Quarterlytics / Communication Services / Specialty Business Services / James Fisher & Sons plc

James Fisher & Sons plc

fsj · LSE Communication Services
Claim this profile
Ticker fsj
Exchange LSE
Sector Communication Services
Industry Specialty Business Services
Employees 1001-5000
← All annual reports
FY2022 Annual Report · James Fisher & Sons plc
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
Annual Report 2022

HARNESSING 
THE BLUE 
ECONOMY 

Energy

Defence

Marine

Strategic report

Annual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc

Welcome

We are a global group of  
We are a global group of  
marine engineering businesses.  
marine engineering businesses.  
Together, we enable seismic shifts 
Together, we enable seismic shifts 
in the way the world generates 
in the way the world generates 
power, protects natural resources 
power, protects natural resources 
and transports goods.
and transports goods.

Energy

Defence

Marine

In this Annual Report we report on the progress we made in 
2022 in returning to sustainable, profitable growth.

Our Strategic  
report
How our business performed in 
delivering against our strategic 
priorities in 2022.

Our Corporate  
Governance report
How we are managed and take 
decisions, including our report on 
Directors’ remuneration.

Our Financial  
statements 
Detailed information on our finances, 
as well as information for shareholders 
and readers of this Annual Report.

 See our Strategic report 

from page 02

 See our Corporate Governance 

 See our Financial statements 

report from page 74

from page 116

Annual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plcJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022

0101

Inside this report

02
04 
06

STRATEGIC REPORT
We are James Fisher and Sons plc 
At a glance 
Chairman’s review 
An interview with Jean Vernet,  
Chief Executive Officer  
08
Business model and strategy  
10
Key performance indicators 
12
Our markets 
13
Chief Executive Officer’s review 
14
Our divisions 
18 
Sustainability 
26
– Governance  
27
 28
– Our sustainability strategy 
– Engaging for value 
30
– Alignment with sustainability frameworks  32
– Planet 
34
– People 
42
– Partnerships 
52
Non-financial key performance indicators  56
Financial review 
58
Principal risks and uncertainties 
62
Viability statement 
71
Non-financial information statement 
72

GOVERNANCE
Governance at a glance  
Chairman’s introduction to  
corporate governance 
Governance framework 
Board of Directors 
Corporate governance report 
Nominations Committee report  
Audit Committee report 
Directors’ remuneration report  
Directors’ report  
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Independent auditor’s report 
Consolidated income statement 
Consolidated statement of other  
comprehensive income 
Consolidated and Company statement  
of financial position 
Consolidated and Company cash  
flow statement 
Consolidated statement of changes  
in equity 
Company statement of changes  
in equity 
Notes to the financial statements  
Subsidiaries and associated  
undertakings 
Group financial record  
Investor information 

74 

76
 78
80
82
 86
89 
 94
111
115

116
126

127

128

129

130

131
132

192
196
197

OUR DIVISIONS
We have four reporting divisions 
that bring together companies in 
the Group that have complementary 
products, services and areas of 
expertise. Together, these divisions 
serve the energy, defence and 
marine markets.

OUR CULTURE
We encourage a culture of 
innovation, creativity and 
opportunity. We use the insight from 
our engagement surveys to guide 
the actions we take to ensure the 
best people want to join, stay and 
grow their careers with us.

MARKET PRESENCE
Our global footprint represents the 
diverse range of customers and 
markets we serve. Our network of 
Group company facilities, partners, 
agents and support bases means we 
can deliver flexible, highly responsive 
and localised support to our 
customers, wherever they need it.

SUSTAINABILITY AT  
OUR CORE
Sustainability is integral to 
everything we do so it’s reflected 
in our purpose. Our sustainability 
strategy puts all our stakeholders  
at the heart of what we do and  
how we choose to work. 

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report0202

We are James Fisher and Sons plc

PIONEERING SAFE AND TRUSTED 
SOLUTIONS TO COMPLEX PROBLEMS 
IN HARSH ENVIRONMENTS TO CREATE 
A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.

2.2GW

of monitored and 
managed offshore 
substation assets

30

of the world’s Navies 
are served by us

175

years working at sea

We are a responsible custodian of oil and gas service delivery and pioneer solutions for renewable energy. An essential and innovative provider of subsea security and defence in an increasingly fragmented and complex world. A long-standing  UK ship operator.Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc0303

Always guided by our values:

PIONEERING SPIRIT

We respond innovatively to our customers’ 
current and future needs. We think 
creatively and challenge conventional 
thinking.

INTEGRITY

We do the right thing. We treat others  
as we’d like to be treated, listening 
respectfully and speaking honestly.  
We build relationships based on trust  
and fairness.

ENERGY

We love what we do and take pride in our 
work – delivering exceptional results for our 
stakeholders. We are empowered to take 
the right decisions quickly. 

RESILIENCE

We are accountable and courageous, facing 
into difficult situations. We are tenacious, 
seeking feedback to learn and develop.

Strategic reportJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 20220404

At a glance

Guided by our purpose and valued behaviours, and inspired by the 
unlimited possibilities of the marine environment, our family of businesses 
enables seismic shifts in the way the world generates power, protects 
natural resources and transports goods. 

WHO WE ARE

WHAT WE DO

WHY IT MATTERS

Global trends are driving demand across 
all three of our key markets.

Energy
2022 saw us enter a global energy crisis 
of unprecedented depth and complexity, 
exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 
Globally, we are navigating growing demand  
for energy, reduced supply, and increasing 
focus and investment in clean energy and 
efficiency. As a Group we are well positioned 
to play a responsible role in an evolving oil 
and gas sector as well as having the expert 
capabilities to support the accelerating 
investment in offshore wind around the globe.

Defence
Driven by geopolitical tensions, the global 
defence market is estimated to be growing 
at a compound annual growth rate of 3–4% 
(2021 to 2028). With an expertise in submarine 
rescue and special operations, we play a 
critical role in the provision and in-service 
support of life support equipment which 
ensures the safety of those who dedicate their 
lives to protecting our maritime infrastructure. 

Marine
As economic activity increased through 2022, 
so did demand in the maritime transport 
sector. We saw an increase in demand for 
ship-to-ship transfers of LNG. 

  Read more on our markets on page 13

We help our customers solve operating 
challenges in the energy, marine, and 
defence markets. The services we offer 
include:

Energy
• Oil and gas: we support the full lifecycle

of production from exploration, development
and monitoring, to well productivity and
decommissioning.

• Renewables: we partner with developers
and operators to provide site preparation,
installation support, commissioning and
maintenance for offshore wind projects.
We also provide marine life and environmental
protection through big bubble barrier
technology that reduces noise emissions.

• Nuclear: our services include new build,
engineering concept design and testing,
through to end-of-life decommissioning.

Defence
• We are a leader in the provision of submarine

rescue and technical solutions, special
operations and diving equipment for the
global defence industry.

Marine
• We operate a fleet of chemical and product
tankers, which mainly trade along the UK
and northern Europe coastline as well as
in the Caribbean islands. We also provide
ships with technical and crew management
services.

• As well as ship-to-ship transfer services of
oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), we offer
mooring and fendering solutions.

We have a long history. 
From our origins as a 
ship owner and operator 
175 years ago, to our 
position today as a global 
provider of trusted marine 
engineering solutions.

Our highly skilled global team  
has deep domain expertise  
across our markets, enabling us  
to design and deliver solutions to 
the most demanding operational 
and technical challenges faced by 
our customers around the world. 

Employees

Countries

2,367
18

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plcHIGHLIGHTS 

HOW WE WORK

Across our family of businesses we are 
united by our shared purpose and valued 
behaviours which guide how we work 
together and with all our stakeholders. 

We work with courage and integrity by 
focusing on our customers’ needs and 
empowering our people to find the right 
solutions and make the right decisions.

Safety comes first
We work in challenging, high-risk 
environments. Protecting our people, those 
who work with us and those who will be 
impacted by our activities, is our first priority. 
Any incident is one too many. 

 Read more about our culture of safety  

on page 50

Our achievements in 2022 will contribute 
to our future growth and demonstrate our 
ability to meet growing demand in our 
markets. Highlights include:
Energy
Alongside increased demand for renewable 
energy, there is a growing need for responsible 
practices and carbon capture projects to 
optimise extraction from old or uneconomical 
oil fields. Experts in artificial lift, RMSPumptools 
opened a new facility in Al Khobar, Kingdom  
of Saudi Arabia (KSA), to serve the Middle East 
oil and gas market.

Defence
JFD – diving, submarine and hyperbaric rescue 
expert – won the prestigious NATO Submarine 
Rescue System contract worth £63m. The 
‘Third In-Service Support’ (3ISS) contract, 
sees JFD continuing to deliver safety critical 
operational assurance services to NSRS for the 
next five years with the potential to be extended 
to nine years.

Marine
Our Tankships division rebounded well in 2022 
with robust performance driven by improved 
overall utilisation of 92% compared to 86% 
in 2021. Favourable market conditions led to 
improved earnings. Idle days were reduced by 
47% YoY and time charter equivalent earnings 
for the coastal fleet improved YoY by 42%. Our 
STS operations, run by Fendercare, transported 
LNG with a market value of over $850m in 2022.

0505

OUR HEADLINE FIGURES
Revenue –   
continuing operations (£m)

£478.1m

2021: £442.4m

Underlying operating profit – 
continuing operations* (£m)

£26.4m

2021: £28.0m

Profit/(loss) before tax – 
continuing operations (£m)

£14.5m

2021: £(28.9)m

Cash from operating  
activities (£m)

£44.5m

2021: £55.0m

Net borrowings (£m)

£185.8m

2021: £185.6m

 Read more on our key performance 

indicators on page 12

*  Excludes adjusting items.

James Fisher uses alternative performance measures (APMs) 
to assess the underlying performance of the business. An 
explanation of APMs is set out in Note 2 of the financial 
statements and explanation and reconciliation.

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report 
06

Chairman’s review

The Company I joined in 
2021 faced several strategic 
and operational challenges. 
It was a portfolio of diverse 
businesses which lacked 
either synergies or a common 
Company purpose; it had 
an overly leveraged Balance 
Sheet, a complicated 
organisational structure and 
a lack of operational focus 
and commercial control – all 
of which had contributed to 
the disappointing financial 
performance over the past 
couple of years. I am pleased 
to report that early progress 
has been made to address 
these challenges with a new 
leadership team in place  
and progress on refinancing 
our borrowing facilities to 
provide a stable platform for  
the Group. 

Given our debt maturity profile, we had originally 
planned to refinance later in 2023. However, 
the technical restrictions and subsequent bank 
waiver relating to parent company guarantees 
on the disposal of James Fisher Nuclear 
accelerated this process. As announced on  
26 April 2023, we have agreed terms on a new, 
secured, £210m revolving credit facility with our 
existing lenders. Conditions to be completed 
post-signing of the loan documentation relate 
to finalising security and some inter-bank 
arrangements. We anticipate that the refinancing 
will complete over the coming weeks.

These recent developments have led to a 
regrettable delay in the publication of our 
Results and Annual Report for 2022 for which 
we apologise. However, the business has 
performed well during the first quarter of 2023 
with revenue and profit above our internal 
Budget and well ahead of the prior year.

Financial performance
After the three years, from 2019 to 2021, which 
saw the Company’s underlying operating profit 
fall by 58%, to £28m, 2022 was a year of 
stabilisation. 

Angus Cockburn 

We entered 2023 as a more 
streamlined company and with  
a new senior management team.

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc07

Revenues from our continuing operations grew 
year-on-year by 8.1% to £478.1m, reflecting 
growth in our Marine Support, Offshore Oil 
and Tankships divisions, which was partially 
offset by a disappointing year in our Specialist 
Technical division. Underlying operating profit 
from continuing operations is 5.7% below 2021 
at £26.4m (2021: £28.0m) due to improved 
profitability across Marine Services, Tankships 
and Offshore Oil which was offset by significant 
profit falls in our Defence and Nuclear businesses, 
the latter of which is disclosed as a Discontinued 
Operation. Operating margins from continuing 
operations remained weak at 5.5% (2021: 6.3%) 
and improving our operational performance 
to increase margin is a key priority for the new 
leadership team going forward. 

As noted last year, the poor performance of 
several past acquisitions has contributed to 
an increase in debt levels and a long-term 
decline in return on operating capital employed 
(ROCE)*, which fell to 3.6% in 2021. In 2022, 
ROCE improved to 3.9% which remains an 
unsustainably low level long-term. As a result, 
one of our priorities in 2022 was to dispose of 
non-core assets and reduce the level of the 
Group’s leverage. I am pleased to report that we 
were successful in doing so. Three businesses 
were sold in December 2022, being the Mimic 
and Prolec businesses and the UK operations of 
Strainstall; and, subsequent to the year end, the 
Swordfish dive support vessel. All disposals were 
from the Marine Support division. The business 
sales in December raised £18.5m in proceeds, 
helping to reduce our net bank borrowings at the 
year end from £139.6m to £132.9m. The sale 
of the Swordfish vessel has reduced net debt 
further, by £20m, with these proceeds being 
received in January 2023.

We have continued to streamline and focus our 
portfolio and sold the Nuclear Decommissioning 
business in March 2023. This disposal will not 
reduce debt but will help the Company streamline 
its activities to improve our focus on our chosen 
end markets and will help to improve our 
operating margin. This refocusing of the portfolio 
will continue over the next couple of years.

I regret that, having not paid a dividend in 2021, 
we were unable to pay an interim dividend 
in 2022 and the Board is not recommending 
the payment of a final dividend for the year. I 
recognise the disappointment this will cause our 
shareholders, and I am committed to rectifying 
this, once circumstances permit. 

A new CEO 
Having joined the Company in 2019, Eoghan 
O’Lionaird stepped down as Chief Executive 
Officer (CEO) in early September and I would 
like to thank him for having steered us through 
a difficult period in the Company’s history – not 
least including the challenges presented by the 
COVID-19 pandemic. 

*  ROCE is an APM. An explanation and reconciliation of 
APMs is set out in Note 2 of the financial statements.

His place as CEO was taken by Jean Vernet, 
whom I am delighted to welcome to the Board. 
Jean, who was most recently Chief Executive 
Officer of Smiths Group’s largest division, John 
Crane, is an internationally experienced business 
leader with extensive energy sector knowledge 
and experience. His background is ideally suited 
to leading the turnaround of James Fisher and 
then positioning the Company to prosper in 
markets with growth potential where it has 
competitive advantage. I am delighted to see the 
injection of pace that Jean has brought and wish 
him every success not only with addressing the 
undoubted challenges that lie ahead but also 
steering the Company towards expansion in  
the future.

Reshaping the Company
Under Jean’s leadership, we have embarked  
on reshaping the Company, to turn it from being 
a collection of disparate businesses into a group 
with a more coherent structure and purpose that 
is able to realise the synergies inherent in being 
part of James Fisher. This will take time and will 
require major organisational and cultural change 
over the coming years against a challenging 
backdrop in terms of balance sheet and operating 
environment. Pace is therefore critical and, 
from 1 January 2023, the Company has been 
reorganised into three new divisions which reflect 
our customer verticals, namely Energy, Defence 
and Maritime Transport. Each is now directed 
by a divisional leader, two of whom have been 
recruited externally. We believe this integration  
will make our businesses more understandable to 
customers and will enable us to capture operating 
efficiencies. We are well placed to take advantage 
of the energy transition, with businesses designed 
to support the growth of offshore wind farms 
and making traditional oil and gas operations 
more sustainable – including through safe 
decommissioning. We are world leaders in a 
number of specialist areas of marine and deep 
sea operations, both for defence and commercial 
sector clients. 

We now have a number of key priorities. First, 
we have to turn around the Group’s financial 
performance. Through improving profitability 
and asset utilisation we will reduce net debt 
and deliver a value enhancing return on capital 
employed. Central to this is focusing the portfolio 
on businesses with attractive end markets and 
competitive advantage – which means divesting 
businesses which fail to meet these criteria. 
Secondly, we will continue to simplify and prioritise 
the delivery of high quality products and services 
to our customers, while capturing the synergistic 
benefits of being part of James Fisher. Thirdly, we 
must improve execution across the Group through 
our business excellence programme, and finally 
we will create a clearer strategy for recruiting and 
developing talented employees. These actions 
will enable us to build a strong platform for future 
growth and allow our stakeholders to share in the 
benefits after disappointing recent financial and 
operational results.

We operate in some exciting growth markets 
described by Gunter Pauli in his book, ‘The Blue 
Economy’ as the “sustainable use of ocean 
resources for economic growth, improved 
livelihoods and jobs while preserving the health  
of the ocean ecosystem”. Areas such as maritime 
transport and offshore oil and gas are already well 
established, while renewable energy in particular 
offers new opportunities over the longer term. 
We are already developing solutions to preserve 
the health of the ocean ecosystem, for example, 
our bubble curtain solution which protects sea life 
from the acoustic impact of constructing offshore 
windfarms.

Employees
In common with most businesses, James Fisher 
is dependent on the capability and commitment 
of its employees. We value our employees highly 
– they are the lifeblood of the Company – and the 
Board spends considerable time on Health and 
Safety, employee wellbeing and following up the 
results of the annual engagement survey. This 
year, in the face of the global challenges posed 
by increases in the cost of living, we also looked 
to support the most vulnerable of our employees 
with one-off payments, as well as weighting 
annual pay increases towards those earning the 
least. I am very grateful to all our employees for 
their resilience in difficult times and appreciate 
the hard work that is going into improving our 
operational and financial performance. 

Conclusion
James Fisher has experienced a challenging few 
years is something of an understatement and 
any turnaround of the scale we are undertaking 
will take time and carries a degree of risk, 
meaning there will likely be bumps along the 
way. However, the energy and direction that the 
new leadership team, under Jean Vernet, has 
brought to the Company in only a few months 
gives the Board confidence that the challenges 
we face are being addressed at pace. We have 
identified the strategic priorities and execution 
is already underway. We entered 2023 as a 
more streamlined company with a new senior 
management team and a strategy for the 
future based around “Focus, Simplification and 
Delivery”. We have made progress in refinancing 
our borrowing facilities to provide a stable financial 
platform from which to execute our plans.

I am confident that what we are setting out 
to achieve is right for James Fisher and its 
stakeholders, reflecting its DNA as a 175-year-
old business built on the sea and its marine 
environment. Implementing our strategy and 
taking advantage of our position in a number 
of the growing markets of the “Blue Economy” 
should ensure a brighter future for James Fisher  
in the years to come.

Angus Cockburn 
Chairman

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report08

An interview with Jean Vernet, Chief Executive Officer

Jean Vernet joined James Fisher as Chief Executive 
Officer on 5 September 2022. Jean has considerable 
experience working in global energy and technology 
sectors. Prior to joining James Fisher, Jean was Chief 
Executive Officer of Smiths Group’s largest division, 
John Crane, driving growth across operations in over 
50 countries. 

Q. What was it that appealed to you about 
James Fisher?

A few thoughts immediately captured my 
imagination as soon as I engaged into 
discussions for the role. What struck me first 
was the passion our colleagues share for 
the sea, with its unbound possibilities, and 
the individual calling they have to make a 
difference through their personal contribution. 
Then, the towering legacy of a 175-year rich 
history, through which James Fisher has 
shown remarkable resilience, surviving so 
many drastic economic transformations and 
disruptive technology shifts, adapting to ‘the 
next big thing’, embracing novel business 
models and taking calculated risks to survive 
and rebound after many crises. 

It is quite an honour to take the helm of the 
Company and having the chance to write the 
next chapter of the fascinating story together, 
driving James Fisher to its full potential. Talking 
of chapters, the very first thing I did to learn 
about James Fisher was to read, ‘Around the 
Coast and Across the Seas – The Story of 
James Fisher’ by Nigel Watson. It’s a wonderful 
account of James Fisher’s history from 1847 
to 1997. There are not many companies that 
have their own history book!

Q. What’s been your highlight so far?

The employees of James Fisher are the 
highlight. They have grit, determination and 
a gripping passion for what they do. The 
pioneering spirit we talk about in our valued 
behaviours is innate and a culture trait that has 
enabled us to adapt through change. They 
have welcomed me to James Fisher and have 
been incredibly generous with their time and 
their knowledge. I don’t take this for granted, 
and without it I would not have been able to 
learn about the business.

Q. What did you focus on for your first  
90 days? 

I spent my first 90 days visiting as many sites 
as I could around the globe and meeting 
customers and partners. I manage by walking 
around to see and hear what is going on; to 
talk to those on ships and in workshops and 
support offices is, for me, the only way to 
understand and feel what a business is truly like.

Q. Has anything surprised you?

The depth of ‘guerrilla’ innovation going on 
around the Group surprised me. It has the feel 
of a start-up, but at scale; I expected to see 
some level of innovation, but not as broadly 
as I found. Also, everywhere I went, the teams 
that were quite customer focused, engaging in 
understanding their needs and giving their best 
to serve in new and original ways; that often 
translates into inspirational feats of innovation 
and ingenuity. As a Group, if we can find some 
ways to harness this innovating culture and 
leverage it across broader markets, I can see 
we’re going to unlock some incredible value. 

FOCUS
SIMPLIFY
DELIVER

Q. What makes you excited about the 
future for James Fisher?

I think James Fisher has many great 
opportunities ahead across our three customer 
verticals and that’s reflected in many sections 
across this Annual Report. But, if I had to pick 
just one, it would be the energy transition. 
Because of the climate shift we are facing, 
renewable energy will grow exponentially 
to meet increasing energy demand. But, 
renewables will not be enough. All energy 
systems (oil, gas, natural gas, hydrogen, wind, 
solar) are interconnected and we need them 
all for some considerable future to meet the 
demand, especially in emerging markets. The 
key challenge is how do we best help any form 
of energy going forward to be sustainable, by 
being more efficient, less carbon intensive and 
environmentally less invasive. James Fisher has 
a lot to offer to the oil and gas and renewable 
energy markets to help solve this critical global 
challenge.

Q. How would you summarise your 
approach to change at James Fisher?

Our priority is to regain credibility by delivering 
on our commitments to stakeholders.

Our priorities in 2023 are to: 

•  Focus: we had already made a commitment 

to rationalise our portfolio of businesses 
and to be more ‘asset light’. Our plan is 
to accelerate this. At the end of 2022 we 
agreed the sale of three businesses and  
our one remaining Dive Support Vessel. 

•  Simplify: we need to simplify all aspects in 
the ways we are working, by bringing clarity 
of purpose for the Company and making it 
easier to comprehend – for ourselves, for 
our customers and our stakeholders. We 
will drive this change in our mindsets and 
behaviours to ensure our actions deliver 
against our words and intent.

•  Deliver: we created a Business Excellence 
function whose purpose is to transform 
every aspect of our activities and the 
ways we work, starting with senior 
leadership, how we plan our strategy, 
enhance customer focus, improve our core 
processes, share and integrate knowledge, 
and develop people. Over the next two 
years, our priority will be to work towards 
business excellence, with our immediate 
priorities focused on safety and environment, 
project management and employee 
engagement.

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plcJames Fisher has a lot to 
offer to the oil and gas and 
renewable energy markets 
to help solve this critical 
global challenge.

Jean Vernet
Chief Executive Officer

09

RECENT CAREER SUMMARY

2017 – 2022: Smiths Group plc 
Chief Executive Officer, John Crane 

2012 – 2017: Expro 
International  
Group Ltd 
Chief Financial Officer 

2010 – 2011: Grid Net Inc 
Chief Financial Officer 

2008 – 2010: FormFactor Inc 
Chief Financial Officer 

2007 – 2008: Rio Tinto Group 
Director of Risk, Alcan 

1996 – 2007: Schlumberger Ltd 
Various financial and market-facing roles 

Strategic reportJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 202210

Business model and strategy

STRATEGY 
Our strategy is to focus on specific 
market sectors where we have, 
or can develop, a sustainable 
competitive advantage. United by 
our expertise as marine engineers, 
we focus specifically on the energy, 
defence and marine markets. 

We intend to grow organically by leveraging 
our existing skills, technology and asset 
base in areas of specialist expertise and 
through investment in people, working 
capital, equipment, and a growing element 
of intellectual property. We are evolving our 
organisational structure to encourage the 
delivery of internal synergies that support 
the strategy and drive efficiencies. Our 
organic growth will be supported by selective 
acquisitions and partnerships that expand 
our product or service offering, or extend 
geographical coverage to strengthen our 
value proposition.

We operate in harsh and challenging 
environments where our specialist expertise 
in solving complex problems in response 
to customer needs is highly valued and 
rewarded. We pursue opportunities in market 
segments and geographies that are less 
mature and fast-growing where our track 
record in delivering safe and trusted solutions 
provides assurance to our customers. 
Our specialist capabilities create further 
possibilities to pursue adjacent market 
sectors and exploit integration opportunities 
to increase the value we create.

BUSINESS MODEL
Our strategic business model unites us through three key elements:

1. Our purpose and valued behaviours.

2. A sustainability strategy that puts our five core stakeholder groups at the centre  

of our decision-making.

3. Our focus on specific market sectors (energy, defence and marine markets) where  

we have, or can, develop a sustainable competitive advantage.

MARINE

Y

ENE R G

s

r

e

ol d

Share h

PIO

N

E

E

m

plo

y

e

e

s

E

R
I

N

G

S

P

I

R

I

T

s
r

e

E
n
v

i

r

o

n

m

e

n

t

R

E

S

I
L

I

E

N

C

E

E

N

E

R

G

Y

OUR PURPOSE

Local commu n i

t i e s

i
l

p
p
u
s
d
n

C ustomers a
T E G RITY

I N

E
C
N

DEFE

OUR CULTURE

WHY INVEST IN US

The key element at the heart of delivering 
our strategy is, of course, our people. 
Our customer-focused, entrepreneurial 
culture encourages personal accountability 
and development through understanding 
customers’ needs, overcoming the unique 
challenges of the environments in which we 
operate and supporting development and 
deployment of unique solutions focused on 
value creation for all our stakeholders through 
effective decision-making.

After a difficult few years, we are 
seeking to deliver sustainable 
value for our shareholders by 
implementing a strategy focused on 
simplifying and focusing the Group, 
delivering growth, improved margins 
and enhanced ROCE, while making 
a positive impact.

Growing demand

Within each of our core markets there are 
substantial opportunities for growth. The 
disruption caused by Russia’s invasion of 
Ukraine in 2022 has accelerated longer-term 
trends, driving increased focus across the 
globe on energy security, advancing the 
energy transition and increasing investment 
in defence. Our breadth of established 
capabilities mean we are well positioned to 
play a key role within traditional and new 
energy markets, transportation of critical 
supplies to smaller, regional hubs and keeping 
subsea defence workers safe. We anticipate 
additional opportunities to invest in less 
mature markets where our long-standing  
and proven experience can be applied. 

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc 
 
11

DELIVERING IMPROVED 
PERFORMANCE
Our goal is to enable a return to top quartile 
sustainable profitable growth.

Our focus on operational excellence 
requires that our businesses:

•  are cash-generative

•  have operating margins in excess  

of 10%

•  provide returns on capital employed  

in excess of 15%

ROADMAP TO IMPROVED 
PERFORMANCE

Focus
Rationalise our portfolio and be  
‘asset light’.

5

Simplify
Make all aspects of how we work easier  
to understand.

5

Deliver
Seek excellence in everything we do. 

VALUE FOR OUR STAKEHOLDERS
We identify with five core stakeholder groups: shareholders, employees, 
customers and suppliers, local communities and the environment. Their 
needs guide us when we are making decisions relating to Planet, People 
and Partnerships – the pillars of our Sustainability Strategy.

Planet
Transform and refocus  
our business to ensure our 
impact on the environment 
is net positive, and that we 
enable our stakeholders to 
do the same.

Focus areas
•  Portfolio choices

•  Resource efficiency

•  GHG emissions

People
Attract, develop, and retain a 
high-performing workforce, 
and enhance people’s lives 
by ensuring equal access 
to opportunities, providing 
purposeful and safe work, 
and promoting our core 
values where we operate.

Partnerships
Leverage our deep industry 
expertise and track record 
for excellence to innovate 
responsibly and deliver 
consistent, value generating 
results for our customers 
and shareholders.

Focus areas
•  Top talent

•  Diversity and inclusion

•  Health, safety and 

security

Focus areas
•  Innovation

•  Customer engagement

•  Governance

Established specialisms

Trusted, innovative partner

Performance focus

Our focus on solving difficult problems in 
specialist business segments sets us apart 
from potential competitors. Customers value 
our unique assets, capabilities and skills of  
our global network of businesses.

We are the primary fleet operator for the 
delivery of petrol, diesel and heating fuels 
to the ports of Britain and Ireland. We hold 
leading positions across several markets 
and geographies including in ship-to-ship 
transfers, submarine rescue, high-voltage 
engineering for offshore wind and subsea 
unexploded ordnance removal.

Throughout our 175 years, we’ve reliably 
demonstrated an ability to solve difficult 
problems in the harshest of environments, 
helping our customers navigate seismic shifts 
in economic and political contexts. We are a 
trustworthy partner with a reputation for safety, 
environmental consciousness and efficiency. 

We’re focused on actively managing our 
portfolio, reducing leverage and deploying  
a balanced capital allocation process, 
improving and scaling commercial and 
contracting capabilities and striving for 
a world-class safety, risk and project 
management culture. 

We combine subject matter expertise and a 
deep practical understanding of the reality 
of working in our chosen markets. In 2022, 
we’ve brought new innovations to market, 
including taking delivery of our first dual fuel 
vessels, playing a leading role in a consortia 
that will build and charter dual hull SOVs, 
designed to meet the challenge of offshore 
wind farm construction and successfully 
deploying a new well-abandonment 
technology to support the safe and efficient 
decommission of oil wells.

In 2022 we successfully completed the sale  
of three businesses that were non-core to our 
central purpose, vision and mission, as well  
as selling our remaining dive support vessel.

We have made significant progress in 2022 
to embed Lean disciplines and continuous 
improvement principles. In one business, 
delivery was 70% more likely to be on time 
within six months of implementing Lean,  
when compared to the preceding 12 months. 

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report12

Key performance indicators

Operating profit – continuing operations 

(£m)

Return on operating capital employed* 

(%)

£24.7m

£(20.7)m 

£(43.5)m 

2021

2020

2022 

£24.7m

2019 

2018 

£55.6m

£61.4m

3.9%

3.9%

3.6%

6.7%

2022 

2021 

2020 

2019 

2018 

The Group’s 2022 and 2021 operating profit results exclude operating 
losses from discontinued operations (2022: £4.2m; 2021: £nil). 

11.3%

12.2%

Underlying operating profit* –  
continuing operations 

£26.4m

(£m)

Cash flow from operating activities  

(£m)

£44.5m

2022 

2021 

2020 

2019 

2018 

£26.4m

£28.0m

£40.5m

£66.3m

£62.1m

2022 

2021 

2020 

2019 

2018 

£44.5m

£55.0m

£58.1m

£88.0m

£87.4m

The Group’s 2022 and 2021 underlying operating profit excludes 
operating losses from discontinued operations. The inclusion of 
discontinued operations would worsen the results to £19.1m in  
2022 and £28.0m in 2021. 

Underlying operating margin* –  
continuing operations 

(%)

Leverage* 

(times)

5.5%

2022 

2021 

2020 

2019 

2018 

2.7 times

5.5%

6.3%

7.8%

2022 

2021 

2020 

2019 

2018 

10.7%

11.0%

2.7

2.9

2.8

2.7

1.9

Underlying operating profit including discontinued operations was  
3.7% in 2022 and 5.7% in 2021.

*   Underlying operating profit, Underlying operating profit margin, return  
  on operating capital employed and leverage are Alternative Performance  
  Measures (APMs) that are reconciled and defined in Note 2 to the financial  
  statements.

Non-financial KPIs are set out in the Sustainability Report by 
reference to the priority areas. For any priority not currently 
including a non-financial KPI, metrics and targets are under 
development. 

 Read more about our non-financial KPIs on page 56

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc13

We have a global 
team to meet 
global challenges. 
With teams based 
in 18 countries 
around the 
world, our global 
network can be 
continuously 
available to our 
customers.

Our markets

Anticipating change to deliver innovation, operational 
excellence and specialist engineering in global energy, 
defence and marine markets.

OPPORTUNITIES
The necessity to achieve a reduced carbon 
footprint is driving demand across a number 
of areas that align with our specialism in 
our three chosen markets. This includes 
accelerating demand for low energy sources 
(such as gas, nuclear and renewables); greater 
regulation around information management; an 
increasing need for remote asset management; 
and requirements for basic resources that 
now require greater investment in defence 
capabilities. 

GLOBAL TRENDS
The three global mega trends of climate 
change and resource scarcity, shifting 
global economic power and technological 
breakthroughs continue to be our key market 
drivers, reinforcing our decision to focus on the 
core markets of energy, defence and marine. 
These long-term trends present opportunities 
for our stakeholders.

Climate change and resource 
scarcity
Climate change consequences and the need 
to cut emissions are driving a transition to 
renewable energy whilst population growth 
across developing markets is increasing 
demand for resources. Additionally, 2022 saw 
us enter our first global energy crisis, triggered 
by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Shifting global economic power
Economic growth within emerging markets 
is stimulating increased energy consumption 
whilst global political instability is escalating 
defence concerns and amplifying economic 
turbulence.

Technological breakthroughs
Technology is advancing exponentially, with 
significant transformation in data automation 
and visualisation. Effective and timely adoption 
of innovative technology is increasingly viewed 
as a prerequisite of successful differentiation.

James Fisher office locations

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report14

Chief Executive Officer’s review 

If the 175-year history 
of James Fisher and 
its distinguishing 
characteristics – a love of 
the sea and a pioneering 
spirit – were the first 
features that attracted 
me to join the Company 
in September 2022, my 
confidence in the scale 
of the opportunity for 
the business has only 
grown over the following 
months. 
I have found an organisation with genuine 
expertise in complex and unconventional 
facets of maritime life and businesses with 
unique, creative capabilities which solve 
customer problems and add value. I have also 
found a company of passionate and energetic 
people, resilient to pressure and adaptable to 
changing circumstances. 

I admired the ethos of one of the Company’s 
early leaders, Sir John Fisher, who said that 
in all of the years he had been in shipping, he 
had ‘rarely known a time when there was not 
a crisis of some sort’, but he believed there 
was always a rapid recovery waiting around 
the corner, provided preparations were made 
during the crisis itself. Reading up on the 
Company’s history, I was struck by the prompt 
responsiveness of James Fisher’s management 
to new challenges and opportunities, and 
the Company’s traditional adherence to 
financial prudence. I also discovered that on 
the occasions that financial prudence was 
forgotten, trouble soon emerged. It seemed  
to me there are lessons from the past that  
can be applied today. 

Straightforward analysis
In my first 90 days as CEO, I concentrated 
on getting to know employees at all levels 
within the Group and analysing what needed 
to be done to meet our commitments to 
stakeholders on the financial, sustainability 
and operational targets we had set ourselves. 
The outcome of this analysis was surprisingly 
straightforward:

•  We had to re-adopt financial prudence by 

divesting ourselves of non-core assets and 
focusing on our areas of expertise; 

•  We had to restore the culture of leaders 
being accountable for performance, 
delivered against clear corporate  
objectives; and 

Jean Vernet 

We have a brilliant culture of 
ingenuity and technology, and a 
mobile workforce with an appetite 
for deploying globally… There is 
everything to play for.

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc15

•  We had to build a simpler, united and 
cohesive organisation from what had 
become adjacent siloes.

I am pleased to report that we have already 
made very good progress in all three respects. 
We have been successful in divesting non-core 
businesses, as well as selling significant fixed 
assets, during the latter part of 2022 and into 
early 2023. We made important changes at 
senior management level across several of 
our businesses, to improve profit and loss 
(P&L) accountability, promoting energetic and 
disciplined leaders from inside the organisation, 
as well as bringing in new talent, who have 
a demonstrable track record in achieving 
operational targets. In order to simplify the 
Company and make it more understandable  
to customers, we are reorganising our 
businesses and building more integrated  
and effective teams.

One James Fisher
As a Group that has missed profit expectations 
several times over the last few years, our focus 
must be on rebuilding credibility, delivering 
on expectations and, of course, achieving a 
recovery in profitability. This means playing 
to our strengths of being unconventional, 
responsive and bold, and delivering operational 
excellence. In terms of simplification, it means 
that, rather than running a collection of 20 or 
so businesses, we need a mindset of being 
‘one James Fisher’. To underpin this, we have 
set up a single, tight, cohesive, decision-driven 
Executive Committee that concentrates on a 
limited set of shared priorities to achieve results 
for the whole Group. 

We have also reorganised the Group from 
1 January 2023 into three distinct divisions: 
Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. 
These divisions were chosen to align our 
internal structure to the market opportunities 
for the Group. The Energy division combines 
the old Marine Support and Offshore Oil 
divisions, minus Fendercare, which is added 
to the Tankships division to create Maritime 
Transport. JFD is the only component of the 
Defence division. 

Each division is led by new leaders, who 
were appointed because of their commercial 
acumen, their extensive industry experience 
and their rigorous focus on operational 
excellence. The divisional leaders sit on the 
Executive Committee, and their priority is to 
put the Group as a whole ahead of divisional 
objectives. 

An immediate outcome of working as 
one company is the pooling of operating 
resources internally. In addition, support 
functions, such as finance, HR, IT and legal, 
can be standardised and shared, eliminating 
unnecessary duplication.

As one James Fisher, it is vital that we all speak 
a common business language. Consequently, 
the Lean Six Sigma operating principles that 
have been in place in some parts of James 
Fisher are now being rolled out across the 
entire Group. Its purpose is to improve 
performance by systematically removing waste 
and reducing variation. We are embedding 
‘black belts’– professionals with a deep 
knowledge of Lean Six Sigma principles – in 
each of the three divisions, complemented by  
a larger number of ‘green belts’ with a very 
good understanding of the system. 

Relentless pursuit of targets
Armed with these tools and working to a 
simpler set of common corporate objectives, 
every business unit is now expected to pursue 
the targets of an operating profit margin of at 
least 10% and a return on capital employed 
of at least 15%. Businesses that are already 
achieving results beyond those metrics 
will continue to receive support to grow. 
Businesses meeting only one of those criteria 
will be supported to fix their operating model 
before they grow and businesses which are 
struggling to meet either goal will have their 
strategic merits and synergy value reviewed to 
form an assessment of their long-term viability 
within the Group. 

Our immediate priorities in 2023 are to improve 
health and safety at all levels, achieve better 
project management standards, increase 
diversity and drive stronger employee 
engagement. At our heart, we are a service 
company: giving employees the means to 
realise their full potential is absolutely critical to 
enabling us to make the changes we want and 
need. Through over 100 interviews conducted 
with employees in my first 90 days, I was 
heartened to find our colleagues consistently 
citing the impact of their individual contribution 
as the main reason they joined James Fisher 
and why they work for us now – to make a 
difference to the Company and also to the 
greater good. Our strategy is to invest and 
build on that wonderful foundation to create 
the James Fisher of the future. 

Innovation
During my deep dive into the Group, I was 
surprised and impressed by the innate spirit 
of innovation that exists in virtually every 
business. However, a lack of proper process 
and insufficient co-ordination has caused us to 
miss out on many of the market opportunities 
available. This can be fixed and I am confident 
that innovation will represent a significant 
growth driver for us over the long-term.

Looking to the future, I am very positive about 
the Group’s prospects, and not just because  
of the potential from innovation. The markets  
in which we operate are attractive. 

We stand to benefit from the energy transition, 
where we have a foot both in improving the 
sustainability of oil and gas and in enabling the 
exponential growth in renewables. In defence, 
long-term demand is strong for the safety 
critical life support equipment and services we 
supply. The prospects for maritime transport 
have been boosted by the increased trade in 
liquefied natural gas, owing to the reduction  
of Russian gas piped to Europe coupled with  
an increased emphasis on energy security. 

We have a brilliant culture of ingenuity and 
technology, and a mobile workforce with an 
appetite for deploying globally. That makes  
us an employer of choice for engineers the 
world over. Once we get our house in order  
as I have described, consistently achieving the 
highest standards of service delivery across  
all geographies, there is everything to play for. 

Outlook
In a macro-economic environment that remains 
uncertain for 2023, we expect our industry 
verticals to be robust. The outlook for oil and 
gas short and mid cycle outlook is favourable. 
This will be driven by strong exploration activity 
across international markets, and particularly 
in subsea, due to record global demand, 
enhanced by the urgency for energy security. 
Offshore wind will continue its unabated 
secular growth to meet 10% of electricity 
demand by 2040. Our ship-to-ship transfer 
activities will continue to benefit from the 
increased importance of liquefied natural gas 
as a source of energy, and our coastal shipping 
activity is well supported by a healthy demand. 
Subsea deterrence is seeing an increased 
focus in defence budgets, leading to an 
acceleration of opportunities for our products 
and services. 

Our 2023 priority is to show significant 
progress in our turn-around plan by 
implementing the simplification of our divisional 
structure, and by delivering on key change 
management objectives. Our focus areas 
are to improve safety, the predictability of 
our forecasts by strengthening our end-to-
end commercial process; to accelerate cash 
collection; and to show progress towards our 
10% underlying operating profit margin and 
15% ROCE targets across all of our business 
units. In addition, we are implementing the first 
steps of a five-year talent and people strategy 
which will be measured through our employee 
engagement. Our trading in Q1 2023 gives us 
confidence in the outturn for the year.

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report16

Chief Executive’s review cont.

The subsea business in Europe had a 
challenging year. Having secured a seasonal 
charter on a capable vessel to service diving 
and related projects in the North Sea, a last-
minute cancellation by the customer resulted 
in under utilisation of the vessel and a financial 
loss in the region. On assessing the future 
prospects for this business, and having regard 
to a number of years of underachievement, an 
impairment of £4.4m has been recognised in 
respect of goodwill within adjusting items.

EDS, which provides high voltage cabling 
services to the offshore wind industry 
experienced significant business disruption due 
to high turnover of staff in the first quarter of 
the year as a result of competitor recruitment 
activity. This resulted in an increase in operating 
costs as the business sought to continue to 
deliver on its customer commitments. The 
business enters 2023 in a stronger position 
and with a full complement of staff and under 
new leadership.

There has been little tangible progress on 
the major LNG project in Mozambique. We 
conducted a site survey in Q4 2022 which 
confirmed that there had been a significant 
impact on work that had previously been 
completed as a result of the disruption in 2021. 
The project remains on hold and the Group is 
ready to support re-mobilisation in due course.

Fendercare
The Fendercare Group delivered good revenue 
growth in the year, increasing by 13.5% to 
£88.4m (2021: £77.9m). However, operating 
profit remained flat as good progress in the 
products business was offset by a reduction 
in margins from ship-to-ship transfer services. 
The Asian business in particular saw pressure 
from the under-utilisation of fixed cost 
anchorages, with the team reducing the 
number of these to mitigate this risk going 
into 2023. Good progress was made with 
ship-to-ship transfer services of LNG, with 
increasing activity over the year as energy 
security concerns around the world drove 
greater demand. The business invested in 
two additional LNG transfer kits during the 
year and has retainer agreements in place 
with key customers to cover peak demand 
periods. The sale of related products, such 
as fenders, buoys and anchors showed 
stronger momentum during 2022. Recognising 
the pressure on operating margins, a cost 
restructuring exercise was completed 
during the year, which is expected to deliver 
annualised cost savings of £1.5m.

DDS
Revenue from the DDS businesses declined 
from £23.3m to £21.6m, principally due to 
Strainstall, which continued to experience 
difficult market conditions for its load and 
asset monitoring solutions. The UK business 
of Strainstall and the Mimic and Prolec 
businesses were sold in December 2022, in 
two separate transactions, having contributed 
£2.0m to the Group’s underlying operating 
profit in 2022. The retained AIS business 
made good operational progress, launching 
an updated and improved version of its Digital 
Twin technology and securing a number of new 
installations.

Specialist Technical
Continuing operations
The JFD business experienced a very 
challenging 12 months. Revenue reduced 
by 16.4% to £68.1m (2021: £81.5m) and 
underlying operating profit reduced to £0.6m 
(2021: £10.0m). The division is at a low point 
in its project business cycle, with a number of 
large contracts substantially completing during 
the year from a revenue and profit recognition 
perspective. Cash milestones associated with 
the final completion of two projects remain 
outstanding, having been delayed principally by 
lockdowns during 2022 in China. A long-term 
service contract has experienced challenges 
during the year, with the customer delaying 
payments until a number of rectification 
items were completed and a provision has 
been recognised in respect of potential 
future liabilities relating to local purchasing 
commitments. The team has worked diligently 
through this and although some work remains, 
receipts of amounts owed during January and 
February are positive evidence that the team is 
delivering well.

Looking forward, the business was awarded 
the third iteration of the NATO submarine 
rescue service (NSRS) contract in December. 
This contract, which commences in July 2023, 
has a revenue opportunity of up to £63m 
across a period of up to nine years. JFD has 
successfully completed the first two iterations 
of this contract. In total, the business has a 
contracted order book of £245m, of which 
c.£50m relates to 2023.

The forward-looking sales pipeline remains 
strong, with c.£250m of well qualified 
opportunities across its product portfolio.

Operating review 
Marine Support
The Marine Support division, consisting of 
Marine Contracting, Fendercare and Digital  
and Data Services (DDS), provides products 
and services to the marine and renewable 
energy markets. 

Marine Contracting principally provides subsea 
services to both the oil and gas and offshore 
wind markets; Fendercare provides essential 
ship-to-ship transfer services and related 
products; and DDS provides technology aimed 
at enhancing efficiency and productivity across 
a number of customer verticals. 

As part of the Group’s portfolio rationalisation 
strategy, three of the DDS businesses (being 
the Mimic and Prolec businesses and the 
UK operations of Strainstall) were sold in 
December 2022, generating £18.5m in gross 
proceeds and a profit on sale of £2.5m, which 
is disclosed in the financial statements within 
adjusting items. The Group has retained one 
business of significance within DDS, Asset 
Information Services (AIS), which provides 
digital twin technology, principally to offshore 
oil customers, that allows customers real-time 
asset monitoring capabilities.

After a difficult 2021 for this division, when 
revenue and underlying operating profit both 
declined, it achieved revenue growth of 
4.7% in 2022 and some positive progress on 
profitability, although as a division it remains 
below our 10% underlying operating profit 
margin target. Underlying operating profit 
improved to £7.9m, from £5.0m in 2021,  
and an operating loss of £21.0m in 2021  
has improved to an operating profit of £10.1m  
in 2022. 

Marine Contracting
The Marine Contracting businesses continued 
its turnaround during 2022. Revenue increased 
by 1.1% to £114.4m (2021: £113.1m) and 
underlying operating losses narrowed to £1.1m 
compared to £4.4m in 2021. The business 
successfully completed a number of projects 
during the year and operated the Swordfish 
dive support vessel for the whole of 2022.  
An agreement was reached to sell the 
Swordfish in December for US$24.0m, with 
cash proceeds received in January 2023. 
As a result, the value of the vessel on the 
Group’s balance sheet at 31 December 2022 
was increased by £5.4m, reflecting the uplift 
to market value and reversal of a previous 
impairment of this vessel. This uplift has 
been disclosed within adjusting items. The 
Group has retained access to the Swordfish 
vessel through a bareboat charter agreement 
which runs until the end of Q3 2023, allowing 
the business to service existing customer 
commitments. 

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plcOffshore Oil
The Offshore Oil division continued its positive 
momentum from 2021, achieving 23.5% 
revenue growth to £106.6m (2021: £86.3m) 
and 36.9% underlying operating profit growth 
to £15.2m (2021: £11.1m). 

All businesses within the division achieved 
growth in the year, with RMSPumptools 
delivering a particularly strong 42.7% growth in 
revenue, resulting in a strong performance for 
that business. High demand for its artificial lift 
products, which extend the life of oil wells, has 
continued into 2023, with a strong order book 
to start the year.

The ScanTech businesses, which principally 
provide well-testing services to the oil and gas 
industry and bubble curtain services to the 
offshore wind construction market achieved 
17.9% revenue growth. The Group’s innovative 
bubble curtain solutions, which provide a 
‘wall of air’ to protect wildlife from the noise 
of piling activity in offshore wind construction 
projects delivered growth of 13.9% from £7.2m 
to £8.2m. Demand for well-testing services 
remained at high levels as the oil and gas 
industry more broadly sought to minimise the 
impact of the conflict in Ukraine on global 
energy supplies.

James Fisher Offshore, which provides 
equipment rentals to offshore operators and 
decommissioning services to the oil and gas 
industry continued to make positive progress. 
Revenue from decommissioning projects in 
2022 showed good growth to £11.7m from 
£7.1m in 2021. We were pleased to complete 
at the end of the year the first project with the 
new Seabass technology, which was acquired 
in 2021. Decommissioning remains an early 
stage opportunity for the Group, but it is a 
potentially significant market opportunity over 
the longer term. 

In 2021, adjusting items of £16.3m were 
recognised in relation to goodwill impairment 
(£13.9m) and receivables £1.9m. The Group 
continues to pursue the recovery of the 
receivables balance, which related to one 
specific counterparty that is in a scheme of 
arrangement process and is hopeful of a 
resolution during 2023.

17

Change %

4.7 

58

n/m

Change %

(16.4)

(94.0)

n/m

Change %

23.5

36.9

n/m

Change %

31.3

79.2

n/m

2021

214.5

5.0

(21.0)

2021

81.5

10.0

7.1

2021

86.3

11.1

(5.2)

2021

60.1

4.8

1.3

MARINE SUPPORT

Revenue (£m)

Underlying operating profit (£m)

Operating profit/(loss) (£m)

2022

224.5

7.9

10.1

SPECIALIST TECHNICAL (CONTINUING OPERATIONS)

Revenue (£m)

Underlying operating profit (£m)

Operating (loss)/profit (£m)

OFFSHORE OIL

Revenue (£m)

Underlying operating profit (£m)

Operating profit/(loss) (£m)

TANKSHIPS

Revenue (£m)

Underlying operating profit (£m)

Operating profit (£m)

2022

68.1

0.6

(2.6)

2022

106.6

15.2

14.7

2022

78.9

8.6

9.9

Tankships
The Tankships business has recovered well in 
2022. The fleet has been highly utilised at an 
average of 88% over the course of the year 
(2021: 83%) and spot rates for shorter-term 
charters have been high even when compared 
to pre-pandemic rates. During 2022 34% 
(2021: 23%) of the fleet was deployed on 
short-term spot voyages, with 66% (2021: 
77%) contracted to longer-term charters.

The delivery of our two new dual-fuel (marine 
gasoil and LNG) vessels has now been 
completed, with The Sir John Fisher delivered 
in November 2022 and The Lady Maria Fisher 
delivered in January 2023. Both have now 
completed their first voyages and have joined 
the UK-based fleet. These new vessels were 
commissioned as part of our fleet renewal 
strategy and replace two tankers that have 
reached end of life. One was sold in 2022, 
generating a £0.9m profit on sale and the 
second is expected to be sold in 2023. 

The recent recovery in the market has led to 
a £0.3m reversal of an impairment recognised 
in 2021 against the carrying value of this 
second vessel. The profit on sale of £0.9m 
and impairment reversal of £0.3m have been 
shown as adjusting items in the year.

Cattedown Wharves, which serves the South-
West of England, performed well, with volumes 
of cargoes flowing through the port in line with 
pre-pandemic levels.

Discontinued operations
The results of JFN have been disclosed  
as a Discontinued Operation and Held for  
Sale in the 2022 financial statements. The 
business was sold to Rcapital in March 
2023. The Group retained several legacy 
parent company guarantees supporting the 
obligations of JFN (the “PCGs”). It generated 
an underlying operating loss of £7.3m in the 
year following challenges with its ongoing 
projects. Included within adjusting items is a 
further £13.3m loss, consisting of impairments 
of goodwill (£8.1m), property, plant and 
equipment (£3.9m) and anticipated costs 
of disposal (£1.3m). An income tax credit of 
£0.8m gives a total income statement charge 
in respect of Discontinued Operations of 
£19.8m in 2022 (2021: £0.1m).

Jean Vernet 
Chief Executive Officer

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report18

Our divisions

MARINE 
SUPPORT

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc19

(£m)

£224.5m

£214.5m

£249.4m

£311.6m

(£m)

2022

£10.1m

2019

£14.9m

Revenue 

£224.5m

2022 

2021 

2020 

2019 

Statutory operating profit/(loss) 

£10.1m

£(69.5)m 

£(21.0)m

2021

2020

Underlying operating profit* 

(£m)

£7.9m

2022 

£7.9m

2021 

£5m

2020 

2019 

£10.1m

Return on capital employed 

6.4%

2022 

2021 

2020 

2019 

6.4%

3.5%

5.0%

*  Before adjusting items.

£24.5m

(%)

11.9%

Our Marine Support businesses 
provide products, services and 
solutions to the global marine market. 
These are supplied to a range of end 
market sectors including marine, 
oil and gas, ports, construction and 
renewables.

JF Subtech
JF Subtech provides specialist 
subsea services in support 
of construction, operations 
and maintenance and 
decommissioning activities for  
the offshore wind, oil and gas and 
marine markets globally. Demand 
is driven by increased investment 
in marine infrastructure, asset 
management campaigns and 
decommissioning of legacy assets.

JF Strainstall 
JF Strainstall is a leading provider 
of structural integrity monitoring 
services and technologies. 

Falling outside our core areas 
of expertise we completed the 
divestment of Strainstall’s UK 
operations in December 2022 to 
British Engineering Services.

Fendercare
Fendercare is a leading provider  
of ship-to-ship transfers of oil  
and liquefied natural gas. The 
main market drivers are over-
supply, available storage capacity 
and fluctuations in prices caused 
by demand. Fendercare is also 
a leading provider of mooring 
and safety equipment to the 
global marine industry to support 
new-builds, conversions and 
port infrastructure development 
projects.

JF Renewables 
JF Renewables supports the 
global offshore wind market 
through the provision of highly 
specialist services employed 
in site preparation, installation, 
commissioning and operations 
and maintenance phases. 
Demand is driven by increased 
investment in offshore wind with 
increasing numbers of new sites 
being constructed and operational 
sites requiring support.

LNG GROWTH 
In 2021 we invested in a market-leading liquefied natural gas  
ship-to-ship system. As a result, in 2022 we were able to help 
transfer LNG with a market value of over $850m.

Strategic reportJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 202220

Our divisions cont.

SPECIALIST 
TECHNICAL

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc21

(£m)

£51.7m

£130.4m

£149.4m

(£m)

Revenue 

£110.9m

2022 
2022 

2021 
2021 

2020 

2019 

£68.1m

£42.8m

£81.5m

Statutory operating profit/(loss) 

£(23.2)m

£(20.6)m   

2022 £(2.6)m

£(0.1)m

2021 

£7.1m

£12.4m

2020 

2019 

Underlying operating profit* 

£(6.7)m

£(7.3)m

2022 £0.6m

£(0.1)m

2021 

£10.0m

£18.1m

(£m)

2020 

2019 

Return on capital employed 

£14.0m

£18.4m

(%)

(7.4)%

(7.4)%

2022

2021 

2020 

2019 

*  Before adjusting items.

9.8%

12.9%

16.7%

Our Specialist Technical businesses 
supply diving equipment and services, 
submarine rescue vessels and through-
life rescue services, special operation 
swimmer delivery vehicles, saturation 
diving systems and engineering 
solutions to the international defence, 
UK nuclear decommissioning and 
commercial diving markets.

JFN 
JFN provides engineered 
decommissioning solutions and 
remote handling equipment 
to the nuclear industry as well 
as calibration, servicing and 
repair services for radiological 
instrumentation. The market 
drivers for JFN are the demand 
for its products operable in 
hazardous environments, 
services and lifetime support 
from the UK decommissioning 
industry, radiological calibration 
requirements and projects within 
defence.

JFD 
JFD is a world leader in fixed and 
portable saturation diving systems 
and related diving equipment. 
Demand is largely driven by the 
construction and replacement 
of dive support vessels, which in 
turn drives ancillary service and 
product demand. Its end markets 
are oil and gas and defence, 
based on service, repair and 
ongoing calibration requirements, 
and projects requiring specialist 
diving equipment. 

JFD is also a leading provider 
of submarine rescue services 
with the ability to design, deliver 
and operate submarine rescue 
vehicles. The driver is the 
tendering of defence projects for 
provision of the equipment, which 
can lead to longer-term contracts 
to operate the service. The 
business also provides swimmer 
delivery vehicles to the special 
operations markets.

LONG-TERM TRUSTED DEFENCE PARTNER
In 2022 JFD secured a five-year NATO submarine rescue system 
contract renewal. The ‘Third In-Service Support’ (3ISS) contract, 
worth £63m, sees JFD continuing to deliver safety critical operational 
assurance services to the NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS).

Key

 Discontinued
 Continuing

Strategic reportJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 202222

Our divisions cont.

OFFSHORE 
OIL

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc23

(£m)

£106.6m

Revenue 

£106.6m

2022 

2021 

2020 

2019 

£86.3m

£78.0m

£88.2m

Statutory operating profit/(loss) 

(£m)

£14.7m

£(5.2)m

2021 

2022 

2020 

2019 

Underlying operating profit* 

£15.2m

2022 

2021 

2020 

2019 

Return on capital employed 

£8.4m

£11.1m

£11.2m

14.9%

2022 

2021 

2020 

2019 

*  Before adjusting items.

10.2%

8.9%

10.3%

£14.7m

£13.7m

(£m)

£15.2m

£11.1m

£14.2m

(%)

14.9%

Our Offshore Oil businesses supply a 
range of services and equipment to 
the global oil and gas and renewable 
energy industries. This includes the 
design and engineering of specialist 
equipment and technology, platform 
maintenance and modification, well 
testing support, subsea operations  
and maintenance services.

RMSPumptools
RMSPumptools is a world leader 
in artificial lift specialist completion 
technology and innovative 
accessory tools for electrical 
submersible pumps supplied 
to the global downhole oil and 
gas market. The driver for the 
business is the need to improve 
well productivity.

Fisher Offshore
Fisher Offshore provides 
engineering solutions, equipment 
and full project support for 
offshore and subsea operations 
in the oil and gas and marine 
sectors. Its market driver is 
maintenance, inspection and 
repair demand, and subsea 
pipeline and cable projects in 
the oil and gas, renewables and 
communication sectors with 
a particular focus on offshore 
decommissioning.

Scan Tech AS
Scan Tech AS is one of 
Norway’s leading providers of 
engineering, design, production, 
maintenance, installation and 
commissioning services in the oil 
and gas, renewables and aqua 
culture industries. Its equipment 
is designed and certified to 
NORSOK standards and supplied 
to the Norwegian oil and gas 
market for platform maintenance, 
well testing and specific projects, 
such as nanobubble oxygenation 
to deliver better water quality and 
fish welfare. The key driver for 
the business is the operation and 
maintenance spend on offshore 
rigs in the Norwegian sector.

ScanTech Offshore
ScanTech Offshore is a leading 
air and steam service provider 
to the global energy industry. 
Their specialised solutions 
include environmental mitigation 
equipment, air compressors, 
steam generators, heat 
suppression equipment and 
qualified personnel for large 
multinational oil service and major 
marine contracting companies 
in well testing and offshore wind 
markets worldwide. The driver for 
the business is the operation and 
maintenance spend on offshore 
rigs and the need to protect the 
marine environment with noise 
mitigation during offshore piling 
operations and unexploded 
ordnance (UXO) disposal.

DEMAND FOR TECHNOLOGY FOR RESPONSIBLE 
WELL PRODUCTIVITY
Experts in artificial lift, RMSPumptools has seen its most successful 
trading year since 2019 and opened a new facility in Al Khobar, 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), to serve the Middle East oil and  
gas market.

Strategic reportJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 202224

Our divisions cont.

TANKSHIPS

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc 
Our Tankships division operates a 
fleet of product and chemical tankers 
which trade along the UK and northern 
European coastline. Our vessels 
carry clean petroleum products and 
chemicals. The division also operates a 
port in Plymouth, UK.

James Fisher Everard 
(JFE)
James Fisher Everard (JFE) 
distributes clean petroleum 
products and chemicals around 
the European coast and to 
islands and ports with size 
restricted access. It operates a 
fleet of double-hulled product 
and chemical tankers with 
capacity ranging from 3,500mt 
to 35,000mt. The business driver 
is the level of consumption of 
clean petroleum products (petrol, 
diesel, gasoil and kerosene) 
and chemical/biofuels in North 
West Europe and the Caribbean 
islands where we operate. 
Products carried serve the marine, 
transport, agriculture, aviation and 
chemical industries.

Cattedown Wharves 
The division operates Cattedown 
Wharves, a port in Plymouth, 
which provides berthing and 
marine services to the oil 
majors which own tank farms 
in Plymouth. It also handles dry 
cargoes such as animal feed 
being imported into the South 
West and clay being exported 
from the region. The primary driver 
for the business is the level of 
consumption of clean oil products 
within the South West region of 
the UK.

James Fisher Shipping 
Services (JFSS) 
James Fisher Shipping Services 
(JFSS) provides technical vessel 
and crew management to the 
James Fisher fleet of tankers, 
as well as to the wider tanker, 
research and specialised vessel 
markets.

25

(£m)

£78.9m

Revenue 

£78.9m

2022 

2021 

2020 

2019 

£60.1m

£60.4m

£67.9m

Statutory operating profit/(loss) 

(£m)

£9.9m

2022 

2021  £1.3m

2020 

2019 

£9.9m

£8.0m

Underlying operating profit* 

£8.6m

2022 

2021 

2020 

2019 

£4.8m

£8.6m

£8.0m

Return on capital employed 

26.8%

2022 

2021 

2020 

2019 

*  Before adjusting items.

14.7%

26.8%

25.5%

£12.0m

(£m)

£12.0m

(%)

35.4%

DUAL FUEL TANKERS SUPPORT  
ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS
In 2022 we took delivery of the first of two 6,000dwt LNG dual-fuel 
chemical tankers that will be traded by James Fisher Everard (JFE) 
alongside its existing fleet. The second vessel is expected in Q1 2023 
and together they will replace two of our older conventionally-fueled 
vessels of the fleet, with a capacity to provide a 45% reduction of 
carbon emissions.

Strategic reportJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 202226

Sustainability

FOREWORD

We are a business that strives to 
successfully solve complex and 
difficult problems in some of the 
harshest environments. Guided by 
our valued behaviours, we do this 
by engaging and empowering our 
people to achieve.

At James Fisher we are committed to 
ensuring that our business model creates 
value for all our stakeholders; shareholders, 
employees, customers and suppliers, 
local communities in which we operate, 
and the environment, in a socially and 
environmentally responsible manner. 

We are committed to carrying out business 
fairly, honestly, and ethically across all our 
business activities. In support of this we 
aim to consider in all that we do, and report 
on Environmental, Social, and corporate 
Governance (ESG) factors. 

Jean Vernet
Chief Executive Officer

In this section

SUSTAINABILITY
– Governance  
27
– Our sustainability strategy  
28
– Engaging for value  
30
– Alignment with sustainability frameworks   32
Planet
– Portfolio choices  
– Resource efficiency  
– Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions  

34
35
36

– Transition to net zero and  

TCFD disclosures  

People
– Top talent  
– Equity, diversity and inclusion  
– Health, safety and security  
Partnerships
– Innovation  
– Customer engagement  
– Governance  

38

42
46
50

52
53
54

Introduction
Last year we published our first 
Sustainability Report as part of 
our Annual Report and Accounts 
2021. We talked about rising social 
inequality, the energy transition, 
climate change and other macro-
challenges facing the world today 
resulting in sustainability and 
profitability becoming intertwined. 

Our sustainability strategy is a fundamental part 
of our overall business model and is essential 
to ensure our sustainable, profitable growth.

We are committed to: 
•  Investing in capabilities and technologies  
to deliver a responsible energy transition

•  Harnessing the potential of our pioneering 

employees

•  Being good citizens of our local communities

•  Becoming a trusted partner for our 

customers and suppliers

•  Driving performance to improve returns for 

shareholders

What sustainability means to James Fisher
•  Delivering strong, profitable growth 

•  Building on our 175-year history 

•  Having a positive impact on all our 

stakeholders 

•  A shared vision and aspiration for change 

and doing better

 For more details see our separate  
2022 Annual Sustainability Report.

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plcSustainability cont. / Governance 

27

Meeting our targets and 
commitments, and effective 
management and tracking of our 
ESG performance requires clearly 
defined leadership and direction, 
and strategic influence. Therefore 
a robust and regularly reviewed 
governance structure is essential. 

During 2022 the Sustainability Committee 
carried out a review of the sustainability 
organisation and governance structure to 
support our overarching sustainability and 
climate change agenda. As a result, various 
clarifications and changes to the executive 
level committee were made in order that it 
could be as effective as possible in curating 
activities across our respective sustainability 
areas of focus. 

Sustainability Committee
Our Sustainability Committee, led by the 
Chief Executive Officer, reports directly to the 
Board of Directors and supports the Group’s 
sustainability strategy activation across all our 
operating companies.

Responsibilities
•  Recommending to the Board sustainability/

ESG objectives and strategy for the 
Group, having regard to the interests of its 
stakeholders.

•  Recommending to the Board non-financial 

KPIs and targets.

•  Successful execution of sustainability 

strategy and KPIs throughout the Group.

•  Ongoing oversight of implementation 

of the individual stakeholder objectives 
and strategies into operating companies, 
through review of regular reports from the 
stakeholder working groups.

•  ESG Performance reporting both internally 
and externally ensuring compliance where 
regulated.

Stakeholder working groups 
The Sustainability Committee is supported 
by stakeholder working groups, each with 
the mandate for identifying and driving best 
practice initiatives for implementation by the 
operating companies of the strategy and 
sharing of information and recommendations 
to the Committee.

Responsibilities
•  Translate overarching sustainability 

objectives and priorities into stakeholder-
focused objectives, KPIs and targets.

•  Identify, recruit, and empower sustainability 
champions within operating companies, to 
drive roll-out of sustainability communication 
and initiatives.

•  Adopt common activity policies among 
operating companies and locations and 
assist in coordinating compliance to achieve 
genuinely sustainable progression.

•  Uphold responsible business practices, 

develop and implement plans to conduct 
Group operations more responsibly, 
identifying opportunities to improve.

During 2023 the Group Business Excellence 
(BEx) team will drive standardisation through 
the Group’s internal processes. This will 
provide an energetic implementation 
framework to support our operating companies 
in achieving their sustainability objectives, 
reducing operating costs, and growing profit 
through greater productivity and efficiency 
in our systems and processes. Together, 
the sustainability and BEx programmes will 
provide a complete and dynamic solution for 
the business with a shared set of focus areas, 
objectives and KPIs, to drive:

•  Improved teamwork and collaboration.

•  Environmental, social, and economic 

consideration embedded into day-to-day 
practices.

•  Improved and streamlined performance 

tracking.

Sustainability 
is how we go 
about our work, 
as a business 
and individuals, 
without negatively 
impacting our 
local communities, 
the environment or 
society as a whole. 
When we get it 
right, everybody 
wins – today 
and tomorrow. 
A vibrant and 
responsible 
business is a great 
place to work and 
a company to be 
proud of.

Jennifer Colquhoun
Group Sustainability Manager

•  Arrange for periodic reviews of its own 

•  Clear, consistent, and transparent 

performance and, at least annually, review its 
constitution and terms of reference to ensure 
it is operating at maximum effectiveness.

communication between programmes and 
organisational levels.

•  Delivery of our sustainability commitments.

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report28

Sustainability cont. / Our sustainability strategy 

Ambition with purpose
Underpinned by our purpose and valued behaviours, the three pillars of our sustainability strategy –  
Planet, People, Partnership – reinforce each other and, together, support our business growth strategy.

In 2022 we implemented our sustainability strategy throughout the Group, launching all nine focus areas derived 
from the materiality assessment completed in 2021. 

PEOPLE
Improve the lives of our people  
and those in the communities in which  
we operate

OUR  
STAKEHOLDERS

PLANET 
Protect and restore  
the environment

PARTNERSHIP
Innovate responsibly  
and deliver consistent results 
for our customers and 
shareholders

Operating companies selected specific areas 
of focus of critical relevance to their current 
situation, in order to prioritise engagement 
and impact. This work is foundational for the 
Business Excellence team as they look to take 
these best practices across the remainder 
of the Group. The Group Sustainability 
Committee, including stakeholder working 
group leads provide a key support function 
as sustainable measures are embedded into 
‘business as usual’ activities, further ensuring 
there is value in all we do. 

The Company was working throughout  
2022 to establish suitable targets for all focus 
areas, and determining how to effectively 
gather, measure, and monitor performance 
data in support of these targets. Following a 
strategic review under new leadership, this 
work has continued. In areas where progress 
has been slower than desired, we have set 
internal targets for the implementation of 
suitable frameworks, tracking methods and 
processes in preparation for external target 
setting in the medium-term.

Underpinned by our valued 
behaviours

Pioneering spirit

Integrity

Energy

Resilience

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc 
 
29

OUR STAKEHOLDERS
The sustainability strategy  
brings all our stakeholders 
into the heart of the Group 
and informs how we actively 
engage with them. Our strategic 
objectives are aligned with the 
interests of our stakeholders:

Shareholders
Consistently deliver attractive returns 
for shareholders through delivery of 
long-term strategic growth, leveraging 
existing specialist skill base and creating 
incremental value by expanding our 
offerings and capabilities.

Employees
Engaging, investing in, and retaining our 
people to create a sustainable business 
with wellbeing at the heart of all we do. 

Customers and suppliers
Establish trust-based relationships and 
deliver on shared goals through developing 
sustainable solutions and meeting the 
needs of our customers now and long 
into the future. Exceeding expectations 
for health, safety, quality, and integrity and 
supporting our customers and suppliers in 
achieving their sustainability ambitions.

Local communities
See the communities in which we live and 
work as an extension of our James Fisher 
community. Strive to be good citizens and 
support our people in the provision of local 
community support and education while 
ensuring local employment and sourcing 
practices and investment is in place. 

Environment
Advocate for restoring and preserving the 
environment in all we do. Assess, quantify, 
and manage the impact of our operations 
on our planet, and how external factors 
may affect the Groups performance 
including investment, risks and returns  
to the Company and shareholders.

Through our nine focus areas (which were 
informed by a materiality assessment 
conducted in 2021), we are advancing 
action in the areas which are significant  
to our stakeholders. 

We continue to build and refine the key 
metrics and KPIs upon which we will focus 
disclosure across our principal ESG areas. 

Our focus areas 
Through our nine focus areas, informed by a materiality assessment 
conducted in 2021, we are advancing action in the areas which are 
significant to our stakeholders. 

We continue to build and refine the key metrics and KPIs upon which we will focus disclosure 
across our principal ESG areas, today these include targets for four of our nine focus areas. 

FOCUS AREA

GOAL

Planet

Portfolio 
choices

Resource 
efficiency

Evolve our portfolio to serve the energy transition, 
with focus on growing renewables, remediation 
capabilities, and improving customers’ efficiency.

Increase energy efficiency and minimise material 
waste through responsible consumption in 
processes, re-use, recycle, repurpose. 

Minimise waste and improve productivity in assets 
and people by embedding circular economy and 
Lean principles in our DNA.

PAGE 
REFERENCE

Page 34

Page 35

GHG emissions Reduce our GHG emissions footprint by sourcing 

Page 36

energy and fuels from low carbon sources and 
investing in emissions abatement initiatives towards 
a net zero future.

People

Top talent

Ensure talent is a strategic differentiator, through 
focused recruitment, engagement, and training, and 
by prioritising the health and wellbeing of our people 
and those in the communities where we operate.

Page 42

Equity, 
diversity and 
inclusion

Promote a diverse and inclusive workplace by 
recruiting where we work, enforcing pay parity,  
and celebrating the uniqueness of individuals  
and their communities.

Health, safety 
and security

Prioritise the health, safety and security of our 
employees, customers, suppliers and local 
communities through a ‘goal zero’ approach, with 
focus on education, engagement, advocacy, and 
policy development.

Page 46

Page 50

Partnership

Innovation

Customer 
engagement

Governance

Develop and champion creative solutions to 
complex challenges through the integration and 
smart application of our specialist domain expertise, 
and in partnership with other players in the industry.

Page 52

Build stronger customer relationships to better 
understand and resolve pain points and foster 
collaboration towards value creation and shared 
success.

Page 53

Commit to openness and accountability by living our 
valued behaviours, ensuring appropriate business 
policies, standards and controls are in place, and 
improving transparency of our supply chain.

Page 54

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report30

Sustainability cont. / Engaging for value 

By partnering with our stakeholders, 
understanding their challenges and 
managing risks, we find solutions 
for shared success, ensuring a 
sustainable business to benefit all 
our stakeholders.

The Board recognises it has a duty to act in the 
best interest of the Company for the benefit of 
its shareholders, as well as considering other 
stakeholder interests.

In its decision-making, the Board considers all 
relevant factors, including:

•  How the decision would align with the 

Group’s over-reaching purpose

•  The likely short-, medium- and long-term 

consequences of the decision

•  The value created for our investors

•  The enhancement of our performance 

created by the decision

•  The potential impacts on our people, local 

communities, and environment of making the 
decision

•  The need to create strong, mutually beneficial 

customer and supplier relationships

SHAREHOLDERS

EMPLOYEES

Why we engage
Shareholders provide financial liquidity 
required for us to operate and are 
beneficiaries in the value created by the 
Group. We are committed to transparent 
communication and engagement with them.

How the Board engages
•  The Directors have regular meetings with 
investors, principally through investor 
roadshows, investor events and the AGM.

Why we engage
James Fisher must be an employer of 
choice. Attracting, developing, and retaining 
a high performing workforce and enhancing 
the lives of our employees are critical 
components of the Group’s sustainable  
and profitable growth.

How the Board engages
•  The Executive Directors have held  

town hall meetings.

•  The Chairman meets with the largest 

•  Inken Braunschmidt (designated  

shareholders to discuss results and other 
announcements.

•  The Annual Report and Accounts and 
the Group website set out the Group’s 
strategy, progress against its strategy 
and the Group’s activities.

How we supported during 2022
•  The Board engaged with shareholders  

•  The Group’s commitment to business ethics

at the AGM.

•  The Company completed a disposal 
programme, aimed at improving 
leverage.

•  Following his appointment as CEO in 
September 2022, Jean Vernet held 
meetings with the Company’s largest 
shareholders.

Key issues raised
•  Operational and financial performance

•  Strategy implementation

•  Capital structure, liquidity and capital 

allocation

•  Risk management and controls 

•  ESG-related matters 

•  External factors which may impact our 
decision-making and stakeholders

Section 172(1) statement
This section serves as our section 172(1) 
statement explaining how the Directors have 
had regard to the matters set out in section 
172(1)(a) to (f) Companies Act 2006, when 
performing their duty under section 172.

The Board aims to promote the success of the 
Company for the benefit of its shareholders 
as a whole, taking into account the long-term 
consequences of its decisions while giving due 
consideration to the interests of the Company’s 
stakeholders (including employees, customers, 
suppliers, shareholders, as well as the environment 
and local communities which are impacted by our 
operations), while also considering the importance 
of maintaining our reputation for high standards 
of business conduct. Examples of what that has 
looked like in practice over the past year can be 
found as follows:

Stakeholder: 

Strategic report:

Shareholders 
Employees 
Customers/suppliers 
Environment 
Local communities 

Page 30  
Page 30  
Page 31  
Page 31  
Page 31

Further information about how the Directors 
have accounted for stakeholders in their 
decision-making in 2022 is set out on pages 
82 and 83 in the Corporate governance report.

Non-Executive Director) has undertaken 
a number of engagement activities, 
including being on the employee 
engagement group. She reports back  
to the Board on a regular basis.

•  We have further enhanced the Group  

exit survey and implemented an 
employee equity, diversity and inclusion 
annual survey with the support of Gallup, 
providing valuable insights for the Board.

•  The employee sharesave scheme 

encourages employees’ involvement  
in Company performance.

How we supported during 2022
•  We have deepened engagement 

understanding through ‘lunch and learns’ 
about our different businesses.

•  We have extended mental health first aid 
training and now have over 145 trainers, 
of whom 33 are also trained in Suicide 
First Aid trainers.

•  We have continued our internship 

programme, bringing fresh ideas and 
energy into the businesses.

•  We re-communicated our Employee 

Assistance Programme to remind our 
employees of the support available to 
them including: maintaining a healthy 
work/life balance; improving mental 
wellbeing; family issues; financial 
management and money issues.

•  In November we provided a hardship 
payment to all those earning below a 
certain threshold, recognising the cost  
of living challenges faced through the 
winter of 2022-23.

Key issues raised
•  Development and progression

•  Collaboration

•  Remuneration

•  Recognition

•  Diversity and inclusion

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc 
 
 
31

CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS

LOCAL COMMUNITIES

ENVIRONMENT

Why we engage
The Group’s success depends on a deep 
understanding of the challenges our 
customers face, and the complexities posed 
by the environments in which they operate. 
In doing so, and ensuring a resilient supply 
chain, we can adapt solutions to address 
our customers’ needs, both locally and 
globally. Additionally, we are co-dependent in 
our shared net zero and wider sustainability 
commitments and ambitions.

How the Board engages
•  The Board receives regular updates from 
business Managing Directors on their 
strategic priorities, their markets, and key 
customers.

•  Through the Sustainability Committee, 

the Board receives updates on 
performance throughout the Group to 
engage with and support our customers 
and suppliers. 

•  Where appropriate, our Executive 

Directors and divisional Heads work with 
major customers to ensure we develop 
innovative products and services and/or 
to find solutions to their problems.

How we supported during 2022
•  Investment has continued into innovation 

in products and services to meet 
customer needs.

•  We have been working to ensure that 
the Group’s sustainability strategy 
and supporting activities encompass 
our customers’ own social value 
and environmental ambitions and 
requirements.

•  We have re-developed our supplier Code 
of Ethics to align with our sustainability 
strategy and the changing macro factors 
affecting our business.

•  Through the supplier working group, 

we are identifying synergies and other 
benefits of procurement co-ordination 
between Group businesses.

Key issues raised
•  Innovation and problem solving

•  High quality service

•  Trusted relationships

•  Social and environmental impacts

•  Payment practices

Why we engage
Aligned with our purpose and valued 
behaviours, we conduct business 
responsibly and sustainably to ensure that 
we support the local communities that are 
impacted by our global operations.

How the Board engages
•  Through the Sustainability Committee, 
the Board receives updates on the 
community integration performance 
throughout the Group. 

•  The Board actively encourages and 
supports employees to engage with 
projects across the UK and internationally 
to help make a positive impact, 
either through charitable fundraising, 
volunteering time, education, for 
example STEM learning support and 
event participation, or collection and 
distribution of items to support those less 
fortunate or in need.

How we supported during 2022
•  We have continued to support 

employees’ local community initiatives 
and events through donation of time, 
material, or provision of expertise for 
example STEM event participation and 
local internships.

•  A local communities working group 

was formed to provide information and 
recommendations to the Sustainability 
Committee, identifying, driving and 
influencing best practice initiatives 
for implementation by the operating 
companies of the strategy. 

Key issues raised
•  Environmental and social impacts of our 

operations

•  Health and safety

•  Supporting people in difficult times

Why we engage
Our ambition to be net zero by 2050 is the 
central commitment of our environment 
focus area. It is evident that our activities 
are inextricably linked to the environmental 
effects of climate change and the energy 
transition, which will determine the future 
success of James Fisher. 

How the Board engages
•  The Board receives regular updates and 
recommendations from the Sustainability 
Committee on all nine of our focus areas, 
including the environment working group. 

•  The Board engages with shareholders 

directly to understand their Environmental, 
Social and Governance (ESG) priorities.

How we supported during 2022
•  The sustainability strategy was 

implemented across the business with 
three of our nine focus areas forming  
our ‘planet’ pillar. 

•  An ongoing portfolio management 
programme is aimed at aligning the 
composition of the Group with our 
sustainability objectives, material issues, 
and stated commitments.

•  We made progress to implement the 
recommendations set out by the Task 
Force on Climate-Related Financial 
Disclosures (TCFD) and reached a position 
published in our comprehensive TCFD 
report in our 2022 Annual Sustainability 
Report. A summary of disclosures can be 
found on page 38. 

•  The Group continued its reporting and 
disclosures in accordance with the 
Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) with an 
accomplished score in 2022, and the UK 
SECR regulation.

Key issues raised
•  Climate change

•  Energy transition

•  Strategy and implementation

•  Financial performance

•  Governance

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report32

Sustainability cont. / Alignment with sustainability frameworks 

Current framework 
alignments 
We are committed to providing 
comprehensive public disclosure 
on our Group-wide sustainability 
performance which is tracked 
using well established frameworks 
and with a continual alertness 
to changes in regulations and 
reporting requirements. 

Science Based Targets (SBTi)
In guiding efforts in modelling the Group’s 
pathway to net zero, we have adopted the 
Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) criteria 
as these provide companies with a clearly 
defined path to reduce emissions in line with 
the Paris Agreement goals. We aim to reduce 
our emissions in alignment with the SBTi 
guidance once the measurement of the full 
breadth of our Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions  
has been completed. 

SBTi in 2021 paused commitments from 
fossil fuel sector companies, for which we 
currently fall into the threshold however, 
we have remained committed to the SBTi 
framework and principles, and to continuing 
to provide responsible stewardship of oil and 
gas (O&G) service provision. O&G companies 
are in a position to impact efforts to net 
zero significantly and we are monitoring the 
SBTi ‘Oil and Gas Sector Project’ and new 
methodology in development for this sector.

Task Force on Climate-Related 
Financial Disclosure (TCFD)
The Group is making its 2022 disclosure 
in accordance with the Financial Conduct 
Authority (FCA) Policy Statement 20/17 and 
listing rule LR 9.8.6R(8), consistent with 
the recommendations and recommended 
disclosures and supporting guidance from 
the Task Force on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures TCFD. 

Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)
The CDP reporting structure promotes visibility 
and accountability in our management of 
climate-related risks and opportunities. We 
received an accomplished scoresheet in 
2022, our third year responding to the climate 
change questionnaire, for the reporting period 
1 October 2020 to 30 September 2021. With 
an overall score C, five of the 11 categories 
scored higher than the previous year.

CDP SCORESHEET CURRENT AND PREVIOUS YEAR

2022

Business strategy, financial planning  
& scenario analysis

Value chain  
engagement

Targets

Scope 3  
emissions  
(incl. verification)

Scope 1 & 2  
emissions  
(incl. verification)

2021

Value chain 
 engagement

Targets

C

C

D

D

C

D

C

C

C

Emissions reduction  
initiatives

Energy

C

C

Governance

Opportunity  
disclosure

Risk management  
process

Risk disclosure

Business strategy & financial planning  

C

DC

D

D

C

D

D

D

D

C

Emissions reduction  
initiatives

Energy

Governance

Opportunity  
disclosure

Scope 1 & 2  
emissions  

Risk management  
process

Risk disclosure

 Refer to our TCFD report within our online 

2022 Annual Sustainability Report. 

Scope 3  
emissions  

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc33

GHG and UN SDGs
Alignments also include Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and the UN Sustainable Development 
Goals (SDGs), further information can be found in our online 2022 Annual Sustainability Report 
page 14. Additionally Carbon Reporting (SECR) for which our 2022 disclosure can be found  
in the Directors’ report on page 113).

CURRENT MEMBERSHIPS
We are proud to be a signatory  
to the Powering Net Zero Pact 
(PNZP).

Contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

The PNZP brings together different 
companies across all tiers of the power 
sector – including civils, shipping, 
renewables, electrical engineering, and 
others – that are committed to a fair and 
just transition to net zero carbon emissions.

An initiative, legacy of COP26, created by 
11 founding partners – SSE, Balfour Beatty; 
DEME Group; GE Renewables; Hitachi 
Energy; NKT; RJ McLeod; Siemens Energy; 
Siemens Gamesa; Subsea 7; and Vestas, 
the pact provides:

•  A common ambition for a  

sustainable future

•  Collaborative working within the  

power sector

•  Engagement and commitment at a  

senior level

 Read more about our planned alignments 
and memberships in our online 2022 Annual 
Sustainability Report page 15.

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report34

Sustainability cont. / Planet

FOCUS AREAS
• Portfolio choices
• Resource efficiency
• GHG emissions

All businesses are 
responsible for global 
efforts in solving the 
challenge of climate 
change. 
Our sustainability agenda is focused on 
transforming and continually improving 
our business and day-to-day practices 
to ensure our impact on the environment 
is net positive, and that we enable our 
stakeholders to do the same.

We are a diverse set of companies 
operating at the intersection of marine, 
defence and energy markets. Our activities 
are inextricably linked to environmental 
considerations related to climate change 
and the energy transition. 

Portfolio choices
Evolving our portfolio to serve 
the energy transition with focus 
on growing renewables and 
remediation capabilities. 

Through 2022 we have continued to review 
and act on our portfolio choices. In December 
we sold three non-core businesses to new 
owners focused on taking those enterprises  
to their next level of performance.

Our focus is on the energy transition, defence, 
and marine sectors. As renewables and 
remediation activities continue to receive 
investment and grow, their share of the overall 
Group revenue will also grow. Oil and gas 
activities have also seen a resurgence in 2022, 
and the Group maintains a focus on supporting 
these markets in a manner consistent with our 
sustainability focus areas.

Having identified various opportunities 
through the scenario analysis conducted this 
year, (for details see our TCFD report, 2022 
Annual Sustainability Report page 53), we 
aim to ensure that these opportunities are 
realised through continued consideration and 
opportunity monitoring both at Group and 
operating company level where appropriate. 
Opportunities include:

•  New service opportunities from low carbon 
transitions and low carbon infrastructure.

•  Increasing demand for services from 
negative impacts of climate change.

•  New service opportunities from negative 

impacts of climate change (e.g., 
infrastructure at risk).

During 2023 we aim to:

1. Continue to deliver on re-focusing our 

portfolio.

2. Invest in and deliver returns from renewables 

and remediation activities, in particular 
enhancing the intellectual property and 
access to critical assets which underpin  
our market positions.

3. Support our customers through their own 

energy transition journey.

OFFSHORE WIND GROWTH – 
TAIWAN

In 2022, James Fisher Renewables 
(JFR) was awarded a multi-million-
pound contract to provide high 
voltage (HV) specialist personnel 
and HV safety management 
services at the Formosa 2 offshore 
wind farm in Taiwan.

The Formosa 2 offshore wind farm project 
is being jointly developed by JERA, 
Macquarie’s Green Investment Group (GIG) 
and Swancor Renewable Energy. GIG is 
supported by its portfolio company, Corio 
Generation. Once complete, the project will 
provide 376MW of renewable electricity to 
approximately 380,000 households and will 
bring Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs 
another step closer to achieving its target  
of 20% renewables generation by 2025.

It is a real privilege to 
play such a crucial role 
in the construction of 
Formosa 2, supporting 
at the start of Taiwan’s 
journey within offshore 
wind – this next phase 
into O&M represents 
an exciting opportunity 
for this region, and we 
are looking forward to 
once more sharing our 
knowledge and skills 
with the team.

Matthew Paterson 
APAC Operations Director 

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plcJAMES FISHER APPOINTS 
RENEWABLES EXPERT IN NORTH 
AMERICA

Amidst the backdrop of unique 
regulatory challenges such as the 
Jones Act and local content 
requirements, the US is racing to 
meet offshore wind energy targets 
by 2030. The appointment of Barry 
Craig as Vice President 
Renewables will enable both 
James Fisher Renewables and 
Scan Tech to support the country’s 
offshore wind growth ambitions by 
driving the identification of key 
strategic opportunities and local 
partnerships, in a bid to help 
accelerate the global energy 
transition.

For Scan Tech, this follows significant 
development of its existing product portfolio 
for the US, with its focus on adhering 
to the highest emissions standards for 
swift, compliant deployment. At the same 
time, James Fisher Renewables, which 
has led the charge in construction and 
development of over 17GW of offshore 
wind installed capacity in under 14-years, is 
primed to apply its supply chain expertise 
‘across the pond’.

Resource efficiency 
We aim to ensure our resources 
are used in a sustainable manner, 
that we protect the life systems 
that support the planet’s natural 
resources, and that our workforce 
applies social values and 
environmental awareness when 
carrying out their day-to-day tasks. 

Good progress is being made with the 
deployment of a Lean operating system 
throughout the business and is critical for  
the new BEx team.

The Lean Operating System pilot conducted at 
RMSpumptools, helped the business to deliver 
its highest throughput and revenue ever in 2022. 
All operating companies are now completing 
their Lean strategy deployment for 2023, setting 
clear goals for growth and action plans linked 
to clear visual indicators. The Lean Operating 
System will roll-out across all of our operating 
companies in 2023. The focus is on reporting 
accuracy and cash collection, with the Lean 
methodology enabling the BEx teams to ensure 
we deliver improvements in these areas.

Responsible consumption 
We seek to maximise the use of energy and 
materials through responsible consumption 
in processes and systematic functional 
management of all business operations. 
We can enhance awareness for day-to-day 
responsible practices through re-use, recycle, 
repurpose engagement and campaigns. This 
is all done with a long-term view of delivering 
more with less than is required today.

Through energy efficiency auditing, 
consumption monitoring, and the application 
of three R’s principles (reduce, re-use, and 
recycle) we aim to reduce material waste and 
conserve natural resources throughout the 
business. With a focus on energy efficient 
solutions and initiatives highlighted through 
quarterly monitoring of waste generated 
in operations, reduction targets will be 
implemented by the Group in 2023. 

During 2023, supporting our net zero 
commitment, we plan to combine Energy 
Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) phase 3 
site audits and reports with the identification 
of best practice solutions, initiatives, and 
engagement/participation campaigns for 
implementation across the Group. 

35

Waste is connected to every one of the United 
Nations’ SDGs, and minimising it is an integral 
element of our sustainability strategy. During 
2022 our focus has been improving our data 
collection processes Group-wide, our tracking 
methods, and on setting a baseline for material 
waste generated in operations. 

2023 will see use of the improved tracking 
system and work towards Group-wide efforts 
in reducing our material waste. Several 
initiatives and campaigns are being explored to 
ensure we utilise all available leverages in doing 
so. For example:

•  Energy efficiency in buildings, determining 

areas for improvement through internal audit.

•  Re-use and repurpose of stores packaging.

•  Local community opportunities for the 

repurposing of materials which have reached 
the end of lifecycle within our business 
(metals, and electronic equipment for 
example). 

METRICS AND TARGETS

The Group will track and report on energy 
efficiency through our GHG emissions 
Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions target. 
We will continue to evaluate and measure 
Scope 3 emissions in line with the GHG 
Protocol Standards. 

 Refer to Key Performance Indicators 

page 56 for further details.

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report 
36

Sustainability cont. / Planet cont.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions 
We are committed to minimising and possibly eliminating the detrimental 
impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from our operational activities. 
We also recognise the importance of helping our customers reach their 
own net zero emissions targets. 

James Fisher is committed to achieving net zero across our global operations by 2050.

From today, we are making a science-based commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas 
(GHG) emissions by 2050. In this context, net-zero means reducing the Group’s Scope 1 and 
2 GHG emissions to as close to zero as possible by 2050 and applying a residual strategy to 
neutralise the residual emissions.

 Further details can be found within our GHG emissions section below, and full details within 

our TCFD disclosure report, part of our 2022 Annual Sustainability Report, which can be 
accessed online www.james-fisher.com/our-approach/sustainability.

Many of the countries that we operate in, have made a commitment to significantly reduce or reach 
net zero carbon emissions in line with the Paris Agreement. We recognise that the transition to a 
net zero economy will affect certain sectors within which we operate and that it will take innovation, 
technology change, and resources, both human and financial, to achieve a net zero ambition.

This is an undertaking we are passionate about and are pleased to be making our 2022 disclosure 
in accordance with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Policy Statement 20/17 and listing rule LR 
9.8.6R(8), consistent with the 11 recommendations and supporting guidance from the Task Force 
on Climate-related Financial Disclosures TCFD.

Summary of results below for our GHG emissions reporting year 1 October 2021 to  
30 September 2022.

EMISSIONS TYPE/SCOPE (tCO2e)

In 2022 we moved from manual data 
collection, assessment, and impact reporting 
to an SAAS (Software as a service) solution,  
an accredited CDP gold software partner.  
This identified a significant emissions data 
input error and minor variances due to different 
conversion factors used, that required us to  
re-calculate our GHG emissions for the 
reporting year 2020-21.

Additionally, during this transition, it was 
recommended that our baseline and impact 
disclosures should be based on location-based 
results, where previously, we reported using 
market-based data. 

The re-calculation resulted in the Group’s 
scope 1 and 2 baseline reducing from  
114, 374 tCO2e, to 84,711 tCO2e. 

The Group’s GHG emissions impact 
disclosures are based on location-based 
results. We used verifiable activity data, namely 
meter data and invoices, where reasonable 
and practicable. Where verifiable data was 
not available, estimates based on data from 
previous comparable time periods were used.

Our greenhouse emissions were calculated 
in accordance with the requirements of the 
GHG Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and 
Reporting Standard, revised edition. 

7,906

3,367 1,582

12

18,071

29,505

76,684

855

63

1508

i

s
n
o
s
s
m
e

i

e
v
i
t
i
g
u
F

y
r
a
n
o
i
t
a
t
S

n
o
i
t
s
u
b
m
o
c

n
o
i
t
s
u
b
m
o
c
e

l
i

b
o
M

y
g
r
e
n
e

d
e
s
a
h
c
r
u
P

s
t
e
s
s
a

d
e
s
a
e

l

m
a
e
r
t
s
p
U

-
y
g
r
e
n
e
d
n
a

l

e
u
F

s
e
i
t
i
v
i
t
c
a
d
e
t
a
e
r

l

l

e
v
a
r
t

s
s
e
n
s
u
B

i

r
e
t
a
W

g
n
i
t
u
m
m
o
C

s
n
o
i
t
a
r
e
p
o

n

i

d
e
t
a
r
e
n
e
g

e
t
s
a
W

GHG emissions category 

160,000

140,000

120,000

100,000

80,000

60,000

40,000

20,000

0

Key

 Scope 1
 Scope 2
 Scope 3

 A more detailed breakdown of our 2022 GHG emissions can be found in our 2022 Annual 

Sustainability Report page 19, and within our TCFD report pages 58 to 60.

tCO2e % SPLIT 2022

43%

Total:  
139,554  
tCO2e

56%

1%

 Scope 1 (77,603 tCO2e)
 Scope 2 (1,508 tCO2e)
 Scope 3 (60,444 tCO2e)

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37

Carbon reduction efforts throughout the Group
In our day-to-day operations and buildings we have various initiatives that contribute to our 
carbon reduction pathways. They include:

DELIVERY OF FIRST DUAL-FUEL 
TANKERS

GROUP-LED INITIATIVES

OPERATING COMPANY INITIATIVES

Transitioning to one (renewable) energy 
supplier in the UK: three businesses have 
entered into a bespoke contract with others  
to follow in line with contract renewals.

Utilisation of ESOS phase 3 audits outcomes 
in 2023 to drive and promote efficiency and 
reduction opportunities.

The Group’s BEx programme will improve 
efficiency through greater productivity, 
efficiency measures and streamlining of  
our systems and global processes.

The Group is re-developing its business 
travel policy guidance to ensure specific 
considerations are made for example  
necessity and means/class of travel.

In order to maintain and promote the good 
habits which developed through the COVID-19 
pandemic travel restrictions we have endorsed 
ongoing working from home arrangements 
which contributes to a reduction in GHG 
emissions created through commuting, also 
to wellbeing, engagement, and reduction in 
travelling costs.

In 2022 the Group reviewed its employee 
benefits taking into consideration our 
sustainability areas of focus and in 2023 will 
include the implementation of a salary sacrifice 
scheme for electric vehicles. 

We are looking into the use of Voltage 
optimisers to reduce CO2 emissions and 
energy costs, while prolonging the life and 
reliability of all equipment. 

JFD installed electric vehicle (EV) charge 
points at two of its UK locations in 2022 and 
plan to add further locations. Additionally they 
are piloting EV fleet vehicles: the first two will 
be delivered in 2023. Scan Tech AS Norway 
has also installed EV charge points.

Reduce, re-use and recycle initiatives and 
campaigns to promote innovative and 
responsible behaviour have been introduced 
throughout various operating companies.  
This will be further enhanced by the Group  
in 2023.

IT equipment at Scan Tech AS is collected 
through a loop refund agreement meaning  
the equipment is considered for re-use  
and recycling.

Various operating companies are exploring 
the use of window/door contact sensors, 
where the heating system and/or HVAC 
moves to standby whenever a window or 
door is opened. 

Initiatives such as energy efficient lighting, 
energy efficient appliances and removing 
single-use drinking containers are continuing 
to be rolled out across our operating 
companies.

Having maintained good practices 
post-pandemic (utilisation of digital and 
remote capabilities for example, as well as 
inclusion of Group determined reduction 
options within operating companies’ 
strategies and reduction plans for 2023), 
we expect to see a significant acceleration 
in new, innovative, and impactful carbon 
reduction initiatives in 2023.

 Further information, including vessels’ efficiencies, read our TCFD disclosure, pages 63 to 64  

in our 2022 Annual Sustainability Report. 

James Fisher’s second LNG dual-fuel tanker, 
the Lady Maria Fisher, scheduled for sea 
trials in January 2023 (successfully 
completed at the time of report published) 
will soon join its sister vessel, Sir John Fisher. 

Sir John Fisher, the first of two LNG 
dual-fuel tankers.

METRICS AND TARGETS

 Summary of results can be found in our 

non-financial key performance indicators 
page 56 and detailed results can be found 
within our TCFD report pages 58 to 62.

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report 
38

Sustainability cont. / Planet cont.

Transition to net zero  
and TCFD disclosures
James Fisher is making its 2022 
disclosure in accordance with 
the Financial Conduct Authority 
(FCA) Policy Statement 20/17 and 
listing rule LR 9.8.6R(8), consistent 
with the recommendations and 
recommended disclosures and 
supporting guidance from the Task 
Force on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures TCFD. 

We have provided a summary below including 
status of full disclosure and where disclosures 
can be found for each recommendation. In line 
with Listing Rule 9.8.6R, we have published 
the full TCFD disclosure within our 2022 Annual 
Sustainability Report which encompasses 
and provides greater detail on all sustainability 
topics and performance. The Group’s Annual 
Sustainability Report is, effective from reporting 
year 2022, a separate, online report, consistent 
with our responsible consumption efforts, and 
is published alongside our Annual Report and 
Accounts. 

Providing the summary within our Annual Report and Accounts is consistent with our commitment 
to put sustainability at the heart of the Group’s strategy.

 You can read our full TCFD disclosure report in our 2022 Annual Sustainability Report  

www.james-fisher.com/our-approach/sustainability. Contents and page numbers within 
the 2022 Annual Sustainability Report are shown in the table below.

During 2022 the Group completed the identification, impact and reporting for climate-related 
risks and opportunities, and how these map over the short-, medium-, and long-term. It has also 
extended the metrics used by the Company to support the implementation of these. 

Our understanding and management of climate-related risks and opportunities has been 
enhanced through a detailed qualitative and quantitative scenario analysis exercise. We have 
evaluated the results of this scenario analysis at multiple levels within the business, including 
at Company Board-level, and are using them to influence our business strategy and financial 
planning. We have also concluded the mapping of our emissions reduction pathways for  
Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions which demonstrate pathways to achieving the net zero ambition.

We make climate-related disclosures consistent with the TCFD recommendations and 
recommended disclosures in this TCFD summary against: 

•  Governance (all recommended disclosures);

•  Risk management (all recommended disclosures);

•  Strategy (all recommended disclosures); and

•  Metrics and targets (disclosures (a) and partial disclosures (b) and (c)).

For metrics and target (disclosures (a) and partial disclosures (b) and (c)), further work is underway to 
establish our GHG emissions baseline for applicable Scope 3 categories, and subsequent Scope 3 
target setting, monitoring and assurance to ensure full compliance in the future. This is being managed 
at the Group level through our GHG emissions performance and disclosure, and Scope 3 expansion 
activities. Further details can be found within the 2022 Annual Sustainability Report page 57.

TCFD recommended disclosures
GOVERNANCE
Disclose the organization’s 
governance around climate-
related risks and opportunities.

STRATEGY
Disclose the actual and potential 
impacts of climate-related risks and 
opportunities on the organization’s 
businesses, strategy, and financial 
planning where such information 
is material.

RISK MANAGEMENT
Disclose how the organization 
identifies, assesses, and 
manages climate-related risks.

METRICS AND TARGETS
Disclose the metrics and targets 
used to assess and manage 
relevant climate-related risks 
and opportunities where such 
information is material.

a)  Describe the board’s oversight 
of climate-related risks and 
opportunities.

b)  Describe management’s role 
in assessing and managing 
climate-related risks and 
opportunities.

Status: Disclosed 

 Page 43

Status: Disclosed 
 Pages 43 to 46

a)  Describe the climate-related 
risks and opportunities the 
organization has identified over 
the short, medium, and long 
term.

b)  Describe the impact of climate-
related risks and opportunities 
on the organization’s 
businesses, strategy, and 
financial planning.

c)  Describe the resilience of the 

organization’s strategy, taking into 
consideration different climate-
related scenarios, including a 2°C 
or lower scenario.

Status: Disclosed 

 Page 46

Status: Disclosed 
 Pages 47 to 53

Status: Disclosed 
 Pages 51 to 53

a)  Describe the organization’s 

processes for identifying and 
assessing climate-related risks.

b) Describe the organization’s 
processes for managing climate-
related risks.

Status: Disclosed 

 Pages 43 to 45,  

and page 55

Status: Disclosed 

 Page 54

a)  Disclose the metrics used by the 
organization to assess climate-
related risks and opportunities 
in line with its strategy and risk 
management process.

b)  Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2 
and, if appropriate, Scope 
3 greenhouse gas (GHG) 
emissions and the related risks.

c)  Describe the targets used by the 
organization to manage climate-
related risks and opportunities 
and performance against targets.

Status: Disclosed 
 Pages 57 to 58

Status: Scope 1 and 2 
emissions disclosed. Scope 3 
emissions in process. 
 Pages 58 and 59

Status: Scope 1 and 2 climate 
targets disclosed. Scope 3 
targets in process. 
 Pages 60 to 65

c)  Describe how processes for 
identifying, assessing, and 
managing climate-related 
risks are integrated into the 
organization’s overall risk 
management.

Status: Disclosed 

 Page 56

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc39

Climate-related Governance
The Company’s Board of Directors (the Board) has ultimate responsibility for the Company’s climate change strategy and oversees progress  
against climate-related targets. The Board has at least seven scheduled meetings per year and considers climate-related risks and opportunities  
on a continuous basis, such as when deciding on the strategic direction of the Group, acquisitions and divestments, access to capital or deciding  
on major capital expenditures.

The Board delegates day-to-day responsibility for the climate strategy to the Group CEO but is kept informed of climate-related issues via 
management structures including the Risk Committee, the Sustainability Committee, the Audit Committee, and the Group Support Functional leads. 
A summary of this Governance structure is provided in Figure 1. Further information of how these bodies work together to manage risk is provided 
within the principal risks and uncertainties section of this report page 62, and with our 2022 TCFD report page 43 to 45.

Figure 1. Governance framework overview

The Board
Ultimately responsible for climate change strategy. 
Retains an oversight role and receives regular reports. 
Considers climate-related risks and opportunities when making strategic decisions.

Audit Committee
Monitors effectiveness 
of company’s risk 
management controls.

Chief Executive Officer
Delegated day-to-day 
responsibility for climate  
change strategy.

i

T
o
p
-
D
o
w
n
R
s
k
M
a
n
a
g
e
m
e
n
t

t
n
e
m
e
g
a
n
a
M
k
s
R
p
U
-
m
o
t
t
o
B

i

Internal Audit Function
Conducts audit 
assurance for all risks 
including climate risks.

Executive Committee
Support Executive 
Directors in the exercise 
of delegated authority, 
including risk management.

Group Risk Committee
Meets quarterly, reviews 
risks including climate-
related risks.

Sustainability Committee
Meets monthly, assesses 
and manages climate risk 
and opportunities.

Group Support Functions
Support the Group operating companies.  
Each functional team reports to or is led by a member of the 
Executive Committee.

Group Operating Companies
All manage their own risk register and report on principal risks 
and mitigating activities to the Risk Committee.

Legend:

Board elected committee / office

CEO chaired committee

Operations and functions

Climate change is an important consideration in defining the strategic direction of our businesses. To this end, we have conducted a detailed 
scenario-analysis exercise aligned to the TCFD recommendations with support from SLR Consulting, an external specialist consultancy. 

We have begun incorporating scenario analysis into our risk management processes. This is beneficial in assessing the potential size of risks 
(through a risk score) and the potential scope of those risks (through projecting that risk score across time horizons and climate scenarios).

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report 
 
 
 
40

Sustainability cont. / Planet cont.

Emissions reductions targets 
The results of our reduction pathway modelling have been used to inform the 
setting of emissions reduction targets for Scope 1 and 2 which are science-based, 
measurable, realistic, and ambitious. 

Scope 1 and 2 emissions targets 
The Group has selected the absolute contraction approach. With this approach,  
the Group is committing to an overall reduction in GHG emissions to the atmosphere 
in the target year relative to the base year (e.g., reduce annual emissions by 38% by 
2030, from 2021 levels).

The Group’s emissions reduction targets are based on the 1.5°C trajectory in line 
with the goals of the Paris Agreement and requirements for setting a science-based 
target (SBT). This is equivalent to an absolute reduction of approximately 4.2% per 
annum. The 1.5°C trajectory represents the emission reductions required by the 
Group to reach net zero by 2050 in order to contribute to international efforts  
to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Scope 1 and 2 reduction targets

2025
-17%

2030
-38%

2050
Net zero

% reduction relative to the base year.

The energy intensity of our vessels will be measured internally, using the Carbon 
Intensity Index to align with the International Maritime Organisation’s climate goals, 
and in line with SBT guidance, will lead to absolute emission reductions which will 
be reported on within the Annual Report and Accounts from 2023. We will track the 
energy intensity across the business so that we understand the impact of growth 
on our absolute targets. We are tracking two intensity indicators; the CO2e/FTE and 
CO2e/£m revenue, and the MWh/FTE and MWh/£m revenue. We will report on these 
year on year, using 2022 as our baseline.

A selection of the reduction opportunities identified through the Group’s reduction 
pathway modelling is summarised below. All of which are viable reduction 
opportunities for all three time periods, spanning all shipping companies.

 For more details and to view our full 2022 TCFD disclosure  

see our separate 2022 Annual Sustainability Report.

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc41

VESSEL’S REDUCTION 
OPTIONS (NOT LIMITED TO)

DESCRIPTION

Speed management

Draft displacement optimisation 
in ballast

Fuel switch – MFO to MGO

Develop and implement a standard 
operating procedure for slow steaming, 
which considers expected time of arrival, 
weather, currents, etc.

Develop and implement a standard 
operating procedure for draft 
displacement optimisation in ballast.  
This includes training of the crew.

Develop and implement a green 
procurement policy which includes a 
requirement for vessels to switch from 
marine fuel oil (MFO) to marine gas oil 
(MGO) in all locations.

Fuel switch – MFO/MGO to biofuel Develop and implement a green 

Auxiliary system optimisation

Air cavity lubrication  
(medium-term, long-term)

Hybridisation – conventional 
hybrid ship (medium-term,  
long-term)

procurement policy which includes a 
requirement for vessels to switch from 
MFO/MGO to biofuel where biofuels are 
readily available and increase in costs is 
within the accepted pricing strategy.

Develop and implement a standard 
operating procedure for optimising 
the vessel's auxiliary systems, thereby 
reducing fuel consumption and GHG 
emissions. Procedure to include both 
operational and technological options 
for matching the auxiliary system to the 
vessel's operating profile.

Develop and implement a green 
procurement policy which includes a 
requirement for new builds to include  
air cavity lubrication where feasible.  
The policy should also include a 
requirement for chartering of vessels  
with air cavity lubrication where feasible  
in the long-term.

Develop and implement a green 
procurement policy which includes a 
requirement for new builds/chartered 
vessels to include hybrid propulsion 
system where feasible.

Despite vessels accounting for the vast majority of the Group’s carbon footprint, a 
significant reduction in emissions out-with vessels, for example from fleet vehicles, 
offices, and industrial facilities, is an important part of our net zero commitment. 

  Read more about our carbon reduction activities on page 37. 

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report42

Sustainability cont. / People

FOCUS AREAS
• Top talent
• Equity, diversity and inclusion 
• Health, safety and security

Our employees are 
our most important 
assets and are critical 
to the operation of our 
business. United by 
a common purpose 
and shared valued 
behaviours, their 
pioneering spirit, 
integrity, energy, and 
resilience enable us to 
create value for all our 
stakeholders. 
With James Fisher operations spread 
across six continents, our people are 
geographically dispersed and represent  
a multitude of cultures. We will continue 
to develop and build upon a culture 
which allows them to use their skills and 
to develop career paths for realising their 
potential. 

We are committed to ensuring that 
sustainability is at the heart of everything 
we do, and nothing is more important than 
keeping our employees and service users 
safe in all their activities.

Top talent

Top talent

Engagement

Wellbeing

Talent  
management

Key drivers for sustainability focus area top talent are; stakeholder working groups; engagement, 
wellbeing, and talent management.

Top-down approach
We believe that managers must lead by example and be strong advocates 
for our talent initiatives to be successful for both the business and our 
people. Employee engagement and talent management are important for 
both individuals and company performance, but unsustainable unless it 
goes hand-in-hand with employee wellbeing. 

EMPLOYEE EMPOWERMENT

We aim to build a foundation for success across the business by 
empowering our people to grow and drive performance. We aim to ensure 
our people are provided with experiences, through mentoring and 
secondment opportunities and participation in activities which fall outside 
their day-to-day roles and we believe this is crucial in retaining top talent. 

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc2022 was an exciting 
year from a learning and 
development perspective. 
Forming new L&D 
partnerships with Corndel, 
Capita, Working Voice and 
MTD training, will ensure 
we can continue to provide 
a suite of learning for all 
employees to enable their 
continuous growth in their 
specified fields of expertise. 
Supporting the growth and 
development of our internal 
talent is key…, this makes 
James Fisher a very exciting 
Company to work in.

Laura Porter TAP, cert
Learning and Development  
Business Partner

Talent management
Change does not happen overnight, but small 
changes in day-to-day behaviours can and 
will lead to improvement. Through continual 
consideration and demonstration of sustainable 
practices, including talent management, we 
are more likely to have aligned values with our 
employees. 

Following on from our ‘Leading in an Inclusive 
World’ series in 2021, we are developing  
a ‘Leading the Business programme’ (LTB). 
Manager behaviour is pivotal to engagement, 
wellbeing, and retaining top talent. Managers 
therefore represent a vital lever for creating a 
workforce that is both engaged and well.  
A performance series has been developed  
and delivered through virtual and digital 
learning support, with focus on creating a 
culture of performance conversations through 
line manager and employee communication, 
and objective setting for success. 

A career development toolkit has been 
launched to help employees own, design, and 
drive their career progress, create opportunities 
for career development benefiting both our 
employees and the business, and create a 
workforce that is pioneering, agile, and able 
to respond to the ever-changing external 
environment.

During 2023 we plan to develop training  
further to:

•  Help our leaders focus on what matters

•  Help managers become better coaches

•  Help our employees do their best work

Our 2023 priorities include:

•  Identifying our high potential: We plan to 
review our current processes and define 
our key indicators with focus on simplifying 
for our people whilst being effective for our 
business needs.

•  Retain our top talent: During 2022 we 

identified a number of areas for improvement 
and aim to design and implement these 
during 2023. 

•  Employee development: We aim to further 
enhance this area through onboarding, 
continual learning and development, 
performance management and talent 
mobility.

43

CAREER DEVELOPMENT/
INTERNAL PROGRESSION

The size and diversity of our Group 
presents vast opportunities for 
career growth.

Employees from across the Company are 
encouraged and supported to progress 
their careers internally, with development 
opportunities made available across the 
breadth of the Group’s activities and 
regions.

Sebastian (Seb) Scorrer, now Strategy and 
Sales Analyst at EDS, is one example of an 
employee who recently took advantage of 
moving between operating companies and 
specialisms in pursuit of his personal goals. 

Explaining the drivers behind his decision to 
adjust his career path and upskill, Seb said:

“The motivation behind the move was to 

branch into renewables. As sustainability 
is a part of my personal life, I wanted to 
feel like I was ‘doing my bit’ in my work 
life too. I also just felt like it was time for 
a change, and it’s good that at James 
Fisher we can move within the business 
when that is the case.” 

In making this decision and in the 
experience he has subsequently had in his 
new role, Seb feels he has received and 
benefitted from a large amount of support: 

“(I’ve had) Loads! A big one was EDS 
encouraging me to get my GWOs – 
these are safety qualifications that allow 
me to go offshore/onsite…. I’ve also 
been invited to/involved in a few senior 
leadership team meetings which I really 
enjoy. Just listening to how everyone 
interacts and also getting a better all 
rounded business knowledge has 
helped.” 

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report44

Sustainability cont. / People cont.

Engagement
We believe engagement in the 
Company's sustainability work 
enhances employee job satisfaction, 
providing employees with a sense 
of belonging, drive, passion, and 
purpose, and ultimately ensures 
growth and long-term prosperity  
for our people and the business.

During 2022 our engagement champions,  
who act as representatives from throughout the 
Group, have been fully trained and are actively 
supporting their operating company managers 
and local activities. 

We are working to create a physical and 
emotional connection that develops a shared 
purpose, and commitment with our people.

FOGHORN: JAMES FISHER’S 
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT 
SURVEY

A short, multiple-choice survey 
administered independently 
through Gallup, a global analytics 
and advice firm and employee 
engagement partner to the Group.

It’s like a self-fulfilling circle; the 
more engaged your colleagues and 
employees are, the more successful 
the company. The more successful the 
employees are, they develop further 
and advance which further engages.

Inken Braunschmidt
Non-Executive Director for Employee Engagement

Following our 2021 engagement survey (the 
results of which are reflected in our 2022 
engagement and retention metrics), and results 
analysis, the engagement working group 
committed to, and achieved, the following key 
objectives:

•  Reduce voluntary turnover across the 

Group. This was 1.5% for January 2022 and 
reduced to 0.9% in December 2022.

•  Monitor the Group retention rate (engaged 
employees are less likely to leave).This rate 
was maintained at around 98% from January 
– November 2022. December retention rate 
dropped to 94% due to the sale of Mimic, 
Strainstall UK, and Prolec.

•  Encourage a performance culture through 

the giving and receiving of feedback. 
Throughout 2022 the number of employees 
giving feedback increased from 3.8% 
to 8.3% (positive) and 1.1% to 2.3% 
(constructive). Employees receiving 
feedback increased from 8.2% to 16.1% 
(positive) and 1.2% to 2.4% (constructive).

•  Support line managers to interpret and  

share their engagement survey results with 
their teams, and to create and progress 
action plans.

•  Support the promotion of the accountability 
index survey (May 2022) which maintains 
the engagement momentum and gives an 
indication of how a team may score in the 
following annual engagement survey. 

The survey and results analysis are cascaded 
to our senior leadership teams. A number 
of steps, personalised to each operating 
company, are then outlined for action. Each 
operating company has the flexibility to tailor 
best solutions and improvement opportunities 
for the business, with a directive on timelines 
and progress reporting led by the Group.

INTERNAL COMMUNICATION  
HUB LAUNCHED

JFN has taken active steps 
to improve its internal 
communications. During 2022 
JFN launched an ‘Internal Comms 
HUB’, bringing together internal 
communications from across the 
company into one central, easy to 
access place. Its weekly Business 
as Usual newsletter has evolved 
into the main feature, making for  
a more dynamic channel allowing 
for more immediate publication  
of news and announcements.

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plcWellbeing
A renewed focus for the wellbeing 
working group in 2022 provided a 
preventative, culturally challenging 
and sustainable approach to 
delivering a physically and mentally 
healthy workplace in which our 
employees can thrive. 

We identified ‘big picture’ topics and 
developed a series of strategic areas of focus 
which have an emphasis on preventative 
measures which focus on the causes,  
not just the symptoms: 

•  Awareness Training

•  Campaigns

•  Connectivity

•  Mental health first aiders

•  Planning/policy

Building on our commitment to train 50% of 
the mental health first aid (MHFA) population 
in suicide first aid (SFA), the first of our 
sessions by our MHFA England training 
provider commenced in August 2022. We 
are proud to have SFAs in our business and 
continue to build on the numbers into 2023 
with a committed target as detailed in the Key 
Performance Indicator section page 56.

The wellbeing intranet page was published in 
2022 creating a hub for information, guidance, 
working group news, contact information and 
useful resources. The annual engagement 
survey update incorporated the inclusion of 
wellbeing specific question(s), and a campaign 
calendar has been co-designed with Group 
Marketing contributing to mental health 
and wellbeing awareness and support, for 
example World Suicide Prevention Day 2022, 
stress awareness month, and Breast Cancer 
Awareness Month.

SHARING THE MESSAGE OF 
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

October 2022 marked Breast 
Cancer Awareness Month and we 
took the opportunity to share the 
support on offer to those affected 
by cancer. 

Several colleagues shared tips and 
resources to help promote this topic 
including Emma Holmes, Contracts 
Manager at JF Subtech and head of the 
Group’s wellbeing working group who 
shared some great advice.

“Life can be busy and distracting, so  
I signed up to CoppaFeel’s monthly text 
alerts which remind me to check. I would 
highly recommend visiting the website – 
they have some great instructional videos 
and leaflets which guide you through the 
signs and symptoms of breast cancer, 
and help you get to know your chest.”

On 30 September 2022, teams from James 
Fisher and Sons plc, JFN and EDS HV 
Group came together to assist Macmillan 
Cancer Support by raising funds through 
an organised Coffee Morning in Bamber 
Bridge, UK.

METRICS AND TARGETS
In our 2021 Annual Report and Accounts 
we reported our intention to set a target 
and measure and report on our employee 
engagement score. We are pleased to 
confirm this has now been implemented.

 Refer Key Performance Indicators page 

56 for further details.

45

THIS IS A CONVERSATION 
STARTER

The JFD teams at Bibra Lake and 
Perth, Australia, have recently 
taken up a new fun, bespoke  
piece of PPE to wear on Fridays  
in the office and after work in 
public spaces. 

Embellished with a multi-coloured pattern 
on the lower torso, sleeves and collar, the 
back of the PPE hosts an eye-catching 
phrase – ‘This is a conversation starter’ –  
to literally start a conversation around the 
garment and the awareness around men’s 
health it is trying to raise.

We are proud to see our teams across 
the world coming together in honour of 
supporting charitable causes. 

BANDING TOGETHER FOR 
MOVEMBER

Banding together for Movember 
and men's health in November 
2022, our colleagues at James 
Fisher Everard (JFE) from our 
Tankships Division, worked 
together to raise awareness by 
completing a distance of 60km 
between them.

JFE are used to supporting the health and 
safety of men and women onboard the 
Group’s fleet of tankers. Similar to their 
daily operations in this way, their charitable 
work looks for an external way to continue 
supporting the mental health and wellbeing 
of others.

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report46

Sustainability cont. / People cont.

Equity, diversity and 
inclusion
There was significant progress 
through 2022 due to improvements 
made to our learning and 
development, internal recruitment 
documentation and exit interview 
procedures that strengthen ED&I 
throughout the employee lifecycle.

2022 saw the launch of our first annual ED&I 
survey, developed in conjunction with Gallup. 
Key findings from this survey were:

•  People feeling like they can be themselves 
at work and feeling that everyone is treated 
fairly

•  There are opportunities available to discuss 

diversity more openly 

•  There is a strong correlation between our 
local employee engagement, company 
advocacy and ED&I scores

Additional activities during 2022 included 
a review of learning and development and 
internal recruitment documents to provide 
greater diversity coverage, and the team 
contributed to an overhaul of our exit and  
new starter feedback processes. 

The annual ED&I survey results helped to 
determine the following key objectives for 
2023:

•  Increasing ED&I survey response rate  

from 55%

•  Building on our ED&I overall index score  

of 4.03

We are implementing metrics to measure 
and monitor response rates for the newly 
implemented annual ED&I survey, and 
performance in relation to diversity within 
specific employee tiering bands for example 
senior leadership teams, and female  
attrition rates. 

At James Fisher our commitment to 
equality, diversity and inclusion extends 
beyond our own workforce. We aim 
to benefit and positively influence the 
communities where we live and work 
through proactive engagement,  
employing local people, contributing to  
local economies, and investing in local 
supply chains.

In line with regulatory requirements, our gender pay gap information is listed below. 

GENDER DIVERSITY METRICS, 2022 VS 2021

2022

2021

Gender diversity

Male

Female % Female

Male

Female % Female

Board Directors(1)

Executive Team(2)

Senior Managers(3)

Employees

Total

5

5

102

 1,724

1,836

3

2

33

493

531

 38%

29%

24%

22%

22%

6

8

69

1,991

2,074

2

4

34

577

617

25%

33%

33%

22%

23%

(1)  In Q1 2022, we appointed Claire Hawkings to the Board, increasing the total of Main Board   

Directors to eight and raising the % female metric up to 38%.

(2)  Excludes Jean Vernet and Duncan Kennedy in calculation. 

(3)  Movement in % female metric is due to the extension of the Executive Team to include heads of  

operating divisions.

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc 
47

REDRESSING THE BALANCE

In March 2022, Subtech South 
Africa (Pty) Ltd completed a major 
Broad-Based Black Economic 
Empowerment (B-BBEE) 
transaction, transferring a 51% 
stake in the business to South 
African black owned consortium, 
Tacenda Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
(100% black female owned) and 
Thembani Shipping (Pty) Ltd.

South Africa introduced B-BBEE policy 
in 2003 to redress the unjust effects 
of the apartheid past. Aligned with the 
goals of B-BBEE, James Fisher Subtech 
has invested in, and is committed to the 
socio-economic development of black 
South Africans through employment, 
management, and ownership opportunities 
within Subtech South Africa.

This is a powerful 
example of what can 
be achieved through 
meaningful Broad-
Based Black Economic 
Empowerment.

Nomkhitha Mbele
Director at Subtech South Africa

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report48

Sustainability cont. / People cont.

Behind the scenes
At James Fisher, community within the 
workplace is the lifeblood of our business.  
We want our employees to feel they are 
working towards a greater goal as a source  
of inspiration within themselves, their roles,  
and their local communities day-to-day. 

As part of continuing efforts to develop a 
sustainable and inclusive culture throughout 
the Group since launching our sustainability 
strategy in 2022, our internal community 
hub planned for launch in 2023 will be the 
heart of ‘we are one’. The intention behind 
the community hub is to bring our people 
together, improve knowledge sharing, 
increase personal employee connections, 
improve productivity, and empower 
employees of all backgrounds to share  
their experiences. 

In 2023 we will continue to: 

•  Work with local communities as 

collaborators and partners in order to 
strengthen existing partnerships 

•  Support STEM initiatives, promote education 

in local schools and explore further 
partnership opportunities 

•  Engage customers and suppliers on their 
community development efforts, with the 
intent to collaborate where possible

FUTURESTARS CHARITY 

James Fisher is proud to support 
Futurestars Charity in Ghana,  
an education-through-sports 
charity founded in 2018.

One of its latest projects has been the 
refurbishment of Twedaase School.

The assistance the charity has rendered the 
local community in Ghana is amazing, and 
we are honoured to be part of the team! 

SUPPORTING THE ARMED FORCES

Local community integration
Our objective is to be a good citizen and active 
member of the community through:

•  Encouraging our employees to engage and 

make a difference 

•  Creating local employment and sourcing 
opportunities within our communities 

•  Investing and engaging in people 

development, wellbeing, training, and other 
initiatives to enhance the lives of people in 
the community

We have had an outstanding year in terms of 
supporting our local communities and we are 
exceptionally proud of the time and effort our 
employees across the Group have dedicated 
to this focus area. 

Group-wide, we remain committed to 
supporting local charities and organisations, 
and for our employees to engage directly with 
the people we are helping, in order to maximise 
impact. As part of that commitment, the Group 
is formalising its endorsement of one workday 
allocation per employee, per annum, to 
support their local community. 

During 2022 we formed a communities 
working group which has been actively working 
in preparation for planned activities in 2023 
which include: 

•  A comprehensive data gathering exercise 

ensuring we are capturing all local 
community efforts 

•  Development of an internal hub for 

the James Fisher community including 
discussion and collaboration forum

•  Regional reviews to ensure global coverage 

and determine where our operating 
companies can join forces and support local 
communities through collaboration 

•  Development of standardised guidance for 
those looking to identify suitable charities/
organisations in their area

JFN PROUD TO SUPPORT SKILLS FAIR IN FEBRUARY 2022

Alongside various businesses, training 
providers and national employers exhibiting 
at the #Workingtonskillsfair, Mechanical 
Design Engineer, Sophie Cullen, and EC&I 
Design Manager, Duncan Oates, took time 
out of their busy schedules to speak with 
young people about their future aspirations 
and to explore the potential career 
opportunities available at JFN.

Various James Fisher companies have 
committed to supporting the Armed Forces 
community, demonstrated by their signing 
of the Armed Forces Covenant. In alignment 
with this pledge, the companies will 
endeavour to uphold the key principles  
of the Covenant in its business dealings.

 Refer to our online 2022 Annual 

Sustainability Report for further information 
and examples. 

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc2022 COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Spanning five countries 
worldwide, 93 initiatives were 
conducted in 2022 totalling 
2334.5 people hours donated.

Split by theme (Hours donated)

Total number of 
hours donated: 
2,334.5

 Charity (1,511.5)
 Donation (3)
 Fundraising (11)
 Health and wellbeing (144)
 Hobby (0)
 Local business support (55)
 Local community group (198)
 School/education (396)
 STEM (16)

Split by country (Number of initiatives)

Total number of 
initiatives: 93

 Australia (3)
 Netherlands (1)
 Singapore (1)
 South Africa (14)
 UK (74)

49

VOLUNTEERING AT WALKMILL COMMUNITY WOODLAND

Walkmill Woodland is a vital and much-loved green space for the 
communities of Moresby near Whitehaven. The 36-hectare site is of 
significant interest in terms of its heritage woodland and habitats, and its 
social history and industrial archaeology. 

‘A Wilder Walkmill’ project is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and JFN have been 
signing up volunteers to help with various activities.

•  Tree/hedge planting

•  Wildflower meadow sowing

•  Footpath maintenance and repair, boardwalk and step construction

•  Pond construction and maintenance 

•  Bridge construction

•  Citizen science surveys – such as butterfly monitoring and wildflower identification

•  Fence removal 

METRICS AND TARGETS
In our 2021 Annual Report and Accounts we reported our intention to set a target and 
measure and report on our community efforts. We are pleased to confirm this has now been 
implemented. 

 Refer to the Key Performance Indicators page 56 for further details.

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report50

Sustainability cont. / People cont.

Health, safety and 
security
Our overarching goal remains to 
maintain the health and safety of our 
employees, contractors, suppliers, 
and customers at all times. 

The nature of our operations means that 
we frequently face hazards and harsh 
environments for which we are well prepared, 
trained and equipped.

We want people, including those benefitting 
from our products and services, to return safely 
to their homes, families, and friends every day.

This is the inspiration for our “goal zero” 
incidents vision. To embed the right mindset 
and realise this vision, we will invest our efforts 
in three areas: policy development, education, 
and engagement.

The Group’s health, safety and security 
priorities, objectives, and performance 
monitoring are co-ordinated and governed by: 

•  The Health and Safety Committee: Chaired 
by the CEO and comprising the Executive 
Team, the Committee has oversight and 
conducts quarterly reviews of the Group’s 
health, safety, and security performance.

•  The Safety Forum: Comprising the health 
and safety leaders from each operating 
company, the forum is responsible for 
providing updates on health, safety and 
security issues and events, sharing best 
practices, and advising the Health and 
Safety Committee on Group-wide initiatives 
to improve performance.

THE DISTINGUISHED 
GENTLEMAN’S RIDE
JFD Ortega are proud supporters 
of the Distinguished Gentleman’s 
Ride (DGR) which unites classic 
and vintage style motorcycle riders 
all over the world to raise funds 
and awareness for prostate cancer 
research and men’s mental health.

Health and safety training 
2022 health and safety performance did show 
an improvement on 2021 HSE performance 
data. During 2022, there have been incidents 
including high potential near misses and Lost 
Time Injuries. The Group has appointed a 
central HSEQ leader to improve the HSEQ 
performance and adopt best practice 
frameworks, processes, and standards  
across the Group. 

Executive leaders continue to increase the level 
of awareness and focus on health and safety, 
and the Group safety forum is successfully 
sharing best practice, improving root cause 
analysis, initiatives and lessons learned amongst 
all stakeholders across the Group. 

The Health, Safety and Security (HS&S) focus 
area will be led through our BEx team from 
2023. The safety forum supports a Group-wide 
commitment to a positive, collaborative culture 
that focuses on people empowerment while 
developing and deploying business critical 
standards, policies, procedures, and systems, 
ensuring compliance through monitoring. 

LOOK. THINK. ACT

From day 1 of employment 
throughout the lifecycle of an 
employee’s career the provision 
of health and safety information 
and training is paramount. 

In 2022, we introduced a new enhanced 
employee induction with stronger focus  
on health and safety through engaging and 
interactive learning. We continue to provide 
several health and safety courses from 
mandatory compliance modules to wider 
health and safety issues, with all mandatory 
courses repeated year-on-year to ensure 
continued focus and adherence.

•  Health and safety in the workplace

•  See it, sort it, report it

•  Fire safety awareness 

•  Driver safety awareness

•  Slips and trips

•  Personal protective equipment (PPE) 

awareness

•  Hazard identification and risk control

•  And many more...

SAFETY OBSERVATION 
AWARENESS TRAINING 

During 2022 JFD launched a safety 
observation awareness campaign which 
included the introduction of a new digital 
platform for safety observations with the 
following benefits:

• 

• 

5
5

Increase safety awareness

Decreases anxiety or threat  
of reporting errors

• 

 Provides additional means  
 of submitting feedback

Employees can now report safety 
observations using the ‘fill out a card’ 
method, or the new digital, more 
environmentally friendly, method.

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc51

CANAL & RIVER TRUST
JF Subtech successfully 
identified and replaced 
defective anodes for the Canal 
& River Trust with completion in 
September 2022, ensuring the 
longevity and safe operation of 
the historic Went Aqueduct on 
the Sheffield and South Yorkshire, 
UK, navigation.

The challenge

•  As the waterway had been affected by 
unusual levels of rainfall, JF Subtech 
topside workers had to carefully navigate 
operating in tidal conditions close to the 
waterline.

•  As a result, extra precaution was 
to be taken so as not to cause an 
environmental hazard to wildlife as well 
as other canal users.

The solution involved close liaison with the 
Canal & River Trust locally to ensure that 
the job was completed safely and to a high 
standard. Environmental conditions were 
carefully monitored to identify effective 
work windows and the project successfully 
completed in September 2022.

JF Subtech successfully completed a 
subsea inspection, repair and maintenance 
(IRM) contract for NEO Energy in 2022 
on its floating production storage and 
offloading (FPSO) vessel, Global Producer III 
(GPIII), located in the Balloch field, Central 
North Sea.

The contract saw the safe and efficient 
execution of the FPSO’s IRM scope 
and required JF Subtech to apply its 
comprehensive experience of technically 
complex project scopes in harsh 
environments, utilising its air diving and 
ROV expertise to undertake the operation 
on the GPIII vessel’s hull, in accordance 
with NEO Energy’s asset integrity program.

METRICS AND TARGETS

 Refer to Key Performance Indicators on 
page 56 for our 2022 metrics and targets 
performance. 

We continue to be a close partner 
with the Canal & River Trust to 
maintain the green-blue space, 
accessibility and history of our 
waterways.
Alex Ratcliffe
Assistant Project Manager, James Fisher Subtech

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report52

Sustainability cont. / Partnerships

FOCUS AREAS
• Innovation
• Customer engagement
• Governance

In our 175-year history, 
we have differentiated 
ourselves through 
innovation and 
technology. We are 
pioneers in our chosen 
markets, emerging 
as the global leader 
in submarine rescue, 
removal of offshore 
unexploded ordnance 
(UXO) and ship-to-ship 
(STS) transfer.
We are uniquely positioned to support our 
customers and suppliers through highly 
skilled capabilities from product or service 
design, installation, delivery and ongoing 
maintenance.

Our culture of shared success means 
that we seek out collaborations – with 
customers, suppliers, and other industry 
players – that align with our values and 
contribute to our shared vision for a 
sustainable future. We aim to build trust 
with our partners through transparency, 
compliance and by operating with the 
highest standards of business ethics.

Innovation
Innovation is a key element for 
sustainable growth enabling the 
Group to meet our current customer 
expectations and to optimise new 
opportunities.

We are uniquely positioned to influence and  
help our customers to share in the future of  
our chosen markets with 175 years of expertise 
spanning marine, nuclear, transportation, oil  
and gas and renewable energy. 

Our innovation goal is value creation – to 
deliver tangible revenue gains and cost savings 
for our customers while maintaining and 
exceeding products and service quality. We 
consistently strive to better understand market 
challenges, articulating the value we can and 
do create by: 

•  Tapping into the brain power and expertise 
of our exceptionally talented workforce to 
feed the innovation stream 

•  Partnering with customers and key 

industry players to co-design, develop, and 
commercialise cutting-edge solutions to 
industry challenges 

•  Engaging our suppliers in co-design and to 
ensure services are provided in accordance 
with our valued behaviours and code of 
conduct

Similarly, with opportunities identified through 
the scenario analysis work in our market 
areas, we aim to ensure that the opportunities 
identified through our products and service 
offerings are realised through continued 
consideration and opportunity monitoring both 
at Group and operating company level where 
appropriate. Opportunities identified through 
scenario analysis include:

•  Development and/or expansion of low 

emission goods and services

•  Development of new products or services 
through R&D (research and development) 
and innovation

 Further details on the opportunities 
identified through scenario analysis can be 
found in our TCFD disclosure on page 53.

Individual James Fisher operating companies 
have applied their own unique methodologies 
to the innovation process, driving cutting edge, 
market defining solutions as in the examples 
shown within this section.

During 2023 and 2024 we aim to develop and 
roll-out a Group-wide process and framework 
for innovation with a minimum of two 
innovation projects fully reviewed in line with 
the new process.

JF RENEWABLES
James Fisher Renewables (JF Renewables) 
are working with Ho Lung Power 
Engineering (HLPE) to provide planning, 
reporting, engineering support/technical 
review and skilled labour for cable 
termination and testing (T&T) of Orsted’s 
Greater Changhua wind farm in the 
Taiwan Strait. This news follows the recent 
announcement of the partnership between 
JF Renewables and HLPE to strengthen 
localisation in Taiwan.

James Fisher’s SEABASS

In 2021 we acquired Subsea Engenuity 
Ltd to increase our decommissioning 
capability with innovative well abandonment 
technology to enable the seabed to be 
returned to its natural state with no pollution 
impact.

The technology – SEABASS – is a 
revolutionary, single trip mechanically 
locking system for the abandonment 
of subsea wells. As well as meeting 
global market criteria, it is designed to 
deliver cost and time efficiencies and to 
remove contaminants upon plugging to 
allow the well site to return to its original 
environmental state.

Despite significant supply chain challenges 
due to the pandemic, SEABASS was 
brought to market in 2022. In October, 
in-depth simulation testing and in-house 
and customer testing was successfully 
completed. In December, a collaboration 
with a major Oil and Gas operator 
and Major North Sea vessel operation 
was undertaken, with James Fisher 
Decommissioning providing tools and 
equipment for the abandonment of two 
subsea wells in the central North Sea.

We are investing in further development 
and in 2023 we expect the system to be 
adaptable to other subsea well applications. 
Additionally, new handling equipment and 
methodology are being adapted to further 
reduce operating time and increase safety 
during operations.

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc53

JAMES FISHER AND GRAIG LAUNCH AN INNOVATIVE SOV CONCEPT TO 
TRANSFORM THE UK OFFSHORE WIND SUPPLY CHAIN

James Fisher and Graig Shipping PLC (Graig), a long-established UK 
shipowner, unveiled a pioneering service operation vessel (SOV) design 
concept in June 2022. The Ulstein Twin X-Stern SOV has been designed 
to support the UK’s ambitious target of 50GW of offshore wind energy 
generation by 2030.

Meeting developer demand
The innovative design is intended for series construction, meaning it reduces time and cost  
to build while still allowing for configuration for owners and developers.

Lower GHG emissions
Because the vessels have two sterns, they are extremely manoeuvrable which reduces power 
consumption. They are also future-fuel ready, designed for conversion to zero emissions when 
technology has matured.

Better for seafarers
As larger turbines are installed further out at sea, vessels and crews will be travelling greater 
distances and working for longer periods of time. The hull design results in reduced motion in 
the water which makes it more comfortable for seafarers as well as contributing to the vessel’s 
energy efficiency.

Customer engagement
With a network of world-wide 
operators, partners, industry 
experts and support bases, we 
are well placed to support our 
customers across the globe. 

We excel in complex and time sensitive or 
emergency response situations as well as in 
the provision of bespoke solutions in high-
risk environments. We pioneer life preserving 
solutions for our customers while ensuring 
operator safety and security. 

We build partnerships with customers and 
key industry players to co-design, develop, 
and commercialise cutting-edge solutions to 
industry and customer challenges. 

We have been working to ensure the Group’s 
sustainability strategy and supporting activities 
connect with our customers’ own social value 
and environmental commitments. For example, 
we are developing tools and guidance for the 
Group’s operating companies which will help 
embed best practice methods used in meeting 
the needs of our customers, therefore, for 
example, in alignment with the UK Government 
Social Value Model.

With a renewed approach to customer 
engagement following re-structuring which 
took effect in January 2023, the Group’s BEx 
programme will develop a standard process for 
customer engagement to roll-out across the Group. 

Customer engagement is integral to our 
business. The initial focus is to transform 
our customer feedback processes into a 
standardised process with a consistently 
tracked metric across the businesses.

We aim to gain a more accurate understanding 
of our customers through increased 
communication in order to support them in 
meeting their own needs and objectives. For 
example, we aim to better understand their:

•  attitudes and behaviours or decision-making 

processes

•  challenges so we can better support them 

through the identification of sustainable solutions 

•  decarbonisation agendas in order to provide 

innovative products and services which 
afford a positive impact for them

Through building on our customer relationships 
and continuing to identify shared sustainability 
goals we aim to support our customers in 
meeting their own needs and objectives.

We will deploy Net Promoter Score (NPS) 
as the KPI across the Group. Currently data 
capture is inconsistent with limited measures 
in place to support the feedback loops and 
process improvements. This will be addressed 
later in 2023, and we expect to be able to 
report on this from 2024 onwards.

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report54

Sustainability cont. / Partnerships cont.

Corporate governance
During 2022 the Sustainability Committee 
has continued to embed into the Governance 
protocols of the Group. 

We are continuing our focus on supply 
chain management in 2023 with the 
appointment of our Group PMO (Project 
Management Office) Director, the Group Head 
of Supply Chain and divisional Head of Supply 
Chain positions. The transformation team 
driven by our BEx programme, will:

•  Roll-out our supplier code of conduct 

•  Determine appropriate methods and 

tools for developing mutually sustainable, 
beneficial and collaborative supplier 
partnerships that offer superior value whilst 
attaining the highest standards aligned to 
our Group values 

•  Work with the Group Sustainability 

Committee to determine best approaches as 
we expand the Group’s Scope 3 reporting 
and establish shared environmental goals 
with our suppliers

The value local suppliers can create is 
epitomised in the example of a family-run 
precision engineering and manufacturing 
company based a short distance from our 
Inchinnan facility in Scotland which was 
identified by JFD’s research and development 
team during a design project. The SME has 
become an integral part of JFD’s supply chain 
and has expanded significantly as a business 
since 2015 through continued and significant 
work opportunities. Often going above and 
beyond and providing a solid alternative option 
where a primary allocation supplier is unable to 
support, this collaborative relationship, similar 
to many of our valued suppliers, contributes 
significantly to the resilience of our business.

Governance
Values and ethics
We believe that ethical leadership 
and effective stewardship, 
consistent with the valued 
behaviours demanded of every 
James Fisher employee, are 
essential attributes for our success.

We believe that every James Fisher employee, 
from the Board of Directors to the engineer at 
the work site, must live and breathe our valued 
behaviours – pioneering spirit, integrity, energy, 
and resilience. We also expect our suppliers, 
sub-contractors, and trusted partners to align 
with and demonstrate these. 

A solid Governance framework ensures 
we continue to deliver value for all our 
stakeholders while managing and minimising 
our risk exposure. 

 Refer to page 62 for further information  

on our principal risks.

Business ethics 
Our business ethics commitments are 
established in the Group’s Code of Ethics, 
Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy and Modern 
Slavery Policy, which are reviewed on a 
periodic basis to ensure they are current and 
align with evolving challenges in the world, 
whilst staying true to our core values and 
principles. Clear expectations and obligations 
are set out with our employees, partners, 
suppliers, and customers in alignment with 
these policies, and processes are in place 
to monitor compliance. Several training 
programmes and assurance processes 
support our policies, and these are described 
on pages 72 to 73.

Supply chain management
We expect our suppliers and sub-contractors 
to adhere to our principles and to commit 
to sustainable business principles and 
practices generally. It is important to have 
accountability and full disclosure on issues 
such as human rights, health and safety, 
product and service quality, and environmental 
impacts. Our supplier onboarding process 
includes a detailed questionnaire capturing 
their governance processes, policies, and 
commitments, and examines the credentials  
of their own supply chains. 

Supply chain resilience, 
optimisation, and our local 
communities
It is important to us that local start-up 
businesses, entrepreneurs, small and medium-
sized enterprises (SMEs), voluntary and social 
enterprises (VCSEs) have the same opportunity 
to supply our operating companies. 

We do not currently measure and monitor the 
use of SMEs and others as described above 
at Group level but plan to in 2023 and we are 
looking at how our ERP, or alternative, systems 
can support this.

We will continue to optimise cost through 
common categorisation, spend allocation, 
and supplier relationship management. For 
example, we are realising new economies of 
scale through Group-wide use of strategic 
suppliers. A specific example of this, which 
supports our focus on GHG emissions by 
securing energy from low carbon sources, is 
that we are in the process of transitioning to 
one (renewable) energy supplier for our UK 
based operating companies. So far, three of 
our companies have signed up to the Group 
contract with others pending on contract 
completion with their current suppliers.

The expected level of service required 
from our supply chains demands 
supply chain resilience 

In March 2022 James Fisher signed a 
charter agreement with Go Marine Group 
for the exclusive use of the Multi-purpose 
Service Vessel, Go Electra, adding much 
needed security for our customers amid 
cost and supply chain crunches in the 
industry.

The long-standing agreement will see 
quicker response times and tailored health 
and safety standards implemented, as 
well as stabilised and reliable day rates 
for customers. In addition, there will be 
an increase in operational uptime, with a 
consistent crew and shortened mobilisation 
and demobilisation times between projects 
resulting in boosted productivity and 
reduced environmental impact due to fewer 
overall transits to shore.

Putting sustainability and efficiency at 
the forefront of decision making, James 
Fisher selected the Go Electra following an 
extensive vessel research and evaluation 
process. The Go Electra was built in 2011 
and measures around 80m in length 
with Dynamic Positioning System (DP2) 
capabilities, it has an onboard capacity  
for 66 crew and passengers.

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc55

Closing statement 
Sustainability is a complex space; 
it covers an array of environmental, 
economic, and social issues, as well as a 
large web of stakeholders, from investors, 
regulators, and customers to employees. 

Evolving to be the heart of everything we 
do at James Fisher. We are working toward 
sustainability becoming part of our DNA, our 
culture, our everyday decision-making and 
considerations. Why? 

WE ARE PREDICTING OUR FUTURE 
BY CREATING IT.

 For more details see our separate  
2022 Annual Sustainability Report.

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report56

Non-financial key performance indicators

Through our nine focus areas we are 
advancing action in the areas which 
are significant to our stakeholders.  
We continue to build and refine the  
key metrics and KPIs upon which 
we will focus disclosure across our 
principal ESG areas. 

Lost Time Incident Frequency (LTIF)* 

0.51

2023

2022

2021 

0.459

0.51

* LTIF = (Number of lost time injuries x 1,000,000)/(Total hours worked).

Key
 Target
 2022
 2021

Base year
2021

Baseline
2.6

Employee Engagement Score (Gallup) 

Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF)* 

2.65

3.95

2023

3.84

3.6

2022 

2021 

2.385

2.65

2.6

7.4

*  TRIF = (Fatality + Lost Time Injury + Restricted Work Day Case + Medical  

 Treatment Case) x 1,000,000)/(Hours worked).

Base year
2021

Baseline
7.4

Hours spent supporting local community integration* 

56%

2023 

2022 

2021  N/A

* (2hr per employee headcount).

Base year
2022

Baseline
56%

75%

56%

3.84

2023 

2022 

2021 

Base year
2021

Baseline
3.6

Fatalities 

0

2023 

2022 

2021 

0

0

0

Base year
2021

Baseline
0

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc 
57

Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions (tCO2e) 

79,110

2025  

2022 

2021 

Base year
2021

Baseline
84,711

70,480

79,110

84,711

Scope 3 emissions – business travel (tCO2e) 

7,906

2023 

2022 

2021  N/A

Base year
2022

Baseline
7,906

7,115.4

7,906

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report58

Financial review

The rationalisation and 
simplification of the portfolio 
included the sale of three 
businesses, agreement to 
sell a significant fixed asset 
and the Board’s commitment 
to sell one further business. 
All disposals are complete 
as at the date of signing the 
Annual Report and the net 
proceeds have been used to 
reduce Group indebtedness. 
Post the end of the year we 
have made good progress 
in refinancing our borrowing 
facilities to provide a more 
stable platform for the future.

Duncan Kennedy

The Group made progress against 
its strategic and financial objectives 
during 2022, achieving growth in 
revenue, operating profit and profit 
before tax from its continuing 
operations.

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plcAdjusting items
The Group has recognised a net operating 
loss of £1.7m in relation to adjusting items, 
significantly reduced from £48.7m in 2021.

The Group sold three businesses, the 
Swordfish dive support vessel and one 
tanker during the year. Cash proceeds of 
£18.5m were received prior to the end of 
2022 in relation to the three businesses and 
a profit on sale of £2.5m was achieved. Cash 
proceeds of US$24.0m were received in 
January 2023 in relation to the Swordfish. This 
vessel was designated as Held for Sale in the 
Group’s balance sheet in 2021 and 2022 and 
accordingly the 2022 results include a £5.4m 
reversal of impairment to reflect fair value 
less costs to sell. The tanker sale generated 
a £0.9m profit. In 2021, the Paladin dive 
support vessel and two businesses were sold, 
generating net cash proceeds of £20.8m and  
a profit on disposal of £0.6m. 

A non-cash goodwill impairment charge of 
£4.4m has been recognised in the 2022 
financial statements in relation to the Marine 
Support division. In 2021, non-cash goodwill 
and intangible asset impairments of £29.2m 
were recognised. Impairment provisions of 
£9.3m were also recognised against tangible 
fixed assets in the 2021 results. 

A restructuring programme within the 
Fendercare and JFD businesses, completed 
during 2022, resulted in £2.7m of restructuring 
costs (2021: nil), of which £1.2m relates to 
people costs and £1.5m to property costs. 
The Group also recognised a £1.5m charge 
in relation to its share (c.2%) of the obligations 
under a defined benefit pension fund following 
a settlement in relation to benefits payable by 
the scheme to past members. £1.1m of debts 
previously provided for were collected during 
2022 (2021: £4.3m impairment loss) and we 
continue to pursue other amounts for which 
provisions have been made through legal 
and commercial discussions. No costs were 
incurred in relation to ongoing litigation and 
disputes, compared to £3.1m in 2021. One 
dispute was settled in the year, with settlement 
proceeds covering the Group’s costs. 

Continuing operations
The Group generated revenue of £478.1m 
in 2022, an increase of 8.1% compared to 
£442.4m in 2021. Divisional performance 
was somewhat mixed, with Marine Support 
(+4.7%), Offshore Oil (+23.5%) and Tankships 
(+31.3%) all showing good growth, partially 
offset by a more challenging year within 
Specialist Technical (-16.4%) where JFD’s 
business is at a low point in its large projects 
business cycle.

Gross margin of 26.6% showed an 
improvement of 320 bps over the 23.4% 
achieved in 2021. This was principally due to 
a number of adjusting charges in the 2021 
financial statements not being repeated in 
2022. Excluding these adjusting items, gross 
margin is in line with 2021 despite the generally 
higher inflationary environment. The Group 
has commenced a Group-wide Business 
Excellence programme aimed at simplifying 
operations, consolidating common activities 
across businesses (such as supply chain) and 
delivering margin enhancements over time.

Total administrative expenses reduced from 
£118.9m in 2021 to £104.4m in 2022. This 
includes a significant reduction in adjusting 
items to a £8.2m loss in 2022, from a loss of 
£33.4m in 2021. A summary of all adjusting 
items is included below. In 2021 a provision 
of £7.3m was made against certain trade 
receivables. In 2022 the group recognised 
a £0.3m credit in relation to a net reversal of 
impairments against trade receivables following 
the receipt of some balances previously 
provided for. Excluding adjusting items, 
administrative expenses increased by 12.5% 
to £96.2m (2021: £85.5m). This includes the 
impact of salary increases awarded in January 
2021 (average 3% across the Group, with 
market levelling adjustments in addition) and 
performance-related bonuses accrued at year 
end to reward those businesses that achieved 
their financial targets in 2022 (£2.0m vs £0.8m 
in 2021).

The Group generated £24.7m in operating profit 
in 2022, a £45.4m improvement compared to 
the £20.7m operating loss in 2021. The majority 
of the improvement was due to a significant 
reduction in adjusting items and impairments 
against trade receivables (+£47.0m), with 
the balance of £1.4m (-5.7%) representing 
a slight reduction from underlying business 
performance. The Group’s underlying operating 
profit margin reduced slightly to 5.5%. 

59

Finance charges
The Group’s net finance charges increased  
by £2.0m to £10.2m (2021: £8.2m).  
Net bank interest payable increased from 
£6.0m to £8.1m during the year as a result  
of the Group’s higher leverage and interest 
rate rises. Non-cash pension and lease liability 
charges are broadly in line with 2021 at £2.1m 
(2021: £2.2m).

The Group’s interest cover ratio*, which is 
calculated by dividing underlying operating 
profit by net finance charges (excluding IFRS 
16 finance charges) is 3.5 times (2021: 5.4 
times), which compares to banking covenants 
that require the ratio to be greater than 3.0 
times.

Taxation
The Group has recognised an overall net tax 
debit in respect of continuing operations of 
£5.5m in the year (2021: net tax credit of 
£0.8m). The underlying tax charge for the 
year is £4.3m (2021: £10.1m) representing an 
underlying effective tax rate of 26.8% (2021: 
51.2%). Compared to the UK Corporation Tax 
rate of 19%, the following principal factors 
have had an adverse impact in 2022:

•  Higher effective tax rate in overseas 

jurisdictions (+14pps)

•  Losses incurred during 2021 but not 

provided for as a deferred tax asset (+4pps)

•  Prior year overprovision (-8pps)

Tax on adjusting items is a net charge of £0.8m 
(2021: £10.9m credit). In 2021 this principally 
related to the recognition of a deferred tax 
asset in the UK on certain fixed assets that 
were impaired in 2020.

*   Interest Cover Ratio is an APM. An explanation  
  and reconciliation of APMs is set out in Note 2  
  of the financial statements.

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report60

Financial review cont.

Discontinued operations
The Group’s JFN business, which provides 
services to the UK nuclear decommissioning 
market, was designated as Held for Sale at  
31 December 2022 following the Board’s 
decision to sell the business. The sale of 
the business completed on 3 March 2023, 
for proceeds of £3. The Group retained 
several legacy parent company guarantees 
supporting the obligations of JFN (the 
“PCGs”). JFN’s financial performance during 
2022 deteriorated, with revenue 17.2% lower 
at £42.8m (2021: £51.7m) and significant 
challenges with one project resulting in 
additional costs and an operating loss of 
£7.3m (2021: operating loss £0.1m). A loss 
of £13.3m was recognised in relation to the 
remeasurement of the business’ assets and 
liabilities in line with IFRS 5 ‘Non-current 
Assets Held for Sale’, primarily relating to the 
impairment of goodwill (£8.1m), tangible fixed 
assets (£3.9m) and costs to sell of £1.3m.

Dividend and EPS
The Board has not recommended dividends in 
2022 or 2021 given the overall financial position 
of the Group. The Board remains committed to 
reintroducing a sustainable dividend policy at 
the right time. Basic and diluted earnings per 
share are a loss of 22.1 pence, compared to a 
loss of 55.2 pence in 2021.

Cash flow and borrowings
The Group generated £44.5m (2021: £55.0m) 
from operating activities. This includes the 
impact of a £2.6m working capital outflow 
as the Group built inventory to satisfy higher 
demand for its products (£3.2m). Reductions 
in debtors were broadly offset by reductions in 
creditors. Tax payments were in line with last 
year at £8.1m (2021: £7.9m).

Cash flows from investing activities generated 
a £15.8m outflow (2021: £8.0m outflow). Net 
cash proceeds from the sale of businesses 
and assets in 2022 were £17.3m, compared 
to £20.9m in 2021. Shortly after the balance 
sheet date the Group collected US$24.0m from 
the sale of the Swordfish dive support vessel. 
This was balanced against the deployment of 
£31.7m (2021: £28.2m) of capital expenditure. 
The Board approved one significant capital 
project in the year, being the investment in 
24 newly designed, more energy efficient, 
compressors to supplement the ScanTech 
Offshore business and its bubble curtain offering 
in particular, in total a £9.0m commitment 
spread between 2022 and 2023. The 
compressors have been delivered in Q1 2023  
in anticipation of deployment during Q2 2023 
on new projects in the US. 

M&A activity in 2022 related to the payment  
of deferred consideration on prior acquisitions, 
principally the Continental business in Brazil. 
M&A payments in 2021 were principally in 
relation to the Subsea Engenuity acquisition.

Financing costs increased in the year from 
£5.6m to £7.5m as interest rates increased  
on variable rate borrowings and an interest rate 
swap that had been placed in 2017 at ~0.7% 
matured and was replaced with a new five-year 
interest rate swap at ~2.3%. 

The Group’s net debt, including all lease 
liabilities, remained stable at £185.8m (2021: 
£185.6m). Within this, the net bank borrowing 
position improved by £6.8m to £132.9m 
(2021: £139.6m).

Additional lease liabilities principally relate to a 
new charter vessel in the Caribbean and the 
renewal of seven existing leases within the 
Tankships division (see table A).

The Group’s net debt for the purposes of 
its banking covenants consists of net bank 
borrowings, finance lease liabilities (on an 
IAS 17 basis), and bonds and guarantees, as 
summarised in table B. On a covenants basis, 
net debt has reduced by £13.8m. The ratio of 
net debt : EBITDA* has improved slightly to 
2.7 times (2021: 2.9 times), which compares 
to banking covenants requiring the ratio to be 
less than 3.5 times (see table B).

Liquidity
The Group retained access to £247.5m of 
borrowing facilities during 2022, unchanged 
from 31 December 2021. In April 2023 the 
Group agreed new borrowing facilities with its 
lending banks of £210m with a maturity date of 
March 2025, which provides the Group with a 
stable financial platform from which to execute 
its strategic plans. We expect to complete 
final documentation and to satisfy remaining 
conditions before the long stop date of 7 June 
2023. The continued access to liquidity has 
been included as a Group Principal Risk (see 
page 63) due to the relatively short term nature 
of the new facilities. 

Balance sheet
The Group’s net assets increased by £7.7m 
in the year to £218.3m (2021: £210.6m). The 
loss for the year of £10.8m was offset by Other 
comprehensive income of £18.1m, principally 
in relation to foreign exchange movements 
and hedging (£12.4m) and an actuarial gain 
from the Group’s defined benefit pension fund 
of £5.8m in the year (net of tax), and other 
movements in reserves of £0.1m.

*   Net debt: EBITDA is defined as leverage APM.  
  An explanation and reconciliation of APMs is set  
  out in Note 2 of the financial statements.

Non-current assets
Non-current assets reduced by £12.7m in 
the year from £333.9m to £321.4m. Goodwill 
reduced by £17.2m to £116.3m (31 December 
2021: £133.5m) as a result of business disposals 
(£7.1m), held for sale transfer in relation to the 
JFN business of £8.1m, impairment charges of 
£4.4m, offset by foreign exchange differences 
of £2.4m. Intangible assets reduced to £8.2m 
from £13.3m due to additions of £1.3m and 
disposals/transfers with a net book value of 
£1.2m offset by amortisation charges of £5.2m.

Within Property, Plant and Equipment the Group 
invested £27.4m in additions. This was offset 
by disposals with a net book value of £2.5m, 
depreciation of £23.3m, the reclassification of 
assets to Assets Held for Sale of £5.8m, a net 
reversal of impairment charges of £0.7m and 
foreign exchange differences of £2.4m.

Right-of-use assets increased by £10.5m, 
principally as a result of movements in the 
Group’s Tankships fleet. The Sir John Fisher 
vessel, which is leased, was delivered to the 
business in November 2022, resulting in the 
inclusion of the associated right-of-use asset 
and lease liability. Depreciation of £12.6m 
against vessels was provided in the normal 
course.

The Group has recognised a £5.5m asset in 
relation to the Group’s Shore Staff defined 
benefit pension scheme in accordance with 
IFRIC14 following movements in actuarial 
assumptions. The Group continues to make 
deficit repair payments in line with agreed 
profiles.

Current assets and current 
liabilities
The Group’s net current assets reduced from 
£91.5m at 31 December 2021 to £61.3m at 
31 December 2022. There are a number of 
common factors affecting the movements in 
these balances, which are summarised in table 
D. The current assets and liabilities of JFN 
have been reclassified to Assets Held for Sale. 
In addition, businesses sold in December 2022 
resulted in the sale of the associated Balance 
Sheet assets and liabilities. 

Inventory increased by £0.8m to £49.8m (31 
December 2021: £49.0m) due principally to 
an increase in production levels to keep pace 
with demand, offset by inventory sold as part of 
the businesses disposed of in the year. Trade 
and other receivables reduced from £153.3m 
to £148.2m at 31 December 2022, again 
reflecting the impact of businesses sold in the 
year and the reclassification of JFN’s receivables 
balances to Assets Held for Sale (£10.5m), 
offset by an underlying increase relating to 
higher revenues outstanding from Q4 trading.  
A net charge to the Income Statement of £0.3m 
was made in relation to impairment of trade 
receivables, a significant improvement from the 
£7.3m provided for in 2021. 

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc61

Balances of £8.4m (2021: £7.8m) that had 
previously been provided for were cleared from 
the debtors ledger as no recovery is expected. 
These adjustments had no effect on the 
Income Statement.

Within net current assets, the Group’s 
cash, overdraft and borrowings were a net 
liability of £13.8m (31 December 2021: net 
asset of £34.4m). This reduction in the net 
current asset position is principally due to the 
inclusion of one revolving credit facility balance 
(c.£45.5m drawn at 31 December 2022) within 
current liabilities as the facility agreement 
matures in October 2023 and no extension  
has been agreed with the lender.

Trade and other payables, excluding 
movements relating to reclassifications and 
sales, remained broadly flat in the year. 
Provisions due within one year increased by 
£3.3m, reflecting increases in warranty and 
foreign offset agreement provisions in the year. 
Lease liabilities increased following the renewal 
of property leases and additional vessel leases.

Assets held for sale increased from £10.7m to 
£36.2m at 31 December 2022. The balance 
relates to the Swordfish (£18.5m), which is 
an increase of £7.7m in the year following 
agreement having been reached to sell the 
vessel in December 2022, JFN’s current assets 
of £16.3m (£14.0m current assets and £2.3m 
of fixed assets) and £1.5m relating to certain 
assets in Singapore. Liabilities associated with 
assets held for sale of £16.3m relate to JFN.

Non-current liabilities
Long-term bank borrowings reduced to 
£121.8m (2021: £173.9m) during the year, 
partly as a result of one revolving credit  
facility being disclosed as a current liability 
at 31 December 2022 as discussed above. 
Net pension liabilities, as measured under IAS 
19, reduced to £0.4m compared to £1.9m at 
31 December 2021 in relation to the Group’s 
portion of multi-employer schemes. 

Financial reporting, looking 
forward
The Group has implemented a new divisional 
structure, effective 1 January 2023. The 
Group’s businesses are being organised into 
three divisions: Energy, Defence and Maritime 
Transport. This change will be reflected in the 
Group’s 2023 segmental reporting in line with 
the requirements of IFRS 8. The Group will also 
adopt IFRS 17 from 1 January 2023, the effect 
of which is being finalised. 

Duncan Kennedy 
Chief Financial Officer

Table A

£m

Bank net borrowings

Finance leases (IAS 17 basis)

Right-of-use liabilities

Net debt

Table B

£m

Bank net borrowings

Finance leases (IAS 17 basis)

Bonds and guarantees

Net debt – covenants basis

EBITDA – covenants basis

Net debt : EBITDA

Table C

£m

No extensions

With extensions

2022

(132.9)

(6.9)

(46.0)

(185.8)

2022

(132.8)

(6.9)

(2.3)

(142.0)

52.6

2.7

2021

(139.6)

(7.8)

(38.2)

(185.6)

2021

(139.6)

(7.8)

(8.4)

(155.8)

54.3

2.9

Movement

6.7

0.9

(7.8)

(0.2)

Movement

6.8

0.9

6.1

13.8

(1.7)

(0.2)

2023

47.5

–

2024

200.0

87.5

2025

2026

–

–

30.0

130.0

Total

247.5

247.5

Table D

£m

Inventory

Trade 
and other 
receivables

Net cash 
and other 
borrowings

Trade 
and other 
payables

Provisions

Current tax

Lease 
liabilities

Assets 
held for 
sale

Liabilities 
associated 
with assets 
held for 
sale

Net 
current 
assets

At 31 
December 
2021

Transfer 
to Assets 
Held for 
Sale

Balances 
sold as 
part of 
business 
disposals

Held for sale 
fixed asset 
adjustments

49.0

(0.7)

(3.5)

153.3

(10.5)

(4.8)

34.4

(2.8)

(1.6)

(139.5)

13.7

(2.0)

(4.5)

(9.9)

–

0.3

2.2

10.7

14.0

–

(16.3)

3.0

–

–

0.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

11.5

–

Movement 
excluding 
disposals 
and  
transfers

At 31 
December 
2022

5.0

49.8

10.2

148.2

(43.8)

(13.8)

0.4

(3.3)

2.3

(122.4)

(5.3)

(1.9)

(5.9)

(13.2)

–

–

36.2

(16.3)

91.5

–

(6.5)

11.5

(35.2)

61.3

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report62

Principal risks and uncertainties

Managing risk and enabling growth
The Group’s emerging and principal risks
The Group is subject to a combination of macro risks and business-specific risks. The Group’s risk management process (described in more detail 
on page 70 below) provides the framework for risk management practices across all parts of the Group and seeks to ensure that business risks are 
adequately identified, quantified and understood. The framework and accompanying risk management processes continue to evolve and improve 
across the Group.

Changes in 2022
Following a review of the Group’s risk management framework in 2021 by PwC LLP, the Group has continued to implement improvements during 
2022. The Executive Committee conducted a series of facilitated discussions on the Group’s key risks from a “bottom-up” basis. Each key risk 
has been allocated an Executive Committee owner and a series of mitigating actions have been defined. Review of progress against the mitigating 
actions is a standing agenda item once a quarter at Executive Committee meetings. These risks have been discussed at the Board and Audit 
Committee meetings during 2022.

As a result of these reviews, two additional principal risks have been separately articulated due to their nearer-term nature, reflecting specific 
situations that the Group is subject to and seeking to mitigate:

•  Transformation risk – as articulated in the Chief Executive’s report (on pages 14 and 15) the Group is commencing a period of transformation, with 
the aim of achieving a simplified, more efficient operating structure. This is a significant project that over a period of two to three years will affect 
almost all areas of the Group’s operations. An Operational Excellence team has been established to lead the Group through this period of change, 
which carries the inherent risk of distracting the business from its core business activities.

•  Maintaining access to adequate funding – the Group has four revolving credit facilities with a total of six lending banks. Post year end the Group 

has received commitment letters from its six lenders to enter into a single Revolving Credit Facility for £210m. The Group and lenders have agreed 
a long-stop date of 7 June to complete the necessary next steps that will allow the new RCF to be drawn. The new facility has an expiry date of 
31 March 2025. Given the relatively short-term nature of the new facility, this risk is being separately highlighted in this Annual Report. The Group’s 
auditors draw attention to this risk in their audit report on page 117.

The Board is committed to continuous improvement in risk management and during 2022 has outsourced its internal audit function to PwC, 
appointed a Head of Internal Controls and developed a comprehensive programme aimed at internal control improvements over the coming 24 
months, with significant support from BDO. An additional governance body, the Investment Committee, has also been established during the year. 
This is a sub-committee of the Executive Committee and has specific authority delegated to it by the Board. All investment decisions that require 
Board approval will first be scrutinised by the Investment Committee before being presented to the Board. 

1. NEW RISK: GROUP TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME

Nature:

Potential impact:

Mitigation:

The Group is embarking on a period of 
significant simplification and integration, 
carrying the risk of disruption and/or 
distraction to its core activities if not 
managed well. 

•  The change management process may disrupt 
core business delivery activities if roles and 
responsibilities are not clear

•  Staff may become distracted by the change 

process

•  An Operational Excellence team has been 

established, with a clear remit

•  Objectives have been set and cascaded 

through the organisation to ensure priorities  
are clear across the Group

•  Executive Committee oversight and escalation 

process has been established

Context:

The Group has operated a largely decentralised operating model for a number of years. The Executive Committee sees opportunity to improve 
the efficient working of the Group by simplifying and integrating common functions. This is one of the Executive Committee’s and Board’s highest 
priorities for 2023 but will involve a significant amount of change in both the operating model and supporting functional activities of the Group. 
Strong project management and clarity on roles and responsibilities will be required to ensure that the delivery teams remain focused on the most 
important identified tasks.

Movement:

This risk is being separately disclosed for the first time in 2022. The Board recognises that all change management programmes contain risk and 
has made the management of this change process one of its highest priorities for 2023.

Opportunity:

The opportunity to simplify the Group’s operating model, integrating common functions such as Supply Chain, Project Management, Engineering, 
Health and Safety is aimed at providing enhanced ways of working and operational efficiencies. It is also expected to support the simplification of 
the Group’s legal entity structure and systems infrastructure. 

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc63

2. NEW RISK: MAINTAINING ACCESS TO ADEQUATE FUNDING

Nature:

Potential impact:

Mitigation:

The Group relies on external sources 
of funding to ensure it has the financial 
liquidity to fund its operations and future 
growth, without which there is a risk to 
the execution of the Group’s strategy.

•  The Group may not have the liquidity required to 

ensure that it remains a going concern

•  Regular meetings are held with all lenders  
to provide trading and operational updates

•  Disposals of additional businesses may be 

•  Selection of third-party expert support to assist 

required

with refinancing

•  The Group’s reputation and ability to secure 
competitive contracts with suppliers and 
customers may be adversely impacted

•  Ongoing dialogue with potential new lenders 

•  Refinancing commitment letters received from 
the lenders and long form term sheet agreed 
with expected completion by 7 June 2023

Context:

The Group has experienced three consecutive years of difficult trading conditions and financial results have been adversely impacted. The Group 
has made good progress in refinancing its borrowing facilities post year-end, though lenders have required security for the first time. The new 
facility matures in March 2025. Net debt as measured for the purposes of banking covenants has reduced in each of the last three years, however 
the ratio of net debt to EBITDA (leverage) has remained above the Board’s target level of 1-1.5x. At 31 December 2022 leverage was 2.7x  
(2021: 2.9x; 2020: 2.8x; 2019: 2.7x).

Movement:

This risk is being separately disclosed for the first time in 2022 due to the ongoing challenges of ensuring adequate liquidity at competitive pricing.

Opportunity:

The Group has taken the opportunity to simplify and right-size its borrowing facilities through to March 2025 to provide additional certainty to all 
stakeholders.

3. HEALTH AND SAFETY RISK

Nature:

Potential impact:

Mitigation:

Group trading companies may 
experience and adverse operational 
incident or failure to maintain appropriate 
levels of health and safety.

•  The health and safety of our workforce and 
others could be impacted by our operations

•  The Group’s reputation could potentially suffer  
if there was a major accident or health and 
safety issue

•  Claims and regulatory action may be taken 

against the Company or the affected business

•  First item on plc and business board agendas

•  Appointment of a Group Head of HSE as part 
of the Operational Excellence team in January 
2023

•  Policy and training

•  Group Health and Safety Committee

•  Group safety forum

•  Insurance

•  Internal Audit

•  Group-wide safety initiative

Context:

In 2022, there continue to be operational incidents, including a number of high potential near misses. Executive management continues to 
increase the level of awareness and focus on HSE, including a new appointment of a Group Head of HSE from January 2023. The Group’s 
activities in 2022 include the continuation of the Group safety forum, improving root cause analysis and sharing incident learnings amongst the 
Group’s HSEQ specialists. The Group also commissioned an audit of its Group HSE policies and procedures as part of the annual Internal Audit 
programme. As a result, the HSE team has a number of agreed actions to implement during 2023.

Movement:

No change. On balance the net risk has remained the same, and efforts to bring greater co-ordination, diligence and awareness in this area  
are ongoing.

Opportunity:

Operating in competitive markets there is an increased opportunity to provide differentiation to our customers by our strong commitment to health 
and safety, thereby building long-term trust.

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report64

Principal risks and uncertainties cont.

4. CYBER SECURITY RISK

Nature:

Potential impact:

Mitigation:

The Group may experience loss or harm 
related to technical infrastructure or the 
use of technology within the Group.

Cyber attacks could result in 
financial and reputational damage 
by way of significant interruption to 
business systems. Phishing could 
result in financial and reputational 
damage by way of theft or fraud.

•  Further embedding of new Group-wide operating system 

with enhanced security, alongside infrastructure and software 
updates to existing systems

•  Regular review of IT security issues, including penetration 

testing

•  Enhanced cyber awareness training and regular briefings

•  Improved threat detection software and cyber phishing 

testing across the Board and all employees

•  Independent review of cyber security by a specialist third 
party in 2022; inclusion in the 2023 Internal Audit cycle

Context:

The Group has continued to invest in cyber security and awareness during 2022, with improvements in cyber training and awareness, threat 
detection software and phishing testing. A third-party review of the cyber security environment was conducted in 2022 by a specialist organisation 
and recommended improvements have been implemented. The Board reviewed this principal risk in December 2022 and cyber security is 
included in the Internal Audit plan approved by the Audit Committee for 2023. Despite the increased protections in place at the Group, the 
external threat continues to increase.

Movement:

Increase. The Group is reliant on its systems in order to operate effectively and has continued to invest to enhance cyber resilience. The external 
threat is continually adapting and increasing, notwithstanding the mitigating activities.

Opportunity:

Upgraded IT systems increase security, but also flexibility, facilitating secure working while travelling or from home.

5. OPERATING IN EMERGING MARKETS

Nature:

Potential impact:

Mitigation:

The Group operates in overseas 
emerging markets and key growth 
economies with fluctuating legislative 
restrictions, embargoes, sanctions and 
exchange controls, often undertaken 
in association with local joint venture 
partners.

Those operations may expose the 
Group to increased risk of governance 
and compliance issues. Any significant 
failure to comply with laws or 
regulations could lead to penalties 
and other financial liabilities, as well 
as reputational issues. Where there is 
a jurisdictional requirement for local 
investment or representation, the 
Group’s ability to continue business 
in that jurisdiction could be adversely 
impacted from an ethical or legal 
perspective.

•  Corporate governance framework, including limits  

of authority

•  Risk tracking of JVs, agents and other third-party 

relationships, including use of bespoke web-based 
platform

•  Policies and training

•  Corporate structuring of relationships, using external local 

legal advice

•  Implementation of regional operating model during 2023 

organising all of James Fisher’s product lines under 
common leadership in each major operating territory

•  Internal Audit programme includes overseas businesses 
resourced with local audit team, to leverage advantages  
of working in local language and consistent with local  
law/regulation

Context:

Operating in developing markets remains a key part of our strategy. A gradual return to free travel following the relaxation of global travel 
restrictions in response to COVID has allowed management to increase the frequency of their visits to overseas territories during the year.  
The improvements in mitigating controls, along with an ongoing increase in Group awareness in this area, result in the net risk being unchanged. 
During the course of 2023 the Group is intending to further enhance its operating model to consolidate all product lines in major operating 
territories under common local leadership teams.

Movement:

No change. Commercial and financial controls, project management and risk management, along with increasing Group awareness in this area 
continue to mitigate the risk.

Opportunity:

The Group’s ability to operate in emerging markets for global customers offers an increased opportunity to be differentiated from our competitors.

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc65

6. CLIMATE CHANGE

Nature:

Potential impact:

Mitigation:

The Group operates in industries which 
may be adversely impacted due to the 
change in energy mix. The Group is 
committed to minimising the impact of 
its operations on climate change.

The Group may suffer operational impacts of 
extreme weather events, as well as potential 
changes in technologies, markets and regulation in 
response to climate change which could increase 
costs, challenge the viability of Group services or 
affect assets values. The Group is also conscious 
of the need to reduce its impact on the climate, 
including its emission of greenhouse gases.

•  Continuing the Group’s end market and 

geographical diversity

•  Focus on decommissioning of oil and gas 
assets, increasing support of LNG and 
renewables markets

•  Initiatives to reduce the Group’s emissions  

and other impacts on the environment

Context:

Energy markets remain a key source of Group revenue, including both the oil and gas and renewables industries. With the strategic focus of 
the Group supporting the “energy transition”, from oil and gas to renewables, with increased investment in oil and gas decommissioning and 
renewables markets, the Board continues to consider the impact of climate change on energy markets as one of the Group’s principal risks, 
as well as one of the Group’s key strategic opportunities. The risk of climate change to the Group’s strategy is mitigated by the continuing 
diversification of the Group into new markets which, aligned with focused strategic opportunities, targets the ongoing long-term sustainability  
of the Group. The Board believes that the global market for renewable energy will continue to grow, and therefore sees the energy markets as 
both a risk (long-term oil and gas, post decommissioning) and an opportunity (renewables).

Movement:

No change. The Group has built its strategic goals around sustainability, driven in part by the impacts of climate change on the Group and the 
markets it serves. 

Opportunity:

The Board believes that the global market for renewable energy will continue to grow, and therefore sees the energy markets as an opportunity.

7. CONTRACTUAL RISK

Nature:

Potential impact:

Mitigation:

The Group operates in markets where 
larger project-based contractors may 
seek to pass risk down the supply chain.

Through its growth and diversification into new 
markets and geographies, the Group may be 
exposed to increased contractual risks, which 
could result in financial impact caused by late 
payment, cost overruns, increased claims and 
litigation, and/or exposure to non-UK legal 
jurisdiction uncertainty.

•  Internal contract management governance, 

including policy and training

•  Internal and external specialist legal support

•  Appropriate balance of risk and reward in 
contracts, based on Group principles

•  Investment Committee and (if large enough)  
plc Board review and approval of all major 
bids/tenders 

•  Targeting increased contract  

management skills

•  Insurance

Context:

The Board and Executive Committee have increased oversight of significant contracts with the introduction of the Investment Committee during 
2022. The purpose of the Investment Committee is to scrutinise all significant new contracts, some of which will also require plc Board approval. 
There is continued use of internal and external legal support.

Movement:

No change. The Group is diversifying its operations to secure a more sustainable future for its energy businesses and that will bring its own 
challenges whilst the Group adjusts to new customer expectations and industry developments.

Opportunity:

As the Group pursues its strategy, contracts become a key mechanism for managing risk and also enhancing engagement with our customers 
and suppliers.

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report66

Principal risks and uncertainties cont.

8. PROJECT DELIVERY

Nature:

Potential impact:

Mitigation:

Group businesses may fail to meet 
customer expectations or contractual 
requirements on project delivery.

This could cause significant adverse financial and 
reputational consequences, and/or increased cost 
and management time resulting from management 
of disputes and litigation.

•  Increasing the specialist project management 
skillset across the Group through training and 
recruitment

•  Implementation of project management best 

practices

•  Focus on post-signature contract management

•  Salary benchmarking and role banding exercise

•  Formation in early 2023 of an Operational 

Excellence team within the Group, the remit  
of which includes standardising and improving 
the Group’s Project Delivery

Context:

The profile of the work undertaken by the businesses continues to shift more towards project work. Established mitigating processes include 
targeting increased project delivery skillsets through external hire and training, ongoing development of project management best practice, and 
building post-signature contract management into the project management skillset. We remain focused on improving outcomes and have formed 
an Operational Excellence team at the start of 2023 to drive standardisation, simplification and process improvement.

Movement:

No change. There has been one high-profile project challenge within the James Fisher Nuclear business during 2022 which demonstrates the 
need for continuous improvement. Elsewhere in the Group there have been a number of successfully delivered projects, particularly in the Marine 
Contracting business, which has been on a journey of continuous improvement for the past three years.

Opportunity:

Our customers require suppliers which can manage large projects in demanding environments. The Group is in a key position to support them, 
grow our customer engagement, and win new work.

9. RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF KEY STAFF

Nature:

Potential impact:

Mitigation:

The Group may fail to attract, retain 
and develop personnel of the requisite 
calibre and to plan for succession in key 
leadership positions.

This may result in the Group not being able to 
maintain its existing strong and experienced 
management teams in its operational businesses, 
and/or a risk to the Group’s delivery of its 
strategic objectives, which depends on recruiting 
and retaining the right people in all areas of our 
business to maintain competitive advantage.

•  Implementation of employee strategy

•  Graduate recruitment

•  Talent identification and management

•  Management development programmes

•  Appraisal process

•  Training plans

•  Remuneration incentives

•  Succession planning

•  Salary benchmarking and role banding exercise

Context:

Progress continues on implementation of the employee strategy to improve recruitment and retention. New senior management positions have 
been filled during the course of 2022. Succession and recruitment have improved. Retention has been a challenge and remains a key focus, 
particularly in a high inflation environment.

Movement:

Increase. The Group’s voluntary turnover rate has stabilised during 2022. Senior management changes have been implemented during the year 
but the recruitment market for talent remains highly competitive. 

Opportunity:

Improvements in recruitment and retention will strengthen our teams worldwide, as well as the ability to compete in our chosen markets.

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc67

10. FINANCIAL RISK

Nature:

Potential impact:

Mitigation:

The Group is exposed to interest rate, 
foreign exchange and credit risk. The 
Group’s decentralised operating model 
requires robust and effective financial 
controls.

An increase in interest rates or change in 
exchange rates or credit restriction would have 
a financial impact on the Group. Poor financial 
controls may impact adversely on reporting 
accuracy or risk of fraud.

•  Formalised Group internal controls and 

accounting policy manuals 

•  Documented levels of delegated authority  

for all operating companies 

•  Half-yearly self-certifications covering the 

effectiveness of financial controls signed by 
operating company Finance Directors 

•  Third party whistleblowing hotline available  

to all employees (from mid-2022) 

•  Internal Audit reviews on a periodic basis for  

all operating companies 

•  Internal controls improvement programme 

•  Non-syndicated banking relationships plus 

3-bank RCF club 

•  Centralised finance function management  

of Group net debt, and FX

•  Forward currency contracts 

•  Interest rate swaps

Context:

The Group’s central internal controls and treasury functions continue to drive standards across the Group. During 2022 the Group has commenced 
a project specifically aimed at improving internal controls, using a third party to support the Group’s Head of Internal Controls. The Treasury team 
continues to implement the Group’s FX hedging policy and transacted a new interest rate swap during the year upon expiry of the existing hedge. 
Recent increases in interest rates have increased the sensitivity of the Group’s results to its Interest Cover covenant (EBIT divided by Interest).

Movement:

Increase, due to current covenant compliance risk, albeit the Group remained in compliance with all banking covenants for 2022.

Opportunity:

The Group’s hedging policies are designed to provide certainty on cashflows. The internal controls improvement project is aimed at enhancing 
efficiency as well as strengthening control.

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report68

Principal risks and uncertainties cont.

11. PANDEMIC RISK

Nature:

Potential impact:

Mitigation:

The Group is a global business and has 
been impacted by the COVID pandemic 
during 2022. The Group may face a risk 
of future pandemics, and in particular 
an enhanced international government 
response to future potential virus spread 
which may lead to quicker triggering 
of restrictions on work and travel in 
the places where the Group needs to 
provide its services.

Context:

The current impact on the Group’s operations 
created by the COVID pandemic may continue. 
A future pandemic, or governmental response to 
a potential virus spread may impact the Group’s 
ability to provide services to its customers.

•  Tracking and following Government restrictions 

and recommendations 

•  Making office locations safe for work 

•  Home working where possible, supported 
by improved IT services enabling better 
communication 

•  COVID working group providing advice and 

support to employees 

•  Enhanced employee assistance programme 

•  Encouraging vaccination where possible

The ongoing COVID pandemic has continued to impact the Group’s results, particularly in China during 2022 where local lockdowns adversely 
impacted JFD’s ability to complete customer contracts and collect final payment milestones. Although the impact of the pandemic on 2022 was 
not as severe as in 2020 and 2021, it remains a risk to the Group. From an internal operating perspective, the Group now has robust working 
from home provisions and policies to govern safe working at sites where working at home is not possible. These controls, however, cannot totally 
mitigate the business interruption should customers choose to delay or cancel projects.

Movement:

Decrease. The impact during 2022 was largely; limited to the JFD business.

Opportunity:

Through finding creative ways to continue to deliver for our customers through the pandemic, we are able to build further customer loyalty and 
differentiate ourselves through our energy and resilience.

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc69

Internal Audit’s findings are reported to the 
individual management team, the Executive 
management team, the functional heads, 
and the chairman of the Audit Committee. 
PwC attends all Audit Committee meetings 
and presents a summary of the Internal 
Audit findings, recommendations, and 
implementation progress on an ongoing basis. 
During 2022 Internal Audit performed 10 
reviews on specific topics such as Business 
Continuity Planning, Health and Safety, 
Forecasting and Budgeting in addition to more 
traditional internal controls-based audits at 
businesses across the Group.

Risk Committee
The Company has a Risk Committee, which 
meets quarterly and is attended by the 
Executive Directors and the heads of the 
functional teams. Each of the functional teams 
provides a report at each Risk Committee 
meeting which identifies any matters in their 
functional area which relates to the Group’s 
principal risks and uncertainties, or to the 
individual trading companies’ risk registers.

The minutes of the Risk Committee are 
reported to the Board, and any key issues 
raised are discussed at meetings of the 
Board. The main responsibilities of the Risk 
Committee are: to keep under review the 
effectiveness of the Group’s overall risk 
management framework and processes 
and ensure corrective action is taken where 
necessary; to make recommendations to the 
Board/Audit Committee with respect to the 
appropriate risk appetite for the Group; to 
review the principal and emerging risks that 
the Group is willing to take across all major 
activities, taking into account the risk appetite, 
the long-term strategy of the Group and the 
interests of its stakeholders (shareholders, 
employees, customers/suppliers, the 
environment and local communities impacted 
by the Group’s activities); to review reports 
from the functional leads on risks that their 
teams are encountering in their interactions 
with the trading companies; to review reports 
from the trading companies on their principal 
risks and mitigating activities, as well as any 
emerging risks; and to ensure that a robust 
assessment of the principal and emerging 
risks facing the Group has been undertaken 
annually by reference to risk registers from 
trading companies and functions.

Emerging risks
Our risk management programme includes a 
review of emerging risks. We define emerging 
risks as those which take the form of a 
systemic issue or business practice that has 
either not previously been identified, has been 
identified but has remained dormant, or has 
yet to rise to an area of significant concern. 
The Risk Committee is continuing to work on 
improvements in this area and has specifically 
discussed during the year, based on the 
frequency with which businesses are reporting 
risks in this areas, whether Transformation, 
Funding, Competition and Supply Chain 
risks are adequately included in the Group’s 
Principal Risks. The Committee concluded that 
both Transformation risk and the Group’s ability 
to maintain access to adequate funding had 
risen to the level of being considered principal 
risks. The Committee further concluded that 
the key aspects of each of Competition and 
Supply Chain risk are adequately covered in 
the Group’s current principal risks and that 
neither should therefore be included specifically 
as a key risk.

The impacts of the COVID pandemic since 
2020 have created a heightened awareness 
of new and emerging risks that could impact 
the Group, its customers and suppliers – this 
has come through in the trading company 
reporting in relation to the pandemic, although 
no specific individual “new” issues or business 
practices have been identified; for example, 
post-pandemic ways of working and longer- 
term skill requirements may emerge as 
workforce planning risks, closely associated 
with risk in relation to the recruitment and 
retention of key people. Furthermore, ongoing 
scenario planning work in line with TCFD 
guidelines is focusing in on the identification 
and assessment of potential short to longer-
term emerging physical risks linked with 
climate change, which are already captured 
in part in the Group’s principal risks relating 
to energy markets, although this will develop 
in further directions once the analysis is 
complete.

The ongoing development with respect to an 
energy mix in transition continue to be at the 
forefront of the Company’s risk management 
and strategic planning, as renewable sources 
produce more energy, and environmental 
concerns lead to an increased focus on 
the decommissioning of oil and gas assets. 
Although the Company recognises that oil 
and gas will remain part of the energy mix 
for some time, we aim to provide services 
for the benefit of the production, delivery and 
decommissioning industries in a safe and 
sustainable way, whilst we support the energy 
transition to low carbon sources.

Risk governance framework
The Board is responsible for the management 
of risk in the Group, supported by the Risk 
Committee and the Group functions, including 
internal audit. The internal control and risk 
management framework is comprised of a 
series of policies, processes, procedures and 
organisational structures which are designed to 
ensure that the level of risk to which the Group 
is exposed is consistent with the Group’s risk 
appetite and strategic objectives, as defined by 
the Board. 

The framework is overseen by the Risk 
Committee which helps the businesses 
with their risk management and reporting, 
consolidates reporting, overlays the functional 
and macro-economic view of risk and 
reports to the Board on the management 
and assessment of risk within the Group. 
An assessment of the Company’s risk 
management and internal control systems is 
carried out annually by the Audit Committee 
on behalf of the Board. The results of 
that assessment are reported in the Audit 
Committee report as set out on page 91 and 
below. The focus for further improvements to 
the framework are set out in more detail on 
page 62.

Group functions
The Group’s trading companies are supported 
by Group functions. Each functional head 
reports to an Executive Director. The Board 
retains an oversight role and receives regular 
reports on key issues: on financial, tax and 
treasury matters from the Chief Financial 
Officer, on people and HR matters from the 
Chief HR Officer, and on legal and regulatory 
matters from the Group General Counsel.  
The Board conducts a “deep dive” review into 
the Group’s most potentially impactful principal 
risks at most scheduled Board meetings. The 
Board has a schedule of matters specifically 
reserved to it for decision, designed to ensure 
that it maintains full and effective control over 
appropriate strategic, investment, financial, 
organisational and compliance issues. This 
schedule is subject to review by the Board on 
an annual basis and was last updated on  
13 December 2022.

Internal Auditt
The Group’s Internal Audit function was 
outsourced to PwC, effective April 2022.  
PwC has defined and undertaken regular 
reviews of the individual businesses’ operations 
and their systems of internal controls. They 
make recommendations to improve controls 
and follow up to ensure that management 
implements the recommendations made. The 
annual Internal Audit plan is determined on 
a risk assessment basis and is reviewed and 
approved by the Audit Committee. 

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic reportAnti-bribery and corruption
The Board is committed to ensuring the 
highest standards in all of the Group’s business 
dealings and condemns corruption in all its 
forms. The Group has a formal anti-bribery and 
corruption statement and policy and does not 
tolerate or condone corruption or bribery in any 
of the Group’s business dealings. This policy 
has been implemented throughout the Group 
and is supported by a Group-wide training 
programme (both online and in person), 
delivered by the Group legal team and regular 
compliance reviews through Internal Audit. 
The Group’s auditors have also introduced 
additional procedures as part of their audit for 
the first time in 2022. The policy is reviewed 
annually by the Board and is available on the 
Group’s website. More detail is provided on 
page 73.

Modern slavery
The Board has a zero-tolerance approach to 
any form of modern slavery and is committed 
to acting in an ethical manner and with integrity 
and transparency in our Group’s business 
dealings. The Group has a formal slavery 
and human trafficking statement and policy 
which outlines the steps taken by the Group 
to ensure that slavery and human trafficking is 
not taking place within any part of the Group’s 
business or within the Group’s supply chains. 
Both the statement and the policy are available 
on the Group’s website. More detail is provided 
on page 73.

70

Principal risks and uncertainties cont.

Through the Executive Directors and the 
Group General Counsel, the Risk Committee 
presents to the Board its annual assessment of 
the principal and emerging risks of the Group, 
taking into account the existing principal risks 
of the trading companies, and those tracked 
by the functional teams, as well as presenting 
the emerging macro risks, and those emerging 
risks identified by the trading companies, the 
impact of which could potentially develop to 
impact the Group as a whole. This enables 
the Board to carry out its own robust 
assessment of the principal and emerging risks 
of the Group as a whole. The results of that 
assessment, including risk management and 
mitigating activities, are set out on page 84.

Risk management systems
The key features of the Group’s risk 
management systems used to identify and 
monitor material risks are as follows:

•  Each operating business is required to 

maintain an up-to-date risk register, which 
identifies key and emerging risks, assigns 
each a “risk score” based on the likelihood 
of it arising, and the potential impact on 
the business of an adverse outcome, 
both before and after mitigation measures 
are taken. Risk scores are established 
by reference to a set of standard criteria 
for each type of risk. The risks and their 
respective risk scores before and after 
mitigation are reviewed by each business 
and discussed with the Executive Directors 
at each quarterly operating board meeting.

•  The risk registers are reviewed by Internal 
Audit, the Risk Committee and the Board 
twice a year, based on the process outlined 
in the “Risk Committee” section above, with 
the mid-year review focused on the material 
changes to those risks.

•  The risk registers are supported by an 

internal control and risk management review 
questionnaire, completed annually by each 
trading company managing director. This 
is a robust self-assessment of operational 
controls and compliance with Group 
policies, applicable laws and regulations 
relating to their business. This ensures 
that managing directors identify risks and 
relevant mitigating strategies, and have in 
place adequate control systems to identify, 
mitigate and report any weaknesses that 
require management attention.

•  The risk registers are used twice a year 
by the Board to help to determine the 
Group’s principal and emerging risks and 
uncertainties, their potential impacts, how 
they are being managed and/or mitigated, 
and any change in the nature of the risk. 
Internal Audit uses them to define its areas 
of focus for the forthcoming period.

Business reporting and performance 
reviews
The Group operates an annual budgeting 
process and produces formal, detailed 
quarterly forecasts which are reviewed and 
approved by the Board. In the intervening 
months a high-level forecast is updated 
to provide additional visibility on business 
outlook. Monthly business performance 
reviews are conducted at all businesses by the 
Executive Directors, comparing performance 
against agreed financial and KPI measures. In 
addition to the annual budget, all businesses 
prepare five-year strategic plans which are 
consolidated and presented to the Board as a 
Group five-year strategic plan. The Executive 
Directors hold quarterly board meetings with 
each business unit to discuss strategy, financial 
results and forecasts, business needs and the 
management of risks facing the business.

Regulatory compliance policies
Whistleblowing
As part of its internal control procedures, the 
Group maintains a whistleblowing policy which:

•  encourages the workforce to report any 

suspected wrongdoing as soon as possible, 
in the knowledge that their concerns will 
be taken seriously and investigated as 
appropriate;

•  provides staff with guidance as to how to 

raise those concerns; and

•  reassures staff that they should be able 
to raise genuine concerns without fear 
of reprisals, even if they turn out to be 
mistaken.

The policy covers any suspicions of criminal 
activity, failure to comply with any legal 
obligation, miscarriages of justice, danger to 
health and safety, damage to the environment, 
bribery under our anti-bribery and corruption 
policy, facilitating tax evasion, financial fraud 
or mismanagement, and breach of our internal 
policies and procedures including our Code of 
Ethics. The policy is designed to ensure that 
any employee who raises a genuine concern is 
protected. Any concerns can be raised in the 
first instance with the Chief Financial Officer 
or the Group General Counsel in confidence. 
The Group has launched a new externally-
facilitated whistleblowing hotline in the first 
quarter of 2022 providing a simple platform 
for communication and management of 
whistleblowing issues, in the many languages 
used around the Group.

The Board has overall responsibility for the 
policy, its application to individual concerns 
raised under the policy and for reviewing 
and approving the effectiveness of actions 
proposed in response to concerns raised 
under the policy. 

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc71

An additional downside scenario was 
considered by modelling the potential 
cumulative impact of an annual operating profit 
reduction of 10% in 2023 and 25% for the rest 
of the viability period, cash reduction of £20m 
and 50pbs increase in interest rates. In this 
scenario the Group remained viable assuming 
successful completion of refinancing in 2023 
and a subsequent refinancing before the 
facilities expire in 2025. 

It is considered unlikely that all of the risks 
outlined above will arise at once. Whilst it 
is unlikely that the climate change risk will 
have notable impact on the Group’s financial 
position over the viability assessment period, 
over the longer term it is likely to have adverse 
impact on the oil and gas servicing businesses 
and maritime transport, however, it presents 
a significant opportunity for the Group’s 
businesses that service the renewables sector. 
These potential market dynamics are reflected 
in the Group’s strategic planning, portfolio 
decision-making and impairment testing.

Given the severity of the scenarios run, the 
Board consider that the Group is resilient to 
the risks outlined above. Additional mitigating 
actions are available to the Group in more 
severe scenarios of reduced profitability and/
or liquidity: 

•  reduction of capital expenditure; 

•  not declaring dividends; 

•  outright sale or sale/leaseback of Group 

assets;

•  further divestments of the Group’s 

businesses/divisions; and 

•  the anticipated positive impact of the 

transformation activities that the Group plans 
to undertake over the viability period, no 
benefit from which has been assumed in the 
underlying financial model. 

Based on their assessment of the Group’s 
prospects and viability, and in accordance with 
Provision 31 of the Code, the Directors confirm 
they have a reasonable expectation that the 
Group will be able to continue to operate and 
to meet its liabilities, as they fall due, for the 
period to 31 December 2025. This conclusion 
is based on the expectation that the current 
refinancing process will successfully complete 
and further refinancing is achieved before the 
facilities expire in 2025. 

Viability statement

Viability statement
The Group’s business model and strategy 
are detailed on pages 10 and 11, and our 
risk management framework is described on 
pages 69 to 70. Understanding of our business 
model, our strategy and our principal risks is a 
key element in the assessment of the Group’s 
prospects, as well as the formal consideration 
of viability. 

As part of the strategic planning process, the 
Directors have assessed the Group’s viability 
over a three-year period ending 31 December 
2025. The Group prepares a five-year outlook 
in its strategy planning process, however when 
assessing the appropriate period over which 
to consider viability, a shorter period of three 
years was chosen as it is more closely aligned 
with the timeline of the Group’s transformation 
programme, which is aimed at simplifying 
the organisation and divesting non-core 
businesses. In addition, should the risks and 
uncertainties identified on pages 62 to 68 have 
an impact on the Group, it is reasonable to 
believe that they will occur within this period.

In preparing this viability assessment, the Board 
assumes and expects that the refinancing 
process as described in the going concern 
section of note one is successfully completed. 
The remaining conditions to be satisfied, 
although not entirely within the direct control 
of the Group, are common in many borrowing 
agreements. That said, the Board highlights 
that the material uncertainties referred to in 
respect of the Going Concern assessment may 
cast significant doubt over the future viability of 
the Group should they arise. 

During the strategy planning process, the Board 
reviews the Group’s strategy and its detailed 
financial plan in light of the Group’s current 
position and prospects, together with factors 
and risks that might affect the future outlook. 
The Board carefully assesses the performance 
and prospects of each business regarding 
entering new markets and geographies, 
current and expected growth rates, macro 
and individual business risks, prospective new 
projects (and their timing), and the robustness 
of individual business performance.

The Group’s plan overlays a number of 
assumptions and sensitivities which are 
reviewed by the Board; this includes a  
review of whether additional bank facilities  
will be required and available in the plan period, 
as well as a robust assessment of the severe 
but plausible scenarios aligned to the principal 
and emerging risks facing the Group as set out 
on pages 62 to 68, and the potential impact of 
those scenarios on its business model, future 
performance, solvency and liquidity  
over the period. The scenarios which are 
considered include the diverse nature of the 
markets and geographies in which the Group’s 
businesses operate, and their ability to react 
quickly to change. 

Whilst all the principal and emerging risks 
identified could have an impact on the Group’s 
performance, the specific risks that could 
potentially impact the Group’s financial  
position are:

•  financial risk – trading downside risks, which 

assume the Group is not successful in 
delivering the anticipated profitability levels, 
including in relation to contractual risk (see 
below). To reflect this, operating profit was 
reduced by 10% in 2023 and 25% for the 
rest of the viability period. Exposure to an 
increase in interest rates/borrowing costs 
was also considered by aligning interest 
rates and borrowing costs with the new 
facilities’ term sheet and increasing the 
underlying SONIA rate by 50bps.

•  maintaining access to adequate funding 
– the Group has historically maintained 
good access to adequate funding. As 
at the date of this report, the Group has 
received commitment letters from all of its 
six lenders to enter into a single Revolving 
Credit Facility for facilities of £210m and, 
as further detailed in the Going Concern 
assessment on page 91, the Group expects 
to complete this refinancing by 7 June 2023. 
The refinancing is subject to conditions 
subsequent which include granting of 
guarantees and security to the lenders, the 
execution of which is not entirely within the 
Group’s control. The new facilities will expire 
in March 2025 which also falls withing the 
viability assessment period. The strength 
of the Group’s strategic plan, which shows 
continued deleveraging and reduction in 
total borrowings gives the Board confidence 
that further refinancing in advance of March 
2025 will be achievable, however, the 
Directors recognise that this is outside of  
the direct control of the Group.

•  contractual risk – winning larger contracts 
and operating in more geographies with 
partners potentially exposed to increased 
risk of late payment or cost overruns. 
To reflect this operating cashflows were 
reduced by £20m over the three-year period 
to 31 December 2025 and in line with the 
trading risk scenario described above, 
operating profit was reduced by 10% in 
2023 and 25% for the rest of the viability 
period.

•  project delivery – risk that a project not 
delivered in line with the budgeted profit 
and payment terms. The potential impact of 
this risk is modelled through cashflow and 
operating profit reduction as above.

•  group transformation - the risk of disruption 
and/or distraction to its core activities if the 
transformation programme is not managed 
well. The potential impact of this risk is 
modelled through cashflow and operating 
profit reduction as above.

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report72

Non-financial information statement

The information set out below, together with the cross references listed in the table below as to where further information can be found in the 
main body of the Strategic report, is in compliance with the Non-Financial Reporting requirements as set out in sections 414CA and 414CB of the 
Companies Act 2006:

Reporting requirement

Relevant policy 

Location

Business model

Business model

Environmental matters

Group Health, Safety and Environmental policy

Planet

Page

10 to 11

34 to 41 

Principal risks and uncertainties

65

Employees

Group Health, Safety and Environmental policy

Empowering our People

Social matters

Code of ethics

Code of ethics

Directors’ report

People

Respect for human rights

Modern slavery and human trafficking policy

Partnerships 

Anti-bribery and corruption

Anti-bribery and corruption policy

Principal risks and uncertainties

Code of ethics

Non-financial information

Audit Committee Report

42 to 51 

112

42 to 51

52 to 55

73

70

92

Principal risks

Non-financial KPIs

Principal risks and uncertainties

62 to 70

Key performance indicators

56 to 57 

Our policies
A combination of online and in person training on all the key policies is carried out across the Group, and there is also a system of bi-annual 
certification for compliance officers, certifying that the relevant individuals in their businesses have read and understood the policies and are fully 
compliant. All employees, contractors and third parties are encouraged to report any circumstances where there is a suspected or actual breach of 
any Group policies, applicable laws, or the high standards as set out in the Code of ethics. All reported incidences of actual or suspected breach of 
any of the policies are promptly and thoroughly investigated. The Audit Committee also considers any high-risk areas identified by the internal audit 
function, the Group legal team or the business’ compliance officers.

Key policy

Relevant policies

Code of ethics

James Fisher is committed to ensuring the highest standards in its activities and is particularly concerned that appropriate and 
ethical policies and procedures are followed in all business dealings across the Group.

The Group strives for a culture of honesty, openness and accountability. The Group’s commitment to the highest level of ethical 
conduct should be reflected in all our business activities including relationships with our stakeholders.

All employees and others must conduct themselves according to the language and the spirit of this Code and seek to avoid 
any appearance of improper behaviour.

Strategic reportAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc73

Key policy

Relevant policies

Group Health, 
Safety and 
Environmental 
policy

Health and safety is the top priority and the Group actively strives for the continuous improvement of health and safety in the 
workplace. We aim to provide a healthy and safe working environment for all our employees and to ensure the safety of others 
affected by our operations.

The Group recognises its responsibility to protect the environment for the benefit of all. This policy represents a declaration of 
our intent and commitment to minimise the environmental impact of our activities, our consumption of raw materials and our 
production of waste.

The ultimate responsibility for health and safety, and the environment rests with the Group Chief Executive Officer, the Board 
members, and the Executive team. This responsibility is cascaded through the organisation via divisional/regional MDs and 
their leadership teams.

In the case of health and safety, this is supported by the Group Safety Committee, as well as by the Group safety forum  
and its individual members, who are the HSEQ representatives for each business.

In the case of the environment, this is supported by the Sustainability Committee, and by the environmental working group, 
with representation from across the Group. 

Anti-bribery 
and corruption 
policy

James Fisher has zero tolerance for any form of bribery or corruption and is committed to complying with all applicable anti-
bribery and corruption laws. The Group has an established anti-bribery and corruption policy and has introduced a compliance 
programme which has the support of the Board and senior management within the Group. This includes communication of 
the statement and policy, training, risk assessment and ongoing monitoring. Employees assessed to be at risk are required to 
complete the training and to self-certify that they understand and agree to be bound by its provisions. Ongoing compliance is 
monitored by local compliance officers who are required to report to their local boards and to the Group Compliance Officer on 
at least a biannual basis. The compliance officers are responsible for ensuring that risk assessments, training and awareness 
are carried out where appropriate and are kept up-to-date.

In addition to ensuring that our people are compliant with the Group’s anti-bribery and corruption policy, we require that all 
third-party agents and joint venture partners engaging with any Group entity comply with these policies in order to ensure 
compliance with applicable anti-bribery and corruption laws.

The policy is supplemented by due diligence on all third-party agent and joint venture relationships, enabled by a bespoke 
web-based platform available to all Group businesses. It provides a robust tool through which our businesses can risk 
assess agent and joint venture partners with whom they are considering doing business. It forms part of our internal control 
procedures and helps mitigate the business’ compliance risk. The platform was rolled out throughout the Group in 2020. 

Modern 
slavery policy

James Fisher respects fundamental human rights, and is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business 
dealings and relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not 
taking place anywhere in our own business or in any of our supply chains or in the communities in which we operate across 
our international businesses. We have implemented work practices and policies throughout the Group which are designed to 
ensure that respect for human rights is integrated into the systems and culture of our businesses. We do not tolerate the use 
of child or forced labour within our business and take all steps possible to ensure that our suppliers and customers also uphold 
internationally recognised human rights. This is enabled through risk assessments undertaken by our Group businesses which 
identify parts of their supply chain which could be susceptible to risk in this area, as well as confirmation from our suppliers of 
compliance with our policy and relevant law. Our progress in the area of modern slavery is set out in our annual Modern Slavery 
statement which is available on the Group’s website and outlines steps taken by the Group to ensure that there is transparency 
in the Group and throughout our supply chains. The Group encourages any concerns relating to modern slavery to be raised 
using the procedure set out in the whistleblowing policy. 

Approval of Strategic report
The Strategic report on pages 2 to 73 was approved by the Board on 28 April 2023. 

Jean Vernet
Chief Executive Officer

28 April 2023

James Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Strategic report74

Governance at a glance

Applying the Principles  
of the UK Corporate  
Governance Code
This governance section of the report 
is structured around the Company’s 
application of the Principles of the Code:

1 Board leadership and company 
purpose

 Details about the Company’s 

purpose, culture and values are set out 
on page 85

 The key activities of the Board during 

the year and key priorities for 2023 are 
summarised on pages 82 to 83

2 Division of responsibilities

 An explanation of our governance 

structure is set out on page 78

3 Composition, succession, and 

evaluation

 Details of this year’s Board evaluation 

is set out on page 84

 Report from the Chair of the 

Nominations Committee is set out on 
pages 86 to 88

4  Audit, risk and internal control

 Report from the Chair of the Audit 
Committee is set out on pages 89 to 93

5  Remuneration

 Report from the Chair of the 

Remuneration Committee is set out on 
pages 94 to 95

 Details of the Directors’ remuneration 

policy for 2023 is set out on pages 96 
to 99

Governance structure

The Board 
The Corporate governance report on pages 82 to 85. 

Audit  
Committee
The Audit 
Committee report 
on pages 89 to 93 
describes in detail 
the Committee’s 
role and activities.

Remuneration 
Committee
The Directors’ 
remuneration 
report on pages 94 
to 110 describes 
in detail the 
Committee’s role 
and activities.

Nominations 
Committee
The Nominations 
Committee report 
on pages 86 to 88 
describes in detail 
the Committee’s 
role and activities.

Executive  
Committee

Investment 
Committee

Group Risk 
Committee

Group Health 
and Safety 
Committee

Group  
Sustainability 
Committee

Operating  
divisions

Corporate  
functions

GovernanceAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc75

HIGHLIGHTS
Diversity (all Directors) 

 Female: 3 
 Male: 5

Length of Tenure (Chairman  
and Non-Executive Directors) 

Board membership and meetings
The composition of the Board and the Board Committees meets the requirements of the Code.

The Board and Board Committees held a number of scheduled and unscheduled meetings in 
2022 and individual attendance is set out in the table below. 

Board and Committee scheduled meetings attendance (2022)  

Board

Audit  Remuneration Nominations

 0-2 years: 5 
 2-5 years: 1 
 5-9 years: 2

Executive Directors 
Jean Vernet(1) 
Duncan Kennedy(1)

Non-Executive Directors 
Angus Cockburn
Aedamar Comiskey 
Justin Atkinson 
Inken Braunschmidt 
Kash Pandya
Claire Hawkings

4/4
10/10

10/10
10/10
10/10
9/10
9/10
10/10

Former Directors and Non-Executive Directors
Eoghan O’Lionaird(1)
Michael Salter(2) 

5/5
3/3

N/A
N/A

N/A
4/4
4/4
4/4
4/4
4/4

N/A
2/2

N/A
N/A

N/A
5/5
5/5
5/5
4/5
5/5

N/A
3/3

N/A
N/A

4/4
4/4
4/4
4/4
3/4
4/4

N/A
2/2

(1)  Eoghan O’Lionaird stepped down from the Board on 5 September 2022. Jean Vernet joined the Board  

on 5 September 2022.

(2)  Michael Salter stepped down from the Board following the Company’s AGM on 5 May 2022.

Where exceptionally, a meeting has been arranged at short notice and due to other commitments, 
a Director has been unable to attend a meeting, they have separately submitted their comments 
and input on the matters under discussion to the Chairman of the Board or the relevant Board 
Committee.

GovernanceJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
76

Chairman’s introduction to corporate governance

Dear Shareholders
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to 
present the Company’s corporate governance 
report for 2022. As we set out elsewhere in 
this report, 2022 continued to be a challenging 
year for the Group. In times of challenge, it 
remains critical to ensure the Company has a 
strong governance framework, overseen by an 
experienced and engaged Board with the right 
information to make informed decisions in the 
interest of stakeholders. Over the course of 
2022, the Board has supported the Executive 
team in addressing the issues created by 
macroeconomic and geopolitical matters, as 
well as by the poor financial performance of 
the Group to ensure that all its decisions and 
actions were taken with a clear governance 
framework in place.

During 2022, we reacted quickly to the 
situation in Ukraine, offering immediate support 
to our Ukrainian seafarers, but also introducing 
new governance processes in relation to 
doing business related to Russia, to stay up 
to date with a quickly changing situation, and 
to ensure that none of our Group businesses 
are taking on obligations which they either 
cannot fulfil, or which would result in some 
form of financial benefit to Russia. The Group 
remains vigilant of the situation in Ukraine and 
continues to employ processes which enhance 
supply chain transparency. 

The Board continues to be focused on turning 
around our performance and resetting the 
Group onto a path towards sustainable 
profitable growth, whilst ensuring that the 
Group also delivers for all its stakeholders, 
especially during a time of uncertainty for our 
staff, our customers and the communities in 
which we operate. The Group has previously 
laid out a clear purpose supported by a strong 
values-based framework and the Board will 
continue to ensure that the Group is run in a 
manner consistent with this framework.

Progress against 2022 
governance priorities
Last year, I outlined the Board’s priorities for 
2022, which were focused on putting in place 
the governance structures to support and 
enable the short-term business objectives 
of reducing leverage through improved 
operational performance and the disposal of 
non-core businesses, as well as supporting 
the implementation of the Group’s long-term 
strategy. 

Board and Committee 
composition 
During 2022, there were a number of changes 
to the membership of the Board. Firstly, Claire 
Hawkings was appointed to the Board as 
an independent Non-Executive Director on 
1 January 2022. Following the Company’s 
AGM on 5 May 2022, Michael Salter retired 
as independent Non-Executive Director. Jean 
Vernet joined the Board as Chief Executive 
Officer with effect from 5 September 2022, 
with Eoghan O’Lionaird stepping down with 
effect from that date. 

UK Corporate Governance Code 
The Board understands that good corporate 
governance is an important element in helping 
to build a successful business in a sustainable 
manner. The UK Corporate Governance Code 
2018, publicly available at www.frc.org.uk 
(the Code) applied to the Company through 
the year, and this report explains how the 
Company has applied the principles set out in 
the Code. During the year ended 31 December 
2022 (and up to the date of this report), the 
Company has applied all the principles, and 
complied with the relevant provisions of the 
Code.

In addition, the Company has focused recently 
on how best to engage with the workforce 
on Executive remuneration under one of the 
elements of Code provision 41. On page 96 
of the Remuneration Committee report, we 
outline the steps undertaken so far by the Non-
Executive Directors to engage the workforce to 
explain how Executive remuneration aligns with 
wider Company pay policy. While the Company 
is compliant with provision 41, this is an area 
of ongoing development, and the Company 
intends to build on this during 2023 as part of 
its engagement activities with employees.

Strategy, purpose and values
The Code provides that a Board should 
establish the Company’s strategy, purpose and 
values, and that its directors should lead by 
example and promote the desired culture.  
In terms of leading by example, the importance 
of the Executive Directors being visible in the 
business and reinforcing the messaging about 
our purpose and values goes without saying. 
In addition, there is a programme of visits 
organised for the Non-Executive Directors, 
a key element of which is meeting with the 
workforce for a two-way dialogue about a wide 
range of issues, including purpose and values.

The Board’s governance priorities for 2022 
included:

•  the review and refinement of the delegated 

authority matrix;

•  the creation of a new Investment Committee 
consisting of key members of the Executive 
team, with the mandate to oversee capital 
expenditure, acquisitions and disposals and 
the delivery of key business projects; and 

•  the detailed review of our risk management 

systems and controls and embedding 
the improved risk framework across the 
business. 

During 2022, we have agreed and 
implemented a new delegated authority 
matrix, which includes updated reserved 
matters for the Board (available on the Group 
website), and the formation of the Investment 
Committee with the mandate to oversee 
capital expenditure, acquisitions and disposals 
and the delivery of key business projects for 
approval or escalation to the Board under the 
reserved matters. Due to the complexity and 
diversity of the Group’s businesses in terms 
of size, markets and locations, it has been 
challenging to employ a single, consolidated 
delegated authority matrix. During 2022, we 
have created a two-tiered delegated authority 
matrix, with application (and therefore authority 
levels) to individual businesses dependent 
on a number of size and risk factors. The 
review of our risk management systems and 
control, supported by PwC, has resulted in a 
number of key changes to the processes that 
underpin the consideration of risk by the Group 
operating companies, as well as the structure 
of the Risk Committee and the systems it 
employs to review operational risk, as well 
as the macro economic and political risk 
environment in which the Group operates. 

2023 governance priorities
Following another challenging year, the Board’s 
focus in 2023 remains on putting in place 
the governance structures to support and 
enable the short-term business objectives 
of reducing leverage through improved 
operational performance and the disposal of 
non-core businesses, as well as supporting 
the implementation of the Group’s long-term 
strategy. In order to support these business 
objectives, the Board’s governance priorities 
for 2023 include the ongoing implementation 
of the new delegated authority matrix and the 
formation of the Investment Committee. We 
will also look to restructure and reshape the 
Executive Committee under the leadership of 
Jean Vernet to ensure he has the support he 
needs to implement the Group strategy. We 
are also in the process of finalising the detailed 
review of our risk management systems and 
controls and will then look to embed the 
improved risk framework across the business.  
I look forward to reporting on progress on 
these priorities next year.

GovernanceAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc77

 More details in relation to diversity can be 
found in the Nominations Committee report on 
pages 86 to 88.

Board effectiveness review
As Chairman, I lead an annual evaluation of the 
effectiveness of the Board, its Committees and 
the individual Directors. Following an externally-
facilitated review in 2021, for 2022, the Board 
undertook a formal internal evaluation. I am 
pleased to report that the review highlighted 
that the Board continues to be committed and 
cohesive during what remains to be a period of 
change in its membership. 

 The evaluation process identified some 
recommended actions which can be found on 
page 85.

Conclusion
Having the right governance structure is vital 
in enabling the Group to operate effectively in 
a rapidly changing political, economic, social 
and technological environment, and to make 
the most of the resulting opportunities that 
present themselves, as well as managing the 
associated risks. As this letter sets out, we are 
undertaking a number of reviews to improve 
our governance structure. I am pleased with 
the progress we are making but there is more 
to do in building the optimal organisational 
structure and supporting governance and 
control frameworks. In turn, this will provide a 
strong foundation from which the Group can 
build its turnaround and deliver sustainable 
growth and returns, whilst making a positive 
impact for the benefit of all our stakeholders. 
This Governance report outlines the ongoing 
actions required to continue this work, and I 
look forward to reporting to you on progress 
next year.

Angus Cockburn
Chairman

28 April 2023

Employee engagement
To better understand the views of our 
workforce, an externally facilitated 
engagement survey of all our employees is 
conducted annually. During the year, over 
80% of employees completed the survey, an 
improvement on the completion rate in the 
prior year. The results of the engagement 
survey were reviewed by the Board and it was 
pleasing to see that many of the challenges 
revealed by the survey in the prior year are 
being addressed. 

 The results of the survey and the actions 
being taken as a result are set out more fully  
on page 44.

Stakeholder engagement
The Code highlights the importance of effective 
engagement with shareholders and other 
stakeholders. We have identified shareholders, 
employees, the environment, customers and 
suppliers and local communities as being our 
key stakeholders.

During Board and Committee meetings, the 
Group’s key stakeholders and their differing 
perspectives are identified and considered as 
part of the decision-making process. These 
discussions, assessments and conversations 
focus not only on delivering increased value 
for shareholders, but also assess the impacts 
of our decisions and strategies on the Group’s 
wider stakeholders.

The Board recognises the importance of 
regular, open and constructive dialogue with 
shareholders and other stakeholders, and this 
has long been a key aspect of our culture and 
decision-making. The Executive Directors meet 
key shareholders regularly and other members 
of the Board are available to be consulted as 
appropriate. I have met with most of our largest 
shareholders since starting with the Company 
and will continue to engage as appropriate.

The Board is also committed to embedding 
sustainability into day-to-day decisions and 
making this a central theme of delivering the 
Group’s strategy. The Sustainability Committee, 
which reports into the Board, monitors 
progress on achieving the Group’s ESG 
priorities. One of its key roles is overseeing the 
stakeholder working groups, which include 
employee representatives from all around 
the Group which play an important role in 
delivering our sustainability objectives.

Given the nature of the services we provide, 
stakeholder engagement is a multi-faceted 
issue and is one that is frequently discussed at 
the Board. 

 More information about how we consider 
and engage with our stakeholders as part of 
our Board activities is set out on pages  
82 and 83.

Managing risk
The Board, assisted by the Audit Committee, 
ensures that our approach to risk management 
is effective, extending beyond financial risk 
to a wider range of strategic and operational 
risks. There is a full report on our risk 
management activities in our Principal Risks 
and Uncertainties section of the Strategic 
report on pages 62 to 70. Given the challenges 
posed by the pandemic as well as the trading 
issues that have faced the Group, in 2021 
the Board engaged PwC LLP, to carry out 
an independent review of the Group’s risk 
management systems and controls. This 
review concluded that the risk framework is 
generally appropriate, but it also recognised 
that the Group’s diversity in terms of its 
operations and geographies added an inherent 
layer of complexity to risk management. 
The report recommended a number of 
improvements, which the Group continued to 
implement in 2022, as described in more detail 
on page 62.

Board composition and diversity 
We are committed to ensuring that the 
composition of the Board has the diversity 
required to be as effective as possible. The 
Board is currently composed of eight Directors, 
each bringing a variety of skills, knowledge 
and experience, in addition to diversity of 
thought. With two Executive Directors and 
five Non-Executive Directors (excluding myself 
as Chairman), there is a strong independent 
element to the Board, which ensures that the 
balance of power rests with the Non-Executive 
members of the Board. Diversity is a matter 
which we consider regularly, and in 2022 we 
updated the Board Diversity Policy to include 
aspects such as sexual orientation, disability 
and socio-economic background, when 
considering candidates for the Board and its 
Committees. The Board Diversity Policy is 
available on the Group website and sets out 
our aims to ensure an appropriate mix of skills 
and experience on the Board as well as the 
Board’s Committees. 

Further to the new Listing Rules disclosure 
requirements introduced during the year 
relating to board diversity, the Board is 
committed to meeting the following targets: 
at least 40% of the individuals on the Board 
are women; at least one of the senior Board 
positions is held by a woman and at least 
one Board member is from a minority ethnic 
background. The disclosure requirements 
will apply to the Company in relation to the 
financial year ending 31 December 2023. As 
at 31 December 2022, one Director on the 
Board is from an ethnic minority background 
and one of the senior Board positions (Senior 
Independent Director) is held by a woman. The 
female representation on the Board is 37.5% 
and the Board succession planning conducted 
by the Nomination Committee will determine 
plans to achieving the targets stated above.

GovernanceJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 202278

Governance framework

THE BOARD 
Chairman: Angus Cockburn
Meets regularly, with at least seven scheduled meetings for the year. 
During 2022 the Board also met outside of the scheduled meetings to 
discuss and approve event-driven matters, such as trading updates.

The Board is responsible for steering the Group’s purpose, culture and 
values, for setting the Group’s strategic priorities and for overseeing 
their delivery in a way that enables sustainable long-term growth, while 
maintaining a balanced approach to risk within a framework of effective 
controls. It has a schedule of key matters which are reserved for its 
own decision-making, which is reviewed annually and approved by 
the Board.

Chairman
•  Leads the Board, sets the agenda and promotes a culture of 
open debate between Executive and Non-Executive Directors.

•  Regularly meets with the Chief Executive Officer, the other 
Executive Directors and other senior management to stay 
informed.

•  Ensures effective communication with our shareholders.

Senior Independent Non-Executive Director
•  Provides a sounding board to the Chairman and appraises his 

performance.

•  Meets with Directors to review the Chairman’s performance. 

This review is then shared with the Chairman.

•  Available to respond to shareholder concerns when contact 

through the normal channels is inappropriate.

Non-Executive Directors
•  Contribute to developing our strategy.

•  Scrutinise and constructively challenge the performance of 

management in the execution of our strategy.

Non-Executive Director for Employee  
Engagement
•  Responsible for representing the voice of our colleagues in the 

boardroom.

•  Provides a regular platform for the independent element of 
the Board to have direct conversations with the employees, 
individually and in group settings, to gain insights into their 
experiences, concerns and perspectives, and to better 
understand whether the cultural change is already underway.

Executive Directors
•  Responsible for management of the Group as a whole.

•  Delivers strategic objectives within the Board’s stated risk 

appetite and delegated limits of authority.

•  Responsible for management of Group finances and records.

Matters reserved for the Board
At least once a year the Board reviews the nature and scale of 
matters reserved for its decision. These include:

•  Company strategy and financial performance;

•  internal control and risk management systems; and

•  review of the Board’s own effectiveness.

BOARD COMMITTEES 
To assist in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities the Board has 
established Non-Executive and Management Committees that 
provide dedicated focus to particular areas, and management of the 
day-to-day operations of the business. Supported by its principal 
Non-Executive Committees (Nominations, Audit and Remuneration 
Committees), the Board sets the strategic direction of the business. 
The Committees operate within defined terms of reference as defined 
by the Board. Each principal Board Committee is comprised of 
independent Non-Executive Directors appointed by the Board. Terms 
of reference are available upon request from the Group Company 
Secretary and are also published on the Company’s website. 
The Group Company Secretary acts as secretary to each of the 
Committees. Each Committee chair reports to the Board on the 
Committee’s activities following each Committee meeting.

KEY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES 

Group Health and Safety Committee 
Chaired by Group CEO

Meets on a quarterly basis.

Discusses all health and safety issues including incidents, root 
cause analysis, mitigating actions and training requirements. 
Reports updates on material safety incidents and developments  
to the Board.

Group Sustainability Committee 
Chaired by Group CEO

Meets on a monthly basis.

Identifies, monitors and co-ordinates the Group’s sustainability 
commitments, includes representation from each of the stakeholder 
working groups. Works with sustainability champions from each 
operating business. The Sustainability Committee report on page 27 
describes in detail the Committee’s role and activities.

Group Risk Committee 
Chaired by Group CEO 

Meets on a quarterly basis.

Identifies and monitors operational risks throughout the Group, 
supports the internal control and risk management strategy and 
policy. The Principal Risks section of this report on pages 62 to 70 
describes in detail the Committee’s role and activities.

Investment Committee

Chaired by Group CEO

Formed to advise and assist in the assessment of capital 
investments and significant contractual commitments entered 
into by the Group in accordance with the authorities delegated to 
the Committee by the Board and in accordance with the agreed 
strategy and budget. 

GovernanceAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc79

Audit Committee 
Chair: Justin Atkinson
Meets at least three times a year. 

Remuneration Committee 
Chair: Aedamar Comiskey
Meets at least three times a year.

Nominations Committee 
Chair: Angus Cockburn
Meets at least three times a year.

Assists the Board in its oversight and 
monitoring of financial reporting, reviews 
the Group’s internal financial controls and 
systems for risk management and internal 
controls and assesses independence and 
objectivity of external auditor.

 The Audit Committee report on pages 
89 to 93 describes in detail the Committee’s 
role and activities.

Agrees the remuneration policy for Executive 
Directors and oversees remuneration 
for other senior executives; reviews the 
appropriateness and relevance of the 
Group’s remuneration policy; and ensures 
that the provisions of the Code relating to 
remuneration are fulfilled.

Reviews workforce remuneration and related 
policies and the alignment of incentives 
and rewards with culture, taking these 
into account when setting the policy for 
Executive remuneration.

 The Directors’ remuneration report on 

pages 94 to 110 describes in detail the 
Committee’s role and activities.

Reviews the structure, size and composition 
of the Board (including skills, knowledge, 
diversity and experience) and recommends 
changes.

Reviews succession planning for Directors 
and senior executives.

Identifies and nominates candidates for 
approval by the Board, to fill vacancies 
when they arise.

 The Nominations Committee report 
on pages 86 to 88 describes in detail the 
Committee’s role and activities.

Disclosure Committee
Consisting of the Chairman, the Executive Directors and the 
Group General Counsel.

Oversees the Company’s compliance with its disclosure obligations 
and meets when necessary.

Special Purposes Board Committee
Consisting of the Chairman and the Executive Directors. 

Empowered, under its terms of reference, to take specific actions 
relating to the affairs of the Company in the normal course of 
business and of a routine nature, subject to such limits as the 
Board in its discretion determines. Meets according to business 
requirements.

Operating Divisions
•  Day-to-day business delivery.

•  Executive Directors meet on at least 
a quarterly basis and have monthly 
performance management calls 
with managing directors of principal 
businesses.

Corporate Functions
•  Day-to-day business delivery.

•  Executive Directors and heads of 

corporate functions meet at the Risk 
Committee on a quarterly basis.

Executive Committee
Chaired by: 

•  Chief Executive Officer and comprises: 

•  Chief Financial Officer.

•  Chief HR Officer.

•  Head of Corporate Development.

•  Group General Counsel.

•  Group Business Development Director.

•  Head of Business Excellence. 

•  The head of each division.

Responsible for supporting the Executive 
Directors in the exercise of their delegated 
authority from the Board and the day-to-
day operation of the Group and meets on a 
monthly basis.

GovernanceJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022 
80

Board of Directors

1

N

3

5

2

4

A R N

6

A R N

A R N

7

8

A R N

A R N

Key

A   Audit Committee 

R   Remuneration Committee 

N   Nominations Committee

  Chair of Committee

  Member of Committee

2. JEAN VERNET 
Chief Executive Officer
Year of appointment: 2022

Appointment: 
Jean joined the Group as  
Chief Executive Officer on  
5 September 2022.

Key strengths and experience:
•  Strong leadership skills.

•  Clear strategic mindset.

•  Significant financial experience.

•  Commercial and business 

management.

Jean has considerable experience 
working in the energy and the 
technology sectors in both the 
UK and around the world. Most 
recently, Jean was Chief Executive 
Officer of Smiths Group’s largest 
division, John Crane, where he 
drove a highly effective growth 
strategy in a business that 
operates in over 50 countries.  
He has an engineering degree and 
spent over a decade in various 
financial and market-facing roles 
with energy services business, 
Schlumberger. His experience 
also includes five years as Chief 
Financial Officer of Expro, the 
offshore energy services provider, 
during which he played a key role 
in its successful turnaround.

External appointments: 
None.

1. ANGUS COCKBURN
Independent Non-Executive 
Chairman of the Board and 
Nominations Committee 
Year of appointment: 2021

Appointment: 
Angus was appointed Non-
Executive Chairman to the Board 
and the Nominations Committee 
in 1 May 2021.

Key strengths and experience:
•  Extensive business leadership 

experience.

•  Strong strategic and financial 

knowledge. 

Angus joined from Serco Group 
plc, where he was Group Chief 
Financial Officer, a position he 
held since October 2014. Angus’s 
previous roles have included 
Chief Financial Officer and Interim 
Chief Executive of Aggreko plc, 
Managing Director of Pringle of 
Scotland, and senior finance 
positions at PepsiCo Inc. He was 
also previously a Non-Executive 
Director of Howdens Joinery 
Group plc and GKN plc. 

He is a chartered accountant  
with an MBA from the IMD 
Business School in Switzerland 
and is an Honorary Professor  
at the University of Edinburgh  
and a member of the Institute  
of Chartered Accountants  
of Scotland.

External appointments: 
Senior Independent Non-
Executive Director of Ashtead 
Group plc; Senior Non-Executive 
Director of the privately owned 
Edrington Group Limited and Non-
Executive Director of Securities 
Trust of Scotland plc. 

GovernanceAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc81

8. CLAIRE HAWKINGS
Independent Non-Executive 
Director
Year of appointment: 2022

Appointment: 
Claire was appointed to the Board 
on 1 January 2022.

Key strengths and experience:
•  Significant experience in the 

energy sector.

•  ESG/sustainability leadership 
and management expertise.

•  Experience of the development 
and delivery of organisational 
strategies including business 
process transformation, 
leadership succession and 
diversity and inclusion.

•  Extensive experience in 

portfolio management and 
leading complex commercial 
transactions.

Claire is a Non-Executive Director 
and Chair of the ESG Committee 
of Ibstock Plc, a market-leading 
manufacturer of clay and concrete 
building products. Claire is also 
a Non-Executive Director and 
Chair of the Responsible Business 
Committee of FirstGroup plc, as 
well as a Non-Executive Director 
of Defence Equipment and 
Support, a Bespoke Trading Entity 
and Arm’s Length Body of the 
Ministry of Defence. Claire has 
over 30 years’ experience in the 
energy sector, where she held a 
variety of international leadership 
positions, most recently with 
Tullow Oil plc, and prior to that 
with BG Group plc and British Gas 
plc. Claire is a fellow of the Energy 
Institute and Chapter Zero. 

External appointments: 
Ibstock Plc, Defence Equipment 
and Support and FirstGroup plc.

3. DUNCAN KENNEDY
Chief Financial Officer
Year of appointment: 2021

Appointment: 
Duncan was appointed to the 
Board as Chief Financial Officer  
in May 2021. 

Key strengths and experience:
•  Significant managerial and 

financial experience. 

•  Track record of creating 

sustainable stakeholder value 
through both organic and 
acquisitive strategies. 

Duncan joined from (BTG) plc 
(BTG), previously a FTSE250 
international specialist healthcare 
company, where he was Chief 
Financial Officer for two years until 
the company was acquired in 
2019. Duncan joined BTG in 2005 
and held a number of finance 
and commercial leadership 
positions from that time. Duncan 
is a chartered accountant with a 
primary degree in mathematics.

External appointments: 
None.

4. AEDAMAR COMISKEY
Senior Independent  
Non-Executive Director and 
Chair of the Remuneration 
Year of appointment: 2014

Appointment: 
Aedamar was appointed to 
the Board in November 2014. 
She was appointed chair of the 
Remuneration Committee in May 
2018 and Senior Independent 
Non-Executive Director in March 
2019.

Key strengths and experience:
•  Extensive global business 

experience.

•  In-depth knowledge of legal, 
regulatory and governance 
issues for listed companies.

Aedamar is the Senior Partner 
of Linklaters LLP, where she 
has been a partner since 2001. 
Aedamar specialises in mergers 
and acquisitions, joint ventures 
and fundraisings, and is the lead 
relationship partner for many of 
the firm’s FTSE clients.

External appointments: 
Linklaters LLP and Trustee  
of Tommy’s.

5. JUSTIN ATKINSON
Independent Non-Executive 
Director and Chairman of the 
Audit Committee 
Year of appointment: 2018

Appointment: 
Justin was appointed to the 
Board in February 2018 and was 
appointed Chairman of the Audit 
Committee in May 2018. 

Key strengths and experience:
•  Significant operational and 

financial experience through his 
previous and current roles.

•  Substantial experience on 

boards of listed companies 
in both executive and non-
executive roles.

Justin was formerly Chief 
Executive Officer of Keller Group 
plc between April 2004 and May 
2015, having previously held 
the position of Group Finance 
Director and Chief Operating 
Officer. He was also previously a 
Non-Executive Director of Sirius 
Real Estate Ltd and Chair of the 
Audit Committee. Justin was a 
financial manager at Reuters plc, 
and trained and qualified as a 
chartered accountant at Deloitte 
Haskins & Sells.

External appointments: 
Chairman of Forterra plc  
and Senior Independent  
Non-Executive Director of  
Kier Group plc.

6. INKEN BRAUNSCHMIDT
Independent Non-Executive 
Director and Non-Executive 
Director for Employee 
Engagement
Year of appointment: 2019

Appointment: 
Inken was appointed to the Board 
in March 2019.

Key strengths and experience:
•  Strategic growth mindset.

•  Significant global operational 

experience.

•  Track record in innovation, 

technology, digital 
transformation and 
management.

Inken is Chief Innovation and 
Digital Officer and member of the 
Executive Board at Halma plc. 
Prior to joining Halma plc in 2017, 
Inken spent 13 years at RWE 
AG, the German energy giant, 
and its renewables subsidiary 
innogy SE, where she held various 
international leadership roles 
focusing particularly on strategy, 
innovation, digital transformation 
and change management. Inken 
studied Innovation & Technology 
at Kiel University and has a PhD in 
Technology Management. Inken 
is a committee member of the 
Royal Academy of Engineering 
Enterprise Hub.

External appointments: 
Halma plc.

7. KASH PANDYA
Independent Non-Executive 
Director
Year of appointment: 2021

Appointment: 
Kash was appointed to the Board 
in November 2021.

Key strengths and experience:
•  Considerable international 
leadership experience.

•  Strong knowledge of 

manufacturing and service 
businesses. 

Kash is Chair of Climate Impact 
Partners, a world leading Voluntary 
Carbon Market Group. Kash was 
formerly Chief Executive Officer 
of Helios Towers plc (HTWS), a 
FTSE 250 company, between 
August 2015 and April 2022, and 
Non-Executive Deputy Chairman 
between May 2022 and August 
2022. Prior to joining HTWS, Kash 
spent eight years on the board of 
Aggreko plc, with responsibility 
for managing its European and 
International businesses. Kash 
previously worked for various 
engineering and manufacturing 
companies in a number of senior 
roles, including Jaguar, General 
Electric Company, Ford Motor 
Company, Novar plc (then 
Caradon) plc, APW Limited and 
Johnston Group.

External appointments: 
Climate Impact Partners.

GovernanceJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 202282

Corporate governance report

Board focus in 2022 and principal activities  
The principal activities of the Board during 2022 and how the Board considered the interests of its stakeholder groups in its decision-making and 
key priorities for 2023 are set out below:

TOPIC

Trading

KEY ACTIVITIES AND 
DISCUSSIONS IN 2022

STAKEHOLDER CONSIDERATIONS

•  Received regular updates from 

•  The Board carefully considered the impact of 

the Executive Directors on Group 
trading.

•  Invited divisional and business MDs 
to present to the Board on trading 
and strategic delivery.

•  Carefully managed Group 

indebtedness through a programme 
of disposals and an enhanced cash 
forecasting process.

trading updates on its stakeholders. The Board 
also balanced its decision-making in relation 
to dividends against the Company’s trading, 
the need to reduce leverage and the need for 
equitable treatment of all of the Company’s 
stakeholders.

•  In working to address and reduce the Company’s 
leverage, the Board in particular took into account 
the views and interests of shareholders, lenders 
and employees.

KEY PRIORITIES  
FOR 2023

•  Continue to maintain 
a close review of 
Group trading.

•  Ensure delivery of 

disposals programme 
and successful 
implementation of 
an enhanced cash 
forecasting process.

Strategy

•  Approved the Group priorities for 

•  The Board received updates on strategic 

•  Oversee 

the future based on strategic focus, 
organisational simplification and 
execution. 

•  Approved the reorganisation of the 

Group into three divisions supported 
by a cohesive Executive Committee.

implementation from the Executive Directors  
and businesses.

implementation of 
strategic priorities.

•  In reviewing implementation, and agreeing on 

strategic priorities, the Board sought to balance 
the impact of prioritisation on all stakeholder 
groups, notably shareholders, employees  
and the environment.

•  Ensure reduction of 
Group indebtedness.

•  Building KPIs for 
strategic priorities.

Risk  
management

•  Reviewed risk management systems 

and controls.

•  Considered key principal risks in 

individual risk “deep dives”.

•  Agreed actions for the improvement 

of risk management controls, 
following the review conducted by 
PwC.

•  The Board considered the perspectives of each 
stakeholder group when reviewing the Group’s 
risk management systems and controls, with 
particular focus in 2022 on internal controls, 
risks in relation to cybersecurity, recruitment and 
retention, operating in emerging markets and 
climate change.

Governance

•  Engaged with institutional 

shareholders and other stakeholders 
throughout the year.

•  Reviewed and approved the 2021 

Annual Report and Accounts.

•  Approved the updated Board 

Diversity Policy.

•  Approved the establishment of 
the Investment Committee and 
enhancement of the delegated 
authority matrix.

•  The Board recognises the importance of good 
governance for all its stakeholders. The Board 
confirmed governance as one of the key pillars of 
the Group’s sustainability strategy (as set out on 
page 27) and the potential resulting impacts on 
stakeholder groups.

•  Oversee 

implementation of risk 
management controls 
improvements.

•  Ongoing principal risk 

“deep dives”.

•  Improvements in 

analysis of emerging 
risks and risk 
appetite.

•  Maintain and enhance 
the Group’s culture 
and values and 
key policies and 
procedures.

•  Oversee governance 

framework 
improvements.

•  Continue to 

strengthen internal 
controls and 
reporting.

GovernanceAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plcTOPIC

Organisational 
capacity

Board  
development

KEY ACTIVITIES AND 
DISCUSSIONS IN 2022

•  Closely monitored health and safety 

performance across the Group.

•  Health and safety governance and 
reporting reviewed and enhanced.

•  Supported by the Nominations 
Committee, monitored senior 
executive talent management and 
development plans with succession 
planning for all senior leadership 
positions.

•  Oversaw ongoing implementation  
of employee engagement strategy.

•  Continued to focus on the 
composition, balance and 
effectiveness of the Board and  
the induction of a new Chief 
Executive Officer. 

•  Reviewed Board composition, 

diversity, and discussed and acted 
on the recommendations of the 
Nominations Committee.

•  Undertook a formal evaluation of  
the Board, its Committees and 
individual Directors, and developed 
an action plan.

STAKEHOLDER CONSIDERATIONS

•  During the year, the health and safety of those 
working for the Group continued to be an area  
of focus and discussion by the Board.

•  The Board has received safety updates from the 
CEO at each Board meeting. In addition, Inken 
Braunschmidt, in her role as designated Non-
Executive Director for employee engagement, has 
reported to the Board on a regular basis on her 
activities, including her discussions with employee 
representatives on the employee engagement 
working group.

•  The Board carefully reviewed the outcomes of 
the employee engagement survey and closely 
monitored actions to address the challenges 
identified.

•  The Board has considered the interests of 
its stakeholders in making changes to the 
membership of the Board. In particular, the 
Nominations Committee has sought to make 
recommendations for new Board members who 
bring expertise and experience of working with 
all stakeholder groups, and can improve the 
engagement to ensure that stakeholder interests 
are heard clearly in the Boardroom.

83

KEY PRIORITIES  
FOR 2023

•  Continue to monitor 
senior executive 
talent management, 
succession plans and 
diversity for all key 
positions.

•  Continue to engage 
with senior leaders 
regarding health and 
safety governance 
and performance. 

•  Enhance employee 
engagement at all 
levels.

•  Enhance the 

Board’s strategic 
understanding of  
key markets.

•  Increase the number 

of Board site 
visits to promote 
understanding of 
markets and to 
promote employee 
engagement with 
Board.

•  Annual internal 

evaluation of Board 
and Committee 
performance.

GovernanceJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 202284

Corporate governance report cont.

Employee engagement
The Board understands the importance of 
making visits to businesses in the Group to 
engage with employees. Such visits enhance 
Non-Executive Directors’ knowledge of 
operations and strengthen their individual 
contribution to Board debate. The Board 
conducted an extensive programme of site 
visits during the year. In addition, as part  
of his induction, Jean Vernet completed a  
tour of the Group’s businesses which was  
an opportunity to meet and connect with 
a diverse group of employees. The Board 
discussed the outcomes of the business  
visits, which assisted in identifying areas of 
focus for the site visits scheduled in 2023.  
The divisional and functional heads continue  
to attend certain Board and Committee 
meetings to discuss areas of strategic focus 
and employee engagement. An externally 
facilitated engagement survey of all our 
employees is conducted annually and  
reviewed by the Board. 

Governance, risk and internal 
controls
The Board is responsible for determining the 
nature and extent of the Company’s principal 
risks and for ensuring that the Company 
maintains sound risk management and internal 
control procedures. More information in relation 
to those principal risks, the Group’s approach 
to mitigating them, and the risk management 
and internal control procedures within the 
Group are set out in the Strategic report on 
pages 62 to 70.

The Audit Committee monitors the Group’s 
risk management and internal control process 
and reviews its effectiveness on an ongoing 
basis. This is part of an established process, 
in accordance with the Code and the FRC’s 
associated Guidance on Risk Management, 
Internal Control and Related Financial and 
Business Reporting, for the identification, 
evaluation and management of the significant 
risks facing the Group, which operates and is 
reviewed continually throughout the year.

The Group’s governance framework is 
described in more detail on pages 78 and 
79. The Group’s internal control systems are 
designed to provide the Board with reasonable 
assurance as to the effective and efficient 
operation of the Group in accordance with 
the governance structures, and to ensure 
the quality of internal and external reporting 
and compliance with all applicable laws and 
regulations. However, there are inherent 
limitations in any system of internal controls 
and accordingly even the most effective 
system can provide only reasonable and not 
absolute assurance. During 2023, we will be 
implementing improvements to the governance 
structure, in particular the implementation of 
the delegated authority matrix.

As part of its internal control procedures, the 
Group maintains policies and processes for 
whistleblowing, anti-bribery and corruption 
and to uphold its zero-tolerance approach to 
any form of modern slavery. More information 
in relation to those policies are included in the 
principal risks and uncertainties section of the 
Strategic report on page 70 and in the non- 
financial information statement on pages 72 
and 73.

The Board has carried out a robust 
assessment of the overall effectiveness of the 
Group’s system of internal controls and risk 
management procedures; and of the principal 
risks facing the Group, including those that 
would threaten its business model, future 
performance, solvency or liquidity; and of 
emerging risks. This included a process of self-
certification by the management teams of each 
trading business in which they were asked to 
confirm that their businesses have complied 
with Group policies and procedures.

During 2021, PwC undertook a review of the 
Group’s risk management framework, following 
which the Board confirmed that, although 
the controls and systems were adequate, a 
programme of improvements was agreed for 
2022. Further details on changes implemented 
during the year can be found on page 62. An 
overview of the Company’s risk management 
and internal control systems is included in the 
principal risks and uncertainties section of the 
Strategic report on pages 69 to 70.

Board composition
Details about the current composition of the 
Board are set out in the biographies of the 
Directors on pages 80 to 81.

Board diversity
The Board believes that increasing diversity 
at the Board level is important to achieve 
its strategic objectives and to attract and 
retain talent, as well as cultivating a culture of 
inclusion and diversity through clear tone from 
the top. The Board and Executive Committee 
champion diversity and inclusion in their own 
membership and throughout the Group. 
Supported by the Nominations Committee, 
the Chairman monitors the composition of 
the Board to ensure that it is made up of 
an appropriate mix of skills, experience and 
knowledge required to effectively oversee 
and support the management of the Group 
and the delivery of the strategy, having regard 
to the interests of the Group’s stakeholders 
– shareholders, customers and suppliers, 
employees, the environment and local 
communities. When considering candidates 
for the Board, the Nominations Committee, 
on behalf of the Board, takes into account 
factors such as: professional experience, 
skills, education, international and industry 
knowledge, social-economic background, 
sexual orientation, disability, age, ethnicity  
and gender. 

The Nominations Committee report on pages 
86 to 88 sets out its progress in this respect, 
along with an example of the Nominations 
Committee’s work in identifying a new CEO 
candidate on behalf of the Board. 

Board evaluation
Before the end of each year, the Board 
undertakes an annual evaluation of the 
performance of the Board, the Remuneration, 
Nominations and Audit Committees, and the 
individual Directors, including the Chairman, 
against the framework of Board effectiveness 
produced by the Financial Reporting Council.

The 2022 annual review of individual Directors’ 
performance was conducted internally. The 
Chairman’s performance was reviewed by 
the other Non-Executive Directors led by the 
Senior Independent Non-Executive Director 
and taking into account the views of the 
Executive Directors. The performance of the 
Executive Directors was reviewed by the 
Non-Executive Directors with the Chairman in 
attendance. The Chairman and the Executive 
Directors reviewed the performance of each 
of the other Non-Executive Directors. The 
Board considers that each Director continues 
to contribute effectively and to demonstrate 
commitment to the role. The agreed actions 
resulting from the Board evaluation are set  
out in the table on page 85.

Training and development
Ongoing training and development for  
Directors is available as appropriate and 
is reviewed and agreed with the Chairman 
annually. Specific and tailored updates 
were provided by external advisers and 
management to the Audit, Nominations and 
Remuneration Committees. Key themes 
included the increase of geographical risks 
associated with energy supplies, costs, 
sanctions, compliance and security. During  
the year the Board also received reports from 
the Group General Counsel on compliance, as  
well as current legal and governance updates. 
The Board is confident that all its members 
have the knowledge, ability, and experience  
to perform the functions required of a director 
of a listed company.

Upon appointment to the Board, Directors 
undertake an induction programme, receiving 
a broad range of information about the Group 
tailored to their previous experience. This 
includes information on the Group businesses 
and their operational performance, along with 
an overview of Group strategy, corporate 
governance, and Board procedures. The 
programme also includes one-to-one meetings 
with all Board and Executive Committee 
members, as well as individual site visits to key 
Group operating locations to understand the 
business and meet management teams.

GovernanceAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc85

BOARD EVALUATION
Action
Increased number and regularity of  
Director site visits.

Progress in 2022/23
2023 site visit schedule agreed, including 
increasing number of Non-Executive  
Director visits to overseas operations.

Action
Ongoing improvements in Board  
discussions on ESG matters.

Progress in 2022/23
Presentation to the Board on ESG-related 
strategy and targets scheduled in 2023.

Action
Strengthen engagement with senior  
management to inform succession  
planning discussions. 

Progress in 2022/23
Planned interactions with senior  
management scheduled during the year 
including Board presentations, informal  
interactions and engagement during  
site visits.

Action
Regular updates to be provided to the 
Board and Audit Committee on the 
implementation of the enhanced risk 
management framework. 

Progress in 2022/23
Update on the enhancement of  
internal controls provided to the Audit  
Committee in January 2023 and further 
reviews scheduled in 2023.

Action
Enhance the monitoring of Internal Audit 
findings and actions. 

Progress in 2022/23
Internal Audit findings are discussed at 
each scheduled Audit Committee and 
reported to the Board.

The Executive Directors set the tone of our 
organisation and demonstrate our valued 
behaviours. Various indicators are used to 
provide insight into our culture, including 
employee engagement and health and 
safety. We regularly assess the state of our 
culture, through activities such as employee 
engagement surveys and compliance reviews, 
and we address behaviour that falls short of 
our expectations.

Financial and business reporting 
The Board considers that the Annual Report 
and Accounts taken as a whole present a fair, 
balanced and understandable assessment 
of the Group and provides the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the 
Group’s position, performance, business model 
and strategy. More information about how this 
assessment was made is set out in the Audit 
Committee report on page 90.

The going concern assessment is set out in 
the Directors’ report on page 111; the viability 
statement is set out on page 85 and the 
Strategic report on pages 10 to 11 sets out an 
explanation of the Company’s business model 
and the strategy for delivering the Company’s 
objectives.

Assisted by the Group Company Secretary, the 
Chairman has responsibility for these induction 
programmes, and for the Board’s training and 
professional development.

Stakeholders
The stakeholder voice is brought into the 
boardroom throughout the annual cycle 
through information provided by the Executive 
Directors (as well as representatives from the 
Group’s businesses and functions who are 
invited to present to the Board), and through 
regular updates from Directors on their 
engagement activities with the stakeholders 
themselves. This includes regular updates:

•  from the Chairman and the Executive 

Directors on their discussions with investors;

•  from the Company’s brokers on the 
feedback received from investors;

•  from the Executive Directors, Chief HR 
Officer and Inken Braunschmidt (in her 
role as designated Non-Executive Director 
for employee engagement) in relation to 
employee engagement; 

•  from the Group CEO on feedback from 

customers;

•  from the senior management team on their 
engagement with employees, customers, 
suppliers, local communities; and

•  from the Sustainability Committee on 
the Group’s approach to reducing its 
environmental impacts.

On pages 30 and 31 of our Strategic report, 
we set out our principal stakeholders, how 
we engage with them, the issues which are 
important to them and how we respond. The 
relevance of each stakeholder group may 
increase or decrease depending on the matter 
or issue in question, so the Board seeks to 
consider the needs and priorities of each 
stakeholder group during its discussions and 
as part of its decision-making. On pages 82 
and 83 we set out how the Board has taken 
into account the interests of stakeholders when 
discussing and agreeing decisions on key 
matters in 2022.

Purpose, culture and values
The Board recognises the importance of its 
role in building a sustainable business by 
setting the tone of James Fisher’s purpose, 
culture and valued behaviours, and embedding 
them throughout the Group. Our core valued 
behaviours and our Code of Ethics (the 
behaviours we expect) underpin everything that 
we do and set out the type of organisation we 
want to be. Everyone who works for and with 
us is required to comply with these.

GovernanceJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 202286

Nominations Committee report

MEMBERSHIP
Angus Cockburn (Chair)
Michael Salter (until 5 May 2022)
Aedamar Comiskey
Justin Atkinson
Inken Braunschmidt
Kash Pandya
Claire Hawkings

SINCE
2021
2013
2014
2018
2019
2021
2022

Key objectives
Reviewing the composition of the Board and succession planning.

Key responsibilities:
•  To regularly review the structure, size and composition of the Board (including skills, 

knowledge, independence and experience) and recommend any changes.

•   Succession planning for Directors and senior executives of both the Company and the 
operating businesses, taking into account the challenges and opportunities facing the 
Company and the skills and expertise therefore needed in the future.

•  Identifying and nominating candidates for Board positions, for approval by the Board.

The Committee’s terms of reference are available on the Group’s website.

Meets at least three times a year. During 2022 the Nominations Committee met four times.

The Nominations Committee reviews the 
leadership and succession needs of the 
Company and ensures that appropriate 
procedures are in place for nominating,  
training and evaluating Directors.

Overall, our objective is to ensure that the 
Board is balanced, with the Directors having 
a broad range of knowledge, skills and 
experience to ensure the team works together 
effectively in discharging its responsibilities, 
including in relation to corporate governance. 
We recognise the benefits of a diverse Board 
and senior leadership team, including diversity 
of skills, sector experience, background, 
gender, and ethnicity.

2022 in review
During 2022 there were the following changes 
in membership of the Board:

•  On 1 January 2022, Claire Hawkings joined 
the Board as a Non-Executive Director. 
Claire is a Non-Executive Director and 
Chair of the ESG Committee of Ibstock 
Plc, a market-leading manufacturer of clay 
and concrete building products, as well 
as a Non-Executive Director of Defence 
Equipment and Support, a Bespoke Trading 
Entity and Arm's Length Body of the Ministry 
of Defence and Non-Executive Director 
and Chair of the Responsible Business 
Committee of FirstGroup Plc. Claire has over 
30 years' experience in the energy sector, 
where she held a variety of international 
leadership positions, most recently with 
Tullow Oil plc, and prior to that with BG 
Group plc and British Gas plc.

•  On 5 May 2022, following the Company’s 

AGM, Michael Salter (Non-Executive Director) 
retired from the Board, as reported in last 
year’s report; and 

•  On 5 September 2022, Eoghan O'Lionaird 

stepped down from the Board and as Group 
Chief Executive Officer, and Jean Vernet 
joined the Board as Group Chief Executive 
Officer. Jean joined the Company from 
Smiths Group, where he was Chief Executive 
Officer of its largest division, John Crane. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank 
both Mike Salter and Eoghan O’Lionaird for 
their service to the Company. Mike’s experience 
and knowledge of the oil and gas and marine 
industries were of huge benefit to James Fisher 
during his nine years on the Board. Eoghan 
made a considerable contribution to James 
Fisher during his tenure as CEO, helping to 
navigate the Group through some challenging 
events, not least the COVID pandemic.

We were pleased to welcome Claire Hawkings 
to the Board at the beginning of the year. 
Claire's significant experience of the energy 
sector is extremely valuable to the Board. Jean 
Vernet, who joined the Board in September, 
has considerable experience working in the 
offshore energy sector in both the UK and 
globally. Prior to his role at Smiths Group, Jean 
spent a decade in various financial and market 
facing roles with energy services business, 
Schlumberger, and five years as Chief Financial 
Officer of Expro, the offshore energy services 
provider, where he played a key role in its 
successful turnaround. 

Board appointments and 
succession planning

The Committee leads the process for Board 
appointments and makes recommendations  
to the Board within its agreed terms of 
reference. Appointments are made having 
regard to the balance of skills and experience 
of current Directors as well as the diversity of 
the Board, including gender and ethnicity.  
The Committee adopts a formal, rigorous,  
and transparent procedure for the appointment 
of new Directors to the Board, working with 
independent executive search consultants.

During 2022, the Committee sought support 
from a specialist executive search consultant. 
Lygon Group assisted with the appointments 
of both Claire Hawkings and Jean Vernet. 
With respect to Jean’s appointment, 
Lygon Group was instructed to search for 
Executive candidates who were established 
business leaders with extensive energy 
sector knowledge, and proven experience 
of leading companies through turnaround 
situations. Lygon Group has no connection 
with the Company (other than assisting with 
recruitment), nor with any individual Director. 

The graphic on page 87 sets out an example 
of the selection and appointment process 
undertaken by the Nominations Committee, in 
this case leading to the appointment of Jean 
Vernet to the Board as Chief Executive Officer.

The Committee keeps under regular review 
succession planning at the Executive Director 
level and supports succession planning at 
senior management levels to ensure a diverse 
pipeline. The Chief HR Officer has also briefed 
the Committee on the talent review and actions 
undertaken in relation to the Group’s top 
management positions.

GovernanceAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc87

Director induction, training and 
development
As Non-Executive Chair, I am responsible 
for the formal induction of all new Directors, 
assisted by the Group Company Secretary. 
Each new Director is provided with the 
necessary background materials to familiarise 
themselves with the Group, and meetings  
are arranged with other members of the  
Board, the Group General Counsel, Group 
Company Secretary, and members of the 
Executive Committee.

Site visits to businesses around the Group are 
arranged to provide a deeper understanding 
of the Group’s operations, risks and strategic 
priorities. A detailed induction programme 
was undertaken by Jean Vernet and Claire 
Hawkings, which included training from the 
Company’s external legal adviser on directors’ 
responsibilities, the Corporate Governance 
Code and Market Abuse Regulation, as well as 
in-person site visits and management meetings 
at the Group’s key sites. 

Assisted by the Group Company Secretary, 
I am also responsible for the Board’s training 
and professional development. Directors 
were given presentations during 2022 on 
topics such as impacts of the war in Ukraine, 
sustainability reporting, developments in 
health safety practice and regulatory action, 
insurance, investor relations, developments  
in corporate governance and financial 
reporting, as well as Directors’ remuneration. 
Directors will continue to receive regular 
training updates from appropriate internal 
and external specialists on governance and 
risk issues, and on financial and reporting 
standards. In addition, Directors are fully 
aware of their own responsibility for identifying 
and satisfying their own specific training 
requirements. In 2022, the Board visited key 
sites, and had management and employee 
engagement meetings, in order to deepen the 
Board’s understanding of the operations of the 
Group’s businesses and teams.

Board composition and time 
commitment
There were eight Directors on the Board 
as at 31 December 2022, comprising the 
Non-Executive Chair, Chief Executive Officer, 
Chief Financial Officer and five independent 
Non-Executive Directors. The names and 
biographical details of the members of the 
Board are set out on pages 80 to 81. 

The Company judged the Non-Executive 
Chair to be independent at the time of his 
appointment and considers all other Non- 
Executive Directors to be independent under 
the terms of the Code.

Under the Code, the reasons for the 
Board permitting its members to enter into 
significant new external appointments should 
be explained in the Annual Report. On 24 
January 2022, the Company announced 
that Claire Hawkings had been appointed 
Non-Executive Director of FirstGroup Plc. 
The Committee keeps under review the time 
commitments of the Directors to ensure that 
they have sufficient time to discharge their 
duties effectively. As part of the process 
of the appointment to the Board of Claire 
Hawkings, the Committee assessed the time 
commitments required by her other roles. It 
then also considered her proposed new role at 
FirstGroup Plc and concluded that she would 
continue to have sufficient time to commit to 
James Fisher. In considering Claire Hawkings’ 
external commitments, the value of Claire’s 
international, leadership and sector experience 
was taken into account alongside her existing 
external appointments when approving the 
additional appointment. Jean Vernet has no 
external appointments.

Directors standing for election  
or re-election
The Committee discussed and unanimously 
recommended that each of the Directors 
should be put forward for election or re-
election by the shareholders at the AGM 
scheduled for 14 June 2023. In making 
this recommendation the Committee 
members (with each Committee member 
recusing themselves from the discussion 
and recommendation in relation to their own 
re-election) have evaluated each Director in 
terms of their performance, their commitment 
to the role and their capacity to discharge 
their responsibilities in an effective manner 
given their other time commitments and 
responsibilities.

Board evaluation
The Board carries out a Board/Committee 
evaluation each year, and in 2021, the Board 
appointed the Chartered Governance Institute 
(CGI) to undertake an external evaluation. The 
CGI has no other connection to the Company 
or any individual Director. Further details of the 
2021 external evaluation were set out on pages 
84 and 85 of the 2021 Annual Report. The 
resulting actions have all been implemented 
in full, with the exception of implementation 
of the review of risk management, which is in 
the process of being implemented, and will be 
completed in 2023. 

For 2022, the Board undertook an internal 
evaluation of its own performance, and that 
of the Remuneration, Nominations and Audit 
Committees, and the Chair, supported by the 
Company Secretary. The evaluation picked up 
on some of the key actions from the 2021 CGI 
review. The results of the 2022 evaluation and 
resulting actions are set out in the graphic on 
page 85. 

Process leading to the appointment of Jean Vernet 

•  The Nominations Committee agreed 
a detailed candidate profile for a new 
CEO, setting out the capabilities and 
experience required.

•  Lygon Group was appointed by  

the Committee to support the process 
and identify candidates fitting the 
agreed profile.

•  The Nominations Committee appointed 
the Non-Executive Chair to work with 
Lygon Group on the process to appoint 
a new CEO, regularly reporting back to 
the Committee on progress.

•  Following engagement, Lygon 

Group created a long list of potential 
candidates, which was shared by the 
Chair with the Nominations Committee. 

•  Following the interviews, each  
person who had met with the 
shortlisted candidates provided 
feedback to the Chair.

•  The Nominations Committee agreed 
a shortlist of candidates to be invited 
for interview by members of the 
Committee, the Group CFO and the  
Chief HR Officer.

•  Lygon Group arranged interviews 
for that group with the shortlisted 
candidates.

•  The Nominations Committee discussed 
the feedback received and the relative 
merits of each candidate.

•  The Committee agreed to recommend 

to the Board that Jean Vernet be 
appointed as Chief Executive Officer.

•  The Board approved the appointment, 
to take effect on 5 September 2022.

GovernanceJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 202288

Nominations Committee report cont.

As noted on page 86, all appointments to the 
Board are made having regard to the balance 
of skills and experience of current Directors as 
well as the diversity on the Board, including 
gender. 

The position of Senior Independent Director is 
(and as at 31 December 2022 was) held by a 
woman, Aedamar Comiskey.

The Board has one Director from an ethnic 
minority background (12.5% as at 31 
December 2022).

The Chief Executive Officer chairs an Executive 
Committee of 10 people, with women 
representing 20% of the Executive Committee 
at 31 December 2022. Apart from creating a 
forum to bring together a range of specialist 
skills and experience it also acts as a platform 
for our succession strategy into the future. 
Within the wider leadership team, being the 
Executive Committee and those reporting to 
members of the Executive Committee, there 
are 33 women (2021: 28), representing 24%. 
Further information about the Company’s 
approach to diversity and inclusion is set  
out in the Strategic report at page 46.

2023 priorities
The Committee’s priorities for 2023 are:

•  to consider the key skills, experience and 
requirements for succession planning for  
the Board;

•  to keep under review succession planning at 
the Executive Director level and to support 
succession planning at senior management 
level; and

•  to monitor the Group’s progress towards 
increasing the relative diversity in senior 
management positions.

Angus Cockburn
Chairman of the Board  
and Nominations Committee

28 April 2023

Following the internal evaluation, the 
Committee believes the Board functions 
effectively and efficiently, and is appropriate 
for a Group of its size. The Committee 
considers that each Director demonstrates the 
knowledge, ability and experience required to 
perform the functions of a director of a listed 
company and is of the calibre necessary to 
support and develop the Company’s long-term 
strategy and success. The Committee also 
considers that no individual or small group 
of individuals dominates discussions or the 
decision-making process.

Diversity and inclusion
James Fisher recognises the importance of 
diversity of thought, skills and experience 
in the effective functioning of the Board, its 
Committees and the wider organisation. 
This diversity may arise from any number of 
sources, including differences in age, gender, 
ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, cultural 
background and religious belief. 

The Board’s intention is to maintain diversity 
in all its senses in its own constitution, and 
to encourage the same throughout the 
organisation. The Board Diversity Policy is a 
policy which acknowledges the importance of 
diversity and includes an explicit requirement 
to take into account diversity when considering 
appointments to the Board. The Board and 
its Committees is committed to ensuring that 
all have an equal chance of developing their 
careers within our Group. 

The promotion of a diverse and inclusive 
workplace by recruiting where we work, 
enforcing pay parity, and celebrating 
the uniqueness of individuals and their 
communities is one of the key foundations 
of the Group’s sustainability policy. During 
the year, the Board and the Committee have 
discussed with the Chief HR Officer the 
progress made on implementing initiatives to 
promote diversity and inclusion throughout the 
Group. More detail on the progress of those 
initiatives can be found on page 46. 

There has been progress in increasing the 
international and gender diversity of the 
Group’s senior management group but the 
Company is aware that more needs to be done 
to improve the gender and ethnic mix in the 
leadership population. The Board supports the 
aims of the FTSE Women Leaders and Parker 
Reviews, and is mindful of the targets specified 
by recent updates to the Listing Rules, against 
which we are required to report from next year, 
and which we are voluntarily reporting on this 
year in line with good practice.

We have eight Directors on our Board, 
of whom three are women. The female 
representation on the Board as at 31 
December 2022 was therefore 37.5%. We 
acknowledge that this falls slightly below the 
target of 40% specified in the new Listing Rule. 

GovernanceAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plcAudit Committee report

MEMBERSHIP
Justin Atkinson, Chairman of the Audit Committee 
Michael Salter (until 5 May 2022) 
Aedamar Comiskey
Inken Braunschmidt
Kash Pandya
Claire Hawkings

SINCE
2018
2013
2014
2019
2021
2022

Key objectives
To monitor the integrity of the Group’s reporting process and financial management and 
to ensure that risks are carefully identified and assessed and that sound systems of risk 
management and internal control are in place.

Key responsibilities:
•  The accounting principles, policies and practices adopted in the Group’s accounts.

•  Reviewing external financial reporting and associated announcements.

•  Managing the appointment, independence, effectiveness and remuneration of the Group’s 

external auditor, including the policy on the award of non-audit services.

•  Initiating and supervising a competitive tender process for the external audit when  

next required.

•  The resourcing, plans and effectiveness of Internal Audit.

•  The adequacy and effectiveness of the internal control environment.

•  The Group’s risk management processes and performance.

•  The establishment and oversight of fraud prevention arrangements.

•  The provision of advice to the Board on whether the Annual Report and Accounts, when 
taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides all the necessary 
information for shareholders to assess the Company’s position, performance, business 
model and strategy.

The Committee holds a minimum of three scheduled meetings per year. During the year, the 
Audit Committee met four times. 

Dear Shareholders
I am pleased to present the report of  
the Audit Committee for the year ended  
31 December 2022, which provides an 
overview of the Audit Committee’s role 
in supporting the Board in discharging 
its responsibility for oversight and 
monitoring of financial reporting, risk 
management and internal control. It is 
my responsibility as Chairman of the 
Audit Committee to ensure that the 
Audit Committee fulfils its responsibilities 
in a rigorous and effective manner.

The Audit Committee remains focused on 
ensuring compliance with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2018 (the Code) and is 
committed to ensuring the highest standards 
of corporate governance. In line with the Code, 
this report seeks to focus on specific aspects 
considered by the Audit Committee during 
the year and aims to provide assurance to our 
shareholders that the control environment of 
the Group is being properly supervised and 
monitored.

Following on from the impacts of COVID in 
the previous two years, and the market and 
operational issues encountered in 2021, the 
Company has faced another challenging year 
in 2022.

As noted in the announcement made on  
24 March 2023, required consent for the 
retention of several legacy parent company 
guarantees under the Group’s debt facilities 
prior to the sale of the JFN business was not 
obtained. Following discussions, all lenders 
under the debt facilities agreed relevant waivers 
and on 26 April it was announced that the 
Group had reached agreement on the terms of 
a new £210m secured revolving credit facility 
(RCF). Because the long form documentation 
of the RCF had not been signed by the date of 
this Annual Report this gives rise to a material 
uncertainty, as defined in the accounting 
standards, relating to material events and 
circumstances which may cast significant 
doubt of the Group’s ability to realise its assets 
and discharge its liabilities in the normal course 
of business. It is, however, anticipated that the 
refinancing will complete by 7 June.

89

I am satisfied that the Audit Committee is 
properly constituted with written terms of 
reference, which include all matters referred to 
in the Code and is provided with good quality 
information to allow proper consideration to 
be given to topics under review. I am also 
satisfied that meetings are scheduled to allow 
sufficient time for discussion and to ensure 
that all matters are considered fully. The Audit 
Committee’s terms of reference are available 
on our website.

Of particular importance is the requirement 
to ensure that the Group’s financial reporting 
is fair, balanced, and understandable. We 
therefore review all the Group’s financial reports 
before publication, including where necessary 
alternative performance measures, and we are 
satisfied that they provide a fair, balanced, and 
understandable assessment of the Group’s 
position and performance.

Audit Committee composition 
and operation
The Audit Committee met on four occasions 
during the year, with meetings scheduled to 
align with the Company’s external financial 
reporting obligations. Details of attendance of 
individual Directors can be found on page 75. 
The Audit Committee was attended by the 
Committee members, the Company Chairman, 
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, 
Group General Counsel, Company Secretary 
and the Group Financial Controller, together 
with representatives of the external auditor,  
and the internal auditor.

In 2022, the Audit Committee held four 
scheduled meetings in order to allow 
time for consideration and fulfilment of its 
responsibilities. The Audit Committee will 
continue to meet on an ad hoc basis outside 
the scheduled timetable, as required. 

At each scheduled meeting the Audit 
Committee provides the opportunity to discuss 
matters privately with the external auditor and 
the internal auditor. In addition, the Chairman 
of the Audit Committee holds regular meetings 
or phone calls with the reporting partner 
of external auditor, KPMG and the relevant 
partner from the internal auditor, PwC, to 
discuss matters related to the Group.

The Board is satisfied that as chair of the Audit 
Committee, I have significant, relevant financial 
experience being a chartered accountant 
who formerly served as finance director of a 
FTSE company. I have been attending audit 
committee meetings for over 20 years and 
have chaired three other FTSE company 
committees. The members of the Audit 
Committee collectively have broad financial, 
commercial, professional, and technical 
experience and are considered to have 
competence relevant to the sectors in which 
the Group operates.

GovernanceJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 202290

Audit Committee report cont.

Whilst each Non-Executive Director will largely 
manage their own continuing development, 
the Audit Committee receives regular, technical 
and governance updates throughout the year 
from the external Auditor, and may request 
additional information, as required.

Details of the Audit Committee’s specific 
responsibilities and how it exercises those 
responsibilities are set out in the remainder 
of this report. The performance of the Audit 
Committee (alongside the Board and the 
other Committees) was internally evaluated 
during the year. The results of this review 
provided assurance that the Audit Committee 
discharges its duties and responsibilities in 
accordance with its terms of reference.

Matters of particular focus for the 
Audit Committee during 2022
January 2022

August 2022

•  Review of the 2022 Half Year results, Interim 

Statement, and announcement.

•  Going concern review.

•  External auditor Half Year report.

•  Review of the Group’s principal and 

emerging risks.

•  Review of adequacy and effectiveness 
of Group’s internal control and risk 
management systems.

•  Review of internal audit assurance work to 
30 June 2022 and consideration of internal 
audit plan to 31 December 2022.

•  Presentation of KPMG's initial strategy.

November 2022

•  Approval of KPMG’s external audit plan  

for 2023.

•  Update on the implementation of internal 

•  Review of findings from the work undertaken 

control enhancements.

on behalf of the Committee by PwC to 
evaluate and suggest improvements to the 
Group’s risk management framework and 
system of internal controls.

•  Status report from internal audit in relation 

to the completion of the 2021 internal audit 
programme, and commencement of the 
2022 internal audit programme.

•  Update from external auditors on the 

progress of the 2021 audit of the Group.

March 2022

•  Review of the 2021 results, Annual Report 
and announcement, including a review  
to ensure the report was fair, balanced  
and understandable.

•  Consideration of specific disclosures and 

adjusting items.

•  Review of the going concern and  

viability statements.

•  Impairment assessment review.

•  Review with KPMG of the external auditor 

report for 2021.

•  Review of external auditor performance and 

remuneration for 2021.

•  Review of the Group’s principal and 

emerging risks.

•  Review of internal audit work during 2021, 
and approval of the internal audit plan  
for 2022.

•  Review of internal auditor performance 2021 

(including PwC as co-sourced partner).

•  Appointment of PwC LLP as sole internal 

auditor of the Group.

•  Update from PwC in relation to their review 
of the Group’s risk management controls 
and systems.

•  Review of internal audit on their work for 

the year, and approval of the internal audit 
programme for 2023.

•  Review of results of the evaluation of  

KPMG as external auditor, and of PwC  
as internal auditor.

Financial reporting
The Audit Committee’s primary responsibility 
in relation to the Group’s financial reporting 
is to review and challenge where necessary, 
with both senior management and the external 
auditor, the appropriateness of the Group’s 
Interim Statement and Annual Report and 
Accounts, with particular focus on:

•  whether suitable accounting policies have 

been adopted and properly applied;

•  the clarity of disclosures and compliance 
with financial reporting standards and 
relevant financial and governance reporting 
requirements; 

•  whether management has made appropriate 
estimates and judgements in material areas 
or where there has been discussion with, or 
issues raised by the external auditor; and

•  whether the Annual Report and Accounts 
taken as a whole is fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the 
Group’s position and performance, business 
model and strategy.

Fair, balanced, and 
understandable
In making its assessment on whether the 
Annual Report and Accounts is fair, balanced 
and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders to 
assess the performance, strategy and business 
model of the Company, the Board has taken 
into account its own knowledge of the Group, 
its markets, its strategy and performance in 
the year, a review of content of the Annual 
Report and Accounts and other periodic 
financial statements and announcements, 
together with the recommendation from the 
Audit Committee. Key considerations of the 
Committee have included ensuring that there 
is consistency between the accounts and 
the narrative provided in the front half of the 
Annual Report and Accounts, and that there is 
an appropriate balance between the reporting 
of weaknesses, difficulties and challenges 
(in particular with reference to the Group’s 
principal risks and uncertainties, as set out on 
pages 62 to 70), as well as successes, in an 
open and honest manner.

Significant issues and accounting 
judgements
The Audit Committee has a primary 
responsibility to review the integrity of the 
Annual Report and Accounts and the Interim 
Statement of the Company, which includes the 
review and discussion of papers prepared by 
management and takes account of the views 
of the external auditor. The key areas reviewed 
in the 2022 financial year are set out below. 
The Audit Committee considered these matters 
and how they were tested and reviewed, 
including the judgements and disclosures.

APMS AND ADJUSTING ITEMS

The Committee gave careful consideration 
to the judgements made in the disclosure 
of alternative performance measures and 
adjusting items as set out in Note 2. In 
particular, the Committee sought to ensure 
that the treatment followed consistent 
principles and that reporting in the accounts 
is suitably clear and understandable. The 
Committee considered the appropriateness 
of items included within adjusting items and 
concluded that the judgements made are 
appropriate. The committee agreed with 
the reduction in the number of APMs used 
in the report and change in presentation of 
the Income statement to remove the ‘before 
separately disclosed items’ and ‘separately 
disclosed items’ columns presented in the 
2021 Annual Report and Accounts.

GovernanceAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc91

GOODWILL VALUATION

GOING CONCERN AND VIABILITY STATEMENTS

The Audit Committee considered the 
Group’s carrying value of goodwill and 
impairment reviews based on underlying 
assumptions, together with the achievability 
of long-term forecasts and the discount 
rates applied to forecast cash flows. Senior 
management provided detailed analysis to 
determine the sensitivity of the outcome to 
changes in key assumptions and we are 
satisfied that the judgements made are 
both reasonable and appropriate.

REVENUE RECOGNITION AND CONTRACT DISPUTES

The estimation of contract margin and the 
level of revenue and profit to recognise 
in a single accounting period requires 
the exercise of management judgement. 
In addition, the Group has a number of 
projects where payments of amounts 
invoiced or considered due under of the 
contract have yet to be paid or were 
delayed during the year. The Committee 
reviewed key estimates and judgements 
applied in determining the financial status  
of the more significant projects.

ASSETS HELD FOR SALE AND DISCONTINUED 
OPERATIONS

The Audit Committee considered the 
appropriateness of classifying the Dive 
Support Vessel known as the Swordfish 
within the Marine Support division and the 
Nuclear business in the Specialist Technical 
division as assets held for sale and, in 
case of the Nuclear business, discontinued 
operation at 31 December 2022. The 
Committee reviewed the key considerations 
for such classification and were satisfied 
that the treatment was appropriate. The 
Committee also reviewed the methodology 
and estimates used in arriving at the fair 
value of assets held for sale and liabilities 
associated with assets held for sale and 
considered them appropriate. 

VALUATION OF THE PLC COMPANY ONLY 
INVESTMENTS AND EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES ON 
LOANS TO SUBSIDIARIES

The Company holds significant investments 
in and loans to various subsidiaries of the 
Group. The Committee considered the 
recoverability of the carrying value of those 
investments and expected credit losses 
(ECL) in relation to the loans to subsidiaries 
and concurred with the management’s 
approach to evaluating the recoverable 
amounts and ECL and the resulting 
provisions and reductions in the balances. 

The analysis of the evidence underpinning 
the going concern basis of accounting 
and viability statement in the 2022 Annual 
Report continues to be an area of focus for 
the Group. 

The Committee received reports and 
analysis prepared by management, taking 
into account the external auditor’s review 
of these papers and their observations. 
These included details on the selection of 
the going concern and viability assessment 
periods, the key assumptions, the 
forecasting process, the committed facilities 
available, and the mitigations within direct 
control of the Group. The Committee 
considered both base case cash flow 
forecast and severe but plausible downside 
scenario analysis, including the assessment 
of the principal risks facing the Group which 
may potentially impact the Group’s financial 
position. 

The Audit Committee is satisfied that 
the going concern basis of preparation 
continues to be appropriate in preparing 
the financial statements and that it is 
reasonable to expect that the Group will 
be able to continue to operate and meet 
its liabilities, as they fall due, for at least 
12 months since the date of the financial 
statements. 

The Group is finalising the renewal of 
its borrowing facilities. The Committee 
recognise that the finalisation of the 
outstanding areas in order to complete 
refinancing are not totally in the direct 
control of the Group which gives rise to 
a material uncertainty. The Committee 
reviewed the disclosures presented in Note 
1 of the consolidated financial statements 
together with the viability statement on 
page 71 to ensure there was sufficient detail 
provided to explain the basis of preparation 
and the Board’s conclusion.

Risk management and  
internal controls
The Board has overall responsibility for the 
Group’s risk management and internal control 
systems, including financial, operational and 
compliance controls. The Audit Committee 
is responsible for monitoring and reviewing 
the effectiveness of these systems and the 
Group’s internal audit function, and reporting to 
the Board. This work was informed by regular 
updates from Internal Auditor (PwC) and 
self-assessment process undertaken across 
the Group. In addition, Head of Group Internal 
Controls, a newly created role in 2022, attends 
the Audit Committee and provides updates 
on internal controls and readiness for the 
upcoming internal controls reforms. 

As reported last year, PwC were engaged 
by the Audit Committee to carry out an 
independent review in relation to the Group’s 
risk management controls and systems. 
Following the PwC review, the Committee 
made a number of recommendations for 
ongoing improvement in this area, particularly 
around risk identification and risk assessment 
(likelihood and impact) which the Board 
approved for implementation in 2022. This 
process of implementation has taken place 
through 2022 and continues into 2023. 

Through the course of the year, the Board 
received regular reports from the Group Risk 
Committee and has reviewed the Group’s 
systems of risk management and internal 
controls including financial, operational and 
compliance controls. 

The Audit Committee receives reports on 
any internal control failings, which are mainly 
identified from internal audits. The external 
audit work also highlighted the informal nature 
of many of the Group’s controls and identified 
numerous control deficiencies together with 
recommendations for improvement. The Audit 
Committee reviews all such reports with both 
the internal and external auditors to ensure that 
appropriate and timely actions are identified 
and completed. The internal control failings are 
graded based on materiality within the context 
of that operating company, and an action plan 
with associated timeframes is agreed with the 
relevant management team. Progress against 
that plan is reported to the Audit Committee 
on an ongoing basis until the actions are 
complete. In addition, the new Head of Group 
Internal Controls position will lead a controls 
enhancement programme with a view to 
identify any gaps and improve the internal 
controls framework across the Group.

In 2022, in order to accelerate the 
implementation of PwC internal audit 
recommendations and in preparation for the 
changes in internal controls requirements 
under the upcoming audit and governance 
reforms, the Internal Controls department was 
established. An Internal Control Enhancement 
Programme has been initiated, led by the 
Internal Controls Department and BDO, to 
improve and formalise controls where required.

During the year, the Audit Committee assessed 
the Group’s risk management and internal 
control systems as adequate, but with 
improvements required in particular around 
formalisation and documentation of controls. 
Following the Committee’s recommendation, 
the Board approved the Group’s risk 
management and internal control systems 
improvement initiatives.

GovernanceJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022Independence and objectivity
The Audit Committee accepts that certain 
non-prohibited work is best undertaken by the 
external auditor and to safeguard the external 
auditor’s objectivity and independence the 
Audit Committee has a policy on engagement 
of the external auditor for non-audit services, 
which includes a requirement for Audit 
Committee approval if the permitted services 
exceed a threshold of £50,000.

The Audit Committee reviews the policy 
annually and recommends it to the Board for 
approval. In accordance with relevant Audit 
Regulations and standards published by the 
FRC in June 2016, the Audit Committee has 
not engaged the external auditor on matters 
restricted by those Regulations and standards, 
and fees from permitted work (including the 
Interim Statement) have been pre-approved 
by the Audit Committee. KPMG were not 
instructed to carry out any prohibited non-audit 
services during 2022. 

KPMG provided the following non-audit 
services to the Group during 2022, all of which 
were approved by the Audit Committee:

•  under the Norwegian Companies Act, 

KPMG provided an assurance service on 
the control and review procedures over the 
tax submissions in relation to ScanTech AS. 
The work does not result in any accounting 
judgements and the fee for this service  
was £8k.

•  KPMG carried out the Group’s interim 

statement for the period ended 30 June 
2022. The fee amounted to £0.1m. 

92

Audit Committee report cont.

A more detailed summary of the Group’s risk 
management and internal control systems is 
set out in the principal risks and uncertainties 
section of the Strategic Report on pages 
62 to 70, along with a description of some 
of the actions taken and planned to bring 
improvements to those controls.

Anti-bribery and corruption
We have an established anti-bribery and 
corruption policy aimed at ensuring adherence 
to the associated legal and regulatory 
requirements. The policy includes sections  
in relation to:

•  the Group’s zero tolerance approach to 

payment of bribes;

•  the reasonableness and proportionality  

of offering or receipt of gifts or hospitality;

•  the appointment and management of 

third parties who are engaged to assist 
with our sales and marketing activities, 
including approval via procedures which 
include appropriate internal and external 
due diligence using web-based tools 
provided by Control Risks (the international 
risk consultancy). The Group conducts 
robust due diligence on its agent and joint 
venture relationships prior to engagement, 
and requires them to comply with the 
Group’s policy and relevant law. The Board 
receives reports on agent and joint venture 
relationships twice a year; and

•  the Group’s condemnation of facilitation 

payments.

The Group has anti-bribery and corruption 
training in place which is provided on induction, 
and each business maintains a training log  
for its people which is reported back to the 
Audit Committee.

External audit performance 
The Audit Committee recognises that the 
quality of an audit is of paramount importance. 
The Audit Committee continually assesses 
the performance of the external auditor, 
KPMG, from the initial planning stage when 
they receive and discuss the audit plan and 
proposed strategy, approach, objectives, 
significant risk areas and other areas of focus, 
drawing on input from the Group’s senior 
management, until conclusion of the audit.

The Audit Committee conducts annually a 
formal assessment of the external auditor’s 
performance based on its own experience and 
that of the Group’s senior management. 

The most recent assessment considered the 
relationship between the external auditor and 
the Group, the external auditor’s knowledge of 
the Group’s business, its capability, planning 
and execution of the external audit, fees and 
independence.

The results of the review were considered 
by the Audit Committee and discussed with 
KPMG, with the main areas for focus identified 
as being around recent increases in fees, 
as well as planning and communications 
regarding key judgmental areas.

The Committee is satisfied that KPMG 
provided an effective audit and remain 
independent and objective. KPMG are 
recommended for re-appointment at the 
Company’s forthcoming AGM. 

External audit appointment  
and fee 
KPMG were first appointed to audit the 
Company in 2008. They were re-appointed 
external auditor of the Company in 2017, 
following a competitive tender process. 
Following the conclusion of the 2021 external 
audit, Mike Barradell stepped down as lead 
external audit partner for the Group following 
his permitted tenure of five years. Ailsa Griffin 
was appointed as lead audit partner for the 
2022 financial year. Following this rotation of 
the lead external audit partner, the Committee 
considers a full tender for the Group’s external 
audit services, subject to its annual reviews, 
likely in the year ending December 2026.  
This allows for any potential new audit firm to 
take up the role for the year ending December 
2027. The Committee believes this approach 
is in the best interests of shareholders, as 
over this period the Group will benefit from an 
efficient and effective audit, whilst receiving 
fresh challenge from a new lead external audit 
partner.

Details of the external auditor’s remuneration 
for 2022 are set out in Note 4 on page 94. 
Against a general background in the market 
of increasing fees, in 2022, there has been a 
material increase in audit fees from the prior 
year. This has primarily been due to the delay in 
the announcement of the results by around one 
month and the resultant increase in audit work 
on the going concern and viability statements 
together with unexpected difficulties in the 
audit of the JFN business following its sale 
post the year end and increased work following 
the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) review 
of the Annual Report for 2021 and subsequent 
enhanced disclosure requirements. 

The Company has complied throughout the 
financial year under review, and up to the 
date of this report, with the provisions of the 
Statutory Audit Services for Large Companies 
Market Investigation (Mandatory Use of 
Competitive Tender Processes and Audit 
Committee Responsibilities) Order 2014.

GovernanceAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc93

The Internal Control Enhancement Programme 
is underway to ensure that the Group is well 
placed to address these provisional proposals, 
through evolution, documentation and 
formalisation of the existing controls. The Audit 
Committee is satisfied that management’s 
approach to the reforms is appropriate, and will 
continue to review ongoing developments and 
progress.

ESG reporting
The ESG reporting environment has been an 
area of significant regulatory development 
recently, and this is set to continue and 
the pace of change increase in the short- 
to medium-term. Guidance on reporting 
(particularly in the environmental area) has 
been issued by a number of bodies. Recent 
events, in particular the creation of the ISSB 
(International Sustainability Standards Board) 
which consolidated the VRF (Value Reporting 
Foundation) and the CDSB (Climate Disclosure 
Standards Board) under the umbrella of the 
IFRS Foundation, to develop a single set of 
sustainability standards, will create further 
focus on this area.

The Group continues to strengthen its 
ESG-related disclosures, reporting under 
the requirements of the TCFD (Task Force 
on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) on 
pages 38 to 41 and in alignment with the GHG 
(Greenhouse Gas) protocol on pages 113 to 
114. 

The Directors have received briefings during 
the year covering the evolving reporting, 
disclosures and standard setting body 
changes, recognising the increasing link 
between ESG-related measures and the 
presentation of financial information and 
associated business commitments.

Conclusion
The Audit Committee operates in an open 
manner, has clear and concise channels of 
communication with the Board and, should it 
be necessary, I would be available to meet with 
investors. I will also be available to answer any 
questions at the AGM.

Justin Atkinson
Chairman of the Audit Committee

28 April 2023

Internal audit
The Audit Committee is responsible for 
reviewing the work carried out by the internal 
audit function which considers, reviews 
and reports on key commercial, financial 
and control risks across the Group. The 
internal audit function undertakes their work 
in accordance with an annual programme 
approved by the Audit Committee. The scope 
of each internal audit review is agreed by 
the Audit Committee in consultation with the 
internal auditor to ensure that key areas for 
each business are addressed.

As indicated in last year’s report, early in the 
year, the Audit Committee recommended that 
the role of internal audit be outsourced in its 
entirety to PwC from April 2022. This took 
effect during the year, with PwC taking over 
and continuing to execute the agreed internal 
audit plan. In total 10 internal audits were 
undertaken in 2022 (2021: 13). Reports in 
relation to the internal audits carried out were 
presented to the Audit Committee for review 
and shared with senior managers for action,  
as well as being provided to the external 
auditor for information. The actions identified 
by the internal audit function were followed 
up with management for response and 
identification of appropriate actions to mitigate 
the associated risks. There has been continued 
focus by senior management to improve the 
control environment through the timely closure 
of audit actions. 

There were no findings in the internal audit 
reports which are considered material to the 
Group, although to date PWC’s work has not 
identified any business which operates in a 
control environment which could be described 
as strong. Internal audit is responsible to the 
Audit Committee for ensuring that all required 
actions are followed up and completed in a 
timely manner.

Following the final 2022 review, the Audit 
Committee recommended, and the Board 
concluded that the Group’s internal audit 
process was appropriate and effective. The 
effectiveness of the Group’s internal audit 
function is continually reviewed, including an 
annual formal review undertaken by the Audit 
Committee, with the benefit of feedback from 
Group businesses and functions which have 
been subject to internal audit during the year.

FRC correspondence
During November 2022, the Company 
received correspondence from the Financial 
Reporting Council (FRC) in relation to its 
review of the Company’s Annual Report 
and Accounts for 2021 in accordance with 
part 2 of the FRC Corporate Reporting 
Review Operating Procedures, which 
requested further information in relation to 
the Company’s compliance with relevant 
reporting and disclosure requirements in 
certain areas. The FRC also highlighted that 
the impairment loss on trade receivables 
should be separately disclosed on the face of 
the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive 
Income. Previously it was included within 
administrative expenses. This balance is now 
shown separately with no impact on profit. In 
addition, certain disclosures in the notes to 
the financial statements have been enhanced 
to provide greater clarity for readers of the 
Annual Report and Accounts. In particular, 
the Income statement presentation has been 
amended to remove the 'before separately 
disclosed items' and 'separately disclosed 
items' columns presented in the 2021 Annual 
Report and Accounts. This change was made 
to simplify the income statement presentation 
and show alternative performance measures 
previously included within 'separately disclosed 
items' in Note 2.1. There has been no change 
to continuing results for revenue, gross margin 
and operating profit. The FRC review is 
ongoing at the time of writing of this report. 

BAM Consultation on Restoring 
Trust in Audit and Corporate 
Governance
In March 2021, the Department for Business 
and Trade (BAM) released its consultation 
paper ‘Restoring trust in audit and corporate 
governance’ outlining its proposals for 
strengthening the UK’s framework for major 
companies and the way that they are audited.

The reforms in the BAM consultation 
paper address the findings of the previous 
Kingman, CMA and Brydon reports and 
include proposed new measures in relation 
to directors, auditors, shareholders and the 
audit regulator. On 31 May 2022, the UK 
Government published its response to the 
consultation, setting out its plans for action 
which will be implemented through a variety 
of mechanisms, including audit development 
and work by the professional bodies, primary 
and secondary legislation, and changes by the 
regulator. The response sets out how and to 
what extent it is anticipated the proposals in 
the consultation would be carried forward. The 
measures include proposals for strengthening 
the UK’s approach to internal controls over 
financial reporting, including more disclosure 
and attestation requirements. The May 2022 
response envisages a strengthening of the 
Code in this area as opposed to legislation.

GovernanceJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 202294

Directors’ remuneration report

MEMBERSHIP
Aedamar Comiskey, Chair of the Remuneration Committee since May 2018 
Michael Salter (until 5 May 2022)
Justin Atkinson
Inken Braunschmidt
Kash Pandya
Claire Hawkings (appointed to the Committee on 1 January 2022)

SINCE
2014
2013
2018
2019
2021
2022

Key objectives
The Committee’s objectives are to create a fair, equitable and competitive total reward 
package that supports the Group vision and strategy; and to ensure that rewards are 
performance-based, encourage long-term shareholder value creation and are straightforward 
to communicate and operate.

Key responsibilities:
•  Designing the remuneration policy.

•  Implementing the remuneration policy.

•  Ensuring the competitiveness of reward.

•  Designing the incentive plans.

•  Setting incentive targets and determining award levels.

•  Overseeing all share awards across the Group.

The Committee meets at least three times a year.

Annual statement 
Introduction by Aedamar 
Comiskey, Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee
On behalf of the Board and the Remuneration 
Committee (the Committee), I am pleased to 
present the Directors’ remuneration report for 
the year ended 31 December 2022.

Work of the Committee  
during 2022
During 2022, the Committee undertook the 
following main activities, having due regard 
at all times to the broader performance 
context and the experience of the Group’s key 
stakeholders:

•  assessing performance against the targets 
set for the 2021 annual bonus awards;

This report is comprised of two parts, namely:

•  setting the targets for the 2022 annual 

bonus;

•  assessing performance against the 

targets set for the 2019 LTIP awards and 
determining vesting levels;

•  agreeing the award levels and performance 

targets for the 2022 LTIP awards; 

•  agreeing the leaving arrangements for 
Eoghan O’Lionaird and Jean Vernet’s 
package on appointment; and

•   agreeing the Chairman’s fee and Executive 
Directors’ base salaries to apply from  
1 January 2023. 

Part 1 – Remuneration policy report – which 
provides a summary of the Directors' 
remuneration policy approved by shareholders 
at the 2021 AGM, as context for the 
Committee’s decision-making in relation to 
remuneration. In keeping with the remuneration 
reporting regulations with which the Group 
is required to comply, the Committee will 
be conducting a review of the current 
remuneration policy during 2023. We will be 
engaging with shareholders on the proposed 
policy ahead of putting this to a binding 
shareholder resolution at the 2024 AGM; and

Part 2 – Annual report on remuneration – which 
sets out payments and awards made to the 
Directors, details the link between Company 
performance and remuneration for 2022, and 
explains how we intend the remuneration 
policy will operate for 2023. This part of the 
report will be put to an advisory vote at the 
2023 AGM.

In discharging its responsibilities, the 
Committee seeks to ensure that its policy  
and practices remain consistent with the six 
factors set out in Provision 40 of the 2018  
UK Corporate Governance Code:

•  Clarity – The current policy is understood 
by our senior executive team, and we 
have sought to articulate it clearly to our 
shareholders and representative bodies 
(both on an ongoing basis and during 
consultation when material changes are 
being made).

•  Simplicity – The Committee is mindful of the 
need to avoid overly complex remuneration 
structures which can be misunderstood and 
deliver unintended outcomes. Therefore,  
a key objective of the Committee is to 
ensure that our executive remuneration 
policies and practices are straightforward  
to communicate and operate.

•  Risk – Our policy has been designed to 
ensure that inappropriate risk-taking is 
discouraged and will not be rewarded.  
We do this via: (i) the balanced use of both 
short-term (annual) bonuses and longer-
term incentive plans (LTIPs), which employ 
a blend of financial, non-financial and 
shareholder return targets; (ii) the significant 
role played by equity in our incentive plans; 
and (iii) malus/clawback provisions.

•  Predictability – Our incentive plans  

are subject to individual caps and clearly 
defined performance targets, with our 
share plans also subject to market standard 
dilution limits.

•  Proportionality – There is a clear link 

between individual reward, delivery of 
strategy and the Group’s long-term 
performance. In addition, the significant role 
played by incentive/‘at-risk’ pay, together 
with the structure of the Executive Directors’ 
service contracts, ensures that poor 
performance is not rewarded.

•  Alignment to culture – Our executive pay 
policies are aligned to culture through the 
use of metrics in both the annual bonus and 
LTIP that measure how we perform against 
our KPIs.

GovernanceAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc95

•  NED fees: the fees payable to the  

Chairman and Non-Executive Directors  
are unchanged.

Shareholder feedback
The Committee is grateful for the strong 
shareholder support at the 2022 AGM 
for the advisory resolution to approve the 
Annual statement and Annual Report on 
Remuneration. We remain committed to 
effective and regular engagement with our 
shareholders in relation to remuneration,  
and hope that we can count on your  
continued support.

I hope you will join me in supporting the 
remuneration-related resolution at the AGM  
on 14 June 2023.

Aedamar Comiskey
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

28 April 2023

Pay and performance in 2022
James Fisher encountered another challenging 
year in 2022, with performance outcomes 
against our primary financial measures as 
follows:

2023 remuneration
There are no changes proposed for the 
remuneration policy in 2023. A summary of the 
proposed approach to the implementation of 
the remuneration policy in 2023 is as follows:

•  Underlying operating profit from continuing 

•  Base salary: the Committee has delayed 

operations of £19.1m (2021: £28.0m);

•  Operating cashflow of £44.5m  

(2021: £55.0m); and

•  Underlying diluted earnings per share (17.1p) 

(2021: 20.0p).

Executive Directors’ bonus potential for 
2022 was capped at 100% of salary, with 
70% based on meeting the Group’s financial 
objectives and 30% based on individual 
achievement of personal objectives. However, 
as a result of the Group’s financial performance 
for the year ended 31 December 2022 being 
below the thresholds set at the start of the 
year, the Remuneration Committee concluded 
that it would not be appropriate to award any 
annual bonus to the Executive Directors with 
respect to 2022, notwithstanding that the 
personal objectives were partially met.

Awards granted under the LTIP in 2020 are 
ordinarily eligible to vest in 2023, subject 
to the achievement of pre-defined 3-year 
performance targets. However, as a result of 
failing to hit the threshold level set for earnings 
per share (EPS) and total shareholder return 
(TSR), 2020 LTIP awards will lapse in full. 
Neither Jean Vernet nor Duncan Kennedy 
participated in this LTIP award cycle.

Further details of the targets and achievement 
against them for the annual bonus and LTIP are 
set out on pages 103 to 104.

Executive Director changes 
during the year
As announced in June 2022, Jean Vernet was 
appointed as Chief Executive Officer and took 
up this position on 5 September, at which 
point Eoghan O’Lionaird stepped down from 
the Board. Mr O’Lionaird, however, remained 
an employee of the Company until February 
2023 to enable a smooth and effective 
transition of responsibilities. Details of the 
leaving arrangements for Mr O’Lionaird and 
Mr Vernet’s package on appointment – both 
of which are in line with our policy and normal 
remuneration practices – are set out on  
pages 104 and 105.

its review of Executive Director salaries until 
later in 2023, to align with the second of a 
two-phase salary review process adopted 
by the Company for other employees 
earning an annual base salary of £70,000 
or higher. Effective 1 January 2023, base 
salary increases have been awarded to the 
rest of the workforce; of 5% on average for 
lower-paid colleagues (earning annual base 
salaries of less than £70,000) and 3% on 
average to those higher earners who will be 
eligible for a second review later in the year. 
This approach is considered to be fair and 
appropriately reflect the prevailing inflationary 
environment, while ensuring that the 
available pay budget at year end is focused 
on supporting lower-paid colleagues, 
in particular, with ongoing cost-of-living 
pressures;

•  Pension: no change to the pension 

contributions received by the Executive 
Directors;

•  Annual bonus: no change to the 

opportunity of 100% of salary which, for 
2023, will be based 50% on adjusted 
operating profit (2022: 40%), 25% on 
operating cashflow (2022: 30%), and 
25% on strategic (including ESG-related) 
objectives (2022: 30%). Bonus payouts 
will also be subject to a discretionary 
assessment by the Committee of progress 
on other important initiatives during the year, 
including our Environment agenda;

•  LTIP: in respect of 2023 LTIP awards for 

Executive Directors, awards will be made as 
normal after the announcement of the 2022 
preliminary results, with award levels set at 
175% of salary for Jean Vernet and 125% of 
salary for Duncan Kennedy. 50% of awards 
will be based on 3-year EPS growth, 30% 
of awards will be based on relative TSR, 
and the remaining 20% based on Return 
on Capital Employed (ROCE) targets. At 
the time of signing this report, the EPS and 
ROCE performance targets attaching to 
these awards have not yet been agreed by 
the Committee. Consistent with previous 
cycles, the TSR element will vest subject to 
the Group’s relative TSR performance being 
at least median (25% vesting) compared to 
the constituents of the FTSE250 excluding 
investment trusts, with full vesting requiring 
performance to be at least upper quartile. 
EPS and ROCE targets will be set to be 
appropriately stretching. These will be 
disclosed in the RNS announcement at 
the time of making the awards; and in next 
year’s Directors’ remuneration report; and

GovernanceJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022 
96

Directors’ remuneration report cont.

Remuneration policy 
report 
Overview of Directors’ 
remuneration policy
James Fisher and Sons plc operates in 
a competitive international environment. 
To continue to compete successfully, the 
Committee considers that it is essential that 
the level and structure of remuneration and 
benefits achieve the objective of attracting, 
retaining, motivating and rewarding the 
necessary high calibre individuals at all levels 
of the business. The Company therefore sets 
out to provide competitive remuneration to all 
of its employees, appropriate to the business 
environment in those countries in which  
it operates.

The remuneration strategy, as a significant 
contributor to competitive advantage, is 
designed to support the Company’s corporate 
strategy, and to align with the Company’s 
valued behaviours of pioneering spirit,  
integrity, energy and resilience. 

A cohesive reward structure with a timely 
pay review process, consistently applied to 
all employees and with links to corporate 
performance, is seen as critical in ensuring 
all employees can associate with, and are 
focused on, the attainment of the Company’s 
strategic goals. Accordingly, the remuneration 
package for the Executive Directors is  
reviewed annually. Where an Executive 
Director’s responsibilities change during the 
course of a year, the Committee will consider 
whether a review is appropriate, outside of the 
annual process.

Executive remuneration reviews are based 
upon the following principles:

•  total rewards should be set at appropriate 
levels to reflect the competitive market 
in which the Company operates, and to 
provide a fair and attractive remuneration 
package;

•  reward elements should be designed to 
reinforce the link between performance 
and reward. The majority of the total 
remuneration package should be linked to 
the achievement of appropriate performance 
targets; and

•  Executive Directors’ incentives should be 
aligned with the interests of shareholders. 
This is achieved through setting performance 
targets to reward increase in shareholder 
value and through the Committee’s policy 
to encourage shareholding by Executive 
Directors.

How the Directors’ remuneration 
policy relates to the wider Group
The remuneration policy set out within this 
report provides an overview of the structure 
that operates for the Executive Directors in the 
Group. Employees below Executive level have 
a lower proportion of their total remuneration 
made up of incentive-based remuneration,  
with remuneration driven by market 
comparators and the impact of the role 
of the employee in question. Long-term 
incentives are reserved for those judged as 
having the greatest potential to influence 
the Group’s delivery of strategy and Group 
performance. The Committee considers pay 
and conditions across the workforce when 
reviewing and setting the Executive Director 
remuneration policy. During 2022, members of 
the Committee engaged with employees on a 
number of matters (more detail on page 30), 
including while attending offsite engagement 
sessions. Any feedback received through this 
and other engagement channels is presented 
to, and discussed by, the Committee at its 
next meeting; and informs decision-making 
at both a Group and business level. Wider 
engagement on Executive remuneration 
is planned in 2023 as part of the Board’s 
employee engagement initiatives and the 
upcoming review of the Remuneration Policy.

How shareholders’ views are 
taken into account
The Committee takes an active interest 
in stakeholder views on our executive 
remuneration policy and its operation, and 
is particularly mindful of the concerns of 
shareholders. At the 2021 AGM, the current 
remuneration policy was supported by a 
significant majority of shareholders. In advance 
of that AGM, the Committee consulted with 
the Company’s major shareholders and the 
main representative groups in relation to 
the proposed changes to the Company’s 
remuneration policy, the vast majority of 
feedback received on which was supportive. 
Similarly high levels of support were received 
for the advisory vote to approve the Annual 
report on remuneration at the 2022 AGM.

Directors’ remuneration policy 
The table on the following pages summarises 
the remuneration policy approved by 
shareholders at the 2021 AGM. This policy 
took effect from that date for a period of up 
to three years. Minor amendments have been 
made to the drafting of this policy from the 
version approved by shareholders in 2021 
(which can be found in the 2020 Annual 
Report) including: (i) the data used in the pay-
for-performance scenarios; (ii) page references; 
and (iii) the sections on Executive Director 
service contracts and Non-Executive Director 
letters of appointment, to reflect changes in 
Board composition since then.

GovernanceAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plcELEMENT
Salary

PURPOSE AND 
LINK TO STRATEGY OPERATION
Designed to attract, 
retain, motivate and 
reward the necessary 
high calibre individuals to 
the Board.

Base salaries are a fixed annual sum 
normally effective 1 January and 
payable monthly in cash.

Salaries are reviewed each year, 
normally effective 1 January 
and recognising the individual’s 
performance and experience, 
developments in the relevant 
employment market and having 
regard to the Group’s performance 
as well as comparing each Executive 
Director’s base salary to market data.

97

PERFORMANCE 
TARGETS
Not applicable.

MAXIMUM
No prescribed maximum 
salary or salary increase.

Salaries are set for each 
Executive Director within a 
range around the market 
median for similar positions 
in appropriate comparator 
companies. The Committee 
is also guided by the general 
increase for the employee 
population although 
increases may be higher or 
lower than this to recognise, 
for example, an increase 
in the scale, scope or 
responsibility of an individual 
and/or performance.

Pensions

To offer competitive 
retirement benefits.

Benefits

To offer competitive 
benefits.

Annual 
bonus

To incentivise and reward 
the Executive Directors 
to deliver annual financial 
and operational targets.

Workforce aligned on or 
before 1 January 2023.

Not applicable.

No prescribed maximum.

Not applicable.

Up to 100% of base salary.

Majority of the bonus 
potential is based 
on financial targets 
derived from the annual 
plan; and a minority 
of the bonus potential 
based on individual 
achievement and 
personal objectives.

Executive Directors are eligible to 
join the Group’s defined contribution 
scheme, receive a company 
contribution into a personal 
pension scheme or be paid a cash 
supplement in lieu of pension.

Provision of a company car or 
cash alternative, life assurance and 
healthcare insurance. Other benefits 
may be provided where appropriate. 
These benefits do not form part of 
pensionable earnings.

Payable on the achievement of 
financial and personal objectives and 
non-pensionable.

The first 70% is payable in cash. 
Bonus in excess of 70% of basic 
salary is subject to deferral into 
shares, with awards vesting after 
three years, subject to normal good/
bad leaver provisions, but no further 
performance targets. Dividend 
equivalent payments may be awarded 
(in cash or shares).

Malus and clawback provisions 
operate.

GovernanceJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 202298

Directors’ remuneration report cont.

ELEMENT
LTIP

PURPOSE AND 
LINK TO STRATEGY OPERATION
To align the interests of 
the Executive Directors 
with the Group’s long-
term performance, 
strategy and the interests 
of shareholders.

Non pensionable.

A two-year post-vesting holding 
period applies to awards granted  
to Executive Directors.

Annual grant of share awards. 

Malus and clawback provisions 
operate.

Share 
ownership

To ensure alignment 
between the interests of 
Executive Directors and 
shareholders.

Executive Directors are required to 
retain half of the shares vesting after 
tax under the LTIP until the guidelines 
are met.

Post-cessation guidelines apply 
to share awards granted following 
the 2021 AGM. In determining the 
relevant number of shares to be 
retained post-cessation, shares 
acquired from own purchases and 
share awards granted prior to the 
2021 AGM will not be counted.

An all-employee share plan.

PERFORMANCE 
TARGETS
Sliding scale targets 
linked to financial, share 
price and/or strategic 
metrics.

No more than 25% 
of an award vests at 
threshold, increasing 
to 100% vesting at 
maximum.

Not applicable.

MAXIMUM
Up to 200% of base salary. 
Awards above 125% will be 
subject to stretch targets.

In Employment: 200% of 
base salary for all Executive 
Directors.

Post-cessation: 100% 
of the “in employment” 
requirement, until the second 
anniversary of cessation (or 
the actual shareholding if the 
guideline has not been met at 
cessation).

As per prevailing HMRC 
limits.

Not applicable.

Sharesave

Non- 
Executive 
Directors

To encourage share 
ownership and align the 
interests of all employees 
and shareholders.

To provide fees to reflect 
the time commitment 
and responsibilities 
of each role in line 
with those provided 
by similarly sized 
companies.

Fixed annual fee, paid quarterly 
in cash reviewed annually: the 
Committee determines the 
Chairman’s fees. The Chairman and 
Executive Directors determine fees for 
the other Non-Executive Directors.

No prescribed maximum fee 
or fee increase, although fees 
are limited by the Company’s 
Articles of Association. 
The Board/Committee is 
guided by market rates, 
time commitments and 
responsibility levels.

Not applicable.

Notes:
(1)  The choice of the performance metrics applicable to the annual bonus reflects the Committee’s belief that any incentive compensation should be appropriately 

challenging and tied to the delivery of both financial and personal objectives;

(2)  LTIP performance conditions are selected based on the delivery of long-term returns to shareholders and the Group’s financial growth and are consistent with the 
Company’s strategy. Where operated: (i) TSR performance is monitored by an independent advisor; and (ii) EPS growth and ROCE are derived from the audited 
financial statements;

(3)  The Committee operates its share plans in accordance with the plan rules and the Listing Rules. The Committee, consistent with market practice, retains discretion 

over a number of areas relating to the operation and administration of the plans (e.g. treatment of awards for leavers, change of control, adjustments to performance 
targets);

(4)  The Committee retains the right to exercise discretion to override formulaic outcomes and ensure that the level of bonus or share awards payable is appropriate. 

It may use its discretion to adjust outcomes to ensure that any payments made reflect overall Company performance and stakeholder experiences more generally. 
Where exercised, the rationale for this discretion will be fully disclosed to shareholders in the relevant Directors’ remuneration report;

(5)  Consistent with HMRC legislation, the all-employee share plan does not have performance conditions; and
(6)  In approving the Directors’ remuneration policy, authority is given to the Company to honour any past commitments entered into with current or former Directors 

including the vesting of share awards granted in the past.

GovernanceAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc99

Malus and clawback provisions
Malus and clawback provisions operate in respect of the annual bonus (cash and deferred shares) and LTIP awards, with Committee discretion to 
apply them in the event of a material misstatement in the Company’s financial results, miscalculation, serious reputational damage to the Company, 
in the event it is discovered that the participant committed serious misconduct that could have warranted summary dismissal or a corporate failure/ 
insolvency.

The Committee may decide to operate the malus and clawback provisions within a three-year period commencing on the date that the cash part of 
any annual bonus is paid (for cash and deferred share bonus awards), and within a three-year period of any LTIP vesting date.

Scenario charts, 2023 remuneration
The charts below illustrate the potential value of the 2023 packages for the Executive Directors (see page 110 for further detail), assuming: nil bonus 
payout and nil vesting for the LTIP in the ‘minimum’ scenario; and a 50% bonus payout and 50% LTIP vesting in the ‘on-target’ scenario.

)

0
0
0
£

(

n
o
i
t
a
r
e
n
u
m
e
R

£3,000

£2,500

£2,000

£1,500

£1,000

£500

£0

£2,571

54.1%

£2,107

44.0%

25.2%

20.6%

£1,379

33.7%

19.2%

£650

Fixed

Annual bonus

LTIP

£1,392

47.1%

£1,173

37.3%

29.8%

25.2%

£779

28.0%

22.5%

£385

100.0%

47.1%

30.8%

25.3%

100.0%

49.5%

32.9%

27.7%

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

Maximum 
+ 50% share 
price growth

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

Maximum 
+ 50% share 
price growth

Jean Vernet

Duncan Kennedy

Approach to recruitment
New Executive Directors will be appointed on remuneration packages with the same structure and elements set out in the Directors’ remuneration 
policy table. Ongoing incentive pay/share-based awards will be limited to:

•  Maximum annual bonus of 100% of salary; and

•  LTIP award of up to 200% of salary.

For external appointments, the Committee may offer additional cash or share-based elements to replace deferred or incentive pay forfeited by an 
executive when leaving a previous employer. It would seek to ensure, where possible, that these awards would be consistent with awards forfeited in 
terms of vesting periods, expected value and performance conditions. Shareholders will be informed of any such payments as soon as practicable 
following the appointment.

For an internal appointment, any variable pay element awarded in respect of the prior role may be allowed to pay out according to its original terms. 
In addition, any other ongoing remuneration obligations existing prior to appointment may continue, provided that they are put to shareholders for 
approval at the earliest opportunity.

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

GovernanceJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022 
 
 
 
 
100

Directors’ remuneration report cont.

Loss of office
In relation to Executive Directors leaving the Company, the Committee is committed to applying a consistent and equitable approach to ensure the 
Company is equitable, but pays no more than necessary. The loss of office policy is in line with market practice and will be dependent on whether 
the individual is deemed a ‘good leaver’ or ‘bad leaver’. The ‘good leaver’ policy includes:

•  payment in lieu of notice equal to one year’s basic salary or, if termination is part way through the notice period, the amount of salary relating to 
any unexpired notice to the date of termination. There is an obligation on Directors to mitigate any loss which they may suffer if the Company 
terminates their service contract;

•  bonus payments for the period worked may be made, subject to the original performance targets, at the discretion of the Committee. Any such 

payments would be made on the normal payment date;

•  vesting of share scheme awards is not automatic and the Committee retains the discretion to prevent awards from lapsing depending on the 
circumstances of the departure and the best interests of the Company. For a ‘good leaver’: (i) deferred bonus awards will normally vest in full 
at the normal vesting date (although may vest earlier, including at cessation); and (ii) LTIP awards will normally vest at the normal vesting date 
(although may vest earlier, including at cessation) subject to performance against the performance targets and LTIP awards will normally be  
pro-rated;

•  the ‘good leaver’ reasons are death, injury, illness or disability, redundancy, retirement, transfer of business resulting in cessation of the individual’s 

employment within the Group and any other reason at the Committee’s discretion;

•  no compensation is paid for summary dismissal, save for any statutory entitlements;

•  Executive Directors will also be entitled to a payment in respect of accrued but untaken annual holiday entitlements on termination; and

•  legal fees and outplacement support may be paid by the Company where appropriate.

Service contracts
It is the Board’s policy that Executive Directors are employed on contracts subject to no more than 12 months’ notice from either side. The Board 
recognises however that it may be necessary in the case of new executive appointments to offer an initial longer notice period, which would 
subsequently reduce to 12 months after the expiry of the initial period. The service agreements do not have a fixed term. If it becomes necessary 
to consider termination of a service contract, the Committee will have regard to all the circumstances of the case, including mitigation, when 
determining any compensation to be paid. Details of the current service contracts are as follows:

Jean Vernet
Duncan Kennedy

Contract date
5 September 2022
1 May 2021

Notice period
12 months
12 months

The Executive Directors are permitted to serve as non-executive directors of other companies, provided the appointment is first approved by the 
Remuneration and Nominations Committees. Directors are allowed to retain their fees from such appointments. During 2022, the Executive Directors 
held no external appointments.

Non-Executive Directors do not have service contracts but have a letter of appointment setting out their terms and conditions. Non-Executive 
Directors are appointed each year for up to 12 months (subject to re-election at the AGM) and are entitled to one month’s prior written notice of early 
termination for which no compensation is payable. Details of the letters for the currently appointed Non-Executive Directors are set out below:

Angus Cockburn
Justin Atkinson
Inken Braunschmidt
Aedamar Comiskey
Kash Pandya
Claire Hawkings

Date of appointment
1 May 2021
1 February 2018
1 March 2019
1 November 2014
1 November 2021
1 January 2022

Letter of appointment
1 January 2023
1 January 2023
1 January 2023
1 January 2023
1 January 2023
1 January 2023

GovernanceAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc101

Annual report on remuneration
Remuneration Committee
The Committee members have no personal financial interest, other than as shareholders, in the matters to be decided.

They have no conflicts of interest arising from cross-directorships with the Executive Directors, nor from being involved in the day-to-day business  
of the Company.

The Committee operates under clear written terms of reference and confirms that its constitution and operation comply with the applicable 
provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code) (prevailing at the date this report is signed) in relation to Directors’ remuneration policy 
and practice and that it has applied the Code throughout the year. As noted on page 30, with respect to Code provision 41, various channels have 
been established for the Board’s engagement with employees, including in relation to remuneration. The channels include the employee engagement 
survey, the activities of the Designated Non-Executive Director for Employee Engagement (including regular attendance at the employee engagement 
working group), and direct engagement between the Non-Executive Directors and employees during the annual calendar of Board site visits. Any 
feedback or questions arising on the subject of remuneration (whether in relation to the workforce generally, or executives specifically) is tabled at 
the Committee’s next meeting for discussion. The Board is also considering further enhanced mechanisms for employee engagement in relation to 
executive remuneration for implementation in 2023.

The Committee’s terms of reference include:

•  to determine and agree with the Board the framework and policy for Executive Directors and senior managers;

•  to review the appropriateness and relevance of the remuneration policy;

•  to agree the measures and targets for any performance-related bonus and share schemes of the Executive Directors;

•  to determine within the terms of the policy the total individual remuneration package of the Executive Directors and selected senior management 

immediately below Board; and

•  to review senior management pay and workforce remuneration policies and practice.

The Committee consults the Chief Executive Officer and invites him to attend meetings when appropriate. The Chief Human Resources Officer and 
Ellason LLP, the Committee’s independent adviser, attend meetings of the Committee by invitation. The Committee also has access to advice from 
the Chief Financial Officer. The Company Secretary acts as secretary to the Committee. No Director or other attendee is present when his or her own 
remuneration is being determined.

Advisers to the Remuneration Committee
In undertaking its responsibilities, the Committee seeks independent external advice as necessary. Following a competitive tender, the Committee 
appointed Ellason LLP (Ellason) as its principal external adviser from August 2021.

The Committee confirms that Ellason provided independent remuneration advice to the Committee during 2022, and that Ellason does not have any 
other connections with the Company that may impair independence. Ellason is a member and signatory of the Code of Conduct for Remuneration 
Consultants, details of which can be found at www.remunerationconsultantsgroup.com.

During 2022, Ellason provided independent advice on remuneration matters including the external environment and incentive design for 2022, as 
well as other matters within the Committee’s remit. Ellason provides no other services to the Company. The fees paid to Ellason in respect of work 
carried out for the year under review were charged on a time and materials basis and totalled £73,089.

GovernanceJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022102

Directors’ remuneration report cont.

Non-Executive Directors
The structure of Non-Executive Directors’ fees for 2022 and 2023 are set out below, all of which are payable in cash.

Chairman
Other Non-Executive Director fees:
Basic fee
Additional fee for the chair of Audit Committee
Additional fee for the chair of Remuneration Committee
Additional fee for the Senior Independent Director

Total remuneration of the Executive Directors (audited)

2023
£
210,125

54,632
12,000
8,000
8,000

2022
£
210,125

54,632
12,000
8,000
8,000

Base salary
Benefits(3)
Pension(4)
Bonus in cash
Bonus in deferred shares
Total short-term remuneration 
LTIP – performance
LTIP – share appreciation
Dividend equivalents
LTIP – total
Other(5)
Total remuneration
Total fixed remuneration
Total variable remuneration

Jean Vernet(1)
2022
£000
173
44
13
–
–
230
–
–
–
n/a
400
630
230
400

2021
£000
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Eoghan O’Lionaird(1)

Duncan Kennedy(2)

2022
£000
359
19
27
–
–
405
–
–
–
–
–
405
405
–

2021
£000
530
26
42
–
–
598
–
–
–
n/a
–
598
598
–

2022
£000
350
11
16
–
–
377
–
–
–
n/a
–
377
377
–

2021
£000
232
7
11
–
–
250
–
–
–
n/a
–
250
250
–

(1)  The amounts disclosed in relation to 2022 reflect the period:
(i)  For Jean Vernet, from his appointment to the Board on 5 September 2022 to 31 December 2022;
(ii)  For Eoghan O’Lionaird, from 1 January 2022 until he stepped down from the Board on 5 September 2022, although he continued to be paid until cessation  

of employment on 19 February 2023, subject to mitigation. Further details can be found on page 105.

(2)  For Duncan Kennedy, the amounts disclosed above for 2021 reflect the period from 1 May 2021, when he took up his role on the Board.
(3)  Benefits comprise a cash allowance in lieu of car and medical insurance. For Jean Vernet, the figure also includes c.£38k in reimbursed expenses in relation to his 

relocation to the UK, see page 104 for further details.

(4)  Pension contributions may be paid into personal pension plans, the Company pension scheme or taken as a separate cash allowance, subject to income tax.  

In line with the approach taken across the UK workforce, the Group passes on 75% of the National Insurance cost saving arising from an individual’s election to join 
the Group’s SMART pension scheme arrangement through salary sacrifice. During 2022, Eoghan O’Lionaird elected to participate in the Group’s SMART pension in 
this way, and the value of the cost saving passed on to him is reflected above.

(5)  This relates to a one-off restricted share award granted to Jean Vernet on his appointment, in connection with share awards forgone on leaving his previous employer. 

Further details are set out on page 105.

GovernanceAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc103

Annual bonus awards for 2022 (audited)
The maximum annual bonus for Executive Directors was 100% of base salary, with 70% based on financial objectives (Note 1 below) and 30% 
based on individual achievement of personal objectives (Note 2 below). The first 70% of any bonus award is paid in cash and the balance is awarded 
in shares and deferred for three years (with dividend equivalents and malus and clawback provisions applying). No bonus was awarded to the 
Executive Directors with respect to 2022, as set out below.

Note 1 – Financial objectives (70% of maximum):

Performance measure
Underlying operating profit (40%(1))

Actual performance
Operating cashflow (30%(1))

Actual performance

Performance target
Minimum threshold £31.0m
Maximum £37.5m
£19.1m
Minimum threshold £55.3m
Maximum £62.8m
£44.5m

Assessment against targets
Threshold starts at 0% and increases to 100% of this element  
of the bonus at maximum performance.
0% of this part of the bonus was paid out.
Threshold starts at 0% and increases to 100% of this element  
of the bonus at maximum performance.
0% of this part of the bonus was paid out.

(1)  Updated to reflect a minor correction to the weightings published in last year’s Report.

Note 2 – Personal objectives (30% of maximum):
Jean Vernet (5 September – 31 December 2022) and Eoghan O’Lionaird (1 January – 5 September 2022)

Objectives
Operational
Reduce net debt/EBITDA, including disposal of the Board-approved businesses
Roll-out Lean program
Roll-out NPS program and Group-wide sales training
ESG
Improve engagement mean score for all employees and senior leadership
Structured analysis and framework for carbon reduction program
Strategy
Evolve the strategy for renewables and decommissioning with clear operational plans and execution underway
Total

Duncan Kennedy

Objectives
Operational
Reduce net debt/EBITDA, including disposal of the Board-approved businesses
Roll-out Lean program
ESG
Improve engagement/e-NPS results for all employees and the global finance function
Roll-out and embed risk management improvements
Define and begin deployment of BEIS/UK SOX project
Strategy
Evolve the strategy for renewables and decommissioning with clear operational plans and execution underway
Total

Weighting 
(% bonus)

5%
5%
5%

5%
5%

5%
30%

Weighting 
(% bonus)

5%
5%

5%
5%
5%

5%
30%

Eoghan O’Lionaird stepped down from the Board with effect from 5 September 2022, although he continued to be paid until cessation of 
employment on 19 February 2023. As a ‘good leaver’, it was agreed that he should retain a pro-rated opportunity under the 2022 bonus, and for 
which personal performance was to be assessed by the Committee on a discretionary basis (i.e. following the end of the financial year).

Notwithstanding their valued contribution and achievement of some of the personal objectives set, the Committee did not consider that it would be 
appropriate to award any part of the 2022 bonus to the Executive Directors (including Eoghan O’Lionaird) under this element given that the financial 
thresholds had not been met. Therefore, no formal assessment of these targets has been conducted. The Executive Directors’ strategic objectives 
have been reset for 2023, and further details are set out in the implementation of the remuneration policy for 2023 section on page 110 (and will be 
disclosed fully in the 2023 remuneration report).

GovernanceJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022104

Directors’ remuneration report cont.

Vesting of 2020 LTIP awards (audited)
LTIP awards granted on 24 July 2020 were due to vest in July 2023 subject to the achievement of defined EPS and TSR performance targets.  
EPS is measured over the three-year period ended 31 December 2022, while TSR is measured over the three-year period from 6 April 2020. 

The EPS performance condition (70% of the award) comprises a sliding scale, under which 25% of this part of an award vests where growth of 
diluted earnings per share of RPI plus 9% is achieved over the three-year performance period, increasing pro-rata to full vesting where growth  
of RPI plus 18% is achieved.

Performance target
Underlying diluted EPS

Base EPS
47.9p

EPS 
at year end
(17.1p)

EPS 
growth
(135.7%)

Threshold 
RPI +9%
32.5%

Maximum 
RPI +18%
41.5%

Vesting %
0%

The TSR performance condition (30% of the award) also comprises a sliding scale, under which 25% of this part of an award vests for median TSR 
increasing pro-rata to full vesting for upper quartile TSR, measured against the constituents of the FTSE 250 excluding investment trusts. 

Performance target
Relative TSR

Performance
period
6 April 2020 – 5 April 2023

Threshold
Median TSR
(1.6%)

Maximum
UQ TSR
28.7%

James Fisher
TSR
(79.7%)

Vesting %
0%

TSR is calculated in GBP, using 3-month average opening and closing return index values.

As a result of EPS and TSR performance, 2020 LTIP awards will lapse in full. 

Neither Jean Vernet nor Duncan Kennedy were participants in the 2020 LTIP award cycle. However, Eoghan O’Lionaird and Stuart Kilpatrick (both 
former Directors) retained interests in the 2020 LTIP cycle, as set out on page 105. 

LTIP awards granted in 20221 (audited)

Eoghan O’Lionaird
Duncan Kennedy

Award date
21 April 2022
21 April 2022

Proportion 
of salary
100%
100%

Maximum 
shares awarded
146,773
96,926

Face value 
at date of grant(1)

£530k
£350k

(1)  The share price at date of award was based on the five-day average closing price from 10 March 2022 (the date of the preliminary results) to 16 March 2022, of 

361.1 pence. Recognising the prevailing share price at the time of grant, the Committee agreed to scale back the award size from 125% of salary to 100% of salary, 
effectively reducing the grants by 20%, to mitigate the potential for windfall gains.

Vesting of the 2022 LTIP award (granted in the form of a conditional share award) is subject to achievement of performance targets over a three-year 
period as disclosed in the RNS announcement notifying the market of the granting of the awards (dated 25 April 2022). 50% of the award is based 
on EPS targets, 30% based on TSR targets and 20% of the award based on return on capital employed (ROCE):

•  None of the EPS element of the 2022 LTIP shall vest if EPS for the 2024 financial year is less than 66 pence. 25% of the EPS element shall vest  

if 2024 EPS is 66 pence, rising on a straight-line sliding scale to 100% vesting of this element if 2024 EPS is at least 76 pence. 

•  The TSR element of the award is subject to the Company’s TSR performance relative to the FTSE 250 index excluding investment trusts, over the 
three-year period from 6 April 2022. If at the end of the period the Company ranks in the upper quartile, all of the TSR element of the award will 
vest. If the ranking is below median, none of the TSR element of the award will vest. 25% of the TSR part of the award will vest for performance  
at median, with a straight-line sliding scale between median and upper quartile.

•  Return on capital employed (ROCE) was introduced as a measure to align the LTIP scorecard with the key pillars of our latest strategy. None of the 
ROCE element of the 2022 LTIP shall vest if ROCE for 2024 is less than 11%; 25% shall vest if 2024 ROCE is 11%, rising on a straight-line sliding 
scale to 100% vesting if 2024 ROCE is at least 13%.

Any part of the award that does not vest at the end of a performance period will lapse immediately. In line with the Remuneration Policy approved  
by shareholders at the 2021 AGM, a two-year post-vesting holding period applies to these awards.

Deferred bonus awards granted in 2022 in respect of 2021 annual bonus (audited)
No deferred bonus awards were granted in 2022 in respect of the 2021 annual bonus as a result of no bonus being payable.

Appointment of new Chief Executive Officer
Jean Vernet joined the Board as Chief Executive Officer on 5 September 2022. His salary was set at £530,000, and his pension contribution is 
up to 7.5% of salary, in line with the remuneration arrangements of his predecessor. He was eligible in 2022 for a maximum bonus of 100% of his 
pro-rated salary, and is eligible in 2023 for a maximum bonus of 100% of salary and an LTIP award of 175% of salary. These award opportunities 
remain within the maximum limits permissible under the remuneration policy, and have been set to provide an appropriate balance between fixed 
and variable pay in his remuneration package (and, within the variable component, between short- and long-term performance). To assist with his 
relocation to the UK, Mr Vernet is eligible to receive a relocation allowance of up to £115,000 to cover agreed relocation and COBRA reimbursement 
expenses incurred in the first two years of his appointment. 

In addition, to compensate Mr Vernet for share awards forfeited on leaving his former employer, the following restricted share award (structured as a 
conditional award of shares) was granted to him on 13 September 2022:

GovernanceAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc105

Recruitment award granted in 2022 (audited)

Jean Vernet

Award date
13 September 2022

Basis 
on which 
award made
Buy-out

Maximum 
shares awarded
135,516

Face value 
at date of grant(1)

£400k

(1)  The share price at date of award was based on the average closing price over the three trading days from 8 September 2022 to 12 September 2022, of 295.2 pence.

No consideration was paid for the grant of the award. 50% of the shares will vest on 13 September 2023 and 50% on 13 September 2024, subject 
to Mr Vernet continuing to be employed by the Group and not being under notice of termination of employment as at the vesting date. The value  
and vesting period of the recruitment award was determined taking into account the value and time period for the incentive arrangements forfeited 
by Mr Vernet, and replicating these to the extent possible. 

Payments for loss of office (audited)
Eoghan O’Lionaird stepped down from the Board on 5 September 2022 and remained an employee to support the Company until 19 February 2023. 
Details of the arrangements in respect of remuneration are as follows:

•  Contractual entitlement to salary (based on an annual salary of £530,000) and benefits during a period of garden leave, which continued until his 

cessation of employment by reason of mitigation on 19 February 2023.

•  In respect of outstanding incentive awards, Mr O’Lionaird remained eligible to receive a pro-rata bonus in respect of the 2022 financial year. Due 

to company performance, no bonus was payable for 2022. Unvested LTIP awards will vest on their normal vesting dates, subject to time prorating 
and performance conditions. The two-year post-vesting holding period will apply as normal. Dividend equivalents may be credited to the extent 
that awards vest. Eoghan O’Lionaird’s 2020 LTIP award will lapse in full due to the performance thresholds not being met. His 2021 and 2022 
LTIP awards remain outstanding.

•  Mr O’Lionaird received a contribution of £5,000 (excluding VAT) in respect of legal fees and £50,000 (excluding VAT) in respect of outplacement 

support.

Payments to former Directors (audited)
As previously disclosed, Stuart Kilpatrick stepped down from the Board of the Company with effect from 29 April 2021. As set out in the 2021 
Directors’ remuneration report, he continued to receive his contractual entitlement to salary and benefits during a period of garden leave that ended 
on 31 March 2022. The contractual entitlement paid to Mr Kilpatrick in respect of the 2022 period was £91,192 (2021: £267,182). His 2019 LTIP 
award lapsed in full, and his remaining 2019 Deferred Bonus Plan (DBP) award vested in April 2022. Mr Kilpatrick retains an interest in his 2020 LTIP 
award (which, based on performance, will lapse in full). Mr Kilpatrick received no payment in lieu of notice or any other termination payments. 

Fergus Graham, who stepped down from the Board in March 2020, also retained an interest in the 2019 DBP award. This award vested in full in 
April 2022. Mr Graham has no further outstanding incentive awards with the Company.

CEO pay ratio (unaudited)
The table shows how the CEO’s single figure remuneration for 2022 compares to equivalent single figure remuneration for full-time equivalent UK 
employees as at 1 December, ranked at the 25th, 50th and 75th percentile (and how this ratio has evolved since 2019):

2022
2021
2020
2019

2022
2021
2020
2019

25th 
percentile 
pay ratio
35:1
22:1
19:1
28:1

Median 
pay ratio
25:1
16:1
14:1
19:1

Method
Option A
Option A
Option A
Option A

25th 
percentile
£26,500
£25,000
£24,000
£24,480

Salary

Median
£36,050
£34,000
£33,127
£34,150

Total pay and benefits

75th 
percentile
£54,590
£50,000
£50,000
£52,000

25th 
percentile
£29,682
£27,770
£27,000
£25,459

Median
£41,852
£37,120
£37,500
£36,541

75th 
percentile 
pay ratio
16:1
10:1
9:1
13:1

75th 
percentile
£65,557
£59,280
£58,963
£55,240

For 2022, the CEO single figure remuneration reflects the aggregate single figures for Eoghan O’Lionaird and Jean Vernet. No components of pay 
and benefits have been omitted for the purpose of the above calculations. As in previous years, Option A was selected given that this method of 
calculation was considered to be the most robust approach in respect of gathering the required data for 2022.

GovernanceJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022106

Directors’ remuneration report cont.

The Committee monitors the trend in CEO pay ratio over time, noting that the ratio reported above for 2022 captures the recent CEO transition.  
In line with the reporting regulations, the 2022 single figure includes the face value of the buyout award made to Jean Vernet on his appointment. 
Were this to be excluded, the median pay ratio would be 15:1; and in line with the general trend of recent years. The Committee will continue to 
keep under review the trend, in particular the impact of incentive payouts in future years. It is expected that these would be reflected in a higher ratio, 
due to the relative upweighting of variable remuneration in the CEO’s package, compared with market competitive norms for the wider UK workforce 
(and consistent with our pay practices and policies). However, this will take time to normalise, with the first LTIP award to be made to Jean Vernet  
(in early 2023) not due to vest until 2026.

Aligning pay with performance (unaudited)
The following graph shows the value, to 31 December 2022, of £100 invested in the Company on 31 December 2012, compared with the value of 
£100 invested in the FTSE 250 and FTSE SmallCap indices (excluding investment trusts) on the same date. The other points plotted are the values 
at intervening financial year-ends.

Growth in the value of £100 holding over 10 years

£300

James Fisher and Sons plc

FTSE Mid 250 Excluding Investment Trust Index

FTSE Small Capitalisation Index Ex Investment Trusts

£250

£200

£150

£100

£50

£0
31-Dec-12 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-14 31-Dec-15 31-Dec-16 31-Dec-17 31-Dec-18 31-Dec-19 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-21 31-Dec-22

Remuneration of CEO compared with growth in underlying diluted earnings per share

2013

2014

2015

2017

2018

2019

2019

Nick Henry
2016

Eoghan O’Lionaird
2020(1) 2021

2022

Jean 
Vernet
2022(2)

Annual change –  
underlying diluted EPS (pence)
Salary, pensions and benefits (£000)
Annual performance bonus (£000)
Short-term remuneration (£000)
Share schemes (£000)
CEO total remuneration (£000)
Actual bonus as a percentage of maximum
LTIP vesting as a percentage of maximum
ESOS vesting as a percentage of maximum 100% 100%

4%
18% 13% (7)% 11%
421
492
439
35
429
263
456
921
702
418
183
691
1,393
874
1,104
100% 100% 23% 100% 88% 91% 17%
100% 100% 100% 47% 15% 100% 59%
–
45%

7% 14%
526
512
448
392
1,010
904
889
109
1,899
1,013

471
287
758
728
1,486

492
97
589
318
907

–

–

–

4% (52)% (58)% (186)% (186)%
189
230
–
–
189
230
–
400
189
630
–
–
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

405
–
405
–
405
–
–
n/a

598
–
598
–
598
–
n/a
n/a

522
–
522
–
522
–
n/a
n/a

(1)  As part of the measures implemented by the Company at the start of the COVID pandemic, Eoghan O’Lionaird’s 2020 salary (£530,000) was reduced by 50% for 

three months from 1 April 2020, and not repaid.

(2)  The share schemes figure for Jean Vernet relates to the restricted share award granted to him on 13 September 2022 in compensation for the value of incentive 

awards forfeited by him on leaving his previous employer in order to join James Fisher.

GovernanceAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc107

Percentage change in remuneration (unaudited)
The table below shows the annual percentage change in earned salary or fees, benefits and annual bonus for those individuals who were appointed 
as Board Directors during the 2022 financial year, compared to the average earnings of all of the Group’s other UK employees. As required by the 
remuneration reporting regulations with which the Company is required to comply, the analysis has been expanded to include this information for the 
financial year under review, and will continue to be built up until it displays a five-year history. Note that Directors who were not a Director at any point 
during 2022 have not been included. The percentage changes in their remuneration for prior years (and in which they were a Director) are disclosed 
in relevant previous Annual Reports.

The Committee chose the Group’s UK employees for the below pay comparison. Our UK employee population represented around 60% of the 
Group’s workforce in 2022, and is therefore considered to be the most meaningful comparator group (by comparison, employees of James Fisher 
and Sons plc represented less than 5% of the workforce). The Committee monitors this information carefully to ensure that there is consistency in 
the fixed pay trend for Board Directors compared with the wider workforce.

Executive Directors
Jean Vernet(2)
Eoghan O’Lionaird(3)
Duncan Kennedy(4)
Non-Executive Directors
Angus Cockburn(5)
Justin Atkinson
Inken Braunschmidt
Aedamar Comiskey
Claire Hawkings(6)
Kash Pandya(7)
Michael Salter(8)
Employee population(9)

Base salary/fee(1)

2021
to 2022

2020
to 2021

2019
to 2020

2021
to 2022

Benefits
2020
to 2021

Annual bonus

2019
to 2020

2021
to 2022

2019
to 2020

2019
to 2020

N/A
0%
0%

0%
0%
0%
0%
N/A
0%
0%
0%

N/A
14%
N/A

N/A
5%
5%
5%
N/A
N/A
5%
3.4%

N/A
(12)%
N/A

N/A
(3)%
(3)%
(3)%
N/A
N/A
(3)%
5%

N/A
7%
0%

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4%

N/A
13%
N/A

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2%

N/A
0%
N/A

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

N/A
N/A
N/A

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
256%

N/A
N/A
N/A

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
(88)%

N/A
N/A
N/A

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
(19)%

(1)  The 2020 to 2021, and 2019 to 2020, comparison reflects the 20% reduction to base salary volunteered by all Board Directors for three months from 1 April 2020 (the 

CEO volunteering a 50% reduction), not a change in base salaries or Directors’ fees.

(2)  Jean Vernet joined the Board on 5 September 2022 so a year-on-year comparison is not available.
(3)  For the comparison of 2021 to 2022, the percentage changes for Eoghan O’Lionaird reflect annualised values for 2022 remuneration. Eoghan O’Lionaird left the 

Board on 5 September 2022.

(4)  Duncan Kennedy joined the Board in May 2021. For the comparison of 2021 to 2022, the percentage changes reflect annualised values for 2021 remuneration.
(5)  Angus Cockburn joined the Board in May 2021. For the comparison of 2021 to 2022, the percentage change reflects annualised values for 2021 remuneration.
(6)  Claire Hawkings joined the Board in January 2022, so a year-on-year comparison is not available.
(7)  Kash Pandya joined the Board in November 2021. For the comparison of 2021 to 2022, the percentage change reflects annualised values for 2021 remuneration.
(8)  For the comparison of 2021 to 2022, the percentage changes for Michael Salter reflect annualised values for 2022 remuneration. Michael Salter left the Board  

on 5 May 2022.

(9)  For the employee population, the year-on-year change in annual bonus is based on the year of payment; as the data required to calculate the change based on 

bonuses earned in relation to the year is not available at the time of signing off this report.

Relative importance of remuneration (unaudited)

Total employee remuneration
Total dividends paid

2022
£m
145.8
–

2021
£m
136.4
–

Change
£m
9.4
–

GovernanceJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022108

Directors’ remuneration report cont.

Interests in shares (audited)
The interests of Directors and their connected persons in ordinary shares as at 31 December 2022, including any interests in shares provisionally 
awarded under the LTIP and share options provisionally granted under the Sharesave Scheme, are as follows:

Angus Cockburn
Jean Vernet
Duncan Kennedy
Justin Atkinson
Inken Braunschmidt
Aedamar Comiskey
Claire Hawkings
Kash Pandya
Former Directors
Eoghan O’Lionaird(2)
Michael Salter(3)

Unvested 
LTIP
number(1)

Unvested
deferred 
bonus
shares(1)

Unvested
 restricted

shares(1)

Unvested

options(1)

–
–
132,716
–
–
–
–
–

243,277
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–
135,516
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
9,259
–
–
–
–
–

2,935
–

Vested but
unexercised
options
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

At 
31 December
2021
number
5,000
N/A
5,000
3,150
–
–
N/A
–

–
–

42,313
–

Beneficial
number
5,000
–
5,000
3,150
–
–
–
–

 42,313
–

(1)  The unvested LTIP awards are subject to performance conditions. The unvested deferred bonus and restricted share awards are not subject to performance 

conditions. Unvested options comprise grants under the Sharesave scheme and are not subject to performance conditions;

(2)  Eoghan O’Lionaird’s interests in shares are shown based on the position on the date he stepped down from the Board (5 September 2022); and
(3)  Michael Salter’s interests in shares are shown based on the position on the date he stepped down from the Board (5 May 2022).

No Director has an interest in the preference shares of the Company, or in the shares of any subsidiary or associated undertaking. The Directors’ 
interests stated above include any shares held by their connected persons and, between 31 December 2022 and 28 April 2023, there were no 
changes to the Directors’ shareholdings. 

Against the 200% of salary ownership guideline and based on the share price and prevailing base salary levels as at 31 December 2022, Jean 
Vernet held shares equivalent to 42% of his base salary (being the estimated net of tax value of unvested restricted share awards), and Duncan 
Kennedy's beneficial holding was equivalent to 4% of his base salary. In accordance with our Policy, the Executive Directors are required to retain 
half of the shares vesting (after tax) under the LTIP until the guideline level of holding is met.

Executive Directors’ interest in share awards (audited)
Conditional share awards

Jean Vernet

Restricted Share Award(1)
Restricted Share Award(1)

Duncan Kennedy

LTIP
LTIP

Eoghan O’Lionaird(2) LTIP
LTIP
LTIP

Total

1 January
2022
–
–
–
35,790
–
35,790
42,307
54,197
–
96,504
132,294

Granted
during year
(no.)
67,758
67,758
135,516
–
96,926
96,926
–
–
146,773
146,773
379,215

Vested
during year 
(no.)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Lapsed
during year
(no.)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

31 December
2022
67,758
67,758
135,516
35,790
96,926
132,716
42,307
54,197
146,773
243,277
511,509

Vesting 
date
13.09.23
13.09.24

28.05.24
21.04.25

24.07.23
09.04.24
21.04.25

Expiry 
date
n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a

(1)  This is the buyout award in connection with Jean Vernet’s appointment, the details of which are set out in page 105.
(2)  The interests in shares for Eoghan O’Lionaird are included as at the date he stepped down from the Board (5 September 2022). To the extent the awards vest, they 

will be subject to time pro-rating.

A two-year holding period applies to LTIP awards granted after the 2018 AGM.

GovernanceAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc109

Share option grants

Duncan Kennedy
Sharesave
Eoghan O’Lionaird(1) Sharesave
Total

1 January
2022
–
2,935
2,935

Granted
during year
(no.)
9,259
–
 9,259

Vested 
during year
(no.)
–
–
–

Lapsed 
during year
(no.)
–
–
–

Exercise 
price
 £3.24
£10.22

31 December
2022
 9,259 
2,935
12,194

Vesting 
date

Expiry 
date
01.06.27(2)
01.12.27
01.12.25(3) 01.06.26

(1)  The interests in shares for Eoghan O’Lionaird are included as at the date he stepped down from the Board (5 September 2022).
(2)  Duncan Kennedy was granted options under the five-year all employee Sharesave scheme granted on 11 April 2022. The options will mature on 1 June 2027, at 

which point the participant may elect to receive shares or the cash saved. 

(3)  Eoghan O’Lionaird was granted options under the five-year all employee Sharesave scheme granted on 21 October 2020. The options will mature on 1 December 

2025, at which point the participant may elect to receive shares or the cash saved. 

The schemes above (other than Sharesave) are not tax-advantaged for HM Revenue and Customs purposes. As at 28 April 2023, being the last 
practical date prior to the publication of this report, the only change to the Executive Directors’ interests in shares awards was the lapsing of Eoghan 
O'Lionaird's Sharesave award (of options over 2,935 shares).

Sourcing of shares and dilution
The Committee has regard to the limits on dilution advised by the Investment Association and contained in the relevant share plan rules and reviews 
the number of shares committed and headroom available under share incentive schemes in accordance with these dilution limits.

On vesting, the LTIP awards are satisfied by the shares held by the James Fisher and Sons plc Employee Share Trust (Trust). During the year the 
Trust purchased no ordinary shares on the open market (2021: 50,000) and at 31 December 2022 the Trust held 47,856 ordinary shares (2021: 
54,571).

Share price during the financial year
The middle market price of one ordinary share in the Company during the financial year ranged from 251.0 pence to 510.0 pence and at  
31 December 2022 was 390.5 pence.

Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration (audited)

Angus Cockburn(1)
Justin Atkinson(2)
Inken Braunschmidt
Aedamar Comiskey(3)
Claire Hawkings(4)
Kash Pandya(5)
Former Directors
Michael Salter(6)

Total fees

2022
£000
210
67
55
71
55
55

19

2021
£000
140
67
55
71
N/A
9

55

(1)  Joined the Board on 1 May 2021.
(2)  The fees include an additional fee for chairing the Audit Committee fee (of £12,000 per annum).
(3)  The fees include additional fees for chairing the Remuneration Committee (of £8,000 per annum) and acting as Senior Independent Director (also of £8,000 per annum).
(4)  Joined the Board on 1 January 2022.
(5)  Joined the Board on 1 November 2021.
(6)  Retired from the Board on 5 May 2022.

GovernanceJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022110

Directors’ remuneration report cont.

Shareholder voting (unaudited)
The Company is committed to ongoing shareholder dialogue and takes an active interest in voting outcomes. Where there are substantial votes 
against resolutions including in relation to Directors’ remuneration, the Company seeks to understand the reasons for any such vote and will report 
any actions in response to it. The following table reflects the voting on the Directors’ remuneration report for the year ended 31 December 2021  
at the 2022 AGM and the voting on the Directors’ remuneration policy at the 2021 AGM:

Remuneration resolutions
For
Against
Total votes cast (excluding withheld votes)
Total votes withheld
Total votes cast (including withheld votes)

Directors’ remuneration report 
(2022 AGM)

Directors’ remuneration policy 
(2021 AGM)

Total number 
of votes
37,913,927
1,995,607
39,909,534
18,745
39,928,279

% of 
votes cast
95.0%
5.0%
100.0%
–
–

Total number 
of votes 
37,499,177
938,426
38,437,603
311,116
38,748,719

% of 
votes cast
97.6%
2.4%
100.0%
–
–

Implementation of the remuneration policy for 2023 (unaudited)
With effect from 1 January 2023, the salaries of the Executive Directors remain £530,000 for Jean Vernet and £350,000 for Duncan Kennedy. The 
Committee has delayed the review of Executive Director salaries until later in 2023, to align with the second of a two-phase salary review process 
adopted by the Company for other employees earning an annual base salary of £70,000 or higher. Base salary increases have been awarded to the 
rest of the workforce; of 5% on average for lower-paid colleagues (earning annual base salaries of less than £70,000) and 3% on average to those 
higher earners who will be eligible for a second review later in the year. This approach is considered to be fair and appropriately reflect the prevailing 
inflationary environment, while ensuring that the available year end pay budget is focused on supporting lower-paid colleagues, in particular, with 
ongoing cost-of-living pressures. 

The maximum bonus opportunity continues to be set at 100% of base salary. Financial targets are set to be challenging and appropriately 
demanding. The measures remain unchanged from 2022 and will be operating profit (weighted 50%); operating cash flow (25%) and strategic 
objectives (25%). Strategic objectives for 2023 will include ESG targets focused on employee engagement and health & safety, and other short-term 
business priorities. The bonus will additionally be subject to a discretionary assessment by the Committee of progress on other important initiatives 
during the year, including our Environment agenda. The targets are commercially sensitive but disclosure of the targets and performance against 
these will be set out in the 2023 Directors’ remuneration report.

As described in the Annual statement prefacing this remuneration report, awards will be granted in 2023 under the LTIP with face values of 175% of 
salary for Jean Vernet and 125% of salary for Duncan Kennedy. 50% of the award will be based on EPS growth, 30% on relative TSR and 20% on 
Return on Capital Employed (ROCE).

The performance period for the EPS and ROCE elements of the award will run for three years ending 31 December 2025. For the TSR element, 
performance will be measured over three years from 6 April 2023 against the constituents of the FTSE 250 excluding investment trusts, with full 
vesting if the Company ranks in the upper quartile and 25% of the TSR element vesting for ranking median; and straight-line vesting in between. 
At the date of signing this report, the Committee has not finalised the EPS and ROCE performance targets. These will be set to be appropriately 
stretching in the context of the Group’s strategic plan. The Committee intends to disclose the targets in the RNS announcement at the time of 
making awards.

Aedamar Comiskey
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

28 April 2023

GovernanceAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc111

Directors’ report

Additional information and statutory disclosures

SUBJECT MATTER
Particulars of important events affecting the Company  
which have occurred since the end of financial year
Likely future developments in the business
Research and development
Employee involvement and engagement
Relationships with suppliers, customers and others
Greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption  
and efficiency action
Use of financial instruments

LOCATION

Strategic report
Strategic report
Strategic report
Strategic report
Strategic report

PAGES
06 to 07  
14 to 17
14 to 17
52
30
31

Directors' report
Note 29

113 to 114
170

This section contains additional information which the Directors are required by law and regulation to include within the Annual Report and Accounts. 
The Directors’ report comprises this section as well as the rest of the Governance section (from pages 74 to 110) and those sections of the Strategic 
report or financial statements as referenced in this section.

We have chosen, in accordance with the Companies Act 2006, to include certain information in our Strategic report or financial statements that 
would otherwise be required to be disclosed in the Directors’ report. This is set out in the table above.

The Directors’ report and Strategic report comprise the ‘management reports’ for the purposes of compliance with Financial Services Authority’s 
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (DTR) 4.1.8R. The information that fulfils the requirements of the Corporate Governance Statement for 
the purposes of DTR 7 can be found in the governance information on page 76 (all of which forms part of this Directors’ report) and in this Directors’ 
report. The statement of Directors’ responsibilities on page 115 is incorporated into this Directors’ report by reference.

Going concern
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, the financial position of the Group and a description 
of the principal risks and uncertainties are set out in the Strategic report on pages 2 to 73. Having assessed the principal risks and the other 
matters discussed in connection with the viability statement, the Directors consider it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in 
preparing this Annual Report and Accounts as set out in Note 1 on page 134.

Dividends
As a result of performance challenges, the Company did not pay an interim dividend for 2022, and the Board is not recommending the payment of a 
final dividend for the year. The Board is committed to reinstating the dividend when appropriate.

Share capital
Details of the share capital of the Company and the shares held by the Company’s Employee Share Trust, including the rights and obligations 
attaching to the shares are set out in Note 30 to the Financial statements on page 178. The rights and obligations attaching to the shares are set 
out in the Company’s Articles of Association (Articles). There are no specific restrictions on the size of a holding nor on the transfer of shares, both of 
which are governed by the general provisions of the Articles and prevailing legislation. The Directors are not aware of any agreements between the 
holders of the Company’s shares that may result in restrictions on the transfer of securities or on voting rights. No person has any special rights of 
control over the Company’s share capital. Where shares are held on behalf of the Company’s employee benefit trust, the trustees have discretion to 
vote on any shares as they see fit and have not waived their right to receive dividends.

At the AGM held on 5 May 2022, the Company was given authority to purchase up to 2,519,776 of its ordinary shares until the date of its next AGM. 
No purchases were made during the year and up to the date of this report by the Company.

The Company has one class of ordinary share and one class of preference share. As at 31 December 2022, 50,395,519 ordinary shares of 25 pence 
each have been issued, are fully paid up and are listed on the London Stock Exchange, representing 99.8% of the Company’s share capital, and 
100,000 cumulative preference shares of £1 each have been issued and fully paid up, representing 0,2% of the Company’s share capital.

Substantial shareholders
Information provided to the Company pursuant to the DTRs is published on a Regulatory Information Service and on the Company’s website. As at 
31 December 2022, the Company had been notified (in accordance with Rule 5 of the DTRs) of the following holdings of voting rights attached to 
the issued Ordinary Share capital of the Company:

GovernanceJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022112

Directors’ report cont.

Substantial shareholders

Trustees of the Sir John Fisher Foundation
Schroders plc
Aberforth Partners LLP
Invesco Limited
Odyssean Investment Trust
NFU Mutual Insurance Society Limited
Montanaro Asset Management Limited

Ordinary
shares
11,592,360
4,970,246
2,582,790
2,520,890
2,192,220
1,976,768
1,471,066

Nature of
%(1)
holding
Direct
22.98
Indirect
9.89
Indirect
5.12
Indirect
5.00
4.35
Direct
3.92 Direct/ Indirect
Direct
2.91

(1)  The percentage of voting rights detailed above was calculated at the time of the relevant disclosures made 

in accordance with Rule 5 of the DTRs.

In the period from 31 December 2022 to the date of this report, the Company received the 
following notification:

Substantial shareholders

Odyssean Investment Trust

Directors
The biographies of the current Board of 
Directors are set out on pages 80 and 
81. Details in relation to changes in the 
composition of the Board are provided in the 
Nominations Committee report on pages 86 
to 88.

Powers of Directors
The powers of the Directors are determined 
by the Company’s Articles, the Companies Act 
2006 and in certain circumstances (including 
in relation to the issuing or buying back by the 
Company of its shares) the authority given by 
the Company in general meeting. The Directors 
will be seeking shareholder approval for the 
authorities granted to them in prior years at the 
forthcoming AGM. The Directors are authorised 
to issue and allot ordinary shares, to disapply 
statutory pre-emption rights and to make 
market purchases of the Company’s shares. 
Any shares purchased may be cancelled or 
held as treasury shares.

Appointment and replacement  
of Directors
The rules regarding the appointment and 
replacement of Directors are determined by the 
Company’s Articles and the Companies Act 
2006. The Articles provide that at each AGM 
every Director who has held office on the date 
seven days before the date of notice of the 
AGM shall retire from office and shall be eligible 
for re-election at the AGM.

In accordance with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2018 (Code), all Directors 
will offer themselves for election or re-election 
at the forthcoming AGM.

Ordinary
shares
2,520,000

%
5.00

Nature of
holding
Direct

Directors’ and officers’  
liability insurance and indemnities
The Company maintains an appropriate level 
of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. 
Pursuant to the Company’s Articles, the 
Company may indemnify the Directors of the 
Company and its subsidiaries against liability  
to third parties and against liability incurred  
in connection with the Company’s activities  
as trustee of an occupational pension scheme, 
to the extent permitted by the Companies  
Act 2006.

Directors’ conflict of interest
Under the Companies Act 2006, a director 
must avoid a situation where a direct or  
indirect conflict of interest may occur. The 
Board has adopted established procedures  
to address the management of any potential  
or actual conflicts of interest. A conflict must 
be authorised in advance by the Board. 
Directors are asked at each Board meeting 
to check the register of conflicts and confirm 
that the register remains up to date and that it 
remains appropriate for the relevant matter to 
remain authorised.

Employment of disabled persons 
James Fisher is an equal opportunities 
employer and is firmly committed to both the 
principle and realisation of equality. The Group 
is committed to complying with all applicable 
laws governing employment practices and to 
the prevention of discrimination on the basis of 
any unlawful criteria. In addition to complying 
with legislative requirements, the Group strives 
to ensure that disabled employees (including 
anyone who becomes disabled whilst 
employed with James Fisher) are treated fairly 
and that their training, career development and 
promotion needs are met.

The Group recognises its responsibility 
to provide a safe operating environment 
for all its employees. Our strong focus on 
employee training, regulatory compliance 
and accident reduction provides the support 
to allow accountability to remain with local 
management who are best-placed to ensure 
that their businesses comply with local laws 
and regulations and specific needs on a day-
to-day basis. The review of health and safety 
performance is the first item on the agenda at 
each Board and business board meetings.

We recognise that the success of our business 
depends on our talented workforce. Employees 
throughout the Group are encouraged to 
participate in training and development 
programmes and to obtain professional 
qualifications relevant to their roles.

Additional information  
for shareholders
The Articles can only be amended by a 
special resolution at a general meeting of the 
shareholders.

No political donations were made during the 
year. Details of the Group’s involvement in 
charitable initiatives is set out on pages 31 and 
45.

Details of Group subsidiaries can be found 
on pages 192 to 195. Companies within 
the Group have overseas branches in Chile, 
Mozambique, the United Arab Emirates and 
Taiwan.

Significant agreements –  
change of control
There are a number of agreements that take 
effect after, or terminate upon, a change of 
control of the Company, such as commercial 
contracts. None of these are considered  
to be significant in terms of their likely impact 
on the business as a whole apart from those 
set out below.

The Company is a guarantor of all of the 
Group’s bilateral bank facilities which upon  
a change of control could be withdrawn.

The Singapore Submarine Rescue Service 
Agreement made between James Fisher 
Singapore Pte Ltd. and First Response Marine 
Pte Ltd. dated 17 October 2008 may terminate 
upon a change of control of the Company or 
James Fisher Singapore Pte Ltd.

The rules of the Company’s LTIP, ESOS and 
Sharesave schemes set out the consequences 
of a change of control on the rights of 
participants under those schemes. Participants 
are generally able to exercise their options on 
a change of control, provided that the relevant 
performance conditions have been satisfied.

GovernanceAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc113

There are no agreements between the 
Company and its Directors or employees 
providing for compensation for loss of office 
or employment (whether through resignation, 
purported redundancy or otherwise) that arise 
in the event of a change of control of  
the Company.

Disclosure of information  
to the Auditor
Each Director in office at the date of approval 
of this Directors’ report confirms that:

•  so far as the Director is aware, there is 

no relevant audit information of which the 
Company’s auditor is unaware; and

•  the Director has taken all the steps that 

he/she ought to have taken as a director 
to make him/herself aware of any relevant 
audit information and to establish that 
the Company’s auditor is aware of that 
information.

Information required by Listing Rule 9.8.4

The details of long-term incentive schemes 
as required by LR 9.8.4R are set out in the 
Remuneration Report on pages 94 to 110. 

SECR
Fugitive Emissions (Scope 1)
Mobile Combustion (Scope 1)
Stationary Combustion (Scope 1)
Purchased Energy (Scope 2)
Scope 1 & 2 Total
Business travel by car (Scope 3)
Scope 1 & 2 + business travel 
by car (Scope 3)
Business travel (Scope 3)
Commuting (Scope 3)
Fuel- and energy-related activities 
(Scope 3)
Upstream leased assets (Scope 3)
Waste generated in operations 
(Scope 3)
Water (Scope 3)
Scope 3 excluding business 
travel by car (Scope 3)
Total tCO2e
Total MWh
Scope 1 & 2 + business 
travel by car (Scope 3) CO2e 
intensity ratio (tCO2e/£m 
revenue)
Scope 1, 2 & 3 CO2e intensity 
ratio (tCO2e/£m revenue)

tCO2e
32
31,843
926
852
33,653
179

33,832
2,217
232

7,670
12,980

27
0.2

23,126.2
56,958.2

68

115

Streamlined Energy and Carbon 
Reporting (SECR)
Having expanded on the Group’s Scope 3 
reporting for our 2022 GHG assessment, we 
have updated our SECR reporting format to 
better align with the mandatory Scope 1 and 2, 
and voluntary Scope 3 requirements for SECR 
reporting.

Annual Energy Use

In 2022, the Group’s total energy consumption 
associated with Scope 1 and 2 was 287,865 
MWh. The Group’s UK facilities accounted for 
63%, with the non-UK facilities accounting for 
the remaining 37%. 

Fuel was the largest source of energy 
consumed (97.1%), followed by electricity 
(1.9%), and gas (0.9%). Outside the UK, fuel 
was also the largest source of energy (98.5%), 
with a minor contribution from electricity 
(1.2%), and gas (0.3%). 

Fuel consumption includes liquid fuels, namely 
diesel, petrol, burning oil, fuel oil, and gas oil, 
used for stationary (e.g., generator sets) and 
mobile combustion (e.g., vessels and company 
fleet vehicles) activities. Gas consumption 
includes gaseous fuels, namely natural gas, 
and liquid petroleum gas, used for stationary 
(e.g., boilers) and mobile combustion (e.g., 
forklifts) activities. 

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

In 2022, the Group’s total Scope 1 and 2 
greenhouse gas emissions was 79,110 tCO2e. 
As with energy consumption, the Group’s 
non-UK facilities accounted for most of the 
greenhouse gas emissions (64%), with the UK 
facilities accounting for the remaining 36%. 

Fuel consumption accounted for most of 
the greenhouse gas emissions (97.4%), 
followed by electricity consumption (1.9%), 
gas consumption (0.6%), and refrigerants 
(0.1%). With respect to the non-UK facilities, 
fuel consumption also accounted for most of 
the greenhouse gas emissions (98.0%), with a 
minor contribution from electricity consumption 
(1.7%), gas consumption (0.2%), and 
refrigerants (0.1%). 

Assessing the full Scope 3 emissions across 
the Group is an ongoing exercise. However, we 
have reported on certain Scope 3 emissions: 
waste generated in operations emissions 
category 5, business travel emissions category 
6, employee commuting emissions category 
7, and upstream leased assets emissions 
category 8. Further details on our Scope 3 
reporting and commitments made can be 
found on page 36 and within our 2022 Annual 
Sustainability Report, including TCFD report on 
pages 58 and 59. 

UK

MWh
0
115,796
4,312
3,917
124,025
717

124,742
0
917

0
20,670

0
0

21,587

146,329

2020-21
Non-UK

MWh
0
180,013
1,488
2,756
184,257
23

184,280
0
264

0
22,029

0
0

22,293

206,573

tCO2e
79
49,593
360
1,026
51,058
7

51,065
1,201
68

11,416
6,024

166
2

18,877
69,942

103

142

UK

MWh
0
99,989
3,026
3,407
106,422
914

107,336
409
2,755

0
73,495

0
0

76,659

183,995

tCO2e
27
27,495
639
675
28,836
227

29,063
1,504
671

6,623
19,625

437
9

28,869
57,932

57

113

tCO2e
36
49,189
216
832
50,273
397

50,670
5,778
2,696

11,448
9,881

1,146
3

30,952
81,622

99

160

2021-22
Non-UK

MWh
0
178,310
950
2,182
181,442
1,488

182,930
0
10,314

0
35,775

0
0

46,089

229,019

Having expanded on the Group’s Scope 3 reporting for our 2022 GHG assessment, we have updated our SECR reporting format to better align with 
the mandatory Scope 1 and 2, and voluntary Scope 3 requirements for SECR reporting.

GovernanceJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022 
Additionally, during this transition, it was 
recommended that our baseline and impact 
disclosures be based on location-based 
results, where previously, we reported using 
market-based data. 

The re-calculation resulted in the Group’s 
Scope 1 and 2 baseline reducing from  
114,374 tCO2e, to 84,711 tCO2e.

While the SAAS solution, including Quality 
Analysis (QA) by expert sustainability analysts, 
plays a key role in ensuring assessment 
accuracy, the system and its output is only as 
good as the data going in. We are continually 
developing guidance and supporting tools for 
those reporting, such as providing step by step 
instructions to assist with accounting for the 
emissions from leased assets. 

 Further details can be found on page 21 in 

our 2022 Annual Sustainability Report.

Annual General Meeting (AGM) 
The AGM is to be held at 11.00 am on 
Wednesday, 14 June, 2023 at Abbey House 
Hotel and Gardens in Barrow-in-Furness. Further 
details will be provided in the Notice of AGM.

The Directors’ report was approved by the 
Board of Directors and is signed on its behalf by:

Duncan Kennedy
Chief Financial Officer 

28 April 2023

114

Directors’ report cont.

Emissions Intensity Ratio 

The Group measures intensity as greenhouse 
gas emissions per unit of revenue (£ m). We 
are also tracking intensity per employee count, 
and specific intensity measures within the 
businesses where relevant.

Methodology 

The Group used verifiable activity data, namely 
meter data and invoices, where reasonable 
and practicable. Where verifiable data was 
not available, estimates based on data from 
previous comparable time periods was used to 
close the gaps. The activity data was reported 
at an operational company level and collated 
and analysed at Group level. Our greenhouse 
emissions are calculated in accordance 
with the requirements of the GHG Protocol: 
A Corporate Accounting and Reporting 
Standard, revised edition. 

Emission conversion factors from the UK 
Department for Business, Energy & Industrial 
Strategy (2021), International Energy Agency 
(2021), United Nations (2022), and the 
Environmental Protection Agency (2022) were 
used, amongst others, in the calculation of the 
energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy Efficiency Action

As part of our commitment to setting net zero 
targets in alignment with the Paris Climate 
Agreement, emissions reduction pathways 
have been modelled and 2023 will see the 
relevant reduction options embedded into 
the strategies and plans of our operating 
companies, not replacing the detailed planning 
in place at this level but enhancing and 
ensuring alignment with Group priorities and 
targets.

Throughout the Group we are continuing 
to install energy efficient lighting, replace 
end-of-life appliances with energy efficient 
replacements, we are looking into the use of 
voltage optimisation technology to regulate 
incoming power supply, and we are continuing 
to install interior motion sensors throughout 
the Group where appropriate. Solar panels are 
also being explored across various operating 
companies. 

Due to our decentralised model, our operating 
companies have continued to adapt solutions 
to address their areas of focus. We are working 
to put in place, the tooling, guidance, and 
tracking methods to measure the reduction 
associated with these actions and increase 
co-ordination across businesses.

We plan to review our policies around the use 
of appliances and switching off equipment at 
the end of a working day. 

We are in the process of transitioning across 
to one (renewable) energy supplier for our 
UK based operating companies, three of 
which have entered into our unique contract 
and with others to follow in line with contract 
renewals. While this does not directly lead to 
increased energy efficiency, this does lead to 
less emissions (market-based) and greater 
awareness of our net zero activities throughout 
the Group. When it comes to workplace 
energy expenditure, we believe the employee’s 
day-to-day habits are more influential than any 
design change.

Energy efficiency campaigns and initiatives 
planned for 2023 will focus on encouraging 
energy-efficient habits. This may include:

•  Routine energy audits.

•  Encouraging use of electronic signing, note 
taking and file storage, minimising the use 
of printers.

•  ‘Switch off’ when not in use.

•  Optimising room ventilation instead of using 

A/C, when practical.

•  Use of low brightness, dark mode, and other 

power-saving settings on computers.

Our Business Excellence programme will 
lead our ESOS phase 3 audits in 2023, the 
outputs of which is a key driver toward greater 
building efficiencies for example conserving 
energy through stabilising indoor temperatures 
through roofs and ceilings. 

The Business Excellence programme, through 
traditional schemes (Lean manufacturing and 
continuous improvement) will provide input into 
energy efficiency opportunities and help make 
greater use of what we have through greater 
productivity and efficiency in our systems and 
processes.

 Further details on how we plan to deliver 

against target on energy efficiency and 
progress made in 2022 can be found page 35 
and in our 2022 Annual Sustainability Report, 
online, page 18. 

2021 data

In 2022 we moved from manual data 
collection, assessment, and impact reporting 
to a SAAS solution. This identified a significant 
emissions allocation and manual data input 
error and minor variances due to different 
conversion factors used, that required us to  
re-calculate our GHG emissions for the 
reporting year 2020-21. 

GovernanceAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc115

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities  
in respect of the Annual Report and the Financial statements

The Directors are responsible for preparing 
the Annual Report and the Group and parent 
Company financial statements in accordance 
with applicable law and regulations. 

Company law requires the Directors to 
prepare Group and parent Company financial 
statements for each financial year. Under that 
law they are required to prepare the Group 
financial statements in accordance with UK-
adopted international accounting standards 
and applicable law and have elected to prepare 
the parent company financial statements on 
the same basis.

Under company law the Directors must not 
approve the financial statements unless they 
are satisfied that they give a true and fair view 
of the state of affairs of the Group and parent 
Company and of the Group’s profit or loss for 
that period. In preparing each of the Group 
and parent Company financial statements, the 
Directors are required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies and then 

apply them consistently; 

•  make judgements and estimates that are 

reasonable, relevant and reliable; 

•  state whether they have been prepared in 
accordance with UK-adopted international 
accounting standards; 

•  assess the Group and parent Company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern, 
disclosing, as applicable, matters related to 
going concern; and 

•  use the going concern basis of accounting 
unless they either intend to liquidate the 
Group or the parent Company or to cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative 
but to do so.

The Directors are responsible for keeping 
adequate accounting records that are 
sufficient to show and explain the parent 
Company’s transactions and disclose with 
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial 
position of the parent Company and enable 
them to ensure that its financial statements 
comply with the Companies Act 2006. They 
are responsible for such internal control as 
they determine is necessary to enable the 
preparation of financial statements that are free 
from material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error, and have general responsibility 
for taking such steps as are reasonably open 
to them to safeguard the assets of the Group 
and to prevent and detect fraud and other 
irregularities. 

Under applicable law and regulations, the 
Directors are also responsible for preparing a 
Strategic report, Directors’ report, Directors’ 
Remuneration report and Corporate 
Governance Statement that complies with that 
law and those regulations. 

The Directors are responsible for the 
maintenance and integrity of the corporate 
and financial information included on the 
Company’s website. Legislation in the UK 
governing the preparation and dissemination of 
financial statements may differ from legislation 
in other jurisdictions.

In accordance with Disclosure Guidance and 
Transparency Rule 4.1.14R, the financial 
statements will form part of the annual 
financial report prepared using the single 
electronic reporting format under the TD ESEF 
Regulation. The auditor’s report on these 
financial statements provides no assurance 
over the ESEF format.

Responsibility statement of the 
Directors in respect of the annual 
financial report
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge: 

•   the financial statements, prepared in 
accordance with the applicable set of 
accounting standards, give a true and 
fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial 
position and profit or loss of the Company 
and the undertakings included in the 
consolidation taken as a whole; and 

•  the Strategic report and Directors’ report 
includes a fair review of the development 
and performance of the business and the 
position of the issuer and the undertakings 
included in the consolidation taken as a 
whole, together with a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties that they 
face. 

We consider the Annual Report and Accounts, 
taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the 
Group’s position and performance, business 
model and strategy. 

Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors

Jean Vernet 
Chief Executive Officer

28 April 2023

Duncan Kennedy
Chief Financial Officer

28 April 2023

GovernanceJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022116

Independent auditor’s report 
to the members of James Fisher and Sons plc

1 Our opinion is unmodified 
We have audited the financial statements of James Fisher and Sons plc (“the Company”) for the year ended 31 December 2022 which comprise 
the Consolidated Income Statement, the Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated and Company Statement of 
Financial Position, the Consolidated and Company Cash Flow Statement, the Consolidated and Company Statement of Changes in Equity and the 
related notes, including the accounting policies in note 33. 

In our opinion: 

•  the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2022 and  

of the Group’s loss for the year then ended; 

•  the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards; 

•  the parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards and  

as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and 

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

Basis for opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. Our responsibilities are 
described below. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is a sufficient and appropriate basis for our opinion. Our audit opinion is 
consistent with our report to the audit committee. 

We were first appointed as auditor by the directors on 30 June 2008. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is for the fifteen financial years 
ended 31 December 2022. We have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities under, and we remain independent of the Group in accordance with, UK 
ethical requirements including the FRC Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest entities. 

No non-audit services prohibited by that standard were provided.

OVERVIEW
Materiality: group 
financial statements  
as a whole

£1.65m (2021: £1.10m) 0.3% of revenue from continuing operations (2021:3.9% of Group operating profit, 
normalised to exclude items disclosed in Note 2.1)

Coverage

78% (2021:87%) of group revenue 

Key audit matters 

Recurring risks

Revenue recognition

Impairment of goodwill

Parent company impairment of investments

Event driven

New: Going concern

 vs 2021









Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc2 Material uncertainty related to going concern 

Going concern

Refer to page 89 (Audit Committee 
report and disclosure of material 
uncertainty related to going concern 
(Note 1).

We draw attention to note 1 of the 
financial statements which indicates 
that the Group is in the process 
of refinancing its banking facilities 
following the identification and short-
term waiver of technical restrictions 
on parent company guarantees 
relating to the disposal of James 
Fisher Nuclear. The Group has 
received a signed commitment letter 
from its lenders, together with a long-
form term sheet and a waiver period 
extension to 7 June 2023. In order to 
complete the refinancing by the long-
stop date of 7 June 2023 and allow 
the new facility to be drawn, certain 
areas remain, including drafting of 
full documentation and finalisation of 
the security package. These actions 
are not all in the direct control of the 
Group.

These events and conditions, along 
with the other matters explained 
in note 1, constitute a material 
uncertainty that may cast significant 
doubt on the group’s and the parent 
company’s ability to continue as a 
going concern. 

Our opinion is not modified in respect 
of this matter.

THE RISK
Disclosure quality

The financial statements explain how 
the Board has formed a judgement 
that it is appropriate to adopt the 
going concern basis of preparation 
for the Group and parent Company.

That judgement is based on an 
evaluation of the inherent risks to the 
Group’s and Company’s business 
model and how those risks might 
affect the Group’s and Company’s 
financial resources or ability to 
continue operations over a period of 
at least 12 months from the date of 
approval of the financial statements. 

There is little judgement involved in 
the directors’ conclusion that risks 
and circumstances described in 
note 1 to the financial statements 
represent a material uncertainty over 
the ability of the group and company 
to continue as a going concern for 
a period of at least 12 months from 
the date of approval of the financial 
statements.

However, clear and full disclosure of 
the facts and the directors’ rationale 
for the use of the going concern basis 
of preparation, including that there is 
a related material uncertainty, is a key 
financial statement disclosure and 
so was the focus of our audit in this 
area. Auditing standards require that 
to be reported as a key audit matter.

117

OUR RESPONSE
Our procedures included:

Assessing transparency

We considered whether the going concern disclosure in note 1 
to the financial statements gives a full and accurate description 
of the Directors’ assessment of going concern, including the 
identified risks, and related sensitivities.

Our work over management’s going concern assessment  
also included:

Refinancing assessment

We inspected the signed commitment letter, associated term 
sheet and waiver amendment letter provided by the lenders to 
ascertain the committed level of financing, the relevant expiry 
dates and the related covenant requirements.

Refinancing assessment

We assessed the outstanding areas in order for the Group to 
complete refinancing and whether these are within the control 
of the Group.

Covenant calculation

We reperformed the year end covenant calculation for the 
existing banking facilities in line with the loan agreements. 

Benchmarking assumptions

We critically assessed assumptions in base case and 
downside scenarios, in particular those which would  
impact on the net debt/EBITDA and interest cover covenants 
included in the new facility term sheet. Consistency with 
assumptions used in other areas was checked. Key 
assumptions included underlying operating profit, net debt  
and forecast interest rates.

The interest rate assumption was benchmarked against third 
party evidence to determine an appropriate range of possible 
outcomes.

Historical comparisons

We have reviewed the Group’s ability to achieve forecasts and 
the accuracy of historical forecasts. 

Sensitivity analysis

We have considered whether the assumptions applied in the 
severe but plausible scenario are considered to be severe 
enough using our assessment of the possible range of each 
key assumption and taking account of plausible (but not 
unrealistic) adverse effects that could arise.

Our results: We found the going concern disclosure in note 1 
with a material uncertainty to be acceptable.

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022118

Independent auditor’s report cont. 
to the members of James Fisher and Sons plc

3 Other key audit matters: our assessment of risks of material misstatement 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements and include 
the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by us, 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. Going concern is a 
significant key audit matter and is described in section 2 of our report. We summarise below the other key audit matters (unchanged from 2021), in 
decreasing order of audit significance, in arriving at our audit opinion above, together with our key audit procedures to address those matters and, 
as required for public interest entities, our results from those procedures. These matters were addressed, and our results are based on procedures 
undertaken, in the context of, and solely for the purpose of, our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and 
consequently are incidental to that opinion, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

Revenue recognition over construction contract income £33.5m (2021: £38.6m), Contract assets £46.3m (2021: £55.5m) and Contract 
Liabilities £8.5m (2021: £9.0m) Risk vs 2021: Stable

Refer to page 89 (Audit Committee report), page 189 (accounting policy) and page 140 (financial disclosure).

The risk: Subjective estimates

The contractual arrangements that underpin the measurement and recognition of revenue by the Group can be complex, with subjective estimates 
involved in the assessment of current and future contract performance. 

In particular, where services rendered are provided through long-term contracts and are not completed at the balance sheet date and output 
measures cannot be estimated reliably, revenue is recognised in proportion to the inputs measure of the contract. These input measures include 
physical progress, attributable man hours and costs incurred measured against the expected outcome which leads to contract asset or liabilities 
at the period end. The measure of progress is estimated by the Group and includes certain judgements as contracts may run over a number of 
accounting periods and include forecasts in relation to future costs including labour and materials which are not yet known. 

For long-term contracts, disputes with customers and contract delays can lead to uncertainty over the total contract price and contract assets 
representing work completed where payment is not yet due. The effect of these matters is that, as part of our risk assessment, we determined 
that revenue recognition and the associated recoverability of contract assets has a high degree of estimation uncertainty, with a potential range of 
reasonable outcomes greater than our materiality for the financial statements as a whole, and possibly many times that amount.

In addition, within the Specialist Technical division, it is common for international customers to require defence contractors to comply with their 
industrial cooperation regulations, often referred to as offset requirements. Within these agreements, penalties can arise, normally as a fixed 
percentage of the unfulfilled offset obligation, and consideration is needed of whether these penalties are accounted for as variable consideration 
or a levy recognised as a cost of sale. This is highly judgemental due to the complexities of offset agreements and uncertainties over whether offset 
claims will be accepted by the relevant country’s offset authority.

Our response: We performed the tests below rather than seeking to rely on any of the Group’s controls because our knowledge of the design of 
these controls indicated that we would not be able to obtain the required evidence to support relying on them.

Our audit procedures included:

1  Test of details: For long term contracts, selecting contracts for substantive audit procedures based on qualitative factors, such as commercial 
complexity, delays for completion and life of contract, and quantitative factors, such as financial significance and profitability that we considered  
to be indicative of risk. 

  For the selected contracts, agreeing observable inputs used in the calculations of costs incurred to date to be able to assess the stage of 

completion. Costs incurred are those such as direct costs and labour charges; we agreed a sample of these to source data, including customer 
acceptance documentation and countersigned agreements.

  Our testing included assessing the impact of delays to timetable by reviewing contracts and communication with customers and reviewing 

evidence over the Group’s ability to fulfil contract requirements, including third party legal advice. 

  We inspected the offset contracts and challenged management’s accounting for these. We recalculated the offset provision for two contracts 
based upon factual and forecast claims, challenged management on actual and forecast spend and verified accepted claims submitted to the 
relevant offset authority. 

In our testing we identified a number of misstatements that management have adjusted for.

2  Historical comparisons: Assessing the reliability of the Group’s forecasts of costs to complete by considering historical accuracy of their 

forecasts on contracts. 

3  Personnel interviews: Corroborating the forecasts and financial assumptions through discussions with operational management for a sample of 
contracts and comparing these to the forecasts and assumptions used by the Group in respect of revenue recognition and recognition of contract 
assets and liabilities.

4  External corroboration: Seeking direct confirmation of amounts outstanding with the customer where appropriate.

5  Our sector expertise: Utilising KPMG industry specialists who have particular skills in contracting to review the risks associated with contracts 

that have offset requirements, and to review the submitted claims and likely future spend to challenge the offset provision recorded.

6  Assessing transparency: Assessing the appropriateness of the Group’s disclosures in respect of revenue recognition, contract assets and 

liabilities and offset arrangements. 

We found revenue recognition, associated contract assets and liabilities and accounting for offset arrangements, to be acceptable (2021: acceptable).

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc 
119

Impairment of goodwill related to JFD with carrying value of £34.1m (2021: £32.3m) and a CGU included within ‘Multiple CGUs without 
significant goodwill’, including impairment charge of £4.4m (2021: £27.5m) Risk vs 2021: Stable

Refer to page 89 (Audit Committee report), page 185 (accounting policy) and page 148 (financial disclosure).

The risk: Forecast based assessment

The recoverability of goodwill in the Group is subjective due to the inherent uncertainty involved in forecasting and discounting future cash flows, 
particularly in light of the ongoing trading and operational difficulties faced in the current and prior years. 

The effect of these matters is that, as part of our risk assessment, we determined that the recoverable amount of goodwill has a high degree of 
estimation uncertainty, with a potential range of reasonable outcomes greater than our materiality for the financial statements as a whole and 
possibly many times that amount. The financial statements note 12 discloses the sensitivity estimated by the Group for goodwill.

We have isolated the risk of material impairment to JFD and a CGU without individually significant goodwill balances as these have the lowest 
headroom within both the Group’s discounted cashflow workings and our own sensitivities. 

Our response: We performed the tests below rather than seeking to rely on any of the group’s controls because the nature of the balance is such 
that detailed testing is inherently the most effective means of obtaining audit evidence.

Our audit procedures included:

1  Historical comparisons: Assessing the reasonableness of management’s budgets by considering the historical accuracy of previous forecasts. 

2  Our sector experience: Evaluating the assumptions used, in particular those relating to anticipated revenue growth, including expected 

new business and rates of contract retention, the discount rate and the terminal growth rate. We have considered market conditions, including 
potential impacts of climate change and known or probable changes in the business environment, in the procedures performed and reflected our 
knowledge of the business and industries. We assessed the key inputs to the Group’s forecasts, drawing on historical data and our own research 
and sector experience.

3  Benchmarking assumptions: Comparing the Group’s assumptions to externally derived data in relation to key inputs such as market growth 
rate, terminal growth value, discount rate (using our own valuation specialist), and the period of cash flows included within the model. Review of 
the capital expenditure included in the budget and considering whether such items are allowable in the value-in-use cash flow forecasts under the 
accounting standards.

4  Sensitivity analysis: Performing sensitivity analysis on the key assumptions noted above either in isolation or in aggregate. This included 

reperforming management’s sensitivities within their goodwill model.

5  Assessing transparency: Assessing whether the Group’s disclosures about the sensitivity of the outcome of the impairment assessment to 

changes in key assumptions reflected the risks inherent in the recoverable amounts of goodwill.

Our results: We found the Group goodwill balance, and the related impairment charges, to be acceptable (2021: acceptable).

Parent Company impairment of investment in and loans to subsidiaries, £1.1m (2021: £nil), carrying value £456.5m (2021: £486.3m)  
Risk vs 2021: Stable

Refer to page 89 (Audit Committee report), pages 155 and 156 (accounting policy) and pages 155 and 156 (financial disclosure).

The risk: Forecast based assessment

The recoverability of the Parent Company’s investments in accordance with IAS 36 and loans to subsidiaries in accordance with IFRS 9 is subjective 
due to the inherent uncertainty involved in forecasting and discounting future cash flows, particularly in light of the ongoing trading, the Group’s 
market capitalisation vs Parent company’s net assets and operational difficulties faced in the current and prior years. 

The effect of these matters is that, as part of our risk assessment, we determined that the recoverable amount of investment in subsidiaries and 
of loans to subsidiaries has a high degree of estimation uncertainty, with a potential range of reasonable outcomes greater than our materiality for 
the financial statements as a whole and possibly many times that amount. The financial statements note 17 discloses management’s process for 
undertaking the impairment and expected credit loss assessment, including details of key assumptions and sensitivity analysis.

Our response: We performed the tests below rather than seeking to rely on any of the group’s controls because the nature of the balance is such 
that detailed testing is inherently the most effective means of obtaining audit evidence.

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022120

Independent auditor’s report cont. 
to the members of James Fisher and Sons plc

Our audit procedures included:

1  Benchmarking assumptions: Assessing the reasonableness of management’s forecasts by utilising the procedures carried out in respect of 

the Group’s impairment of goodwill assessment (see above) and assessing the reasonableness of any differences in assumptions for the purpose 
of the Company’s assessment in relation to the impairment of investment in and loans to subsidiaries. 

2  Assessing methodology: Assessing the Company’s methodology in relation to recoverability of investments and loans in accordance with 

applicable accounting standards. This resulted in a change to the methodology used.

3  Assessing transparency: Assessing whether the Company’s disclosures about the sensitivity of the outcome of the recoverability assessment 

to changes in key assumptions reflected the risks inherent in the recoverable amounts of the investment and loans balances and the methodology 
of the Company’s assessment.

Our results: We found the carrying value of Parent Company investments in and loans to subsidiaries and the related impairment charges, to be 
acceptable (2021: acceptable).

4 Our application of materiality and an overview of the scope of our audit 
Materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole was set at £1.65m (2021: £1.10m) determined with reference to a benchmark of Group 
revenue from continuing operations, of £478.1m of which it represents 0.3% (2021: Group operating profit, normalised to exclude items disclosed in 
Note 2.1, of £28.0m, of which it represented 3.9%).

During the year, we have reconsidered the most appropriate benchmark on which to set materiality, and this has resulted in a change to the 
benchmark and materiality amount. We consider total Group revenue from continuing operations to be the most appropriate benchmark because of 
the significant fluctuations in the profit before tax in recent years caused by impairments and delays to contracts following the pandemic. Whilst the 
Group is focused on profit measures, there has been significant volatility in recent years which has impacted the Group’s profit before tax without any 
significant reduction in the scale of the operations.

Materiality for the Parent company financial statements as a whole was set at £1.6m (2021: £1.0m), determined by reference to the parent 
company’s total assets of £487m (2021: £510m), of which it represents 0.32% (2021:0.20%).

In line with our audit methodology, our procedures on individual account balances and disclosures were performed to a lower threshold, 
performance materiality, so as to reduce to an acceptable level the risk that individually immaterial misstatements in individual account balances add 
up to a material amount across the financial statements as a whole.

Performance materiality for the group was set at 65% (2021: 65%) of materiality for the financial statements as a whole, which equates to £1.1m 
(2021: £0.7m).

We applied these percentages in our determination of performance materiality based on the level of control deficiencies and identified misstatements 
during this period and the prior period.

Performance materiality for the parent company was set at 75% (2021: 75%) of materiality for the financial statements as a whole, which equates to 
£1.2m (2021: £0.75m).

We applied this percentage in our determination of performance materiality because we did not identify any factors indicating an elevated level of 
risk.

We agreed to report to the Audit Committee any corrected or uncorrected identified misstatements exceeding £82k (2021: £55k), in addition to 
other identified misstatements that warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.

Of the Group’s 176 (2021: 189) reporting components, we subjected 13 (2021: 15) to full scope audits for Group purposes and 2 (2021: 2) to 
specified risk-focussed audit procedures. The latter were not individually financially significant enough to require a full scope audit for Group 
purposes but did present specific individual risks that needed to be addressed. 

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc121

The components within the scope of our work accounted for the following percentages of the Group’s results:

Audits for group reporting purposes
Specified procedures for group reporting purposes
Total 

Number of
components
13 (2021: 15)
2 (2021: 2)
15 (2021: 17)

Group 
Revenue
75% (2021: 85%)
3% (2021: 2%)
78% (2021: 87%)

Group profit 

before tax Group total assets
78% (2021: 83%)
4% (2021: 2%)
82% (2021: 85%)

75% (2021: 75%)
0% (2021: 1%)
75% (2021:76%) 

The remaining 22% (2021: 13%) of total Group revenue, 25% (2021: 24%) of Group profit before tax and 18% (2021: 15%) of total Group assets 
is represented by 161 (2021: 172) reporting components, none of which individually represented more than 4% of any of total Group revenue, 2% 
Group profit before tax and 2% total Group assets.

For these residual components, we performed analysis at an aggregated Group level to re-examine our assessment that there were no significant 
risks of material misstatement within these.

The Group audit team instructed component auditors as to the significant areas to be covered, including the relevant risks detailed above and the 
information to be reported back. The Group audit team approved the component materialities, which ranged from £0.1m to £1.0m (2021: £0.1m to 
£0.7m), having regard to the mix of size and risk profile of the Group across the components.

The work on 12 (2021: 13) of the 15 (2021: 17) components was performed by component auditors and the rest, including the audit of the Parent 
Company, was performed by the Group audit team.

The scope of the audit work performed was predominantly substantive as we placed limited reliance upon the Group’s internal control over  
financial reporting.

The Group team visited 5 (2021: 1) component locations to assess the audit risk and strategy. Regular video and telephone conference meetings 
were also held with all component auditors. At these visits and meetings, the findings reported to the Group team were discussed in more detail, and 
any further work required by the Group team was then performed by the component auditor.

5 The impact of climate change on our audit 
In planning our audit, we have considered the potential impact of climate change on the group’s business operations and its financial statements 
taking into account the different divisions. We recognise given the diverse nature of the group’s operations there are potentially both risks and 
opportunities arising as a result of climate change.

The potential effects of climate change vary for different activities of the group, with those divisions that are more linked to fossil fuel activity 
potentially being more affected as there is a transition to focus on more renewable energy sources. 

Uncertainties and potential changes to the longer-term activity of the group could affect the elements of financial statements with forward-looking 
assessments such as impairment of, or reassessment of the life of, long-term assets and goodwill balances.

As part of our risk assessment we made enquiries of management and reviewed board minutes and related risk and internal audit documents.  
We have held discussions with our own climate change professionals to challenge our risk assessment. Our risk assessment took into account the 
nature of the group’s long-term assets and the relative size of assets related to the divisions with most exposure to climate change uncertainty.

In the course of our audit work, we also took climate change factors into account in evaluating the directors’ assessment of the useful life of vessels.

We have read the disclosure of climate related information in the front half of the annual report and considered consistency with the financial 
statements and our audit knowledge.

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022122

Independent auditor’s report cont. 
to the members of James Fisher and Sons plc

6 Going concern basis of preparation 
The directors have prepared the financial statements on the going concern basis as they do not intend to liquidate the Group or the Company  
or to cease their operations, and as they have concluded that the Group’s and the Company’s financial position means that this is realistic for at least 
12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements (“the going concern period”). 

As stated in section 2 of our report, they have also concluded that there is a material uncertainty related to going concern.

An explanation of how we evaluated management’s assessment of going concern is set out section 2 of our report.

Our conclusions based on this work:

•  we consider that the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate;

•  we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to the directors’ statement in note 1 to the financial statements on the use of the 

going concern basis of accounting, and their identification therein of a material uncertainty over the Group and Company’s use of that basis for the 
going concern period, and we found the going concern disclosure in note 1 to be acceptable; and

•  the same statement under the Listing Rules is materially consistent with the financial statements and our audit knowledge.

7 Fraud and breaches of laws and regulations – ability to detect
Identifying and responding to risks of material misstatement due to fraud

To identify risks of material misstatement due to fraud (“fraud risks”) we assessed events or conditions that could indicate an incentive or pressure  
to commit fraud or provide an opportunity to commit fraud. Our risk assessment procedures included:

•  Enquiring of directors, the audit committee, internal audit, the Group General Counsel and the Company Secretary and inspection of policy 

documentation as to the Group’s high-level policies and procedures to prevent and detect fraud, including the internal audit function, the Group’s 
channel for “whistleblowing”, as well as whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud.

•  Reading Board, audit committee and risk committee minutes.

•  Considering remuneration incentive schemes and performance targets for management and directors.

•  Using analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships.

•  Consultation with our own forensic professionals regarding the identified fraud risks and the design of the audit procedures planned in response  

to these. This involved discussion between the engagement partner, the Group audit team and the forensic professionals.

We communicated identified fraud risks throughout the audit team and remained alert to any indications of fraud throughout the audit. This included 
communication from the Group audit team to full scope component audit teams of relevant fraud risks identified at the Group level and request to  
full scope component audit teams to report to the Group audit team any instances of fraud that could give rise to a material misstatement at the 
Group level.

As required by auditing standards and taking into account possible pressures to meet profit targets, covenants for banking facilities and our overall 
knowledge of the control environment, we perform procedures to address the risk of management override of controls and the risk of fraudulent 
revenue recognition in particular:

•  the risk that Group and component management may be in a position to make inappropriate accounting entries;

•  the risk of bias in accounting estimates and judgements such as provisions for contract disputes; and the risk of bias in accounting for estimates 

and judgements in relation to revenue recognition over long term contracts including variable consideration.

Further detail in respect of revenue recognition is set out in the key audit matter disclosure in section 3 of this report. On this audit the risk relating to 
fraudulent revenue recognition is in relation to construction contract income as described in Section 3. For the remaining revenue streams, we do not 
believe there is a fraud risk related to revenue recognition as the recognition is not complex.

We did not identify any additional fraud risks. 

We performed procedures including:

•  Identifying journal entries to test for all full scope components based on risk criteria and comparing the identified entries to supporting 

documentation. These included unexpected journals posted to revenue, expense, cash accounts; and commissions paid to agents as well as 
journals posted by senior members of management.

•  Evaluating the business purpose of significant unusual transactions.

•  Assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias.

We discussed with the audit committee matters related to actual or suspected fraud, for which disclosure is not necessary, and considered any 
implications for our audit.

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc123

Identifying and responding to risks of material misstatement due to non-compliance with laws and regulations

We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements from our 
general commercial and sector experience, through discussion with the directors, the Group General Counsel, the Company Secretary and other 
management (as required by auditing standards) and from inspection of the Group’s regulatory and legal correspondence and discussed with the 
directors, the Group General Counsel, the Company Secretary and other management the policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws 
and regulations.

As the Group is regulated, our assessment of risks involved gaining an understanding of the control environment including the entity’s procedures for 
complying with regulatory requirements.

We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the 
audit. This included communication from the group to full-scope component audit teams of relevant laws and regulations identified at the Group 
level, and a request for full scope component auditors to report to the group team any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations that 
could give rise to a material misstatement at the Group level.

The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the financial statements varies considerably.

Firstly, the Group is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting legislation (including 
related companies legislation), distributable profits legislation, taxation legislation and pension legislation and we assessed the extent of compliance 
with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items.

Secondly, the Group is subject to many other laws and regulations where the consequences of non-compliance could have a material effect on 
amounts or disclosures in the financial statements, for instance through the imposition of fines or litigation or the loss of the Group’s license to 
operate. We identified the following areas as those most likely to have such an effect: health and safety, anti-bribery, foreign corrupt practices act, 
employment law, maritime law and certain aspects of company legislation recognising the nature of the Group’s activities.

Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors, the 
Company Secretary and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Therefore, if a breach of operational 
regulations is not disclosed to us or evident from relevant correspondence, an audit will not detect that breach.

We discussed with the audit committee matters related to actual or suspected breaches of laws or regulations, for which disclosure is not necessary, 
and considered any implications for our audit.

Context of the ability of the audit to detect fraud or breaches of law or regulation

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial 
statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further 
removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the 
inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it.

In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of fraud, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, 
misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. Our audit procedures are designed to detect material misstatement. We are not responsible 
for preventing non-compliance or fraud and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.

8 We have nothing to report on the other information in the Annual Report 
The directors are responsible for the other information presented in the Annual Report together with the financial statements. Our opinion on the 
financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except as explicitly stated below, 
any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether, based on our financial statements audit work, the information 
therein is materially misstated or inconsistent with the financial statements or our audit knowledge. Based solely on that work we have not identified 
material misstatements in the other information. 

Strategic report and directors’ report 

Based solely on our work on the other information: 

•  we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report and the directors’ report; 

•  in our opinion the information given in those reports for the financial year is consistent with the financial statements; and 

•  in our opinion those reports have been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. 

Directors’ remuneration report 

In our opinion the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. 

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022124

Independent auditor’s report cont. 
to the members of James Fisher and Sons plc

Disclosures of emerging and principal risks and longer-term viability 

We are required to perform procedures to identify whether there is a material inconsistency between the directors’ disclosures in respect of emerging 
and principal risks and the viability statement, and the financial statements and our audit knowledge. 

Based on those procedures, other than the material uncertainty related to going concern referred to above, we have nothing further material to add 
or draw attention to in relation to: 

•  the directors’ confirmation within the viability statement on page 71 that they have carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal 

risks facing the Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency and liquidity; 

•  the Principal Risks disclosures describing these risks and how emerging risks are identified, and explaining how they are being managed and 

mitigated; and 

•  the directors’ explanation in the viability statement of how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over what period they have done so 
and why they considered that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the Group 
will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any related disclosures 
drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions. 

We are also required to review the viability statement, set out on page 71 under the Listing Rules. Based on the above procedures, we have 
concluded that the above disclosures are materially consistent with the financial statements and our audit knowledge.

Our work is limited to assessing these matters in the context of only the knowledge acquired during our financial statements audit. As we cannot predict 
all future events or conditions and as subsequent events may result in outcomes that are inconsistent with judgements that were reasonable at the time 
they were made, the absence of anything to report on these statements is not a guarantee as to the Group’s and Company’s longer-term viability.

Corporate governance disclosures 

We are required to perform procedures to identify whether there is a material inconsistency between the directors’ corporate governance disclosures 
and the financial statements and our audit knowledge.

Based on those procedures, we have concluded that each of the following is materially consistent with the financial statements and our audit 
knowledge: 

•  the directors’ statement that they consider that the annual report and financial statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable, 

and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s position and performance, business model and strategy; 

•  the section of the annual report describing the work of the Audit Committee, including the significant issues that the audit committee considered  

in relation to the financial statements, and how these issues were addressed; and

•  the section of the annual report that describes the review of the effectiveness of the Group’s risk management and internal control systems.

We are required to review the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Group’s compliance with the provisions of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code specified by the Listing Rules for our review, and to report to you if a corporate governance statement has not been 
prepared by the company. We have nothing to report in these respects.

Based solely on our work on the other information described above: 

•  with respect to the Corporate Governance Statement disclosures about internal control and risk management systems in relation to financial 

reporting processes and about share capital structures: 

–  we have not identified material misstatements therein; and 

–  the information therein is consistent with the financial statements; and 

•  in our opinion, the Corporate Governance Statement has been prepared in accordance with relevant rules of the Disclosure Guidance and 

Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority. 

9 We have nothing to report on the other matters on which we are required to report by exception 
Under the Companies Act 2006, we are required to report to you if, in our opinion: 

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from 

branches not visited by us; or 

•  the parent Company financial statements 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. 

We have nothing to report in these respects. 

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc125

10 Respective responsibilities 
Directors’ responsibilities 

As explained more fully in their statement set out on page 115, the directors are responsible for: the preparation of the financial statements 
including being satisfied that they give a true and fair view; such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial 
statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; assessing the Group and parent Company’s ability to continue 
as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern; and using the going concern basis of accounting unless they either 
intend to liquidate the Group or the parent Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditor’s responsibilities 

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 our opinion in an auditor’s report. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but does not 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 aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users 
taken on the basis of the financial statements. 

A fuller description of our responsibilities is provided on the FRC’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. 

The Company is required to include these financial statements in an annual financial report prepared using the single electronic reporting format 
specified in the TD ESEF Regulation. This auditor’s report provides no assurance over whether the annual financial report has been prepared in 
accordance with that format.

11 The purpose of our audit work and to whom we owe our responsibilities 
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. 

Ailsa Griffin (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants 
1 St. Peter Square
Manchester 
M2 3AE 

28 April 2023

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022126

Consolidated income statement  
for the year ended 31 December 2022

Continuing operations
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Administrative expenses
Impairment of trade and other receivables
Share of post-tax results of associates
Operating profit/(loss)
Finance income

Finance expense
Profit/(loss) before taxation
Income tax
Profit/(loss) for the year from continuing operations

Loss for the year from discontinued operations, net of tax
Loss for the year

Attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests

Loss per share
Basic 
Diluted 

Profit/(loss) per share – continuing activities
Basic 
Diluted 

Year ended
31 December
2022
Total
£m

Notes

Year ended 
31 December
2021
restated*
Total
£m

3

29
16
4
7

7

8

5

10
10

10
10

478.1
(350.9)
127.2
(104.4)
0.3
1.6
24.7
0.7

(10.9)
14.5
(5.5)
9.0

(19.8)
(10.8)

(11.1)
0.3
(10.8)

pence
(22.1)
(22.1)

pence
17.4
17.4

442.4
(338.8)
103.6
(118.9)
(7.3)
1.9
(20.7)
0.3

(8.5)
(28.9)
0.8
(28.1)

(0.1)
(28.2)

(27.8)
(0.4)
(28.2)

pence
(55.2)
(55.2)

pence
(55.0)
(55.0)

*   2021 results are restated due to a business classified as discontinued operations – see Note 5.

  The presentation of the consolidated income statement has been amended to include a line item ‘impairment of trade and other receivables’ and for removal of 

columns headed ‘separately disclosed items’ in the 2021 Annual Report – see Note 1: Presentation of financial statements. 

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of other comprehensive income  
for the year ended 31 December 2022

127

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive income:
Items that will not be classified to the income statement
Actuarial gain in defined benefit pension schemes
Tax on items that will not be reclassified 

Items that may be reclassified to the income statement
Exchange differences on foreign currency net investments
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges in joint ventures
Net changes in fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to income statement
Tax on items that may be reclassified

Total other comprehensive income for the year 

Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests

Year ended
31 December
2022
£m
(10.8)

Year ended
31 December
2021
£m
(28.2)

Notes

23

29
16

8

7.1
(1.3)
5.8

8.8
3.6
0.4
0.6
(1.1)
12.3
18.1

7.3

6.9
0.4
7.3

6.3
(0.5)
5.8

(2.6)
(2.6)
0.3
0.3
0.4
(4.2)
1.6

(26.6)

(26.1)
(0.5)
(26.6)

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022128

Consolidated and Company statement of financial position 
at 31 December 2022

Non-current assets
Goodwill 
Other intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Investment in joint ventures
Investments in subsidiaries
Other investments
Retirement benefit surplus
Other receivables
Deferred tax assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Assets held for sale
Cash and cash equivalents

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Provisions
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale
Current tax
Borrowings
Lease liabilities

Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Other payables
Provisions
Retirement benefit obligations
Cumulative preference shares
Borrowings
Lease liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Called up share capital
Share premium
Treasury shares
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Total shareholders equity
Non-controlling interests
Total equity

Group

Company

31 December
2022
£m

Notes

31 December
2021
restated*
£m

31 December
2022
£m

31 December
2021
£m

12
13
14
15
16
17
17
23
19
9

18
19
20
27

21
22
20
8
27
27

21
22
23
30
27
27
9

30

116.3
8.2
119.7
52.3
8.7
–
1.4
5.5
0.7
8.4
321.2

49.8
148.2
36.2
53.6
287.8

(122.4)
(5.3)
(16.3)
(1.9)
(67.4)
(13.2)
(226.5)
61.3
382.5

(0.5)
(1.4)
(0.4)
(0.1)
(121.8)
(39.7)
(0.3)
(164.2)
218.3

12.6
26.8
(0.6)
(6.8)
185.8
217.8
0.5
218.3

133.5
13.3
122.2
41.8
8.0
–
1.4
–
4.1
9.6
333.9

49.0
153.3
10.7
68.0
281.0

(139.5)
(2.0)
–
(4.5)
(33.6)
(9.9)
(189.5)
91.5
425.4

(1.3)
(1.1)
(1.9)
(0.1)
(173.9)
(36.1)
(0.4)
(214.8)
210.6

12.6
26.8
(0.6)
(20.4)
191.5
209.9
0.7
210.6

–
–
1.1
1.0
–
456.5
1.4
5.5
–
–
465.5

–
22.2
–
0.4
22.6

(27.2)
–
–
–
(45.3)
(0.2)
(72.7)
(50.1)
415.4

–
–
(0.2)
(0.1)
(121.8)
(1.3)
(0.8)
(124.2)
291.2

12.6
26.8
(0.6)
3.6
248.8
291.2
–
291.2

–
–
1.4
1.3
–
486.3
1.4
–
–
1.0
491.4

–
6.9
–
11.7
18.6

(19.5)
–
–
–
(20.3)
(0.2)
(40.0)
(21.4)
470.0

–
–
(1.4)
(0.1)
(173.9)
(1.4)
–
(176.8)
293.2

12.6
26.8
(0.6)
–
254.4
293.2
–
293.2

*   Non current other receivables, Current trade and other receivables and Current trade and other payables have been restated for the 2021 comparative period  

(see Note 1).

The Company’s loss for the year was £11.6m (2021: £12.2m profit). 

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 28 April 2023 and signed on its behalf by: 

Duncan Kennedy 
Chief Financial Officer 

Company number: 00211475 

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
129

Consolidated and Company cash flow statement  
for the year ended 31 December 2022

(Loss)/profit for the year
Tax (credit)/charge
Adjustments to reconcile (loss)/profit before tax to net cash flows
  Depreciation and amortisation

Impairments

  Loss on remeasurement to fair value less costs to sell
  Net finance expense/(income)

(Gain)/loss on disposal of businesses, net of disposal costs

  Other non-cash items
Decrease/(increase) in inventories
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables
Defined benefit pension cash contributions less service cost
Cash generated from operations
Income tax payments
Cash flow from operating activities

Investing activities
Dividends from joint venture undertakings
Proceeds from the disposal of a subsidiary, net of cash disposed
Proceeds from the disposal of property, plant and equipment
Finance income
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
Loans advanced to subsidiaries
Loans repaid from subsidiaries
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
Development expenditure
Cash flows from/(used in) investing activities

Financing activities
Proceeds from the issue of share capital
Finance costs
Acquisition of non-controlling interests (NCI)
Net purchase of own shares by Employee Share Ownership Trust
Purchase of own shares for LTIP vesting
Capital element of lease repayments
Proceeds from borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Cash flows used in financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January
Net foreign exchange differences
Cash transferred to asset held for sale
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

Notes

2
5

26

25

25

28
27

5
27

Group

Company

31 December
2022
£m
(10.8)
4.7

31 December
2021
restated*
£m
(28.2)
(0.8)

31 December
2022
£m
(11.6)
(0.5)

31 December
2021
restated*
£m
12.2
(0.2)

41.1
0.7
13.3
10.3
(2.5)
(1.7)
(3.2)
2.5
(1.9)
0.1
52.6
(8.1)
44.5

1.7
15.1
2.2
0.8
(2.6)
–
–
(31.7)
(1.3)
(15.8)

–
(7.5)
(1.5)
–
–
(14.5)
166.0
(182.6)
(40.1)

(11.4)
34.5
2.5
(2.8)
22.8

44.2
38.4
–
8.3
0.2
(1.0)
(2.7)
(5.1)
11.8
(2.2)
62.9
(7.9)
55.0

1.6
6.2
14.7
0.3
(1.1)
–
–
(28.2)
(1.5)
(8.0)

0.1
(5.6)
–
(0.5)
(0.5)
(13.7)
205.0
(210.9)
(26.1)

20.9
13.5
0.1
–
34.5

0.8
27.7
–
(6.1)
–
0.1
–
(3.9)
5.2
0.3
12.0
(0.1)
11.9

–
–
–
14.7
–
(34.8)
32.8
(0.4)
–
12.3

–
(7.2)
–
–
–
(0.2)
166.0
(182.5)
(23.9)

0.3
(8.6)
–
–
(8.3)

1.0
2.0
–
(5.2)
–
0.6
–
(1.7)
8.6
(1.9)
15.4
(0.1)
15.3

–
–
–
11.4
–
(49.9)
69.3
(0.3)
–
30.5

0.1
(4.7)
–
(0.5)
(0.5)
(0.2)
205.0
(210.7)
(11.5)

34.3
(42.9)
–
–
(8.6)

*   Cash generated from operations for the year ended 31 December 2021 has been re-presented to reallocate ‘separately disclosed items’ to the relevant line items 
within cash generated from operations. In addition, £6.1m prepayments related to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment has been reclassified from 
trade and other receivables (see Note 1). Proceeds from borrowings and repayment of borrowings have also been restated (Note 1). 

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
130

Consolidated statement of changes in equity  
for the year ended 31 December 2022

Share
capital
£m
12.6
–
–

Share
premium
£m
26.7
–
–

Retained
earnings
£m
214.6
(27.8)
5.8

Other
reserves
£m
(16.5)
–
(4.1)

Treasury
shares
£m
(0.2)
–
–

Total
shareholders
equity
£m
237.2
(27.8)
1.7

Non-
controlling
interests
£m
0.7
(0.4)
(0.1)

Total
equity
£m
237.9
(28.2)
1.6

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
12.6
–
–

–

–
–
12.6

–

–
–
–
–
–
0.1
–
26.8
–
–

–

–
–
26.8

–

0.2

(0.7)
0.3
(0.1)
–
(0.5)
–
(0.1)
191.5
(11.1)
5.8

–

(0.9)
0.5
185.8

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(20.4)
–
12.2

1.4

–
–
(6.8)

–

–
–
–
(0.5)
–
–
0.1
(0.6)
–
–

–

–
–
(0.6)

0.2

(0.7)
0.3
(0.1)
(0.5)
(0.5)
0.1
–
209.9
(11.1)
18.0

1.4

(0.9)
0.5
217.8

–

0.5
–
–
–
–
–
–
0.7
0.3
0.1

–

(0.6)
–
0.5

At 1 January 2021
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income
Contributions by and distributions 
to owners:
Remeasurement of non-controlling 
interest put option
Changes in ownership interest without 
a change in control
Share-based payments
Tax effect of share-based payments
Purchase of shares by ESOT
Notional purchase of own shares
Arising on the issue of shares
Transfer
At 31 December 2021
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income
Contributions by and distributions 
to owners:
Remeasurement of non-controlling 
interest put option
Changes in ownership interest without 
a change in control
Share-based payments
At 31 December 2022

Other reserve movements

Other reserves
At 1 January 2021
Other comprehensive income
Remeasurement of non-controlling interest put option
At 31 December 2021
Other comprehensive income
Remeasurement of non-controlling interest put option
At 31 December 2022

Translation
reserve
£m
(14.3)
(2.6)
–
(16.9)
8.7
–
(8.2)

Hedging
reserve
£m
0.5
(1.5)
–
(1.0)
3.5
–
2.5

Put option
 liability
£m
(2.7)
–
0.2
(2.5)
–
1.4
(1.1)

0.2

(0.2)
0.3
(0.1)
(0.5)
(0.5)
0.1
–
210.6
(10.8)
18.1

1.4

(1.5)
0.5
218.3

Total
£m
(16.5)
(4.1)
0.2
(20.4)
12.2
1.4
(6.8)

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc131

Company statement of changes in equity  
for the year ended 31 December 2022

At 1 January 2021
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Contributions by and distributions  
to owners:
Share-based compensation
Tax effect of share-based compensation
Purchase of shares by ESOT
Notional purchase of own shares
Arising on the issue of shares
Transfer on disposal of shares
At 31 December 2021
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income
Contributions by and distributions  
to owners:
Share-based compensation
At 31 December 2022

Share
capital
£m
12.6
–
–

Share
premium
£m
26.7
–
–

Retained
earnings
£m
236.7
12.2
5.9

Hedging
reserves
£m
1.9
–
(1.9)

Treasury
shares
£m
(0.2)
–
–

Total
shareholders
equity
£m
277.7
12.2
4.0

–
–
–
–
–
–
12.6
–
–

–
12.6

–
–
–
–
0.1
–
26.8
–
–

–
26.8

0.3
(0.1)
–
(0.5)
–
(0.1)
254.4
(11.6)
5.5

0.5
248.8

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
3.6

–
3.6

–
–
(0.5)
–
–
0.1
(0.6)
–
–

–
(0.6)

0.3
(0.1)
(0.5)
(0.5)
0.1
–
293.2
(11.6)
9.1

0.5
291.2

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022132

Notes to the financial statements

1. GENERAL INFORMATION
James Fisher and Sons plc (the Company) is a public limited company registered and domiciled in England and Wales and listed on the  
London Stock Exchange. The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiary undertakings  
and its interest in associates and jointly controlled entities (together the Group), for the year ended 31 December 2022. The Company’s shares are 
listed on the London Stock Exchange. The Company and consolidated financial statements were approved for publication by the Directors on  
28 April 2023.

The Group financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards. The Company financial 
statements have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards and as applied in accordance with the 
provisions of the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis and on a historical cost basis, modified 
to include revaluation to fair value of certain financial instruments. As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, a separate income 
statement and related notes for the holding company have not been presented in these financial statements. The loss after taxation in the Company 
was £11.6m (2021: £12.2m profit). The Group and Company financial statements are presented in Sterling and all values are rounded to the nearest 
0.1 million pounds (£0.1m) except when otherwise indicated.

Presentation of financial statements
As part of an ongoing review of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021 by the FRC’s Corporate Reporting Review Team,  
the presentation of the consolidated income statement has been amended to include a line item for ‘impairment of trade and other receivables’.  
The 2021 comparative has been amended to reclassify £7.3m which was previously within administrative expenses and disclosed within Note 29. 
There was no impact on profit. In addition two prior year adjustments were identified in relation to the presentation of contract assets and contract 
liabilities (see Balance sheet prior year restatements below).

The Income statement presentation has been amended to remove the ‘before separately disclosed items’ and ‘separately disclosed items’ columns 
presented in the 2021 Annual Report and Accounts. This change was made to simplify the income statement presentation and show alternative 
performance measures previously included within ‘separately disclosed items’ in Note 2.1. Any material items disclosed under IAS1 are included in 
Note 4. There has been no change to continuing results for revenue, gross margin and operating profit.

The FRC’s review was based on the Annual Report and Accounts and did not benefit from detailed knowledge of the business or an understanding 
of the underlying transactions entered into. It was, however, conducted by staff of the FRC who have an understanding of the relevant legal and 
accounting framework. Please note that the review carried out by the FRC provides no assurance that the Annual Report and Accounts were correct 
in all material respects. The FRC’s role is not to verify the information provided but to consider compliance with reporting requirements.

Balance sheet prior year restatements 
In the prior year a contract asset and corresponding contract liability of £6m was recognised in respect of what was understood to be a commission 
payment for which there was considered to be an obligation to make payments over a number of years. It is now recognised by the Directors from 
further analysis of the underlying agreement that these costs relate to services that will be performed over a number of years which are cancellable 
under the agreement. The Directors do not consider there to be a contractual obligation under the agreement and therefore have restated the 
comparatives to derecognise the contract liability and therefore the corresponding asset. This change in presentation within the Consolidated 
statement of financial position has no effect on the profit of the Group or Company, the cash position of the Group or Company in their balance 
sheets and has no further impact on the Group’s or Company’s financial statements. The effect of the restatement on the Consolidated statement  
of financial position in respect of the comparative amount for the year ended 31 December 2021 is set out below. 

In the prior year other payables of £4.8m was recognised in respect of a pain provision. It is now recognised by the Directors that this pain provision 
should have been presented as a reduction in contract assets to represent a single net position on one contract. This change in presentation within 
the Consolidated statement of financial position has no effect on the profit of the Group or Company, the cash position of the Group or Company in 
their balance sheets and has no further impact on the Group or Company’s financial statements. The effect of the restatement on the Consolidated 
statement of financial position in respect of the comparative amount for the year ended 31 December 2021 is set out below.

Prepayments
Contract assets
Current trade and other receivables
Current assets
Contract assets
Non-current other receivables
Non-current assets
Accruals
Other payables
Current liabilities
Total assets less current liabilities

31 Dec 2021
As reported
£m
9.8
60.3
157.3
285.0
6.0
10.1
339.9
(72.0)
(15.2)
(199.5)
425.4

Adjustment
£m
–
(4.8)
(4.8)
(4.8)
–
–
–
–
4.8
4.8
–

Adjustment
£m
0.8
–
0.8
0.8
(6.0)
(6.0)
(6.0)
5.2
–
5.2
–

31 Dec 2021
Restated
£m
10.6
55.5
153.3
281.0
–
4.1
333.9
(66.8)
(10.4)
(189.5)
425.4

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc133

1. GENERAL INFORMATION CONT.
Cash flow prior year restatement
The movement in trade and other receivables presented in the prior year Consolidated cash flow statement included prepayments in respect of the 
acquisition of property, plant and equipment of £6.1m.

It is now recognised by the Directors that the movement in trade and other receivables in respect of this prepayment of £6.1m presented within the 
Consolidated cash flow statement for the year ended 31 December 2021 was incorrectly presented within ‘cash flows from operating activities’ 
when it should have been included within ‘cash flows from investing activities’. In preparing the Consolidated cash flow statement for the year ended 
31 December 2022, the Directors have therefore restated the comparative amounts to now present the movement in trade and other receivables 
of £6.1m in respect of prepayments in relation to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment within cash flows from investing activities. This 
change in presentation within the Consolidated cash flow statement has no effect on the cash position of the Group or Company in their balance 
sheets and has no further impact on the Group’s or Company’s financial statements. The effect of the restatement on the Consolidated cash flow 
statement in respect of the comparative amount for the year ended 31 December 2021 is set out below:

Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables
Cash flow from operating activities

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
Cash flows from/(used in) investing activities

Group consolidated  
cash flow statement

31 Dec 2021
As reported
£m
(11.2)
48.9

31 Dec 2021
Restated
£m
(5.1)
55.0

(22.1)
(1.9)

(28.2)
(8.0)

Gross up of drawdowns and repayments of external borrowings 
The proceeds from and repayments of borrowings had been incorrectly calculated in the prior year Group and Company cash flow statement. 
In preparing the Group and Company cash flow statement for the year ended 31 December 2022, the Directors have restated the comparative 
amounts to show the proceeds from and repayments of borrowings as gross balances in line with IAS 7.21. This change in presentation within 
the Group and Company cash flow statement has no effect on the cash position of the Group or Company in its balance sheet and has no further 
impact on the Group or Company’s financial statements. The effect of the restatement on the Consolidated and Company cash flow statement in 
respect of the comparative amount for the year ended 31 December 2021 is set out below.

Proceeds from borrowings
Repayment of borrowings 
Cash flows used in financing activities 

Group consolidated 
cash flow statement

31 Dec 2021
As reported
£m
84.0
(89.9) 
(26.1) 

31 Dec 2021
Restated
£m
205.0
(210.9) 
(26.1) 

Company 
cash flow statement 

31 Dec 2021
As reported
£m
 –
(5.7) 
(11.5) 

31 Dec 2021
Restated 
£m
205.0 
(210.7) 
(11.5) 

Gross up of subsidiary loans 
The net loans advanced to subsidiaries presented in the prior year Company’s cash flow statement included the net position of the loans made  
to and from subsidiaries instead of the gross cash receipts and payments. In preparing the Company’s cash flow statement for the year ended  
31 December 2022, the Directors have restated the comparative amounts to show the loans advance to and repaid from subsidiaries separately  
in line with IAS 7.21. This change in presentation within the Company cash flow statement has no effect on the cash position of the Company in its 
balance sheet and has no further impact on the Company’s financial statements. The effect of the restatement on the Company cash flow statement 
in respect of the comparative amount for the year ended 31 December 2021 is set out below. 

Loans advanced to subsidiaries 
Loans repaid from subsidiaries 
Cash flows from/(used in) investing activities 

Company 
cash flow statement 

31 Dec 2021
As reported
£m
–
19.4 
30.5 

31 Dec 2021 
Restated 
£m
(49.9) 
69.3 
30.5

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022134

Notes to the financial statements cont.

1. GENERAL INFORMATION CONT.
Going concern
In determining the appropriate basis of preparation of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022, the Board is required to 
consider whether the Group and Parent Company can continue in operational existence for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval 
of the Financial Statements. The Board has concluded that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis, having undertaken a rigorous 
assessment of the financial forecasts, key uncertainties and sensitivities, as set out below.

The Group had £88.0m of undrawn committed facilities at 31 December 2022 (31 December 2021: £111.5m). At 31 December 2022, the Group 
had £247.5m of committed facilities (31 December 2021: £287.5m). £40.0m of revolving credit facilities which existed at 31 December 2021 were 
due for renewal in July 2022, however the Board did not pursue the renewal of this facility given the significant liquidity headroom. 

Following the sale of James Fisher Nuclear in March 2023, the Group retained several legacy parent company guarantees supporting the obligations 
of JFN (the “PCGs”). The retention of the PCGs required consent under the Group’s debt facilities prior to the sale of JFN, which was not obtained 
at the time. This resulted in the Group needing to obtain waivers in respect of the PCG and accelerating its refinancing process. As at the date of 
this report, the Group has received commitment letters from all of its six lenders to enter into a single Revolving Credit Facility for facilities of £210m. 
In addition, the Group has an agreed long-form term sheet, together with agreed principles to govern security and inter-creditor arrangements. The 
Group and lenders have agreed a long-stop date of 7 June to complete the necessary next steps that will allow the new RCF to be drawn. The 
agreed term sheet contains conditions subsequent, including finalisation of the security package, the execution of which is not entirely within the 
Group’s control. The existing waiver in respect of the technical restriction on parent company guarantees relating to the disposal of James Fisher 
Nuclear remains in place until 7 June 2023, the agreed long-stop date, and the Group expects to complete the refinancing by this date.

The key terms of the new facility agreement are:

•  Maturity date: 31 March 2025.

•  Net debt/EBITDA covenant (measured quarterly): 3.5x for 30 June and 30 September 2023, 3.25x for 31 December 2023 and 31 March 2024,  

3x for 31 March 2024, 2.75x for 30 June 2024 and 2.5x thereafter. 

•  Interest cover covenant (measured quarterly): 2.5x in June and September 2023, 1.75x in December 2023 and March 2024, 2x in June and 

September 2024, 2.5x in December 2023 and 2.75x in March 2025.

•  Scheduled amortisation of: £15m on 30 September 2023, £10m on 31 December 2023 and £10m on 30 June 2024. 

•  Minimum liquidity requirement: £10m.

The Group has been in compliance with the requirements of its financial covenants under the existing agreement and remained so at the  
31 December 2022 measurement date. 

Going concern assessment period 

Accounting standards require the directors to make an assessment of the company’s ability to continue to operate as a going concern for at least  
12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements. The Board has considered an appropriate period for going concern assessment 
taking into account any known liquidity events that will occur after the 12 months period. Given that the refinancing is agreed with the completion 
expected in the coming weeks, the directors concluded that the 12 months going concern assessment period is appropriate.

Board assessment 

Base case

The Group continues to closely monitor and manage its liquidity and covenants compliance. The Group has prepared base case cash flow forecasts 
that demonstrate the Board’s best estimate for the going concern assessment period, taking into account the wider macro-economic environment 
such as increases in the base interest rate. The Board believes that in the preparation of the base case it has taken into account some potential 
downside risks to business performance, including the likelihood of winning major new contracts, ongoing project delivery risks and timing of 
contract cashflows. The base plan does not include any further disposals or acquisitions. The base case demonstrated the Company would have 
headroom against its facilities and would comply with covenants over the going concern period.

Severe but plausible downside scenario

The Group also modelled severe but plausible downside scenarios in which the Board has taken account of the following: 

•  trading downside risks, which assume the Group is not successful in delivering the anticipated profitability levels due to risks associated with 

contract wins and/or delays and forecast margins achievement resulting in operating profit reduction of 10% in 2023 and 25% in 2024; 

•  cash inflow disruptions that may result from late payments from customers or project delivery challenges resulting in £20m cash receipts reduction 

evenly spread over the going concern period;

•  further increase in interest rates of 50bps.

The above scenarios, individually and combined, demonstrated sufficient liquidity headroom and covenants compliance.

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc135

1. GENERAL INFORMATION CONT.
Going concern cont.
Board assessment cont.

Conclusion

Based on their assessment, the Directors believe it remains appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. However,  
the Directors recognise that the finalisation of the outstanding areas in order to complete refinancing are not totally in the direct control of the 
Group. This gives rise to a material uncertainty, as defined in the accounting standards, relating to material events and circumstances which may 
cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability continue as a going concern and to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course 
of business. The Group, however, expects that the refinancing will be completed in the coming weeks. The financial statements do not include any 
adjustments that would result from the basis of preparation being inappropriate.

2. ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES
The Group uses a number of alternative (non-Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (non-GAAP)) performance measures which are not defined 
within IFRS. The alternative performance measures (APMs) should be considered in addition to and not as a substitute or superior to the information 
presented in accordance with IFRS, as APMs may not be directly comparable with similar measures used by other companies. 

The Group believes that APMs, when considered together with IFRS results, provide the readers of the financial statements with complementary 
information to better understand and compare the financial performance and position of the Group from period to period. The adjustments are 
usually items that are significant in size and/or non-recurring in nature. These measures are also used by management for planning, reporting and 
performance management purposes. Some of the measures form part of the covenant ratios calculation required under the terms of the Group’s 
loan agreements.

As APMs include the benefits of restructuring programmes or use of the acquired intangible assets but exclude certain significant costs, such as 
amortisation of intangible assets, litigation, material restructuring and transaction items, they should not be regarded as a complete picture of the 
Group’s financial performance, which is presented in its IFRS results. The exclusion of adjusting items may result in underlying profits/(losses) being 
materially higher or lower than IFRS earnings.

During the year a review has been performed to determine which APMs are most relevant to users of the financial results. As a consequence,  
some measures have been removed (including underlying dividend cover and underlying cash conversion) and a leverage (replacing underlying  
net borrowings) and interest cover APMs have been added with a view to increase reliance on statutory measures and reduce the number of APMs. 
The following APMs are referred to in the Annual Report and Accounts and described in the following paragraphs. 

2.1 Underlying operating profit
Underlying operating profit is defined as operating profit from continuing and discontinued operations (see Note 5) adjusted for acquisition related 
income and expense (amortisation or impairment of acquired intangible assets, acquisition expenses, adjustments to contingent consideration), 
the costs of a material restructuring, litigation, asset impairment and profit/loss relating to the sale of businesses or any other significant one-off 
adjustments to income or expenses (“adjusting items”). 

Underlying operating profit is used as a basis for net debt/EBITDA and interest cover covenant calculation, required under the terms of the Group’s 
loan agreements. This APM is also used internally to measure the Group’s performance against previous years and budgets, as the adjusting items 
fluctuate year on year and may be unknown at the time of budgeting. 

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022136

Notes to the financial statements cont.

2. ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES CONT.
2.1 Underlying operating profit cont.

Continuing operations

Amortisation
of acquired
intangible
assets
£m
–
–
–
2.1

Impairment
charges/
(reversals)
£m
–
(4.5)
(4.5)
5.2

Specific
trade
receivables
provision
£m
–
–
–
–

As
reported
£m
478.1
(350.9)
127.2
(104.4)

Re-
structuring
£m
–
–
–
1.7

Disposal of 
businesses
and assets
£m
–
(0.9)
(0.9)
(2.5)

Underlying
results
£m
478.1
(356.3)
121.8
(96.2)

Dis-
continued
operations
£m
42.8
(43.3)
(0.5)
(6.9)

Total
underlying
results
£m
520.9
(399.6)
121.3
(103.1)

Other/Tax
£m
–
–
–
1.7

0.3

1.6
24.7
0.7
(10.9)

14.5
(5.5)

9.0

(19.8)

(10.8)
5.2%

10.1
(2.6)
14.7
9.9
(7.4)
24.7

–

–
2.1
–
–

2.1
–

2.1

–

2.1

1.5
0.1
0.5
–
–
2.1

–

–
0.7
–
–

0.7
–

0.7

–

0.7

(0.8)
1.8
–
(0.3)
–
0.7

(1.1)

–
(1.1)
–
–

(1.1)
–

–

–
1.7
–
–

1.7
–

–

–
(3.4)
–
–

(3.4)
–

–

–
1.7
–
–

1.7
0.8

(0.8)

1.6
26.4
0.7
(10.9)

16.2
(4.6)

–

(0.8)

0.1
(7.3)
–
(0.1)

(7.4)
0.8

1.7
19.1
0.7
(11.0)

8.8
(3.8)

(1.1)

1.7

(3.4)

2.5

11.6

(6.6)

5.0

–

(1.1)

(1.1)
–
–
–
–
(1.1)

–

1.7

0.4
1.3
–
–
–
1.7

–

–

(19.8)

19.8

–

(3.4)

2.5

(8.3)
5.5%

13.3
−17.0%

5.0
3.7%

(2.4)
–
–
(1.0)
–
(3.4)

0.2
–
–
–
1.5
1.7

7.9
0.6
15.2
8.6
(5.9)
26.4

2022
Continuing  
operations
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Administrative expenses
Impairment of trade 
receivables
Share of post-tax 
results of associates
Operating profit/(loss)
Finance income
Finance expense
Profit/(loss) before 
taxation
Income tax
Profit/(loss) for the 
year from continuing 
operations
Discontinued 
operations
(Loss)/profit for the 
year from discontinued 
operations, net of tax
Profit/(loss) for  
the year
Operating margin (%)

Segmental underlying 
operating profit is 
calculated as follows:
Marine Support
Specialist Technical
Offshore Oil
Tankships
Corporate
Continuing

During the year, adjusting items were in relation to the following matters:

Amortisation of acquired intangibles (see Note 13).

The impairment charges/(reversals) relate to goodwill, intangible and tangible assets, and assets held for sale (see Notes 12, 13, 14 and 20).

Specific trade receivables provision relates to a recovery of amounts provided for in 2021 in relation to specific counterparty risk and receivables 
billed over 12 months ago in relation to certain projects – see below 2021 table.

Restructuring costs relates to restructuring programmes completed during the year by the Fendercare and JFD businesses.

Disposal of businesses and assets relates to the disposal during 2022 of James Fisher Mimic Ltd, Prolec Ltd and Strainstall UK Ltd (see Note 26)  
for £18.5m proceeds with £4.3m gains less £1.8m costs of disposal. In addition, the Group has recognised a gain of £0.9m on disposal of one of its 
vessels in the Tankships division.

Other includes £1.5m past service cost recognised for the MNRPF scheme in respect of ill health early retirement benefits (see Note 23).

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc137

2. ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES CONT.
2.1 Underlying operating profit cont.

2021
Continuing  
operations
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Administrative expenses
Impairment of trade 
receivables
Share of post-tax 
results of associates
Operating  
profit/(loss)
Finance income
Finance expense
Profit/(loss)  
before taxation
Income tax
Profit/(loss) for the 
year from continuing 
operations
Discontinued 
operations
(Loss)/profit for the 
year from discontinued 
operations, net of tax
Profit/(loss) for  
the year
Operating margin (%)

Segmental underlying 
operating profit is 
calculated as follows:
Marine Support
Specialist Technical
Offshore Oil
Tankships
Corporate
Continuing

As
reported
restated
£m
442.4
(338.8)
103.6
(118.9)

Amortisation
of acquired
intangible
assets
£m
–
–
–
2.9

Impairment
charges
£m
–
11.0
11.0
27.5

Continuing operations
Specific
trade
receivables
provision
£m
–
–
–
–

Litigation
£m
–
–
–
3.1

Disposal of
businesses
and assets
£m
–
–
–
(0.1)

Underlying
results
£m
442.4
(327.8)
114.6
(85.5)

Dis-
continued
operations
£m
51.7
(45.8)
5.9
(6.0)

Total
underlying
results
£m
494.1
(373.6)
120.5
(91.5)

Other/Tax
£m
–
–
–
–

(7.3)

1.9

(20.7)
0.3
(8.5)

(28.9)
0.8

–

–

2.9
–
–

2.9
–

–

–

38.5
–
–

38.5
–

(28.1)

2.9

38.5

(0.1)

(28.2)
–4.7%

(21.0)
7.1
(5.2)
1.3
(2.8)
(20.6)

–

2.9

2.3
0.1
0.5
–
–
2.9

–

38.5

18.3
2.8
13.9
3.5
–
38.5

4.3

–

4.3
–
–

4.3
–

4.3

–

4.3

2.4
–
1.9
–
–
4.3

–

–

3.1
–
–

3.1
–

3.1

–

3.1

3.1
–
–
–
–
3.1

–

–

(0.1)
–
–

(0.1)
–

–

–

–
–
–

–
(10.9)

(3.0)

1.9

28.0
0.3
(8.5)

19.8
(10.1)

–

0.1

–
–
(0.1)

(0.1)
–

(3.0)

2.0

28.0
0.3
(8.6)

19.7
(10.1)

(0.1)

(10.9)

9.7

(0.1)

9.6

–

–

(0.1)

0.1

–

(0.1)

(10.9)

9.6
6.3%

–
0.1%

9.6
5.7%

(0.1)
–
–
–
–
(0.1)

–
–
–
–
–
–

5.0
10.0
11.1
4.8
(2.8)
28.1

During 2021, adjusting items were in relation to the following matters:

Amortisation of acquired intangibles (see Note 13).

The impairment charges relate to goodwill, intangible and tangible assets, right-of-use assets and assets held for sale (see Notes 12, 13, 14, 15  
and 20).

Specific trade receivables provision relates to amounts provided for specific counterparty risk and receivables billed over 12 months ago in relation  
to certain projects.

Litigation costs relates to matters described in Note 31: Commitments and contingencies.

Disposal of businesses and assets relates to the disposal during 2021 of James Fisher Testing Services Ltd which was sold for proceeds of £5.7m 
and resulted in a gain of £0.5m; sale of James Fisher NDT Ltd for which proceeds were £1.2m and loss on disposal of £0.7m; and a gain of £0.3m 
on the disposal of the Paladin Dive Support Vessel for US$17.3m in gross proceeds.

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022138

Notes to the financial statements cont.

2. ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES CONT.
2.2 Covenant EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation) 
Covenant EBITDA is calculated in line with the Group’s banking covenants. It is defined as the underlying operating profit before interest, tax, 
depreciation and amortisation, adjusted for impacts of IFRS 16. The covenants require that EBITDA is calculated excluding the effects of IFRS 16. 
The IFRS 16 adjustment is calculated as a difference between ROU depreciation and operating lease payments.

Underlying operating profit
Depreciation and amortisation
Less: Depreciation on right-of-use assets
Amortisation of acquired intangibles

IFRS 16 impact removed
Covenant EBITDA

*  Excludes discontinued operations.

2022
£m*
26.4
40.3
(12.2)
(2.1)
0.2
52.6

2021
£m
28.0
44.2
(13.2)
(2.9)
(1.8)
54.3

2.3 Leverage
Leverage is calculated in line with the Group’s banking covenants. It is defined as Covenant EBITDA divided by underlying net borrowings. 
Underlying net borrowings is net borrowings as set out in Note 28, including guarantees and excluding right-of-use operating leases, which are the 
leases which would be considered operating leases under IAS17, prior to the introduction of IFRS 16. Guarantees are those issued by a bank or 
financial institution to compensate a stakeholder in the event of a Group company not fulfilling its obligations in the ordinary course of business in 
relation to either advance payments or trade debtors.

Net borrowings (Note 28)
Guarantees
Less: right-of-use operating leases
Underlying Net borrowings
Covenant EBITDA
Leverage

2022
£m
185.8
2.3
(46.0)
142.1
52.6
2.7

2021
£m
185.6
8.4
(38.2)
155.8
54.3
2.9

2.4 Underlying Capital employed and Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)
Capital employed is defined as net assets less right-of-use assets, less cash and cash equivalents and after adding back borrowings. Average 
capital employed is adjusted for the timing of businesses acquired and after adding back cumulative amortisation of customer relationships. 
Segmental ROCE is defined as the underlying operating profit, divided by average capital employed. Group ROCE, is defined as underlying operating 
profit, less notional tax, calculated by multiplying the underlying effective tax rate by the underlying operating profit, divided by average capital 
employed, as calculated below. Group ROCE is a KPI that is used internally and externally and forms part of performance conditions under the 
Group’s LTIP scheme. 

Net assets
Less right-of-use assets
Plus net borrowings
Capital employed
Add: amortisation of customer relationships

Underlying operating profit
Notional tax at the underlying effective tax rate

Average capital employed
Return on average capital employed

2022
£m
218.3
(52.3)
185.8
351.7
1.7
353.4

19.1
(5.1)
14.0
355.1
3.9%

2021
£m
210.6
(41.8)
185.6
354.4
2.4
356.8

28.0
(14.3)
13.7
377.4
3.6%

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc2. ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES CONT.
2.4 Underlying Capital employed and Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) cont.
The four divisional ROCE’s are detailed below:

Marine 
Support
£m
119.4
(6.3)
9.9
123.0
1.6
124.6

7.9
123.2
6.4%

Marine 
Support
£m
114.8
(6.1)
10.6
119.3
2.6
121.9

5.0
142.5
3.5%

Specialist
Technical
£m
83.9
(3.0)
3.3
84.1
0.1
84.2

(6.7)
91.2
-7.4%

Specialist
Technical
£m
97.7
(6.2)
6.6
98.1
0.1
98.2

9.9
101.1
9.8%

Year ended 31 December 2022
Net assets
Less right-of-use assets
Plus net borrowings
Capital employed
Add: amortisation of customer relationships

Underlying operating profit
Average capital employed
Return on average capital employed

Year ended 31 December 2021
Net assets
Less right-of-use assets
Plus net borrowings
Capital employed
Add: amortisation of customer relationships

Underlying operating profit
Average capital employed
Return on average capital employed

2.5 Interest cover

Interest receivable on Short-term deposits less interest payable on bank loans
Finance lease interest
Arrangement fees
Covenant interest

Underlying net operating profit
IFRS 16 impact removed

Interest cover

139

Offshore
Oil
£m
102.8
(4.0)
4.4
103.3
–
103.3

15.2
101.7
14.9%

Offshore 
Oil
£m
100.0
(4.6)
5.1
100.5
–
100.5

11.1
108.5
10.2%

2022
£m
8.1
0.1
(1.0)
7.2

26.4
(0.7)
25.7
3.5

Tankships
£m
34.0
(38.1)
33.8
29.7
–
29.7

8.6
32.1
26.8%

Tankships
£m
36.0
(23.6)
22.2
34.5
–
34.5

4.8
32.9
14.7%

2021
£m
6.0
0.1
(1.2)
4.9

28.0
(1.6)
26.4
5.4

2.6 Underlying earnings per share
Underlying earnings per share (EPS) is calculated as the total of underlying profit before tax, less income tax, but excluding the tax impact on 
adjusting items, less profit attributable to non-controlling interests, divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the 
year. Underlying earnings per share is a performance condition used for the LTIP schemes.

Loss attributable to owners of the Company
Adjusting items
Tax on adjusting items
Underlying profit attributable to owners of the Company

Basic weighted average number of shares (Note 10)
Diluted weighted average number of shares (Note 10)
Underlying basic earnings per share
Underlying diluted earnings per share

2022
£m
(11.1)
1.7
0.8
(8.6)

2021
£m
(27.8)
48.7
(10.9)
10.0

50,345,989
50,367,147
(17.1)
(17.1)

50,345,477
50,356,037
20.0
20.0

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022140

Notes to the financial statements cont.

3. SEGMENTAL INFORMATION
The Group has four operating segments reviewed by the Board: Marine Support, Specialist Technical, Offshore Oil and Tankships. Their principal 
activities are set out in the Strategic report on pages 18 to 25. Marine Support, Specialist Technical and Offshore Oil are differentiated by markets 
and industries which they serve. The Tankships division is differentiated by the services which they provide. The Board assess the performance of 
the segments based on underlying operating profit, underlying operating margin and return on capital employed. It considers that this information 
is the most relevant in evaluating the performance of its segments relative to other entities which operate in similar markets. Inter-segmental sales 
are made using prices determined on an arms length basis. Sector assets exclude cash, short-term deposits and corporate assets that cannot 
reasonably be allocated to operating segments. Sector liabilities exclude borrowings, retirement benefit obligations and corporate liabilities that 
cannot reasonably be allocated to operating segments.

During the year, the Nuclear business (within Specialist Technical) has been classified as held for sale and is shown as discontinued operations.  
The prior year comparative has been restated.

Year ended 31 December 2022
Segmental revenue
Inter-segmental sales
Revenue

Underlying operating profit/(loss)
APMs (see Note 2)
Operating profit/(loss)
Finance income
Finance expense
Profit/(loss) before tax
Income tax
Profit/(loss) for the year

Assets and liabilities
Segmental assets
Investment in joint ventures
Total assets
Segmental liabilities

Other segmental information
Capital expenditure
Depreciation and amortisation

Marine
Support
£m
224.6
(0.1)
224.5

Specialist
Technical
£m
68.2
(0.1)
68.1

Offshore 
Oil
£m
106.7
(0.1)
106.6

Tankships
£m
78.9
–
78.9

Corporate
£m
–
–
–

Continuing
Total
£m
478.4
(0.3)
478.1

Discontinued
Total
£m
43.9
(1.1)
42.8

7.9
2.2
10.1

0.6
(3.2)
(2.6)

15.2
(0.5)
14.7

8.6
1.3
9.9

(5.9)
(1.5)
(7.4)

188.1
2.4
190.5
(71.2)
119.3

114.4
3.4
117.8
(34.0)
83.8

131.4
2.8
134.2
(31.4)
102.8

86.5
–
86.5
(52.5)
34.0

63.6
–
63.6
(185.3)
(121.7)

26.4
(1.7)
24.7
0.7
(10.9)
14.5
(5.5)
9.0

584.0
8.7
592.7
(374.4)
218.3

(7.3)
(13.3)
(20.6)
–
–
(20.6)
0.8
(19.8)

16.3
–
16.3
(16.3)
–

Total
£m
522.3
(1.4)
520.9

19.1
(15.0)
4.1
0.7
(10.9)
(6.2)
(4.7)
(10.8)

600.3
8.7
609.0
(390.7)
218.3

9.6
11.0

4.6
5.6

8.9
11.2

4.0
12.1

–
0.4

27.1
40.3

0.3
0.8

27.4
41.1

Revenue from continuing activities disclosed in the income statement is comprised of goods and services of £372.3m (2021: £335.3m), services 
revenue including operation of vessels and plant and equipment of £62.0m (2021: £58.7m) and construction contract income of £33.5m (2021: 
£38.6m). These revenues are accounted for under IFRS 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

At 31 December 2022, there is £6.1m (2021: £5.3m) consideration allocated to performance obligations that were unsatisfied and expected to be 
recognised as revenue within 12 months.

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc141

3. SEGMENTAL INFORMATION CONT. 

Revenue from operating lease rental income is £10.3m (2021: £9.8m) which is accounted for under IFRS 16: Leases. Property, plant and equipment 
which is used to generate operating lease rental income is detailed in Note 14. The nature of the leasing activities in the period are various short term 
equipment leases in the Offshore Oil and Marine Support divisions.

Revenue from discontinued activities disclosed in the income statement is comprised of goods and services of £27.8m (2021: £34.7m) and 
construction contract income of £15.0m (2021: £17.0m).

For details of the amount of impairment losses and reversals of impairment losses recognised in profit or loss during the period, see Note 2.1.

The following table shows the maturity profile of operating lease receivables using the undiscounted payments:

Operating lease receivables

Year ended 31 December 2021
Segmental revenue
Inter-segmental sales
Revenue

Underlying operating profit/(loss)
APMs (see Note 2)
Operating (loss)/profit
Net finance expense
Loss before tax
Income tax
Loss for the year

Assets and liabilities
Segmental assets
Investment in joint ventures
Total assets
Segmental liabilities

Other segmental information
Capital expenditure
Depreciation and amortisation

Within 1
year
£m
3.7

Specialist
Technical
restated*
£m
81.8
(0.3)
81.5

1 – 2
years
£m
2.1

2 – 3
years
£m
2.2

3 – 4
years
£m
2.3

4 – 5
years
£m
2.4

Offshore Oil
£m
86.5
(0.2)
86.3

Tankships
£m
60.1
–
60.1

Corporate
£m
–
–
–

Continuing
Total
restated*
£m
443.1
(0.7)
442.4

Discontinued
Total
restated*
£m
52.8
(1.1)
51.7

10.0
(2.9)
7.1

11.1
(16.3)
(5.2)

4.8
(3.5)
1.3

(2.8)
–
(2.8)

Marine
Support
£m
214.7
(0.2)
214.5

5.0
(26.0)
(21.0)

>5 
years
£m
2.6

Total
£m
495.9
(1.8)
494.1

28.0
(48.7)
(20.7)
(8.3)
(29.0)
0.8
(28.2)

617.2
8.0
625.2
(414.6)
210.6

28.1
(48.7)
(20.6)
(8.1)
(28.7)
0.6
(28.1)

581.3
7.8
589.1
(392.1)
197.0

(0.1)
–
(0.1)
(0.2)
(0.3)
0.2
(0.1)

35.9
0.2
36.1
(22.5)
13.6

189.7
2.6
192.3
(77.4)
114.9

6.1
12.3

118.9
3.0
121.9
(37.8)
84.1

124.2
2.2
126.4
(26.4)
100.0

2.4
5.1

6.3
12.1

75.1
–
75.1
(39.2)
35.9

4.3
12.4

73.4
–
73.4
(211.3)
(137.9)

–
0.5

19.1
42.4

0.3
1.8

19.4
44.2

*  2021 results are restated due to a business classified as discontinued operations – see Note 5.

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022142

Notes to the financial statements cont.

3. SEGMENTAL INFORMATION CONT. 
Geographic information
Geographical revenue is determined by the location in which the product or service is provided. Where customers receive the product or service 
in one geographical location for use or shipment to another it is not practicable for the Group to identify this and the revenue is attributed to the 
location of the initial shipment. The geographical allocation of segmental assets and liabilities is determined by the location of the attributable 
business unit.

The prior year comparative has been restated for the Nuclear business which has been classified as held for sale and is shown as discontinued 
operations.

United Kingdom
2022
£m

2021
£m

Rest of Europe
2022
£m

2021
£m

Middle East,  
Africa & Americas
2021
£m

2022
£m

Asia Pacific

2022
£m

2021
£m

Total

2022
£m

2021
£m

165.1
(0.3)
164.8

146.2
(0.4)
145.8

65.3
–
65.3

54.7
–
54.7

155.5
–
155.5

136.3
(0.3)
136.0

92.5
–
92.5

106.0
–
106.0

478.4
(0.3)
478.1

443.1
(0.7)
442.4

Continuing
Revenue
Segmental revenue
Inter-segmental sales
Group revenue

Discontinued
Revenue
Segmental revenue
Inter-segmental sales
Group revenue

Continuing
Segmental non-current assets
Segmental current assets
Segmental assets
Investment in joint ventures
Segmental liabilities

Discontinued
Segmental non-current assets
Segmental current assets
Segmental assets
Investment in joint ventures
Segmental liabilities

43.6
(1.1)
42.5

52.6
(1.1)
51.5

209.9
177.0
386.9
0.3
(314.1)
73.1

–
16.3
16.3
–
(16.3)
–

213.6
183.7
397.3
0.1
(321.8)
75.6

15.0
20.9
35.9
–
(22.5)
13.4

–
–
–

40.9
7.1
48.0
3.1
(8.0)
43.0

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

44.0
5.1
49.1
2.4
(8.0)
43.5

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

26.8
53.2
80.0
0.2
(36.1)
44.1

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

26.6
44.9
71.5
0.3
(46.0)
25.8

–
–
–
–
–
–

0.3
–
0.3

34.9
34.2
69.1
5.1
(16.2)
58.1

–
–
–
–
–
–

0.2
–
0.2

33.0
30.4
63.4
5.0
(16.3)
52.1

–
–
–
0.2
–
0.2

4. OPERATING PROFIT
Detailed below are the key amounts recognised in arriving at operating profit for continuing operations:

Amortisation of intangible assets (Note 13)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (Note 14)
Depreciation of ROU assets (Note 15)
Impairment charges/(reversals):
  Goodwill and intangible assets (Notes 12 and 13)
  Tangible fixed assets, including ROU assets (Note 14 and 15)
  Vessel held for sale (Note 20)
Staff costs (Note 6)
(Gain)/loss on disposal of businesses, net of disposal costs (Note 26)
Costs of material litigation

43.9
(1.1)
42.8

52.8
(1.1)
51.7

312.5
271.5
584.0
8.7
(372.8)
218.3

–
16.3
16.3
–
(16.3)
–

2022
£m
5.2
23.3
12.6

4.6
1.1
(5.4)
145.8
(2.5)
–

317.2
264.1
581.3
7.8
(392.1)
197.0

15.0
20.9
35.9
0.2
(22.5)
13.6

2021
£m
7.4
23.6
13.2

29.2
9.3
–
136.4
0.2
3.1

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc143

4. OPERATING PROFIT CONT.

The total remuneration of the Group’s auditor, KPMG LLP, for services provided to the Group during the year ended 31 December 2022 is  
analysed below:

Audit of the financial statements of the parent
Half year review
Local statutory audits of subsidiaries
Total fees payable to Group auditor

2022
£m
0.6
0.1
3.8
4.5

2021
£m
0.5
0.1
1.4
2.0

Included in the audit fee for the year ended 31 December 2022 is £0.5m in relation to the year ended 31 December 2021, which was billed 
subsequent to the completion of the audit. An amount of £1.5m in 2022 represents the estimated fee for additional audit work performed in the year. 
The total remuneration of the Group’s auditor for the audit in relation to the year ended 31 December 2022 was £4.0m (2021: £2.5m).

5. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
In December 2022, management agreed a plan to sell the Nuclear business as a result of a strategic decision to rationalise and focus the portfolio 
within the Specialist Technical division. At 31 December, the business has been classified as held for sale and is part of a single co-ordinated plan  
to dispose of a separate major line of business. It is classified as a discontinued operation.

On 3 March 2023, the Group announced that the entire share capital of James Fisher Nuclear Holdings Limited and related properties were sold to 
Myneration Limited, a wholly-owned investment vehicle of Rcapital Partners LLP for a consideration of £3. The Group has retained certain parent 
company guarantees which historically were given to support the obligations of JFN (see Note 31).

Results of discontinued operations
Revenue
Inter-segmental sales

Expenses
Loss before taxation
Income tax
Loss from operating activities after tax
Loss on remeasurement to fair value less costs to sell
Income tax on loss on remeasurement to fair value less costs to sell
Loss for the year from discontinued operations

Attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests

Cash flows from/(used in) discontinued operations
Net cash from operating activities
Net cash from investing activities
Net cash from financing activities
Net cash flows for the year

2022
£m
43.9
(1.1)
42.8
(50.1)
(7.3)
0.8
(6.5)
(13.3)
–
(19.8)

(19.8)
–
(19.8)

2022
£m
(3.1)
(5.0)
–
(8.1)

2021
£m
52.8
(1.1)
51.7
(51.8)
(0.1)
–
(0.1)
–
–
(0.1)

(0.1)
–
(0.1)

2021
£m
1.1
(1.1)
–
–

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022144

Notes to the financial statements cont.

5. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS CONT.

At 31 December 2022, the disposal group was stated at fair value less costs to sell and comprised the following assets and liabilities:

Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Assets held for sale

Trade and other payables
Lease liabilities
Taxation
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale

2022
£m
2.3
0.7
10.5
2.8
16.3

(13.7)
(2.2)
(0.3)
(16.3)

On transfer of assets to held for sale a £13.3m loss was recognised on remeasurement to fair value less cost to sell, consisting of impairments of 
goodwill (£8.1m), property, plant and equipment (£3.9m) and anticipated costs of disposal (£1.3m). 

The non-recurring fair value measurement for the disposal group before £1.3m costs to sell has been categorised as a Level 3 fair value based on 
the present value of cash flows.

6. GROUP EMPLOYEE COSTS
(a) Staff costs including Directors’ remuneration were as follows:

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
Share-based compensation

2022
£m
127.3
12.8
5.2
0.5
145.8

2021
£m
119.8
11.6
4.7
0.3
136.4

The total staff costs which were capitalised during the year amounted to £0.5m (2021: £0.4m).

The actual number of persons including Executive Directors employed by the Group was 2,526 persons at 31 December 2022 (2021: 2,704 
persons).

The average number of persons including Executive Directors employed by the Group is detailed below by function:

Production and Engineering
Sales
Administration
Seafarers

2022
Number
1,608
213
789
37
2,647

2021
Number
1,637
190
799
36
2,662

The Directors’ remuneration and their interest in shares of the Company are set out in the Directors’ remuneration report on pages 94 to 110. 
The amount charged against operating profit in the year in respect of Directors’ short-term remuneration was £0.9m (2021: £1.0m) in respect of 
emoluments and £0.1m (2021: £0.1m) in respect of pension contributions to defined contribution schemes. The number of Directors accruing 
retirement benefits were 2 (2021: 2). The charge for share-based payments in respect of Directors was £0.2m (2021: £0.1m) and aggregate gains 
under the exercise of options was £nil (2021: £nil). 

(b) Compensation of key management to the Group

Short-term employee benefits
Share-based payments

2022
£m
2.9
0.3
3.2

2021
£m
2.4
0.2
2.6

Key management personnel include the Board of Directors of the Company and other senior members of the management team. 

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc7. NET FINANCE EXPENSE

Finance income:
Interest receivable on short-term deposits
Finance expense:
Bank loans and overdrafts
Net interest on pension obligations
Unwind of discount on right-of-use lease liability
Total expense
Net finance expense – continuing operations

8. TAXATION
(a) The tax charge is based on profit for the year and comprises:

Current tax:
UK corporation tax
Overseas tax
Adjustment in respect of prior years:
  UK corporation tax
  Overseas tax
Total current tax
Deferred tax:
Origination and reversal of temporary differences:
Current year
  UK corporation tax
  Overseas tax
Prior year
  UK corporation tax
  Overseas tax
Tax expense on continuing operations

145

2021
£m

0.3

(6.3)
(0.1)
(2.1)
(8.5)
(8.2)

2022
£m

0.7

(8.8)
–
(2.1)
(10.9)
(10.2)

2022
£m

2021
£m

(1.2)
(6.3)

0.5
0.2
(6.8)

0.7
(0.3)

0.9
–
(5.5)

(0.7)
(6.0)

1.3
(0.3)
(5.7)

8.3
–

(0.6)
(1.2)
0.8

The tax expense excludes a tax credit from discontinued operations of £0.8m (2021: £nil).

The total tax charge in the income statement includes a further £0.1m (2021: £0.3m) which is stated within the share of post-tax results of  
joint ventures.

Prior year UK tax includes a credit of £7.9m, which represents deferred tax recognised on the timing differences created following the impairment of 
dive support vessels during the year ended 31 December 2020 and the Group’s current expectations regarding Dive Support operations.

(b) Tax included within other comprehensive income:

Current tax:
Foreign exchange losses on internal loans
Contributions to defined benefit pension schemes
Deferred tax:
Actuarial gain on defined benefit pension schemes 
Relating to derivatives

2022
£m

(0.4)
0.4

(1.7)
(0.7)
(2.4)

2021
£m

–
0.5

(1.0)
0.4
(0.1)

In addition, deferred tax of £nil (2021: £0.1m) was charged and £nil current tax (2021: £0.1m) was credited to the consolidated statement of 
changes in equity in respect of share-based payments.

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022146

Notes to the financial statements cont.

8. TAXATION CONT.
(c) Reconciliation of effective tax rate
The Group falls under the UK tonnage tax regime on its tanker owning and operating activities and a charge is based on the net tonnage of vessels 
operated. Profits for these activities are not subject to corporation tax. The tax on the Group’s profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount 
that would arise using the rate applicable under UK corporation tax rules as follows:

Profit/(loss) before tax 
Tax arising from interests in joint ventures

Tax on profit/(loss) at UK statutory tax rate of 19% (2021: 19%)
Tonnage tax relief/(expense) on vessel activities
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
(Over)/under provision In prior years:
  Current tax
  Deferred tax
Higher tax rates on overseas income
Non-taxable income
Impact of change of rate
Movement on unrecognised deferred tax

2022
£m
14.5
0.1
14.6
2.8
(0.8)
1.6

(0.7)
(0.9)
2.8
(0.8)
0.1
1.5
5.6

2021
£m
(28.9)
0.3
(28.6)
(5.4)
0.6
4.2

(1.0)
1.8
1.8
(0.3)
1.1
(3.3)
(0.5)

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes relate mainly to non-recurring items such as goodwill impairments, costs associated with business 
disposals, and losses made on business disposals.

The effective rate on the (loss)/profit before income tax from continuing operations is 37.9% (2021: 2.6%). The effective income tax rate on the 
underlying profit before tax is 28.4% (2021: 51.2%). Underlying profit before tax is included in Note 2. Over provision in previous years arose due  
to the timing in which certain transactions have been accounted for, rather than any correction.

9. DEFERRED TAX
Deferred tax at 31 December relates to the following:

Assets
Retirement benefits
Property, plant and equipment
Share-based payments
Derivative financial instruments
Losses carried forward
Temporary differences

Liabilities
Retirement benefits
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Derivative financial instruments

Group

2022
£m

–
3.3
–
–
6.4
1.1
10.8

(0.7)
–
(1.4)
(0.6)
(2.7)

2021
£m

0.5
4.0
–
0.1
3.4
1.6
9.6

–
–
(0.4)
–
(0.4)

Company

2022
£m

2021
£m

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
0.6
0.6

(0.8)
–
–
(0.6)
(1.4)

0.4
–
–
0.1
–
0.5
1.0

–
–
–
–
–

Within the net £8.1m deferred tax asset, £4.7m relates to the UK. The majority of this relates to tax losses and timing differences following the 
impairment of the Dive Support Vessels in 2020. The deferred tax asset has been recognised on the basis that management considers it probable 
that future UK taxable profits would be available against which the tax losses and timing differences can be recovered and, therefore, the related 
deferred tax asset can be realised. Assessments are based on the Group’s five year forecast, which is consistent with the information used to 
determine the Group’s going concern assessment. 

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc147

9. DEFERRED TAX CONT.

At 31 December 2022, the Group had unrecognised tax losses of £21.4m (2021: £37.3m). £16.3m (2021: £34.6m) of these losses can be carried 
forward indefinitely, and £5.1m (2021: £2.7m) will expire within the next 10 years. Deferred tax assets have not been recognised for the £21.4m tax 
losses because it is not probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the Group can use the benefits therefrom.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities included in the consolidated balance sheet have been stated according to the net exposures in each tax jurisdiction.

The gross movement on the deferred income tax account is as follows:

Balance at 1 January
Charged to comprehensive income
Charged to equity
Credited to income statement
Balance at 31 December

Group

Company

2022
£m
9.2
(2.4)
–
1.3
8.1

2021
£m
3.4
(0.6)
(0.1)
6.5
9.2

2022
£m
1.0
(2.3)
–
0.5
(0.8)

2021
£m
2.8
(0.5)
(0.1)
(1.2)
1.0

At 31 December 2022, the Group has no deferred income tax liability (2021: £nil) in respect of taxes that would be payable on the unremitted 
earnings of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. No deferred income tax liability has been recognised in respect of this temporary timing difference 
due to the foreign profits exemption, the availability of double taxation relief and the ability to control the remittance of earnings.

Deferred tax credited to the income statement in the year ending 31 December 2022 relates to the following:

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Deferred income tax credit

Group

2022
£m
(3.0)

0.7
1.0
(1.3)

2021
£m
4.6

(7.5)
(3.6)
(6.5)

10. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue 
during the year, after excluding 47,855 (2021: 54,571) ordinary shares held by the James Fisher and Sons plc Employee Share Ownership Trust 
(ESOT), as treasury shares. Diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to shareholders by the weighted average 
number of ordinary shares that would be issued on conversion of all the dilutive potential ordinary shares into ordinary shares.

At 31 December 2022, 1,759,740 options (2021: 650,513) were excluded from the diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares calculation 
as their effect would be anti-dilutive. The average market value of the Company’s shares for purposes of calculating the dilutive effect of share 
options was based on quoted market prices for the period during which the options were outstanding.

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:

Loss after tax attributable to shareholders

2022
£m
(11.1)

2021
£m
(27.8)

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022148

Notes to the financial statements cont.

10. EARNINGS PER SHARE CONT.
Weighted average number of shares

Basic weighted average number of shares
Potential exercise of share-based payment schemes
Diluted weighted average number of shares

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 

Earnings per share – continuing operations
Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 

Earnings per share – discontinued operations
Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 

11. DIVIDENDS PAID AND PROPOSED
There were no dividends paid or proposed in either 2022 or 2021.

12. GOODWILL

Reconciliation of carrying amount 
At 1 January 2021
Impairment
Disposals
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2021
Impairment
Disposals
Discontinued operations
Reallocation between CGUs
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2022

2022
Number of
shares
50,345,989
21,158
50,367,147

2021
Number of
shares
50,345,477
10,560
50,356,037

pence
(22.1)
(22.1)

pence
17.4
17.4

pence
(39.5)
(39.5)

JFD
£m
32.7
 – 
 – 
 (0.4)
32.3
 – 
 – 
 – 
 0.9 
 0.9 
34.1

Scantech
£m
23.4
 – 
 – 
 (0.5)
22.9
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 0.2 
23.1

Fendercare
£m
16.7
 – 
 – 
 – 
16.7
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 0.3 
17.0

Multiple
units without
significant
goodwill
£m
93.7
 (27.5)
 (3.9)
 (0.7)
61.6
 (4.4)
 (7.1)
 (8.1)
 (0.9)
 1.0 
42.1

pence
(55.2)
(55.2)

pence
(55.0)
(55.0)

pence
0.2 
0.2 

Total
£m
166.5
 (27.5)
 (3.9)
 (1.6)
133.5
 (4.4)
 (7.1)
 (8.1)
 – 
2.4
116.3

Details of disposals are provided in Note 26 and of discontinued operations in Note 5.

In 2022, the Group experienced projects in subsea operations in the EU being deferred or cancelled at short notice by customers, including projects 
that had been awarded to the Group. This led to a reduction in profitability in the Marine Contracting business in the EU (reported within the Marine 
Support operating segment). As a result of this, and of a more cautious outlook given this disruption, an impairment of £4.4m in relation to a CGU 
which is a business operation within the Marine Support segment was recognised in administrative expenses, resulting in zero goodwill remaining in 
respect of that CGU. 

In 2021, due to the continuing impact of COVID, a number of projects in our subsea and decommissioning operations were deferred or cancelled 
which led to a reduction in profitability. Based on the value in use calculations, impairments were identified in respect of three CGUs within the Marine 
Support operating segment and charges of £13.9m, £12.6m and £1.0m have been recognised respectively, resulting in a zero recoverable amount 
for one CGU and recoverable values of £7.4m and £3.0m respectively for the remaining CGUs based on their value in use.

During 2022, a subsidiary that previously reported its results through Marine Support operating segment moved under management of JFD.  
As the result, goodwill associated with that subsidiary was moved under JFD’s CGU. 

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc149

12. GOODWILL CONT.
Impairment testing for CGUs containing goodwill 
The headroom and the key assumptions used in determining the recoverable amount of each CGU, or group of CGUs, are as follows:

JFD
Scantech
Fendercare
Multiple units without significant 
goodwill
Total

Headroom
2022
£m
35.6
39.8
49.3

2021
£m
74.1
24.1
81.5

183.5
 308.2 

288.5
 468.2 

Discount rate 
(post-tax)* 

Five-year average 
revenue growth rate

Terminal value 
growth rate

2022
14.7%
12.9%
15.3%

2021
10.5%
10.0%
11.4%

2022
3.2%
7.0%
2.7%

2021
17.3%
2.0%
8.4%

14.1%

10.3%

12.8%

4.2%

2022
2.6%
2.6%
2.6%

2.6%

2021
1.8%
1.8%
1.8%

1.8%

*  The pre-tax discount rates are 0.8% (2021: 0.6%) higher than the post-tax rates stated above.

Headroom represents the difference between the recoverable amount and net assets, including goodwill, of a CGU. 

The individual carrying values for ‘multiple CGUs without significant goodwill balances’ amount to less than 10% of the Group’s total goodwill 
balance. The assumptions in the table above represent weighted average amounts. 

Key assumptions
The recoverable amount is based on a value in use calculation, which is determined by performing discounted future post-tax cash flow calculations 
for a five-year period and projected into perpetuity. For CGUs designated as assets held for sale/discontinued operations, the fair value less costs to 
sell is used. 

The five-year cashflow forecasts are based on the budget for the following year (year one) and the strategic business plans for years two to five. 
The five-year revenue growth rate is calculated as cumulative average growth rate over five years and is derived from the five-year plan which is 
prepared by management, and is reviewed and approved by the Board. The five-year plan reflects a combination of past experience, management’s 
assessment of the current contract portfolio, contract wins, contract retention, sales pipeline (including historic contract win rates), price increases, 
as well as future expected market trends (including the impact of climate change, where relevant), adjusted to meet the requirements of IAS 36 
Impairment of Assets. 

The forecast five-year revenue growth rate for JFD was assessed to be 3.2%, significantly lower than in 2021 and below the expected growth rate 
for the sectors of the defence market in which we operate. The reduction in JFD’s growth rate reflects the challenges the business experienced in 
2022 with several large contracts being delayed or cancelled and rectifications required for a long-term service contract.

Scantech CGU’s five-year growth expectation has been revised upwards to 7% reflecting the strong oil and gas and renewables markets in  
which this CGU operates. The Scantech CGU had strong performance in 2021 and 2022, delivering 18% and 23% revenue growth and 34% and 
52% operating profit growth in each of 2021 and 2022 respectively. The CGU has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver against budgets 
and forecasts. 

Fendercare’s five-year growth rate of 2.7% reflects the current and expected increase in the STS markets, in particular in LNG STS transfers where 
demand has increased in 2022. The growth projections are, however, lower than 2021 estimates mostly driven by the pressure from the under-
utilisation of fixed cost anchorages in Asia.

The growth rate for multiple CGUs without significant balance has increased due to exclusion of discontinued, sold and impaired CGUs which 
contributed low levels of growth to the 2021 rate, pulling the average down. The CGUs remaining in 2022 balances include CGUs operating in 
high growth industries such as renewables which are expected to have significant growth in the next five years. In particular, there is one CGU 
which operates in the maintenance and safety operations for offshore windfarms for which the five-year growth expectation is estimated to be 29% 
reflecting the high growth potential in the renewables market as a result of the UK energy targets for net zero and windfarms actively being built in 
both UK and surrounding waters (market growth rate source: 4C Offshore).

Cash flows beyond year five are projected into perpetuity using a long-term terminal growth rate in line with management’s long-term expectations 
for the prevailing rates of inflation which are sourced from Tradingeconomics website.

The cash flows are discounted at a post-tax discount rate which is based on the Group’s weighted average cost of capital (WACC) (pre-tax rate 
8.0% (2021: 3.1%), post-tax rate 7.2% (2021: 2.5%)), adjusted for CGUs’ specific country and business risks. The inputs used in the WACC 
calculation include risk free rate, equity risk premium and risk adjustment are based on information from third party sources. The increase in WACC 
from 2021 to 2022 is driven by both a higher cost of equity resulting from an increase in the risk free rate and the recent increase in the cost of 
borrowing seen in 2022. Country specific risk premiums, which are sourced from the publication by Prof. A. Damodaran, have also increased across 
most territories in which we operate.

The growth and discount rates are stated on nominal basis. 

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022150

Notes to the financial statements cont.

12. GOODWILL CONT.
Sensitivity to impairment
The value-in-use calculations were assessed for sensitivity to reasonably possible changes to assumptions. Sensitivities carried out across all CGUs 
were (1) increasing the discount rate by 2.0%; (2) increasing the discount rate by 2% and reducing operating profit by 10%; (3) reducing the terminal 
growth to zero; and (4) reducing operating profit by 25%. 

All of the CGUs with significant goodwill balances showed positive headroom in all of the scenarios. The sensitivities identified that the headroom is most 
sensitive to changes in the operating profit, which would need to be decreased by 33% for Fendercare, 35% for JFD and 47% for Scantech to give rise to 
a goodwill impairment in these CGUs. This is not considered a reasonably possible change given current market conditions and business performance. 

An additional sensitivity was run on JFD to reflect the removal of a large unsecured contract in 2024 and 2025. Positive headroom remained under 
this scenario. 

For one CGU without significant goodwill, the sensitivities identified that the headroom is most sensitive to changes in the operating profit, which 
would need to reduce by 21% to give rise to a goodwill impairment in respect of this CGU. For the CGU in question, such reduction is not 
considered to be reasonably possible due to its history of delivering its budgets and strong contract pipeline. All other CGUs without significant 
goodwill show no impairment under any of the scenarios. 

13. OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Group
Cost
At 1 January 2021
Additions
Acquisitions
Disposals
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2021
Additions
Transfer
Disposals
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2022

Amortisation
At 1 January 2021
Charge for the period
Impairment
Disposals
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2021
Charge for the period
Impairment
Transfer
Disposals
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2022

Net book value at 31 December 2022
Net book value at 31 December 2021
Net book value at 31 December 2020

Development
costs
£m

Intellectual 
property
£m

Customer
relationships
£m

29.2
1.5
–
(1.6)
0.1
29.2
1.2
(2.0)
(4.8)
0.1
23.7

18.8
3.9
1.7
(1.6)
(0.1)
22.7
2.3
0.2
(1.1)
(4.5)
0.2
19.8

3.9
6.5
10.4

9.8
–
0.7
–
(0.1)
10.4
–
–
(0.1)
0.2
10.5

5.2
1.1
–
–
–
6.3
1.2
–
–
(0.1)
0.1
7.5

3.0
4.1
4.6

18.7
–
–
(1.0)
(0.2)
17.5
0.1
(0.3)
–
0.5
17.8

13.6
2.4
–
(1.0)
(0.2)
14.8
1.7
–
(0.3)
–
0.3
16.5

1.3
2.7
5.1

Total
£m

57.7
1.5
0.7
(2.6)
(0.2)
57.1
1.3
(2.3)
(4.9)
0.8
52.0

37.6
7.4
1.7
(2.6)
(0.3)
43.8
5.2
0.2
(1.4)
(4.6)
0.6
43.8

8.2
13.3
20.1

Customer relationships relate to items acquired through business combinations which are amortised over their estimated useful economic life resulting 
in an amortisation charge of £2.1m (2021: £2.9m) charged to administrative expenses. Development costs relate to new products developed by the 
Group and intellectual property represents amounts purchased or acquired relating to technology in the Group’s activities. The related amortisation is 
charged to cost of sales. Based on an assessment of the recoverable amount using value in use, an impairment charge of £0.2m (2021: £1.7m) has 
been recognised within cost of sales in respect of development costs in the Marine Support division where the projects have been discontinued.

Included within £2.3m transfers at cost in 2022 is £1.4m of assets within the Nuclear business which have been reclassified to Assets held for sale 
(Note 20).

There was no research and development charged to operating profit (2021: £nil).

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc14. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Group
Cost:
At 1 January 2021
Additions 
Reclassifications
Disposals
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2021
Additions
Reclassifications
Disposals
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2022

Depreciation:
At 1 January 2021
Provided during the year
Provision for impairment
Reclassifications
Disposals
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2021
Provided during the year
Provision for impairment
Reclassifications
Disposals
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2022

Net book value at 31 December 2022
Net book value at 31 December 2021
Net book value at 31 December 2020

Assets 
under
construction
£m

Vessels
£m

Property
£m

Plant and
equipment
£m

137.9
5.4
(28.8)
(31.9)
(0.9)
81.7
4.1
0.3
(20.7)
0.6
66.0

82.6
5.1
3.5
(18.1)
(20.1)
(0.6)
52.4
5.8
(0.3)
–
(19.3)
0.3
38.9

27.1
29.3
55.3

4.1
3.0
(2.3)
(1.1)
(0.1)
3.6
9.7
(3.6)
(0.2)
–
9.5

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

9.5
3.6
4.1

35.7
0.3
1.2
(1.7)
(0.1)
35.4
0.5
(5.7)
(4.2)
1.0
27.0

13.6
1.7
1.6
–
(1.3)
(0.1)
15.5
1.5
0.9
(1.1)
(4.2)
0.6
13.2

13.8
19.9
22.1

215.2
10.7
1.1
(11.5)
(2.4)
213.1
13.1
(2.9)
(12.8)
4.5
215.0

138.5
16.8
–
–
(9.8)
(1.8)
143.7
16.0
0.1
(5.0)
(11.9)
2.8
145.7

69.3
69.4
76.7

151

Total
£m

392.9
19.4
(28.8)
(46.2)
(3.5)
333.8
27.4
(11.9)
(37.9)
6.1
317.5

234.7
23.6
5.1
(18.1)
(31.2)
(2.5)
211.6
23.3
0.7
(6.1)
(35.4)
3.7
197.8

119.7
122.2
158.2

Included in property, plant and equipment is aggregate interest capitalised of £0.7m (2021: £0.8m).

Reclassifications of £5.8m at Net Book Value (NBV) in 2022 includes assets reclassified to Assets held for sale – £4.2m (Nuclear Business) and £1.5m 
(JFD Singapore) see (Note 20). In 2021, there is £10.7m NBV being vessel transfers to Assets held for sale (Note 20).

Disposals during the year included £1.4m NBV relating to two vessels in the Tankships division as part of the wider fleet renewal strategy.

Restructuring programmes within the Specialist Technical division were completed during 2022 resulting in an impairment charge of £1.0m charged 
to cost of sales. Following improved market conditions and improving utilisation, there is a credit of £0.3m to cost of sales in the Tankships division 
on part reversal of a vessel impairment (2021: £3.5m charge related to Vessels).

Climate change impact was considered for the Vessel UEL’s and no adjustments was required.

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022152

Notes to the financial statements cont.

14. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT CONT.

The Group recognises operating leases rental income as revenue (see Note 3). Property, plant and equipment includes the following assets which 
provide rental income. The Group has classified these leases as operating leases because they do not transfer substantially all of the risks and 
rewards incidental to the ownership of the assets.

Group
Cost:
At 1 January 2021
Additions 
Disposals
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2021
Additions
Disposals
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2022

Depreciation:
At 1 January 2021
Provided during the year
Disposals
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2021
Provided during the year
Disposals
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2022

Net book value at 31 December 2022
Net book value at 31 December 2021
Net book value at 31 December 2020

Company
Cost:
At 1 January 2021
Additions
At 31 December 2021
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2022

Depreciation:
At 1 January 2021
Provided during the year
Provision
At 31 December 2021
Provided during the year
Disposals
At 31 December 2022

Net book value at 31 December 2022
Net book value at 31 December 2021
Net book value at 31 December 2020

Vessels
£m

Plant and
equipment
£m

–
0.9
–
–
0.9
–
–
–
0.9

–
0.2
–
–
0.2
0.2
–
–
0.4

0.5
0.7
–

38.4
1.4
(0.8)
(0.7)
38.3
1.8
(1.4)
0.4
39.1

22.5
2.5
(0.7)
(0.4)
23.9
2.5
(0.8)
0.2
25.8

13.3
14.4
15.9

Vessels
£m

Property
£m

Plant and
equipment
£m

10.5
0.1
10.6
–
(10.6)
–

7.8
0.5
2.0
10.3
0.2
(10.5)
–

–
0.3
2.7

2.3
–
2.3
–
–
2.3

1.6
0.1
–
1.7
0.1
–
1.8

0.5
0.6
0.7

3.5
0.2
3.7
0.3
–
4.0

3.0
0.2
–
3.2
0.2
–
3.4

0.6
0.5
0.5

Total
£m

38.4
2.3
(0.8)
(0.7)
39.2
1.8
(1.4)
0.4
40.0

22.5
2.7
(0.7)
(0.4)
24.1
2.7
(0.8)
0.2
26.2

13.8
15.1
15.9

Total
£m

16.3
0.3
16.6
0.3
(10.6)
6.3

12.4
0.8
2.0
15.2
0.5
(10.5)
5.2

1.1
1.4
3.9

In the prior year as a result of challenging market conditions and lower than expected utilisation an impairment review was conducted which resulted 
in an impairment charge of £2.0m. 

Disposals in the year related to a vessel, the Thames Fisher, which was sold yielding a £1.0m profit on sale, which is shown within cost of sales.

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc153

Total
£m

53.2
28.2
(2.6)
(0.4)
78.4
(3.1)
25.3
(3.7)
1.8
98.7

21.3
13.2
4.2
(2.0)
(0.1)
36.6
12.6
0.4
(1.3)
(3.1)
1.2
46.4

52.3
41.8
31.9

Vessels
£m

Property
£m

Plant and
equipment
£m

26.6
25.4
–
(0.1)
51.9
–
21.6
–
1.2
74.7

13.1
8.4
4.2
–
–
25.7
7.6
–
–
–
0.8
34.1

40.6
26.2
13.5

24.6
2.6
(2.1)
(0.3)
24.8
(3.0)
3.0
(3.6)
0.6
21.8

7.6
4.4
–
(1.5)
(0.1)
10.4
4.6
0.4
(1.2)
(3.0)
0.4
11.6

10.2
14.4
17.0

2.0
0.2
(0.5)
–
1.7
(0.1)
0.7
(0.1)
–
2.2

0.6
0.4
–
(0.5)
–
0.5
0.4
–
(0.1)
(0.1)
–
–

1.5
1.2
1.4

15. RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS

Group
Cost:
At 1 January 2021
Additions
Disposals
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2021
Reclassifications
Additions
Disposals
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2022

Depreciation:
At 1 January 2021 as reported
Provided during the year
Provision for impairment
Disposals
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2021
Provided during the year
Provision for impairment
Reclassifications
Disposals
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2022

Net book value at 31 December 2022
Net book value at 31 December 2021
Net book value at 31 December 2020

Additions during the year included a new vessel and renewal of leases within the Marine Support division.

During 2021, as a result of challenging market conditions and lower than expected utilisation an impairment review was conducted which resulted in 
an impairment charge to cost of sales of £4.2m for the vessels in the Marine Support division.

The Company had right-of-use assets in respect of leasehold property with a cost of £2.2m (2021: £2.2m), accumulated depreciation of £1.2m 
(2021: £0.9m). Depreciation charged in the year amounted to £0.3m (2021: £0.2m).

Reclassifications relate to the business classified as assets held for sale (see Note 20).

The income statement includes the following charges related to short-term and low value leases:

Short-term leases
Low value leases

2022
£m
0.2
–
0.2

2021
£m
0.2
–
0.2

At 31 December 2022 and 2021, there were no material cashflows which have not been included in the lease liability because it is not reasonably 
certain that the leases will be extended.

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022154

Notes to the financial statements cont.

16. INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATES AND JOINT ARRANGEMENTS
Details of the Group’s joint ventures and associated undertakings are set out on page 195. 

Investment in joint ventures
Loans to associate

2022
£m
6.2
2.5
8.7

2021
£m
6.0
2.0
8.0

Loans to associate relate to First Response Marine and further information is set out in Note 32.

The Group’s share of the assets, liabilities and trading results of joint ventures and associates, which are accounted for under the equity accounting 
method, are as follows:

Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities

Revenue
Cost of sales
Administrative expenses 
Profit from operations
Net finance expense
Profit before tax 
Tax
Profit after tax

Profit after tax:
Continuing
Discontinued

Segmental analysis of profit after tax:
Marine Support
Specialist Technical

Movement on investment in joint ventures:
At 1 January 
Provision against investments
Profit for the year
Dividends received
Share of fair value gains on cash flow hedges
Exchange adjustments
At 31 December 

2022
£m
15.5
16.8
(4.6)
(21.5)
6.2

13.0
(10.1)
(1.3)
1.6
0.2
1.8
(0.1)
1.7

1.6
0.1
1.7

1.1
0.6
1.7

6.0
(0.5)
1.7
(1.7)
0.4
0.3
6.2

2021
£m
9.8
17.5
(1.7)
(19.6)
6.0

11.4
(8.4)
(1.0)
2.0
0.3
2.3
(0.3)
2.0

1.9
0.1
2.0

1.4
0.6
2.0

5.5
–
2.0
(1.6)
0.3
(0.2)
6.0

There are no capital commitments or contingent liabilities in respect of the Group’s interests in joint ventures.

The provision in the year relates to an investment in the Specialist Technical division where the recoverable amount is below carrying value. The 
£0.5m charge has been recorded within administrative expenses.

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc155

17. FINANCIAL ASSETS
Group
Other investments

Other investments with a net book value of £1.4m (2021: £1.4m) in the Group and Company balance sheets are in unquoted entities, held at fair 
value and subject to annual impairment review. They comprise a 17.2% (2021: 17.2%) equity interest in ordinary shares in SEML De Co-operation 
Transmanche, an unlisted company incorporated in France, whose main activity is a port and ferry operator. In addition, the Group has a 50%  
interest in JFD Domeyer GmbH, a company incorporated in Germany which provides in-service support and aftermarket services to the local 
customer base.

Company
Cost:
At 1 January 2021
Additions
Net movement on loans to subsidiaries
At 31 December 2021
Additions
Net movement on loans to subsidiaries
Utilisation of provision
At 31 December 2022

Amount provided:
At 1 January and 31 December 2021 
Provided in the year
Utilisation of provision
At 31 December 2022

Net book value at 31 December 2022
Net book value at 31 December 2021

Equity investments (shares) 

Subsidiary undertakings

Shares
£m

137.1
3.2
–
140.3
0.2
–
–
140.5

0.4
25.7
–
26.1

114.4
139.9

Loans
£m

409.5
–
(22.6)
386.9
–
(3.2)
(40.5)
343.2

40.5
1.1
(40.5)
1.1

342.1
346.4

Total
£m

546.6
3.2
(22.6)
527.2
0.2
(3.2)
(40.5)
483.7

40.9
26.8
(40.5)
27.2

456.5
486.3

Investments in subsidiaries comprise equity investments (shares) stated at cost. A provision is made if there are indicators that the carrying value 
may not be recoverable. For initial impairment assessment, the value of the investment is compared with the net assets of the entities invested in.  
If the net assets are lower than the investment value, the Company estimates recoverable amount using value in use calculations for the entity and its 
subsidiaries using cashflow projections taken from the budget for year one and most recent five-year strategic plans for years two to five which are 
approved by the Board. Cash flows beyond year five are projected into perpetuity using a long-term terminal growth rate in line with management’s 
long-term expectations for the prevailing rates of inflation. The cash flows are discounted at a post-tax discount rate which is based on the Group’s 
WACC. The impairment assessment for equity investments is performed under IAS 36.

Within the table above, the £25.7m provision charge comprises a £20.0m write down in the Nuclear business following designation as held for sale 
and remeasurement to fair value less costs to sell (see Note 5). The remaining £5.7m relates to the sale of the Strainstall business’ UK operations 
(see Note 26). For the remaining overseas Strainstall businesses a value in use calculation has been performed with no further impairments 
considered necessary.

The key assumptions used in the value in use calculations are the same for the Goodwill CGUs, as detailed in Note 12. Where there is no goodwill 
associated with the underlying business, 5 year discounted cashflows have been calculated based on budgeted data for year one inflated for years 2 
to 5 at a 10 year average historic inflation rate of 2.6%, a terminal value has also been calculated based on the year 5 year cashflows inflated by the 
10 year average historic inflation.

As disclosed in Note 34, the Directors consider this to be a key area of estimation uncertainty. The value-in-use calculations were assessed for 
sensitivity to reasonably possible changes to assumptions. Sensitivities carried out across all CGU’s were (1) increasing the discount rate by 2.0%; 
(2) increasing the discount rate by 2% and reducing operating profit by 10%; (3) reducing the terminal growth to zero; and (4) reducing operating 
profit by 25%.

All of the investment balances showed positive headroom in all of the scenarios. 

The sensitivities identified that the headroom is most sensitive to changes in the operating profit, which would need to be decreased by an amount 
that is not considered a reasonably possible change given current market conditions and business performance. 

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022156

Notes to the financial statements cont.

17. FINANCIAL ASSETS CONT.
Group cont.
Loans to subsidiary undertakings 

Loans are advanced to subsidiaries as permitted in the Parent Company banking agreements. Each subsidiary loan has a formalised agreement with 
clearly defined terms and are interest bearing as determined by rates decided by Group Treasury which are reviewed quarterly. 

Loans receivable from subsidiaries are recorded initially at amortised cost and reduced by an allowance for expected credit losses (“ECL”) in 
accordance with IFRS 9. The assessment of credit risk and the estimation of ECL is probability-weighted and incorporates all reasonable and 
supportable information, including forward looking information, relevant to the assessment, including information about past events, current 
conditions and forecasts of economic conditions at the reporting date. 

Management’s definition of default is where the net assets or forecast cash flows at the effective interest rate (EIR) have nil headroom or less and 
therefore do not support the loan value. 

For each immediate subsidiary subgroup loan an assessment has been made to determine what stage the loan is at. If the credit risk of the loan has 
not significantly increased and if the loan is not already in default then a 12 month ECL has been calculated and hence estimated the probability of 
an event occurring in the next 12 months that would give rise to default (stage 1). If the credit risk has significantly increased or the loan has already 
defaulted, an impairment at life-time ECL has been calculated.

A significant increase in credit risk (SICR) is considered to be where headroom <10% of loan or deterioration in operating profit over last 12 months 
without a recovery plan. 

Base case discounted cashflows have been prepared for each immediate subsidiary subgroup with which the Company has a loan. The cashflows 
are discounted at the effective rate of interest (EIR) for the loans, include loans payable/receivable, including associated interest, to entities outside of 
the immediate subsidiary subgroup.

In preparing the cashflows it is assumed that where the immediate subsidiary subgroup or entity has loans receivable, if these are party to group 
support, these would be recoverable and therefore have been included in in the cashflows.

A number of probability weighted downsides have been prepared including reduction of underlying operating profits by 25%, increasing the EIR  
by 0.5% and reducing the terminal growth rate to 0 with appropriate probabilities assigned. Whilst some of these scenarios resulted in default, none 
of these scenarios resulted in a material ECL. Provision is made when the discounted cash flows results in a cash shortfall and there is no support 
expected to be received by the counterparty.

As a result of the work performed and based on the facts and circumstances described above an expected credit loss provision of £1.1m has  
been recognised.

A list of subsidiary undertakings is included on pages 192 to 195.

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc18. INVENTORIES

Work in progress
Raw materials and consumables
Finished goods

157

Group

2022
£m
10.1
11.2
28.5
49.8

2021
£m
6.5
12.5
30.0
49.0

Inventories are stated net of impairment provisions of £5.5m (2021: £6.9m). The cost of inventories recognised as an expense within cost of sales 
was £81.9m (2021: £72.7m).

There were no write down of inventories recorded as an expense in the year (2021: £1.0m). There was no reversal of any write downs in inventories 
in the year (2021: £nil).

19. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables
Amounts owed by group undertakings
Amounts owed by joint venture undertakings
Other non-trade receivables
Contract assets
Prepayments
Current trade and other receivables

*  See Note 1.

Contract assets
Other non-trade receivables
Non-current other receivables

Group

Company

2022
£m
68.7
–
1.5
18.2
45.7
14.1
148.2

2021
restated*
£m
64.3
–
1.8
21.1
55.5
10.6
153.3

2022
£m
–
3.6
–
17.2
–
1.4
22.2

Group

Company

2022
£m
0.6
0.1
0.7

2021
£m
–
4.1
4.1

2022
£m
–
–
–

2021
£m
–
0.9
–
5.4
–
0.6
6.9

2021
£m
–
–
–

Contract assets (current) reduced from £55.5m to £45.7m due to £7.8m transferred to held for sale (see Note 5) and also due to projects completed 
during the year within the Specialist Technical and Marine Support divisions.

Prepayments includes £4.2m (2021: £6.1m) relating to new build vessel deposits in the Tankships division.

Non-current other non-trade receivables includes £2.9m in 2021 related to new build vessel deposits which is classified within current prepayments 
in 2022.

20. ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE
In June 2021, management agreed a plan to sell the Dive Support Vessel (DSV) known as the Swordfish within the Marine Support division.  
During January 2023, the vessel was sold for £18.4m being proceeds less selling costs. At 31 December, a £5.4m reversal of impairment loss  
has been recorded in cost of sales.

£16.3m assets and £16.3m liabilities relates to the Nuclear business in the Specialist Technical division which was classified as a discontinued 
operation, see Note 5 for details.

£1.5m assets relates to land and buildings for a business within the Specialist Technical division.

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022158

Notes to the financial statements cont.

21. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
Current liabilities

Trade payables
Amounts owed to group undertakings
Amounts owed to joint venture undertakings
Taxation and social security
Other payables
Accruals
Deferred consideration
Contract liabilities

*  See Note 1.

Non-current liabilities

Other payables

Group

Company

2022
£m
42.6
–
0.2
4.9
14.8
51.4
–
8.5
122.4

2022
£m
0.5

2021
restated*
£m
45.0
–
–
6.7
10.4
66.8
1.6
9.0
139.5

2021
£m
1.3

2022
£m
5.2
12.4
–
0.9
3.0
5.7
–
–
27.2

2022
£m
–

Revenue recognised in the year of £0.5m was included in the contract liabilities at 31 December 2021 (2021: £3.5m at 31 December 2020). 

The reduction in the accruals to £51.4m was a consequence of a business classified as a discontinued operation and also timing of projects.

22. PROVISIONS 

At 1 January 2021
Provided during the year
Released to income statement
At 31 December 2021
Provided during the year
At 31 December 2022

Cost of material
litigation
£m
–
2.0
–
2.0
–
2.0

Warranty
£m
1.6
–
(0.5)
1.1
1.3
2.4

Other
£m
–
–
–
–
2.3
2.3

2021
£m
4.4
11.6
–
0.3
3.2
–
–
–
19.5

2021
£m
–

Group
Total
£m
1.6
2.0
(0.5)
3.1
3.6
6.7

Provisions in respect of warranties are based on management’s assessment of the previous history of claims, expenses incurred and an estimate 
of future obligations on goods and services supplied where a warranty has been provided to the customer. ‘Costs of material litigation’ are those 
arising from the process of exiting a number of historic joint venture companies. The Company has applied the exemption in paragraph 92 of IAS 37 
from disclosing further details relative to this matter. Further details have not been disclosed as this could be seriously prejudicial to the outcome. 
The timing of settlement is uncertain due to the legal process being outside of the Group’s control and we do not expect the outcome to exceed the 
amount provided. Provisions due within one year were £5.3m (2021: £2.0m) and provisions due greater than one year were £1.4m (2021: £1.1m).

Within the Specialist Technical division, some international customers require defence contractors to comply with their industrial co-operation 
regulations, often referred to as offset requirements. The intention of offset requirements is to enhance the social and economic environment of 
the foreign country by requiring the contractor to promote investment in the country. The offset requirements can be satisfied through purchasing 
supplies and services from in-country vendors, providing financial support for in-country projects, establishment of joint ventures with local 
companies (direct investment) and establishing facilities for in-country operations. It can also involve technology and technical know-how transfer.  
In the event contractors fail to perform in accordance with offset requirements then penalties may arise unless a negotiated position can be reached 
with the respective authorities. Offset obligations are calculated based on regulations, normally a fixed percentage of the revenue contract value. 
Similarly, penalties are calculated on standard methodology, normally a fixed percentage of the unfulfilled offset obligation. Offset contractual 
compliance is monitored separately from the revenue contract counterparty.

The Group has entered into foreign offset agreements as part of securing some international business. As at 31 December 2022, a provision  
of £2.3m has been recognised in regard to offset agreement penalties. The liability is expected to be settled over the next 24 months. 

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc159

23. RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
The Group and Company defined benefit pension scheme obligations relate to the James Fisher and Sons plc Pension Fund for Shore Staff  
(Shore staff), the Merchant Navy Officers Pension Fund (MNOPF) and the Merchant Navy Ratings Pension Fund (MNRPF) which are regulated 
under UK pension legislation. The financial statements incorporate the latest full actuarial valuations of the schemes which have been updated 
to 31 December 2022 by qualified actuaries using assumptions set out in the table below. These defined benefit schemes expose the Company 
to actuarial risks, such as longevity risk, currency risk, interest rate risk and market (investment) risk. In addition, by participating in certain multi-
employer industry schemes, the Company can be exposed to a pro-rata share of the credit risk of other participating employers. There are no plans 
to withdraw from the MNOPF or MNRPF schemes in the foreseeable future. The Group’s obligations in respect of its pension schemes at  
31 December 2022 were as follows:

Shore staff 
MNOPF 
MNRPF

Group

Company

2022
£m
5.5
(0.4)
–
5.1

2021
£m
(1.0)
(0.9)
–
(1.9)

2022
£m
5.5
(0.2)
–
5.3

2021
£m
(1.0)
(0.4)
–
(1.4)

Shore staff
The assets of this scheme are held in a separate trustee administered account and do not include any of the Group’s assets. The scheme was 
closed to new members in October 2001 and closed to future accrual on 31 December 2010. The most recent actuarial valuation was as at 31 July 
2019. It is valued every three years following which deficit contributions and the repayment period are subject to agreement between the Company 
and the Trustees. Funding arrangements are set out in the most recent triennial actuarial valuation report. Estimated contributions to the scheme in 
2023 are £0.5m. The weighted average duration of the Shore staff scheme is 11 years.

The Shore staff plan assets and obligations have been updated to 31 December resulting in a surplus being recognised. A surplus, when calculated 
on an accounting basis, is recognised when the Group can realise the economic benefit at some point during the life of the plan or when the plan 
liabilities are all settled and there are no remaining beneficiaries. Based on a review of the plan’s governing documentation, the Company has a right 
to a refund of surplus assuming the gradual settlement of the plan liabilities over time until all members have left. The Directors therefore take the 
view that it is appropriate to recognise the surplus. The recognition of the surplus is considered to be a judgement in line with IFRIC 14 (see Note 34).

MNOPF
The MNOPF is an industry-wide pension scheme which is accounted for as a defined benefit scheme. It is valued every three years and deficits have 
typically been funded over a ten year period. The most recent triennial actuarial valuation of the scheme was as at 31 March 2021 and no additional 
deficit funding was requested by the Trustees. Funding arrangements are set out in the most recent triennial actuarial valuation report. The respective 
share of the Group and Company in the net retirement benefit obligation of the MNOPF are 3.0% (2021: 3.0%) and 1.5% (2021: 1.5%) respectively. 
Disclosures relating to this scheme are based on these allocations which are reviewed and changes notified to the Company. Information supplied 
by the trustees of the MNOPF has been reviewed by the Company’s actuaries. The principal assumption in the review is the discount rate on the 
scheme’s liabilities which was 4.80% (2021: 1.85%). The disclosures below relate to the Group’s share of the assets and liabilities within the MNOPF. 
Estimated contributions to this scheme in 2023 are £0.4m which is represented by the deficit in the table above. The Company does not have an 
unconditional right to a refund of a scheme surplus. The weighted average duration of the MNOPF scheme is 10 years.

MNRPF
The MNRPF is an industry-wide pension scheme which is accounted for as a defined benefit scheme. The most recent actuarial valuation of the 
MNRPF was at 31 March 2020. A valuation will be performed during 2023 and a schedule of contributions agreed. Information supplied by the 
trustees of the MNRPF has been reviewed by the Company’s actuaries. The share of the Group and the Company in the net retirement benefit 
obligation of the MNRPF are 2.19% and 0.79% respectively. These allocations are reviewed and changes notified to the Company. The principal 
assumption in the MNRPF valuation is the discount rate on the schemes liabilities which was 4.80% (2021: 1.85%). Estimated contributions to this 
scheme are £nil in 2023. The Company does not have an unconditional right to a refund of a scheme surplus. The weighted average duration of the 
MNRPF scheme is 12 years.

In 2018, the Trustees became aware of historic legal uncertainties relating to changes to ill-health early retirement benefits payable from the MNRPF.

In order to resolve the issue the Trustee sought directions from the Court, and in February 2022, the High Court approved a settlement in principle. 
During the year, a £1.5m past service cost has been recognised within administrative expenses relating to the Group’s share of additional liabilities 
which have been estimated to date.

New issues were identified in 2021 in relation to the Fund’s administrative and benefit practices as part of the benefit review carried out by the Fund’s 
lawyers. The Trustee is undertaking further investigations and the potential quantum of these issues at the moment is uncertain.

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022160

Notes to the financial statements cont.

23. RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS CONT.
Actuarial assumptions
The schemes’ assets are stated at their market values on the respective balance sheet dates. The overall expected rates of return on assets reflect 
the risk free rate of return plus an appropriate risk premium based on the nature of the relevant asset category. The principal assumptions used in 
updating the latest valuations for each of the schemes were:

Inflation (%)
Rate of increase of pensions in payment – Shore staff (%)
Discount rate for scheme liabilities (%)
Expected rates of return on assets (%)
Post-retirement mortality: (years)
Shore staff scheme
Current pensioner at 65 male
Current pensioner at 65 female
Future pensioner at 65 male
Future pensioner at 65 female

2022
3.15
3.05
4.80
4.80

21.9
23.5
23.3
25.1

2021
3.40
3.25
1.85
1.85

21.8
23.4
23.3
25.1

The post-retirement mortality assumptions allow for the expected increase in longevity. The “current” disclosures above relate to assumptions based 
on longevity (in years) following retirement at the balance sheet date, with “future” being that relating to a member who is currently 45 years old.

The key sensitivities on the major schemes may be summarised as follows:

Key measure
Shore staff scheme
Discount rate
Rate of inflation
Rate of mortality

MNOPF
Discount rate
Rate of inflation
Rate of mortality

MNRPF
Discount rate
Rate of inflation
Rate of mortality

Change in
assumption

Change in
deficit

Increase of 0.5%
Increase by 0.5%
Increase in life 
expectancy of 1 year

Increase of 0.5%
Increase by 0.5%
Increase in life 
expectancy of 1 year

Increase of 0.5%
Increase by 0.5%
Increase in life 
expectancy of 1 year

Decrease by 4.8%
Increase by 3.9%
Increase by 3.5%

Decrease by 4.5%
Increase by 2.2%
Increase by 3.1%

Decrease by 5.4%
Increase by 2.0%
Increase by 2.1%

In determining the discount rate, assumptions have been made in relation to corporate bond yields and the expected term of liabilities. As noted 
above, a change in discount rate applied has a significant impact on the value of liabilities.

(a) The assets and liabilities of the schemes at 31 December are:

At 31 December 2022
Fair value of scheme assets*
Present value of scheme liabilities
Effect of asset ceiling
Net pension surplus/(liabilities)

At 31 December 2021
Fair value of scheme assets*
Present value of scheme liabilities
Effect of asset ceiling
Net pension liabilities

Group

Company

Shore
staff
£m
52.3
(46.8)
–
5.5

Shore
staff
£m
65.8
(66.8)
–
(1.0)

MNOPF
£m
65.9
(61.1)
(5.2)
(0.4)

MNRPF
£m
20.2
(18.3)
(1.9)
–

Group

MNOPF
£m
97.2
(87.5)
(10.6)
(0.9)

MNRPF
£m
29.0
(26.1)
(2.9)
–

Total
£m
138.4
(126.2)
(7.1)
5.1

Total
£m
192.0
(180.4)
(13.5)
(1.9)

Shore
staff
£m
52.3
(46.8)
–
5.5

Shore
staff
£m
65.8
(66.8)
–
(1.0)

MNOPF
£m
33.0
(30.6)
(2.6)
(0.2)

MNRPF
£m
7.2
(6.6)
(0.6)
–

Company

MNOPF
£m
48.6
(43.8)
(5.2)
(0.4)

MNRPF
£m
10.4
(9.4)
(1.0)
–

Total
£m
92.5
(84.0)
(3.2)
5.3

Total
£m
124.8
(120.0)
(6.2)
(1.4)

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc23. RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS CONT.
(a) The assets and liabilities of the schemes at 31 December are cont.
*  The Shore staff scheme includes the following asset categories:

Investment funds: Diversified alternatives (unquoted)
Investment funds: Liability driven investments (2022: quoted, 2021: unquoted)
Investment funds: Absolute return bonds (unquoted)
Investment funds: Asset backed securities (2022: quoted, 2021: unquoted)
Investment funds: other (unquoted)
Cash or liquid assets

161

2022
£m
18.7
12.6
12.8
0.3
4.9
3.0
52.3

2021
£m
24.3
11.0
12.9
14.6
2.0
1.0
65.8

The value of the Shore staff assets is determined by fund managers using principles of fair valuation as determined appropriate given the nature 
of the investment. During the year, the funds held in asset backed securities were re-allocated to liability driven investments and the total asset 
reduction is due to the decrease in market values of the assets.

For the MNRPF and MNOPF schemes, the value of the assets are projected by our corporate actuary using the generic accounting report as on  
31 March 2022 and is projected in line with market movement. The MNOPF and MNRPF schemes do not provide employer/participant specific 
asset details and do not provide details of assets as at year ends, therefore, the bifurcation of assets for these schemes at 31 December 2022 has 
not been presented.

The MNRPF and MNOPF contributions paid by the Group are not refundable in any circumstances and the balance sheet liability reflects an 
adjustment for any agreed deficit recovery contributions in excess of deficit determined using the Group’s assumptions. Other investments in the 
Shore staff scheme comprise diversified growth funds, liability driven investments, absolute return and private market funds.

(b) Expense recognised in the income statement 

At 31 December 2022
Past service cost
Expenses
Interest cost on benefit obligation
Return on scheme assets 
Interest cost on the asset ceiling

At 31 December 2021
Expenses
Interest cost on benefit obligation
Return on scheme assets 

Group

Company

Shore
staff
£m
–
0.1
1.2
(1.2)
–
0.1

0.1
0.9
(0.8)
0.2

MNOPF
£m
–
0.2
1.6
(1.8)
0.2
0.2

MNRPF
£m
1.5
0.3
0.4
(0.5)
0.1
1.8

–
1.3
(1.3)
–

–
0.4
(0.4)
–

Total
£m
1.5
0.6
3.2
(3.5)
0.3
2.1

0.1
2.6
(2.5)
0.2

Shore
staff
£m
–
0.1
1.2
(1.2)
–
0.1

0.1
0.9
(0.8)
0.2

MNOPF
£m
–
0.1
0.8
(0.9)
0.1
0.1

MNRPF
£m
0.6
0.1
0.2
(0.2)
–
0.7

–
0.6
(0.6)
–

–
0.1
(0.1)
–

Total
£m
0.6
0.3
2.2
(2.3)
0.1
0.9

0.1
1.6
(1.5)
0.2

The actual return on the Shore staff plan assets is a loss of £11.9m (2021: gain of £4.2m).

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022162

Notes to the financial statements cont.

23. RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS CONT.
(c) Movements in the net defined benefit liability 

Group

Company

At 1 January 2022
Expense recognised in the  
income statement
Contributions paid to scheme
Remeasurement gains and losses
At 31 December 2022

At 1 January 2021
Expense recognised in the  
income statement
Contributions paid to scheme
Remeasurement gains and losses
At 31 December 2021

Shore
staff
£m
1.0

0.1
(1.6)
(5.0)
(5.5)

8.8

0.2
(1.6)
(6.4)
1.0

MNOPF
£m
0.9

MNRPF
£m
–

Total
£m
1.9

0.2
(0.5)
(0.2)
0.4

1.3

–
(0.5)
0.1
0.9

1.9
–
(1.9)
–

0.2

–
(0.2)
–
–

2.2
(2.1)
(7.1)
(5.1)

10.3

0.2
(2.3)
(6.3)
1.9

Shore
staff
£m
1.0

0.1
(1.6)
(5.0)
(5.5)

8.8

0.2
(1.6)
(6.4)
1.0

0.1
(0.2)
(0.1)
0.2

0.6

–
(0.2)
–
0.4

0.7
–
(0.7)
–

0.1

–
(0.1)
–
–

MNOPF
£m
0.4

MNRPF
£m
–

Total
£m
1.4

(d) Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation are analysed as follows:

Group

Company

At 1 January 2022
Asset ceiling adjustment*

Past service cost
Interest cost
Remeasurement loss/(gain):
Actuarial loss arising from  
scheme experience
Actuarial (gain)/loss arising from  
changes in demographic assumptions
Actuarial gain arising from changes  
in financial assumptions
Net benefits paid out
At 31 December 2022

At 1 January 2021
Expenses
Interest cost
Remeasurement (gain)/loss:
Actuarial gain arising from  
scheme experience
Actuarial gain arising from changes  
in demographic assumptions
Actuarial gain arising from changes  
in financial assumptions
Net benefits paid out
At 31 December 2021

Shore
staff
£m
66.8
–
66.8
–
1.2

1.3

0.1

(19.5)
(3.1)
46.8

71.7
0.1
0.9

–

(0.1)

(2.6)
(3.2)
66.8

MNOPF
£m
98.1
(10.6)
87.5
–
1.6

MNRPF
£m
29.0
(2.9)
26.1
1.5
0.4

2.7

(1.4)

(24.6)
(4.7)
61.1

100.5
–
1.3

1.1

(0.1)

(9.0)
(1.7)
18.3

31.1
–
0.4

(3.2)

(2.3)

–

–
(0.5)
98.1

–

–
(0.2)
29.0

Total
£m
193.9
(13.5)
180.4
1.5
3.2

5.1

(1.4)

(53.1)
(9.5)
126.2

203.3
0.1
2.6

(5.5)

(0.1)

(2.6)
(3.9)
193.9

Shore
staff
£m
66.8
–
66.8
–
1.2

1.3

0.1

(19.5)
(3.1)
46.8

71.7
0.1
0.9

–

(0.1)

(2.6)
(3.2)
66.8

MNOPF
£m
49.0
(5.2)
43.8
–
0.8

MNRPF
£m
10.4
(1.0)
9.4
0.6
0.2

1.3

(0.7)

(12.3)
(2.3)
30.6

50.3
–
0.6

(1.7)

–

–
(0.2)
49.0

0.4

(0.1)

(3.3)
(0.6)
6.6

10.7
–
0.1

(0.4)

–

–
–
10.4

*  Adjusted to separate the asset ceiling – see (e) below.

0.9
(1.8)
(5.8)
(5.3)

9.5

0.2
(1.9)
(6.4)
1.4

Total
£m
126.2
(6.2)
120.0
0.6
2.2

3.0

(0.7)

(35.1)
(6.0)
84.0

132.7
0.1
1.6

(2.1)

(0.1)

(2.6)
(3.4)
126.2

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc163

23. RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS CONT.
(e) Changes in the effect of the asset ceiling are analysed as follows:

As at 1 January 2022
Interest
Change in adjustment in excess  
of interest
As at 31 December 2022

Group

Company

Shore
staff
£m
–
–

MNOPF
£m
(10.6)
(0.2)

MNRPF
£m
(2.9)
(0.1)

–
–

5.6
(5.2)

1.1
(1.9)

Total
£m
(13.5)
(0.3)

6.7
(7.1)

Shore
staff
£m
–
–

MNOPF
£m
(5.2)
(0.1)

MNRPF
£m
(1.0)
–

–
–

2.7
(2.6)

0.4
(0.6)

Total
£m
(6.2)
(0.1)

3.1
(3.2)

(f) Changes in the fair value of the plan assets are analysed as follows:

Group

Company

Shore
staff
£m
65.8
(0.1)

MNOPF
£m
97.2
(0.2)

MNRPF
£m
29.0
(0.3)

Total
£m
192.0
(0.6)

Shore
staff
£m
65.8
(0.1)

MNOPF
£m
48.6
(0.1)

MNRPF
£m
10.4
(0.1)

Total
£m
124.8
(0.3)

1.2

1.8

0.5

3.5

1.2

0.9

0.1

2.2

At 1 January 2022
Expenses
Return on scheme assets recorded  
in interest
Remeasurement loss/(gain):
Return on plan assets excluding  
interest income
Contributions by employer
Net benefits paid out
At 31 December 2022

At 1 January 2021
Return on scheme assets recorded  
in interest
Remeasurement loss/(gain):
Return on plan assets excluding  
interest income
Contributions by employer
Net benefits paid out
At 31 December 2021

(13.1)
1.6
(3.1)
52.3

62.9

0.8

3.7
1.6
(3.2)
65.8

(28.7)
0.5
(4.7)
65.9

99.2

1.3

(3.3)
0.5
(0.5)
97.2

(7.3)
–
(1.7)
20.2

(49.1)
2.1
(9.5)
138.4

30.9

193.0

0.4

2.5

(2.3)
0.2
(0.2)
29.0

(1.9)
2.3
(3.9)
192.0

(13.1)
1.6
(3.1)
52.3

62.9

0.8

3.7
1.6
(3.2)
65.8

(14.3)
0.2
(2.3)
33.0

49.7

0.6

(1.7)
0.2
(0.2)
48.6

(g) History of experience gains and losses

Shore staff
Fair value of scheme assets
Defined benefit obligation
Surplus/(deficit) in scheme
Remeasurement gain/(loss):
Return on plan assets excluding interest income
Remeasurement (loss)/gain on scheme liabilities

MNOPF
Group
Fair value of scheme assets
Defined benefit obligation
Asset ceiling
Deficit in scheme

2022
£m
52.3
(46.8)
5.5

(13.1)
(18.1)

2022
£m
65.9
(61.1)
(5.2)
(0.4)

2021
£m
65.8
(66.8)
(1.0)

3.7
(2.7)

2021
£m
97.2
(98.1)
–
(0.9)

2020
£m
62.9
(71.7)
(8.8)

5.7
14.7

2020
£m
99.2
(100.5)
–
(1.3)

(2.7)
–
(0.5)
7.2

(30.1)
1.8
(5.9)
92.5

10.6

123.2

0.1

1.5

(0.4)
0.1
–
10.4

2019
£m
58.9
(59.3)
(0.4)

6.5
2.2

2019
£m
103.8
(107.2)
–
(3.4)

1.6
1.9
(3.4)
124.8

2018
£m
53.3
(57.9)
(4.6)

(1.7)
(0.3)

2018
£m
103.7
(108.8)
–
(5.1)

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022164

Notes to the financial statements cont.

23. RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS CONT.
(g) History of experience gains and losses cont.

MNOPF
Company
Fair value of scheme assets
Defined benefit obligation
Asset ceiling
Deficit in scheme

MNRPF
Group
Fair value of scheme assets
Defined benefit obligation
Asset ceiling
Deficit in scheme

MNRPF
Company
Fair value of scheme assets
Defined benefit obligation
Asset ceiling
Deficit in scheme

2022
£m
33.0
(30.6)
(2.6)
(0.2)

2022
£m
20.2
(18.3)
(1.9)
–

2022
£m
7.2
(6.6)
(0.6)
–

2021
£m
48.6
(49.0)
–
(0.4)

2021
£m
29.0
(29.0)
–
–

2021
£m
10.4
(10.4)
–
–

2020
£m
49.7
(50.3)
–
(0.6)

2020
£m
30.9
(31.1)
–
(0.2)

2020
£m
10.6
(10.7)
–
(0.1)

2019
£m
52.0
(54.2)
–
(2.2)

2019
£m
28.7
(30.7)
–
(2.0)

2019
£m
9.6
(10.4)
–
(0.8)

2018
£m
52.5
(56.1)
–
(3.6)

2018
£m
24.9
(31.3)
–
(6.4)

2018
£m
8.6
(10.9)
–
(2.3)

The cumulative amount of actuarial gains and losses relating to all schemes recognised since 1 January 2004 in the Group and Company statement 
of comprehensive income is a loss of £45.1m (2021: £52.2m). 

(h) Defined contribution schemes 
The Group operates a number of defined contribution schemes. The pension charge for the year for these arrangements is equal to the contributions 
paid and was £5.0m (2021: £4.7m).

During the year the Company contributed £0.5m (2021: £0.5m) into defined contribution schemes.

24. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
The Group operates a Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) in respect of Executive Directors and certain senior employees and details are set out in the 
Director’s remuneration report on pages 94 to 110. It also operates a Sharesave scheme (Sharesave) for eligible employees which is HM Revenue 
and Customs approved.

The Group recognised an expense in respect of equity-settled share-based payments of £0.5m (2021: £0.3m), Company £0.5m (2021: £0.3m) 
during the year. 

The weighted average exercise prices (WAEP) and movements in share options during the year are as follows:

Group
Outstanding at 1 January
Granted during the year
Forfeited during the year
Exercised
Outstanding at 31 December
Exercisable at 31 December 

2022
Number
284,653
640,834
(247,836)
–
677,651
12,154

Sharesave scheme

WAEP
£10.67
£3.24
£8.57
£0.00
£4.41
£14.09

2021
Number
449,898
70,868
(138,703)
(97,410)
284,653
44,428

LTIP awards
2022
Number
386,413
1,242,218
(244,807)
–
1,383,824
–

2021
Number
309,021
193,115
(115,723)
–
386,413
–

WAEP
£9.86
£11.06
£11.91
£5.44
£10.67
£8.19

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc165

24. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS CONT.
Sharesave scheme
All employees, subject to the discretion of the Remuneration Committee, may apply for share options under an employee save as you earn plan 
which may from time to time be offered by the Company. An individual’s participation is limited so that the aggregate price payable for shares under 
option at any time does not exceed the statutory limit. Options granted under the plans will normally be exercisable if the employee remains in 
employment and any other conditions set by the Remuneration Committee have been satisfied. Options are normally exercisable at the end of the 
related savings contract but early exercise is permitted in certain limited circumstances. The performance period will not normally be less than three 
and a half years or greater than seven and a half years. Awards were made of 640,834 options under this scheme on 11 April 2022.

No options were exercised in 2022 or 2021. For the sharesave options outstanding at 31 December 2022, the weighted average remaining 
contractual life is 2 years and 10 months (2021: 2 year and 6 months). The weighted average fair value of options granted during the year was £1.25 
(2021: £2.95). The range of exercise prices for options outstanding at the end of the year was £3.24 – £20.98 (2021: £10.22 – £20.98). The fair 
value of share-based payments has been estimated using the Black-Scholes model for the Sharesave.

LTIP awards scheme
LTIP awards are granted in the form of a conditional share award to certain employees. Vesting requirements for this scheme are set out within the 
Directors’ remuneration report on page 104. The 2022 LTIP awards have been granted over 926,337 ordinary shares of 25p each.

A ‘reset share award’ was made in May 2022 to certain employees as part of the Company’s reset, reinforce and realise strategy. A restricted share 
award (structured as a conditional award of shares) has been granted over 180,365 (2021: nil) ordinary shares of 25p each.

As described in the Directors remuneration report on pages 104 and 105, a restricted share award (structured as a conditional award of shares) over 
135,516 ordinary shares of 25p each was granted to Mr Vernet (CEO) on 13 September 2022.

No options were exercised in 2022 or 2021. For LTIP awards the weighted average remaining contractual life is 2 years and nil months (2021: 1 year 
and 9 months). The weighted average fair value of options granted during the year was £3.32 (2021: £9.27). The fair value of share-based payments 
has been estimated using the Black-Scholes model for the earnings per share element of the LTIP. The fair value of share-based payments relating to 
the total shareholder return element of the LTIP has been estimated using the Monte Carlo model.

Company
Outstanding at 1 January
Granted during the year
Forfeited during the year
Exercised
Outstanding at 31 December
Exercisable at 31 December 

2022
Number
66,100
55,811
(49,013)
–
72,898
12,154

Sharesave scheme

WAEP
£9.15
£3.24
£7.57
£0.00
£5.55
£14.09

2021
Number
166,276
5,952
(8,718)
(97,410)
66,100
44,428

LTIP awards
2022
Number
246,450
590,599
(192,223)
–
644,826
–

2021
Number
196,441
121,253
(71,244)
–
246,450
–

WAEP
£7.03
£11.06
£11.49
£5.44
£9.15
£8.19

Sharesave scheme
In 2021, the weighted average share price at the date of exercise for the Sharesave options was £11.25, no options were exercised in 2022. For 
the share options outstanding at 31 December 2022, the weighted average remaining contractual life is 2 year and 10 months (2021: 2 year and 
6 months). The weighted average fair value of options granted during the year was £1.24 (2021: £2.92). The range of exercise prices for options 
outstanding at the end of the year was £3.24 – £20.98 (2021: £10.22 – £20.98). The fair value of share-based payments has been estimated using 
the Black-Scholes model for the Sharesave.

LTIP scheme
No options were exercised in 2022 or 2021. For LTIP awards the weighted average remaining contractual life is 1 year and 9 months (2021: 1 year 
and 8 months). The weighted average fair value of options granted during the year was £3.27 (2021: £8.99). The fair value of share-based payments 
has been estimated using the Black-Scholes model for the earnings per share element of the LTIP. The fair value of share-based payments relating to 
the total shareholder return element of the LTIP has been estimated using the Monte Carlo model.

The inputs to the models used to determine the valuations fell within the following ranges:

Dividend yield (%)
Expected life of option (years)
Share price at date of grant 
Expected share price volatility (%)
Risk-free interest rate (%)

Expected volatility has been based on an evaluation of the historical volatility of the Company’s share price.

2022
1.6%
3 – 7
£3.72 – £3.80
40.0%
1.60% – 1.76%

2021
1.6%
3 – 7
£10.74 – £11.04
40.0%
0.14% – 0.39%

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022166

Notes to the financial statements cont.

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc25. BUSINESS COMBINATIONSYear ended 31 December 2022On 1 March, James Fisher Subtech Group Limited paid £0.2m to buy back shares in Subtech Offshore Services Nigeria Ltd (SOSN) in Marine Support, from a third party. The Group previously consolidated SOSN as a subsidiary in accordance with IFRS 10, following the transaction the accounting treatment remained unchanged and the impact of the change in ownership interest is recorded within equity (see Consolidated statement of changes in equity).On 22 August, James Fisher Servicos Empresariais Ltda paid £1.3m to acquire an additional 30% shares in Servicos Maritimos Continental S.A (Continental) in Marine Support, thereby increasing its ownership to 90%. The Group previously consolidated Continental as a subsidiary  in accordance with IFRS 10, following the transaction the accounting treatment remained unchanged and the impact of the change in ownership interest is recorded within equity (see Consolidated statement of changes in equity).Year ended 31 December 2021On 2 June, the Group purchased Subsea Engenuity Ltd for a consideration of up to £0.7m. £0.4m was paid on completion with a further £0.3m  of deferred consideration. Subsea Engenuity’s innovative technology significantly reduces risk in well abandonment operations and is expected  to be launched commercially in 2022. The acquired assets includes £0.7m intangible assets.On 7 July, JF Overseas Ltd purchased an additional 51% shares in James Fisher Nigeria Ltd, thereby increasing its ownership to 100%.  This transaction did not result in a change of control and is recorded within equity.26. DISPOSAL OF BUSINESSESYear ended 31 December 2022On 19 December 2022, the Group disposed of its 100% shareholding in Strainstall UK Ltd from its Marine Support division to BES Group for £9.4m cash consideration. The assets and liabilities disposed were as follows:£mConsideration received9.4less net assets disposed:Goodwill(3.0)Property, plant and equipment(0.2)Right-of-use assets(0.3)Inventories(2.4)Trade and other receivables(2.9)Cash and cash equivalents(0.6)Trade and other payables1.5Lease liabilities0.4Net assets disposed(7.5)Costs in relation to businesses sold(0.9)Gain on disposal1.0Cash flow from the disposal of businessesCash received9.4Cash and cash equivalents disposed(0.6)Costs in relation to businesses sold(0.9)7.926. DISPOSAL OF BUSINESSES CONT.
Year ended 31 December 2022 cont.
On 19 December 2022, the Group disposed of its 100% shareholding in Prolec Ltd from its Marine Support division to Kinshofer GmbH, part  
of Lifco AB for £4.9m cash consideration. The assets and liabilities disposed were as follows:

Consideration received
Less net assets disposed:
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other payables
Net assets disposed
Costs in relation to businesses sold
Gain on disposal

Cash flow from the disposal of businesses
Cash received
Cash and cash equivalents disposed
Costs in relation to businesses sold

167

£m
4.9

(1.0)
(0.1)
(1.1)
(1.2)
(0.5)
0.9
(3.0)
(0.4)
1.5

4.9
(0.5)
(0.4)
4.0

On 19 December 2022, the Group disposed of its 100% shareholding in James Fisher Mimic Ltd from its Marine Support division to BES Group for 
£4.2m cash consideration. The assets and liabilities disposed were as follows:

Consideration received
Less net assets disposed:
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other payables
Net assets disposed
Costs in relation to businesses sold
Gain on disposal

Cash flow from the disposal of businesses
Cash received
Cash and cash equivalents disposed
Costs in relation to businesses sold

The total gains on disposal of £2.5m are included within administrative expenses. The above disposals do not meet the IFRS 5 criteria for 
discontinued operations.

£m
4.2

(3.0)
(0.1)
(0.7)
(0.5)
0.6
(3.7)
(0.5)
–

4.2
(0.5)
(0.5)
3.2

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022168

Notes to the financial statements cont.

26. DISPOSAL OF BUSINESSES CONT.
Year ended 31 December 2021
On 2 November 2021, the Group disposed of its 100% shareholding in James Fisher Testing Services Ltd from its Marine Support division to 
Phenna Group for £5.7m cash consideration. The assets and liabilities disposed were as follows:

Consideration received
less net assets disposed:
Goodwill
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other payables
Lease liabilities
Net assets disposed
Costs in relation to businesses sold
Gain on disposal

Cash flow from the disposal of businesses
Cash received
Cash and cash equivalents disposed
Costs in relation to businesses sold

£m
5.7

(3.9)
(0.2)
(0.2)
(1.1)
(0.2)
0.5
0.2
(4.9)
(0.3)
0.5

5.7
(0.2)
(0.3)
5.2

On 31 December 2021, the Group disposed of its 100% shareholding in James Fisher NDT Ltd from its Marine Support division to Irisndt Ltd for 
£1.2m cash consideration. The assets and liabilities disposed were as follows:

Consideration received
less net assets disposed:
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other payables
Lease liabilities
Net assets disposed
Costs in relation to businesses sold
Loss on disposal

Cash flow from the disposal of businesses
Cash received
Cash and cash equivalents disposed
Costs in relation to businesses sold

£m
1.2

(1.0)
(0.6)
(1.2)
(0.1)
0.5
0.7
(1.7)
(0.2)
(0.7)

1.2
(0.1)
(0.2)
0.9

On 16 November 2021, Subtech Group Holdings Pty Ltd sold 51% of its 100% shareholding in Subtech South Africa Pty to Thembani Shipping Pty 
Ltd (21%) and Tacenda Consulting Pty Ltd (30%). Cash proceeds were £0.2m and costs of disposal were £0.1m.

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc27. LOANS AND BORROWINGS
Current liabilities

Overdrafts
Bank loans
Lease liabilities

Non-current liabilities 

Bank loans
Lease liabilities

Bank loans 
Loans analysed by currency are repayable as follows:

At 31 December 2022

Currency
Due within one year
Due between one and two years

At 31 December 2021 

Currency
Due within one year
Due between one and two years
Due between two and five years

169

2021
£m
20.3
–
0.2
20.5

2021
£m
173.9
1.4
175.3

GBP
45.3
121.8
167.1

GBP
20.3
39.0
134.9
194.2

Group

Company

2022
£m
30.8
36.6
13.2
80.6

2021
£m
33.5
0.1
9.9
43.5

2022
£m
8.7
36.6
0.2
45.5

Group

Company

2022
£m
121.8
39.7
161.5

2021
£m
173.9
36.1
210.0

2022
£m
121.8
1.3
123.1

Group

Company

GBP
67.4
121.8
189.2

Group

GBP
33.5
39.0
134.9
207.4

BRL
–
–
–

BRL
0.1
–
–
0.1

Total
67.4
121.8
189.2

Company

Total
33.6
39.0
134.9
207.5

The interest rates charged during the year ranged from 2.2% to 5.5% (2021: 1.7% to 2.3%). There were no loans secured against the assets of the 
Group or Company in the current or prior period.

Cash and cash equivalents
For the purposes of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents comprise:

Cash at bank and in hand
Overdrafts

Group

Company

2022
£m
53.6
(30.8)
22.8

2021
£m
68.0
(33.5)
34.5

2022
£m
0.4
(8.7)
(8.3)

2021
£m
11.7
(20.3)
(8.6)

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022170

Notes to the financial statements cont.

28. RECONCILIATION OF NET BORROWINGS
Net debt comprises interest bearing loans and borrowings less cash and cash equivalents. 

Cash and cash equivalents*
Cash – classified within Assets held for sale
Debt due within one year
Debt due after one year

Lease liabilities
Net borrowings

Cash and cash equivalents*
Debt due within one year
Debt due after one year

Lease liabilities
Net borrowings

31 December
2021
£m
34.5
–
(0.1)
(174.0)
(174.1)
(46.0)
(185.6)

31 December
2020
£m
13.5
(0.2)
(178.9)
(179.1)
(32.5)
(198.1)

Cash
flow
£m
(11.4)
–
–
16.6
16.6
14.5
19.7

Cash
flow
£m
20.9
0.1
5.8
5.9
13.7
40.5

Other
non cash**

£m
–
–
–
(1.0)
(1.0)
(17.8)
(18.8)

Other
non cash**

£m
–
–
(0.9)
(0.9)
(27.0)
(27.9)

Transfers
£m
(2.8)
2.8
(36.5)
36.5
–
–
–

Transfers
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–

Exchange
movement
£m
2.5
–
–
–
–
(3.6)
(1.1)

31 December
2022
£m
22.8
2.8
(36.6)
(121.9)
(158.5)
(52.9)
(185.8)

Exchange
movement
£m
0.1
–
–
–
(0.2)
(0.1)

31 December
2021
£m
34.5
(0.1)
(174.0)
(174.1)
(46.0)
(185.6)

*  As defined in Note 27.
**  Other non cash includes lease additions and finance expense related to the unwind of discount on right-of-use lease liability.

Transfers includes £2.8m cash and cash equivalents related to a discontinued operation (see Note 5).

29. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Capital management
The primary objective of the Group’s capital management policy is to maintain a strong credit rating and covenant ratios in order to be able 
to support the continued growth of its trading businesses and to increase shareholder value. The Group meets its day-to-day working capital 
requirements through operating cash flows, with borrowings in place to fund acquisitions and capital expenditure. At 31 December 2022, the Group 
had £88.0m (2021: £111.5m) of undrawn committed facilities.

The Group is required under the terms of its loan agreements to maintain covenant ratios in respect of net debt to EBITDA and net interest costs to 
underlying earnings before interest. The Group met its covenant ratios for the year ended 31 December 2022. The Directors have prepared forecasts 
of the cash flows for the subsequent 18-month period which indicate that, taking into account the factors noted above, the Group will meet its 
covenant requirements for this period. The total amount that it is able to borrow under existing revolving credit facilities was reduced to a maximum 
of £247.5m (2021: £287.5m).

The Group manages its capital structure so as to maintain investor, supplier and market confidence and to provide returns to shareholders that will 
support the future development of the business. The Group’s dividend policy is based on the expected growth in sustainable income streams after 
making provision for the retention of capital to invest in growth and acquisitions. In evaluating growth investment opportunities the Group applies a 
hurdle rate of a 15% pre-tax return on capital invested.

Capital efficiency is monitored by reference to Return on Capital Employed (Underlying ROCE – see Note 2.4).

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc171

29. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONT.
Capital management cont.
(a) Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. 
These arise principally from the Group’s receivables from customers and from cash balances held with financial institutions. The carrying amount 
of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure. There are no significant concentrations of credit risk within the Group. The Group’s 
exposure to credit risk is influenced mainly by the individual characteristics of each customer and the industry and country in which each customer 
operates. The Group has a number of large customers including Government agencies in the UK and overseas, major oil companies and other 
multinational corporations. The ten largest customers of the Group accounted for approximately 41% of Group revenue (2021: 22%). No customer 
accounted for more than 10% (2021: 5%) of Group revenue. New customers are subject to creditworthiness checks and credit limits are subject to 
approval by senior management. Goods are sold subject to retention of title clauses so that in the event of non-payment the Group may have  
a secured claim.

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date was:

Receivables 
Cash at bank and in hand
Interest rate swaps used for hedging:
  Assets
Forward exchange contracts used for hedging:
  Assets

Group

Company

2022
£m
127.2
53.6

3.8

3.1
187.7

2021
£m
147.3
68.0

0.1

0.1
215.5

2022
£m
13.9
0.4

3.8

3.1
21.2

2021
£m
6.1
11.7

0.1

0.1
18.0

Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on 30 to 60 days terms. At 31 December the value of trade debtors outstanding was:

Not past due
Past due 

Gross trade receivables are analysed:

Not yet due
Overdue 1 to 30 days
Overdue 31 to 60 days
Overdue 61 to 90 days
Overdue 91 to 180 days
Overdue more than 180 days

The movement in the provision for impairment of trade receivables is as follows:

Balance at 1 January
On disposal of subsidiaries
Provided in the year
Written off
Exchange differences

Group

2022
gross
£m
37.3
43.2
80.5

Allowance
£m
–
(11.8)
(11.8)

2021
gross
£m
40.6
42.4
83.0

Allowance
£m
–
(19.0)
(19.0)

 Group

Company

2022
£m
37.3
17.7
3.7
2.5
5.8
13.5
80.5

2021
£m
40.6
12.5
5.8
2.2
4.3
17.6
83.0

2022
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

 Group

Company

2022
£m
19.0
(0.2)
(0.3)
(8.4)
1.7
11.8

2021
£m
19.5
–
7.3
(7.8)
–
19.0

2022
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–

2021
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2021
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022172

Notes to the financial statements cont.

29. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONT.
Capital management cont.
(a) Credit risk cont.

The Group considers that the trade receivables that have not been provided against and are past due by more than 30 days are collectable based 
on historic payment behaviour and extensive analysis of underlying customers’ credit ratings. Based on historic default rates, used to inform our view 
of future expected credit losses, the Group believes that apart from the amounts included in the table above, no impairment allowance is necessary 
in respect of trade receivables. For debts overdue by more than 180 days and where the evidence suggests non-recoverability, the Company makes 
provision for impairment as the ECL is considered to be 100%.

Loss allowances for trade receivables and contract assets are measured at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses (ECL) based on 
the simplified approach. When determining whether the credit risk of a financial asset has increased significantly since initial recognition and when 
estimating ECLs, the Group considers reasonable and supportable information (both qualitative and quantitative) that is relevant and available without 
undue cost or effort. The Group assumes that the credit risk on a financial asset has increased significantly if it is more than 180 days overdue.

For contract assets, in the event of a contract issue, specific provision is made where appropriate.

(b) Liquidity risk 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Group manages its cash resources and 
borrowings to ensure that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities as they fall due but in a manner designed to maximise the benefit of 
those resources whilst ensuring the security of investment resources. The Group forecasts the profile of its cash requirements on a monthly basis 
and ensures that sufficient facilities are available to meet peak requirements which occur at predictable times in the year. The Group manages the 
maturity profile of its borrowings by maintaining a regular dialogue with its lenders and ensuring that it commences the renegotiation of facilities 
sufficiently early to allow a comprehensive review of its requirements before completion.

The Group’s revolving credit facilities extend over several accounting periods and fall due for renewal in different accounting periods ensuring that the 
Group negotiations with individual lenders follow an orderly process which does not expose the Group to the possibility of a significant reduction in 
available facilities in any single period.

The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities, including interest payments:

At 31 December 2022

Group
Non-derivative financial liabilities
Unsecured bank loans and overdrafts
Lease liabilities
Trade and other payables

Derivative financial liabilities
Interest rate swaps used for hedging
Outflow on forward exchange contracts 
used for hedging:

At 31 December 2021

Non-derivative financial liabilities
Unsecured bank loans and overdrafts
Lease liabilities
Trade and other payables

Derivative financial liabilities
Interest rate swaps used for hedging
Outflow on forward exchange contracts 
used for hedging:

Carrying
amount
£m

Contractual
cash flows
£m

Within 1
year
£m

189.2
52.9
122.9

(204.7)
(57.4)
(122.9)

(78.7)
(14.2)
(122.9)

1 – 2
years
£m

(126.0)
(12.0)
–

2 – 3
years
£m

–
(9.4)
–

–

(3.0)

(0.6)

(0.6)

(0.6)

(2.6)
362.4

(58.6)
(446.6)

(58.6)
(275.0)

–
(138.6)

–
(10.0)

£m

207.5
46.0
150.8

£m

£m

£m

£m

(221.0)
(53.1)
(150.8)

(38.9)
(12.5)
(150.8)

(44.2)
(10.6)
–

(137.9)
(8.5)
–

0.1

(0.3)

(0.3)

–

–

0.5
404.9

(33.0)
(458.2)

(33.0)
(235.5)

–
(54.8)

–
(146.4)

3 – 4
years
£m

4 – 5
years
£m

Greater
than 
5 years
£m

–
(4.9)
–

(0.6)

–
(5.5)

£m

–
(7.4)
–

–

–
(7.4)

–
(4.1)
–

(0.6)

–
(4.7)

£m

–
(3.9)
–

–

–
(3.9)

–
(12.8)
–

–

–
(12.8)

£m

–
(10.2)
–

–

–
(10.2)

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc173

2 – 3
years
£m

3 – 4
years
£m

4 – 5
years
£m

Greater
than 
5 years
£m

29. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONT.
Capital management cont.
(b) Liquidity risk cont.

At 31 December 2022

Company
Non-derivative financial liabilities
Unsecured bank loans and overdrafts
Lease liabilities
Trade and other payables

Derivative financial liabilities
Interest rate swaps used for hedging
Outflow on forward exchange contracts 
used for hedging:

At 31 December 2021

Non-derivative financial liabilities
Unsecured bank loans and overdrafts
Lease liabilities
Trade and other payables

Derivative financial liabilities
Interest rate swaps used for hedging
Outflow on forward exchange contracts 
used for hedging:

(c) Foreign exchange risk

Carrying
amount
£m

Contractual
cash flows
£m

Within 1
year
£m

167.1
1.5
17.4

(182.6)
(1.5)
(17.4)

(56.6)
(0.3)
(17.4)

1 – 2
years
£m

(126.0)
(0.3)
–

–

(3.0)

(0.6)

(0.6)

(2.6)
183.4

(58.6)
(263.1)

(58.6)
(133.5)

–
(126.9)

–
(0.3)
–

(0.6)

–
(0.9)

£m

194.2
1.6
7.4

£m

£m

£m

£m

(198.4)
(2.6)
(7.4)

(16.3)
(0.3)
(7.4)

(44.2)
(0.3)
–

(137.9)
(0.3)
–

0.1

(0.3)

(0.3)

–

–

0.5
203.8

(33.0)
(241.7)

(33.0)
(57.3)

–
(44.5)

–
(138.2)

–
(0.1)
–

(0.6)

–
(0.7)

£m

–
(0.3)
–

–

–
(0.3)

–
(0.1)
–

(0.6)

–
(0.7)

£m

–
(0.3)
–

–

–
(0.3)

–
(0.4)
–

–

–
(0.4)

£m

–
(0.9)
–

–

–
(0.9)

The Group is exposed to foreign currency risks on sales, purchases, cash and borrowings denominated in currencies other than Sterling. The 
Group’s risk management policy uses forward exchange contracts to hedge its transactional exposures. These transactional exposures are mainly to 
movement in the US Dollar and the Euro. The Group uses forward exchange contracts to hedge its transactional exposures. Most forward exchange 
contracts have maturities of less than one year after the balance sheet date. Forward exchange contracts which qualify as effective cash flow 
hedges are stated at fair value. The principal translation exposures relate to the US Dollar, Norwegian Kroner, Singapore Dollar, and Australian Dollar.

The Group’s exposure to foreign currency transactional risk in its principal currencies was as follows based on notional amounts:

Trade receivables
Cash at bank and in hand
Trade payables
Gross balance sheet exposure
Forecast sales
Forecast purchases
Gross exposure
Forward exchange contracts
Net exposure

USD
m
59.6
1.4
(7.3)
53.7
179.9
(65.1)
168.5
(81.8)
86.7

31 December 2022

EUR
m
3.0
(0.8)
(4.4)
(2.2)
7.2
(14.5)
(9.5)
0.2
(9.3)

NOK
m
0.1
–
(11.7)
(11.6)
–
(0.5)
(12.1)
–
(12.1)

SGD
m
0.1
1.9
(0.6)
1.4
–
–
1.4
–
1.4

AUD
m
0.1
–
–
0.1
–
–
0.1
–
0.1

NGN
m
91.7
34.0
(6.7)
119.0
411.7
(380.6)
150.1
–
150.1

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022174

Notes to the financial statements cont.

29. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONT.
Capital management cont.
(c) Foreign exchange risk cont.

Trade receivables
Cash at bank and in hand
Trade payables
Gross balance sheet exposure
Forecast sales
Forecast purchases
Gross exposure
Forward exchange contracts
Net exposure

USD
m
54.0
2.8
(8.2)
48.6
145.4
(55.1)
138.9
(44.7)
94.2

31 December 2021

EUR
m
1.8
1.5
(2.9)
0.4
9.7
(15.0)
(4.9)
0.2
(4.7)

NOK
m
–
0.1
(10.8)
(10.7)
0.7
–
(10.0)
–
(10.0)

SGD
m
–
0.7
(0.2)
0.5
–
–
0.5
–
0.5

AUD
m
0.3
–
(0.3)
–
–
–
–
–
–

NGN
m
107.1
9.4
(12.3)
104.2
333.0
(83.0)
354.2
–
354.2

Changes in the level of exchange rates will have an impact on consolidated earnings. The following table shows the impact on earnings of a 5% 
strengthening in Sterling against the Group’s key currencies. The obverse movements would be of the same magnitude. These amounts have been 
calculated by applying changes in exchange rates to the Group’s foreign currency profits and losses and to financial instruments denominated in 
foreign currency.

US Dollar
Other

2022

2021

Equity
£m
(1.9)
(0.3)
(2.2)

Income
statement
£m
(5.1)
0.1
(5.0)

Equity
£m
(2.4)
(0.4)
(2.8)

Income
statement
£m
(3.4)
–
(3.4)

Included within operating profit are foreign currency losses of £2.4m (2021: gains of £3.3m).

(d) Interest rate risk

The Group uses interest rate swaps to convert interest rates on certain borrowings from floating rates to fixed hedge exposure to fluctuations in 
interest rates. The interest rate profile of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities are set out in the table below:

Fixed rate instruments
Financial liabilities

Variable rate instruments
Financial assets
Financial liabilities

Group

Company

2022
£m

(0.1)

53.6
(189.1)
(135.5)

2021
£m

(0.1)

68.0
(207.5)
(139.5)

2022
£m

(0.1)

0.4
(130.5)
(130.1)

2021
£m

(0.1)

11.7
(194.2)
(182.5)

Where hedging criteria are met the Group classifies interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges and states them at fair value. Over the longer-term 
permanent changes in interest rates would have an impact on consolidated earnings. At 31 December 2022, a 1% change in the interest rate would 
have had the following impact:

Variable rate instruments
Interest rate swap
Cash flow sensitivity

2022
Income
statement
£m
(1.3)
0.5
(0.8)

2021
Income
statement
£m
(1.4)
0.7
(0.7)

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc175

29. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONT.
Capital management cont.
(e) Fair values

There are no material differences between the book value of financial assets and liabilities and their fair value other than set out below:

Group
Liabilities carried at amortised cost
Unsecured bank loans and overdrafts
Trade and other payables
Leases
Preference shares

Company
Liabilities carried at amortised cost
Unsecured bank loans and overdrafts
Trade and other payables
Leases
Preference shares

2022

Carrying
value
£m

(189.1)
(122.9)
(52.9)
(0.1)
(365.0)

(167.1)
(17.4)
(1.5)
(0.1)
(186.1)

Fair
value
£m

(192.6)
(122.9)
(52.9)
(0.1)
(368.5)

(170.5)
(17.4)
(1.5)
(0.1)
(189.5)

Note

27
21
27
30

27
21
27
30

2021

Carrying
value
£m

(207.5)
(150.8)
(46.0)
(0.1)
(404.4)

(194.2)
(7.4)
(1.6)
(0.1)
(203.3)

Fair
value
£m

(202.8)
(150.8)
(46.0)
(0.1)
(399.7)

(189.6)
(7.4)
(1.6)
(0.1)
(198.7)

Fair value has been determined by reference to the market value at the balance sheet date or by discounting the relevant cash flows using current 
interest rates for similar instruments. The fair value of the financial assets has been assessed by the Directors with reference to the current prospects 
of the investments and associated risks.

Fair value hierarchy

The Group classifies fair value measurement using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of inputs used in making measurements of fair 
value. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:

(a)   Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

(b)   Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or 

indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and

(c)   Level 3 – Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

Financial instruments carried at fair value as set out below:

Group
Financial assets measured at fair value
Forward exchange contracts – cash flow hedges
Interest rate swaps – cash flow hedges
Call option

Financial liabilities measured at fair value
Forward exchange contracts – cash flow hedges
Interest rate swaps – cash flow hedges
Financial liabilities not measured at fair value
Unsecured bank loans and overdrafts
Leases

Level 2

2022
£m

3.1
3.8
–
6.9

(2.6)
–

(192.6)
(52.9)
(248.1)
(241.1)

2021
£m

0.1
0.1
–
0.2

(0.5)
(0.1)

(202.8)
(46.0)
(249.4)
(249.2)

Level 3

2022
£m

2021
£m

–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–
0.8
0.8

–
–

–
–
–
0.8

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022176

Notes to the financial statements cont.

29. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONT.
Capital management cont.
(e) Fair values cont.

Fair value hierarchy cont.

Company
Financial assets measured at fair value
Forward exchange contracts – cash flow hedges
Interest rate swaps – cash flow hedges

Financial liabilities measured at fair value
Forward exchange contracts – cash flow hedges
Interest rate swaps – cash flow hedges
Financial liabilities not measured at fair value
Unsecured bank loans and overdrafts

Level 2

2022
£m

3.1
3.8
6.9

(2.6)
–

(170.5)
(173.1)
(166.2)

2021
£m

0.1
0.1
0.2

(0.5)
(0.1)

(189.6)
(190.2)
(190.0)

There have been no transfers between categories during the period. The fair value of interest rate swap contracts and forward exchange contracts 
are calculated by management based on external valuations received from the Group’s bankers and is based on forward exchange rates and 
anticipated future interest yields respectively.

Reconciliation of level 3 fair values

The following table shows the movement in level 3 fair values:

Balance at 1 January 2022
Purchase cost
Balance at 31 December 2022

Call option
2022
£m
–
0.8
0.8

During the year the Group entered into a call option agreement to acquire the business and business assets of a Company. Management has 
concluded that the Group does not have ‘control’ over the entity whereby it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with 
the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The £0.8m option payment which is included within Trade and 
other receivables, was in close proximity to the year end and represents the fair value.

Fair value hedges – Group and Company

At 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021 the Group did not have any outstanding fair value hedges.

Cash flow hedges – Group and Company

Forward contracts and interest rate swaps are included within “trade and other payables/trade and other receivables” in the Statement of financial 
position; in “effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges” in the Consolidated statement of other comprehensive income (OCI), and 
in “administrative expenses” within the Income statement.

The Group designates the spot element of forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge its currency risk and applies a hedge ratio of approximately 
50%. The forward elements of forward exchange contracts are excluded from the designation of the hedging instrument and are separately 
accounted for as a cost of hedging which is recognised in equity in the hedging reserve. The Group’s policy is for the critical terms of the forward 
exchange contracts to align with the hedged item.

The Group determines the existence of an economic relationship between the hedging instrument and hedged item based on the currency, amount 
and timing of their respective cash flows. The Group assesses whether the derivative designated in each hedging relationship is expected to be and 
has been effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged item using the hypothetical derivative method.

In these hedge relationships, the main sources of ineffectiveness are changes in timing of the hedged transactions.

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc177

29. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONT.
Capital management cont.
(e) Fair values cont.

Forward foreign exchange contracts

At 31 December 2022, the Group and Company held forward currency contracts designated to hedge future commitments in US Dollars and Euro. 
The terms of the contracts are as follows:

Sell
US Dollar $81.8m

Buy
Euro €0.2m

Maturity

January 2023 – December 2023

January 2023 – December 2023

Exchange
rate

Fair value
£m

1.23

1.10

0.5

–

At 31 December 2021, the Group and Company held forward currency contracts designated to hedge future commitments in US Dollars and Euro. 
The terms of the contracts are as follows:

Sell
US Dollar $44.7m

Buy
Euro €0.2m

Maturity

January 2022 – December 2022

January 2022 – December 2022

Exchange
rate

Fair value
£m

1.37

1.10

(0.4)

–

The foreign exchange contracts have been negotiated to match the expected profile of receipts. At 31 December 2022, these hedges were 
assessed to be highly effective and an unrealised gain of £1.5m (2021: loss of £3.3m) relating to the hedging instruments is included in equity.

In respect of the changes in the value of the hedging instrument of the forward contracts, a loss of £0.6m (2021: £0.3m loss) was recognised in 
the income statement and a gain of £0.8m (2021: £2.9m loss) in the consolidated statement of other comprehensive income relating to forward 
contracts.

Interest rate swaps

The Group and Company entered into interest rate swap contracts in respect of Sterling denominated debt to swap a variable rate liability for a fixed 
rate liability. These instruments have been allocated against the Group and Company debt in the tables shown above. Details of the contracts and 
their fair values at 31 December are set out below:

Sterling interest rate swaps

Amount

2022
£m
50.0

2021
£m
75.0

Maturity
29 October 2027

Fixed rate
%
2.1% – 3.1%

Fair value

2022
£m
3.8

2021
£m
–

In respect of the interest rate swaps, a gain of £0.3m (2021: expense of £0.5m) was recognised in the income statement, and a gain of £3.9m 
(2021: £1.0m gain) was recognised in the Consolidated statement of other comprehensive income.

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022178

Notes to the financial statements cont.

29. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONT.
Capital management cont.
(f) Market risk

The Group has the following derivative financial instruments in the following line items in the statement of financial position:

Current assets
Foreign currency forwards – cash flow hedges
Interest rate swaps – cash flow hedges
Total current derivative financial instrument assets

Current liabilities
Foreign currency forwards – cash flow hedges
Interest rate swaps – cash flow hedges
Total current derivative financial instrument liabilities

30. SHARE CAPITAL
Allotted, called up and fully paid

In millions of shares
In issue at 1 January and at 31 December

Issued share capital

Group

Company

2022
£m
3.1
3.8
6.9

Group

2022
£m
(2.6)
–
(2.6)

2021
£m
0.1
0.1
0.2

2021
£m
(0.5)
(0.1)
(0.6)

2022
£m
3.1
3.8
6.9

Company

2022
£m
(2.6)
–
(2.6)

2021
£m
0.1
0.1
0.2

2021
£m
(0.5)
(0.1)
(0.6)

25p Ordinary shares

£1 Cumulative 
Preference shares

2022
50.4

2022
£m
12.6

2021
50.4

2021
£m
12.6

2022
0.1

2022
£m
0.1

2021
0.1

2021
£m
0.1

The preference shareholders are entitled to receive 3.5% cumulatively per annum, payable in priority to any dividend on the ordinary shares. The 
ordinary shareholders are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time by the Directors.

Shares all carry equal voting rights of one vote per share held. They also have the right to attend and speak at general meetings, exercise voting 
rights and appoint proxies. Neither type of share is redeemable. In the event of a winding-up order the amount receivable in respect of the cumulative 
preference shares is limited to their nominal value. The ordinary shareholders are entitled to an unlimited share of the surplus after distribution to the 
cumulative preference shareholders.

Treasury shares
47,855 (2021: 54,571) ordinary shares of 25p 

2022
£m
0.6

2021
£m
0.6

The Company has an established Employee Share Ownership Trust, the James Fisher and Sons plc Employee Share Ownership Trust, to meet 
potential obligations under share option and long-term incentive schemes awarded to employees. The historic cost of these shares at 31 December 
2022 was £0.6m (2021: £0.6m). The trust has not waived its right to receive dividends.

No shares were issued during the year. In the year ended 31 December 2021, 26,738 ordinary shares with an aggregate nominal value of £6,685 
were issued to satisfy awards made under the Company’s Executive Share Option Scheme at option prices of 521.67p and 567p per share giving 
rise to total consideration of £530,055. 

The Trust purchased no shares during the year. During 2021, the Trust purchased 50,000 of its own shares in the market at an average cost per 
share of £9.87 and a total cost of £0.5m.

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc179

31. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Capital commitments
At 31 December, capital commitments for which no provision has been made in these accounts amounted to:

Group

2022
£m
6.0

2021
£m
1.6

Company

2022
£m
–

2021
£m
–

Contingent liabilities
(a)   In the ordinary course of the Company’s business, counter indemnities have been given to banks in respect of custom bonds, foreign exchange 

commitments and bank guarantees.

(b)   A Group VAT registration is operated by the Company and six Group undertakings in respect of which the Company is jointly and severally liable 

for all amounts due to HM Revenue & Customs under the arrangement.

(c)   Subsidiaries of the Group have issued performance and payment guarantees to third parties with a total value of £28.3m (2021: £33.5m).

(d)   The Group is liable for further contributions in the future to the MNOPF and MNRPF if additional actuarial deficits arise or if other employers liable 
for contributions are not able to pay their share. The Group and Company remains jointly and severally liable for any future shortfall in recovery of 
the MNOPF deficit.

(e)   The Company and its subsidiaries may be parties to legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of business, and can 

be material in value. Disclosure of contingent liabilities or appropriate provision has been made in these accounts where, in the opinion of the 
Directors, liabilities may materialise. 

As described in Note 22, the Group has entered into foreign offset agreements as part of securing some international business. The remaining 
contractual offset obligation at the end of December 2022 is £25m. The penalties which would be incurred if the offset obligation is not delivered, 
excluding those already provided, is estimated to be £4.6m. The contingent liabilities disclosed assume no change from the current contractual 
obligations. However, contract time extensions have been requested and plans are in place to mitigate the penalty risk as far as possible

There are no other significant provisions and no individually significant contingent liabilities that required specific disclosure.

In the normal course of business, the Company and certain subsidiaries have given parental and subsidiary guarantees in support of loan and 
banking arrangements and the following:

>   A guarantee has been issued by the Group and Company to charter parties in respect of obligations of a subsidiary, James Fisher Everard 

Limited, in respect of charters relating to 11 vessels. The charters expire between 2023 and 2032.

>   The Group has given an unlimited performance guarantee to the Singapore Navy in the event of default by First Response Marine Pte Ltd  

(its Singapore joint venture), in providing submarine rescue and related services under its contract.

>   As at 31 December 2022, the Group had provided a performance guarantee to a customer of James Fisher Nuclear Limited (JFN) in the 
event of default by JFN in performing its contractual duties and obligations for decommissioning works. Following the sale of JFN (see 
Note 5), these guarantees will remain with the Group although certain limited counter-indemnities have been put in place. The Group has 
also received certain limited undertakings and information rights in respect of the principal parent company guarantee remaining in place 
following completion. In the event that JFN defaults on its commitments under the contract, possible remedies available to JFN’s customer 
range from a financial settlement with the Group based on demonstrated losses, to contracting with the Group to complete the project. The 
Group is preparing a contingency plan should the latter scenario present itself.

There have been no amounts recognised during the year in relation to these guarantees.

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022180

Notes to the financial statements cont.

32. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Transactions with related parties
FCM businesses

The Group has interests of between 40% and 50% in several joint ventures providing ship-to-ship transfer services in Northern Europe and Asia 
through its wholly owned subsidiary, Fender Care Marine Solutions Limited.

First Response Marine

The Group holds through James Fisher Marine Services Limited (JFMS) a 50% interest in First Response Marine Pte Ltd (FRM). FRM provides 
submarine rescue services to the Singapore government under a 20 year service contract which commenced in March 2009. FRM subcontracts 
the provision of the submarine rescue service to James Fisher Singapore Pte Ltd. JFMS has also provided a loan to FRM of £2.0m to support its 
day-to-day operations. The loan which is included in the Group balance sheet as part of the investment in joint ventures is interest bearing and is 
repayable at the end of the project. Interest charged in the period amounted to £0.1m (2021: £0.1m). Dividends received or receivable during the 
period included in the results of the Group are £0.5m (2021: £0.5m). 

JFD Domeyer

The Group has a 50% stake in JFD Domeyer, an entity which provides in-service support and aftermarket services to customers in Germany.

Pleat Mud Coolers AS

The Group has a 50.1% stake in Pleat Mud Coolers AS, an entity which supplies mud cooling systems to the offshore oil and gas market. The 
interest is held through Scan Tech Norway AS who have provided a loan to Pleat Mud Coolers AS of £0.6m to support its day-to-day operations. 
The loan which is included in the Group balance sheet as part of the investment in joint ventures is interest bearing and is repayable on cessation. 
Interest charged in the period amounted to £0.1m (2021: £0.1m).

Wuhu Divex Diving Systems

The Group has a 49% stake in Wuhu Divex Diving System Ltd, an entity which manufactures advanced diving systems for the Chinese market.  
A provision in the year has been made to the investment, full details are set out in Note 16. There is no provisions made against amounts owed  
by related parties.

Mil Vehicles & Technologies Private Limited

The Group has a 49% stake in Mil Vehicles & Technologies Private Limited, an entity which provides services to fulfil the annual maintenance contract 
with the Indian government for the submarine rescue service.

JF Technologies LLC

The Group has a 49% stake in James Fisher Technologies LLC, an entity which provides specialist design and engineering services including the 
provision of remote control equipment to the North American nuclear decommissioning market.

Details of the transactions carried out with related parties are shown in the table below:

FCM businesses

First Response Marine

JFD Domeyer

Pleat Mud Coolers AS

Wuhu Divex Diving Systems

JF Technologies LLC

Company

2022
2021
2022
2021
2022
2021
2022
2021
2022
2021
2022
2021

Services to 
related
parties
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
0.5
–
–

Sales to 
related
parties
£m
0.5
0.6
–
–
0.3
0.6
0.4
0.3
–
3.9
–
–

Purchases
from related
parties
£m
0.5
0.7
–
–
–
–
0.2
0.2
–
–
–
–

Amounts
owed by
parties
£m
0.2
0.1
1.2
1.0
–
2.1
–
0.9
0.1
0.2
–
–

Amounts
owed to
parties
£m
0.1
0.7
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

The Company has entered into transactions with its subsidiary undertakings primarily in respect of the provision of accounting services, finance  
and the provision of share options to employees of subsidiaries.

The amount outstanding from subsidiary undertakings to the Company at 31 December 2022 was £345.7m (2021: £343.9m). Amounts owed  
to subsidiary undertakings by the Company at 31 December 2022 totalled £12.4m (2021: £11.6m).

The Company has had no expense in respect of bad or doubtful debts of subsidiary undertakings in the year (2021: £nil).

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc181

33. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
The principal accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise stated, been applied consistently throughout the year and the preceding year. 

In accordance with IFRS 5 ‘Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations’, the comparative income statement has been 
represented so that the disclosures in relation to discontinued operations related to all operations that have been discontinued by the balance sheet 
date (see Note 5).

33.1 Basis of preparation of the consolidated financial statements
The results of subsidiaries are consolidated for the periods from or to the date on which control has passed. Control exists when the Company 
controls an investee when the investor is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investees and has the ability to 
affect those returns through its power over the investee. This assessment is re-performed whenever there is a subsequent share purchase and a 
change in subsidiary ownership. Acquisitions are accounted for under the purchase method of accounting from the acquisition date, which is the 
date on which control is passed to the Group. The financial statements of subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the Parent 
company, using consistent accounting policies. All intra-group balances, transactions, income and expenses are eliminated in the consolidated 
financial statements.

Payment for the future services from employees or former owners are expensed. Any payments to employees or former owners in respect of the 
acquisition of the business are capitalised. This is carefully managed during the acquisition process so that former owners and/or employees do not 
receive any incentive payments during an earn-out period. 

Joint arrangements

A joint arrangement is an arrangement over which the Group and one or more third parties have joint control. These joint arrangements are in turn 
classified as:

•  Joint ventures whereby the Group has rights to the net assets of the arrangement, rather than rights to its assets and obligations for its liabilities; 

and

•  Joint operations whereby the Group has rights to the assets and obligations for the liabilities relating to the arrangement.

Associates

An associate is an entity over which the Group has significant influence, and which is not a joint arrangement or subsidiary. Significant influence is the 
power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee but is not control or joint control of those policies.

Any investment in joint ventures or associates is carried in the balance sheet at cost plus the Group’s post acquisition share in the change in net 
assets of the joint ventures, less any impairment provision. The income statement reflects the Group’s share of the post-tax result of the joint venture 
or associate. The Group’s share of any changes recognised by the joint venture or associate in other comprehensive income are also recognised in 
other comprehensive income.

Non-controlling interests

Non-controlling interests represent the proportion of profit or loss and net assets not held by the Group and are presented separately in the income 
statement and in the consolidated statement of financial position. Losses applicable to the non-controlling interests in a subsidiary are allocated to 
the non-controlling interests even if doing so causes the non-controlling interests to have a deficit balance.

Put options upon non-controlling interests are sometimes recognised arising from business combinations. An initial option price estimate is recorded 
within payables and a corresponding entry made to other reserves. 

On the acquisition of non-controlling interests, the difference between the consideration paid and the fair value of the share of net assets acquired is 
recognised in equity. Changes to the carrying value of the Put option are similarly recorded within equity.

Company investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures 

In its separate financial statements the Company recognises its investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures at cost. Income is recognised from 
these investments when its right to receive the dividend is established.

Discontinued operations and assets held for sale

Non-current assets, or disposal groups comprising assets and liabilities, are classified as held-for-sale if it is highly probable that they will be 
recovered through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. The assets or disposal group are measured at the lower of carrying amount 
and fair value less cost to sell.

A discontinued operation is a component of the Group’s business, the operations and cash flows of which can be clearly distinguished from the rest 
of the Group and which:

(a)   represents a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations;

(b)  is part of a single co-ordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or geographic area of operations; or

(c)   is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale.

Classification as a discontinued operation occurs at the earlier of disposal or when the operation meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale.

When an operation is classified as a discontinued operation, the comparative statement of profit and loss and OCI is re-presented as if the operation 
had been discontinued from the start of the comparative year.

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022182

Notes to the financial statements cont.

33. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONT.
33.1 Basis of preparation of the consolidated financial statements cont.
Applicable accounting standards issued but not yet adopted

IFRS 17 Insurance contracts has been issued but not yet adopted by the Group. IFRS 17 is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 
1 January 2023. IFRS 17 requires insurance liabilities to be measured at a current fulfillment value and provides a more uniform measurement and 
presentation approach for all insurance contracts. These requirements are designed to achieve the goal of a consistent, principle-based accounting 
for insurance contracts. IFRS 17 supersedes IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts as of 1 January 2023. The Group’s assessment of the impact for the 
Group is ongoing.

33.2 Foreign currency
Group

The financial statements of subsidiary undertakings are prepared in their functional currency which is the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which they operate. For the purpose of the consolidated financial statements, the results and financial position of each entity are 
translated into UK Sterling, which is the Group’s presentational currency. 

(i) Foreign currency transactions in functional currency

Transactions in currencies other than the entities functional currency are initially recorded at rates of exchange prevailing on the date of the 
transaction. At each subsequent balance sheet date:

(i)   Foreign currency monetary items are retranslated at rates prevailing on the balance sheet date and any exchange differences recognised in the 

income statement;

(ii)   Non-monetary items measured at historical cost are not retranslated; and

(iii)  Non-monetary items measured at fair value are retranslated using exchange rates at the date the fair value was determined. Where a gain or loss 
is recognised directly in equity, any exchange component is also recognised in equity and conversely where a gain or loss is recognised in the 
income statement, any exchange component is recognised in the income statement.

(ii) Net investment in foreign operations

Exchange differences arising on monetary items forming part of the Group’s net investment in overseas subsidiary undertakings which are 
denominated in the functional currency of the subsidiary undertaking are taken directly to the translation reserve and subsequently recognised in the 
consolidated income statement on disposal of the net investment. Exchange differences on foreign currency borrowings to the extent that they are 
used to provide an effective hedge against Group equity investments in foreign currency are taken directly to the translation reserve.

(iii) Translation from functional currency to presentational currency

The assets and liabilities of operations, where the functional currency is different from the Group’s presentational currency are translated at the period 
end exchange rates. Income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the reporting period. All other exchange differences on 
transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate ruling at the date of the transaction. 

Resulting exchange differences are recognised in the consolidated statement of other comprehensive income. Tax charges and credits attributable 
to exchange differences included in the reserve are also dealt with in the translation reserve.

Company

Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign 
currencies are retranslated at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Exchange differences arising on settlement of monetary items or 
on the retranslation of monetary items at rates different from those at which they were initially recognised are taken to the income statement.

All exchange differences on assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are taken to the income statement, other than investments  
in foreign operations and foreign currency borrowings used to hedge those investments, where exchange differences are taken to the  
translation reserve.

33.3 Financial instruments
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments became effective on 1 January 2018. This standard replaced IAS 39 and introduced requirements for classifying  
and measuring financial instruments and put in place a new hedge accounting model that is designed to be more closely aligned with how  
entities undertake risk management activities when hedging financial and non-financial risk exposures. The key areas of focus for the Group  
under IFRS 9 are: 

•  Expected credit losses being recognised on trade debtors and contract assets recognised under IFRS 15;

•  Hedge accounting and related hedge documentation; and

•  Reclassification of assets held for sale as Other Investments, with these being fair valued at each reporting period.

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc183

33. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONT.
33.3 Financial instruments cont.
(a) Financial assets

Trade receivables and debt securities issued are initially recognised when they are originated. All other financial assets and financial liabilities are 
initially recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

A financial asset, other than a trade receivable without a significant financing component, or financial liability is initially measured at fair value plus 
transaction costs that are directly attributable to its acquisition or issue. A trade receivable without a significant financing component is initially 
measured at the transaction price.

A financial asset is measured at amortised cost if it is not designated as fair value through the profit and loss account (FVTPL) and it is held to collect 
contractual cash flows with contractual terms that give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the 
principal amount outstanding.

A debt investment is measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) if it is not designated as at FVTPL, and it is held with the 
objective of collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets with contractual terms that give rise on specified dates to cash flows that 
are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

On initial recognition of an equity investment not held for trading, the Group can irrevocably elect, on an investment by investment basis, to present 
subsequent changes in the investment’s fair value in OCI.

All financial assets not classified as measured at amortised cost or FVOCI, as described above, including derivative financial instruments are 
measured at fair value through profit and loss.

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss, including any interest or dividend income, are recognised in the profit and loss.

Financial assets at amortised cost are valued using the effective interest method with the amortised cost reduced by any impairment losses, with 
interest income, foreign exchange gains or losses, impairment and de-recognition gains or losses recognised in profit or loss. 

Debt investments are measured at fair value with interest income calculated using the effective interest method with any foreign exchange gains and 
losses, or impairments, taken through the profit and loss. Other net gains or losses, and those on de-recognition accumulated through the OCI, are 
re-classified in the profit or loss.

Equity investments are measured at fair value with dividends recognised through the profit and loss. Other net gains or losses, are recognised in the 
OCI, and are never re-classified in the profit or loss.

(b) Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are classified as measured at amortised cost or FVTPL. A financial liability is classified as at FVTPL if it is classified as held for 
trading, it is a derivative or it is designated as such on initial recognition. Financial liabilities at FVTPL are measured at fair value and net gains and 
losses, including any interest expense, are recognised in profit or loss. 

Contingent consideration is considered to be a financial liability measured at FVTPL.

Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Interest expense, foreign exchange gains 
and losses, and any gain or loss on de-recognition are recognised in profit or loss.

(c) De-recognition

The Group de-recognises a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from that asset expire, or it transfers the rights to receive the 
contractual cash flows in a transaction in which substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred.

The Group de-recognises a financial liability when its contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled, or expire. On de-recognition of a financial 
liability, the difference between the carrying amount extinguished and the consideration paid is recognised in profit or loss.

(d) Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting

The Group holds derivative financial instruments to hedge its foreign currency and interest rate risk exposures. Derivatives are initially measured at 
fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivatives are measured at fair value, and changes therein are generally recognised in profit or loss. 
The Group designates certain derivatives as hedging instruments to hedge the variability in cash flows associated with highly probable forecast 
transactions arising from changes in foreign exchange rates and interest rates and certain derivatives and non-derivative financial liabilities as hedges 
of foreign exchange risk on a net investment in a foreign operation.

At inception of designated hedging relationships, the Group documents the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge and 
the economic relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument, including whether the changes in cash flows of the hedged item 
and hedging instrument are expected to offset each other.

The appropriate level of hedging is monitored by Group Treasury and the Group Board. As part of this review process the following are assessed:

•  the hedging effectiveness to determine that there is an economic relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument;

•  the hedge ratio; and

•  that the hedged item and instrument are not intentionally weighted to create hedge ineffectiveness.

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022184

Notes to the financial statements cont.

33. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONT.
33.3 Financial instruments cont.
(d) Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting cont.

Cash flow hedges

When a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedging instrument, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognised  
in OCI and accumulated in the hedging reserve. Any ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognised immediately  
in profit or loss.

The Group designates only the change in fair value of the spot element of forward exchange contracts as the hedging instrument in cash flow 
hedging relationships.

For all hedged forecast transactions, the amount accumulated in the hedging reserve is reclassified to profit or loss in the same period or periods 
during which the hedged expected future cash flows affect profit or loss.

Cash and short-term deposits included in the statement of financial position comprise cash at bank and in hand and short-term deposits with an 
original maturity of three months or less from the original acquisition date. Cash and cash equivalents included in the cash flow statement comprise 
cash and short-term deposits, net of bank overdrafts.

If the hedged future cash flows are no longer expected to occur, then the amounts that have been accumulated in the hedging reserve and the cost 
of hedging reserve are immediately reclassified to profit or loss.

Net investment hedges

When a derivative instrument or a non-derivative financial liability is designated as the hedging instrument in a hedge of a net investment in a foreign 
operation, the effective portion of, for a derivative, changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument or, for a non-derivative, foreign exchange gains 
and losses is recognised in OCI and presented in the translation reserve within equity. 

Any ineffective portion of the changes in the fair value of the derivative or foreign exchange gains and losses on the non-derivative is recognised 
immediately in profit or loss. The amount recognised in OCI is reclassified to profit or loss as a reclassification adjustment on disposal of the  
foreign operation.

(e) Expected credit losses

IFRS 9 introduced a new model for the recognition of impairment losses – the Expected Credit Loss (ECL) model. ECL is the expected value 
decrease in an asset. The expected credit loss model constitutes a change from the previous IAS 39 incurred loss model. The key difference 
between incurred and expected is the requirement to consider forward looking scenarios. Credit risk is the risk of financial loss of the Group if a 
customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations, and arises principally from the Group’s receivables from 
customers and investments in debt securities. The Group recognises a loss allowance of 100% on trade receivables which are more than 180 days 
overdue. The carrying amounts of financial assets and contract assets represent the maximum credit exposure.

33.4 Intangible assets
Intangible assets, excluding goodwill arising on a business combination, are stated at cost or fair value less any provision for impairment. 

Intangible assets assessed as having finite lives are amortised over their estimated useful economic life and are assessed for impairment whenever 
there is an indication that they are impaired. Amortisation charges are on a straight-line basis and recognised in the income statement. Estimated 
useful lives are as follows:

Development costs 
Intellectual property 
Patents and licences 
Other intangibles 

5 years or over the expected period of product sales, if less
3 to 20 years
5 years or over the period of the licence, if less
5 years

(a) Goodwill arising on a business combination

Goodwill arising on the acquisition of a subsidiary represents the excess of the aggregate of the fair value of the consideration over the aggregate fair 
value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired. Goodwill is initially recognised at cost and is subsequently measured at 
cost less any accumulated impairment losses.

When the Group disposes of an operation within a CGU or restructures the business, any disposal/reallocation is performed using a relative value 
approach, unless the Directors consider another method better reflects the goodwill associated with the remaining and reorganised units.

Costs related to an acquisition, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities incurred in connection with a business 
combination, are expensed to the income statement. The carrying value of goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment but more regularly if events 
or changes in circumstances indicate that it may be impaired. When an impairment loss is recognised it is not reversed in a subsequent accounting 
period, even if the circumstances which led to the impairment cease to exist.

(b) Acquired intangible assets

Intangible assets that are acquired as a result of a business combination including but not limited to customer relationships, supplier lists, patents 
and technology and that can be separately measured at fair value on a reliable basis are recorded initially at fair value and amortised over their 
expected useful life. Amortisation is expensed to the consolidated income statement.

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc185

33. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONT.
33.5 Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and any provision for impairment losses. Cost comprises expenditure 
incurred during construction, delivery and modification. Where a substantial period of time is required to bring an asset into use, attributable finance 
costs are capitalised and included in the cost of the relevant asset. 

Dry dock overhaul 

Dry dock costs for owned and leased vessels are deferred as a component of the related tangible fixed asset and depreciated over their useful 
economic lives until the next estimated overhaul. 

Depreciation is provided to write off the cost of property, plant and equipment to their residual value in equal annual instalments over their estimated 
useful lives, as follows:

Freehold property 
Leasehold improvements 
Plant and equipment 
Vessels 

40 years
25 years or the period of the lease, if shorter
Between 5 and 20 years
Between 10 and 25 years

No depreciation is charged on assets under construction.

Residual values of vessels are set initially at 20% of purchase cost or fair value at acquisition, which the Directors believe to be an approximation of 
current residual values. Residual values and estimated remaining lives are reviewed annually by the Directors and adjusted if appropriate to reflect the 
relevant market conditions and expectations, obsolescence and normal wear and tear.

33.6 Impairment of tangible and intangible assets
At each reporting date the Group assesses whether there are any indications that an asset has been impaired. If any indication exists, an estimate 
of the recoverable amount of the asset is made which is determined as the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. These 
calculations are determined for an individual asset unless that asset does not generate cash inflows independently from other assets, in which case 
its value is determined as part of that group of assets. To assess the value in use, estimated future cash flows relating to the asset are discounted 
to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessment of the time value of money and risks specific to the 
asset. Where the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered to be impaired and is written down to its 
recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement.

(a) Impairment of goodwill

Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated against the appropriate combination of business units deemed to obtain advantage from 
the benefits acquired with the goodwill. These are designated as cash generating units (CGU). Impairment is then assessed annually by comparing 
the recoverable amount of the relevant CGU with the carrying value of the CGU’s goodwill. Recoverable amount is measured as the higher of the 
CGU’s fair value less cost to sell and the value in use. For CGUs designated as assets held for sale/discontinued operations, the fair value less costs 
to sell is used. Where the recoverable amount of the CGU is less than its carrying amount including goodwill, an impairment loss is recognised in the 
income statement. An impairment loss for goodwill is not reversed in a subsequent period.

(b) Impairment of tangible and other intangible assets

If any indication of a potential impairment exists, the recoverable amount is estimated to determine the extent of any impairment loss. Assets are 
grouped together for this purpose at the lowest level for which there are separately identifiable cash flows.

(c) Research and development costs

Research expenditure is expensed in the income statement as incurred.

Expenditure on development which represents the application of research to the development of new products or processes is capitalised provided 
that specific projects are identifiable, technically feasible, and the Group has sufficient resources to complete development. The useful life of projects 
meeting the criteria for capitalisation is determined on a project by project basis. Capitalised development expenditure is measured at cost and 
amortised over its expected useful life on a straight-line basis. Other development costs are recognised in the income statement as incurred.

If an event occurs after the recognition of an impairment that leads to a decrease in the amount of the impairment loss previously recognised the 
impairment loss is reversed. The reversal is recognised in the income statement to the extent that the carrying value of the asset does not exceed its 
amortised cost at the reversal date.

33.7 Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost includes all costs incurred in bringing each product to its present location 
and condition. Raw materials, consumables stores and finished goods for sale are stated at purchase cost on a first-in, first-out basis. Work in 
progress and finished goods are stated at the cost of direct materials and labour plus attributable overheads allocated on a systematic basis based 
on a normal level of activity. Net realisable value is based on estimated selling price less the estimated costs of completion and sale or disposal.

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022186

Notes to the financial statements cont.

33. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONT.
33.8 Taxation
Corporation tax is provided on taxable profits from activities not qualifying for tonnage tax relief and is recognised in the income statement except  
to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity or in other comprehensive income.

Current tax is the expected corporation tax payable or receivable in respect of the taxable profit for the year using tax rates enacted or substantively 
enacted at the balance sheet date, less any adjustments to tax payable or receivable in respect of previous years.

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities included in the financial 
statements and the amounts used for tax purposes, that will result in an obligation to pay more, a right to pay less or to receive more tax, with the 
following exceptions:

•  No provision is made where a deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability in a transaction which  

is not a business combination that at the time of the transaction affect neither accounting nor taxable profit; and

•  No provision is made for deferred tax that would arise on all taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and 

interests in joint ventures where the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary 
difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that the Directors consider that it is probable that there will be suitable taxable profits from 
which the future reversal of the underlying temporary differences and unused tax losses and credits can be deducted.

Deferred tax is measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which the asset is expected to be 
realised or liability settled, based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax arising on actuarial gains and losses relating to defined benefit pension funds is recorded in other comprehensive income. Where the 
cash contributions made to the schemes exceed the service costs recognised in the income statement the current tax arising is recorded in other 
comprehensive income.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are required to be offset in the statement of financial position if, and only if, the Company has a legally enforceable 
right to set off current tax assets and liabilities, and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same taxation authority on the 
same taxable company.

33.9 Leases
The Group leases land and buildings for some of its offices, warehouses and factory facilities. The length of these leases can typically run for up to 
25 years, with most less than 10 years. Some leases include an option to renew the lease for an additional period after the end of the contract term. 
Some leases provide for additional rent payments that are based on changes in local price indices.

Some of the buildings contain extension options that are exercisable by the Group before the end of the non-cancellable contract period. Where 
practicable, the Group includes extension options in new leases to provide operational flexibility, that are exercisable by the Group but not by the 
lessors. The Group assesses at lease commencement whether it is reasonably certain to exercise the extension option, and then reassesses this  
in the event that there is a significant event or change in circumstances within its control.

The Group also leases vessels, with lease terms typically of up to five years and IT equipment and machinery, typically for a duration of less than  
10 years. 

The Group has applied IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective approach.

At inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains a lease if the contract conveys 
the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To assess whether a contract conveys the right to 
control the use of an identified asset, the Group uses the definition of a lease in IFRS 16.

At inception or on reassessment of a contract that contains a lease component, the Group allocated the consideration in the contract to each lease 
component on the basis of their relative stand-alone prices. However, for the leases of land and buildings in which it is a lessee, the Group has 
elected not to separate non-lease components and account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.

The Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, 
which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial 
direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset or to restore the underlying asset or the site on which it 
is located less any lease incentives received.

The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the earlier of the end of the 
useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term. The estimated useful lives of right-of-use asset is periodically reduced by impairment 
losses, if any, and adjusted for certain re-measurements of the lease liability.

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the 
interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Group’s incremental borrowing rate. Generally, the Group uses its 
incremental borrowing rates as the discount rate.

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc187

33. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONT.
33.9 Leases cont.
Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise the following:

•  fixed payments, including in-substance fixed payments;

•  variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index rate at the commencement date;

•  amounts expected to be payable under a residual guarantee; and 

•  the exercise price under a purchase option that the Group is reasonably certain to exercise, lease payments in an optional renewal period if the 
Group is reasonably certain to exercise an extension option, and penalties for early termination of a lease unless the Group is reasonably certain 
not to terminate early. 

The lease liability is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. It is re-measured when there is a change in future lease 
payments arising from a change in an index or rate if there is a change in the Group’s estimate of the amount expected to be payable under  
a residual value guarantee, or if the Group changes its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option.

When the lease liability is re-measured in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use assets, or it is 
recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset is reduced to zero.

The Group presents right-of-use assets and lease liabilities (within ‘borrowings’) in the statement of financial position.

Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets

The Group has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases of machinery that have a lease term of 12 
months or less at inception and leases of low-value assets, including IT equipment. The Group recognises the lease payments associated with these 
leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

When the Group acts as a lessor, it determines at lease inception whether each lease is a finance or an operating lease, making an overall 
assessment of whether the lease transfers substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the underlying asset. If this is the case, 
then the lease is treated as a finance lease, otherwise as an operating lease.

When the Group is an intermediate lessor, it accounts for its interests in the head lease and sub-lease separately, assessing the classification of the 
sub-lease with reference to the right-of-use asset arising from the head lease.

The Group recognises lease payments received under operating leases as income on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

33.10 Pension plans
(i) Defined contribution schemes

Pre-determined contributions paid to a separate privately administered pension plan are recognised as an expense in the income statement  
in the period in which they arise. Other than this contribution the Group has no further legal or constructive obligation to make further contributions 
to the scheme.

(ii) Defined benefit schemes

A defined benefit scheme is a pension plan under which the amount of pension benefit that an employee receives on retirement is defined by 
reference to factors including age, years of service and compensation. The schemes are funded by payments determined by periodic actuarial 
calculations agreed between the Group and the trustees of trustee-administered funds.

The cost of providing benefits is determined using the projected unit credit method, which attributes entitlement to benefits to the current period 
(current service cost) and to current and prior periods (to determine the present value of the defined benefit obligation). Current service costs are 
recognised in the income statement in the current year. Past service costs are recognised in the income statement immediately. When a settlement 
(which eliminates all obligations for benefits already accrued) or a curtailment (which reduces future obligations as a result of a reduction in future 
entitlement) occurs, the obligation and related plan assets are re-measured using current actuarial assumptions and any gain or loss is recognised in 
the income statement.

The interest element of the defined benefit charge is determined by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit liability at the start of the 
period and is recognised in the income statement. A liability is recognised in the statement of financial position which represents the present value of 
the defined benefit obligations at the balance sheet date, less the fair value of the scheme assets and is calculated separately for each scheme.

The defined benefit obligations represent the estimated amount of future benefits that employees have earned in return for their services in current 
and prior periods, discounted at a rate representing the yield on a high quality corporate bond at the balance sheet date, denominated in the same 
currency as the obligations, and having the same terms to maturity as the related pension liability, applied to the estimated future cash outflows 
arising from these obligations. When the calculation results in a benefit to the Group, the recognised asset is limited to the total of any unrecognised 
past service costs and the present value of economic benefits available from any future refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions  
to the plan. 

Actuarial gains and losses on experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are recognised in the statement of other  
comprehensive income.

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022188

Notes to the financial statements cont.

33. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONT.
33.11 Share-based payments
Executive savings related share option schemes are operated under which options are granted to employees of the Group. An expense is 
recognised in the income statement with a corresponding credit to equity in respect of the fair value of employee services rendered in exchange for 
options granted, which is determined by the fair value of the option at the date of grant. The amount is expensed over a specified period until the 
options can be exercised (the vesting period).

The fair value of an option is determined by the use of mathematical modelling techniques, including the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the 
Binomial model. Non-market vesting conditions (such as profitability and growth targets) are excluded from the fair value calculation but included in 
assumptions about the number of options that are expected to become exercisable.

An estimate is made of the number of options that are expected to become exercisable at each balance sheet date. Any adjustments to the original 
estimates are recognised in the income statement (and equity) over the remaining vesting period with any element of any adjustments relating to 
prior periods recognised in the current period. No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest except for awards where vesting is 
conditional upon a market condition (such as total shareholder return of the Group relative to an index). These are treated as vested irrespective of 
whether or not the market condition is satisfied, provided that all other performance conditions are satisfied.

In addition to failure by the employee to exercise an option in accordance with the exercise period allowed by the scheme, an award made to an 
employee under a share option scheme is deemed to lapse when either the scheme is cancelled by the Company, or when an employee, who 
continues to qualify for membership of a scheme, ceases to pay contributions to that scheme. In these circumstances the full remaining unexpired 
cost of the award is expensed in the period in which the option lapses. 

Where the exercise of options is satisfied by the issue of shares by the Company the nominal value of any shares issued from the exercise of options 
is credited to share capital with the balance of the proceeds received, net of transaction costs, credited to share premium.

33.12 Short-term employee benefits
The Group recognises a liability and an expense for short-term employee benefits, including bonuses, only when contractually or constructively 
obliged.

33.13 Share capital and reserves
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Costs attributable to the issue of new shares are deducted from equity from the proceeds.

(a) Treasury shares

Shares issued by the Company which are held by the Company or its subsidiary entities (including the Employee Share Ownership Trust (ESOT)), 
are designated as treasury shares. The cost of these shares is deducted from equity. No gains or losses are recognised on the purchase, sale, 
cancellation or issue of treasury shares. Consideration paid or received is recognised directly in equity.

(b) Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Company shares are held in an ESOP. The finance costs and administration costs relating to the ESOP are charged to the income statement. 
Dividend income arising on own shares is excluded in arriving at profit before taxation and deducted from aggregate dividends paid. 

The Group maintains the following reserves:

Translation reserve

The translation reserve comprises all foreign currency differences arising from the translation of operations whose financial statements are 
denominated in foreign currencies as well as from the translation of liabilities that hedge the Company’s net investment in a foreign subsidiary.

Hedging reserve

The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments related to 
hedged transactions that have not yet occurred.

33.14 Revenue recognition
Revenue represents income derived from contracts for the provision of goods and services by the Company and its subsidiary undertakings  
to customers in exchange for consideration in the ordinary course of the Group’s activities.

The Group performs a broad range of activities and enters into the following types of contracts with customers:

Marine Support businesses provide products, services and solutions to the global marine market. These are supplied to a range of end market 
sectors including marine, oil and gas, ports, construction and renewables. Revenues in this division are from goods and services including operation 
of vessels and plant and equipment and from construction contracts.

Our Specialist Technical businesses provide products and services over time including: diving equipment, submarine rescue vessels and through-life 
rescue services, special operation swimmer delivery vehicles, saturation diving systems and engineering solutions to the international defence, UK 
nuclear decommissioning and commercial diving markets. Revenues in this division are from goods and services including operation of plant and 
equipment and from construction contracts.

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc189

33. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONT.
33.14 Revenue recognition cont.
Our Offshore Oil businesses supply a range of services and equipment to the global oil and gas and renewable energy industries. This includes the 
design and engineering of specialist equipment and technology, platform maintenance and modification, well testing support, subsea operations and 
maintenance services. Revenues in this division are from goods and services including operation of plant and equipment.

Our Tankships division offers services from operating a fleet of product and chemical tankers which trade along the UK and northern European 
coastline carrying clean petroleum products and chemicals to coastal storage facilities. Revenues in this division are from goods and services 
including operation of vessels.

Performance obligations

Upon approval by the parties to a contract, the contract is assessed to identify each promise to transfer either a distinct good or service or a series 
of distinct goods or services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer. Goods and services are distinct 
and accounted for as separate performance obligations in the contract if the customer can benefit from them either on their own or together with 
other resources that are readily available to the customer and they are separately identifiable in the contract.

Transaction price

At the start of the contract, the total transaction price is estimated as the amount of consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in 
exchange for transferring the promised goods and services to the customer, excluding sales taxes. Variable consideration, such as price escalation, 
is included based on the expected value or most likely amount only to the extent that it is highly probable that there will not be a reversal in the 
amount of cumulative revenue recognised. The transaction price does not include estimates of consideration resulting from contract modifications, 
such as change orders, until they have been approved by the parties to the contract. The total transaction price is allocated to the performance 
obligations identified in the contract in proportion to their relative stand-alone selling prices where appropriate. Given the bespoke nature of many 
of the Group’s products and services, which are designed and/or manufactured under contract to the customer’s individual specifications, there are 
typically no observable stand-alone selling prices. In such cases, stand-alone selling prices are typically estimated based on expected costs plus 
contract margin consistent with the Group’s pricing principles.

Revenue and profit recognition

Revenue from the sale of goods and services is recognised at a point in time as performance obligations are satisfied which is typically upon 
shipment of the goods, based on the shipping terms, or as services are rendered. Control transfer is assessed on a contract by contract basis. The 
transaction price is predetermined in accordance with a specified contract and allocated to the specific performance obligations. 

Services revenue including operation of vessels and plant and equipment is recognised as performance obligations are satisfied which is over 
time as the customer receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Company’s performance. The transaction price is predetermined in 
accordance with a specified contract. 

Revenue from construction contracts are predominantly within the Specialist Technical and Marine Support segments which have longer  
term construction contracts where revenue is recognised over a period of time according to the stage of completion reached in the contract  
by measuring the proportion of costs incurred for work performed to total estimated costs (input method). Costs are only included in the 
measurement of progress towards satisfying the performance obligation where there is a direct relationship between the input and the satisfaction 
of the performance obligation. When it is probable that total contract costs will exceed total contract revenue, the expected loss is recognised 
immediately as an expense. 

Contract assets arise where the Group has the right to receive consideration for the work completed which has not been billed at the reporting date 
(accrued income), while contract liabilities represent liabilities for consideration from customers received in advance.

Certain contracts within the Nuclear business, which is classified as an asset held for sale (see Note 5), contain variable consideration related to 
‘pain/gain share’ clauses which may result in a reduction or increase of revenue. The calculation for this amount is determined by the target price 
contract with the customer. A gain or pain share would only be included in contract revenue to the extent that it is highly probable that a significant 
reversal of revenue will not occur. The extent of the constraint is assessed to ensure that the total amount attributable to the variable consideration  
is included in the transaction price. A pain share is payable to the customer and is accounted for as a reduction of revenue. 

Within the Marine Support division, there are specific maintenance contracts which include variable consideration related to performance-based 
achievements over a number of years. Variable consideration can be recognised at an expected value only to the extent that it is highly probably 
that a reversal will not occur. Reflecting on the contract terms, the susceptibility of factors outside of the entity’s control that would impact the 
consideration and the limited experience history management has on these specific maintenance contracts, management have concluded that the 
variable consideration should be constrained. On this basis £nil of the £3.5m variable consideration within these contracts has been recognised  
in the period.

Revenue from construction contracts is payable when milestones on agreed deliverables are achieved which is typically 30 days following completion 
of a milestone. It is noted there are significant balances outstanding regarding construction income in the period, all of which are expected to 
be received within the next 12 months. For other types of revenue, the payment terms are typically 30-90 days. The categories of revenue from 
customers are disclosed in the Segmental information (see Note 3). 

Bid costs

All pre-contract bidding costs which are incurred irrespective of whether the contract is awarded relating to the design, manufacture or operation of 
assets or the provision of services are expensed when incurred.

In some circumstances, the Company incurs costs to obtain a contract with a customer, for example commission fees. These costs are recognised 
initially as an asset within debtors: contract assets and amortised on a systematic basis as the goods and services are transferred to the customer.

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022190

Notes to the financial statements cont.

33. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONT.
33.14 Revenue recognition cont.
Warranty costs

Provision is made for warranties offered with products where it is probable that an obligation to transfer economic benefits to the customer in future 
will arise. This provision is based on management’s assessment of the previous history of claims and probability of future obligations arising on a 
product by product basis. Provisions for warranty costs are set out in Note 22.

Revenue – operating lease rental income

Revenue is measured at the fair value of consideration received or receivable, net of returns, trade discounts and volume rebates. Revenue is 
recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the period of the hire.

33.15 Other investments
Other investments which are in unquoted entities are held at fair value and subject to an annual review. The Group elects on an asset by asset basis 
whether fair value movements are posted to the income statement or directly to reserves.

33.16 Intra-group financial instruments
Where the Company enters into financial guarantee contracts to guarantee the indebtedness of other companies within the Group, the Company 
considers these to be insurance arrangements and accounts for them as such. In this respect the Company treats the guarantee contract as a 
contingent liability until such time as it becomes probable that the Company will be required to make a payment under the guarantee.

34. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES
In preparing these consolidated financial statements, management has made judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of 
the Group’s accounting policies and the reported amount of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The outcome may differ from these estimates.

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed and revised on an ongoing basis.

Information about estimates and judgements made in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effects on the amounts recognised 
in the consolidated financial statements is included below:

Revenue
Revenue is set out in Notes 3 and 33.14. Revenue is recognised as performance obligations are satisfied as control of the goods and services  
are transferred to the customer. The timing of the performance obligations will vary depending on the terms of the sales agreement, the evaluation 
of the specific risks associated with the performance of the contract (for example design, construction and testing) or generally accepted practice 
where there are no specific arrangements in the contract. Areas of estimation relate to construction contract accounting and specifically estimating 
the stage of completion and forecast outturn of the contract which are reliant on the knowledge and expertise of project managers, engineers and 
other professionals.

Assets held for sale and discontinued operations
Judgement was taken that the carrying value of the Nuclear business would be recovered through a sale rather than continuing use in accordance 
with IFRS 5 paragraphs 6 to 8 criteria. Consequently the assets and liabilities of the business have been classified as held for sale – see Note 20. 

The classification as discontinued activities was a judgement based on management’s view of IFRS 5 paragraph 32 that the disposal group classified 
as held for sale represents a separate major line of business due to its size relative to Group revenue and the nature of operations.

Impairment of goodwill 
Goodwill, which is set out in Note 12, of £116.3m (2021: £133.5m) is tested annually for any permanent impairment in accordance with the 
accounting policy in Note 33.6. The value in use of the Group’s cash generating units (CGU) requires assumptions about future levels of demand, 
gross margins and cost inflation. Inherent uncertainty involved in forecasting and discounting future cash flows is a key area of judgement.  
The carrying value of goodwill is compared to its recoverable amount which represents the higher of the net present value of the CGU’s  
forecast cash flow and its carrying value. The assessment also includes sensitivity analysis to identify the range of outcomes and the validity  
of underlying assumptions. 

Impairment of parent company investments
Parent company investments in Note 17 comprising shares and loans totalling £456.5m, are tested annually for impairment. For shares, the 
Company estimates recoverable amount using value in use calculations which requires assumptions about future levels of demand, gross margins 
and cost inflation. Inherent uncertainty involved in forecasting and discounting future cash flows is a key area of judgement. For loans receivable, the 
Company makes an assessment of credit risk and the estimation of expected credit losses are required to be unbiased, probability-weighted and 
should incorporate all available information relevant to the assessment, including information about past events, current conditions and reasonable 
and supportable forecasts of economic conditions at the reporting date.

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc191

34. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES CONT.
Defined benefit pensions
Pension assumptions are used to determine the amount of defined benefit obligations including future rates of inflation, discount rates and mortality 
of members (see Note 23).

Foreign offset agreements
As described in Notes 22 and 31, the Group has entered into foreign offset agreements as part of securing some international business. These 
agreements contain penalties which would be incurred if the offset obligation is not delivered. There were estimates and judgements in arriving 
at the amounts provided. This included judgement in assessing the accounting treatment of the contracts whereby the offset is treated as a levy 
recognised within cost of sales. Estimates were applied in calculating the offset provisions and the contingent liability to meet the offset requirements 
in country.

Income taxes
Taxation is set out in Notes 8, 9 and 33.8. The Group is subject to income taxes in several jurisdictions. Significant judgement is required in 
determining the provision for income taxes. There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain during 
the ordinary course of business. The Group recognises liabilities for anticipated tax risk issues based on estimates of whether additional taxes will be 
due. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such difference will impact the income 
tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made. 

The Group has entered the UK tonnage tax regime under which tax on its ship owning and operating activities is based on the net tonnage of 
vessels operated. Income and profits outside this regime are taxed under normal tax rules. This means that it is necessary to make estimates of 
the allocation of some income and expenses between tonnage and non-tonnage tax activities. These estimates are subject to agreement with the 
relevant tax authorities and may be revised in future periods. 

Tax includes a charge of £1.3m (2021: £7.9m credit), which represents deferred tax recognised on the timing differences created following the 
impairment of dive support vessels during the year ended 31 December 2020. The associated deferred tax asset will be utilised gradually over future 
accounting periods as the tax value of the vessels is amortised in line with rates set by HM Revenue & Customs.

35. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS 
In March 2023, Tankships has entered into a contract to sell the Mersey Fisher. The vessel will be delivered to the new owners during June 2023 with 
expected consideration of USD 3m.

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022192

Subsidiaries and associated undertakings

GROUP  
PERCENTAGE OF  
EQUITY CAPITAL

NAME OF COMPANY

ADDRESS

JF STS (Guernsey) Ltd

St Peter Port4

GROUP  
PERCENTAGE OF  
EQUITY CAPITAL

100%***

100%

Al Khobar City,  
PO Box 2716, Al Olaya, 
3447, Saudi Arabia

100%

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%

Maritime Engineers 
(Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd 

Maritime Engineers 
Pty Ltd

Singapore, 50892911

Henderson, Australia10

100%

NAME OF COMPANY

ADDRESS

Marine Support

Deep Sea Operation & 
Maintenance Co. Ltd

EDS HV Management 
Limited

Electricity Distribution 
Services Limited

Fender Care 
(Changshu) Limited 

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%

Room 1211, Building 4, 
Huifeng Times Plaza,  
No 22 Huanghe Road, 
Changshu City, Jiangsu, 
215500, China

100%

100%

100%

Fender Care Limited

Barrow-in-Furness1

Singapore6

Fender Care Marine  
(Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd

Fender Care Marine 
(Gibraltar) Limited

28 Irish Town, Gibraltar

100%

Fender Care Marine Ltd Barrow-in-Furness1

Fender Care Marine 
Ltd, Agencia Chile –  
Chile branch

El Trovador 4280, Apt 1205, 
Las Condes, Santiago,  
253-389, Chile

Fender Care Marine 
Products (Asia Pacific)  
Pte Limited

Singapore6

Fender Care Marine  
Sohar LLC

Al Batinah Region,  
PO Box 37, Sohar, 327

100%

100%

100%

70%

Fendercare Australia  
Pty Ltd 

8D Sparks Road, Henderson 
WA 6166, Australia

100%

Fendercare Servicos 
Marinhos do Brasil Ltda

Hughes Marine 
Engineering Limited 

Hughes Sub Surface 
Engineering Limited

James Fisher Asset 
Information Services 
Limited

James Fisher Ghana 
Limited

James Fisher Marine 
Services Limited 

Avenida Feliciano Sodre 
325, Centro, Niteroi,  
Rio De Janeiro,  
CEP: 24030-012, Brazil

100%

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%

HNO No.1, East Legon, 
Telley, Tesa Link,  
Otsokrikri Street,  
East Legon, Accra, Ghana

49%

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%

Martek Marine Limited

Barrow-in-Furness1

Martek-Marine  
(Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd

James Fisher 
Renouvelables

1 Raffles Place, Tower 2, 
Level #19-61 & #20-61, 
Singapore 048616

3 rue de France Comte, 
CS50311, Hauts de 
Quimpcanpoix, 5103, 
Cherbourg, France

Namibia Subtech Diving 
and Marine (Proprietary) 
Limited

Shop 48, Second Floor, 
Old Power Station 
Complex, Armstrong Street, 
Windhoek, Namibia

Rotos 360 Limited

Barrow-in-Furness1

Servicos Maritimos 
Continental S.A.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil9

Strainstall International 
for Project Engineering 
LLC

Blg 3141, Street Anas Bin 
Malik, 8292, Al Malqa Dist. 
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Strainstall Malaysia Sdn 
Bhd

Ground Floor, 8,  
Lorong Universiti B,  
Section 16, 46350 Petaling 
Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan, 
Malaysia

Strainstall Singapore 
Pte Ltd

25 North Bridge Road,  
Level 7, Singapore, 179104

Subtech (Pty) Ltd

Briardene, South Africa8

Subtech (Pty) Ltd – 
Mozambique branch

Rua da Educacao, No. 38, 
Matola, Mozambique

Subtech Diving & 
Marine Tanzania 
Limited

Subtech Marine (Pty) 
Limited

Subtech Marine R2S 
Offshore LLC

The Slipway Road, Msasani 
Peninsula, Dar Es Salaam, 
United Republic of Tanzania

PO Box 90757,  
Shop 48, Old Power Station 
Complex, Armstrong Street, 
Windhoek, Namibia

Floor 1, Building 81,  
Zone 36, Street 362,  
Al Jazira Al Arabiya Street,  
Al Messila Area, Doha, Qatar

Subtech Middle East 
Saudi Company

Office 102, Al Jazira 
Building, Al Khobar,  
Saudi Arabia

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

90%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

70%

49%

100%

100%

James Fisher Maritime 
Deutschland GmbH

Stadthausbrucke 8, 20355 
Hamburg, Germany

100%

Subtech Norte Lda

James Fisher Rumic 
Limited

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%*

JCM Scotload Ltd

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%

Rua de Se no 114, Distrito 
Urbano 1, Bairro Central, 
Maputo City, Mozambique

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc193

GROUP  
PERCENTAGE OF  
EQUITY CAPITAL

NAME OF COMPANY

ADDRESS

100%

Offshore Oil

GROUP  
PERCENTAGE OF  
EQUITY CAPITAL

NAME OF COMPANY

ADDRESS

Subtech Offshore

Ocra (Mauritius) Limited, 
Level 2, Max City Building, 
Remy Ollier Street, Port 
Louis, Mauritius

100%

100%

100%

100%

Subtech South Africa 
(Pty) Ltd

Specialist Technical

Cowan Manufacturing 
Pty Limited

Divex Asia Pacific Pty 
Ltd

Divex FZE

Briardene, South Africa8

90%

BDO Tax (WA) Pty Ltd, 
‘BDO’, 38 Station Street, 
Subiaco, WA6008, Australia

100%

Bibra Lake, Australia12

100%

PO Box 261749, Jebel Ali 
Free Zone, Dubai, United 
Arab Emirates

Divex Limited

Westhill3

High Technology 
Sources Limited

Barrow-in-Furness1

James Fisher Defence 
Italy SRL

Via Giulio Caccini, 100198, 
Rome, Italy

James Fisher Defence 
Limited

James Fisher Defence 
North America Limited

James Fisher Nuclear 
Limited

James Fisher 
Singapore Pte Ltd

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%

Suite 808, 1220 North 
Market Street, Wilmington 
DE 19801, United States

100%

Oldmeldrum2

100%

Singapore 50892911

100%

JF Nuclear Limited

Barrow-in-Furness1

JFD Australia Pty Ltd

c/o BDO, Mia Yellagonga, 
Tower 22, Level 9, 5 Spring 
Street, Perth, WA, 6000

JFD Limited

Westhill3

JFD Ortega B.V.

Vliegveldstraat 100, 
B515, Technology Base, 
Enschede, Netherlands

JFD Singapore Pte Ltd  Singapore, 50892911

JFD South Africa (Pty) 
Limited

c/o Mazars,  
Mazars House, Rialto Road,  
Grand Moorings Precinct, 
Century City, Cape Town, 
SA 7441, South Africa

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

JFD Sweden AB

Rindovagen, Rindo Vastra, 
185 41 Vaxholm, Sweden

100%

Buchan Technical 
Services Limited

James Fisher Marine 
Services Malaysia Ltd

James Fisher Marine 
Services Middle East 
Limited FZCO

James Fisher MFE 
Limited

James Fisher Offshore 
Limited

James Fisher Offshore 
Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%

Level 1, Lot 7, Block F, 
Sanguking Commercial 
Building Jalan Patau-Patau, 
87000 Labuan FT, Malaysia

100%

PO Box 371072, Dubai, 
United Arab Emirates

100%

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%

Oldmeldrum2

Room A, Ground Floor, 
Lot 7, Block F, Saguking 
Commercial Building Jalan 
Patau-Patau, 87000 Labuan 
FT, Malaysia

James Fisher Personnel 
S.A. de C.V.

Ciudad de Mexico, D.F., 
Mexico13

James Fisher 
Subsea Excavation 
Incorporated

21559 Provincial Boulevard, 
Katy TX 77450,  
United States

James Fisher Subsea 
Excavation Mexico S.A. 
de C.V.

James Fisher Subsea 
Excavation Pte Limited 

Ciudad de Mexico, D.F., 
Mexico13

133 Cecil Street,  
#16-01, Keck Seng Tower, 
Singapore, 069535

JF Singapore Holdings 
PTE Ltd

137 Telok Ayer Street,  
#05-02, Singapore 068602

RMSPumptools FZE

1-153, THUB, Dubai Silicon 
Oasis, Dubai, United Arab 
Emirates

RMSPumptools Limited Barrow-in-Furness1

RMSPumptools Saudi 
Industrial Company

2397, Unit Number 8,  
al Khobar, 34632-6282, 
Saudi Arabia

Scan Tech AS

Stavanger5

Scan Tech Personell AS Stavanger5

100%*

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Scan Tech Produckt 
Personell AS 

Scantech Offshore 
do Brasil Comercio E 
Servicos Ltda

Scantech Offshore 
Limited

Scantech Offshore  
Pty Ltd

Subsea Engenuity 
Limited

Stavanger5

R 01 223, Lote 146 Quadra 
02, Balneario das Garcas, 
Rio das Ostras, 28.898-268, 
Brazil

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%*

Henderson, Australia10

100%

Oldmeldrum2

100%

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022194

Subsidiaries and associated undertakings cont.

NAME OF COMPANY

ADDRESS

GROUP  
PERCENTAGE OF  
EQUITY CAPITAL

NAME OF COMPANY

ADDRESS

Holding Companies

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%

EDS HV Group Limited Barrow-in-Furness1

GROUP  
PERCENTAGE OF  
EQUITY CAPITAL

100%

100%

Everard (Guernsey) Ltd St Peter Port4

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%

100%

Tankships

Cattedown Wharves 
Limited

F.T. Everard Shipping 
Limited

F.T. Everard & Sons 
Limited

James Fisher (Crewing 
Services) Limited

James Fisher 
(Guernsey) Limited

James Fisher (Shipping 
Services) Limited

James Fisher Crewing 
(CY) Limited

James Fisher Everard 
Limited

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%*

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%*

St Peter Port4

100%***

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%*

115 Griva Digeni, Trident 
Centre, Limassol, 3101, 
Cyprus

100%

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%

James Fisher Maritime 
Limited

Karaiskaki, 13, 3032, 
Limassol, Cyprus

Onesimus Dorey 
(Shipowners) Ltd

Scottish Navigation 
Company Limited

St Peter Port4

Oldmeldrum2

100%

100%*

100%

Fender Care Marine 
Solutions Limited

James Fisher 
(Aberdeen) Limited

James Fisher and Sons 
Nigeria Limited

James Fisher Holdings 
UK Limited

James Fisher Hong 
Kong Limited

James Fisher Nuclear 
Holdings Limited

James Fisher 
Properties Limited

James Fisher Servicos 
Empresariais Ltda

James Fisher Subtech 
Group Limited

James Fisher Tankships 
Holdings Limited

JF Australia Holding 
Pty Ltd

Barrow-in-Furness1

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%*

7th Floor, 1 Kingsway Road, 
Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos, Lagos 
State, Nigeria

99%*

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%*

Level 17, Silvercord Tower 2, 
30 Canton Road, Tsim Sha 
Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

100%

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%*

Oldmeldrum2

Rua 01 No 223, Quadra 02, 
Lote 146-part, Balneario das 
Garcas, Brazil

100%

100%

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%*

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%*

Bibra Lake, Australia12

100%

JF Overseas Limited

Barrow-in-Furness1

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%*

100%

Martek Holdings 
Limited

Strainstall Group 
Limited

Subtech Group 
Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Barrow-in-Furness1

100%*

Briardene, South Africa8

100%

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc195

Associated undertakings and significant holdings in undertakings other than subsidiary undertakings

ADDRESS

NAME OF COMPANY
Marine Support
Eurotestconsult Limited County Laois, Ireland7
Eurotestconsult UK 
Limited

Ruby House,  
40A Hardwick Grange, 
Woolston, Warrington, 
Cheshire, WA1 4RF
Suite 6.01, 6th Floor,  
Plaza See Hoy Chan Jalan 
Raja Chulan, 50200,  
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Torontostraat 20,  
3197 KN, Rotterdam Botlek, 
Netherlands
Fujairah Port,  
PO Box 5198, Fujairah,  
United Arab Emirates
Unit 4, Thembani House, 
41 Brand Road, Glenwood, 
Durban, 4001, South Africa
G013, GH-1, Industrial City 
of Abu Dhabi (ICAD-1), 
Mussafeh, PO Box 45628, 
Abu Dhabi,  
United Arab Emirates
Plot 146/16, Emirates 
Industrial City, Sajja Industrial 
Area, PO Box 25896, 
Sharjah,  
United Arab Emirates
E-LOB Office No. E-69G-20, 
PO Box 51602, Hamriyah 
Free Zone – Sharjah, United 
Arab Emirates
11 Aduemi Close, North 
Kaneshie, Accra, Ghana
JA 1104 – 1106, DLF Tower 
– A, Jasole District Centre, 
New Delhi, 11044, India
67 Rua Damiao de Gois, 
Alvalade, Borough, District 
of Maianga, Ingombota 
Municipality, Angola
Barrow-in-Furness1

HNO No.1, East Legon, 
Telley, Tesa Link,  
Otsokrikri Street, East 
Legon, Accra, Ghana
2nd Floor, Architects Place, 2 
Idowu Taylor Street, Victoria 
Island, Lagos, Nigeria
3 Sovereign Square, 
Sovereign Street, Leeds, 
LS1 4ER
PO Box 2255, Office No.70, 
Barwa Commercial Avenue, 
Doha, Qatar

FC Viking Sdn.Bhd

Fender Care Benelux 
B.V.

Fender Care Marine 
LLC

Fender Care Marine SA 
(Pty) Ltd

Fender Care Marine 
Services LLC

Fender Care Middle 
East LLC 

Fender Care Omega 
(Middle East) FZC

Fendercare Marine 
Ghana Limited
Fendercare Marine 
Omega India Private 
Limited
James Fisher (Angola) 
Limitada

James Fisher Angola 
UK Limited
James Fisher Ghana 
Limited

James Fisher Nigeria 
Limited

Nuclear 
Decommissioning 
Limited
Strainstall Laboratories 
WLL

NAME OF COMPANY
Strainstall Middle East 
LLC

Strainstall Testing Lab 
LLC
Subtech Offshore 
Services Nigeria Limited

Specialist Technical
First Response Marine 
Pte Ltd
James Fisher 
Technologies LLC

JFD Domeyer GmbH

Wuhu Divex Diving 
System Limited

GROUP  
PERCENTAGE OF  
EQUITY CAPITAL
49%**

49%**

100%

ADDRESS
PO Box 111007Jebel Ali 
Industrial Area 1, Dubai, 
United Arab Emirates
PO Box 62579, Abu Dhabi, 
United Arab Emirates
Plot 15, Block 110, Henry 
Ojogho Crescent, Off Road 
69, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, 
Nigeria

16 Benoi Road, 629889, 
Singapore
5821 Langley Avenue, 
Loveland, Colorado, 80538, 
USA
Konsul-Smidt-Str. 15, 
28217, Bremen, Germany
No.58 Yongchang Road, 
Jiujiang District, Wuhu City, 
Anhui Province, PR China

50%

49%

50%

49%

1  Fisher House, PO Box 4, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1HR.
2  North Meadows, Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, AB51 0GQ.
3  JFD, Westhill Industrial Estate, Enterprise Drive, Westhill, Aberdeen,  

AB32 6TQ.

4  4th Floor, West Wing, Trafalgar Court, Admiral Park, St Peter Port, Guernsey, 

GY1 2JA.

5  Finnestadsvingen 23, 4029 Stavanger, Norway.
6  9 Tuas West Avenue, Peck Tiong Choon Building, Singapore 638442.
7  Unit D, Zone 5, Clonminam Business Park, Portlaoise, County Laois, Ireland.
8  Unit 3, 11 Travertine Crescent, Briardene, Durban North, KwaZulu-Natal, 

4051, South Africa.

9  Rua Tenente Celio, No.150, Bairro Granja Caveleiros, Macae, State of Rio de 

Janeiro, 27.930-120, Brazil.

10  8A Sparks Road, Henderson, WA 6166, Australia.
11  19 Loyang Lane, Singapore 508929.
12  54 Bushland Ridge, Bibra Lake WA 6163, Australia.
13  Gabriel Mancera 1041 Del Valle, Benito Juarez, 03100, Ciudad de Mexico, 

D.F., Mexico.

*   Held by the Parent Company (all other subsidiaries are held by an 

intermediate subsidiary).

**   Consolidated as subsidiary undertakings.
***  Held by nominee shareholders.

GROUP  
PERCENTAGE OF  
EQUITY CAPITAL

50%
50%

49%

50%

49%**

49%**

49%**

49%**

50%

50%

50%

49%*

50%

49%

100%

25%

49%**

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022196

Group financial record  
for the five years ended 31 December

Revenue
Marine Support
Specialist Technical
Offshore Oil
Tankships
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Total

Underlying operating profit
Marine Support
Specialist Technical
Offshore Oil
Tankships
Common costs
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Total

Net finance costs
Underlying profit before taxation
APMs
Loss on remeasurement to fair value less costs to sell
(Loss)/profit before taxation
Taxation
(Loss)/profit after taxation

Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Investment in associates and joint ventures
Working capital
Assets/(liabilities) held for sale
Contingent consideration
Pension obligations
Taxation
Capital employed 
Net borrowings
Lease liabilities
Equity

Earnings per share
Basic 
Diluted 
Dividends declared per share

Operating margin (%)
Return on capital employed (%)
Leverage
Dividend cover (times)

2022
£m

224.5
68.1
106.6
78.9
478.1
42.8
520.9

7.9
0.6
15.2
8.6
(5.9)
26.4
(7.3)
19.1

(10.3)
8.8
(1.7)
(13.3)
(6.2)
(4.6)
(10.8)

124.5
119.7
52.3
10.0
69.2
17.1
–
5.1
6.2
404.1
139.8
46.0
218.3
404.1

pence
(22.1)
(22.1)
–

3.7%
3.9%
2.7
–

2021
£m
Restated*

214.5
81.5
86.3
60.1
442.4
51.7
494.1

5.0
10.0
11.1
4.8
(2.8)
28.1
(0.1)
28.0

(8.3)
19.7
(48.7)
–
(29.0)
0.8
(28.2)

146.8
122.2
41.8
9.4
62.5
10.7
–
(1.9)
4.7
396.2
147.4
38.2
210.6
396.2

pence
(55.2)
(55.2)
–

5.7%
3.6%
2.9
–

2020
£m

249.4
130.4
78.0
60.4
518.2
–
518.2

10.1
14.0
11.2
8.0
(2.8)
40.5
–
40.5

(9.0)
31.5
(84.0)
–
(52.5)
(4.8)
(57.3)

186.6
158.2
31.9
8.9
66.6
–
(1.7)
(10.3)
(4.2)
436.0
175.0
23.1
237.9
436.0

pence
(114.2)
(114.2)
8.0

7.8%
6.7%
2.8
6.0

2019
£m

311.6
149.4
88.2
67.9
617.1
–
617.1

24.5
18.4
14.2
12.0
(2.8)
66.3
–
66.3 

(7.8)
58.5
(10.7)
–
47.8
(11.1)
36.7

215.2
210.6
27.9
9.9
107.5
–
(8.2)
(5.8)
(10.7)
546.4
203.0
27.4
316.0
546.4

pence
73.1
72.7
11.3

10.7%
11.3%
2.7
8.2

2018
£m

274.3
156.5
70.0
60.7
561.5
–
561.5

26.8
21.4
6.8
9.9
(2.8)
62.1
–
62.1

(6.0)
56.1
(0.7)
–
55.4
(10.1)
45.3

197.5
145.4
–
9.6
96.3
–
(6.0)
(16.1)
(6.7)
420.0
113.6
–
306.4
420.0

pence
89.5
88.9
31.6

11.0%
12.2%
1.9
2.5

*  2021 results are restated due to a business classified as discontinued operations – see Note 5. 

Financial statementsAnnual Report 2022 – James Fisher and Sons plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
197

Brokers
Investec Bank (UK) Limited 

30 Gresham Street 
London EC2V 7QP

Peel Hunt LLP

100 Liverpool Street
London EC2M 2AT

Financial Calendar 
14 June 2023

Annual General Meeting

Investor information

Registered office
James Fisher and Sons plc 
Fisher House, PO Box 4 
Barrow-in-Furness 
Cumbria LA14 1HR

Incorporated in England under  
Company no. 211475

www.james-fisher.com

Registrar
Link Group

10th Floor
Central Square
29 Wellington Street
Leeds LS1 4DL

Auditor
KPMG LLP

1 St Peters Square 
Manchester M2 3AE

Bankers
Bank of Ireland

4th Floor
Bow Bells House
1 Bread Street
London EC4M 9BE

Barclays Bank PLC 

1st Floor
3 Hardman Street 
Spinningfields
Manchester M3 3HF

DBS Bank Ltd 

London Branch 
One London Wall
London EC2Y 5EA

HSBC UK Bank PLC

2nd Floor
Landmark
St Peters Square
1 Oxford Street
Manchester M1 4BP

Lloyds Bank PLC 

Lovell Park
1 Lovell Park Road
Leeds LS1 1NS

Santander UK PLC 

298 Deansgate
Manchester M3 4HH

Debt advisors
N.M. Rothschild & Sons Limited

82 King Street
Manchester M2 4WQ

Disclaimer
This Annual Report has been prepared for the members of the Company only. The Company, its Directors, employees and agents do not accept  
or assume responsibility to any other person in connection with this document and any such responsibility or liability is expressly disclaimed.  
This Annual Report contains certain forward-looking statements that are subject to future events including, amongst other matters, the economic 
and business circumstances occurring from time to time in the countries and markets in which the Group operates and the availability of financing  
to the Group.

As such the forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty. Accordingly, whilst it is believed the expectations reflected in these statements 
are reasonable at the date of publication of this Annual Report, they may be affected by a wide range of matters which could cause actual results to 
differ materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements will not be updated during the year. Nothing in this Annual Report should be 
construed as a profit forecast.

Design and Production
www.carrkamasa.co.uk

Financial statementsJames Fisher and Sons plc – Annual Report 2022James Fisher and Sons plc 
T: +44 (0) 1229 615 400 
F: +44 (0) 1229 836 761 
E: enquiries@james-fisher.com 
W: www.james-fisher.com