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FY2003 Annual Report · iomart
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iomart Group plc.
Report and Financial Statements. 31 March 2003

Deloitte & Touche, Glasgow

IOMART GROUP PLC

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2003

CONTENTS

• Officers and professional advisers

• Chairman’s statement

• Chief executive officer’s report

• Corporate governance

• Report of the board to the members on directors’ remuneration

• Directors’ report

• Statement of directors’ responsibilities

• Board of directors

• Independent auditors’ report

• Consolidated profit and loss account

• Consolidated balance sheet

• Company balance sheet

• Consolidated cash flow statement

• Notes to the accounts

• Notice of annual general meeting

Page

2

3

4

6

7

10

11

12

13

15

16

17

18

19

35

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IOMART GROUP PLC

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2003

OFFICERS AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS

Non executive chairman
Chief executive officer
Business development director
Operations director
Non executive director

Directors

Nick Kuenssberg
Angus MacSween 
Bill Dobbie 
Sarah Haran 
Fred Shedden 

Secretary

Stewart Moir

Registered office 

Fleming Pavilion
Todd Campus
West of Scotland Science Park
Glasgow
G20 0XA

Nominated adviser and broker 

Peel Hunt plc
111 Old Broad Street
London
EC2N 1HP

Bankers 

Bank of Scotland
235 Sauchiehall Street
Glasgow
G2 3EY

Solicitors 

McGrigor Donald
Pacific House
70 Wellington Street
Glasgow
G2 6SB

Independent Auditors 
Deloitte & Touche
Glasgow

Registrars 

Capita IRG plc
Bourne House
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent 
BR3 4TU

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IOMART GROUP PLC

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2003

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

The year 2002/03 has seen the company focusing on its two businesses of network security software and web services.  The figures showing
revenues of £2.2 million (2002 - £5.4 million) and a loss of £1.9 million (2002 - £7.9 million) demonstrate the effects of this focus and the
impact of a more robust business model. 

NetIntelligence has been developed into a sophisticated tool in the growing content management market related to the increased usage of
email, internet and networks by companies both large and small.    The latest version 3.07, providing a full range of detailed management
reports, suitable for both corporate and SME customers, has a significant sales pipeline with some forty customers to date. Potential for major
announcements in the near term emphasises the validity of this product portfolio.  The speed of uptake has however been disappointing and
will probably remain below expectations in the current business climate.  New sales initiatives should begin to create more significant sales
revenue before the end of the current year.

Web services are based on the iomart Internet operation with sales offices originally in Lancaster and latterly in Barrow, backed up by office
and infrastructure in Glasgow and a third sales team potentially also in Glasgow.  Sales are now running at £2.5 million per annum and
progress will be enhanced by the introduction of new products for our customer base of c. 7,000. The ability of the existing Glasgow hosting
business has been underwritten by having recently won a substantial deal from a major media group.   

We exited the operations in Germany early in the year, full provision having already been made at March 2002 as advised with the 2001/02
results.  It is not anticipated that the 20% holding in Canbox Technologies GmbH will create any value for shareholders.   

Although we have looked at other companies and business opportunities to complement our offerings, our focus is clear and we have not
been distracted.   We retain cash balances of £4 million which will be sufficient to fund both incremental marketing spend for NetIntelligence
and the further development of our web services business.   

The promotion of NetIntelligence demands a new director of sales who started in April.  As a consequence Bill Dobbie will move from an
executive to a non-executive role as at the date of the AGM with a wide-ranging remit for strategic development.   Our tight cohesive board
remains appropriate for the current size and shape of your company’s activities.

We remain confident about both our businesses.  With overhead expense running at £220,000 per month and a maturing sales platform we
believe that monthly group profitability is achievable before the end of the current financial year.

Nick Kuenssberg
Non-executive chairman
20 May 2003

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IOMART GROUP PLC

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2003

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS REPORT

The year to end March 2003 has been one of consolidation, cost control and concentration on building our two business streams.  We began
April 2002 with a relatively new software product, NetIntelligence, and an embryonic web services business, having restructured our telecoms
business.  Whilst this has reduced revenues to £2.2 million we have dramatically improved our profit and loss account from losses of 
£7.9 million to a loss of £1.9 million.

Our focus is on continuing to bear down on cost, whilst growing aggressively our web services business via direct sales by c. 1,000 customers
a month to ensure a quality recurring revenue stream and increasing our revenues from direct and indirect sales of NetIntelligence.  Whilst we
attained our forecast revenue for web services, sales of NetIntelligence are still not flowing through as quickly as we had hoped.  However we
remain convinced that, with an ever improving product and the increasing demands around the management of internet and email, we will
start to close significant sales through this year.

Results

Turnover for the year of £2.19 million is made up of £2.17 million from ongoing operations, network security and web services (co-location,
hosting, domain names and mail), and £0.02 million from the discontinued operations in Germany. 

Administrative expenses totalled £3.81 million, which represents a considerable decrease on the total of £11.08 million for the previous 
period. In addition, restructuring costs of £0.47 million were incurred. We have continued to reduce our administrative expenses to reflect our
current business. We have carried out an extensive impairment review of all tangible and intangible fixed assets and have fully written down
those where we do not anticipate any recoverable value. Going forward the requirement for capital expenditure is expected to be modest.

The group operating loss was £2.40 million compared with a total of £11.84 million, of which £6.98 million was attributable to continuing
operations for the previous period. 

Bank interest receivable amounted to £0.20 million. Interest payable on finance leases and hire purchase contracts was £0.03 million. 

The loss for the year before taxation was £2.22 million. There is no liability to corporation tax on the results for the year and research and
development tax credits totalling £0.33 million are due to be refunded to the group, resulting in a loss after taxation for the year of £1.89
million (2002 - £7.90 million).

The loss per share for the year was 3.5p compared to 14.7p for the 15 months ended 31 March 2002.

Cash and borrowings

Cash balances at 31 March 2003 were £4.04 million. Borrowings under finance leases amounted to £0.54 million. The group had no 
other debt outstanding.

Financial instruments

The group’s financial instruments comprise cash and liquid resources and various items such as trade debtors and trade creditors that arise
directly from its operations.  The main purpose of these financial instruments is to provide finance for the group’s operations.  The main risk to
the group is interest rate risk arising from floating rate interest rates. All transactions of the holding company and the UK subsidiaries are in
UK sterling and the group does not use derivative instruments.

Financial Position

The group’s financial position remains strong with sufficient cash reserves to fund the current business plan and take the group through to
profitability.

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IOMART GROUP PLC

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2003

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS REPORT (Continued)

Prospects

We are continuing to meet our revenue and customer acquisition forecasts in web services, focused on providing web hosting and related
services to small business. We believe there are significant growth opportunities in this sector as knowledge and understanding of the internet
matures within the small and micro business community.

Our challenge with NetIntelligence remains to break into the security and content management market in a meaningful way. The next twelve
months will be critical in this regard but we remain confident that the leadership we have in functionality will win us important reference cus-
tomers in the year ahead.

Angus MacSween
Chief executive officer
20 May 2003

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IOMART GROUP PLC

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2003

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

While the company is listed on the Alternative Investment Market it is not required to comply with the provisions of the Combined Code.
However the board is committed to ensuring that proper standards of corporate governance operate and has established governance 
procedures and policies that are considered appropriate to the nature and size of the group. The board considers that at this stage in the
group’s development, the expense of full compliance with the Combined Code and with the further implications of both the Higgs and Smith
reports is not appropriate although it intends to ensure that it observes the provisions of the Code as the group grows, so far as is practicable.

Directors and the board

The board directs the group’s activities in an effective manner through regular monthly board meetings and monitors performance through
timely and relevant reporting procedures. Where it deems it necessary the board requests reports on specific areas outwith the normal 
reporting regime.

The board comprises three executive and two non-executive directors.  The roles of chairman and chief executive are separate appointments
and it is board policy that this will continue. 

The board has established two committees, the audit committee and the remuneration committee, membership of both being exclusively 
non-executive. Nick Kuenssberg is chairman of the audit committee and Fred Shedden chairman of the remuneration committee. A separate
report on directors’ remuneration is set out on pages 7 to 9.

As stated in the chairman’s review there will be a change in the formal structure of the board as at the annual general meeting whereby Bill
Dobbie will give up his executive role and become a non executive director in response to the changing requirements of the company. He will
also become a member of both the audit and the remuneration committees.

Accountability and audit

The board considers that the annual report presents a balanced and understandable assessment of the group’s performance and prospects.
The audit committee has written terms of reference setting out its authority and duties and meets at least three times a year with the external
auditors.

Internal financial control

The group has established policies covering the key areas of internal financial control and the appropriate procedures, controls, authority 
levels and reporting requirements which must be applied throughout the group. The key procedures that have been established in respect of
internal financial control are as follows:

• Financial reporting;  there is in place a comprehensive system of financial reporting based on the annual budget which the board 

approves.  The results for the group as whole and each business sector are reported monthly, along with an analysis of key 
variances.  Year-end forecasts are updated on a regular basis.

• Investment appraisal;  applications for capital expenditure are made in a prescribed format which places emphasis on the 
commercial and strategic as well as the financial justification. All significant projects require specific board approval.  

No system can provide absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss but the group’s systems are designed to provide reasonable
assurance as to the reliability of financial information, ensuring proper control over income and  expenditure, assets and liabilities.

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IOMART GROUP PLC

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2003

REPORT OF THE BOARD TO THE MEMBERS ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

In framing its remuneration policy, the committee has given consideration to the Combined Code issued by the London Stock Exchange.
While the company is listed on the Alternative Investment Market, it is not required to comply with the provisions of Schedule 7a of the
Companies Act. The following disclosures are voluntary as is the resolution (1.5) to approve this report at the annual general meeting.

Remuneration Committee

The remuneration committee determines, on behalf of the board, the group’s policy for executive remuneration and the individual remunera-
tion packages for executive directors. In setting the group’s remuneration policy, the remuneration committee considers a number of factors,
including the following:

• salaries and benefits available to executive directors of comparable companies;
• the need to attract and retain executives of an appropriate calibre;
• continued commitment of executives to the group’s success through appropriate incentive schemes.

Remuneration of executive directors

The remuneration packages of the executive directors comprise the following elements:

• Base salary

The remuneration committee sets base salaries to reflect responsibilities and the skill, knowledge and experience of the individual.  
The executive directors do not receive directors’ fees.

• Bonus scheme

The executive directors are eligible to receive a bonus of up to 50% of basic salary dependent on individual and group performance 
at the discretion of the remuneration committee.

• Car allowance and other benefits

The executive directors are entitled to a car allowance. No other benefits were provided.

• Pensions

Pension contributions to individuals’ personal pension arrangements are payable by the group at the rate of twice the contribution 
made by the director subject to a maximum employer contribution of 10% of basic salary. 

All the executive directors are engaged under service contracts which require a notice period of 12 months given any time on or after 31
March 2003. 

Remuneration of non-executive directors

The fees paid to the non-executive directors, who do not receive any bonus or other benefits, are determined by the board. 

Non-executive directors’ letters of appointment are on a twelve month rolling basis.

Constitution of board

As noted in the chairman’s review the board has considered the requirements of the company and determined that Bill Dobbie will transfer
from an executive role to the role of non executive director and a consultant with a wide-ranging strategic remit with effect from the date of
the annual general meeting. He will have a letter of appointment as a non executive director on a twelve month rolling basis.

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IOMART GROUP PLC

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2003

REPORT OF THE BOARD TO THE MEMBERS ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION (Continued)

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

Name of director

Executive
Angus MacSween
Bill Dobbie
Sarah Haran
Neil Finlayson (resigned 26/6/02)

Non-executive
Nick Kuenssberg
Fred Shedden
David Harrison (resigned 26/6/02)

Salary 
or fees
£

93,500
85,000
62,083
15,750

20,000
15,000
3,750

ended
Compensation 31 March
2003
Total
£

for loss
of office
£

Year  15 months 
ended
31 March
2002
Total
£

Pension
Benefits contributions
£

£

7,200
7,200
7,200
1,800

-
-
-

9,350
8,500
2,561
-

-
-
-
25,000

110,050
100,700
71,844
42,550

132,458
130,792
89,359
90,000

-
-
-

-
-
-

20,000
15,000
3,750

27,500
21,250
92,869

Directors’ interests in shares
The interests of the directors in the shares of the company at 31 March 2003, together with their interests at 1 April 2002 were as follows:

Name of director
Angus MacSween
Bill Dobbie
Sarah Haran
Nick Kuenssberg
Fred Shedden

Number of ordinary shares

31 March 2003

1April 2002

17,955,000
14,410,000
218,855
585,777
457,222

17,955,000
12,010,000
10,555
132,777
107,222

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IOMART GROUP PLC

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2003

REPORT OF THE BOARD TO THE MEMBERS ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION (Continued)

Directors’ interests in share options

The interests of the directors at 31 March 2003 in options over the ordinary shares of the company were as follows:

Options over ordinary shares of 1p each

Name of director

1 April 
2002

Granted
in the
period

Surr-
endered

Exer-
cised

31 March 
2003

Exercise  from which Expiry date

price exercisable

Date

Sarah Haran

159,746

159,747

159,747

100,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

50,000

50,000

50,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

159,746

159,747

159,747

100,000

5p

5p

5p

9p

11/5/00

14/12/08

11/2/01

14/12/08

11/2/02

14/12/08

27/2/05

27/2/12

50,000

6.25p

26/7/02

26/7/12

50,000

6.25p

26/7/03

26/7/12

50,000

6.25p

26/7/04

26/7/12

No options lapsed during the period. No other directors have been granted share options in the shares of the company or other group 
companies. The market price of the company’s shares at the end of the financial period was 5.25p and the range of prices during the period
was between 14.5p and 4.0p.

By order of the board

Fred Shedden
Chairman, remuneration committee
20 May 2003

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IOMART GROUP PLC

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2003

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The directors present their annual report on the affairs of the group, together with the financial statements and auditors’ report, for the year
ended 31 March 2003.

Principal activity

The principal activity of the group is the provision of network security software and web services.  

Business review and future developments

A review of the results and development of the business for the year and of future developments in the business is contained within the chair-
man’s statement on page 3 and the chief executive’s review on pages 4 and 5.

Dividends

No dividends have been paid or proposed for the year ended 31 March 2003 (15 month period ended 31 March 2002 -  nil).

Directors and their interests

The present membership of the board is set out on page 2. David Harrison and Neil Finlayson resigned on 26 June 2002. In accordance with
the company’s articles of association, Sarah Haran and Nick Kuenssberg will resign and offer themselves for re-election at the forthcoming
annual general meeting. Details of directors’ interests in the company’s shares are set out in the report of the board to the members on 
directors’ remuneration on pages 7 to 9.

Substantial shareholdings

At 13 May 2003 the following interests in three per cent or more of the issued ordinary share capital had been notified to the company:

Angus MacSween
Bill Dobbie
Fleming Mercantile Investment Trust

Employee involvement

Number of ordinary shares
17,955,000
14,410,000
3,976,116

Percentage held
33.45%
26.71%
7.39%

An employee forum meets regularly to consult with staff and to provide feedback to management on any issues raised by employees.

A newsletter is sent to all staff every two months, providing information on developments within the group including updates on the group’s
strategy and details of new products and services provided by the group.

All staff are eligible to receive share options in the company under the group’s share option schemes and it is the board’s policy to make 
regular option awards to all levels of staff to encourage staff involvement in, and commitment to, the group’s performance.

Employment of disabled persons

Full and fair consideration is given to applications for employment made by disabled persons having regard to their particular aptitudes and
abilities.  Appropriate training is arranged for disabled persons, including retraining for alternative work of employees who become disabled,
to promote their career development within the organisation.

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IOMART GROUP PLC

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2003

DIRECTORS’ REPORT (Continued)

Supplier payment policy and practice

The company and its subsidiaries agree the terms of payment when negotiating the terms and conditions for their transactions with their 
suppliers. Payment is made in compliance with those terms, subject to the terms and conditions of the relevant transaction having been met by
the supplier. The group’s average creditor payment period at 31 March 2003 was 40 days (31 March 2002 - 45 days). The company’s 
average creditor payment period at 31 March 2003 was 30 days (31 March 2002 - no transactions with suppliers).

Auditors

Deloitte & Touche have expressed their willingness to continue in office as auditors and a resolution to reappoint them will be proposed at the
forthcoming annual general meeting.

By order of the board

Stewart Moir
Company secretary
20 May 2003

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of
affairs of the company and the group as at the end of the financial year and of the profit or loss of the group for that period.  In preparing
those financial statements, the directors are required to:

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

• state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the 

financial statements; and

• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the group will continue in 

business.

The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial 
position of the company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 1985.  They are also
responsible for the group’s system of internal financial control, for safeguarding the assets of the group and hence for taking reasonable steps
for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

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IOMART GROUP PLC

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2003

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Angus MacSween

46, appointed 2000; after a short service commission in the Royal Navy, Angus started his first business selling telephone systems in 1984.
Since selling this first business he has established, grown and sold 5 profitable businesses in the telephony and internet sector. Following the
sale of Teledata, the UK’s leading telephone information services company to Scottish Power Telecommunications, Angus spent two years on
the Executive of Scottish Telecom where he was responsible for the development of the Company’s Internet division. In December 1998,
Angus founded iomart in conjunction with Bill Dobbie.

Bill Dobbie 

44, appointed 2000; Bill spent 9 years with Unisys in a number of technical, sales and marketing roles in the UK and Australasia, prior to
joining Angus MacSween at Teledata in 1989. In 1996 joined Scottish Telecom as a Director, responsible for the company’s Support centre
and Internet divisions. In March 1998, Bill was appointed non-executive Director for Demon Internet following its acquisition by Scottish
Telecom. In December 1998, Bill founded iomart in conjunction with Angus MacSween. Previously director of several companies acquired by
Scottish Telecom.

Sarah Haran

37, appointed 2000; Sarah has spent her career implementing and managing operations centres for large corporations such as Microsoft
Inc, Compaq Inc, Scottish Power and Prestel Limited. She joined iomart in 1998, from Scottish Telecom, and has been responsible for devel-
oping the day-to-day business processes and technical operations to support iomart’s customer base.

Nick Kuenssberg

60, appointed 2000; currently chairman of GAP Group Ltd, Canmore Partnership Ltd, Stac Affinity Services plc and director of Chamberlin &
Hill plc and RingProp plc and previously chairman of Stoddard International plc, Dynacast International Ltd and David A Hall Ltd and other
companies and director of Coats Viyella plc, Dawson International plc, ScottishPower plc, Standard Life Assurance Company and other 
companies. Chairman of Scotland the Brand and Scottish Networks International, deputy chairman of Scottish Environment Protection Agency
and board member of Scottish Legal Aid Board and previously chairman of IoD, Scotland and ScotlandIS and visiting professor at Strathclyde
Business School.

Fred Shedden

58, appointed 2000; chairman of Halladale Group plc, Wisdom IT Holdings Limited and Good Practice Limited; director of Martin Currie
Japan Investment Trust plc, Murray International Trust plc, Equitable Life Assurance Society and other companies; member of The Scottish
Further Education Funding Council and of the management committee of Glasgow Housing Association; formerly managing partner and 
senior partner of McGrigor Donald.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Angus MacSween

Chief executive officer

Stuart Forrest

Technical sales director, web services

Mark Hallam

Sales director, web services

Sarah Haran

Operations director

Stewart Moir CA

Financial controller and company secretary

Jim Mooney

Director of sales

Bill Strain

Chief technology officer

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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF IOMART GROUP PLC

We have audited the financial statements of iomart Group Plc for the year ended 31 March 2003 which comprise the profit and loss account,
the balance sheets, the cash flow statement and the related notes 1 to 29. These financial statements have been prepared under the 
accounting policies set out therein. 

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with section 235 of the Companies Act 1985.  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 auditors’
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.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors

As described in the statement of directors’ responsibilities, the company’s directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements in accordance with applicable United Kingdom law and accounting standards. Our responsibility is to audit the financial 
statements in accordance with relevant United Kingdom legal and regulatory requirements and auditing standards.

We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view and are properly prepared in accordance with
the Companies Act 1985.  We also report if, in our opinion, the directors’ report is not consistent with the financial statements, if the company
has not kept proper accounting records, if we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit, or if 
information specified by law regarding directors’ remuneration and transactions with the company and other members of the group is not 
disclosed.

We read the directors’ report and the other information contained in the annual report for the above year as described in the contents section
and consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial
statements.

Basis of audit opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with United Kingdom auditing standards issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes
examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. It also includes an assessment of
the significant estimates and judgements made by the directors in the preparation of the financial statements and of whether the accounting
policies are appropriate to the circumstances of the company and the group, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide
us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by
fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion, we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the
financial statements.

P a g e   1 3

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF IOMART GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

Opinion

In our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and the group as at 31 March 2003
and of the loss of the group for the year then ended; and have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985.

Deloitte & Touche
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors
Glasgow

20 May 2003

Notes: An audit does not provide assurance on the maintenance and integrity of the group’s website, including controls used to achieve this,
and in particular on whether any changes may have occurred to the financial statements since first published.  These matters are the 
responsibility of the directors but no control procedures can provide absolute assurance in this area.

Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements differs from legislation in other 
jurisdictions.

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IOMART GROUP PLC

CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
Year ended 31 March 2003

TURNOVER
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Total turnover

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Administrative expenses
Restructuring expenses

Total administrative expenses
Other operating income

Net operating expenses

OPERATING LOSS
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Operating loss

Profit on sale of businesses

Net interest

LOSS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAXATION

Tax on loss on ordinary activities

LOSS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES AFTER 
TAXATION FOR THE YEAR/PERIOD
Equity minority interests

LOSS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR/PERIOD

Loss per ordinary share (pence)
Basic

Note

3
3

3

3

3

3

3
3

4

6

7

19

9

Year 15 months
ended 31
March
2002
£’000

ended 31 
March
2003
£’000

2,174
18

1,719
3,680

2,192

5,399

(312)

(3,339)

1,880

2,060

(3,809)
(466)

(4,275)
-

(11,079)
(3,021)

(14,100)
203

(4,275)

(13,897)

(2,395)
-

(6,976)
(4,861)

(2,395)

(11,837)

-

3,609

(2,395)
171

(8,228)
327

(2,224)

(7,901)

334

-

(1,890)
18

(7,901)
5

(1,872)

(7,896)

(3.5p)

(14.7p)

There have been no recognised gains and losses attributable to the shareholders other than the loss for the current financial year and 
preceding financial period and accordingly, no statement of total recognised gains and losses is shown.

P a g e   1 5

2003
£’000

13
376

389

2002
£’000

279
1,011

1,290

793
4,042

927
6,519

4,835

7,446

(1,170)

(2,513)

3,665

4,933

4,054

6,223

(292)

(571)

30

12

3,792

5,664

538
1,200
19,087
(17,033)

538
1,200
19,087
(15,161)

3,792

5,664

IOMART GROUP PLC

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
31 March 2003

FIXED ASSETS
Intangible assets
Tangible assets

CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand

CREDITORS: amounts falling due
within one year

NET CURRENT ASSETS

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

CREDITORS: amounts falling due 
after more than one year

EQUITY MINORITY INTERESTS

NET ASSETS

CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Called up share capital
Capital redemption reserve
Share premium account
Profit and loss account

TOTAL EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS

Note

10
11

13

14

15

17

18
19
19
19

20

These financial statements were approved by the board of directors on 20 May 2003.
Signed on behalf of the board of directors

Angus MacSween
Director

P a g e   1 6

IOMART GROUP PLC

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET
31 March 2003

FIXED ASSETS
Investments

CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand

Note

12

13

CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year

14

NET CURRENT ASSETS

NET ASSETS

CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Called up share capital
Capital redemption reserve
Share premium account
Profit and loss account

TOTAL EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS

18
19
19
19

20

These financial statements were approved by the board of directors on 20 May 2003.
Signed on behalf of the board of directors

Angus MacSween
Director

2003
£’000

2002
£’000

1,500

1,500

1,522
3,828

11,851
6,430

5,350

18,281

(7)

-

5,343

18,281

6,843

19,781

538
1,200
19,087
(13,982)

538
1,200
19,087
(1,044)

6,843

19,781

P a g e   1 7

IOMART GROUP PLC

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
Year ended 31 March 2003

Net cash outflow from operating activities

Returns on investments and servicing of finance

Capital expenditure and financial investment

Acquisitions and disposals

Cash outflow before financing

Financing

Decrease in cash in the year/period

Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net funds

Decrease in cash in the year/period

Cash outflows from debt and lease financing

Change in net funds from cash flows

New hire purchase and finance leases 
Opening net funds

Closing net funds

Note

21

22

22

22

22

23

23

23

23

Year 15 months
ended
31 March
2002
£’000

ended 
31 March 
2003
£’000

(1,822)

(7,833)

171

(92)

327

(577)

-

4,030

(1,743)

(4,053)

(734)

(1,454)

(2,477)

(5,507)

(2,477)

(5,507)

734

1,454

(1,743)

(4,053)

-
5,244

(101)
9,398

3,501

5,244

P a g e   1 8

IOMART GROUP PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Year ended 31 March 2003

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards.

The particular accounting policies adopted are described below.

Accounting convention

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention.

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the company and all its subsidiaries. 

Acquisitions & disposals

On the acquisition of a business fair values are attributed to the group’s share of net separable assets.  Where the cost of acquisition 
exceeds the fair values attributable to such net assets, the difference is treated as purchased goodwill and is capitalised in the group 
balance sheet in the year of acquisition.

The results and cash flows relating to a business are included in the consolidated profit and loss account and the consolidated cash flow 
statement from the date of acquisition or up to the date of disposal.

Goodwill and intangible fixed assets

Purchased goodwill arising on the acquisition of a business is capitalised in the year in which it arises and amortised over 3 years, which is 
the directors’ estimate of its useful life. 

Software licences are capitalised as intangible assets and amortised over the period of the licence.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided on cost in equal annual instalments over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  The rates of depreciation are 
as follows:

Short-term leasehold improvements
Computer software and equipment
Office equipment 

25% per annum
Between 20% and 50% per annum
25% per annum

Investments

Investments held as fixed assets are stated at cost less provision for any permanent diminution in value.

Deferred taxation

Deferred tax is provided in full on timing differences which result in an obligation at the balance sheet date to pay more tax, or a right to 
pay less tax, at a future date, at rates expected to apply when they crystallize based on current tax rates and law.  Timing differences arise 
from the inclusion of items of income and expenditure in taxation computations in periods different from those in which they are included 
in financial statements. Deferred tax is not provided on timing differences arising from the revaluation of fixed assets where there is no 
commitment to sell the asset, or on unremitted earnings of subsidiaries and associates where there is no commitment to remit these 
earnings. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is regarded as more likely than not that they will be recovered. Deferred 
tax assets and liabilities are not discounted.

Foreign exchange

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the rates ruling at the dates of the 
transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are retranslated at the rate ruling 
at that date. These translation differences are dealt with in the profit and loss account.

The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are translated into sterling at the closing rates of exchange and the differences arising from 
the translation of the opening net investment in subsidiaries at the closing rate are taken direct to reserves.

P a g e   1 9

IOMART GROUP PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Year ended 31 March 2003

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Leases
Assets obtained under finance leases and hire purchase contracts are capitalised at their fair value on acquisition and depreciated over 
their estimated useful lives.  The finance charges are allocated over the period of the lease in proportion to the capital element 
outstanding.

Operating lease rentals are charged to the profit and loss account in equal annual amounts over the lease term.

Development expenditure

Development expenditure is charged to the profit and loss account as incurred.

2. DISPOSALS

The company disposed of 80% of its shareholding in Canbox Technologies GmbH on 31 May 2002 and the remaining 20% holding has 
been treated as a trade investment.

3. ANALYSES OF OPERATIONS 

Continuing
year
ended 31 
March
2003
£’000

Dis-
continued
year
ended 31
March
2003
£’000

Total
year
ended 31
March
2003
£’000

Continuing
15 months
ended 31
March
2002
£’000

Dis-
continued
15 months
ended 31
March
2002
£’000

Total
15 months
ended 31
March
2002
£’000

Turnover
Cost of sales

Gross profit

Administrative expenses
Restructuring expenses

Total administrative expenses

Other operating income

Net operating expenses

Operating loss

2,174
(303)

1,871

(3,800)
(466)

(4,266)

-

(4,266)

(2,395)

18
(9)

9

(9)
-

(9)

-

(9)

-

2,192
(312)

1,880

1,719
(559)

1,160

3,680
(2,780)

5,399
(3,339)

900

2,060

(3,809)
(466)

(6,712)
(1,572)

(4,367)
(1,449)

(11,079)
(3,021)

(4,275)

(8,284)

(5,816)

(14,100)

-

148

55

203

(4,275)

(8,136)

(5,761)

(13,897)

(2,395)

(6,976)

(4,861)

(11,837)

Turnover from continuing operations comprises revenue from network security and web services, excluding VAT.

The results of Canbox Technologies GmbH up to 31 May 2002, the date it ceased to be a subsidiary, and the comparatives for the 
15 month period ended 31 March 2002 are shown under discontinued operations.

P a g e   2 0

IOMART GROUP PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Year ended 31 March 2003

4. OPERATING LOSS

Operating loss is after charging/(crediting)
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets:

Owned assets
Leased assets

Impairment write down of tangible fixed assets
Amortisation of intangible fixed assets
Impairment write down of intangible assets
Loss on sale of assets
Rentals under operating leases
Revenue grants
Amortised deferred grant income
Auditors’ remuneration
- company audit fees
- group audit fees
- other services

The discount rate used in assessing the fixed asset write down is 8.4%.

5.

INFORMATION REGARDING DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES

Directors’ emoluments

Aggregate emoluments
Pension contributions to money purchase schemes

Emoluments payable to the highest paid director are as follows:

Aggregate emoluments
Pension contributions to money purchase schemes

Year 15 months
ended 31
March
2002
£’000

ended 31 
March
2003
£’000

214
283
230
118
148
-
261
-
-

6
20
34

432
1,117
1,452
499
506
15
492
(55)
(148)

10
26
134

Year 15 months
ended 31
March
2002
£’000

ended 31 
March
2003
£’000

343
20

101
9

560
24

132
-

Included within the aggregate emoluments is £25,000 paid to Neil Finlayson as compensation for loss of office (15 month period 
ended 31 March 2002 - Nil)

The detailed numerical analysis of directors’ remuneration and share options is included in the report of the board to the members on 
directors’ remuneration on pages 7 to 9.

P a g e   2 1

IOMART GROUP PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Year ended 31 March 2003

5.

INFORMATION REGARDING DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES (CONTINUED)

Average number of persons employed by the group (including directors):
Technical
Customer services
Sales and marketing
Administration

Number of persons employed by the group at the year/period end
Technical
Customer services
Sales and marketing
Administration

Staff costs during the year/period in respect of these employees and directors were:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs

Year 15 months
ended 31
March
2002
No.

ended 31 
March
2003
No.

21
10
58
18

30
58
31
18

107

137

22
7
83
16

128

26
8
18
12

64

Year 15 months
ended 31
March
2002
£’000

ended 31 
March
2003
£’000

2,406
220
20

3,599
358
24

2,646

3,981

There are no company or group pension schemes. However the group makes contributions to directors’ personal schemes as disclosed in 
the report of the board to the members on directors’ remuneration on pages 7 to 9. The group operates a stakeholder pension scheme 
for the benefit of employees who wish to participate.

P a g e   2 2

IOMART GROUP PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Year ended 31 March 2003

6. NET INTEREST

Investment income:
Bank interest receivable

Interest payable and similar charges:
Bank overdraft and other borrowings
Finance leases and hire purchase contracts

Net interest

7. TAX ON LOSS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES

Research and development tax credit

Year 15 months
ended 31
March
2002
£’000

ended 31 
March
2003
£’000

204

(1)
(32)

(33)

171

587

(3)
(257)

(260)

327

Year 15 months
ended 31
March
2002
£’000

ended 31 
March
2003
£’000

334

-

The differences between the total current tax shown above and the amount calculated by applying the standard rate of UK corporation tax
to the loss before tax is as follows.

Loss on ordinary activities before tax

Tax credit @ 30%

Non qualifying depreciation
Disallowed expenditure
Deferred tax movement not provided
Movement in short term timing differences
Consolidation adjustments
Rate differences
Prior year adjustments
Difference in UK/German tax

Year 15 months
ended 31
March
2002
£’000

ended 31 
March
2003
£’000

(2,224)

(7,901)

(667)

(2,370)

47
84
382
(47)
2
40
(175)
-

(334)

36
129
1,843
-
188
-
-
174

-

There is no tax charge in the year due to the availability of losses. Unrelieved losses of £13 million (31 March 2002 - £12 million) are 
carried forward and are available to reduce the tax liability in respect of suitable future trading profits.

P a g e   2 3

IOMART GROUP PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Year ended 31 March 2003

7. TAX ON LOSS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)

Research and development tax credits have been claimed in respect of expenditure incurred on the development of the group’s 
NetIntelligence software. These credits are at the rate of 16% of the amount of expenditure allowed as a deduction from taxable income, 
which is 150% of the development expenditure incurred.

Deferred tax

A deferred tax asset has not been recognised in respect of losses carried forward as there is insufficient evidence that the asset will be 
recovered. The amount of the asset not recognised is approximately £3.9 million. The asset would be recovered if suitable taxable profits 
were to be generated in the future.

8. LOSS OF PARENT COMPANY

As permitted by Section 230 of the Companies Act, the profit and loss account of the parent company is not presented as part of these 
accounts.  The parent company’s loss for the financial year, after writing off an amount due from a subsidiary company of £13,000,000, 
was £12,938,000 (15 months period ended 31 March 2002 - loss £618,000).

9. LOSS PER ORDINARY SHARE

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of 
ordinary shares in issue during the year/period.

FRS 14 requires presentation of diluted EPS when a company could be called upon to issue shares that would decrease net profit or 
increase net loss per share.  For a loss making company with outstanding share options, net loss per share would only be increased by the 
exercise of out-of-the-money options.  Since it seems inappropriate to assume that option holders would act irrationally and there are no 
other diluting future share issues, diluted EPS has not been presented.

Loss for the financial period and basic earnings 
attributed to ordinary shareholders

Weighted average number of ordinary shares

Loss per share

Year 15 months
ended 31
March
2002
£’000

ended 31 
March
2003
£’000

(1,872)

(7,896)

No
‘000

No
‘000

53,796

53,796

(3.5p)

(14.7p)

P a g e   2 4

IOMART GROUP PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Year ended 31 March 2003

10.INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The group

Cost
At 1 April 2002 and 31 March 2003

Accumulated amortisation
At 1 April 2002
Charge for the year
Impairment write down 

At 31 March 2003 

Net book value
At 31 March 2003

At 31 March 2002 

Goodwill
£’000

Software
licences
£’000

977

745
98
121

964

13

232

567

520
20
27

567

-

47

The discount rate used in assessing the intangible asset write down is 8.4%.

11.TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

The group

Cost
At 1 April 2002 
Additions in the year
Disposals 

At 31 March 2003

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 April 2002 
Disposals 
Charge for the year
Impairment write down

At 31 March 2003

Net book value
At 31 March 2003

At 31 March 2002 

Leasehold 
improvements
£’000

Computer
software
and equipment
£’000

Office
equipment
£’000

283
11
(101)

193

179
(101)
47
-

125

68

104

5,354
68
(1,780)

3,642

4,549
(1,780)
401
230

3,400

242

805

229
13
(12)

230

127
(12)
49
-

164

66

102

The discount rate used in assessing the fixed asset write down is 8.4%.

P a g e   2 5

Total
£’000

1,544

1,265
118
148

1,531

13

279

Total
£’000

5,866
92
(1,893)

4,065

4,855
(1,893)
497
230

3,689

376

1,011

IOMART GROUP PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Year ended 31 March 2003

11.TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS (CONTINUED)

The net book value of the group’s tangible fixed assets includes the following amounts in respect of assets held under finance leases and 
hire purchase contracts:

Leasehold 
improvements
£’000

Computer
software
and equipment
£’000

Office
equipment
and vehicles
£’000

-

61

-

373

34

72

Total
£’000

34

506

At 31 March 2003

At 31 March 2002 

12.INVESTMENTS HELD AS FIXED ASSETS

The company

Cost 
At 1 April 2002
Disposals

At 31 March 2003

Provision
At 1 April 2002
Disposals

At 31 March 2003

Net book value
At 31 March 2003

At 31 March 2002 

Shares in subsidiary 

undertakings
£’000

1,835
(310)

1,525

335
(310)

25

1,500

1,500

All of the above investments are unlisted.

The company disposed of 80% of its shareholding in Canbox Technologies GmbH on 31 May 2002 and the remaining 20% holding has 
been treated as a trade investment. Full provision has been made against the investment in NSL (Internet) Limited. The following 
subsidiaries have been consolidated in the group accounts:

Country of 
registration 
and 
operation

Scotland

Scotland

Activity

Network security and web services

Dormant

Germany

Messaging

iomart Limited

NSL (Internet) Limited

Canbox Technologies GmbH
(until 31 May 2002)

iomart Internet Limited            

England

Web services

Portion of
ordinary
shares held
%

100

100 

100

75

P a g e   2 6

IOMART GROUP PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Year ended 31 March 2003

13.DEBTORS

The group

Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
Research and development tax credit

The company

Prepayments and accrued income
VAT
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings

14.CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 

The group

Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts (note 16)
Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income

The company
Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income

15.CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR

The group

Obligations under finance leases and 
hire purchase contracts (note 16)

P a g e   2 7

2003
£’000

259
76
124
334

793

2
2
1,518

1,522

2003
£’000

249
211
300
185
225

2002
£’000

581
254
92
-

927

-
-
11,851

11,851

2002
£’000

704
831
89
32
857

1,170

2,513

2
1
2
2

7

-
-
-
-

-

2003
£’000

2002
£’000

292

571

IOMART GROUP PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Year ended 31 March 2003

16.BORROWINGS

The group

Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts 

2003
£’000

541

2002
£’000

1,275

The obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts are secured by the related assets and are repayable as follows:

Due within one year
Due between two and five years

17.MINORITY INTERESTS

249
292

541

704
571

1,275

The equity minority interests comprise 40 ordinary shares of £1 each, representing 25% of the total issued share capital, in 
iomart Internet Limited.

18.CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL

The group and company

Authorised
At 31 March 2002 and 31 March 2003

Called up, allotted and fully paid
At 31 March 2002 and 31 March 2003

Ordinary shares of 1p each

Number of
shares

£’000

100,000,000

1,000

53,795,614

538

The company operates an approved share option scheme, an enterprise management incentive scheme, an unapproved share option 
scheme and a savings related share option scheme.

At 31 March 2003, 24 employees, 1 director and 85 former employees held share options as follows:

Approved scheme

Number of 
shares

Exercise
price per
share

90.00p
90.00p
78.50p
78.50p
75.00p
44.00p
44.00p
44.00p
13.50p
13.50p
11.75p
11.75p
11.75p
9.00p

132,376
3,033
20,000
7,500
15,000
478,521
14,659
182,159
157,500
15,000
249,442
100,000
168,998
200,000

P a g e   2 8

Date from
which
exercisable

19/4/2003
19/4/2003
17/8/2003
4/9/2003
1/11/2003
24/1/2004
24/1/2004
24/1/2004
26/9/2004
26/9/2004
31/10/2004
31/10/2004
31/10/2004
27/2/2005

Expiry date

19/4/2010
31/12/2004
17/8/2010
4/9/2010
1/11/2010
24/1/2011
7/1/2007
31/12/2004
26/9/2011
31/12/2004
31/10/2011
7/7/2007
31/12/2004
27/2/2012

IOMART GROUP PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Year ended 31 March 2003

18.CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL (CONTINUED)

Enterprise management incentive scheme

Unapproved scheme

Other unapproved options

Savings related scheme

19.STATEMENT OF MOVEMENT ON RESERVES

The group

Loss for the financial period

Opening balance

Closing balance

The company

Loss for the financial period

Opening balance

Closing balance

Number of 
shares

Exercise
price per
share

Date from
which
exercisable

26/7/2002
26/7/2003
26/7/2004

24/1/2002
24/1/2003
24/1/2004
24/1/2002
24/1/2003
24/1/2004
24/1/2002
24/1/2003
24/1/2004
26/9/2001
31/1/2002
31/1/2003
31/10/2001
27/6/2002
27/6/2003
27/6/2004

11/5/2000
11/2/2001
11/2/2002

Expiry date

26/7/2012
26/7/2012
26/7/2012

24/1/2011
24/1/2011
24/1/2011
7/7/2007
7/7/2007
7/7/2007
31/12/2004
31/12/2004
31/12/2004
26/9/2011
26/9/2011
26/9/2011
31/10/2011
27/6/2007
27/6/2007
27/6/2007

14/12/2008
14/12/2008
14/12/2008

6.25p
6.25p
6.25p

44.00p
44.00p
44.00p
44.00p
44.00p
44.00p
44.00p
44.00p
44.00p
13.50p
13.50p
13.50p
11.75p
6.25p
6.25p
6.25p

5.00p
5.00p
5.00p

19.20p

1/10/2004

1/4/2005

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
£’000

-

1,200

1,200

-

1,200

1,200

Share
premium
account
£’000

-

19,087

19,087

Profit and
loss
account
£’000

(1,872)

(15,161)

(17,033)

-

(12,938)

19,087

19,087

(1,044)

(13,982)

367,999
429,999
350,002

40,493
40,493
40,493
15,113
15,114
15,114
3,447
3,447
3,447
226,666
26,667
26,667
50,000
33,333
33,333
33,334

596,377
596,378
596,378

56,509

P a g e   2 9

IOMART GROUP PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Year ended 31 March 2003

20.MOVEMENT IN SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS

The group

Loss for the financial period

Opening shareholders’ funds

Closing shareholders’ funds

The company

Loss for the financial period

Opening shareholders’ funds

Closing shareholders’ funds

Year
ended 31 
March
2003
£’000

(1,872)

5,664

3,792

(12,938)

19,781

6,843

15 months
ended 31
March
2002
£’000

(7,896)

13,560

5,664

(618)

20,399

19,781

21.RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING LOSS TO NET CASH OUTFLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Operating loss
Depreciation
Amortisation of intangible assets
Write down of tangible fixed assets
Write down of intangible fixed assets
Loss on sale of assets
Foreign exchange translation differences
Decrease in debtors
Decrease in creditors

Net cash outflow from operating activities

Year
ended 31 
March
2003
£’000

15 months
ended 31
March
2002
£’000

(2,395)
497
118
230
148
-
-
468
(888)

(1,822)

(11,837)
1,549
499
1,452
506
15
18
907
(942)

(7,833)

P a g e   3 0

IOMART GROUP PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Year ended 31 March 2003

22.ANALYSIS OF CASH FLOWS FOR HEADINGS NETTED IN THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT

Returns on investments and servicing of finance
Other interest receivable
Bank overdraft and other borrowings
Finance leases and hire purchase contracts

Capital expenditure and financial investment
Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets
Proceeds of disposal of fixed assets
Payments to acquire intangible fixed assets

Acquisitions
Purchase of subsidiary undertakings
Purchase of businesses
Net cash acquired with subsidiary

Sale of businesses
Sale of dial up access
Sale of ADSL

Total acquisitions and disposals

Financing
Capital element of finance lease rentals 
and hire purchase contract payments

P a g e   3 1

Year
ended 31 
March
2003
£’000

15 months
ended 31
March
2002
£’000

204
(1)
(32)

171

(92)
-
-

(92)

-
-
-

-

-
-

-

-

587
(3)
(257)

327

(656)
135
(56)

(577)

(310)
(907)
310

(907)

2,960
1,977

4,937

4,030

(734)

(1,454)

IOMART GROUP PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Year ended 31 March 2003

23.ANALYSIS OF CHANGE IN NET FUNDS

Cash at bank and in hand

Finance leases and hire purchase

Net funds

24.PURCHASE OF SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS

Net assets acquired:
Tangible fixed assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors
Minority interest

Goodwill

Satisfied by:
Cash

25.PURCHASE OF BUSINESSES

Tangible fixed assets
Debtors

Goodwill

Satisfied by:
Cash

At 31 
March 
2002
£’000

6,519

(1,275)

5,244

Cash flow
£’000

(2,477)

734

1,743

At 31
March
2003
£’000

4,042

(541)

3,501

Year
ended 31 
March
2003
£’000

15 months
ended 31
March
2002
£’000

-
-
-
-

-
-

-

-

10
310
(38)
7

289
21

310

310

Year
ended 31 
March
2003
£’000

15 months
ended 31
March
2002
£’000

-
-

-
-

-

-

508
127

635
272

907

907

P a g e   3 2

IOMART GROUP PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Year ended 31 March 2003

26.SALE OF BUSINESSES

Tangible fixed assets
Debtors
Creditors

Write down of tangible fixed assets
Write down of intangible assets

Profit on disposal

Satisfied by:
Cash

Year
ended 31 
March
2003
£’000

15 months
ended 31
March
2002
£’000

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-

-

-

163
85
(51)

197
892
239

1,328
3,609

4,937

4,937

27.OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS

At 31 March 2003 the group was committed to making the following payments during the next year in respect of operating leases:

Leases which expire:
Within one year
Within two to five years
After five years

Land and 
buildings
31 March 
2003
£’000

51
28
115

194

Other
31 March
2003
£’000

9
10
-

19

Land and
buildings
31 March
2002
£’000

59
-
101

160

Other
31 March
2002
£’000

-
6
-

6

28.RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the period ended 31 March 2002 a subsidiary paid rent, in respect of an agreement which terminated on 30 June 2001, of 
£15,000 to Adabrock Broadcasting Company, a partnership in which Angus MacSween and Bill Dobbie are partners. There were no 
outstanding balances at 31 March 2002. There were no transactions with Adabrock Broadcasting Company in the year ended 31
March 2003.

On 27 March 1999 a subsidiary entered into a ten year property rental agreement with Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The rent was 
£55,000 per annum with a two year rent free period. Neil Finlayson, who was a director of the company until 26 June 2002, was also a 
director of Highlands and Islands Enterprise. On 8 January 2002 the group’s interest as tenant under the lease was assigned to Centrica 
Telecommunications Limited. There were no outstanding balances at 31 March 2002. There were no transactions with Highlands and 
Islands Enterprise in the year ended 31 March 2003.

All the above transactions were carried out at arms’ length.

P a g e   3 3

IOMART GROUP PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Year ended 31 March 2003

29.FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The group does not trade in financial instruments. The group has no undrawn committed borrowing facilities (31 March 2002 - nil). 
Short-term debtors and creditors have been omitted from all disclosures other than the currency profile.  The fair value of the group’s cash 
balances is the same as the carrying values as disclosed in the balance sheets on pages 16 and 17. Interest on floating rate bank 
deposits is based on the Bank of Scotland base rate plus ten basis points.

P a g e   3 4

IOMART GROUP PLC

NOTICE OF THE 2003 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2003 annual general meeting of iomart Group plc will be held at Fleming Pavilion, Todd Campus,
West of Scotland Science Park, Glasgow G20 0XA on 24 June 2003 at 12 noon, for the purpose of considering and, if thought fit, 
transacting the following business:- 

1 

Ordinary Business

1.1 

to receive and adopt the accounts of the company and the directors’ and auditors’ reports thereon for the year ended 
31 March 2003;

1.2 

to reappoint Sarah Haran as a director of the company;

1.3

to reappoint Nick Kuenssberg as a director of the company;

1.4 

to reappoint Deloitte & Touche, Chartered Accountants, as auditors of the company and to authorise the directors to fix their 
remuneration; 

1.5 

to approve the report of the board to the members on directors’ remuneration for the year ended 31 March 2003.

2 

Special Business

to consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolution as an ordinary resolution:-

that the directors be and they are hereby empowered generally and unconditionally authorised to exercise all of the powers of the 
company to allot relevant securities (within the meaning of Section 80(2) of the Companies Act 1985) subject always to the provisions 
of the articles of association of the company provided that:-

the maximum nominal amount of relevant securities to be allotted in pursuance of such authority shall be £225,781; and

this power shall expire, unless sooner revoked or varied by the company, on the conclusion of the next annual general meeting 
of the company or the expiry of the period of 15 months from the date of the passing of this resolution whichever is the earlier, 
save that the company may before such expiry make an offer or agreement which would or might require relevant securities to 
be allotted after such expiry and the directors may allot relevant securities in pursuance of such offer or agreement as if the 
power conferred hereby had not expired.

(a)

(b)

And

to consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolution as a special resolution:-

3

that the directors be and are hereby empowered pursuant to section 95(1) of the Companies Act 1985 (the “Act”) to allot equity 
securities (within the meaning of Section 94 of the Act) pursuant to the authority conferred by resolution 2 above as if Section 89(1) of 
the Act did not apply to such allotment provided that this power shall be limited to:-

(a)

an offer and allotment of equity securities by way of rights in favour of holders of ordinary shares where the equity securities 
respectively attributable to the interest of all such holders are proportionate (as nearly as may be) to the respective number of 
ordinary shares held, or deemed to be held, by them but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the directors may 
deem necessary or expedient in relation to fractional entitlements or any legal or practical problems under the laws of, or the 
requirements of any recognised regulatory body or any stock exchange in, any territory; and

(b)

the allotment (otherwise than pursuant to (a) above) of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal amount of £53,795;

P a g e   3 5

IOMART GROUP PLC

NOTICE OF THE 2003 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (CONTINUED)

provided that this authority shall expire, unless sooner revoked or varied by the company, on the conclusion of the next annual general
meeting of the company or the expiry of the period of 15 months from the date of the passing of this resolution whichever is the 
earlier, unless sooner revoked or varied by the company in general meeting and save that the company may before such expiry make 
an offer or agreement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and the directors may allot equity 
securities in pursuance of such offer or agreement as if the authority conferred hereby had not expired.

By order of the board 

Stewart Moir
Company Secretary
20 May 2003 

Fleming Pavilion, Todd Campus
West of Scotland Science Park
Glasgow G20 0XA

Notes

1. 

2. 

3.

The register of directors’ interests in the share capital of the company and copies of directors’ service contracts or letters of 
appointment with the company will be available for inspection at the registered office of the company during usual business hours on 
any weekday (public holidays excluded) from the date of this notice until the date of the meeting.

A member of the company entitled to attend and vote at the above meeting may appoint one or more proxies (whether a member or 
not) to attend, and on a poll, vote instead of him.  A form of proxy is enclosed.  To be effective this form of proxy must be deposited, 
together with the power of attorney or other authority under which it is executed or a notarially certified copy of such power or 
authority, at the office of the company’s registrars, Capita IRG plc, Bourne House, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 4TU, 
not later than 48 hours before the time of the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Completion of a form of proxy will not preclude a 
member from attending and voting in person.

For the purposes of determining who is entitled to attend and vote (whether on a show of hands or on a poll) at the meeting a 
person must be entered on the register of members not later than 48 hours before the time of the meeting, or any adjournment 
thereof.

P a g e   3 6

iomart Group plc
Fleming Pavilion, Todd Campus, West of Scotland Science Park, Glasgow, G20 0XA

Tel: +44 (0)141 931 7000 / Fax: +44 (0)141 931 7001 

www.iomart.com

iomart Group 2003.