beckham’s own followers) via social media posts, an essential and attractive asset for potential sponsors.

This is in addition to brand exposure provided by media coverage of Guild’s teams competing in esports games and 
tournaments.  Guild’s  current  games  are  widely  covered  by  specialist  media  via  platforms  such  as  Twitch  and 
YouTube, and there has been increasing coverage from mainstream media outlets such as BBC Sport, who live 
streamed a number of Guild’s Rocket League fixtures in January 2021.

Expansion of teams at pace
Our esports audience is expanding partly due to the step-up in recruitment of outstanding professional players, and 
the total roster of talent has increased from four in September 2020, to twelve players to date. They are organised 
in teams specialising in four major games franchises and compete individually and jointly for prize money in FIFA, 
Fortnite, Rocket League and Valorant tournaments.

Guild  has  also  started  a  program  to  manage  and  drive  player’s  social  channels  and  digital  content  creation, 
expanding the reach of Guild and increasing its fanbase. The Company is considering expansion into new games, 
giving access to larger audiences and partnership opportunities.

Our expansion into Fortnite with three esports athletes has given us a top-tier roster with a significant social following, 
and a track record of wins and trophies in global competitions. Our FIFA player is currently ranked 3rd in Europe, 
and has already qualified for the pinnacle competitive FIFA tournament at the end of season, the FIFAE World Cup. 
Our  Rocket  League  team  has  gone  from  strength  to  strength,  and  is  still  on  track  to  qualify  for  the  World 
Championship. Our Valorant roster, now supported by a newly appointed head coach, is gearing up for the new 
season and anticipates being a top-three team.

2

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

Merchandising
The first range of Guild-branded apparel went on sale on the Company’s website in November 2020. Sales volumes, 
as expected, were modest as these are still early days for the Company’s merchandising operations. A second line 
of products is being planned for a launch during the first half of 2021.  The new range, ‘Patch 0.2.1’, will continue to 
feature the iconic Guild logo (as designed by renowned London artist, Fergus Purcell) but will be bolder and brighter, 
targeting the endemic esports and youth culture markets. Guild also plans to partner with prominent influencers and 
artists  who  resonate  with  the  young,  esports  and  culture-driven  audiences,  to  create  exclusive  collaborative 
collections.

The Guild Academy
The Guild Academy has advanced from its planning phase to the implementation stage with Guild’s roster of top-
tier teams already benefiting from academy content. The academy is in beta-test and set for a global launch this 
year, with an interactive tournament platform, fully integrated learning engine and exclusive live workshops to be 
delivered.

Modelled on the Premier League and with input from David Beckham, the academy will provide holistic training to 
improve  a  player’s  physical,  psychological,  social  and  personal  skills  together  with  in-game  coaching  and 
development. The academy will contribute to the growing fanbase and identify the next generation of professional 
esports athletes to compete for Guild.

Following the IPO, the build-out of Guild’s operational management team was completed, with senior hires for each 
of the Company’s key verticals: Esports; Partnerships; Brand & Marketing; Merchandise & Apparel; and Academy.

2021 Outlook

Significant progress has been made to execute Guild’s growth strategy since the flotation four months ago.

The Company has established a solid operational base, which together with our robust balance sheet and favourable 
industry fundamentals, provide an excellent backdrop to our prospects.

In  2021  the  Company  looks  forward  to  continuing  to  work  closely  with co-founder,  David  Beckham;  the  highly 
anticipated  launch  of  the  Guild  Academy;  success  in  global  esports  tournaments;  and  collaboration  with  content 
creators and influencers. 

Our fan base is growing rapidly with video views now exceeding 9.4 million and social impressions at 59 million. 
These factors will continue to drive Guild’s fanbase and social reach, leading to significant growth opportunities in the 
apparel and partnerships divisions.

Guild has also clinched its first two multiyear sponsorship deals and the new business pipeline has strengthened 
significantly as our sales activity gains momentum. Several significant sponsorship deals are at an advanced stage 
of negotiations which puts Guild on track to deliver solid growth in sponsorship revenues in the current year.

As a result, the Board looks to the future with considerable confidence.

Mr C Curtis

Executive Chairman

28 January 2021

3

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

STRATEGIC REPORT

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

The directors present the strategic report for the period ended 30 September 2020.

Principal activity
The  Company’s  principal  activity  is  that  of  a  global  fan-focussed  team  organisation  and  lifestyle  brand  that  fields 
professional players in gaming competitions under the Guild banner. Our in-house training academy aims to attract and 
nurture the best esports talent, and our goal is to provide the ultimate entertainment experience alongside a distinctive 
lifestyle brand authentic to the esports community worldwide. Guild is led by an experienced management team of 
esports veterans and co-owned by David Beckham.

Review of the business and future developments
Guild Esports Plc was incorporated on 3 September 2019. On 2 October 2020 the Company was admitted to the Official 
List of the UK Listing Authority by way of a listing on the standard segment of the London Stock Exchange.

The period to 30 September 2020 was a start-up phase for the Company, in which the foundations of the business were 
formed:  hiring  an  experienced  leadership  team;  entering  into  an  influencer  agreement  with  David  Beckham;  and 
securing capital with private equity raises, leading up to the initial public offering on 2 October 2020. During the period, 
Guild established a fanbase of around 20,000 and entered into competitive FIFA and Rocket League with top-tier teams.

Since the period-end, Guild has recruited industry leaders in senior roles in all key verticals (Esports; Partnerships;, 
Brand & Marketing; Merchandise & Apparel; and Academy).

Guild  has  quickly  built  a  reputation  in  the  industry  for  engaging  and  creative  content,  setting  a  new  standard  for 
announcement videos, resulting in upwards of 9 million video views. In 2021, Guild will continue on this momentum by 
producing  a  variety  of  original  content  across  multiple  gaming  titles  and  social  platforms.  It  will  feature  players, 
influencers and industry personalities which will accelerate the growth of Guild’s fanbase.

Guild has esports rosters competing at the highest levels in FIFA, Rocket League, Fortnite and Valorant. Guild has 
implemented a performance philosophy, which includes a holistic approach to unlock the full potential of each individual, 
and a clear roadmap for winning trophies. Guild has also started a program to manage and drive players’ social channels 
and digital content creation, expanding the reach of Guild and increasing its fanbase. The Company is considering 
expansion into new games, including CS:GO, giving access to larger audiences and partnership opportunities.

The Guild Academy has progressed significantly and is currently undergoing external beta testing. The academy is set 
to launch globally in 2021 and will feature a holistic learning approach to the esports ecosystem, focused on providing 
a safe learning environment with engaging content, transferable life skills and a true ‘path to pro’ system. Once fully 
established, the academy is expected to attract a large fanbase which will be a lucrative asset to potential sponsors 
and identify the next generation of top-tier esports athletes for Guild.

Having launched its first apparel range in November 2020, Guild have designed and developed the start of a unique 
lifestyle apparel line with an aesthetic that is authentic to the esports community and infused with streetwear-inspired 
design philosophy. Guild will launch ‘Patch 0.2.1’ in the first half of the year. The new range will continue to feature the 
iconic Guild logo (as designed by renowned London artist, Fergus Purcell) but will be bolder and brighter, continuing to 
target the endemic esports and youth culture markets. Guild also plans to partner with prominent influencers and artists 
who resonate with the young, esports and culture-driven audiences, to create exclusive collaborative collections.

4

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

Company Strategy and Business Model
The Guild business model is to develop a global esports brand with a large viewership and a loyal fanbase, derived 
from a combination of top-tier esports teams, a world-class academy, influencers and content creators. Operations are 
led by industry experts and have the backing and support of David Beckham and his management team. Revenue is 
predominantly generated through multi-year sponsorship deals with corporate and consumer brands, looking to access 
their  target  market  through  esports.  Merchandise,  apparel  and  in-game  micro  transactions  are  also  available  to 
purchase by fans of Guild.

Key performance indicators
The Board of Directors monitors the activities and performance of the Company on a continuing basis. The core KPIs 
of the Company are Sponsorship revenues and Viewership figures. Growth in audience and building a tribal fanbase is 
crucial to creating long-term value for shareholders. As Guild was in a start-up phase during the period, latest figures 
have also been presented to show the early progress of the business.

30 September 
2020

28 January
2021

Sponsorships
Partnership revenues
- earned during the period
Contracted partnerships
- minimum contracted revenues in future periods

Viewership
Guild fans
- Individuals who have opted into Guild channels (e.g.
YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Twitch etc.)
Guild network
- Individuals subscribed to the network of Guild teams, 
influencers and content creators 
- Guild social reach on David Beckham’s channels
Social impressions
- Display of Guild content on individuals’ social feeds
Video views
- Views of videos on Guild channels
Viewership of Guild events
- Views of live Guild events (online)

-

-

25k

0.5m

123m

7.6m

0.6m

148k

-

*£3.6m+

97k

1.86m

125m

59.0m

9.4m

207k

*The figure includes contracted revenues of Guild’s first sponsorship deal only. On 28 January 2021, Guild signed a two-year sponsorship 
deal with HyperX. The contract value, which is confidential for commercial reasons, is in line with the Company’s expectations at the time of 
IPO. 

Principal risks and uncertainties
The Board considers the principal risks of the Company to revolve around the accumulation of fans and its ability to 
attract sponsors. The Company mitigates the risk of low fan accumulation through diversification and appealing to a 
broad  market. The  Company  engages a  wide  endemic  audience  by  operating in  multiple  esports; working with 
influencers and content creators; and maintaining an active presence on several social media platforms. Guild social 
posts made through David Beckham’s channels provide a mass market appeal and contribute significantly to the social 
reach of the Company. The Company mitigates the risk of not attracting sponsors through forming a partnerships team 
consisting of experienced professionals, sector specialists and led by the CEO. The team has an in depth understanding 
of the demographic which sponsors want to reach, and the market they intend to grow in. Guild attract top talent in 
target regions, and compound this with the social reach of David Beckham to create opportunities and meet sponsors’ 
needs.

The Company operates in a changing environment and is subject to a number of risk factors. The Board consider the 
following to be of particular relevance but this is by no means an exhaustive list, as there may be other risk factors not 
currently known.

5

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

Risks relating to the esports industry
Esports sector growth
The esports sector grew by 26 percent from 2018 to 2019. While the Directors believe the esports market will continue 
to grow at a similar rate, at least for the next three years, there is no guarantee that it will do so and at some point 
growth will inevitably slow or stagnate. That may result in revenues across the sector stagnating or reducing and the 
sponsorship  market  becoming  even  more  competitive,  both  of  which  would  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  the 
Company’s business, revenue, financial condition, profitability, prospects and results of operations.

Competition
The esports industry is highly competitive, with new teams entering tournaments and leagues on a regular basis and 
with  existing  and  new  participants  having  significant  resources  (both  financial  and  in  terms  of  talent).  Increased 
competition may make it more difficult for the Company’s team to win tournaments and leagues, to attract sponsors and 
to attract talent. Furthermore, the Company may be required to offer cheaper sponsorship and pay higher than expected 
salaries to talent, in order to secure contracts.

Reliance on third-party services
The vast majority of esports fans watch leagues and tournaments (and therefore teams such as Guild) via free, online 
live-streaming of content on Twitch and YouTube. If Twitch or YouTube were to change their business models and 
charge for content, the attractiveness of esports to sponsors would be reduced and profile-raising opportunities for Guild 
would be reduced. Furthermore, the esports sector is reliant on the technical infrastructure of Twitch and YouTube; a 
disruption in the services offered by Twitch and YouTube may have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Risks relating to the Company’s Business strategy
The Company is a start-up business
The Company commenced operations on 25 June 2020, and is competing with established competitors who may have 
more  resources  and  a  more  recognisable  brand  presence  in  the  market.  The  Directors  believe  that  they  have  the 
experience and connections to ensure that the business is able to compete with established rivals and take advantage 
of market opportunities they have identified.

Recruitment and retention of top-tier esports talent
The Company’s brand will be built around the success and profile of esports players. The success of the Company will 
depend on its ability to recruit and retain esports players who have either the potential to be successful star players or 
are already successful star players. The Company’s team, Guild, is a new name in the esports world, with no established 
reputation or tournament history. The Company will be competing to sign esports players against established teams 
that have greater resources, higher profile and a history of tournament success. If Guild cannot sign players of sufficient 
standing and/or talent, that is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, revenue, financial 
condition, profitability, prospects and results of operations.

Player performance
Though the Company intends to sign the best esports players available to it (given its resources), there is no guarantee 
that such recruitment will translate into tournament success. If Guild does not perform to a reasonably high level in 
tournaments, it will not generate the publicity to grow its brand and to attract sponsors and the Company’s revenue from 
prize money and sponsors will be lower than expected, making future or further recruitment more difficult.

Attracting sponsors
The global sponsorship market is very competitive, both within the esports sector and generally, with individuals, teams 
and tournaments all seeking sponsorship income. Without a track record of tournament success, Guild may have to 
offer preferential terms to sponsors resulting in below market value deals in the short term. The failure to attract sponsors 
and/or to agree satisfactory commercial terms may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, revenue, 
financial condition, profitability, prospects and results of operations.

6

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

Popularity of chosen esports
There are a large number of esports games and the Company will not have the resources to compete in all esports 
competitions. The Company has therefore selected to enter teams in competitions relating to a limited number of games. 
The Company feels that these games are particularly suited to the esports market, will enjoy enduring popularity and 
that the competitions around these games have the potential for future development. If the Company’s assessment of 
these games is incorrect then the Company may not see a return from its investment in players and tournaments fees 
and may find it more difficult to develop its business.

Covid-19
The Coronavirus is a respiratory infection, which has been given the official name Covid-19. Governments have taken 
unprecedented action to “lock down” cities and countries to reduce the spread of the infection. Although the Company’s 
business is largely conducted online and esports events may not need to be cancelled in the way that many sports 
events have been, the downturn in economic activity caused by the preventative measures enacted is likely to adversely 
affect the Company’s business.

League entry fees
Increasingly esports leagues are charging entry fees to teams wishing to participate in leagues. These entry fees can 
be very substantial (for example, the League of Legends Championship Series requires teams to pay a US$10m fee 
for  entry)  and  may  prove  prohibitive  to  the  Company  especially  if  its  revenue  forecasts  do  not  meet  the  Directors’ 
expectations. If the Company cannot afford to pay the requisite entry fees, it will not be able to compete in certain 
leagues meaning that it will not have the opportunity of winning prize money that the team may be less attractive to 
players, fans and sponsors as a consequence.

Adverse actions of players
The Company is expecting to recruit esports players who either have, or will develop, an online profile that will prove 
attractive to fans, sponsors and esports viewers. As a player’s profile increases, there is a greater risk that the player’s 
adverse  behaviour  could  have  a  negative  effect  on  the  Company,  whether  by  damage  to  its  reputation  and  good 
standing  and/or  by  way  of  the  termination  of  contracts  for  breach.  While the  Company  will  put  in  place  policies 
emphasising  the  need  for  esports  players  to  be  positive  brand  ambassadors  at  all  time,  and  put  players  through 
sensitivity training where appropriate, the Company will not be able to control its players at all times.

Promotion of the Company for the benefit of the members as a whole
The Directors believe they have acted in the way most likely to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of 
its members as a whole, as required by s172 of the Companies Act 2006.

The requirements of s172 are for the Directors to:
●   Consider the likely consequences of any decision in the long term,
●   Act fairly between the members of the Company,
●   Maintain a reputation for high standards of business conduct,
●   Consider the interests of the Company’s employees,
●   Foster the Company’s relationships with suppliers, customers and others, and
●   Consider the impact of the Company’s operations on the community and the environment.

7

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

The Company operates as an esports organisation, within a fast-growing and developing environment, and at times 
may be dependent on fund-raising for continued operation and/or growth. The nature of the business is understood by 
the Company’s members, employees and suppliers, and the Directors are transparent about the cash position and 
funding requirements.

The application of the s172 requirements can be demonstrated in relation to the some of the key decisions made during 
2020:

●   Secured £20m gross proceeds through an IPO on 2 October 2020
●   Partnered with co-owner, David Beckham, as an ambassador and the face of the Company, giving the Guild brand 
instant recognition and credibility
●   Commenced hiring for key business pillars, being: Esports; Partnerships; Brand & Marketing; Merchandising; and 
Academy

As an esports organisation with a growing social following, the Board takes seriously its ethical responsibilities to the 
communities and the environment in which it works.

The interests of employees are a primary consideration for the Board and an inclusive share-option programme will 
allow them to share in the future success of the Company. Personal development opportunities are encouraged and 
supported.

This report was approved by the board on 28 January 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

Mr K Hourd
Chief Executive Officer

8

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

General information
The Directors present the Annual Report and audited financial statements for the period ended 30 September 2020.

The Company’s Ordinary Shares were admitted to the Official List (by way of a Standard Listing under Chapter 14 of 
the Listing Rules) and to trading on the London Stock Exchange’s main market for listed securities on 2 October 2020. 
The Company is registered in England and Wales.

Future developments
As discussed in the Strategic Report, the Company is set to accelerate the growth of the Company, and its fanbase 
through:



Success in tournaments across all game titles, continuing to develop and attract world-class players
Production  of  high-quality  digital  entertainment  content,  in  collaboration  with  influencers  and  industry 
personalities
Launch of the Guild Academy and its ‘path to pro’ system



Dividends
The directors do not propose a dividend in respect of the period ended 30 September 2020.

Directors
The Board is responsible for the Company’s objectives and business strategy and its overall supervision. Acquisition, 
divestment and other strategic decisions will all be considered and determined by the Board.

Meetings attended

Attendance at Board meetings, up to the balance sheet date:
Member
C Curtis
K Hourd
J Savage
D Lew
A Drake
D Gardner
S Walters
C Sullivan
T Le Druillenec
J Bixby

3 of 3
7 of 7
5 of 5
5 of 5
5 of 5
3 of 3
2 of 2
2 of 2
4 of 4
3 of 3

The Board will provide leadership within a framework of  appropriate and effective controls. The Board will set up, 
operate and monitor the corporate governance values of the Company, and will have overall responsibility for setting 
the Company’s strategic aims, defining the business objective, managing the financial and operational resources of 
the Company and reviewing the performance of the officers and management of the Company’s business. The Board 
will take appropriate steps to ensure that the Company complies with Listing Principles 1 and 2 as set out in Chapter 
7 of the Listing Rules and (notwithstanding that they only apply to companies with a Premium Listing) the Premium 
Listing Principles as set out in Chapter 7 of the Listing Rules.

The  Company supports  the  concept  of  an  effective  Board  leading  and  controlling  the  Company.  The  Board  is 
responsible for approving Company policy and strategy. It meets when required, with a minimum of once per month, 
and has a schedule of matters specifically reserved to it for decision. Management supply the Board with appropriate 
and timely information and the Directors are free to seek any further information they consider necessary. All Directors 
have  access  to  advice  from  independent  professionals  at  the  Company’s  expense.  Training  is  available  for  new 
Directors and other Directors as necessary. All Directors are subject to re-election annually and, on appointment, at 
the first AGM after appointment.

9

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

DIRECTORS’ REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

Communications with shareholders
Communications with shareholders are given a high priority. In addition to the publication of an annual report and an 
interim report, there will be regular dialogue with shareholders and analysts. The Annual General Meeting is viewed 
as  a  forum  for  communicating  with  shareholders,  particularly  private  investors.  Shareholders  may  question  the 
Chairman and other members of the Board at the Annual General Meeting. All published information for shareholders 
is  also  available  on  the  Company  website,  including  annual  and  interim  reports,  circulars,  announcements  and 
significant shareholdings.

Accountability and Audit
The Board presents a balanced and understandable assessment of the Company’s position and prospects in all interim 
and  price  sensitive  reports  to  regulators  as  well  as  in  the  information  required  to  be  presented  by  statutory 
requirements.

The  Company’s  audit  committee  is  comprised  of  Simon  Walters  (as  committee  chair),  Chris  Sullivan  and  Andrew 
Drake. The audit committee is to meet at least twice a year to consider the integrity of the financial statements of the 
Company, including its annual and interim accounts; the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls and risk 
management systems; auditor reports; and terms of appointment and remuneration for the auditor.

Internal control
The Directors acknowledge they are responsible for the Company’s systems of internal control and for reviewing the 
effectiveness of these systems. The risk management process and systems of internal control are designed to manage 
rather than eliminate the risk of the Company failing to achieve its strategic objectives. It should be recognised that 
such systems can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.

Political donations
The Company did not make any political donations or expenditure.

Post-balance sheet events
On 2 October 2020, in the Company’s initial public offering, 250,000,000 ordinary shares were issued at £0.08 each 
(premium  of  £0.079  per  share).  Subsequent  to  the  period  end,  a  further  4,000,000  ordinary  shares  were  issued, 
including 3,000,000 in Director warrants as disclosed in Note 18. As at the date of this document, the total number of 
ordinary shares in issue is 518,617,362.

On 19 October 2020, the Company announced its first sponsorship deal, with a new European fintech company serving 
esports fans. Under the terms of the agreement, the sponsor will pay a guaranteed fee of £3.6m over a three-year
period. On 28 January 2021, HyperX (a leading gaming peripherals brand of Kingston Technology Company Inc, the 
world’s largest independent manufacturer of memory products), signed a two-year contract as a peripherals sponsor 
of Guild, which includes consideration in cash (75%) and gaming hardware (25%).

Directors and directors’ interests
The directors who held office during the period and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as 
follows:

Director
C Curtis
K Hourd
J Savage
D Lew
A Drake
D Gardner
S Walters
C Sullivan
T Le Druillenec
J Bixby

Appointment/resignation during the period
Appointed 18 June 2020
Appointed 14 October 2019
Appointed 30 March 2020
Appointed 3 December 2019
Appointed 3 December 2019
Appointed 18 June 2020
Appointed 1 September 2020
Appointed 1 September 2020
Appointed 3 September 2020 and resigned 30 March 2020
Appointed 3 September 2019 and resigned 3 December 2019

10

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

DIRECTORS’ REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

Directors’ shareholdings

Director
K Hourd
J Savage
D Lew
A Drake
D Gardner
S Walters
C Sullivan
T Le Druillenec
J Bixby*

Ordinary shares at 30 
September 2020

Percentage of Issued 
Share Capital at 30 
September 2020

11,000,000
1,200,000
1,800,000
2,000,000
2,000,000
333,333
1,000,000
2,300,000
24,000,000

4.94%
0.45%
0.68%
0.76%
0.76%
0.13%
0.38%
0.87%
9.07%

*Jonathan Bixby’s shares are held by Toro Consulting Ltd, which holds 48,000,000 shares and is jointly controlled by 
another party

Directors’ warrant holdings

Date of 
Agreement

Warrant 
Holder

Number of 
Warrants

Price per 
Ordinary 
Share

Exercise 
Period

3/12/19

Andrew 
Drake

1,500,000

£0.01

3/12/19 Derek Lew 1,500,000

£0.01

30/03/20

James 
Savage 1,000,000

£0.01

18/06/20

14/08/20

Carleton 
Curtis

James 
Savage

5,000,000

£0.06

750,000

£0.06

Christopher 

17/08/20

Sullivan 1,000,000

£0.06

20/08/20

Simon 
Walters

1,000,000

£0.06

3 months 
from 
admission
3 months 
from 
admission
36 months 
from the first 
vesting date
36 months 
from the first 
vesting date
36 months 
from the first 
vesting date
36 months 
from the first 
vesting date
36 months 
from the first 
vesting date

Vesting Period Exercised

Lock-in

Immediate

Yes 24 months

Immediate
One third on each 
anniversary of the 
warrant agreement
One third on each 
anniversary of the 
warrant agreement
One third on each 
anniversary of the 
warrant agreement
One third on each 
anniversary of the 
warrant agreement
One third on each 
anniversary of the 
warrant agreement

Yes 24 months

No 24 months

No 24 months

No 24 months

No 24 months

No 24 months

Going concern
The Directors, having made due and careful enquiry, are of the opinion that the Company has adequate working capital 
to meet its obligations over the next 12 months. The Directors therefore have made an informed judgement, at the 
time of approving the financial statements, that there is a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate 
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. As a result, the Directors have adopted the 
going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements.

The Directors have considered the impact of Covid-19 on the Company, in the context of its operations and the wider 
esports market.. At this stage, the Directors do not envisage a long-term impact to the Company resulting from Covid-
19, but will continue to monitor the situation.

11

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

DIRECTORS’ REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

Financial Risk Management
The  Company  has  a  simple  capital  structure and  its  principal  financial  asset is  cash.  The Company  has  a  limited 
number of transactions with Europe, the United States and Canada, and is therefore subject to market risk by way of 
being exposed to variations in foreign exchange rates. The Company has little exposure to credit risk due to holding 
its reserves with credible institutions. The Company may also be exposed to liquidity and capital risk, due to the nature 
of operations and the requirements for operating an esports organisation. The Company manage these risks through 
maintenance of sufficient working capital.

Substantial shareholdings
Name

Toro Consulting Ltd
Pioneer Media Holdings Inc
Blue Star Capital plc
Schroder Investment Management Ltd
David Beckham
Soros Fund Management LLC

Ordinary Shares at date of this 
report

Percentage of Share Capital at the 
date of this report

48,000,000
31,000,000
30,626,500
26,350,000
24,573,529
18,750,000

9.26%
5.98%
5.91%
5.08%
4.74%
3.62%

Controlling shareholder
The Company does not have a controlling shareholder.

Greenhouse gas emissions
As at the period-end, the Directors, contractors and esports teams operate from their respective homes, with little to 
no travel. For the period to 30 September 2020, the Company’s CO2 emissions were immaterial.

Provision of information to auditor
As far as each of the Directors is aware at the time this report is approved:




there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; and
the Directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant 
audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditor is aware of that information.

Auditors
The auditors, PKF Littlejohn LLP, have indicated their willingness to continue in office, and a resolution that they be 
re-appointed will be proposed at the annual general meeting.

This report was approved by the board on 28 January 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

Mr K Hourd
Chief Executive Officer

12

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and regulations.

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

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

 Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
 Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
 State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures 

disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

 Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that 

the Company will continue in business.

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

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

Directors’ responsibilities pursuant to DTR4 (Disclosure and Transparency Rules) 
The directors confirm to the best of their knowledge:





The Company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the 
European Union and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation and give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, 
financial position and profit and loss of the Company; and
The  annual  report  includes  a  fair  review  of  the  development  and  performance  of  the  business  and 
financial position of the Company together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties. 

13

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

REMUNERATION REPORT

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

This remuneration report sets out the Company’s policy on the remuneration of executive and non-executive Directors 
together  with  details  of  Directors’  remuneration  packages  and  service  contracts  for  the  financial  period  ended  30 
September 2020.

The Company’s remuneration committee is comprised of Chris Sullivan (as committee chair), Simon Walters and Andrew 
Drake. The remuneration committee is to meet at least twice a year and has as its remit the determination and review 
of, among others, the remuneration of executives on the Board and any share incentive plans of the Company.

Remuneration Policy
In setting the policy, the Board has taken the following into account:










The need to attract, retain and motivate individuals of a calibre who will ensure successful leadership 
and management of the Company;
The Company’s general aim of seeking to reward all employees fairly according to the nature of their 
role and their performance;
Remuneration packages offered by similar companies within the same sector;
The need to align the interests of shareholders as a whole with the long-term growth of the Company; 
and
The need to be flexible and adjust with operational changes throughout the term of this policy.

Future Policy Table
Element

Purpose

Policy

Operation Opportunity and 

performance 
conditions

Executive directors
Base salary

To award for 
services 
provided

Pension
Benefits
Annual Bonus

N/A
N/A
N/A

Share Options

N/A

Non-executive directors
Base salary

To award for 
services 
provided

Pension
Benefits

Annual Bonus

Share Options

N/A
N/A

N/A

N/A

Based on recommendations of the Remuneration 
committee, with comparison with other companies 
of a similar size and sector.

Paid monthly 
and will be 
reviewable 
annually.

Statutory, where appropriate
Health and dental plans
Based on recommendations of the Remuneration 
committee in relation to contributions to the 
Company.
Based on recommendations of the Remuneration 
committee as part of a management incentive, 
where appropriate

N/A
N/A
N/A

N/A

The Board as a whole determines the 
remuneration of non-executive Directors based on 
the recommendations of the Chairman and 
comparison with other companies of a similar size 
and sector.
Statutory, where appropriate
None provided

N/A
N/A

Paid monthly 
and 
reviewable 
annually.

No element of remuneration for performance

Not awarded

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A
N/A
N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A
N/A

N/A

N/A

Notes to the future policy table
The Directors shall also be paid by the Company all travelling, hotel and other expenses as they may incur in attending 
meetings of the Directors or general meetings or otherwise in connection with the discharge of their duties.

14

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

Directors’ remuneration (audited)
Details of directors’ remuneration during the period ended 30 September 2020 is as follows:
Director

Salary and fees Taxable benefits

Bonus

Pension-
related 
benefits

Executive directors
C Curtis
K Hourd
J Savage
T Le Druillenec
J Bixby

Non-executive directors
D Lew
A Drake
D Gardner
S Walters
C Sullivan

£

58,157
55,000
42,000
3,000
5,000

27,000
50,000
-
3,500
3,500

£

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

£

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

2020 Total

Share-
based 
payment

£

£

£

-
-
-
-
-

4,875
-
907
-
-

2,005
-
-
2,005
- 12,863
390
-
418
-

63,032
55,000
42,907
3,000
5,000

29,005
52,005
12,863
3,890
3,918

Details of the share options and warrants granted to the directors during the period are included within the Directors’ 
Report.

Total pension entitlements (audited)
The Company did not operate a pension plan during the period. The Company has not paid out any excess retirement 
benefits to any Directors or past Directors.

Statement of directors’ shareholding and share interests (audited)
The Directors who held office at 30 September 2020 and who had beneficial interests in the Ordinary Shares of the 
Company are summarised as follows:

Director
C Curtis
K Hourd
J Savage
T Le Druillenec
J Bixby
D Lew
A Drake
D Gardner
S Walters
C Sullivan

Position
Executive Chairman
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Executive Director
Executive Director
Non-executive Director
Non-executive Director
Non-executive Director
Non-executive Director
Non-executive Director

Details of these beneficial interests can be found in the Directors’ Report.

Resigned
-
-
-
30 March 2020
3 December 2019
-
-
-
-
-

15

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

Service Agreements and Letters of Appointment
A consultancy agreement with Carleton Curtis dated 18 June 2020, pursuant to which Carleton Curtis was appointed as 
chairman of the Company with effect from 25 June 2020. The appointment will continue until terminated and is terminable 
by  the  Company  giving  52  weeks’  notice  to  Carleton  or  by  Carleton  giving  16  weeks’  notice  to  the  Company.  A 
consultancy  agreement  with  Kalum  Lee  Hourd  dated  1  November  2019,  pursuant  to  which  Kalum  Lee  Hourd  was 
appointed as chief executive officer of the Company. The agreement will continue until terminated and is terminable on 
24 weeks’ notice on either side. A service agreement with James Savage dated 9 September 2020, pursuant to which 
James Savage was appointed as chief financial officer of the Company. The appointment is terminable on three months’ 
notice on either side and, if terminated by the Company other than for breach, James Savage will be entitled to receive 
six months’ salary by way of compensation for loss of office. All executive directors have agreed to post termination 
restrictive covenants that are typical for a person of each individual’s seniority.

A letter of appointment with Derek Lew dated 3 December 2019, pursuant to which Derek Lew was appointed as a non-
executive  director  of  the  Company.  The  appointment is  for  an  initial  term  of  three  years  and  is  terminable  on  three 
months’ notice on either side. A letter of appointment with Andrew Drake dated 3 December 2019, pursuant to which 
Andrew Drake was appointed as a non-executive director of the Company. The appointment is for an initial term of three 
years  and  is  terminable  on  three  months’  notice  on  either  side. A  letter  of  appointment  with  David  Gardner  dated  9 
September 2020, pursuant to which David Gardner was appointed as a non-executive director of the Company with no 
right to receive a fee. A letter of appointment with Simon Walters dated 12 August 2020, effective from 1 September 
2020, pursuant to which Simon Walters was appointed as a non-executive director of the Company. The appointment is 
for an initial term of two years and is terminable on three months’ notice on either side. A letter of appointment with 
Christopher Sullivan dated 13 August 2020, effective from 1 September 2020, pursuant to which Christopher Sullivan 
was appointed as a non-executive director of the. The appointment is for an initial term of two years and is terminable 
on three months’ notice on either side.

Terms of appointment
The services of the Directors, provided under the terms of agreement with the Company, are dated as follows:

Director

C Curtis
K Hourd
J Savage
D Lew
A Drake
D Gardner
S Walters
C Sullivan

Year of 
appointment
2020
2019
2020
2019
2019
2020
2020
2020

Number of years 
completed
-
1
-
1
1
-
-
-

Date of current engagement letter

18 June 2020
1 November 2019
9 September 2020
3 December 2019
3 December 2019
9 September 2020
12 August 2020
12 August 2020

Consideration of shareholder views
The Board will consider shareholder feedback received and guidance from shareholder bodies. This feedback, plus any 
additional feedback received from time to time, is considered as part of the Company’s annual policy on remuneration.

Policy for new appointments
Base salary levels will take into account market data for the relevant role, internal relativities, the individual’s experience 
and their current base salary. Where an individual is recruited at below market norms, they may be re-aligned over time 
(e.g. two to three years), subject to performance in the role. Benefits will generally be in accordance with the approved 
policy.

16

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

For  external  and  internal  appointments,  the  Board  may  agree  that  the  Company  will  meet  certain  relocation  and/or 
incidental expenses as appropriate.

Corporate Governance Statement
The  Company  intends  to  comply  with  the  provisions  of  the  Corporate  Governance  Code  published  by  the  Quoted 
Companies Alliance (QCA Corporate Governance Code) insofar as is appropriate having regard to the size and nature 
of the Company and the size and composition of the Board.

The Company’s Standard Listing means that it is also not required to comply with those provisions of the Listing Rules 
which only apply to companies on the Premium List. The FCA will not have the authority to (and will not) monitor the 
Company’s compliance with any of the Listing Rules which the Company has indicated that it intends to comply with on 
a voluntary basis, nor to impose sanctions in respect of any failure by the Company so to comply. However, the FCA 
would  be  able  to  impose  sanctions  for  non-compliance  where  the  statements  in  this  Prospectus  are  themselves 
misleading, false or deceptive.

The Board will report on the ten principles of the QCA Corporate Governance Code in future annual reports.

This report was approved by the board on 28 January 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

Mr J Savage
Finance Director

17

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF GUILD ESPORTS PLC

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Guild Esports Plc (the ‘company’) for the period 3 September 2019 to 30 
September  2020  which  comprise  the  Statement  of  Comprehensive  Income,  the  Statement  of  Financial  Position,  the 
Statement of Changes in Equity, the Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary 
of  significant  accounting  policies.  The  financial  reporting  framework  that  has  been  applied  in  their  preparation  is 
applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

In our opinion, the financial statements: 






give a true and fair view of the state of the company’s affairs as at 30 September 2020 and of its loss for the 
period then ended; 
have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; and 
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

Basis for opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our 
responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial
statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are 
relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed public
interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe 
that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to 
you where: 





the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is 
not appropriate; or 
the directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast 
significant doubt about the company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for 
a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our application of materiality

The scope of our audit was influenced by our application  of materiality.  The quantitative  and qualitative thresholds  for 
materiality determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures.

Materiality for the company financial statements was set at £48,500. This was calculated based on 2% of total expenses, 
which we determined, in our professional judgment, to be the key  principal benchmark within  the  financial statements 
relevant to members of the company in assessing financial performance during the first period since incorporation leading 
up to the commencement of trading. We set performance materiality at 70% of overall financial statement materiality. 

We agreed to report to those charged with governance all corrected and uncorrected misstatements we identified through 
our audit with a value in excess of £2,425. We also agreed to report any other audit misstatements below that threshold 
that we believe warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.

An overview of the scope of our audit 

As  part  of  our  planning  we  assessed  the  risk  of  material  misstatement  including  those  that  required  significant  audit 
consideration for the company. Procedures were then performed to address the risk identified and for the most significant 
assessed risks of material misstatement. The procedures performed are outlined below in the key audit matters section of 
this report. We addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including among other matters consideration 
of whether there was evidence of bias that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.

18

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (CONTINUED)

TO THE MEMBERS OF GUILD ESPORTS PLC

Key audit matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial 
statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not 
due to fraud) we identified, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of 
resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of 
our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate 
opinion on these matters. 

Key audit matter

How we addressed it 

Our work in this area included but was not restricted 
to:

 Substantive  testing  of  expenditure  incurred  and 
accrued in the financial statements in order to test 
their accuracy and allocation; and

 Agreeing  expenditure  back  to  the  underlying 
engagement letters and invoices, including where 
applicable  the  basis  of  allocation  where  costs 
comprise both elements.

We  are  satisfied  the  costs  have  been  accurately 
recorded and allocated in the financial statements.

Accounting treatment of IPO costs 

The  company  completed  the  Standard  Listing  and 
Placing of shares on 2 October 2020. The associated 
costs incurred or accrued as at 30 September 2020 
need to be allocated between those attributable to the 
listing  and  the  equity  raise  and  accounted  for  as 
follows:



Incremental costs that are directly attributable 
to  issuing  new  shares  should  be  deducted 
from equity (net of any income tax benefit); 
and

 Costs that relate to the stock market listing, or 
are  otherwise  not  incremental  and  directly 
attributable to issuing new shares, should be 
recorded  as  an  expense  as  incurred  in  the 
statement of comprehensive income.

Costs  incurred  but  attributable  to  the  Placing  are 
eligible to be carried forward within prepayments as at 
30 September 2020 and offset against share premium 
on completion of the fund raise.

There  is  a  risk  the  costs  have  not  been  correctly 
recorded and allocated in the financial statements.

Other information 

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our 
auditor’s report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements 
does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express 
any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to 
read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial 
statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such 
material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material 
misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have 
performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. 

We have nothing to report in this regard.

19

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (CONTINUED)

TO THE MEMBERS OF GUILD ESPORTS PLC

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 

In our opinion the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance 
with the Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: 





the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial period for which the 
financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and 
the  strategic  report  and  the  directors’  report  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  applicable  legal 
requirements. 

Matters on which we are required to report by exception 

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, 
we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report. 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to 
report to you if, in our opinion: 





adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received 
from branches not visited by us; or 
the financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited are not in agreement 
with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or 

 we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. 

Responsibilities of directors 

As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of 
the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the 
directors  determine  is  necessary  to  enable  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  that  are  free  from  material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the 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 company or to cease operations, or have no realistic 
alternative but to do so. 

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from 
material  misstatement,  whether  due  to  fraud  or  error,  and  to issue  an  auditor’s  report  that  includes  our  opinion. 
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance 
with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error 
and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the 
economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

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

Other matters which we are required to address 

We were  appointed  by  the  Board  on  7  December  2020 to  audit  the  financial  statements  for  the  period  ended  30 
September 2020. Our total uninterrupted period of engagement is 1 year, covering the period ended 30 September 
2020. 

The non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the company and we remain 
independent of the company in conducting our audit.

20

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (CONTINUED)

TO THE MEMBERS OF GUILD ESPORTS PLC

We considered the extent of compliance with laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial 
statements  items.  We  communicated  laws  and  regulations  throughout  our  audit  team  and  remained  alert  to  any 
indications of non-compliance throughout the audit. As with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection 
of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of 
internal controls.

The PKF capital markets division undertook the reporting accountant role in respect of the IPO onto the standard 
segment  of  the  London  Stock  Exchange.  The financial  information  audited  under  the  Standards  of  Investment 
Reporting for the Prospectus comprised the period from incorporation to 30 June 2020. No members of the capital 
markets division have had any involvement in the 30 September 2020 audit. 

Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the audit committee. 

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.

David Thompson (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
For and on behalf of PKF Littlejohn LLP
Statutory Auditor

28 January 2021

15 Westferry Circus
Canary Wharf
London E14 4HD

21

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

INCOME STATEMENT

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

Operating and administrative expenses

Operating loss

Interest received

Loss before taxation

Taxation

Loss and total comprehensive income for the period

Earnings per share attributable to equity owners
Basic and diluted earnings per share (pence)

Period
ended
30 September
2020
£

Notes

3

6

7

8

(2,727,324)

(2,727,324)

129

(2,727,195)

-

(2,727,195)

(1.70)

The income statement has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.

There are no recognised gains or losses other than those passing through the income statement.

22

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment

Total non-current assets

Current assets
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables

Net current assets

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Share capital
Share premium 
Share-based payment reserve
Retained deficit  

Total equity

Notes

10
11

12

14

15
15

2020
£

36,001
4,342

40,343

2,065,626
2,517,734

4,583,360

4,623,703

2,092,720

2,490,640

2,092,720

2,530,983

264,617
4,880,511
113,050
(2,727,195)

2,530,983

The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 28 January 2021 and 
are signed on its behalf by:

Mr J Savage
Finance Director

Company Registration No. 12187837

23

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

Balance at 3 September 2019
Period ended 30 September 2020:
Loss and total comprehensive income
Issue of share capital
Share-based payments
Share issue costs

Notes

15

Share 
capital

Share 
premium 

Share-based 
payment 
reserve

Retained 
deficit

Total

£

-

£

-

£

-

£

-

£

-

-
264,617
-
-

-
5,034,923
-
(154,412)

-
-
113,050
-

(2,727,195)
-
-
-

(2,727,195)
5,299,540
113,050
(154,412)

Balance at 30 September 2020

264,617

4,880,511

113,050

(2,727,195)

2,530,983

24

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash used by operations

Net cash outflow from operating activities

Investing activities
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Interest received

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing activities
Proceeds from issue of shares (net of issue costs)

Net cash generated from financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

Notes

20

2020

£

£

(2,439, 079)

(2,439,079)

(39,078)
(4,466)
129

5,000,228

(43,415)

5,000,228

2,517,734

-

2,517,734

25

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

1

Accounting policies

Company information
Guild Esports PLC is a public limited company incorporated in England and Wales and domiciled in the United 
Kingdom.  The  registered  office  is  Craven  House,  16  Northumberland  Avenue,  London,  WC2N  5AP.  The 
Company’s principal activities and nature of its operations are disclosed in the Directors’ Report.

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS) as adopted for use in the European Union and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable 
to companies reporting under IFRS, except as otherwise stated.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Company. Monetary 
amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting 
policies adopted are set out below.

The Company applied IFRS 16 Leases and IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments for the first 
time from 3 September 2019. The nature and effect of these changes as a result of the adoption of these new 
standards  did  not  have  an  impact  on  the  financial  statements  of  the  Company  and,  hence,  have  not  been 
disclosed. The Company has not early adopted any standards, interpretations or amendments that have been 
issued but are not yet effective.

1.2 Going concern

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  requires  an  assessment  on  the  validity  of  the  going  concern 
assumption.

The directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate cash resources to continue in 
operational existence for a period of at least one year from date of approval of these financial statements. The 
Company therefore has adopted the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.

The  directors  have  reviewed  the  ongoing  situation with Covid-19  and  do  not  consider  its  effects  to  have  a 
material impact on the Company’s going concern. The directors note that esports tournaments which would 
have  normally  taken  place  in  a  physical  location,  have been  adapted  to  take  place  virtually,  in  light  of  the 
practical restrictions enforced by regulations. The directors have also noted that during this period of “lock-
down”, esports viewership numbers have increased.

1.3 Reporting period

The  Company was  incorporated  on  3  September  2019. The  figures  in  these  financial  statements therefore 
represent the period from 3 September 2019 to 30 September 2020. There are consequently no comparative 
figures presented in these financial statements and related notes.

1.4 Intangible assets other than goodwill

Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured 
at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

Amortisation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their 
useful lives. Website costs are amortised on a 33% per annum, straight-line basis.

26

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

1

Accounting policies

1.5 Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, 
net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful 
lives on the following bases:

Office equipment

33% straight-line per annum

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

1.6 Impairment of tangible and intangible assets

At each reporting end date, the Company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets 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 
Company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

Intangible  assets  with  indefinite  useful  lives  and  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 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 in profit or loss, 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 immediately 
in profit or loss, 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.

1.7 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand and demand deposits with banks and other 
financial  institutions,  that  are  readily  convertible  into  known  amounts  of  cash  and  which  are  subject  to  an 
insignificant risk of changes in value. The Company monitors both short-term and long-term credit ratings of 
the financial institutions it banks with. NatWest Group Plc has a high rating from Fitch Ratings Inc, being ‘F1’ 
short-term and ‘A’ long-term.

27

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

1

Accounting policies

1.8 Financial assets

Financial assets are recognised in the Company’s statement of financial position when the Company becomes 
party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets are classified into specified categories, 
depending on the nature and purpose of the financial assets.

At initial recognition, financial assets classified as fair value through profit and loss are measured at fair value 
and any transaction costs are recognised in profit or loss. Financial assets not classified as fair value through 
profit and loss are initially measured at fair value plus transaction costs.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
When any of the above-mentioned conditions for classification of financial assets is not met, a financial asset 
is classified as measured at fair value through profit or loss. Financial assets measured at fair value through 
profit or loss are recognized initially at fair value and any transaction costs are recognised in profit or loss when 
incurred. A gain or loss on a financial asset measured at fair value through profit or loss is recognised in profit 
or loss, and is included within finance income or finance costs in the statement of income for the reporting 
period in which it arises.

Financial assets held at amortised cost
Financial instruments are classified as financial assets measured at amortised cost where the objective is to 
hold these assets in order to collect contractual cash flows, and the contractual cash flows are solely payments 
of principal and interest. They arise principally from the provision of goods and services to customers (eg trade 
receivables).  They  are  initially  recognised  at  fair  value  plus  transaction  costs  directly  attributable  to  their 
acquisition or issue, and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, 
less provision for impairment where necessary.

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income
Debt instruments are classified as financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income 
where the financial assets are held within the Company’s business model whose objective is achieved by both 
collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets, and the contractual terms of the financial asset 
give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal 
amount outstanding.

A debt instrument measured at fair value through other comprehensive income is recognised initially at fair 
value plus transaction costs directly attributable to the asset. After initial recognition, each asset is measured 
at fair value, with changes in fair value included in other comprehensive income. Accumulated gains or losses 
recognised  through  other  comprehensive  income  are  directly  transferred  to  profit  or  loss  when  the  debt 
instrument is derecognised.

28

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

1

Accounting policies

Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets, other than those measured at fair value through profit or loss, are assessed for indicators of 
impairment at each reporting end date.

Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that 
occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows of the investment 
have been affected.

Derecognition of financial assets
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or 
when it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity.

1.9 Financial liabilities

The Company recognises financial debt when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of 
the instruments. Financial liabilities are classified as either ’financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss’ 
or ’other financial liabilities’.

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
Financial liabilities are classified as measured at fair value through profit or loss when the financial liability is 
held for trading. A financial liability is classified as held for trading if:






it has been incurred principally for the purpose of selling or repurchasing it in the near term, or
on initial recognition it is part of a portfolio of identified financial instruments that the Company manages 
together and has a recent actual pattern of short-term profit taking, or
it  is  a  derivative  that  is  not  a  financial  guarantee  contract  or  a  designated  and  effective  hedging 
instrument.

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are stated at fair value with any gains or losses arising on 
remeasurement recognised in profit or loss.

Other financial liabilities
Other  financial  liabilities,  including  trade  payables  and  other  short-term  monetary  liabilities,  are  initially 
measured at fair value net of transaction costs directly attributable to the issuance of the financial liability. They 
are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. For the purposes of each 
financial liability, interest expense includes initial transaction costs and any premium payable on redemption, 
as well as any interest or coupon payable while the liability is outstanding.

Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial  liabilities  are  derecognised  when,  and  only  when,  the  Company’s  obligations  are  discharged, 
cancelled, or they expire.

1.10 Equity and reserves

The share capital reserve represents the nominal value of equity shares. The share premium reserve is the 
amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value. Ordinary shares are classified as equity. 
Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity as a 
deduction from the proceeds. Share based payments relating to incentive schemes or advisor warrants have 
been recognised at their fair value at grant within the share based payment reserve in line with IFRS2. The 
retained earnings reserve represents the cumulative net gains and losses and other transactions with equity 
holders not recognised elsewhere.

29

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

1

Accounting policies

1.11 Financial risk management

Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs. 
Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion 
of the Company. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in 
equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

Financial risk factors
The Company’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (price risk), credit risk and liquidity 
risk. The Company’s overall risk management programme seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the 
Company’s financial performance. The Company has no borrowings but is exposed to market risk in terms of 
foreign exchange risk. Risk management is undertaken by the board of directors.

Market risk - price risk
The Company is exposed to price risk primarily for the costs of operating in the Esports industry.

Credit risk
Credit  risk  arises  from  outstanding  receivables.  Management  does  not  expect  any  losses  from  non-
performance of these receivables. The amount of exposure to any individual counter party is subject to a limit, 
which is assessed by the board. The Company considers the credit ratings of banks in which it holds funds in 
order

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk arises from the Company’s management of working capital. It is the risk that the Company will 
encounter difficulty in meeting its financial obligations as they fall due. Controls over expenditure are carefully 
managed, in order to maintain its cash reserves.

Capital risk management
The Company’s objectives when managing capital is to safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as a going 
concern, in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders, and to maintain an 
optimal capital structure. The Company has no borrowings. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, 
the Company may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders or issue 
new shares. The Company monitors capital on the basis of the total equity held by the Company,.

1.12 Taxation

The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

Current tax
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported 
in 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 Company’s liability for current tax 
is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.

30

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

1

Accounting policies

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

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent 
that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be 
recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability 
is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement, except when it 
relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the Company has a legally enforceable right to offset current 
tax  assets  and  liabilities  and  the  deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  relate  to  taxes  levied  by  the  same  tax 
authority.

1.13 Share-based payments

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 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value determined 
at the grant date is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the estimate of shares 
that will eventually vest. A corresponding adjustment is made to equity.

When  the  terms  and  conditions  of  equity-settled share-based  payments  at  the  time  they  were  granted  are 
subsequently modified, the fair value of the share-based payment under the original terms and conditions and 
under the modified terms and conditions are both determined at the date of the modification. Any excess of the 
modified fair value over the original fair value is recognised over the remaining vesting period in addition to the 
grant date fair value of the original share-based payment. The share-based payment expense is not adjusted 
if the modified fair value is less than the original fair value.

Cancellations  or  settlements  (including  those  resulting  from  employee  redundancies)  are  treated  as  an 
acceleration of vesting and the amount that would have been recognised over the remaining vesting period is 
recognised immediately.

2

Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In  the  application  of  the  Company’s  accounting  policies,  the  directors  are  required  to  make  judgements, 
estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from 
other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors 
that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

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

There are currently no estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment 
to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities.

31

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

3

Operating loss

Operating loss for the period is stated after charging:
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the financial statements
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for work in respect of the IPO
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of intangible assets (included within administrative expenses)
Share-based payments

2020
£

23,500
60,000
124
3,077
113,050

4

Employees

The average monthly number of persons (excluding directors) employed by the Company during the period was 
Nil. Amounts paid to Directors during the period are disclosed in note 18.

5

Directors’ remuneration

Remuneration for qualifying services

Remuneration disclosed above include the following paid to the highest-paid director:

Remuneration for qualifying services

6

Finance income

Interest income
Bank deposits

2020
£

247,157

58,157

2020
£

129

Total interest income for financial assets that are not held at fair value through profit or loss was £129.

32

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

7

Taxation

The charge for the period can be reconciled to the loss per the income statement as follows:

Loss before taxation

Expected tax credit based on a corporation tax rate of 19%
Effect of expenses not deductible in determining taxable profit
Unutilised tax losses carried forward
Permanent capital allowances in excess of depreciation
Share based payment charge

Taxation credit for the period

2020
£

(2,727,195)

(518,167)
57,562
440,036
(911)
21,480

-

The Company has tax losses of £2,315,978 available to be carried forward against trading profits arising in 
future periods. At this time, a deferred tax asset has not been recognised due to insufficient certainty over the 
level of future profits to utilise against this amount.

8

Earnings per share

The  basic  earnings  per  share  is  calculated  by  dividing  the  loss  attributable  to  equity  shareholders  by  the 
weighted average number of shares in issue.

Number of shares
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for basic earnings per share

Earnings
Loss for the period from continued operations

Earnings for basic and diluted earnings per share being net profit attributable to equity 
shareholders of the Company for continued operations

Earnings per share for continuing operations
Basic and diluted earnings per share

Outstanding warrants are non-dilutive given the loss for the period.

2020
No.

160,342,559

£
(2,727,195)

(2,727,195)

(1.70) pence

33

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

9

Share-based payments

The following warrants over ordinary shares have been granted by the Company and are outstanding:

Options/warrants Grant date

Expiry period

Exercise 
price

3 months from admission

3 December 
2019
24 months from the first 
18 February 
anniversary of admission
2020
13 March 2020 36 months from the first 

vesting date

19 June 2020
29 June 2020

30 March 2020 36 months
36 months
9 June 2020
Upon admission
12 June 2020
36 months from the first 
18 June 2020
vesting date
Five years from issue
36 months from the first 
vesting date
36 months from the first 
vesting date
36 months
36 months from the first 
vesting date

5 August 2020
7 August 2020

7 July 2020

£0.01

£0.01

£0.01

£0.01
£0.01
£0.01
£0.06

£0.06
£0.06

£0.06

£0.06
£0.06

14 August 2020 36 months from the first 

£0.06

vesting date

17 August 2020 36 months from the first 

£0.06

1,000,000

vesting date

20 August 2020 36 months from the first 

£0.06

1,000,000

vesting date

28 August 2020 36 months from the first 

£0.06

150,000

vesting date

Outstanding 
at 30 
September 
2020
3,000,000

3,250,000

75,000

1,000,000
250,000
2,500,000
5,000,000

6,963,000
250,000

225,000

250,000
500,000

750,000

Exercisable at
30 September 
2020

-

-

-

500,000
250,000
2,500,000

-
6,963,000

-

-
-

-

-

-

-

-

Warrants

Warrants

Warrants

Warrants
Warrants
Warrants
Warrants

Warrants
Warrants

Warrants

Warrants
Warrants

Warrants

Warrants

Warrants

Warrants

26,163,000

10,213,000

34

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

9

Share-based payments

At incorporation
Granted in the period
Forfeited in the period
Exercised in the period
Expired in the period

Outstanding at 30 September 2020

Number of options and 
warrants

2020
No.
-
26,163,000
-
-
-

26,163,000

Exercisable at 30 September 2020

10,213,000

Weighted 
average 
exercise price
2020
£
-
0.04
-
-
-

0.04

0.04

At the grant date, the fair value of the warrants issued have been determined using the Black-Scholes option 
pricing  model.  Volatility  was  calculated  based  on  data  from  comparable  esports  companies,  with  an 
appropriate discount applied due to being an unlisted entity at the grant date. Risk-free interest has been based 
on UK Government Gilt rates. The weighted average remaining life of warrants as at the balance sheet date 
was 2.6 years. 

10

Intangible assets

Cost
Additions

At 30 September 2020

Amortisation and impairment
Charge for the period

At 30 September 2020

Carrying amount
At 30 September 2020

Website costs
£

39,078

39,078

3,077

3,077

36,001

35

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

11 Property, plant and equipment

Cost
Additions

At 30 September 2020

Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Charge for the period

At 30 September 2020

Carrying amount
At 30 September 2020

12

Trade and other receivables

VAT recoverable
Prepayments

Office 
equipment
£

4,466

4,466

124

124

4,342

2020
£

579,288
1,486,338

2,065,626

The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables is approximately equal to their fair 
value. No significant receivable balances are impaired at the reporting date.

13

Financial instruments

Financial assets measured at amortised cost
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost

2020
£

2,517,734
2,092,720

The directors consider the carrying amounts of financial instruments in the financial statements approximate to their 
fair values.

14

Trade and other payables

Trade payables
Accruals
Other payables

2020
£

79,746
227,974
1,785,000

2,092,720

Other payables relates to amounts received in advance for share capital issued post-period end. 

36

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

15

Share capital and premium

At incorporation
Issue of ordinary shares (13/09/2019)
Issue of ordinary shares (21/10/2019)
Issue of ordinary shares (28/10/2019)
Issue of ordinary shares (30/12/2019)
Issue of ordinary shares (30/03/2020)
Issue of ordinary shares (19/05/2020)
Issue of ordinary shares (12/06/2020)
Issue of ordinary shares (30/06/2020)
Issue of ordinary shares (17/07/2020)
Issue of ordinary shares (27/08/2020)
Share issue costs deducted from share 
premium

Number of 
shares
No.

1,000
99,999,000
27,500,000
3,000,000
1,250,000
7,500,000
1,600,000
52,700,029
64,600,667
5,133,333
1,333,333

Share capital

£

1
99,999
27,500
3,000
1,250
7,500
1,600
52,700
64,601
5,133
1,333

Share 
premium
£

-
-
247,500
27,000
11,250
67,500
14,400
474,300
3,811,439
302,867
78,667

Total

£

1
99,999
275,000
30,000
12,500
75,000
16,000
527,000
3,876,040
308,000
80,000

-

-

(154,412)

(154,412)

At 30 September 2020

264,617,362

264,617

4,880,511

5,145,128

On incorporation, the Company issued 1,000 ordinary shares for a total consideration of £1. On 13 September 
2019, 99,999,000 shares were issued for consideration of £0.001 each, at par value. Between 21 October 2019 
and 12 June 2020, the Company issued a total of 93,550,029 Ordinary shares for a consideration of £0.01 each, 
at a premium of £0.009. Of this amount, 14,490,000 shares were issued for non-cash consideration in respect 
of service fees, including Directors fees as disclosed in note 18. Between 30 June 2020 and 27 August 2020, 
the Company issued a total of 71,067,333 Ordinary shares for consideration of £0.06 each, at a premium of 
£0.059. All shares are authorised, issued and fully paid.

16

Financial commitments

During  the  period,  the  Company  entered  into  an  influencer  agreement  with  Footwork  Productions  Limited. 
Pursuant to this agreement, Footwork will procure that David Beckham provides certain personal services to 
the Company, including personal appearances and social media posts. In addition Footwork will provide the 
Company with  a  non-exclusive,  non-transferable  licence  to  use  David  Beckham’s  name,  voice,  biography, 
image and likeness and signature to advertise and promote the Company for a five-year term. In consideration 
for these services the Company will pay Footwork an annual fee equal to 15% of the net proceeds of all of the 
Company’s merchandising sales and 15% of all sponsorship revenue received in respect of contracts entered 
into during the term. Such payments will be subject to a minimum payment of £2,250,000 in the first twelve-
month period, and further annual minimum payments of £2,500,000 in the second year, £3,000,000 in the third 
year, £3,500,000 in the fourth year and £4,000,000 in the final year of the term. Of these amounts, £13,000,000 
is remaining as payable over the next four years.

The Company has not entered into any long-term commitments other than that outlined above.

17 Controlling party

The directors do not consider there to be an ultimate controlling party.

37

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

18 Related-party transactions

During the period, remuneration was paid to the directors, as set out below:

Carleton Curtis (Executive chairman)
Kal Hourd (CEO)
James Savage (CFO)
Andrew Drake (Non-executive director)
Derek Lew (Non-executive director)
David Gardner
Jonathan Bixby (Director - resigned 03/12/19)
Timothy Le Druillenec (Director - resigned 30/03/20)
Simon Walters
Christopher Sullivan

Fees settled 
by cash
£

Fees settled 
by shares
£

Share-based 
incentives
£

58,157
35,000
30,000
30,000
9,000
-
5,000
-
3,500
3,500

-
20,000
12,000
20,000
18,000
-
-
3,000
-
-

4,875
-
907
-
-
12,863
-
-
390
418

The Company issued to Andrew Drake 1,500,000 warrants exercisable at £0.01 each pursuant to a warrant 
instrument dated 3 December 2019 for advisory services rendered to the Company prior to Andrew becoming 
a director. The warrants are conditional on admission and expire three months from the date of admission. 
These warrants are not subject to any provisions. The warrant was exercised post year-end.

During the period to 30 September 2020, Bad Moon Talent LLC, a company for which Andrew Drake (non-
executive director of Guild Esports plc) is the CEO and 55% shareholder provided esports consulting 
services to the Company. The total amount was £110,000 and no amounts remained payable at the 
period end. The consulting agreement with Bad Moon Talent LLC ended on 31 December 2020.

The  Company  issued  to  Derek  Lew  1,500,000  warrants  exercisable  at  £0.01  each  pursuant  to  a  warrant 
instrument dated 3 December 2019 for advisory services rendered to the Company prior to Derek becoming a 
director. The warrants are conditional on admission and expire three months from the date of admission. These 
warrants are not subject to any lock-in provisions. The warrant was exercised post year-end.

19

Events after the reporting date

On 2 October 2020, in the Company’s initial public offering, 250,000,000 ordinary shares were issued at £0.08 
each (premium of £0.079 per share). Subsequent to the period end, a further 4,000,000 ordinary shares were 
issued, including 3,000,000 in Director warrants as disclosed in note 18. As at the date of this document, the 
total number of ordinary shares in issue is 518,617,362.

On 19 October 2020, the Company announced its first sponsorship deal, with a new European fintech company 
serving esports fans. Under the terms of the agreement, the sponsor will pay a guaranteed fee of £3.6m over a
three-year period. On 28 January 2021, HyperX (a leading gaming peripherals brand of Kingston Technology 
Company Inc, the world’s largest independent manufacturer of memory products), signed a two-year contract 
as a peripherals sponsor of Guild, which includes consideration in cash (75%) and gaming hardware (25%).

38

GUILD ESPORTS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

20 Cash absorbed by operations

Loss for the period after tax

Adjustments for:
Investment income
Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets
Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment
Services settled by issue of shares
Services settled by issue of warrants

Movements in working capital:
Increase in trade and other receivables
Increase in trade and other payables

Cash absorbed by operations

2020
£

(2,727,195)

(129)
3,077
124
144,900
113,050

(2,065,626)
2,092,720

(2,439,079)

39