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Lamprell Plc

lam · LSE Energy
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Industry Oil & Gas Equipment & Services
Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2014 Annual Report · Lamprell Plc
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Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Leaner
Fitter
stronger

Playing a key role in the global energy industry

Lamprell, based in the United Arab Emirates 
(“UAE”) and with over 35 years’ experience, is a 
leading provider of  fabrication, engineering and 
contracting services to the offshore and onshore 
oil & gas and renewable energy industries. We 
have established leading market positions in 
the fabrication of  shallow-water drilling jackup 
rigs, liftboats, land rigs, and rig refurbishment 
projects, and we have an international reputation 
for building complex offshore and onshore 
process modules and fixed platforms. Lamprell 
delivered robust operational and financial 
performance in 2014, which turned out to be 
our most profitable year yet as a result of  strong 
project execution, with a record number of  
project deliveries.

Lamprell is listed on the London Stock Exchange (symbol ‘LAM’).

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Leaner
Fitter
stronger

Playing a key role in the global energy industry

Cover story
The combined Nexen Wellhead and Production, Utilities & 
Quarters (“PUQ”) deck projects achieved an astounding  
10 million manhours without a day away from work case and  
the PUQ deck entered the Guinness World Book of  Records  
for being the heaviest load moved by trailers.

strategic report
01   Highlights 2014
02   Overview
04   Chairman’s statement
05   Chief  Executive’s review
08   Business model, strategy and KPIs
10   Pipeline and opportunities
12   Markets and trends
14   Principal risks and uncertainties
18   Financial review
20   Operational review
30   Sustainability report

Corporate governance
32   Board of  Directors
34   Directors’ Report
41   Nomination & Governance Committee Report
43  Audit and Risk Committee Report
46   Directors’ Remuneration Report
47   Directors’ Remuneration Policy Report
53   Directors’ Annual Report on Remuneration
60   Statutory information and Directors’ 

statements

Financial statements
62   Independent auditor’s report to the members 

of  Lamprell plc

63   Consolidated income statement
64   Consolidated statement of  
comprehensive income
65   Consolidated balance sheet
66   Company balance sheet
67   Consolidated statement of  changes in equity
68   Company statement of  changes in equity
69   Consolidated cash flow statement
70   Company cash flow statement
71   Notes to the financial statements
108  Definitions

For further reading on specific topics, please 
 symbol throughout the document.
follow the 

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Strategic report: Highlights 2014

strong resuLts  
a record year

Revenue 
(USD million)

1,084.9

2013: USD 1,072.8m
2012: USD 1,025.9m

Net profit/(loss) before income
tax and exceptional items  
(USD million)

118.5

2013: USD 45.9m
2012: USD (105.7m)

EBITDA1 
(USD million)

137.0

2013: USD 76.0m
2012: USD (74.5m)

Net profit2/(loss)
(USD million)

118.0

2013: USD 36.4m
2012: USD (111.2m)

1.  EBITDA shown above is from continued 

Operational highlights

EBITDA before exceptional items1  
(USD million)

137.0

2013: USD 84.4m
2012: USD (69.8m)

Earnings per share – diluted  
(US cents)

37.38

2013: 12.67c
2012: (42.72c)

operations only.

2.  Net profit/(loss) includes profit/loss from 
continued and discontinued operations.

Excellent safety performance with TRIR more than halved to 0.28

Strong execution delivered exceptional financial performance

Successful pipeline conversion with six new build jackup orders received 

Record-breaking offshore project, largest rig conversion ever

Productivity improvement and cost efficiency measures under way 

01

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Strategic report: Overview

LampreLL  
at a gLance

Lamprell delivered exceptional financial performance 
in 2014 as a result of  strong project execution.  
2014 saw us deliver nine major projects, a record 
for the Company. The Group was successful in 
converting a significant proportion of  its bid  
pipeline with six new build jackup rig orders won  
and a number of  other smaller awards signed.  
The year also saw the Company achieve significant 
milestones by completing its largest rig conversion 
project (“MOS Frontier”) and delivering the last of   
the problematic projects (the Caspian Sea jackup  
rig “Mercury”). Both the Land Rigs and Engineering 
& Construction business units, while still relatively 
small contributors, saw significant growth during 
2014. The debt refinancing and the rights issue  
were completed in 2014 and have re-established  
the Group with a strong balance sheet. 

Our leading  
market positions

Lamprell is the regional market leader 
in the construction of  new build jackup 
rigs for the global market

Lamprell fabricates complex modules, 
topsides and jackets for the offshore 
and onshore energy industry

Lamprell is the leading regional rig 
refurbishment company with the largest 
market share in the Middle East

Lamprell can provide EPC, general 
fabrication and contracting services  
for land rigs, with its own land rig 
design developed

Lamprell offers turnkey solutions to 
deliver state-of-the-art self-elevating, 
self-propelled vessels for the 
renewable energy industry 

Our core markets

Lamprell is firmly established 
as one of  the world’s major 
fabricators offering highly 
sophisticated engineering 
capabilities to a global 
customer base. Our core 
markets include:

New build jackup rigs
Lamprell has one of  the world’s 
leading facilities for the construction 
of  new build jackup drilling rigs. With 
a sophisticated engineering capability 
and state-of-the-art construction and 
load out facilities, Lamprell has rapidly 
gained a reputation as a leading and 
reliable builder of  drilling rigs for the 
international market. 

Offshore/onshore construction
We construct complex process 
modules, living quarters, wellhead 
decks, topsides, FPSO units 
and various other offshore fixed 
facilities. In addition, Lamprell 
fabricates onshore packaged, 
pre-assembled and modularised 
units and manufactures pressure 
vessels and columns that typically 
form an integral part of  a module. 
This also includes our engineering 
and construction business unit.

02

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Order book (USD million)  
as at 31 December 2014

Total land (m2)

Total quayside (m)

1,205.2

899,000

2,200

Why are state-of-the-art facilities important to us?
Lamprell’s primary facilities are located in the UAE, as well as in Saudi Arabia 
through a joint venture agreement. Lamprell offers custom-built construction and 
load out facilities easily accessible by land, air and sea, to and from key energy 
geographies such as the Middle East, the North Sea, Africa and Asia.

Jubail

Our order book 2014 (USD million)
as at 31 December 2014

 New build jackup rigs  

1,136.1

  Offshore/onshore 
construction  

 Land rig services  

  Rig refurbishment  
and conversion  

 Other 

44.8

9.3

7.6

7.4

Key stats

Total employees
as at 31 December 2014

8,367

as at 31 December 2013: 10,684

Hamriyah
Sharjah
Dubai

Employee gender split
Core employees 2014

Jebel Ali

2%

98%

Employee gender split
Management 2014

10%

90%

Board gender split
2013

Rig refurbishment and conversion
Lamprell provides a full suite of  
refurbishment services for jackup  
rigs including re-certification, 
conversions and major upgrades. 
Lamprell was originally founded  
as a rig refurbishment company in  
the late 1970s and is a trusted leader 
in the region, delivering safe, high 
quality products.

Land rig services
Land rig services covers a wide variety 
of  projects and services related to 
onshore drilling rigs, oilfield service 
companies and drilling equipment 
refurbishment. This business unit 
operates from facilities in Hamriyah, 
Jebel Ali and Dubai Investments Park, 
as well as providing field services  
as required.

0%

100%

Renewable energy
In 2007, Lamprell expanded its 
capabilities with awards for the 
construction of  self-propelled liftboats 
for the renewable and oil & gas 
sectors. Lamprell’s goal of  becoming 
the fabricator of  choice in this market is 
endorsed by expertise gained with the 
successful delivery of  six such vessels.

03

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Strategic report: Chairman’s statement

strengthening 
our business

2014 was a successful 
year for Lamprell. I am 
pleased to report on the 
significant progress achieved 
operationally and financially.

Following its return to profitability in 2013, 
the Group completed its recovery process 
in delivering an exceptional financial 
performance and a number of  major 
operational milestones. These results have 
been driven by strong project execution and 
major business improvements, allowing the 
Group to deliver improved returns. 

Delivering strong performance

This improved performance has been 
possible as a result of  robust project 
execution and the implementation of  
important structural changes. A strong  
cost discipline has been established,  
with significant reductions achieved.  
This is being monitored closely by the 
Board. The safety and quality standards 
in our yards are paramount and in 2014 
achieved world-class levels. The Company 
disposed of  a non-core business to allow 
the management team to focus on core 
markets. Lamprell is now leaner, fitter and 
stronger, and aiming to accomplish more.

Strategy

 page 08 and concluded that 

Beyond operational performance, Lamprell’s 
overall success is highly geared to its  
ability to win new business. In the first half  
of  2014, we took steps to overhaul our 
strategy and the business development 
function to ensure that the Group remains 
competitive. The Board reviewed the 
strategy 
there was a need to focus on our core 
markets in the short to medium term.  
Our long-term goal is to broaden our 
offering into related areas such as the 
modular plant and FPSO markets where 
we have already been successful and 
have a proven track record. In doing 
this we will leverage the Group’s proven 
expertise in project execution to diversify 
our client base. Key strategic principles are: 
focus on high quality clients, on improved 
margin projects and on bids with a higher 
probability of  winning. 

Financial platform and stakeholders

A strong financial platform was put in  
place in 2014 to enable the management 
team to implement our strategy. The rights 
issue and refinancing allowed us to ensure 
there is now a strong balance sheet and 
sufficient cash resources to support the 
strategy implementation. 

 page 14. Our primary 

In line with our commitment to best 
practice in corporate governance, we 
maintained clear controls and looked to 
enhance certain processes such as risk 
management 
focus was on greater communication and 
transparency with our investors when we 
explained the drivers behind the rights 
issue and refinancing; we appreciate the 
overwhelming support we received for  
these transactions. 

Markets

In the final quarter of  2014 we saw a 
significant deterioration in the oil & gas 
markets and reductions in industry capital 
expenditure programmes following a steep 
decline in oil prices. In a period of  uncertain 
market environment, the Board has ensured 
that the management team’s remuneration 
targets are stretching and closely linked  
to the Company’s strategic objectives 
 page 55. Our management team is 

measured against every pillar of  our 
strategy for success, including Lamprell’s 
safety record, cost management, delivery 
of  operational efficiencies and financial 
performance.

John Kennedy
Non-Executive Chairman

04

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Strategic report: Chief Executive’s review

deFining  
our vaLues

Jim Moffat was appointed to 
the Board in March 2013 as 
Chief  Executive Officer. With 
over 35 years in the industry, 
Jim has brought a wealth of  
experience which has seen 
the Group achieve a number 
of  records in 2014 and 
deliver the most profitable 
year in its history. 

Q   What were the major highlights and 
your main focus during 2014?

We have seen improvements in virtually 
every aspect of  our business. For me, 2014 
was about strengthening the Company and 
building a solid platform for future growth. 
The previous year was focused on steadying 
the ship with our “back to basics” approach. 
Our successful turnaround in 2013 resulted 
in a better start to 2014 and a return to 
profitability. We were therefore able to build 
on this and focus instead on future growth by 
refining and implementing our strategy.

Q   Is the turnaround now complete and 
are the legacy issues in the past?

Lamprell as a business has recovered 
from a loss of  USD 110 million in 2012 to 
deliver a profit of  nearly USD 120 million in 
2014 which is an impressive achievement. 
We have retained Lamprell’s fundamental 

strengths and based on these we have 
built a business that is financially and 
structurally sound, with a new approach 
to business development, using the robust 
bid procedures now in place. The past 
issues have been addressed and legacy 
projects completed; we have enhanced 
certain systems, including the rollout of  a 
new ERP system to assist with monitoring 
and accountability. We can now confidently 
say that the business has moved on from 
securing its recovery to building its future. 

Our exceptional financial performance  
 page 18 is clear evidence of   
in 2014 
our recovery.

Q   What were your key business 
decisions in 2014?

The return to profitability allowed us to review 
the debt and equity structure of  the Company 
from a position of  renewed strength. The 
terms of  the previous financing package  
that had been secured in 2013 were onerous 
and only represented a short-term financing 
solution. We recognised the need for 
additional financial firepower to fund our  
near-term plans and longer-term ambitions. 

 page 19, consisting of  an equity 

With this in mind, we approached our banks 
and investors requesting a new financial 
structure 
injection through a rights issue and a full 
debt refinancing. Our plans were met with 
overwhelming support and resulted in a fully 
underwritten rights issue of  USD 120 million 
and new debt facilities of  USD 350 million.

Our results

Total shareholder return

(14.2)%

Net profit increased by

223.9%

New awards increased by

88.0%

James Moffat
Chief Executive Officer

05

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Strategic report: Chief Executive’s review

This strengthened balance sheet allowed 
us to implement the key elements of  
our strategy: we commenced a major 
capital investment programme for our 
facilities which will improve our operational 
performance and strengthen our 
competitive position by reducing our costs. 

Q  What have been your operational 
priorities?

Based on an analysis of  our operational 
performance for 2013, our core business 
was solid but there was room for significant 
improvements to make Lamprell more 
efficient and productive. On the one 
hand, we had a well-trained workforce; 
good facilities with substantial access to 
quayside; a proven track record and culture 
of  delivery, and client-friendly service. 
On the other hand, some of  the existing 
techniques required modernisation to 
enhance productivity. In other words, we 
were building high quality products, on time 
and on budget, but I felt that we could do it 
more efficiently and at lower cost.

In order to improve the way we operated, 
we outlined a series of  productivity 
and efficiency measures under “Project 
Evolution”. This formed a key component 
of  our strategy and half  of  the funds raised 
in the rights issue were directed towards 
the funding of  these measures. Project 
Evolution has been under way since  
mid-2014 and is expected to reach the  
full savings runrate in 2016.

Q  How is Project Evolution going to 
improve your operations?

Q  What are the other key pillars of 
success in your strategy?

Project Evolution is intended to improve 
the processes and infrastructure on which 
our operations rely on a day-to-day basis. 
Every aspect of  our operation is affected 
– projects, production, engineering, 
procurement, finance, HR, administration 
and IT. We are fortunate to have access to a 
dedicated, well-trained and cost-competitive 
workforce but we are working towards a 
better balance between modern techniques 
and the use of  manual labour. For example, 
we are introducing a panel line and beam 
cutting machines in Hamriyah which are 
anticipated to reduce the total manhours 
per project significantly.

We anticipate that Project Evolution 
will also reduce costs associated with 
construction. For example, over the 
course of  the last year we have replaced 
stick welding in our yards with flux cored 
arc welding, a more modern technique. 
This is expected to result in a saving 
of  up to a third of  welders’ time, which 
will have considerable cost implications 
in a business like ours where welding 
accounts for about a third of  the total 
manhours spent on building a jackup rig. 

In total, there are over 20 initiatives under 
Project Evolution which will result in a better 
layout and a higher degree of  automation in 
our yards, leading to more efficient and cost 
effective operations.

A strong competitive position relies on 
robust project execution, the right approach 
to business development and a long-term 
vision for growth. Project Evolution will go 
a long way to raising the efficiency of  our 
operations but, in order for Lamprell to 
improve, we have been working to embed 
a culture of  continuous improvement 
into every aspect of  our business, and 
then measure performance against key 
performance indicators.

 page 13 to 

With our operations improving, we also 
analysed our core markets 
understand our position in the competitive 
landscape. Lamprell remained strong 
in winning orders based on our existing 
 page 21, quality and 
strengths of  safety 
reliability; however, we noted competitors’ 
commercial advantage to offer back-ended 
payments, whereby clients would use the 
fabrication yard’s balance sheet to facilitate 
project construction. The debt refinancing 
package we secured in the summer of  
2014 enables us to offer this option which 
effectively levelled the playing field. This 
significantly broadened our addressable 
market and has already contributed to us 
securing additional contract wins, albeit 
without having to draw on the funding facility.

Safety We deliver world class safety standards and leave 
nothing to chance so everyone goes home safely.

Fiscal responsibility Because every employee influences 
our costs, we are all accountable to ensure that we achieve the 
most cost effective solutions.

Integrity We conduct our business honestly, with professional 
integrity, fairly and transparently, and we are open and ethical in 
our day-to-day dealings with all stakeholders.

Accountability We deliver what we say we will.

Teamwork We strive to work together with our stakeholders and 
believe great teams can achieve incredible things.

our  
vaLues

06

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Our approach to winning business has  
been restructured and improved further  
with the hire of  a seasoned marketing  
and commercial team. A new Chief  
Commercial Officer and VP Business 
Development have worked on developing 
and implementing a new approach to the 
way that invitations to tender are assessed, 
ranked and submitted 
ensures that our marketing efforts target 
those prospects which are expected to 
suit our yards and facilities best and thus 
yield better returns on investment based 
on the highest probability of  a successful 
contract award. This new approach has 
already resulted in us winning a record 
number of  awards and the management 
team is looking to use these systems to 
improve the quality of  our backlog.

 page 10. This 

This, along with Project Evolution, helps 
Lamprell to become even more competitive, 
but there are other aspects of  the 
business that are crucial to our success.

Q  What other aspects of the strategy  
are you particularly proud of?

Safety is paramount in our operations  

 page 21. I see this as a non-negotiable 

factor in our success – for our staff, our 
clients and ultimately all our stakeholders. 
Lamprell has always operated relatively 
safely but, much in the same way as 
with operations, I saw opportunities for 
substantial improvement. We hired a VP 

of  HSESQ in 2013 who has overhauled 
Lamprell’s approach and standards. The 
results speak for themselves: we have cut 
our Total Recordable Injury Rate (“TRIR”) 
to less than half  of  0.67 in 2013, which is 
good, to 0.28 in 2014, which is industry 
leading. This is a key consideration for 
high quality operators in making contract 
awards, but most importantly it creates the 
right environment for our operations.

Our operational performance in 2014 was 
strong. We delivered nine major projects, 
a record for the Group. We delivered all 
projects as planned and on budget, and 
as a result made a number of  savings, 
benefiting from the release of  contingencies 
as well as early results from Project 
Evolution. This had a positive impact on 
our financial performance, which was 
exceptionally strong in 2014. 

This year has seen some major achievements 
in our yards. The Nexen PUQ deck made it 
into the Guinness World Book of  Records 
 page 23. We completed our largest 
rig conversion project to date, the “MOS 
Frontier”. We also delivered the last of  
the problematic projects, the “Mercury” 
Caspian Sea rig, which was a challenging 
project with remote operations. Both were 
delivered without a single day away from 
work case. We secured three contracts to 
build six new jackup rigs, two for Ensco, 
two for Shelf  Drilling and two for our largest 
client, National Drilling Company (“NDC”). 

We concluded the year with the delivery of  
“Shuwehat”, the third rig delivered in 2014 
to one client, NDC 
record for Lamprell. 

 page 28, another 

Q  Do you expect to be able to maintain 
this strong performance in the 
challenging market conditions? 

Our financial performance in 2014 was 
exceptional. We will maintain the high 
standards of  operational performance 
which was a key factor to the results of  
2014; however in 2015 our ongoing projects 
are at different stages in their construction 
cycles. In addition, the wider market 
environment is weak due to the current oil 
price. Lamprell entered 2015 in a position 
of  relative strength – our balance sheet is 
robust, we have a strong cash position, 
we have a high proportion of  this year’s 
revenue secured and a good bid pipeline.

The sharp market deterioration at the end of  
the year has brought significant uncertainty 
around 2015. Our business has a certain 
degree of  flexibility built in and my team 
will look to mitigate the impact on Lamprell. 
With the Board’s support and direction, 
we expect to be able to weather the storm, 
but pressure on margins and the inevitable 
slowdown is likely to affect everyone in the 
industry. Our focus will be on maintaining 
the highest standards of  project execution 
and using our competitive position to 
convert our pipeline into wins.

Progress on organisational improvements

Key initiatives

Strengthen and  
realign organisation

Productivity and
efficiency
enhancements
(Project Evolution)

Completion of  capital restructuring

Complete organisation realignment

Yard workflow, layout improvements

Procurement synergies across projects and sites

Improved project scheduling

Process and technology improvements

Enhanced focus on  
broadening customer base and 
strengthening brand

Major client awards validate our quality and value mix

Enhanced marketing and branding

07

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Strategic report: Business model, strategy and KPIs

a robust strategy 
For deLivering Future growth

Our business model

We aim to deliver predictable, sustainable and 
profitable growth through a robust strategy, strong 
management and leading operational performance. 
Our business model is structured around a risk-
based assessment of  opportunities to meet the 
demand for fabrication, engineering and contracting 
services in the offshore and onshore oil & gas and 
renewable energy industries. 

Our goal is to create  
long-term shareholder 
value

Our strategy is to expand the 
breadth of  our core business 
offerings in existing and into new 
growth markets by offering greater 
cost-efficiencies and extending 
our client base. We aspire to be 
a leading global fabrication and 
EPC service provider delivering 
complex fabrication projects to 
world class standards in multiple 
markets. This will be done by 
consistently delivering safe, high 
quality, competitive, on-time 
solutions to our customers.

Improved 
shareholder value

How our strengths  
add value

shareholders
Our shareholders receive 
return on investment

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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 
Broaden addressable markets
Diversify client base
Improve productivity and efficiencies
Deliver superior value for money
Invest in yard and modernise plant
Develop and retain high performing workforce

First class safety and quality
We have a long-standing reputation for 
delivering a strong safety track record and 
producing high build quality. 

 page 21

Reliability
We have a reputation of  delivery on time 
and within budget which builds trust and 
reliability. 

 page 26

Client satisfaction
With the combination of  our key strengths 
and competitive cost structure, we believe 
we present an attractive proposition to 
clients, delivering superior value for money. 

 page 22

Skilled workforce
Employing the best people delivers a better 
service which adds value to our offerings 
and raises client satisfaction. 

 page 25

Strategic location
Our locations enable us to work efficiently 
which allows us to offer a competitive cost 
structure to our clients. 

 page 29 

C ontinuous im prove m ent cycle
DIF F E R E N TIA T E P R O D U C T  
B A S E D O N K E Y S T R E N G T H S
W orld class safety an d q uality
R elia ble, on-tim e solutions
Client satisfaction
Hig hly skille d tea m
Strate gic location

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shareholder  
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Our shareholders  
invest in the Company

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debt capital
Funds for investment accessed 
through debt and other borrowings

Capital investment

08

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic  
objectives 

How we deliver  
our strategy

To deliver our strategy we have 
set clear objectives that relate to 
specific financial and operational 
outcomes (see below):

 » Maintain highest standards of  safety  

and quality;

 » Enhance competitiveness through 

improved productivity and efficiencies; 

 » Deliver superior value for money  

to our clients;

 »

Invest in our yard layouts and modernise 
plant; 

 » Broaden our addressable markets;

 » Diversify our client base;

 » Attract, develop, retain and motivate  
a high performing workforce; and

 »

Increase customer focus to ensure high 
levels of  client satisfaction. 

Focus on core and growth markets

We will continue to focus on our existing 
core markets, namely shallow water 
jackup rigs, modular construction, rig 
refurbishments and land rig services.  
Our long-term strategic goal is to broaden 
our service offerings into related markets 
including onshore modules for the refining 
and petrochemical, LNG/FLNG markets and 
re-entering the FPSO market. We intend to 
leverage our proven expertise in project 
execution and broaden our EPC service 
focus within these core markets. 

Offer a competitive cost structure

Enhanced competitiveness is a high priority 
for the management team and a key driver 
is the implementation of  productivity and 
efficiency measures into our operations 
to drive down costs and allow us to 
capture synergies across multiple, major 
projects, thereby improving our market 
competitiveness. With the combination of  
our enhanced key strengths and competitive 
cost structure, we believe we present 
an attractive proposition to our clients, 
delivering superior value for money.   

Build on our key strengths

We intend to capitalise on our key 
strengths of  delivering excellent safety 
and quality, our commitment to reliability, 
a highly experienced management team 
and skilled workforce, as well as the 
strategic location of  our facilities in the 
Middle East. Our objective is to build 
on these key strengths to differentiate 
ourselves against our competitors. We 
are also creating a culture of  continuous 
improvement, including the use of  
lessons learned and reporting against 
the key performance indicators below.

Increased customer focus  
and satisfaction

We are committed to customer service by 
developing long-term client relationships 
and operating a client relationship model 
that will allow us to increase our prospect 
pipeline and pursue market opportunities at 
an early stage. We strive to be the long-term 
partner of  choice and through this we have 
developed a strong reputation for working 
collaboratively with our clients, focused on 
finding solutions tailored to their needs. 

Performance measures (“KPI”)1
Safety: TRIR  
(rate per 200,000 manhours)

Revenue2 (USD billion)

EBITDA2 (USD billion)

Net profit/(loss) (USD billion)

2014

0.28

2013

2012

0.67

0.85

2014

2013

2012

1.08

1.07

2014

2013

0.14

0.08

2014

0.12

2013

0.04

1.03

(0.07)

2012

(0.11)

2012

description
Key lagging indicators showing the 
Group’s safety performance.

description
Measures the level of  operating 
activity and size of  the business.

description
EBITDA means earnings before 
interest, tax, depreciation and 
amortisation, and provides a 
measure of  the operating cash flows 
for the business.

description
Measures net profitability of  the 
business.

Order book as at 31 December
(USD billion)

EPS (diluted) (US cents)

Headcount  
(number of  employees)

2014

2013

2012

1.2

0.9

1.2

(42.72)

2012

2014

37.38

2013

12.67

2014

2013

2012

8,367

10,684

10,872

description
The Group uses this KPI as a 
measure of  the visibility of  future 
revenues.

description
Indicates net profitability on a per 
share basis, taking into account 
changes in the capital structure.

description
Provides an indication of  the 
Group’s service capacity.

1.  We manage our KPI risks 

 page 14.

2.  Revenue and EBITDA shown 
above are from continued  
operations only.

09

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Strategic report: Pipeline and opportunities

our business modeL  
converts opportunities

We have a prospect pipeline management system 
which allows us to apply the various elements of  our 
business model to convert the higher priority targets 
into bidding prospects. Over the last 12 months, we 
have refined the system to improve both the quality 
of  the bid pipeline and also the probability of  winning 
new work. 

Conversion of  the bid pipeline into contract awards 
is based around the strong relationships we have 
established with many leading industry clients 
and prime contractors. We had a record year for 
converting prospects into awards and successfully 
increased our pipeline by 10% to USD 5.2 billion.

Strong pipeline and high 
bidding activity

Bid pipeline was USD 5.2 billion as  
of  the end of  2014 (31 December 
2013: USD 4.7 billion)

High bid conversion win  
rate for the period

New awards value of  
USD 1.4 billion in 2014 
(2013: USD 0.8 billion)

Successfully diversified client 
base with major wins from new 
clients Ensco and Shelf  Drilling

Offshore/onshore construction 
targeted to become a 
major contributor to our 
turnover in the long term

New build jackups represents 37% 
of  the total prospects pipeline

Approximately 30% of  the jackup 
fleet will be in excess of  35 years 
old by 2017 – ongoing positive 
demand for rig refurbishment 
and conversion projects

Project Evolution

Project Evolution’s vision is to 
construct best in class products at 
lower cost with improved facilities, 
efficient people and processes. 
With the safest and best resources, 
optimised processes, connected 
technology and a continuous 
improvement culture, Project 
Evolution aims to reduce costs 
and add value to the bottom line. 
In 2014, 20% of  Evolution’s key 
milestones were completed and 
the project is now allowing us to 
reduce costs to our bids and  
new projects alike.

10

New automated cutting machine purchased as part of  the Project Evolution initiative.

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014New build jackup rigs

We were highly successful in converting 
orders for new build, shallow water jackup 
rigs in 2014, with a record six orders for 
new rigs in a single year, plus options for an 
additional five rigs. All the orders were for 
high specification, LeTourneau-designed 
rigs of  a Super 116E (Enhanced) Class; 
however, in line with our reputation for 
working with clients to meet their needs, 
we tailored the final rig designs to each 
client’s particular requirements. We are able 
to structure our offering if  a client requests 
a rig of  different design, having delivered 
a total of  18 new build jackup drilling rigs 
since 2006.

Offshore/onshore construction

Over the long-term, global demand for 
offshore and onshore modular construction 
in energy markets remains strong and this 
is reflected in our prospects pipeline with 
approximately 60% being associated with 
this sector. Our business model for these 
projects is structured around our ability 
to deliver a safe, high quality product at 
competitive prices. These prospects are 
typically based around a tendering process 
which can take up to 12 months to reach 
contract award. This provides greater 
visibility on future prospects for targeting 
purposes.  

We have a strong track record in modular 
construction and we are well placed both 
geographically and technically to offer 
differentiated standalone fabrication or 
EPC services. In 2014 we successfully 
secured a contract for the fabrication of  
over 10,000 tonnes of  piperack modules for 
the Petrofac/ZADCO project in Abu Dhabi, 
as well as several other smaller projects in 
this sector.  

Rig refurbishment/conversion

Typical rig refurbishment and conversion 
projects have a short bid-to-award profile 
and therefore the number of  prospects in 
the pipeline can be limited due to the short-
term time span. Rig refurbishment projects 
vary greatly in scope from project to project 
and can have a work schedule lasting a 
few weeks to potentially 12 months. With 
about 30% of  the jackup fleet older than 35 
years by 2017, this reflects positively on the 
demand for rig refurbishment projects. 

Clients typically focus on the following  
key drivers: geographical proximity of  the 
yard, reliability, ability to respond quickly 
and price. These drivers are aligned 
with our key strengths, which we use to 
differentiate our position as the leading 
regional rig refurbishment business.  
There was good activity with 14 rig  
upgrade projects undertaken in 2014, 
including the largest ever rig conversion  
in the history of  the Group. 

Contract types

Our contracts fall primarily into three 
categories: lump sum, unit rate and cost 
reimbursable.  

 » Lump sum contracts (primarily the 

new build jackups and EPC projects) 
are for a total fixed price for a defined 
scope of  work covering engineering, 
procurement, subcontracts, fabrication 
and pre-commissioning services. This 
is the highest risk category for us and 
to do this we have developed a robust 
risk review management and oversight 
process. 

 » Unit rate contracts (predominantly for 
offshore/onshore module fabrication) 
are based on agreed fixed rates for a 
specifically defined unit of  work. The 
contracts are subject to final adjustment 
based on the actual material quantity 
take-offs. 

 » Cost reimbursable contracts usually 
comprise schedules of  pre-agreed 
hourly or daily rates with materials and 
subcontracts reimbursed on a cost plus 
mark-up basis. This type of  contract 
is most common in the upgrade and 
refurbishment of  rigs. 

New awards and bid pipeline

Key

 New build jackup rigs

 Offshore/onshore construction

 Rig refurbishment and conversion

New awards during 2014 (USD million)
as at 31 December 2014

Bid pipeline 2014 (USD million)
as at 31 December 2014

40

40

53

40

63

53

40

63

 Land rig services

 Others

108

108

TOTAL:
USD 1.4 billion

TOTAL:
USD 1.4 billion

1,157

1,157

90

90

1,920

1,920

TOTAL:
USD 5.2 billion

TOTAL:
USD 5.2 billion

3,150

3,150

11

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Strategic report: Markets and trends

Key pLayer   
in the gLobaL energy marKet

After a positive start to 2014, the final quarter of  
the year saw a deterioration in the global energy 
market following a significant fall in oil prices. Many 
of  the global drillers and IOC’s have subsequently 
announced reductions in their 2015 capital 
expenditure programmes. 

While business development and tendering continues 
apace, our ability to win new business is contingent 
on the state of  the broader industry. The scale of  the 
downturn will remain unclear until the market and 
commodity prices stabilise. The outlook for the oilfield 
services sector looks challenging in the near term; 
however the energy industry is based on strong  
long-term fundamentals.

Macroeconomic factors 
and strategy 

The oil price volatility in late 2014 is 
expected to create near-term uncertainty, 
with many leading oil companies reducing 
their capital expenditure, particularly 
on projects in the deepwater and Arctic 
environment segments. However we 
do not participate in these segments, 
our expertise being primarily focused 
around shallow water activities. 

The current low oil prices are creating 
challenges to our clients, however the  
long-term market fundamentals remain 
strong as outlined in a recent report from 
BP (Energy Outlook 2035 Report) with 
primary energy consumption anticipated 
to increase by 1.4% per annum, equating 
to 37% in the next 20 years, with oil & 
gas remaining a major contributor.1

We expect 2015 to be a challenging 
year. However we have a strong pipeline 
of  prospects by geography and by 
product type including major projects 
in the North Sea and Middle East.

The areas of  growth in the longer term 
are expected to be in offshore/onshore 
modular construction including FPSO 
facilities and LNG plants. Based on 
our strategic objectives, we are well-
positioned to take advantage, both 
competitively and geographically, of  
the opportunities in these markets.

Ageing current global  
jackup fleet2

Approximately 30% of  the  
global jackup fleet will be over  
35 years old by 2017. This reflects 
positively on the demand for 
new build jackup rigs and rig 
refurbishment projects.

1.  Source: BP Energy Outlook 2035 Report: 

February 2015.

2.  Source: Ensco – IHS Petrodata Goldman Sachs 

Global Energy Conference: January 2015.

12

14%

17%

December
2014

December
2015

< 35 years old
> 35 years old

86%

78%

22%

December
2016

83%

31%

December
2017

69%

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Market sectors

New build  
jackup rigs

Offshore/onshore 
construction 

Rig refurbishment/
conversions

Land rig services

Renewable energy

After the historic  
highs of  79 rig orders 
in 2013, the market 
returned to more typical 
levels with 38 new rig 
orders in 2014. It is 
expected to see lower 
order levels in 2015. 
There is increased 
competition from 
Asia with many of  the 
planned 126 new rigs 
being built there to be 
delivered between 2015 
and 2017. Lamprell 
remains competitive 
in this market as 
evidenced with six 
rigs won in 2014 and 
options for five more 
with leading clients. 

87.4% 

december 2014 
jackup utilisation 
is down by 2% 
from 89.7%  
in 20133

As a result of  the capex 
budgetary pressures, 
there will be intense 
competition in the 
short term as a larger 
number of  players 
chase fewer energy 
industry, fabrication 
and EPC projects. 
However, the Middle 
East is expected 
to provide good 
opportunities in light of  
the lower oil production 
costs. There are also 
prospects in other 
markets which suffer 
from high costs and/
or lower infrastructure 
capabilities. 

619.4

e&p predicted 
spend in usd 
billion in 20154

The drive to extend rig 
life cycles is expected 
to continue as 30% of  
the global jackup fleet 
will be over 35 years 
old by 2017, although it 
is expected that some 
rigs will be stacked or 
scrapped against the 
backdrop of  low oil 
prices. Older assets 
may be maintained 
or converted for 
alternative use such as 
accommodation units. 
Lamprell is the regional 
market leader in this 
market, particularly on 
medium or large-scale 
rig refurbishments and 
conversions. 

The number of  land 
rigs in MENA is forecast 
to grow by 20% over 
the next five years 
with Saudi Arabia 
growing by 46%5. Some 
Middle East onshore 
drilling programmes 
may be impacted by 
volatility in oil prices 
although lower regional 
oil production costs 
mitigate the risk of  a 
substantial impact. We 
anticipate long-term 
sustainable regional 
demand for our land 
rig services, and 
specifically our new 
Lamprell-designed land 
rig “LAM 2K”. 

Globally around 5GW 
of  offshore wind 
capacity has been 
installed to date with 
the market expected 
to grow over the next 
10 years6 although this 
is under considerable 
pressure in the current 
economic climate. 
We are monitoring 
developments in this 
sector closely. We have 
a proven track record 
for delivering multi-
purpose liftboats to the 
highest specifications. 

14

total rig 
refurbishment 
projects awarded 
to Lamprell  
in 2014

20%

increase in 
operational 
mena land rigs 
over the next  
five years5

3.2gw

projected 
average growth 
per year6

Growing energy demand1 (billion toe)

Consumption by final sector

Consumption by fuel

18

15

12

9

6

3

0
1965

18

15

12

9

6

3

Other

Industry

Transport

0
1965

2035

2000

Gas

Oil

Coal

3.  Source: IHS Petrodata World 

Rig Forecast: January 2015.

4.   Source: Barclays 2014 Equities 

Research Report.

5.   Source: World Land Drilling Rig 
Market Forecast 2015-2019: 
Douglas Westwood.

6.   Source: World Offshore Wind 
Market Forecast 2013-2022: 
Douglas Westwood.

2000

2035

13

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Strategic report: Principal risks and uncertainties

we activeLy  
manage our risKs

At Lamprell, we are 
committed to actively 
managing our risks. There 
has been additional focus 
during 2014 to ensure that 
the processes for identifying, 
managing, reporting on 
and mitigating the Group’s 
risks are embedded 
within the Group’s various 
business units. This has 
been facilitated with the 
appointment of  a Group 
Risk Manager, who meets 
regularly with all risk owners 
and management, allowing 
us to manage our day-to-day 
business more effectively 
and evaluate potential risks 
when bidding for new work.  

Risk ranking, monitoring and profiling

The principles of  risk and opportunity are 
becoming part of  everyday work processes 
through continuous reviews, workshops, 
knowledge sharing, monitoring, reporting 
and trending. Lamprell believes that robust 
risk and opportunity processes provide 
advantages with regard to:

 » early anticipation of  risks within areas of  

the business; 

 » better audit reviews;

 » more robust risk management strategies; 

and 

 »

Improved contingency management 
including costs.

Following the meetings with risk owners,  
all project risks are ranked using a 
“probability vs. impact” measurement on  
a high/medium/low basis. The risks are  
also ranked on a gross (pre mitigation) and 
net (post mitigation) basis. Where possible, 
a cost, quality or schedule contingency 
assessment is also undertaken and 
completed. These “bottom-up” risks are 
then logged into a centralised, secure, 
risk and opportunity database and each is 
assigned to the risk owner who owns the 
actions arising out of  the risk management 
plan. In addition, the management team 
undertakes a separate, “top-down” 
assessment to identify the key major risks 
and opportunities faced by the Group.

Risk review panel and  
corporate risk reporting

A risk review panel, comprising members of  
the senior management team, meets on a 
monthly basis to review Lamprell’s risk and 
opportunities management process and 
to challenge the effectiveness of  selected 
risk management plans. In this way, there is 
greater cohesion between the assessment 
of  and alignment between the “bottom-up” 
and “top-down” risks.

In addition, we have taken steps to trend 
and profile our risks on an enterprise basis. 
By reviewing and using this data, we are 
aiming to identify potential major risks at 
an early stage, thereby allowing us to take 
mitigating actions. The risk management 
process and all major risks are reviewed 
with the Board and the Audit & Risk 
Committee at least twice a year. 

Principal risks and uncertainties  
for Lamprell 

While the Group undertakes detailed project 
risk evaluations, the overall Group faces a 
wide variety of  risks in connection with its 
business and the operations. We believe 
that the principal risks and uncertainties 
faced by the Group are as follows:

Analysis of risks

Our profiling of  project 
risks confirms that while 
most risk areas remain in 
the operation category, 
the largest percentage of  
“high” risks on a pro rata 
basis are in strategic and 
financial categories for this 
reporting period. Lamprell 
uses this data to prioritise 
those enterprise and project 
risks, and implements 
appropriate risk mitigation 
strategies and activities.

14

Compliance
and legal

Financial

High risk
Medium risk
Low risk 

% of  risk-based on 
enterprise category 
(rounded)

Operational

Strategic

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Strategic risks
Risk description

Securing new  
contracts

Risk to strategy

high

Risk change

increased

Business implication

Mitigation

As a result of  the changes in the oil & gas 
sector during 2014, Lamprell identified that 
demand for its range of  services may be 
adversely impacted by a fall in the levels 
of  expenditure by oil & gas and renewable 
energy companies

Over-reliance  
on a single product

Risk to strategy

medium

Risk change

none

A significant proportion of  the Group’s 
revenue continues to be generated from 
new build jackup drilling rigs. This has led to 
over-reliance on limited rig designs and on 
key suppliers. There is a risk that Lamprell’s 
revenues will be impacted if  this rig design 
becomes obsolete or if  the key suppliers fail 
to deliver the products forming part of  this rig 
design in a timely manner

Read more

 page 12

 page 08

 » Backlog at 31 December 2014 of  

USD 1.2 billion with contract options 
for up to additional USD 0.9 billion

 » Lamprell has a strong bid pipeline 

of  USD 5.2 billion

 » Business development to identify 

key clients, maintain client relations 
and develop win strategies with 
competitive tendering

 » Focusing on delivery of  high quality 
products which provide a robust 
platform for repeat business

 » LeTourneau Super 116E remains a 
popular robust design. Demand for 
it is being monitored  

 » Lamprell is looking at alternative rig 

designs 

 » 60% of  prospects pipeline 

associated with non-rig products 
and services

 » Lamprell has the capabilities to 

design and build new build rigs and 
vessels within the UAE and on a 
global basis

Fluctuations in  
order book 

Over-reliance on 
limited number of 
customers

Risk to strategy

medium

Risk change

none

The Group’s visible order book can fluctuate 
significantly because the majority of  the 
projects are fixed duration lump sum contracts 
or short-term rig refurbishment contracts

If  the Group is unable to maintain strong 
relationships with a core group of  customers 
or fails to continue to offer them high levels of  
service, the business, financial condition and 
prospects of  the Company may be adversely 
affected

 » Strategy in place to diversify our 

addressable markets and broaden 
our client base

 page 11

 » Lamprell has a range of  contract 

types from lump sum through to unit 
rate remeasureable

 » Lamprell is also reviewing the 
use of  framework and call off  
agreements with customers which 
will provide additional revenue

 » Rig refurbishment work remains as 

a reliable source of  revenue 

 » Lamprell has relationships with 

customers based in the UAE and in 
the North Sea regions

15

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Strategic report: Principal risks and uncertainties

Strategic risks
Risk description

Mergers and 
acquisitions/joint 
ventures

Risk to strategy

medium

Risk change

none

Financial risks
Counterparty  
credit risk

Risk to finance

medium

Risk change

increased

Business implication

Mitigation

There may be a significant level of  financial/
legal obligations assumed as part of  any 
acquisition or divestment, or as a result of  
participation in a Joint Venture (“JV”). This may 
have a material negative impact on the Group. 
In addition, the integration of  an acquisition 
or misalignment with a JV partner may have 
a negative impact on the combined Group 
and significantly impair the assessment of  
economic value attributed to the Group

 » Lamprell will employ robust 

financial, legal, commercial and 
HR due diligence processes for all 
corporate transactions

 » The project lead and senior team 

members will have the prerequisite 
expertise and experience in 
complex transactions

 » JV funding obligations to be 

regularly and rigorously reviewed 
and capped

Read more

 page 45

The Group provides its products and services 
to a variety of  contractual counterparties and 
is therefore subject to the risk of  non-payment 
for products provided and services rendered 
or non-reimbursement of  costs incurred

 page 18

 page 06

 » Lamprell conducts regular  

credit checks on clients for major 
new contracts

 » Lamprell negotiates effective 

contractual measures to mitigate 
payment exposure

 » The Group requests advance 

payment and neutral payment terms 
wherever possible

 » Project debt facility only available 
for use with top tier clients, per 
lender requirements

 » Dedicated steering committee and 
project team in place, sponsored 
by senior management, to drive 
efficiency measures at required 
pace throughout business

 » Lamprell has a certain level of  

flexibility built into its workforce, by 
the use of  core labour, short-term 
labour and contractors

 » Overheads being driven down 

through phased implementation 
plan to mitigate operational impact

 » Next phase of  ERP application to 
be implemented by Q2 2015

 » Transparent key performance 

indicators being used for reporting 
to track progress 

Failure to deliver  
projected savings

Risk to finance

high

Risk change

none

In order for the business units to remain 
competitive and for the business to grow, it is 
essential for Lamprell to manage its overhead 
cost base and to implement the targeted 
productivity improvements and cost efficiency 
initiatives. Further, in highly challenging market 
conditions, Lamprell may need to reduce or 
restructure its overheads to remain competitive

16

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Compliance and legal risks
Risk description

Business implication

Liabilities under  
contract

Risk to compliance and legal

medium

Risk change

increased

Operational risks
Project execution
Risk to operations

medium

Risk change

increased

As part of  its contractual arrangements, 
Lamprell may be subject to some onerous 
contractual terms which could impact its 
liabilities and revenue as a result of  a breach 
or non-performance. This may apply either to 
contracts with clients or key suppliers

Ineffective project execution plans and/or 
poor management of  subcontractor/vendor 
performance can result in additional costs and 
productivity inefficiencies such as manhour 
overruns or additional material expenditures.  
There could also be a consequential delay in 
project delivery which could reduce margins 
because of  liquidated damages

Mitigation

 » Early risk assessment for all 
liabilities by management

Read more

 page 14

 » Strong contract management is 

exercised across all of  the business 
units

 » Recognised liabilities are managed 
or, where possible, either mitigated 
by contingency funding or are 
passed on to suppliers 

 page 23

 » Detailed project planning both 
pre-bid and throughout project 
execution

 » Embed culture of  continuous 
improvement through facility 
operations 

 »

Increased focus on transparent cost 
and schedule reporting

 » Effective subcontractor and vendor 
evaluations, management and 
reporting 

 »

Implement lessons learned from 
previous projects

Network infrastructure 
security (cyber risks)

A recent external audit recommended a 
series of  network infrastructure upgrades to 
overcome security, latency and growth issues

 » Dedicated IT department 

implements security updates on 
regular basis

 page 20

Risk to operations

medium

Risk change

increased

If  Lamprell’s IT network is compromised, its 
business tools, communications and execution 
systems will be severely impacted

 »

IT system and security infrastructure 
upgrade to be implemented in 2015

 » Existing disaster recovery 

procedures are being updated 

17

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Strategic report: Financial review

responsibLe 
management

2014 was a year of  
exceptional financial 
performance. It was driven 
by strong project execution, 
as well as some cost savings 
and exceptional gains. We 
finished the year with a 
solid balance sheet and a 
strong net cash position.

Results from operations

The Group continued on its path to financial 
recovery started in 2013. Lamprell’s strong 
operational performance was the main 
driver behind our exceptional financial 
results in 2014.

The Group’s total revenue for the year was 
USD 1,084.9 million, in line with earlier 
guidance. The revenue was mainly driven by 
the new build segment with a contribution 
from rig refurbishment, partially offset 
by weaker revenues in the offshore and 
onshore construction market 
The good performance in the refurbishment 
business was supported by the large-scale 
rig conversion project for MOS which was 
delivered in 2014. We delivered nine further 

 page 20. 

refurbishment projects by the end of  the 
year, albeit of  significantly smaller scale.

In 2014, the Group completed a record 
number of  major projects with some 
projects being delivered ahead of  time 
and also ahead of  budget. As a result of  
this improved performance, the project 
contingencies were not utilised, delivering 
enhanced margins. This was also supported 
by some early savings from “Project 
Evolution” being implemented across 
the Group, and by our efforts to reduce 
overheads 

 page 10.

As a result the Group’s gross margin 
significantly increased over the previous 
year to USD 182.1 million from USD 120.0 
million. Lower offshore/onshore construction 
revenues had a negative mix impact on 
margins but this was more than offset by a 
material improvement in margins in our new 
build jackup rig business. This was partially 
driven by a more favourable phasing of  
the construction cycle, but mainly resulted 
from the Group’s continuing improvement 
in project execution 
to earlier, initial procurement savings and 
productivity gains also contributed to our 
strong profitability. Our Land Rig Services 
and our Engineering & Construction 
business units have also contributed  
to the improvement in margins. 

 page 08. As referred 

EBITDA excluding discontinued operations 
and exceptional items for the period was 
USD 137.0 million (2013: USD 84.4 million). 
The Group’s EBITDA margin increased  
from 7.9% in 2013 to 12.6% in 2014, 
reflecting the improved operating 
performance of  the business.

Finance costs and financing activities

Net finance costs in the period decreased 
to USD 18.3 million (2013: USD 22.0 
million). Interest costs were USD 1.7 million 
lower due to the lower cost of  debt following 
the refinancing in the summer.

Net profit after exceptional items and 
earnings per share

The Group recorded a profit for 2014 
attributable to the equity holders of   
USD 118.1 million (2013: USD 36.4 million), 
including a USD 31.3 million gain from 
the disposal of  Inspec. The fully diluted 
earnings per share for the year were  
37.38 cents (2013: 12.67 cents).

Capital expenditure

The Group’s capital expenditure in 2014 
increased to USD 22.5 million (2013: USD 
14.6 million). The main area of  investment 
consisted of  additions to operating 
equipment with the major items being new 
cranes, a new panel line, welding facilities 
and equipment as part of  Project Evolution 

Improvement driven by outstanding performance  
in project gross profit and cost efficiencies1

 100

 90

 80

 70

 60

 50

 40

 30

 20

 10

0

19.0

93.2

26.0

8.4

3.1

36.7

2013
Net profit 

Exceptional 
items in 2013 

One-off items 
in 2014 

Project profit
improvements

Lower
overheads 

2014
Net profit 

1.  Net profit is from continued operations including 

exceptional items.

2.  EBITDA excludes discontinued operations and 

exceptional items.

18

Key figures

Gross margin

16.8%

2013: 11.2%

EBITDA2 (million)

usd 137.0

2013: USD 84.4

Net cash (million)

usd 272.6

2013: USD 183.8

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Dividends

The repayment of  the balance of  term 
loan facility B under the 2013 debt facility 
agreement removed the restriction on the 
payment of  dividends. Given the ambitious 
investment programme to be funded by the 
proceeds of  the rights issue in 2014, as 
well as the uncertain market environment, 
the Directors do not currently recommend 
the payment of  a final dividend for 2014. 
However, the Directors recognise the 
importance of  dividends and remain 
optimistic about the future of  the Group and 
will seek to review and restore the payment 
of  a dividend at the most appropriate time.

and to a lesser extent infrastructure. We also 
continue to invest in our new ERP system, 
Oracle, a proven top tier solution that has 
helped us realign our processes with best 
practices and ensure accurate assessment 
of  our financial performance. The major 
capital investment programme enabled by 
the rights issue has reduced costs in 2014, 
and will continue to reduce these costs 
with the major part of  the investment being 
committed over the course of  2015.

Cash flow and liquidity

The Group’s net cash flow from operating 
activities for 2014 reflected a net outflow of  
USD 39.8 million (2013: net inflow of  USD 
117.7 million) primarily driven by increased 
working capital due to the natural cycle of  
major projects. 

Cash and bank balances increased by 
USD 27.1 million during the year, resulting 
from the net proceeds from the rights issue 
and  the disposal of  Inspec, less a net 
repayment of  debt and net cash outflow 
from operations.

Borrowing and debt refinancing

In 2013, the Group concluded a refinancing 
through a syndicate of  banks for an 
aggregate amount of  USD 181.0 million. 

In May 2014, the Group agreed with a range 
of  banks a new set of  funded facilities 

on substantially more favourable terms 
amounting to USD 350 million replacing the 
previous facilities. It comprised (a) a USD 
100 million term loan; (b) USD 50 million 
for general working capital purposes; and 
(c) USD 200 million of  working capital for 
project financing. In addition, the lending 
banks committed a USD 250 million 
bonding facility that may be used by the 
Group for project bonding requirements 
in connection with new contract awards 
funded by the working capital project 
financing facility. Along with greater financial 
flexibility, the new facilities have generated 
initial savings at the end of  2014 and are 
expected to deliver lower bonding costs on 
future projects.

Our borrowings were USD 99.0 million  
at 31 December 2014 (31 December 2013:  
USD 160.8 million). 

Going concern

After reviewing its cash flow forecasts for a 
period of  not less than 12 months from the 
date of  signing these financial statements, 
the Directors have a reasonable expectation 
that the Group will have adequate resources 
to continue in operational existence for the 
foreseeable future. The Group therefore 
continues to adopt the going concern basis 
in preparing its financial statements.

Tony Wright
Deputy Chief Financial Officer

19

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Strategic report: Operational review

bacK  
on tracK

Safety, quality and reliability 
are at the heart of  what  
we do. These and our other 
key strengths set us apart 
from our competitors. They 
underpin our strategy  
and the way we service  
our clients. 

National Drilling Company, 
“Qarnin” Rig – delivered 
February 2014

The contract for this rig was signed 
in October 2011. This was the 15th 
jackup drilling rig constructed and 
delivered by Lamprell since 2006. 

Operational and efficiency improvements

Lamprell has a proven track record for 
reliable project execution in its core  
markets and this has been enhanced 
further with the delivery of  all of  its nine 
major projects as planned, within budget 
and to the highest standards of  safety. As 
well as making a record number of  major 
deliveries in 2014, the Group identified 
a number of  key focus areas where 
operational efficiencies could be targeted 
with significant cost savings. A project 
team was appointed with the overall aim 
of  driving cost savings through more 
efficient use of  resources, enhancements 
in operational processes as well as 
driving productivity improvements through 
the upgrade of  facilities at our yards, 
collectively known as “Project Evolution”.

Project Evolution is primarily focussed upon 
improvements in four specific areas:

 » production processes; 

 » site layout/workflow; 

 » project management/scheduling; and 

 » procurement.

These were further subdivided into 
more than 20 activities. Improvement 
implementation commenced in mid-2014 
and is expected to run throughout 2015, 
into 2016, before realising the full savings. 
The major equipment contracts relating to 
these initiatives have all now been awarded 
and the Group has started to recognise 
savings achieved during 2014. Major 
activities include the planned introduction 
of  an automated panel line in Hamriyah, the 
purchase of  new beam cutting machines, 
improvements in yard layout at the Hamriyah 
and Sharjah fabrication yards as well as 
centralised procurement function.  

The Group has also implemented a  
number of  fabrication measures such as 
changes in the welding techniques, aimed 
at increasing the efficiency of  the Group’s 
production processes. 

The mission of  Project Evolution is to  
drive a culture of  continuous improvement 
ensuring that Lamprell continues to employ 
the safest and best resources, utilising 
state-of-the-art processes, enabling us to 
continue to deliver products of  the highest 
quality to our customers and best value for 
money for the benefit of  both clients and the 
Lamprell Group.  

The Group has also made positive  
progress in upgrading its supporting IT 
infrastructure with the implementation  
of  the next phase of  its ERP. Having 
successfully delivered phase one in late 
2013 (ahead of  schedule and under 
budget), the Group scoped the phase two 
requirements in H1 2014 and then kicked 
off  implementation in Q3 2014, supported 
by an extensive training programe for all 
personnel on the new system to ensure 
effective knowledge transfer. Phase one 
focussed on the back-office modules of   
HR, payroll and finance whereas phase two 
is targeting the core technical functions  
of  engineering, procurement and 
construction. To date, this project has been 
a resounding success for the business and 
is a testament to one of  our core values –  
teamwork. Implementation of  phase 
two is progressing well and on budget, 
with completion expected in Q3 2015.

9 

major projects 
delivered 
as planned and on budget

20

continued

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014our  
vaLues

saFety
FISCAL  
RESPONSIBILITy 
INTEGRITy 
ACCOUNTABILITy 
TEAMWORK

We leave nothing to chance

lamprell’s trir has improved significantly year on year, in december 
2012 our trir was 0.85, in december 2013 it decreased to 0.67 and 
in december 2014 we brought it down to 0.28 which is an outstanding 
accomplishment. 2014 also saw lamprell hit its highest safety record ever 
after delivering the nexen Wellhead and PuQ topsides where the project 
team achieved over 10 million manhours without a day away from work 
case. at lamprell we believe that better safety equals better productivity 
which in turn leads to better financial results.

better safety 

 better productivity 

 better financial results

trir of 0.28 

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014

21

our  
vaLues

SAFETy
FiscaL  
responsibiLity 
INTEGRITy 
ACCOUNTABILITy 
TEAMWORK

We spend money  
as if  it were our own

Fiscal responsibility is a fundamental value at lamprell. in 2014 the 
Company secured a new banking arrangement with lenders which 
replaced the group’s funded facilities and allowed for greater financial 
flexibility. Part of the funds were used to finance Project evolution, a 
programme developed to deliver material productivity improvements 
and cost efficiencies, and which is progressing well and generating 
some early returns. evolution aims to improve the organisation’s current 
processes, procedures and facilities, which in turn will generate greater 
project cost savings.  

usd  
60 million 
capital 
investment

in our operations with early 
signs of payback from welding 
techniques, better use of assets 
and procurement synergies

22

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Strategic report: Operational review

New build jackup rigs 

Highlights
Four drilling rigs successfully delivered  
during the year

All projects completed on time and  
within budget 

Significant new contract wins with  
Ensco, Shelf  and NDC

Trading review

Our new build jackup drilling business had 
a record year with the delivery of  four rigs 
during 2014, the highest annual number of  
jackup deliveries since 2006. This included 
three rigs to one client in a single year, 
another record for Lamprell. In total, as at  
31 December 2014, we have delivered  
18 new build jackup drilling rigs since  
our listing in 2006, including 11 of  the  
LeTourneau Super 116E design. 

3 rigs 

delivered to  
one client in 2014

Following the successful delivery of  three 
rigs to our largest client NDC (namely 
the “Qarnin”, the “Marawwah” and the 
“Shuwehat”), the Group’s relationship with 
NDC continues to be strong as evidenced 
by the award of  another contract in 
November 2014 for an additional two jackup 
rigs plus three optional rigs. In early 2015, 
the Group will deliver the sixth in a series  
of  eight rigs to NDC; the construction of   
the two new rigs starts in H1 2015.

The year also saw the successful delivery 
of  the “Mercury” rig for operations in 
the Caspian Sea. This project had been 
identified as critical with significant potential 
risk around completion, due to the losses 
suffered on the first Caspian Sea rig 
project. Notwithstanding the complexities of  
delivering a challenging execution model in 
a remote location, the Group delivered the 
rig several weeks ahead of  the contracted 
schedule expending nearly four million 
manhours without a day away from work 
case which is a notable safety record. 
Completion of  this project represented a 
significant milestone for the Group.

Since the start of  2015, we have handed 
over a second rig, the “Jindal Pioneer”, 
to the Jindal group and delivered the 
“Greatdrill Chaaru” rig to the Greatship 
group. The Group’s strong operational 
performance has continued into the New 
year as all three rigs are expected to be 
delivered as planned and on budget.

In line with our strategy, the Group was 
successful in winning additional jackup rig 
contracts with new clients during 2014. In 
April 2014 the Group secured a contract 
for the construction of  two jackup rigs from 
Ensco. We have refurbished rigs for Ensco 
in the past; however this is the first new 
build project we have won for this client. 

Shortly thereafter, in May 2014, the Group 
also signed a contract with first-time client 
Shelf  Drilling for the construction of  two 
jackup rigs. These projects are in early 
stages of  construction and are progressing 
well and as planned. We have established 
regular reporting processes with these new 
clients in order to ensure that we satisfy the 
needs of  both.

Nexen, PUQ Topside  
– delivered April 2014

This project entered the Guinness 
World Records as the heaviest load 
moved by self-propelled modular 
trailers. It was delivered to world 
class safety standards.

National Drilling Company, 
“Marawwah” Rig  
– delivered May 2014

“Marawwah” was the fourth rig 
Lamprell successfully delivered 
to its longest standing and largest 
client NDC in 2014, on budget and 
on schedule. 

continued

23

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Strategic report: Operational review

Seajacks,  
“Hydra” Vessel  
– delivered June 2014
“Hydra” is the fourth self-propelled 
jackup vessel delivered to 
Seajacks, three of  which were of  
the GustoMSC NG2500X design 
and the fourth based on the larger 
GustoMSC NG5500C design. 

Millennium Offshore  
Services, “Frontier” Rig  
– delivered July 2014
This was the first ever jackup 
drilling rig refurbishment project 
the Company has brought onto 
land and was the largest rig 
conversion and refurbishment 
project in Lamprell’s history.

24

Offshore/onshore construction 

Highlights
Delivery of  “Nexen PUQ” deck to the client 
for use in the North Sea
All projects completed to client satisfaction 
and with a first class safety record
New contract win with Petrofac 

Trading review

There were positive developments in our 
offshore/onshore construction core market 
which comprises of  the construction of  
fixed structures and process modules, as 
well as minor fabrication and site works. 

In April 2014, the Group delivered the 
13,000 plus tonne PUQ deck to Nexen as 
part of  the Golden Eagle Area Development 
in the North Sea. Our safety performance on 
the entire Nexen project (we delivered the 
Wellhead deck in June 2013) was excellent, 
reaching the milestone of  over 10 million 
manhours without a day away from work 
case, a record achievement for Lamprell. 
Both decks are now fully operational in 
the North Sea. In delivering this project, 
Lamprell also achieved a world record for 
the heaviest load moved by self-propelled 
modular trailers, which was officially 
recognised by Guinness World Records.

10 

million manhours 
without a daFwc

The Group was awarded a small but 
important project in late December 2013 
for the fabrication of  a fast track schedule 
jacket and topside, which was then 
delivered in September 2014 for installation 
offshore Dubai for our client, Technip.  
With a perfect safety record of  over  
600,000 manhours without any recordable 
incidents, we once again demonstrated  
our deep commitment towards maintaining 
a safe working environment for our clients 
and employees. 

In October 2014 the Group also 
successfully completed the topside and 
jackets on the Leighton project. While this 
project has been completed, our client has 
commissioned us to preserve and store the 
decks in our Sharjah yard on a temporary 
basis pending an instruction from their client 
that the end destination offshore Iraq is 
ready to receive them. This is anticipated to 
be in mid-2015.

The Group also undertakes general 
fabrication works for offshore and onshore 
projects as well as site services under the 
Engineering & Construction business unit. 
This unit saw considerable growth in its 
activities driven by a number of  remote 
site projects. By way of  example, the 
team successfully delivered its services, 
including engineering, procurement, 
piping, mechanical and commissioning, 
for a compression project to its client 
Petrofac, and completed 328,000 
manhours without a single day away 
from work case. It further successfully 
dismantled a process plant, completed 
engineering works for re-installation and 
erected five process columns for the KAR 
group. This project, which commenced 
in 2013, is marked as the first of  its size 
to be completed in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free 
Zone, another notable achievement. 

While 2014 was a relatively slow year in 
terms of  awards in this core market, the 
Group did win a significant new contract 
for the fabrication and delivery of  29 
modules to Petrofac. The modules are being 
constructed for use in connection with the 
landmark Upper Zakum, UZ750 (EPC-2)  
field development in Abu Dhabi. The 
estimated total weight for these modules is 
approximately 10,000 tonnes. This contract 
win yet again underlines Lamprell’s trusted 
reputation for delivering quality projects 
to some of  the largest oil & gas projects 
worldwide. The project is progressing well in 
our Jebel Ali facility and we are scheduled 
to deliver the first shipment of  modules in 
Q3 2015, with the final piperack expected to 
be delivered in Q1 2016.

continued

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014our  
vaLues

SAFETy
FISCAL  
RESPONSIBILITy 
integrity 
ACCOUNTABILITy 
TEAMWORK

We conduct our business 
honestly, with integrity, 
fairness and transparency

at lamprell we believe our employees are what makes this 
Company achieve great things. We encourage our employees to 
conduct their business honestly with professional integrity, fairness 
and transparency, and in turn we look after our workforce. 

540 
employees 
recognised 
for long 
service 

in excess of 15 years, of  
whom 33 have been with 
Lamprell for over 25 years

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014

25

our  
vaLues

SAFETy
FISCAL  
RESPONSIBILITy 
INTEGRITy 
accountabiLity 
TEAMWORK

We deliver  
what we say we will

lamprell signed its first multi-rig contract with its largest client 
ndC back in 2010 and has since won further contracts to build 
a total of eight rigs for this client. lamprell takes accountability 
seriously and we deliver what we say we will. to date five 
rigs have been successfully delivered on schedule and within 
budget, the remaining three are all on schedule and ndC has 
options for a further three rigs.

Five rigs 
delivered 
to ndc  
already 

within budget and on 
schedule; a further three  
progressing as planned

26

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014

 Strategic report: Operational review

Rig refurbishment/conversions

Highlights
Delivery of  “MOS Frontier” major rig 
conversion project
10 rig refurbishment projects delivered  
in 2014
All projects successfully delivered as 
planned with impressive safety records

Trading review

Whilst headline revenues for our rig 
refurbishment business were down 
on the prior year, the Group continues 
to demonstrate its unique ability to 
deliver some of  the most large-scale 
and complex rig refurbishment projects 
for our clients. During 2014, the Group 
successfully delivered a large-scale rig 
conversion project for our client Millennium 
Offshore Services. Over a 10-month 
period, significant quantities of  steel 
and leg braces were changed out as we 
successfully converted the drilling jackup 
rig into a 290-bed jackup accommodation 
support vessel complete with gyms, an 
entertainment room and a high quality living 
accommodation area. The upgrade of  the 
“MOS Frontier” rig was a highly complex 
job which showcased the Group’s ability 
to innovate by bringing the rig onshore at 
its Sharjah facility, effectively dry-docking 
the vessel and allowing the Group to 
perform the refurbishment and conversion 
works from all sides concurrently. 

Whilst 2014 presented a noticeable increase 
in the level of  competition in this market, 
we were able to differentiate ourselves from 
our competitors on the basis of  quality and 
reliability for delivery on schedule. This was 
proven in our completion and delivery of  
10 rig upgrade and refurbishment projects 

Technip, “Jalilah B”  
– delivered September 2014

Lamprell delivered the Jalilah B 
fast track jacket and topside after 
successful load out in Lamprell’s 
Sharjah facility to the satisfaction of  
our client.

throughout the year. We have a high level 
of  repeat business with regular returning 
customers. By way of  example, out of  the 
14 rig refurbishment contracts we won in 
2014, 12 were for repeat customers.

10 rig

upgrades  
completed in 2014

It is common to have limited visibility on 
upcoming projects in this core market. 
However, we experienced a busy period 
towards the end of  2014. 

Leighton, “V1 & V2  
Topsides & Jacket”  
– delivered October 2014
Lamprell completed two topsides, 
a jacket, an interconnecting 
bridge with metering skid and 
associated piping, for ultimate use 
in connection with the Iraq crude 
oil export facility. 

continued

27

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Strategic report: Operational review

Caspian Sea client,  
“Mercury”  
– delivered November 2014

The “Mercury” drilling rig was 
delivered several weeks ahead of  
schedule with an excellent safety 
record. It was the second Caspian 
Sea rig Lamprell has completed for 
this client.

National Drilling  
Company, “Shuwehat”  
– delivered December 2014

The “Shuwehat” was the third rig 
we successfully delivered to a 
single client in the same year,  
a record for the Group. 

28

Land rig services 

Renewable energy 

Highlights
Delivery of  Seajacks Hydra lift boat
Successfully built upon track record for 
renewable project delivery
2014 saw Lamprell deliver its sixth liftboat 
to date

6th 

liftboat delivered

Trading review

We have experienced significantly fewer 
opportunities in the renewable energy 
sector and this is likely to continue during 
this period of  lower oil prices, which has a 
direct impact on the viability of  renewable 
energy projects. 

During the year we successfully delivered 
the jackup vessel “Hydra” to our client, 
Seajacks. The “Hydra” is the fourth self-
propelled, multi-purpose liftboat vessel that 
Lamprell has built for Seajacks and the sixth 
such vessel in total. The vessel is a modified 
version of  GustoMSC’s NG 2500 X design, 
fully adaptable for work in both the oil & 
gas and the offshore wind industries. The 
Group’s strong performance throughout 
the project resulted in early completion of  
the construction phase, ensuring a timely 
delivery and another satisfied client. 

We remain in dialogue with clients that  
are participating in this core market and  
are committed to meeting clients’ needs  
for additional vessels as further 
opportunities emerge.

Highlights
Record year of  trading for the land rig 
division with revenues of  USD 53 million 
(excluding Kuwait) 
In total, more than 50 land rig projects 
worked on during year
Strong demand experienced from the 
Middle East market

Trading review

Our Land Rig Services business unit 
enjoyed a record-breaking year in 2014 
in this core market for the Group, with 
revenues increasing by 60% on the previous 
year driven by continued high regional 
activity, both for existing and new clients. 

During the year, the Group completed 
a major land rig upgrade project on the 
“ND11 rig” for NDC. The scope of  the 
project involved converting the rig and its 
equipment from a conventional design to 
a mobile, fast moving one on wheels. The 
project was delivered to the satisfaction 
of  the client and with an exemplary safety 
record. Another notable achievement was 
the design and fabrication of  Lamprell’s first 
training rig for Franks International.

26 

major and minor  
rig refurb projects 
delivered

Land Rig Services was highly successful 
in bringing in new clients to the Group. This 
included their first ever project for Abraj 
in relation to the design, fabrication and 
commissioning of  a 100ft high coiled tubing 
tower. In addition, a major new client in the 
region initially awarded us a conventional 
mud system which was designed and 
delivered on time. This was followed by 
another order for a fast moving mud system 
for delivery in 2015. 

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014our  
vaLues

SAFETy
FISCAL  
RESPONSIBILITy 
INTEGRITy 
ACCOUNTABILITy 
teamworK

We believe great teams can 
achieve incredible things

in 2011 nexen contracted lamprell to build two decks for the golden 
eagle area development project located in the north sea. the first deck 
was delivered in June 2013, followed by the second in april 2014, to the 
highest standards of safety and quality which was proven by the teamwork 
excelled on this project. the nexen and lamprell teams achieved more 
than 10 million manhours without a day away from work case, which 
is an excellent statistic and could have only been achieved with a joint 
commitment from both sides. 

over 10 
million 
manhours 

recorded on this project 
with zero day away from 
work cases

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014

29

Strategic review: Sustainability report

controLLed,  
sustainabLe and proFitabLe

We aim to deliver controlled, 
sustainable and profitable 
growth through strong 
management and good 
operational performance 
based around our key 
organisational strengths. 
During 2014, there were 
numerous employee activities 
and significant developments 
in quality and safety as we 
embedded our core values 
into the business.  

Employee welfare 

Our core values include integrity and 
teamwork and 2014 was a landmark year 
for employee welfare which is founded on 
these values. In November 2014 Lamprell 
received a major regional award, for the 
“Most Improved Corporate Health and 
Wellness Performance” at the Daman 
Corporate Health Awards in Abu Dhabi. 
The Group was recognised for executing 
new initiatives such as health awareness 
campaigns on diabetes, breast cancer, heat 
stress, cholesterol management and dental 
and oral hygiene. In addition almost 2,000 
employees have undergone basic health 
screening and have been provided with a 
follow up health report. 

We also recognise the importance of  a 
good work-life balance and encourage 
employees to participate in a variety of  
internal sports tournaments and leisure 
activities that we organised during 2014. 
This included basketball, cricket, football, 
badminton and bowling tournaments as  
well as an inaugural talent show – 
“Lamprell’s Got Talent”. With the high 
employee participation, the Group is 
continuing with similar activities during 
2015, some of  which are already under way.

In terms of  staff  training and development, 
the Company had a strong year supporting 
both professional and trades development. 
The Lamprell Assessment and Training 
Centre opened its doors in October 2013 

and currently has 70 individual courses 
available covering topics as diverse as 
leadership, English language, welding, 
fabrication, electrical and mechanical. 
Some of  the courses have mandatory third 
party involvement which includes offshore 
survival, rigging and crane operations. 
Figures for the 2014 period include circa 
58,000 training and assessment mandays 
with more than 250,000 manhours in total.

Health and safety

Throughout 2014 we continued to 
implement a best-in-class organisational 
health and safety management system with 
campaigns designed to ensure the safety 
and wellbeing of  all employees including:

 » Major road safety awareness campaign;

 » A series of  fatal risk awareness 

campaigns; and

 » Comprehensive heat stress prevention 

initiative.

The heat stress prevention initiative 
highlighted the dangers of  heat exposure 
to personnel and resulted in a 97.6% 
drop in heat stress related cases with 
comparison to the previous year. One of  the 
key components of  the health and safety 
management system within Lamprell is the 
focus on creating an incident and injury 
free culture for all employees, as well as 
improving the health, safety and wellbeing 
of  all stakeholders. The senior management 

Rolling monthly total recordable injury rate (TRIR)
December 2013 to December 2014 

HSES Audit Programme 
2014

0.67

0.63

0.55

0.48

0.44

0.42

TRIR target 0.55

0.39

0.35

0.33

0.32

0.31

0.28 0.28

0.8

0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

Dec

Jan

Feb
TRIFR actual

Mar

KPI targets and results

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

TRIR target

Metric

Total manhours

TRIR

Fatalities

2014

2013

Target KPI

Actual

Target KPI

Actual

–

0.55

0

26,741,858

0.28

0

–

0.65

0

33,831,170

0.67

0

Vendor audits 39% 
Sub-contractor audits 2%
Client audits 10%
Pre-qualification audits 20% 
Internal audits 27%
OHSAS audits 2%

30

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014party reviews. Our Sharjah facility was 
successfully recertified to ASME U, U2, PP, 
S, NB & R certifications and our Land Rig 
Services division successfully renewed 
their API Q1, ISO 9001:2008, 4F & 16C 
certifications.

Corporate social responsibility (“CSR”) 

We have a commitment to corporate 
social responsibility which is focused on a 
controlled number of  CSR projects that are 
aligned with our business. 

For the past five years we have donated 
to the Don Bosco Snehalaya shelter which 
provides care and protection to street 
children, orphans and other vulnerable 
children, some of  whom are as young as 
seven years old. Some of  our managers 
visited the shelter in Baroda, India in 2014 
to make the annual donation and to see how 
our donations are spent. Lamprell has also 
played an active part in supporting some 
of  the apprenticeship schemes that Don 
Bosco runs with a view to encourage some 
of  these apprentices to work for Lamprell 
in the UAE. This gives them a long-term 
opportunity for a career. We are proud to 
report that there are orphans who were 
helped by Don Bosco that are now working 
for us.  

In addition, as we have a major presence 
within the UAE and we aim to contribute to 
the local community, we made a donation 
to UAE-based charity Al Noor Training 
Centre, which provides services for children 
with special needs. Finally, in 2015 we will 
be continuing our ongoing support of  the 
Rashid Centre for the Disabled. 

is actively engaged in the living standards 
of  our yard workforce with physical site 
inspections of  their living quarters on a 
quarterly basis at least.

We track a number of  key leading and 
lagging HSESQ statistics such as those 
relating to days away from work, audit and 
incident items and close-outs, absenteeism, 
environmental and security issues. However, 
the key benchmark is the evaluation of  
total incidents recorded. Through effective 
implementation of  this system, we have 
seen a steady and significant reduction in 
the total number of  incidents for the Group 
over the course of  the last few years. This 
will remain a high priority for the Group 
and is directly linked to management’s 
remuneration structure.

Emissions and the environment

We recognise that our business activities 
have an impact on the environment through 
our day-to-day operations and the use of  
products and services that we deliver to 
our clients. Throughout the year we actively 
sought to improve our environmental 
performance through:

 » acquisition of  resources to control 
potential environmental incidents;

 » more effective emissions reduction 

devices; and 

 » participation in the internationally-

recognised Carbon Disclosure Project, 
which entails the public reporting of  
greenhouse gas emissions. 

Due to the nature of  the work which 
Lamprell undertakes, certain emissions to 
the environment are unavoidable. However, 
we aim to reduce these emissions through 
regular maintenance of  all combustible 
engines, the establishment of  physical 
barriers to protect the land, air and marine 
environment and the utilisation of  low 
sulphur diesel fuel. 

Lamprell works in close consultation with 
all applicable regulatory bodies, such as 
Dubai Municipality and the Hamriyah Free 
Zone Authority, to monitor the quantity of  
emissions produced from our activities 
and to ensure compliance with local legal 

limitations. In 2014, we implemented a 
range of  control measures to monitor 
and reduce the quantity of  environmental 
emissions from our operations. These 
controls incorporated daily, weekly 
and monthly facility inspections. Our 
new monthly reporting processes will 
enable us to collect summary data 
for 2015 which we then plan to make 
available in next year’s Annual Report. 
We are also planning to participate in the 
Carbon Disclosure Project this year. 

By conducting regular reviews of  the 
environmental impact of  our projects, we 
strive to identify ways in which operational 
processes can be made more efficient, 
therefore reducing our carbon footprint. 
These efforts include optimising the 
yard layouts and more efficient welding 
practices.   

Quality

We have a dedicated Quality Department 
and, as a key strength, we structure 
our Quality Policy Statement around the 
following key objectives:

 » Setting and achieving well-defined 

“Quality Objectives” for each function;

 » Understanding customer requirements 
and working together to meet those 
requirements; and

 »

Incremental improvements to our internal 
knowledge-management database.

During 2014 we introduced several new 
measures to improve the quality assurance 
and control functions including enhanced 
surveillance, planning, root cause analysis 
and performance measurement. Some 
examples include enhanced Quality 
Toolbox Talks to discuss ongoing issues, 
the introduction of  process improvement 
audits in addition to regular quality audits, 
rigourous vendor audits as per API Q1 
9th edition requirements and new training 
programmes.

Significant improvements were made to 
the Lamprell Group Management System 
in line with API Q1, 9th Edition and ASME 
standards. All of  our facilities are subject 
to scheduled internal audits and third 

31

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Corporate governance: Board of Directors

eXperienced 
and KnowLedgeabLe

Our Board of  
Directors is 
responsible for  
the leadership, 
oversight, control, 
development and 
long-term success 
of  Lamprell. Each 
of  the Directors 
contributes fully to 
the discussions and 
decisions at Board 
level, drawing on 
their respective skills 
and experience 
in doing so.  

Nom

John Kennedy  
Non-Executive Chairman  
Aged 65

James Moffat  
Chief Executive Officer  
Aged 61

Appointed: June 2012

Appointed: March 2013

Key strengths: public company 
boards, international oil & gas  

Experience: John Kennedy 
is a highly experienced 
engineer who spent most of  his 
executive career in the oilfield 
services sector. He started at 
Schlumberger and then moved 
to Halliburton where he ultimately 
held the role of  Executive Vice-
President. Mr Kennedy held the 
position of  Executive Chairman 
of  Wellstream Holdings Plc 
from 2003 until its successful 
acquisition by GE. Currently he 
serves as an adviser to several 
oilfield service companies. In 
1993, Mr Kennedy received 
the Sloan Fellowship from the 
London Business School. He is a 
Chartered Engineer and Fellow 
of  the Institution of  Electrical 
Engineers.

External appointments: Non-
Executive Director of  CRH 
plc (retiring), Non-Executive 
Chairman of  Maxwell Drummond 
International Limited and BiFold 
Group Limited.

Key strengths: fabrication  
yard operations, international 
oil & gas   

Experience: James Moffat 
has over 35 years’ experience 
in the offshore engineering, 
construction and project 
management sectors. From 
1996 and until joining the 
Lamprell Group, Mr Moffat 
was employed with the KBR 
group of  companies, working 
in various roles including 
heading up the Kellogg Joint 
Venture on the Gorgon Project, 
Australia. Mr Moffat worked 
for the McDermott group from 
1977 to 1996 where he latterly 
managed the Batam facility in 
Indonesia. He is a Chartered 
Engineer, has a BSc (Hons) 
in Civil Engineering from 
Edinburgh University and is a 
member of  the Institution of  
Civil Engineers.

External appointments: None

Rem

Member of  the Remuneration 
Committee 

1

2

Nom

Member of  the Nomination & 
Governance Committee

Aud

Member of  the Audit & Risk 
Committee

Indicates  
Committee Chairman

32

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Rem

Aud

Michael Press  
Senior Independent Director  
Aged 68

Nom

Aud

Ellis Armstrong  
Non-Executive Director  
Aged 57

Rem

Nom

John Malcolm  
Non-Executive Director  
Aged 64

Peter Whitbread  
Non-Executive Director  
Aged 70

Appointed: May 2013

Appointed: May 2013

Appointed: May 2013

Appointed: October 2012

Key strengths: public company 
boards, oil & gas advisory  

Experience: Michael Press acts 
as a director to a number of  
companies in the energy sector, 
notably in the role of  Lead 
Independent Director for Chart 
Industries, Inc. and as a Non-
Executive Director for Thermon 
Group Holdings, Inc. Previously, 
Mr Press served as Senior 
Independent Director at Petrofac 
Limited for nine years until 2010. 
Prior to that he spent 27 years 
in the energy sector in senior 
management positions. Mr Press 
has a BSc in Mathematics from 
Colorado College and Master of  
Science in Operations Research 
from Columbia University School 
of  Engineering, Ny.

External appointments: Non-
Executive Director of  Chart 
Industries Inc., Non-Executive 
Director of  Thermon Group 
Holdings, Inc., Non-Executive 
Chairman of  TWMA Ltd.

Key strengths: financial & 
accounting, international  
oil & gas 

Experience: Ellis Armstrong 
is a senior executive within 
the energy industry with wide 
international experience. Mr 
Armstrong worked for more 
than 30 years with BP, where 
he held a variety of  operational 
and leadership roles including 
line operating roles in the 
North Sea and Alaska, VP for 
Latin America and Caribbean, 
Head of  Technology and, most 
recently, CFO (Exploration & 
Production). Mr Armstrong is 
a Chartered Engineer with a 
BSc and a PhD, both in Civil 
Engineering, from Imperial 
College, and a Master’s in 
Business Administration from 
Stanford.

External appointments: Non-
Executive Director of  Lloyds 
Register Group, Non-Executive 
Director of  InterOil.

Key strengths: international oil  
& gas, Middle East operations 

Experience: After 25 years with 
Shell International Exploration 
and Production, John Malcolm 
retired from Shell at the 
end of  2010 to become an 
independent consultant to the 
energy industry. During his 
tenure at Shell, he held various 
senior management positions 
including most recently as 
Managing Director for Petroleum 
Development Oman from 
2002-2010. Mr Malcolm has 
been a Chartered Engineer with 
the UK Engineering Council 
since 1979 and has a PhD in 
Process Control Systems, from 
Heriot Watt University which he 
obtained in 1975.

External appointments: 
Non-Executive Director of  
Partex Oil & Gas (Holdings) 
Corp., Executive Director of  
Aquamarine Power Ltd.,  
Non-Executive Director of   
Oman Oil Co. Exploration & 
Production LLC, Director of  
Bellwood Enterprises Ltd.

Key strengths: public company 
boards, international oil & gas, 
fabrication yard operations 

Experience: A Chartered 
Quantity Surveyor with over 
35 years of  experience in 
the oil & gas services sector, 
with extensive experience 
in marine construction and 
project management, heavy 
marine equipment and vessels 
companies, Peter joined 
Lamprell in 1992 and was 
appointed CEO in 2006. He 
held this position until May 2009 
and was also the Chairman 
of  the Group until 5 February 
2008. He was also Group CEO 
between October 2012 and 
March 2013. During his career 
he has held a number of  other 
senior management positions 
and directorships with marine 
construction companies in the 
Middle East region.

External appointments: None

3

5

4

6

1.  John kennedy,  

Non-Executive Chairman

2.  James Moffat,  

Chief  Executive Officer

3.  Michael Press,  

Senior Independent Director

4.  ellis armstrong,  

Non-Executive Director

5.  John Malcolm,  

Non-Executive Director

6.  Peter Whitbread,  

Non-Executive Director

33

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Corporate governance: Directors’ Report

maintaining  
our vigiLance

Dear Shareholders, 

I am pleased to report that, 
consistent with our broader 
culture of  continuous 
improvement, the Board 
and I have been active in 
working to make further 
improvements to governance 
within Lamprell. The 
Company has benefited from 
a period of  relative stability 
compared to recent years 
and so your Board has been 
able to give greater focus on 
the future of  the Company 
and specifically its strategy. 
That strategy was the 
foundation for the rights issue 
and refinancing processes 
which were completed in 
mid-2014.

The Company is incorporated in the  
Isle of  Man and has a Premium Listing 
on the Official List of  the London Stock 
Exchange. The Board makes considerable 
efforts to ensure that during the relevant 
period the Company applies and complies 
with Sections A to E of  the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2012 as the pre-eminent 
set of  global standards for corporate 
governance (the “Code”, available at  
www.frc.org.uk). To the extent that the 
Company does not comply, this is set  
out in this Annual Report and Accounts  
and specifically in this Corporate 
Governance Report.

Priorities for 2014

 page 39. The priorities in 2014 

In my Statement last year, I set out the 
priority areas for the Board in 2014 and  
your Board has agreed new priorities for 
2015 
reflected our need to create stability and 
leadership as the Company transitioned 
from its recovery phase in 2013 to the 
more normalised business requirements 
that will allow the Company to develop 
and grow, and ultimately create value to 
the shareholders. Taking each priority in 
turn, I am pleased to highlight some of  the 
Board’s activities in 2014 demonstrating 
our successes in moving towards the 
Company’s strategic objectives.

Priority 1: leadership

In order to give long-term stability to the 
governance of  the Company, we recognised 
the need for greater clarity and visibility 
of  succession planning at the Board 
and at the management levels. With this 
in mind, we have instigated an in-depth 
and methodical review of  succession 
planning for all key roles with the assistance 
of  external consultants and ongoing 
oversight by the Nomination & Governance 
Committee. A key focus for such review will 
be the appointment of  a CFO following the 
departure of  Joanne Curin in Q4 2014. 

In line with the changes to the Code in late 
2013, the Board (through the Audit & Risk 
Committee) has overseen the requirement 
to ensure that the Company’s Annual Report 
and Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, 
balanced and understandable and provides 
the information necessary for shareholders 
to assess the Company’s performance, 
business model and strategy.  

Priority 2: shareholders agreement

With the change in the Listing Rules in June 
2014, we worked with the Company’s major 
shareholder to put in place a “controlling 
shareholder’s agreement”, compliant with 
 page 40. This was 
the new regulations 
completed by the deadline of  16 November 
2014 and now represents a key component 
of  the Company’s corporate governance 

Guided by our values

The Board is guided by our 
values and while not exhaustive, 
we describe some of  our 
key highlights and how they 
demonstrate what has been 
achieved by our Board in 2014 
by embracing our values.

Safety 

Fiscal responsibility

As a contractor in the oil & gas 
industry, the Group structures 
its business model on a 
competitive cost base and high 
productivity. As a cornerstone in 
the 2014 rights issue, the Board 
approved the capital investment 
programme of  USD 60.0 million 
to enhance the yard productivity 
and efficiency and support 
operational systems, with an 
expected payback period of  
three to four years 

 page 22.

 page 09. Top 

In determining the key 
performance indicators for 
the executive management, 
the Board set a safety target 
which ultimately delivered 
a significant improvement 
in safety results in the 
business 
tier clients typically demand 
that safety is paramount to a 
contractor’s business when 
assessing whether or not 
to appoint the contractor. 
Accordingly, this feeds 
directly into our ability to win 
work and hence our strategic 
objectives.

34

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Priority 5: risk

There have been enhancements in the 
Company’s risk management processes 
which had been an acknowledged 
weakness within the business. An executive 
risk review panel was established and, 
following the appointment of  a Group Risk 
Manager, the Group developed an online, 
fully-interactive risk management database. 
The database is updated on a daily basis 
and ensures that all project teams are fully 
engaged in the process for identifying, 
managing, mitigating and monitoring on 
risks within the business prior to reporting 
up to the Board 

 page 14. 

The Board considers that high standards of  
corporate governance are a pre-requisite 
for any listed company. I am satisfied that 
the current structure is appropriate for the 
Company, taking into consideration the size 
and complexity of  our business.

John Kennedy
Chairman

structure. The agreement is designed 
to regulate the relationship between the 
Company and its major shareholder, 
enabling the Group to operate in an 
environment free from external influences.

Priority 3: effectiveness

In order to assess our performance during 
2014, we have used an online evaluation 
system which has proven to be more 
efficient and effective. The results of  the 
evaluation process have demonstrated that 
the Board, Board Committees and individual 
Directors are all performing effectively  

 page 38. Specific feedback was given 
to enhance performance and, based on 
the results, the Board has set new priorities 
notably around the area of  succession 
planning for the Board and management.

Priority 4: strategy

 page 08. In 

As I mentioned above, our highest priority 
during 2014 was the development of  the 
strategy for the business 
January 2014, we held a two-day workshop 
working closely with management to review 
opportunities to maintain and grow the 
business, in the short and longer term. 
The workshop included presentations on 
diverse opportunities including additional 
product lines and alternative geographies, 
as well as possible productivity 
improvements and cost efficiencies 
which the team is now implementing. 

Integrity 

Accountability

Teamwork

At the 2014 Annual General 
Meeting, a resolution 
relating to the executive 
remuneration incentives 
was approved by the 
shareholders but, in light 
of  a sizeable vote against 
the resolution, the Board 
directed the Remuneration 
Committee to re-engage 
with the Company’s 
shareholders in connection 
with its remuneration policy 
and specifically seek 
feedback on the executive 
remuneration incentives  

 page 46.

Last March, the Board 
laid out the following key 
business activities, all of  
which have been achieved 
or are being implemented:

 » Dispose of  non-core 
service businesses

Implement strategy

 »
 » Diversify client base
 » Drive productivity 

improvements/cost 
efficiencies

 » Strengthen business 
development function

The Board has encouraged 
participation from a wide 
range of  management 
team members who have 
presented on a variety 
of  key topics at Board 
meetings including by way 
of  example:

 » Personnel and human 

resources

 » Business development 
function and processes

 » The process for the 
rights issue and 
refinancing

 » The next phase for the 
business of  the Group

The Directors present 
their report on the affairs 
of  the Company and the 
Group together with the 
financial statements and 
the auditor’s report for the 
year ended 31 December 
2014.

Results and dividends

The financial statements of  the Group 
for the year ended 31 December 2014 
are set out on 
 pages 63 to 107. The 
Group’s profit from continuing and 
discontinued operations after income 
tax and exceptional items for the year 
amounted to USD 118.1 million (2013: 
USD 36.4 million). The Directors do 
not recommend the payment of  any 
dividend for the financial year ended  
31 December 2014. 

Other information

The following sections of  the Annual 
Report contain all other information 
relating to and forming part of  the 
Directors’ Report:

Further reading

Pages

Principal risks and 
uncertainties

Board of  Directors

Corporate Governance 
Report

Directors’ Remuneration 
Report

Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy Report

Directors’ Annual Report  
on Remuneration

Statutory Information and 
Directors’ Statements

14

32

36

46

47

53

60

35

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Corporate governance: Directors’ Report

a supportive  
sounding board

Our Board aims to lead the 
Company and the Group as 
a whole in such a way as to 
ensure that the Company 
delivers sustainable 
growth over the longer 
term to its shareholders 
and other stakeholders. 

Who is on our Board?

 page 32 

All current Board members 
have served as Directors throughout the 
course of  2014, with the only change 
being the departure of  Joanne Curin as 
a Director announced on 17 November 
2014. Accordingly, as at the date of  
this report, the Board consists of  the 
Chairman, four Non-Executive Directors 
(“NEDs”) and one Executive Director. 

The Board of  Directors represents a good 
combination of  industry, regional and 
operational experience, supported by the 
diverse professional skills of  the NEDs. 
However, with the departure of  Joanne 
Curin as Chief  Financial Officer, the Board 
recognised that there was insufficient 
representation of  executive directors at the 
Board level and thus promptly commenced 
a search to identify a successor; this will 
be a key priority for the Board in 2015. 

In addition, the Board is considering 
appointments of  at least one additional 
independent NED in order to bring 
further experience and independence 
to the Board, as well as facilitating 
greater rotation of  membership among 
the principal Board Committees.

Name

Position 

Nationality

John Kennedy Chairman

James Moffat

Michael Press

Ellis Armstrong

John Malcolm

Executive Director 
& CEO

Senior Independent
Director

Independent  
Non-Executive Director

Independent  
Non-Executive Director

Peter Whitbread

Non-Executive
Director

How is our Board structured?

The duties of  the Chairman and the CEO 
have been segregated, in line with the 
best practices set out in the Code, and 
this has been agreed by the Board. The 
Chairman is responsible for providing 
effective leadership for the Board and the 
Group as a whole including strategy and 
direction and chairs all Board and general 
meetings within a solid and effective 
corporate governance framework. The CEO 
is responsible for the day-to-day running of  
the Group’s business, including execution 
of  the Group’s business plans and 

objectives and communicating its decisions 
from/recommendations to the Board. 

Aside from the Chairman and the CEO, 
there are four NEDs, whose role is 
critical to ensure an effective counter-
balance on the Board. The NEDs are 
primarily responsible for challenging 
constructively all recommendations 
presented to the Board, based on their 
broad experience and individual expertise. 

The biographical information and 
commitments of  each of  the Directors, 
as well as the memberships for each 
of  the principal Board Committees, 
are detailed on 

 pages 32 to 33.

How is our Board organised?

The Board oversees the activities of  the 
executive management team and delegates 
certain matters for resolution through the 
principal Board Committees. Given the time 
and resources invested in the appointment 
of  the Directors, it is important for the 
Directors to operate in an environment 
of  mutual trust and respect in order to 
be effective. Accordingly, while there is 
a formal schedule of  matters reserved to 
the Board (pursuant to which the Board 
retains sole discretion to approve or reject 
decisions on key subject matters including 
inter alia strategy, the annual budget, full 
year and interim financial statements), the 
Board will often review other matters which 
are of  relevance beyond the schedule.

Board composition
2014

Table for Board agenda items:
Standing

Periodic

Chairman
Executive
Non-Executive 

Review of  actions from previous meetings 

Full-year/interim financial statements 

Safety update on enterprise-wide statistics 

Group budget, strategy and progress updates

Reports from the CEO and the CFO, 
including investor feedback

Reports from each of  the principal  
Board Committees

Report on legal and corporate  
governance matters 

Corporate transactions 

Risk management

Funding proposals

Business development and prospects

Tenure on the Board

1.5
years

2
years

2.5
years

Michael Press

James Moffat

John Kennedy

Ellis Armstrong

John Malcolm

Peter Whitbread

36

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014A similarly open and forthright environment 
is also encouraged in meetings of  the 
three principal Board Committees. Each 
of  the Committees has written terms of  
reference, which are reviewed annually and 
are available on the Company’s website.

The Board has access to the Company 
Secretary, who is responsible to the Board 
and provides the Board and the individual 
Directors with advice and assistance on 
governance matters. He ensures that all 
Board materials and other information are 
delivered in a timely fashion, normally seven 
days before scheduled Board meetings 
through a secure, online application system.

Who attends Board meetings?

As well as the Directors and the Company 
Secretary, it is common for members 
of  the executive committee and the 
wider management team to attend parts 
of  the Board meetings and to deliver 
presentations on operational or business 
topics in greater detail. In this way, the 
Board gains an in-depth understanding 
of  business-critical functions and the 
presenting managers are able to interact 
with the Directors and gain experience for 
their own personal development. From time 
to time, the Board may also invite guest 
external presenters on key subject matters.

Name

Number of Board meetings

Strategy days

100%
92%
100%
92%
100%
69%
69%
Key:

x2
x2
x2
x2
x2
x2
x2
By phone

In person

What matters does the Board 
consider and discuss?

The Board discusses a wide variety of  
matters although there are a number of  
standing agenda items 
The Chairman sets the agenda for 
each meeting in consultation with the 
CEO and the Company Secretary.

 page 36.  

John Kennedy

James Moffat

Michael Press

Ellis Armstrong

John Malcolm

Peter Whitbread

Joanne Curin*

x19
x18
x19
x18
x19
x15
x14

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
83%

* Joanne Curin left the Board on 17 November 2014.

How often does our Board meet?

Our Board aims to meet in person enough 
times in order to address matters requiring 
Board involvement and in 2014 did so on six 
occasions (four in Dubai and two in Paris). 
However, where required and in order 
to receive an interim update on ongoing 
matters, the Directors will convene ad hoc 
at short notice by way of  conference call 
with attendance outside of  the UK, where 
required. Meetings in person will generally 
take place over the course of  two days and 
will include meetings of  both the Board 
and the principal Board Committees. 

Corporate structure and framework

Management level committees 
Responsible for the communication 
and implementation of  decisions, 
administrative matters and matters for 
recommendation to the Board and its 
Committees

Executive Committee

Bid Approval Committees

Risk Review Panel

HSES Management Review

Monthly Management meeting

The Board
Ongoing dialogue/
engagement

Shareholders
Approve 
appointments to 
Board and the 
external auditors

Nomination & Governance Committee
Takes primary responsibility for succession 
planning, Board/Director selection and Board 
composition

Remuneration Committee
Agrees remuneration policy and sets individual 
compensation levels for members of  senior 
management

Ad hoc Board committees:  
Set up for defined, time-specific tasks

Audit & Risk Committee
Monitors the integrity of  the Company’s 
financial statements and reviews financial and 
regulatory compliance and controls

37

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Corporate governance: Directors’ Report

At the meeting, the Executive Directors 
give an update on business, operational 
and financial matters, thereby enabling 
the Board to understand progress but 
also anticipate likely risks in the coming 
period. Last year, there were also detailed 
presentations from responsible managers 
on key subject matters including personnel 
& HR, business development function and 
the next phase of  the Group’s business. 

The guest external presenters in 2014 
included the Company brokers (JPMorgan 
Cazenove) and lawyers (Ashursts) who 
presented on a variety of  topics, including 
the regulatory and procedural aspects 
of  the rights issue and the refinancing 
projects which were completed in 2014. 
This was important not only to ensure that 
the Company follows due process but also 
allowed the individual Directors to remain 
current with the latest regulatory obligations.

The Directors believe that an effective 
working relationship between each of  the 
Directors provides a robust framework 
for achieving the Company’s strategic 
objectives. Accordingly, there are regular 
discussions outside of  scheduled meetings, 
particularly between the Chairman and 
the other Directors, with a view to reaching 
a mutual understanding of  views prior 
to wider discussions at meetings. 

At physical Board meetings, the NEDs have 
a private session without executives present 
in order to share insights on matters of  
governance and sensitivity for management.

Board appointment and induction process

In addition to Board meetings, the executive 
management distributes a monthly report 
to the Board providing a summary of  
the financial performance of  the Group, 
highlighting developments and key risks.

Are our Board members independent?

The Board takes steps to ensure that at all 
times at least half  of  the Board (excluding 
the Chairman) is comprised of  independent 
NEDs who are free from any business or 
other relationships that could materially 
interfere in the exercise of  their independent 
judgement. Michael Press, John Malcolm 
and Ellis Armstrong are all considered 
by the Board to be independent NEDs 
as defined by Section B.1.1 of  the Code. 
While Peter Whitbread acted in the capacity 
of  a Non-Executive Director during 2014, 
he is not considered to be independent 
because he was the Group CEO until James 
Moffat took over the role in March 2013. 

The Company asks each of  the 
independent NEDs to re-consider and 
re-confirm their independence at the start 
of  each year. The Chairman of  the Board 
was considered to be independent on 
his original appointment in June 2012. 

What is the process for appointing, 
inducting and training Directors?

The Nomination & Governance Committee 
leads the process for new appointments 
to the Board and makes any such 
recommendations to the full Board for 
approval. The Committee will assess the 

high level criteria for any candidates, taking 
into account the Board composition and 
requirements, and typically appoint external 
search consultants to prepare candidate 
lists and assist with the recruitment/
evaluation process. While there were 
no new appointments during 2014, the 
process is considered by the Board to 
be formal, rigorous and transparent. 

Once appointed, a new Director is given 
training and induction on a variety of  
subject matters including the Listing 
Rule obligations for the Company, 
company law duties and responsibilities 
for directors, share dealing restrictions 
in accordance with the Disclosure and 
Transparency Rules and the Model 
Code on Directors’ dealings as well as 
Board and business related matters. 

On an ongoing basis, there is training 
and development for the Directors as a 
whole by way of  the regular presentations 
to the Board and the principal Board 
Committees from guest presenters. 

The Audit & Risk Committee also 
benefits from regular briefings from the 
external auditors on any new accounting 
requirements as well as developments 
in the area of  corporate governance. 

All Directors are encouraged to 
attend relevant external seminars. 
Similarly, any Director is entitled to take 
independent professional or legal advice 
on Company matters, if  needed.

Ongoing training and 
development for every Director 
by regular presentations from 
business areas, site visits 
and reports     

Nomination &
Governance
Committee leads
the process for
new appointments    

New Directors are
given training and
induction  

38

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014What were the results from the Board evaluation?

Matter(s) considered

Observation(s)

Board priority

Structure of  Board and principal 
Board Committees

Composition of  Board

Limited rotation of  independent NEDs

Appoint at least one additional 
independent NED

Insufficient gender diversity at Board 
level

New gender policy: minimum of  one 
new female director by end of  2016

Communication to/from management

Need for greater visibility of  Directors 
with wider workforce

Succession planning requirements

Clarity of  Board/senior management 
required for implementation of  strategy

Board to hold at least one Board 
meeting at a Group site/facility per 
annum

Finalise long-term succession plan for 
Board and management during 2015, 
and implement 

Which of our Board members are 
standing for re-election in 2015?

Under the Company’s Articles of  
Association, the Directors are required to 
submit themselves for re-election at least 
every three years. However, in line with 
the Code, the Board has decided that all 
Directors will retire and stand for re-election 
at the 2015 AGM. As also required, the 
Company makes the terms and conditions 
of  Directors’ engagement available for 
inspection at the registered office of  the 
Company during normal business hours 
and also at the Company’s AGM 15 minutes 
prior to the meeting and during the meeting.

How does the Board measure 
its performance?

Each year the Board evaluates its 
performance according to a formal process 
led by the Nomination & Governance 
Committee with the assistance of  the 
Company Secretary. In order to enhance 
the security and simplify the procedural 
aspects, the evaluation for 2014 was 
based around an online questionnaire 
which included both questions asking for 
quantitative ranking and for qualitative 
feedback to the Board, principal Board 
Committees and the Directors. The 
Board sought feedback both from the 
Directors themselves and also from 
specific, invited key executives that 
have regular interaction with either the 
Board or the Board Committees.

The results from the online evaluation 
questionnaires were collated independently 
by the Company Secretary and summarised 
on an aggregated and confidential basis. 
The Board discussed the results and 
has structured its next priorities around 
them. The NEDs, led by the Senior 
Independent Director, evaluated the 
Chairman’s performance and confirmed 
that he is performing effectively.

In line with best practice (although not 
required for a ‘smaller company’ under the 

Code), the Board is planning to appoint 
an external facilitator to assist with the 
2015 performance evaluation process.

How are conflicts of interest dealt with?

Based on our core value of  “integrity”  

 page 25, each of  the Directors 

recognises the importance of  transparency 
in trying to avoid any actual or potential 
conflict of  interest but will promptly 
declare such conflict, if  one arises. 
This enables the Board to assess the 
possible impact of  any conflict and take 
appropriate and timely action. With this in 
mind, there are the following procedures 
in place for dealing with conflicts:

 » Any new Director is required 
to provide information on any 
conflicts of  interest by means of  a 
questionnaire prior to appointment;

 » Conflicts are declared and 

addressed during Board meetings 
and noted in the minutes; and

 » For conflicts arising between Board 
meetings, these are submitted to the 
Chairman and/or the Chairman of  the 
Nomination & Governance Committee 
for consideration, prior to deliberation at 
the next available Committee meeting.

During 2014, no new, additional conflicts 
of  interest were noted from the Directors, 
save as disclosed previously. John Kennedy 
remains as the Non-Executive Chairman of  
Maxwell Drummond (which has provided 
recruitment services to the Company) but 
the Board has determined that this potential 
conflict has been effectively managed. All 
conflict management procedures were 
adhered to and operated effectively.

How does the Company communicate 
with its stakeholders?

As at 17 March 2015, being the latest 
practicable date prior to the publication 
of  this Annual Report, the significant 
interests in the voting rights of  the 

Company’s issued ordinary shares based 
on the last request for confirmation as 
to the beneficial ownership of  voting 
rights in the Company (at or above 5% 
beneficial ownership) were as follows:

Voting rights 
attaching to 
issued total of 
ordinary shares

% of 
total 
voting 
rights

113,182,291

33.12

Lamprell Holdings 
Limited 

Schroder plc

53,504,893

15.66

M&G Investment 
Management Ltd.

MFS Investment 
Management

42,655,086

12.48

26,576,573

7.78

2014 was a busy year for communication 
with our shareholders. Our investor relations 
activities are led by our CEO and Deputy 
CFO with the support of  a dedicated investor 
relations team. The Chairman and Senior 
Independent Director are available to speak 
with shareholders and did communicate 
from time to time with shareholders on 
specific issues during 2014.

Not only did Company representatives meet 
with major institutional shareholders and 
market analysts following the announcement 
for our full-year and half-year financial 
results but there were meetings in Q2 2014 
relating to the launch of  the Company’s 
rights issue. These meetings were of  added 
importance because they presented an 
opportunity for the Company to explain 
in detail how the new strategy would be 
implemented in practice 
high participation by existing shareholders 
in the rights issue and positive market 
reaction clearly demonstrates the effective 
and transparent communication between 
the Company and its shareholders. 

 page 08. The 

The Board also strives to identity and 
address specific feedback or concerns 

39

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Corporate governance: Directors’ Report

Consistent communication with our shareholders

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Preliminary 
Results 

Annual 
Report 
published

Q1 Interim 
Management 
Statement

Sell-side and 
buy-side 
roadshow

AGM  
attended by  
all Directors

Shareholder 
consultation 
process

Interim 
Report 
published

Sell-side and 
buy-side 
roadshow

Major 
shareholder 
meeting

Regular press releases regarding Company’s business

Regular, ongoing dialogue and phone calls with major shareholders and analysts

Corporate presentations, market announcements including trading updates and contract wins,  
and other Company information on our website at www.lamprell.com

from shareholders. Late in 2013, the 
Remuneration Committee consulted key 
shareholders in relation to remuneration 
proposals prior to implementation. However, 
at the 2014 AGM, one of  the remuneration 
proposals (Resolution 14) received a large 
vote against the resolution and, even though 
it was approved, the Company (through the 
Remuneration Committee) decided to re-
engage with its shareholders to understand 
better their views on the policy. 

 page 46 

The Company’s core lending group is 
another key stakeholder group for the 
business and the debt facility terms 
represent a fundamental part of  the 
Group’s governance structure as it includes 
certain banking covenants and restrictions. 
The management team provides regular 
updates on key aspects of  the business 
to the lending group and the Deputy CFO 
communicates frequently with each of  the 
lending banks to address any queries.

Finally, the Board places considerable 
importance on positive and effective 
interaction with the Group’s workforce 
and the Group’s internal Corporate 
Communications team coordinates 
campaigns for the management team to 
communicate key messages throughout the 
Group. During 2014, there were campaigns 
relating to safety, financial and IT matters. 

In June 2014 and in January 2015, the 
CEO presented a series of  “townhall 
meetings” at each of  the three main 
facilities in the UAE, which were focussed 
on the Company’s performance and on 
implementation of  the new strategy. The 
CEO also presented awards for long service 
and safety achievements and records to 
employees regularly during the year.

How is the Company’s relationship 
with its major shareholder regulated?

 page 39, Lamprell Holdings 

By virtue of  the size of  its shareholding in 
the Company 
Limited and its ultimate owner, Steven 
Lamprell, are “controlling shareholders” 
for the purposes of  the Listing Rules. 
Accordingly, they were required to enter 
into an agreement with the Company to 
ensure compliance with the independence 
provisions set out in the Listing Rules 
(“Controlling Shareholder Agreement”). 

The Controlling Shareholder Agreement 
regulates the ongoing relationship between 
the Company and these controlling 
shareholders. The Company has complied 
with the independence provisions in 
the Controlling Shareholder Agreement. 
So far as the Company is aware, the 
controlling shareholders have also complied 
with the independence provisions.  

The Controlling Shareholder Agreement 
represents a key component of  the 
Company’s corporate governance 
structure. The earlier so-called “President’s 
Agreement” with Steven Lamprell and 
Lamprell Holdings Limited, which was 
similar to the new controlling shareholder’s 
agreement and created at the time of  
the Company’s original listing, ceased 
to be effective on 24 December 2014. 

What use does the Company make 
of its Annual General Meeting?

The Company held its 2014 AGM in Dubai, 
United Arab Emirates and all Directors were 
present. We encourage our shareholders 
to attend the AGM as an opportunity to 
engage in a constructive dialogue with 
the Board members attending in person. 
Typically resolutions are passed on a 
show of  hands but, as a matter of  good 
governance, the Chairman submitted 
resolution 14 to a poll because of  the large 
dissenting vote. The resolution still passed 

but the Board noted the voting results 
and responded in a proactive manner 
by re-engaging with its shareholders to 
better understand their views. 

 page 46

The 2015 AGM is scheduled to take place 
on 12 May 2015 in Dubai and full details 
are set out in the Notice of  Meeting which 
accompanies this report (and is also 
available our website). All Directors are 
planning to attend and will be available 
to answer questions from shareholders. 
Each item will be presented as a separate 
resolution and the Chairmen of  the principal 
Board Committees will be available to 
answer questions from shareholders. 

Any shareholder unable to attend 
in person but wishing to submit a 
question for consideration by the 
Directors, is invited to submit questions 
to investorrelations@lamprell.com 

How is the Directors’ 
remuneration determined?

The Remuneration Committee is primarily 
responsible for determining the principles 
and details of  Company’s remuneration 
policy, taking into account the best 
practices as well as the advice from external 
consultants on peer companies. Details of  
the Company’s policy on remuneration, the 
Directors’ remuneration for the year ended 
31 December 2014 and their interests in 
the ordinary shares of  the Company can 
be found in the Directors’ Annual Report 
on Remuneration. 

 pages 53 to 59. 

What insurance coverage 
do the Directors have?

Each year, the Board reviews and approves 
the level of  the Directors’ and Officers’ 
liability insurance cover to ensure that it is 
appropriate in light of  the circumstances, 
size and risks within the business. This 
is subject to the usual exclusions such 
as fraud or dishonesty by a Director.

40

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Corporate governance: Nomination & Governance Committee Report

nomination & governance 
committee report

Attended 
in person 

Attended 
by phone

What did the Committee 
focus on during 2014?

“Based on the investors’ 
feedback at the start of  
last year, the Committee 
has looked to improve 
disclosures around the 
evaluation process. Looking 
forward, the Committee is 
planning to focus on the 
succession plan for the 
Group and in particular the 
appointment of  the new  
CFO and an additional  
Non-Executive Director.”

John Malcolm, Committee Chairman

Committee member

Total no. meetings 4

John Malcolm (Chairman)

John Kennedy

Ellis Armstrong

Who attends the Committee’s meetings?

The Committee is comprised of  
members that are considered to be 
wholly independent or were considered 
independent on appointment, in the 
case of  the Chairman of  the Board. 
Aside from the members, the Company 
Secretary and the Group’s Vice-President 
of  Human Resources are typically invited 
to attend the Committee meetings. 

What are the Committee’s 
responsibilities?

The Committee has primary responsibility 
for the composition, structure, balance, 
diversity and experience of  the Board 
and the principal Board Committees, 
and for leading the evaluation of  the 
Board’s performance and effectiveness. 
It also assesses the succession planning 
needs both at the Board and at the 
senior management level and, following 
the major overhaul of  the Committee’s 
responsibilities in 2013, the Committee 
considers the implications of  changes in 
the governance and regulatory framework 
in which the Company operates.

With the renewed stability on the Board 
during the first half  of  the year, the 
Committee dedicated a considerable 
amount of  time to the consideration of  
potential candidates to act as an additional 
independent NED. However, the process 
was unsuccessful due to the lack of  
available, high quality candidates. This 
search process will continue into 2015 
although it has been superseded as a 
priority by the need to replace Joanne 
Curin as CFO following her departure 
in Q3 2014. Tony Wright, formerly Vice-
President (Finance), was promoted to 
the position of  Deputy CFO pending a 
decision on a permanent appointment. 
Tony Wright is not a Director.

During Q4 2014, the Committee completed 
an evaluation process for appointing a 
firm of  executive recruitment consultants 
to assist with this search process and 
ultimately the Committee decided to appoint 
Korn Ferry because of  its strong profile 
in the industry and proven assessment 
processes. The Committee also made 
use of  the services of  other executive 
recruitment consultants during the relevant 
period, namely Maxwell Drummond. Save 
as disclosed 
 page 39, these companies 
had no other connection with the Company.

Committee members
John Malcolm  
(Committee Chairman and 
Independent Non-Executive 
Director)

John Kennedy  
(Non-Executive  
Chairman of  the Board)

Ellis Armstrong (Independent 
Non-Executive Director)

41

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Corporate governance: Nomination & Governance Committee Report

How does the Board manage the talent 
and plan for leadership moves?

The Board recognises that succession 
planning and talent management is of  
crucial importance in order to deliver the 
business strategy in the coming years. 
The preference is also to develop talent 
from within the existing workforce and so, 
at the Board’s direction, the Committee 
initiated a succession planning and risk 
assessment exercise in order to evaluate 
the key executive positions within the 
Group. This exercise looks at the leadership 
team’s critical competencies and, in this 
way, the Committee will able to assess the 
criticality of  each role and the retention 
risk around the incumbent. This also allows 
the Committee to identify high potential 
employees that might then fill any vacancy 
in due course, as well as their training and 
development needs to achieve that goal. 

This process of  implementing the results 
of  the succession planning exercise will 
be one of  the top priorities for both the 
Committee and the Board during 2015.

In the meantime however, the Company has 
appointed Korn Ferry as expert executive 
search and recruitment consultants to 
support the Company in its process to fill 
the vacant role of  CFO. This process will 
be formal, rigorous and transparent, and 
the Committee will assess all candidates 
according to a defined set of  criteria. The  
process will therefore only be completed 
later in 2015 although the Board is pleased 
to note that the Deputy CFO has indicated 
a strong interest in taking up such role. 

What is the Board’s policy 
with regard to diversity? 

The departure of  Joanne Curin from 
the Company in November 2014 has 
unfortunately created a gender imbalance 
on the Board. The Company is acutely 
aware of  its responsibilities to pay due 
regard to the benefits of  diversity at 
the Board level and, in assessing any 
candidate to fill a vacancy on the Board, 
the Committee will consider a number of  
key factors of  which this responsibility is 
one. However, in further recognition of  this 

need to diversify the composition of  the 
Board, the Board has a adopted policy 
of  recruiting a minimum of  one female 
 page 39
Director by the end of  2016. 

Within the wider management level, 
there is greater diversity although the 
Company does not currently have 
any female representatives among 
the senior management team. 

How long are Directors appointed for? 

Executive Directors are employed under 
Directors’ Service Contracts with termination 
notice periods of  not more than 12 months.

Non-Executive Directors are engaged 
pursuant to letters of  appointment which 
do not have specific or fixed terms but they 
are subject to re-election by the Company’s 
shareholders at intervals of  not more than 
three years. All directors have been elected 
or re-elected by the shareholders within the 
last two years.

Employee gender split
Core employees 2014

2%

98%

Employee gender split
Management 2014

Employee gender split
Management 2013

10%

90%

7%

93%

Board gender split
2013

0%

100%

Board expertise

Oil & Gas markets
100%

Financial
16%

Middle East
33%

Fabrication  
operations
33%

Public company 
boards
50%

42

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Attended 
in person 

Attended 
by phone

What are the Committee’s 
responsibilities?

Corporate governance: Audit & Risk Committee Report

audit & risK  
committee report

“We have had a busy year, 
particularly in the areas 
of  risk management and 
the review of  the Group’s 
financial progress, which has 
been very strong. These have 
been crucial developments 
for establishing a solid 
financial platform, putting 
the Company in a relatively 
strong position to face 
the new reality of  a highly 
competitive market.”

Ellis Armstrong, Committee Chairman

Committee member

Total no. meetings 7

Ellis Armstrong  
(Chairman)

Michael Press

Who attends the Committee’s meetings?

Membership of  the Committee is comprised 
solely of  independent Non-Executive 
Directors and the Board confirms that 
Ellis Armstrong has relevant financial 
experience for the purposes of  the Code, 
thereby ensuring the appropriate balance of  
financial and industry experience to assess 
the matters presented to the Committee.  
As a “smaller company” under the Code, the 
Committee needs only have two members. 

Aside from the members, the Company 
Secretary and the Group’s Deputy 
CFO are typically invited to attend the 
Committee meetings. In addition, the 
external and internal auditors are invited 
to meetings at key times during the year. 
On occasion, other Board members and 
managers have attended by invitation.

The Committee has primary responsibility 
for overseeing the integrity of  all of  the 
Company’s announcements relating to its 
financial performance, including its financial 
results, and for considering all matters 
relating to the appointment, performance 
and independence of  the Company’s 
external auditors. In addition, following 
the major overhaul of  the Committee’s 
responsibilities in 2013, the Committee 
oversees the Company’s risk management 
system as well as its internal control 
systems, and monitors the effectiveness 
of  such systems particularly against 
potential ethical or fraudulent activities.

1st line of defence

Executive  
Committee

Internal 
controls and 
annual self  
assessments

Internal 
policies and 
training

2nd line of defence

Financial 
control

Health and 
safety

Technology 

Risk  
management

Environment

Legal

3rd line of defence

Audit & Risk Committee
Monitors the integrity of  the Company’s financial 
statements and reviews financial and regulatory 
compliance and controls

Committee members
Ellis Armstrong  
(Committee Chairman and 
Independent Non-Executive 
Director)

Michael Press (Independent 
Non-Executive Director)

43

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Corporate governance: Audit & Risk Committee Report

judgements made by management are 
reasonable and that appropriate disclosures 
have been included in the accounts.

How does the Committee ensure the 
independence and performance & 
effectiveness of its external auditors? 

What did the Committee 
focus on during 2014?

The Committee’s main activities 
during 2014 were as follows: 

 »

the year-end/interim financial 
statements for the Group;

 » oversight and assessment of  
the Group’s risk management 
database and how enterprise risks 
are evaluated and mitigated;

 »

review of  the internal audit 
reports, outstanding action 
points and the 2015 plan;

 » external auditor’s independence, 

objectivity and the effectiveness, as well 
as the auditor’s forthcoming activities;

 » ongoing assessment of  the control 

environment and systems; 

 » analysis by PricewaterhouseCoopers 

(“PwC”) of  the Group’s IT 
systems and controls; and 

 »

reporting on the whistleblowing statistics 
and cases raised during the year.

What significant judgements did the 
Committee have to consider during 2014?

The Committee considered the  
significant judgements below during 2014. 
The Committee was satisfied that the 

What interaction does the Committee 
have with its external auditors?

The external auditor for the year ended 
31 December 2014 was PwC and they 
presented on various matters (including 
their audit report on the financial results 
for the previous year) to the Committee 
on three occasions during the year. PwC 
also provided the Committee with updates 
on changes to accounting, regulatory 
and corporate governance laws and 
regulations that impact the Company.

PwC has been acting in the role as the 
Company’s auditors for nearly nine years 
including the successful renewal of  their 
appointment following a tender process in 
2010. PwC has expressed its willingness 
to continue in office as auditor and a 
resolution to reappoint it will be proposed 
at the forthcoming AGM for their services 
in respect of  the 2015 financial year. 
However, the Committee has decided that 
it is appropriate and timely to re-tender 
for the external audit services during H2 
2015, which appointment will be effective 
for the 2016 financial year onwards.

Significant judgements considered 
by the Committee during 2014

Views/actions of the Committee with 
respect to significant judgements

Impact of  the disposal of  the 
non-core service businesses 
on the financial statements

Accounting treatment of  rights 
issue of  new ordinary shares

Review of  subjective provisions

Revenue recognition and estimated 
cost to complete on major projects

Refinancing

44

The Group disposed of  two non-core service businesses 
(although one is due to complete in H1 2015) in the year. The 
Committee received summaries of  the accounting areas such 
as the valuation of  intangible assets, any gains or losses on 
disposal and any subsequent fair value adjustments made.

The Group completed a rights issue during the year. 
The Committee reviewed the accounts and disclosures 
proposed by management, in particular the treatment 
of  the costs that arose from the transaction.

At each meeting, the Committee receives and evaluates 
a management report which includes details of  
material subjective provisions made in respect of  
matters including doubtful debts, contract accruals, 
project risks and warranty issues. The adequacy and 
appropriateness of  these provisions and disclosures 
required are discussed and challenged.

The Committee considered the appropriateness of  
revenue recognition and estimated cost to complete 
on major projects ongoing at the balance sheet date. 
The Committee satisfied itself  that the Company’s 
financial statements had been prepared on the basis 
of  the accounting policy and noted that the external 
auditors had audited the methodology on that basis.

The Group completed a refinancing project in 2014 
and the accounts and disclosures proposed by 
management were reviewed by the Committee. Significant 
fees arose from the refinancing and the treatment of  
these was reviewed in detail by the Committee. 

Pursuant to the Company’s Policy on 
Auditor Independence (which is available 
on the Group’s website), the Committee 
re-assesses the auditor’s independence at 
least on an annual basis, by reference to 
the activities of  PwC and specifically the 
levels and types of  non-audit services. 

In 2014, PwC provided non-audit services 
with a total value of  USD 872,000 (2013: 
USD 1,621,000) against an annual audit 
fee including Group audit fees with a 
total value of  USD 663,000 (2013: USD 
530,000). The Committee acknowledges 
the apparent imbalance between the two 
figures but notes that the high value of  
non-audit services originates primarily from 
the corporate transactions, notably the work 
undertaken by PwC in connection with the 
rights issue and the refinancing. PwC’s role 
in the rights issue was effectively an audit 
role, namely as reporting accountant and 
PwC was able to provide useful insights 
in light of  PwC’s deep understanding of  
the workings of  the Group. Given these 
incremental benefits of  PwC’s involvement 
and the oversight by the Board, the 
Committee considers that the objectivity and 
independence of  the external auditor were 
safe-guarded throughout the financial year.

The Committee also assesses the auditor’s 
effectiveness by way of  feedback from 
several sources: the Committee relies on 
self-assessment by PwC of  its performance, 
on feedback from certain senior 
managers that work closely alongside 
the auditors including the Deputy CFO 
and the Company Secretary, and on its 
own evaluation of  PwC’s services based 
on the results of  its audit work and the 
challenges presented to the views and 
positions of  the Group’s management. 

In light of  the accumulated feedback, 
the Committee remains satisfied of  
PwC’s independence and effectiveness 
and the Board concurs with the 
assessment by the Committee.

How does the Committee interact 
with its internal auditors? 

The Group’s internal audit function makes 
a presentation to the Committee at least 
on a bi-annual basis, providing updates 
and analysis for the internal audits and 
the control self-assessment exercises 
that were completed during the year, as 
well as making key recommendations 
and observations to the Committee and 
submitting a proposal for the internal 
audits proposed for the subsequent 

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014year. The Committee will assess, 
by reference to the highlighted risk 
trends within the business and best 
practices, the key recommendations and 
observations and approve actions and 
the forward-looking internal audit plan. 

With the increased focus on risk 
 page 14, 
management during 2014 
there has also been closer interaction 
between the internal audit and Group risk 
functions, and the 2015 planned internal 
audits take into account identified areas of  
higher risk, at the Committee’s request. 

From time to time, the internal audit 
function will also undertake ad hoc reviews 
and assist management with specific 
tasks, including by way of  example, 
for the year under review the internal 
audit of  advances to subcontractors. 
At the management’s request, the team 
performed a detailed review of  such 
amounts and, as a result, a number of  
internal control weaknesses were identified 
and resolved to prevent recurrence.

As a matter of  best practice, the 
Committee meets with the internal auditor 
without executives present, to discuss 
any sensitive matters or concerns.

How does the Board manage risk? 
The Board has delegated its responsibility 
for the monitoring of  the effectiveness 
of  the Group’s internal control and risk 
management systems to the Audit & 

Risk Committee. However, the day-to-
day responsibility for developing and 
implementing the internal control and 
risk management procedures resides 
with the executive management team 
which then reports on risk to the Audit & 
Risk Committee. This represents a two-
way disclosure and monitoring system 
for such systems and procedures which 
provides the Directors with reasonable 
(but not absolute) assurance against 
material misstatements and losses. The 
results of  this system can be seen in the 
information relating to the principal risks and 
uncertainties faced by the Group, together 
with the mitigating factors. 

 page 14

How does the Company’s system of 
internal controls work?
In the first instance, the Company has a 
system of  internal controls based around 
certain key policies and procedures 
which define the Group’s standards of  
business and include a schedule of  
matters reserved for the Board, a defined 
organisation structure, a delegation 
of  authority matrix and safety and 
quality policies, all of  which are framed 
within the Company’s core values. 

There are also policies and procedures 
which embed regulatory requirements 
into the daily operations of  the Group 
such as the anti-bribery and corruption 
policy, the share dealing code, the insider 
dealing and market abuse policy and the 

whistleblowing policy. They are all available 
on the Company’s website (www.lamprell.
com). In addition, there is a multi-lingual, 
secure whistleblowing hotline which was 
set up to allow staff  members to report 
ethical breaches, irregularities or simply 
concerns on a confidential basis without 
any fear of  recrimination. They are all key 
elements of  an internal control system which 
is designed to assist in the achievement 
of  the Group’s business objectives. 

The Audit & Risk Committee undertakes 
an annual review of  the effectiveness of  
the systems of  internal control including 
financial, operational and compliance 
controls and risk management systems. 
This is performed in collaboration with both 
the internal and external auditors and, 
where weaknesses have been identified; 
the management team was tasked with 
implementing further safeguards which will 
then be re-tested by the audit teams. The 
Committee reports on its monitoring and 
observations to the Board at least annually. 

The Directors are satisfied that, as a  
result of  the systems and the oversight 
functions, the internal control environment  
is operating effectively.

What activities has the Group undertaken during 2014 to manage risk appropriately?

At the Board level:

At the executive management level:

At the project/operational level:

Audit & Risk Committee conducts an annual 
review of  the effectiveness of  the systems 
of  financial, operational and compliance 
controls and risk management systems 

The Board regularly receives comprehensive 
written reports from the CEO and the 
CFO on the strategic and financial risks 
within the business respectively

Presentation by Group Risk Manager to the 
Audit & Risk Committee on the development 
of  the Group’s risk management systems 

Monthly meetings of  the Risk Review Panel – 
forum for management oversight of  project and 
department risks 

Project managers are directly responsible 
for identification and ensuring that risks 
are captured in the risk database

Business unit/department heads are responsible 
for the identification, evaluation and mitigation of  
risks within their businesses/departments

As project risk owners, project managers 
implement the risk mitigation plans 
within their respective projects

Appointment of  a full-time Group Risk Manager

Project managers report on project risks a 
monthly basis to the Group Risk Manager

Bi-annual report identifying the major, 
current risks and opportunities within the 
business is submitted by senior management 
to the Audit & Risk Committee

Creation of  an online, interactive risk database 
which is used to capture all project and 
department risks and provide reports on risk 
trends and severity/likelihood of  risk

Internal Audit ensures application and 
consistency of  Group’s risk policies and 
procedures by undertaking internal audits

Extension of  the Group’s ERP system into  
other functions improves governance processes, 
data integrity and security at corporate and  
project levels

45

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Corporate governance: Directors’ Remuneration Report

directors’ remuneration  
report

Dear Shareholders,

On behalf  of  the Board,  
I am pleased to introduce 
the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report for the year ended  
31 December 2014. 

Performance and reward in 2014

The Company’s exceptional performance 
in 2014, particularly in terms of  net 
profit, sales and safety, building on the 
improvements achieved in the previous  
year, resulted in a strong bonus pay out 
of  90.7% to the CEO. The breakdown of  
the CEO’s performance against targets is 
detailed elsewhere in this report.

As announced to the market on 17 October, 
Joanne Curin stood down as a Director and 
CFO. The position has not yet been filled 
and Tony Wright, formerly Vice-President 
(Finance), was promoted to the position 
of  Deputy CFO pending a decision on a 
permanent appointment. Tony Wright is not 
a Director.

Although shareholders approved both the 
Remuneration Policy and Annual Report 
on Remuneration during the 2014 AGM, 
shareholders expressed concern about the 
Company’s proposal to issue two sets of  
long-term incentive plan (“LTIP”) awards in 
2014 in order to make up for the Company’s 

inability to issue an LTIP award during 
2013 due to a prolonged closed period. 
As a result, the Remuneration Committee 
engaged with shareholders to address a 
number of  concerns that had emerged 
at the 2014 AGM. The outcome of  this 
consultation is referenced further below  
and in the Remuneration Policy Statement. 

After a prolonged restricted period from 
October 2012 to June 2014, followed by 
the period of  shareholder consultation, in 
November the Company was finally able 
to make the delayed awards to the CEO 
in respect of  the 2013 and 2014 LTIP and 
his contractual entitlement to a recruitment 
award of  stock options.

Remuneration Policy for 2015

As reported last year, the Remuneration 
Policy was extensively reviewed by the 
incoming Committee during 2013 and 
was approved at the AGM in June 2014. 
However the resolutions on executive 
remuneration were passed but with a 
narrower margin than we had sought 
and without sufficient support to give the 
Committee comfort that it had a clear 
mandate to proceed. Following this vote, 
the Committee took the view that further 
consultation with investors was appropriate 
and the Company made a statement to that 
effect. Hence revised proposals were put 
forward to address the shareholders’ key 
concerns and based on positive feedback 
from the shareholders, we were able to 
implement the revised proposals.

The Committee is satisfied that the 
Remuneration Policy will ensure that we can 
recruit and retain the right calibre of  senior 
management to maximise shareholder value 
and deliver sustainable growth over the 
longer term whilst addressing the concerns 
expressed by shareholders during 2014.

We will be seeking your support for  
this report at the forthcoming AGM on  
12 May 2015. On behalf  of  the Committee  
I recommend this Directors’ Remuneration 
Report to you and I hope that you will find it 
clear, concise and understandable. 

Michael Press
Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee

18 March 2015

Committee members
Michael Press  
(Committee Chairman and 
Senior Independent  
Non-Executive Director)

John Malcolm
(Independent Non-Executive 
Director)

46

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Remuneration Policy 

Policy overview

The Policy Statement was put to a binding 
shareholder vote at the 2014 AGM and 
the policy took formal effect from 10 June 
2014. No changes are proposed to the 
Remuneration Policy for 2015 and therefore 
the policy is approved by shareholders at 
the 2014 AGM and is reproduced below 
solely for information.

As a result of  shareholder concerns at the 
AGM, the Company undertook a process 
of  consultation and in response to the 
concerns of  some investors, agreed that 
in several respects, it would apply the 
remuneration policy on a more restrictive 
basis than the approved policy would 
otherwise allow. Although these do not 
formally constitute a change to policy, for 
ease of  readership we have noted these 
amendments in the text of  the policy report 
which is reproduced below:

1.  a reduction in the CEO’s maximum LTIP 

opportunity from 120% to 100%  
of  base salary;

2.  an agreement not to use the exceptional 

LTIP limit of  150% of  base salary;

3.  a freeze on Executive Directors’ base 
salaries and fees for Non-Executive 
Directors until January 2016;

4.  the introduction of  more challenging 

targets for the 2014 long-term incentive 
plan; and

5.  remuneration payments under all future 
Service Agreements are enforceable 
only insofar as they fall within a 
shareholder-approved Remuneration 
Policy.

The Committee is responsible, on behalf  
of  the Board, for establishing appropriate 
remuneration arrangements for the 
Executive Directors and other senior 
management in the Group.

Our Remuneration Policy aims to drive 
continuous improvements in business 
performance and maximise shareholder 
value by offering remuneration packages 
that are appropriately balanced and 
are designed to enable the recruitment, 
retention and motivation of  talented 
Executive Directors and senior 
management. 

In setting the remuneration policy for 
the Executive Directors, the Committee 
considers the remuneration policy and 
levels of  remuneration for the wider 
employee population, the policy and 
practice in the UAE and the wider market. 
The Committee will ensure that the 
arrangements are in the best interests of  
both the Group and its shareholders, by 
taking into account the following general 
principles:

 » To attract, retain and motivate the best 
talent without paying more than is 
necessary.

 » To ensure total remuneration packages 

are simple and fair in design and valued 
by participants. 

 » To ensure that the fixed element of  
remuneration is determined in line 
with market rates, taking account of  
individual performance, responsibilities 
and experience; and that a significant 
proportion of  the total remuneration 
package is linked to performance-related 
incentives. 

 » To balance performance pay 

between the achievement of  financial 
performance objectives and delivering 
sustainable stock market out-
performance; creating a clear line of  
sight between performance and reward 
and providing a focus on sustained 
improvements in profitability and returns. 

 » To calibrate carefully all performance 
metrics and associated sliding scale 
ranges to ensure that performance 
is incrementally rewarded through 
stretching targets and that executives 
are not inadvertently incentivised to take 
inappropriate business risks.

 » To maintain the highest possible health 
and safety standards where any fatality 
that takes place in a facility operated by 
the Company or any of  its subsidiaries 
may result in discretionary withdrawal of  
incentive eligibility.

 » To provide a significant proportion 

of  performance linked pay in shares 
allowing senior management to build 
significant shareholding in the business 
and therefore aligning management with 
shareholders’ interests and the Group’s 
performance. 

 » To maintain appropriate governance and 
risk management through the application 
of  holding periods and clawback 
provisions on incentive plan awards.

Consideration of shareholder views 

The Company is committed to maintaining 
good communications with investors, as 
evidenced by the process of  consultation 
that took place following the 2014 AGM. 
The Committee considers the AGM to be 
an opportunity to meet and communicate 
with investors and consider shareholder 
feedback received in relation to the AGM 
each year and guidance from shareholder 
representative bodies more generally. This 
feedback, together with any additional 
feedback received on a regular basis, is 
then considered as part of  the Company’s 
annual review of  remuneration policy. 
The Committee will also seek to engage 
directly with major shareholders and 
their representative bodies should any 
material changes be made to the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy. Details of  the votes 
cast for and against the resolution to 
approve last year’s Directors’ Remuneration 
Report are set out in the Annual Report on 
 page 53
Remuneration. 

47

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Corporate governance: Directors’ Remuneration Report

Summary of the Directors’ remuneration policy

The following table sets out the key aspects of  the Directors’ remuneration policy.1

Element of pay

Purpose and link to strategy Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance framework

Base salary

To attract, retain and 
motivate talented 
individuals who are critical 
to the Group’s success.

Reviewed annually by 
the Committee or, if  
appropriate, in the event of  
a change in an individual’s 
position or responsibilities.

Annual bonus 

To reward the 
achievement of  the 
Group’s annual financial 
and non-financial 
objectives linked to the 
delivery of  the Group’s 
strategic plan.

Base salary levels set by 
reference to competitive 
market rates, taking 
into account level of  
responsibility, individual 
performance, skills 
and experience, Group 
performance and the 
pay and conditions in the 
workforce.

Normally payable in cash.

Performance targets are 
approved annually by the 
Committee.

The Committee has 
discretion to override the 
formulaic outturn of  the 
bonus and determine the 
appropriate level of  bonus 
payable if  it believes 
exceptional circumstances 
warrant it or, if  it is 
deemed necessary, based 
on safety, environmental, 
social and governance 
issues.

Clawback provisions apply 
to any overpayments due 
to misstatement or error 
and other circumstances.

There is no prescribed 
minimum or maximum 
annual increase. The 
Committee is guided by 
market position and the 
average increase for the 
workforce generally but on 
occasions may recognise 
an increase in certain 
circumstances, such 
as assumed additional 
responsibility, or an 
increase in the scale or 
scope of  the role.

Maximum opportunity of  
100% for all Executive 
Directors.

Company performance 
appraisal process.

At least two thirds of   
the annual bonus will  
be based on the Group’s 
financial performance 
or other key business 
metrics, with the remainder 
dependent on the 
achievement of  individual 
performance objectives 
to provide a rounded 
assessment of  the Group’s 
and management’s 
performance.

The financial metrics 
incorporate an appropriate 
sliding scale around a 
challenging target.

48

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Element of pay

Purpose and link to strategy Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance framework

Long-Term Incentive 
Plan (LTIP)

To balance performance 
pay between the 
achievement of  strong 
financial performance and 
delivering sustainable 
stock market out-
performance.

To encourage share 
ownership and alignment 
with shareholder interests.

End of  service gratuity

To offer executives a 
retirement benefit as 
required under the UAE 
Labour Law.

Benefits and allowances

To offer a market-
competitive level of  
benefits to ensure the 
Executive Directors’ 
wellbeing and provide 
additional allowances 
in line with local market 
practice.

Normal maximum 
opportunity of  120% 
of  base salary for the 
CEO and 100% of  base 
salary for other Executive 
Directors.1

1.  following the subsequent 

consultation with 
shareholders, it was 
agreed that the normal 
maximum opportunity 
would remain at 100%.

Exceptional maximum 
opportunity of  150% of  
base salary.2

2.  following the subsequent 

consultation with 
shareholders, it 
was agreed that the 
exceptional maximum 
opportunity would be 
reduced to 100%.

Performance is assessed 
against a challenging set 
of  independent financial 
metrics that may include 
relative total shareholder 
return (“TSR”), cumulative 
EBITDA, end of  period 
backlog and other equally 
challenging metrics. 

On each element, starting 
with the 2014 plan, 
between 0% and 20% 
of  an award will vest 
for achieving threshold 
performance, increasing 
and vesting pro-rata at 
a further target with full 
vesting for achievement 
of  maximum stretch 
performance targets.

Company contributions 
are limited to two years’ 
base salary by UAE 
Labour Law.

None

Actual value of  benefits 
provided.

None

Annual awards of  
conditional shares or nil 
(or nominal cost) options 
(or possibly cash) with 
vesting dependent on 
the achievement of  
performance conditions 
over a three year period.

An additional mandatory 
holding period of  two 
years will be phased in 
during 2014 and 2015 for 
vested awards (net of  tax).

Performance targets 
and metrics are 
approved annually by the 
Committee.

The Committee has 
discretion to scale back 
(potentially to zero) the 
vesting of  any awards if  it 
believes the results are not 
an accurate reflection of  
the Company’s underlying 
performance.

Clawback provisions apply 
for overpayments due to 
misstatement or error and 
other circumstances. 

Dividends that accrue 
during the vesting period 
may be paid in cash 
or shares at the time of  
vesting, to the extent that 
shares vest.

The Company has no 
Group-wide pension 
scheme.

A lump sum cash payment 
is awarded following end 
of  service, based on the 
length of  service and final 
base salary in accordance 
with UAE Labour Law.

Current benefits include a 
housing allowance, private 
medical/life insurance, 
use of  a company car and 
driver, fuel card, annual 
leave air fares and utility 
expenses.

49

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Corporate governance: Directors’ Remuneration Report

Element of pay

Purpose and link to strategy Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance framework

Share ownership 
guidelines 

To further strengthen 
the long-term alignment 
between executives and 
shareholders. 

Non-Executive Directors’ 
(“NEDs”) fees

Set to attract, retain 
and motivate talented 
individuals through the 
provision of  market 
competitive fees.

Executive Directors are 
required to retain the net 
proceeds of  vested share 
awards which vest under 
the Group’s discretionary 
share plans.

Reviewed periodically by 
the Executive Directors 
and Chairman (except 
for his own fee) or, if  
appropriate, in the event of  
a change in an individual’s 
position or responsibilities.

Fee levels set by 
reference to market rates, 
taking into account the 
individual’s experience, 
responsibility, time and 
travel commitments. 

None

Expected to achieve 150% 
of  base salary for the CEO 
and 125% of  base salary 
for the other Executive 
Directors within five years.

None

As for the Executive 
Directors, there is no 
prescribed minimum or 
maximum annual increase. 
The Executive Directors 
and Chairman are guided 
by market position but on 
occasions may recognise 
an increase in certain 
circumstances such 
as, assumed additional 
responsibility or an 
increase in the scale or 
scope of  the role. 

1.  A description of  how the Company intends to implement the above policy is set out in the Annual Report on Remuneration.

Performance metric selection

The annual bonus is predominantly based 
on key financial performance indicators,  
to reflect how successful the Group has 
been in managing its operations. The 
balance is determined on performance 
against individually determined strategic 
objectives and annual operational targets, 
including HSE.

The LTIP performance measures reward 
significant long-term returns to shareholders 
and long-term financial growth. Targets 
take account of  internal strategic planning 
and external market expectations for the 
Company and are set appropriately to the 
economic outlook and risk factors prevailing 
at the time, ensuring that such targets 
remain challenging in the circumstances, 
whilst remaining realistic enough to  
motivate and incentivise management.  
Only modest rewards are available for 
achieving threshold performance with 
maximum rewards requiring substantial  
out-performance of  challenging strategic 
plans approved at the start of  each year. 

Discretion

The Committee will operate the incentive 
plans in accordance with their respective 
rules, the UK Listing Rules and the HMRC 
rules where relevant. The Committee, 
consistent with market practice, retains 
discretion over a number of  areas relating to 

the operation and administration of  certain 
plan rules. These include (but are not limited 
to) the following: 

 » who participates; 

 »

 »

 »

the timing of  the grant of  award and/or 
payment;

the size of  an award (up to plan/policy 
limits) and/or a payment;

the result indicated by the relative TSR 
performance condition may be scaled 
back (potentially to zero) in the event that 
the Committee considers that financial 
performance has been unsatisfactory 
and/or the outcome has been distorted 
due to the TSR for the Company or any 
comparator company being considered 
abnormal;

 » discretion relating to the measurement of  
performance in the event of  a change of  
control or reconstruction;

 » determination of  a good leaver (in 

addition to any specified categories) 
for incentive plan purposes and the 
treatment of  leavers;

 » adjustments required in certain 

circumstances (e.g. rights issues, 
corporate restructuring and special 
dividends); and

 »

the ability to adjust existing performance 
conditions for exceptional events so that 
they can still fulfil their original purpose.

For the avoidance of  doubt, in approving 
this Directors’ Remuneration Policy, authority 
is given to the Company to honour any 
commitments entered into with current or 
former Directors (such as, the vesting or 
exercise of  past share awards).

Relative to pay and employment  
conditions in the Group 

The Committee takes account of  
remuneration levels offered to the senior 
management team in the Group as well as 
the awards affecting the wider employee 
population. When considering the Executive 
Directors’ remuneration structure and levels, 
the Committee reviews base salary and 
incentive arrangements for the management 
team, to ensure that there is a coherent 
approach across the Group. Employees 
may be eligible to participate in an annual 
bonus arrangement and receive awards 
under the LTIP, Executive Share Option Plan 
(“ESOP”), Retention Share Plan (“RSP”) or 
Free Share Plan (“FSP”). Opportunities and 
performance metrics may vary by workforce 
level with specific business metrics 
incorporated where possible. 

While the Company sees communication 
among its employees as a key priority, it 
does not formally consult with employees 
in respect of  the design of  the Executive 
Director remuneration policy, although the 
Committee will keep this under review. 

50

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Remuneration scenarios for the  
Executive Directors 

The charts below show an estimate of  the 
potential range of  remuneration payable for 
the Executive Director(s) in 2015 at different 
levels of  performance. The charts highlight 
that the performance-related elements 
of  the package comprise a significant 
portion of  the Executive Director’s total 
remuneration at maximum performance. 

Chief Executive Officer
Total remuneration USD’000

Maximum

39%

31%

31%

USD 2,464,000

On-target

51%

32%

16%

USD 1,861,600

Minimum

100%

USD 958,000

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

Total fixed pay
Annual bonus
Long-Term Incentive Plan 

Assumptions:

1.  Base salary levels applying on 1 January 2015.

2.  Benefits are estimated, based on the 
annualised value for the year ended  
31 December 2014.

3.  The end of  service gratuity is estimated,  
based on the accrual for the year ended  
31 December 2014.

4.  Minimum performance assumes no award 

is earned under the annual bonus plan and 
no vesting is achieved under the LTIP; at 
on-target, typically 80% of  the maximum is 
earned under annual bonus plan and typically 
40% vesting is achieved under the LTIP; and at 
maximum full vesting under both plans. 

remuneration forfeited on leaving a previous 
employer. In terms of  remuneration 
to compensate forfeited awards, the 
Committee would look to replicate the 
arrangements being forfeited as closely 
as possible and in doing so, would take 
account of  relevant factors including the 
nature of  the remuneration, performance 
conditions and the time over which they 
would have vested or been paid. 

1.  In subsequent consultation with shareholders, 
it was agreed that the normal maximum LTIP 
opportunity and exceptional maximum LTIP 
opportunity would remain at 100%.

In exceptional circumstances and only on 
recruitment (e.g. to buyout the value of  
awards forfeited) the Committee may also 
award share options of  up to 150% of  base 
salary under the ESOP. Options will vest 
dependent on the achievement of  agreed 
performance and/or retention conditions 
over a three year period and will be 
exercisable up to the 10th anniversary of  the 
date of  grant. Dividends that accrue during 
the vesting period may be paid in cash or 
shares at the time of  vesting, to the extent 
that the options become exercisable.

For an internal appointment, any incentive 
amount awarded in respect of  a prior role 
may be allowed to vest on its original terms, 
or adjusted as relevant to take into account 
the appointment. Any other ongoing 
remuneration obligations existing prior to 
appointment may continue.

5.  As per the legislation, share price movement 
and dividend accrual have been excluded 
from the above analysis.

The Committee may also agree that the 
Company will meet certain relocation and 
incidental expenses as appropriate.

Directors’ recruitment and promotions 
The Committee takes into account the need 
to attract, retain and motivate Executive 
Directors and senior managers of  the 
highest calibre, while at the same time 
ensuring a close alignment between the 
interests of  shareholders and management.

If  a new Executive Director was to be 
appointed, the Committee would seek 
to align the remuneration package with 
the remuneration policy approved by 
shareholders, including discretion to award 
an annual bonus up to 100% of  base 
salary and, in exceptional circumstances, 
an LTIP award up to 150% of  base salary.1 
Flexibility would be retained to set base 
salaries at the level necessary to facilitate 
the hiring of  candidates of  appropriate 
calibre in external markets and to make 
awards or payments in respect of  deferred 

For the appointment of  a new Chairman 
or NED, the fee arrangement would be 
set in accordance with the approved 
remuneration policy at that time. 

Directors’ service agreements and 
payments for loss of office 

The Committee reviews the contractual 
terms of  the service agreements to ensure 
these reflect best practice. 

The Group’s policy is that Executive 
Directors should be employed on a rolling 
term, with a notice period not exceeding 12 
months and in the event of  early termination, 
the Company will not make any payments 
beyond its contractual obligations. 

The Executive Directors’ service 
agreements are terminable on 12 months’ 
notice. In circumstances of  termination on 
notice, the Committee will determine an 
equitable compensation package, having 

regard to the particular circumstances of  
the case. The Committee has discretion 
to require notice to be worked or to make 
payment in lieu of  notice or to place the 
Director on garden leave for the notice 
period. In case of  payment in lieu or garden 
leave, base salary, benefits and end of  
service gratuity will be paid for the period 
of  notice served on garden leave or paid in 
lieu. If  the Committee believes it would be 
in shareholders’ interests the Company may 
elect to make payments in three separate 
tranches; 50% within seven working days of  
the termination date; 25% three months after 
the termination date; and 25% six months 
after the termination date. 

The annual bonus may be payable in 
respect of  the period of  the bonus plan year 
worked by the Director; there is no provision 
for an amount in lieu of  bonus to be payable 
for any part of  the notice period not worked. 
The bonus will be scaled back pro-rata for 
the period of  the incentive year worked by 
the Director and will still be payable at the 
normal payment date. 

Long-term incentives granted under the LTIP 
will be determined by the plan rules which 
contain discretionary good leaver provisions 
for designated reasons (e.g. participants 
who leave early on account of  injury, 
disability or ill health, or any other reason at 
the discretion of  the Committee). In these 
circumstances a participant’s awards will 
not be forfeited on cessation of  employment 
and instead will vest on the normal vesting 
date. In exceptional circumstances, the 
Committee may decide that the participant’s 
award will vest early on the termination 
date. In either case, the extent to which 
the awards will vest depends on the extent 
to which the performance conditions have 
been satisfied and a pro-rata reduction of  
the awards will be applied by reference 
to the time of  cessation (although the 
Committee has discretion to disapply 
performance conditions and time pro-rating 
if  the circumstances warrant it). In the case 
of  death of  the participant, the award will 
vest at that time, irrespective of  whether or 
not any performance conditions have been 
satisfied, and the award will not be time 
pro-rated. 

In respect of  legacy options outstanding 
under the ESOP, the options will be 
determined by the plan rules which contain 
discretionary good leaver provisions for 
designated reasons (i.e. participants who 

51

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Corporate governance: Directors’ Remuneration Report

NEDs terms of engagement

The NEDs do not have service contracts 
and instead are appointed by letters of  
appointment for an initial term of  three 
years, which are terminable by three 
months’ notice on either side. At the end of  
the initial period the appointment may be 
renewed by mutual consent for an additional 
three-year term, subject to re-election at  
the AGM. 

Upon termination or resignation, NEDs are 
not entitled to compensation and no fee is 
payable in respect of  the unexpired portion 
of  the term of  appointment.

Currently, three NEDs (excluding the 
Chairman who was independent on 
appointment) are considered to be 
independent of  the Company. 

The following table shows the effective date 
of  appointment for each NED:

Non-Executive Director

Date of 
appointment

John Kennedy

15 June 2012

Peter Whitbread

1 July 2013 

Michael Press1

John Malcolm1

27 May 2013

27 May 2013

Ellis Armstrong1

27 May 2013

1.  Michael Press, John Malcolm and Ellis 

Armstrong are considered to be independent 
NEDs of  the Company. 

leave early on account of  injury, disability 
or ill-health, a sale of  their employer or 
business in which they were employed 
or any other reason at the discretion of  
the Board). In these circumstances a 
participant’s options will not be forfeited 
on cessation of  employment but will vest 
on the termination date instead. The extent 
to which the options become exercisable 
depends, unless the Board determines 
otherwise, on the extent to which the 
performance conditions have been satisfied 
up until the termination date or such longer 
period as the Board may decide within six 
weeks of  the grant date. The performance 
period will end on the termination date 
unless the Board determines otherwise. 
In the case of  death of  a participant, the 
option will become exercisable at that 
time, irrespective of  whether or not any 
performance conditions have been satisfied, 
and the option will not be time pro-rated.

In the event of  a change of  control all 
unvested awards under the long-term 
incentive arrangements would vest, to the 
extent that any performance conditions 
attached to the relevant awards have been 
achieved. The awards will, other than in 
exceptional circumstances, be scaled 
back pro-rata for the period of  the incentive 
year worked by the director (although 
the Committee has discretion to disapply 
performance conditions and time pro-rating 
if  the circumstances warrant it). 

The table below sets out the details of  the 
Executive Directors’ service contracts:

Director

Date of contract

James Moffat

25 November 2012

The service contracts are available for 
inspection during normal business hours 
at the Company’s registered office, and 
available for inspection before and at  
the AGM. 

After consultation with shareholders 
following the 2014 AGM, it was agreed that 
remuneration payments under all future 
Service Agreements are enforceable only 
insofar as they fall within a shareholder-
approved Remuneration Policy.

52

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014directors’ annuaL report  
on remuneration

Annual Report on Remuneration

External advice received

During the year, the Committee received 
independent advice on remuneration 
matters from New Bridge Street (“NBS”), 
a trading name of  Aon plc. NBS did not 
provide other services to the Group during 
the year under review and there is no other 
connection between NBS and the Company 
or the Directors. The Committee also 
consulted with the CEO and Chairman but 
not in relation to their own remuneration. 

NBS is a signatory to the Remuneration 
Consultants’ Code of  Conduct and adhere 
to the Voluntary Code of  Conduct in relation 
to executive remuneration consulting in 
the UK. The Committee has reviewed the 
operating processes in place at NBS and 
is satisfied that the advice it receives is 
objective and independent.

The fees paid to NBS during the year were 
£106,280.

Shareholder voting at AGM  

At last year’s AGM held on 10 June 
2014, the shareholders cast their votes in 
connection with the resolutions relating to 
the parts of  the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report (see table below).

During 2014, the Committee engaged 
in a process of  consultation with key 
shareholder groups aimed at addressing a 
number of  concerns that emerged at and 
following the AGM on 10 June. As a result 
of  this consultation, the Committee made 
a number of  proposals to address these 
concerns, which are within the approved 
policy but constrain the manner in which we 
shall implement it; these are noted in the 
Remuneration Policy which is set out on  

 pages 47 to 52.

This report has been prepared in 
accordance with Part 4 of  the Large and 
Medium-sized Companies and Groups 
(Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) 
Regulations 2013 and 9.8.6R of  the UK’s 
Listing Rules. The Annual Report on 
Remuneration will be put to an advisory 
shareholder vote at the 2015 AGM. The 
information 
 pages 55 to 59 has been 
audited.

Responsibilities of the Committee

The Committee is responsible for 
determining and agreeing with the 
Board the policy on Executive Directors’ 
remuneration, including setting the 
over-arching principles, parameters and 
governance framework and determining 
the initial remuneration package of  
each Executive Director. In addition, the 
Committee monitors the structure and level 
of  remuneration for the senior management 
team and is aware of  pay and conditions 
in the workforce generally. The Committee 
also ensures full compliance with the Code 
in relation to remuneration. The Committee’s 
terms of  reference are available for review 
on the Company’s website. 

Members and activities of the Committee

The members of  the Committee throughout 
the relevant period were Michael Press 
(Chair) and John Malcolm. Membership is 
comprised solely of  independent NEDs. 
None of  the current Committee members 
have day-to-day involvement with the 
business nor do they have any personal 
financial interest in the matters to be 
recommended. The Company Secretary 
acts as Secretary to the Committee and 
the Vice-President, Human Resources 
and Administration attends meetings on a 
regular basis to present and provide related 
support. The number of  formal meetings 
held and the attendance by each member 
is shown in the table below. The Committee 
also held informal discussions as required. 

Implementation of the remuneration 
policy for 2015

Base salary

In setting the base salaries for 2015, 
the Committee considered external 
market data, the increase in base salary 
for the senior management team and 
the workforce generally, where the 
average increases across the Group 
are expected to be up to 4%. However, 
in view of  the agreement reached with 
shareholders to freeze Executive Directors’ 
base salaries until January 2016, this 
increase will not apply to the CEO and 
accordingly his base salary for 2015 will 
remain the same as 2014 as follows: 

Base salary USD 
from 1 January

2015

2014

%
increase

James Moffat  753,000 753,000

0%

Annual bonus for 2015

For 2015 the annual bonus opportunity will 
be 100% of  base salary for the CEO and 
up to 100% of  base salary for the CFO, 
once appointed. 50% of  the bonus will be 
based on net profit, 25% will be based on 
sales set in relation to the Group’s budget 
and the remaining 25% will be based on 
non-financial, strategic and/or personal 
targets, including safety performance. 
This structure is intended to provide a 
rounded assessment of  the Group and 
management’s performance. 

The sales targets will be within a range  
from USD 900 million to USD 1.4 billion  
with associated pay-outs within the range 
of  20-100% of  target. The Committee 
considers any disclosure of  future net profits 
to be commercially sensitive, however, full 
retrospective disclosure of  targets and 
performance against them will be disclosed in 
next year’s Annual Report on Remuneration.

Clawback provisions will apply.

Committee member

Total no. meetings 7

Michael Press  
(Chairman)

John Malcolm

Attended 
in person 

Attended 
by phone

Resolution

Total  
shares voted

For

Against

Withheld1

To approve the Directors’ 
remuneration policy included in 
the Annual Report and Accounts 
for 2013

To approve the Directors’ annual 
report on remuneration for the 
year ended 31 December 2013 
included in the Annual Report and 
Accounts for 2013

215,372,691 126,520,155

88,852,536

98,681

208,453,911 118,906,818

89,547,093

7,017,461

1.  A vote withheld is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculation of  the proportion of  votes cast 

“For” and “Against”’ a resolution.

53

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Corporate governance: Directors’ Remuneration Report

Long-term incentives to be granted in 2015

Subject to compliance with the Listing Rules, awards will be made in 2015 and the maximum LTIP potential will be 100% of  base salary for the 
CEO and for the CFO, once appointed. 50% of  the award will be based on relative TSR (relative to the FTSE World Oil Equipment and Services 
Index), 25% on cumulative EBITDA and 25% on end of  period backlog.

Relative TSR, cumulative EBITDA and end of  period backlog are considered to be the most appropriate measures of  long-term performance 
for the Group, in that they ensure the Executive Directors are incentivised and rewarded for the financial performance of  the Group as well as 
returning value to shareholders. 

LTIP 2015

Threshold

Maximum

Performance condition

% vesting

Performance

% vesting

Performance

End measurement point

TSR vs. FTSE World 
Oil Equipment & 
Services Index 

20

Cumulative EBITDA

20

End of  period backlog 20

Median

USD 300m

USD 1.00bn

100

100

100

Upper quintile

31 December 2017

USD 420m

USD 1.40bn

31 December 2017 

31 December 2017

The awards will be subject to clawback provisions. 

A mandatory holding restriction of  18 months beyond vesting will apply to the 2015 awards. 

End of service gratuity

As required under the UAE Labour Law, the Company contributes to the End of  Service Gratuity Fund on behalf  of  the Executive Directors, 
whereby the gratuity will be 21 days’ base salary for each year of  the first five years of  employment and 30 days’ base salary for each 
additional year of  employment thereafter, on the condition that the total gratuity does not exceed two years’ base salary, payable upon 
termination of  employment.

Outside appointments

The Board allows Executive Directors to accept appropriate external, commercial Non-Executive Director appointments provided the 
aggregate commitment is compatible with their duties and does not cause a conflict of  interest with the role of  an Executive Director. Such 
Executive Directors may retain fees paid for these services, which will be subject to approval by the Board. During the year Joanne Curin 
served as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of  WS Atkins plc and Deep Ocean Group Holding BV. 

Fees for the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors

The Chairman’s remuneration is determined by the Committee and the Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration is determined by the Executive 
Directors and the Chairman, all of  which is based on the responsibility and time committed to the Group’s affairs and appropriate market 
comparisons. Individual Non-Executive Directors do not take part in discussions regarding their own fees. The Chairman and Non-Executive 
Directors receive no other benefits. A summary of  the current fees are as follows:

Non-Executive Chairman

Deputy Chairman

Senior Independent Director

Base fee

Committee Chair fee

Fee at 1 January 2015 
£000

Fee at 1 January 2014 
£000

% increase

£180

£88

£80

£65

£8

£180

£88

£80

£65

£8

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

54

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
Directors’ remuneration earned in 2014 

The table below summarises Directors’ remuneration received in 2014 with comparisons, where appropriate, to 2013.1 

Base salary 
and fees 
USD’000

Benefits and 
allowances2 
USD’000

End of service 
gratuity3 
USD’000

Annual bonus4 
USD’000

Long-term 
incentives 
USD’000

Other 
USD’000

Total 
remuneration 
USD’000

Executive Directors

James Moffat

Joanne Curin5

Peter Whitbread6

Non-Executive Directors

John Kennedy

Michael Press

John Malcolm

Ellis Armstrong

Peter Whitbread6         

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

753

628

431

136

–

655

307

290

146

82

125

70

121

68

96

52

205

156

129

43

–

125

76

40

–

28

–

–

682

620

–

105

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

208

1,610

–

–

724

1,716

1,652

2,170

312

–

1,504

309

290

146

82

125

70

121

68

96

52

1.  All Directors’ pay is reported above in USD. James Moffat’s remuneration is determined and paid in USD. Joanne Curin was remunerated in AED; Michael 

Press and Ellis Armstrong’s remuneration is determined in GBP and paid in USD and the remuneration of  John Kennedy, Peter Whitbread and John Malcolm is 
determined and paid in GBP. 

2.  Benefits and allowances include housing, private medical insurance, life insurance, club membership, the use of  a company car and driver, private fuel card, 

airfare tickets and utility expenses.

3.  End of  service gratuity is the provision accrued during the year. In accordance with the provisions of  IAS 19, the present value of  Directors’ end of  service 

gratuity obligations under UAE Labour Law have been valued using the projected unit credit method, as at 31 December 2014 and 2013. Under this method an 
assessment has been made of  a Director’s expected service with the Group and the expected base salary on the date of  termination. As part of  the valuation 
we have assumed an average base salary increment of  3% p.a. (2013: 3%). The expected liability on the date of  termination has been discounted to its net 
present value using a discount rate of  3.5% p.a. (2013: 4.25% p.a).

4.  The annual bonus for 2014 was based on performance against financial and non-financial performance targets. Performance against these targets is set out in 

the table below. 

5.   Joanne Curin’s service agreement was terminated on 17 October 2014. Details of  the payments made in respect of  the termination are provided on 

 page 57.

6.   Peter Whitbread became a Non-Executive Director on 1 July 2014.

Chief Executive Officer

Metric

Net profit 

Sales

Safety

Employee retention

Overhead cost reduction

Operating efficiencies

Receivables

Total

Weighting as % of 
maximum annual opportunity

Actual  
performance

Pay-out outcome as % of 
maximum annual opportunity

53.75%

28.50%

3.75%

3.50%

3.50%

3.50%

3.50%

100%

100%

100%

100%

0%

100%

0%

32.80%

53.75%

28.50%

3.75%

0%

3.50%

0%

1.15%

90.65%

55

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
Corporate governance: Directors’ Remuneration Report

Long-term incentive awards granted during the year

Due to the prolonged close period and subsequent period of  shareholder consultation, the Company had been unable to make any LTIP 
awards since 2012. Accordingly, awards were made on 18 November to the CEO in respect of  the 2013 and 2014 LTIPs. The awards were 
based on a value equivalent to 100% of  Mr Moffat’s base salary and, in each case, amounted to 321,691 shares at nil cost.

The 2013 LTIP award vests in full on the date of  the publication of  the 2015 results subject to achievement of  a performance condition relating 
to three-year cumulative EBITDA to 31 December 2015. The 2014 LTIP award vests in full three years from the date of  grant subject to the 
achievement of  conditions established around three-year EBITDA to 31 December 2016, end of  period backlog and relative TSR. The 2014 
incentives, once vested, will be subject to a holding period of  12 months from the date of  publication of  the 2016 results.

In addition, as reported last year, the Committee agreed that the CEO’s contractual recruitment award should remain in place despite the 
prolonged close period and the earlier proposal to adopt a long stop date. Accordingly, on 18 November, Mr Moffat was awarded an option 
over 340,855 shares, equivalent in value to 100% of  his annual base salary, at an exercise price of  £1.4125 per share being the closing mid-
market price on the day immediately preceding the date of  grant. The options will vest three years from the date of  grant in accordance with 
plan rules and conditional upon achievement against a relative TSR performance metric tested at 1 March 2016.

In view of  this delayed contractual award, it was agreed that a cash compensatory award of  up to £79,293 would be made to Mr Moffat on  
1 March 2016 in respect of  the lost opportunity from 1 March 2013 to the date the options were granted (18 November 2014). The compensatory 
award was calculated by reference to the number of  shares that Mr Moffat expected to be awarded on 1 March 2013, the share price on 1 
March 2013, adjusted for the rights issue (£1.2057), and the share price on the date of  grant (£1.4125). The award will be conditional upon the 
achievement of  a relative TSR condition and a minimum share price on 1 March 2016 equal to the grant price of  £1.4125. In the event that the 
share price on 1 March 2016 is between £1.2057 and £1.4125, vesting of  the cash award will be scaled back to 0% on a straight-line basis.

As reported last year, in recognition of  the exceptional circumstances whereby the composition of  the Board completely changed except for 
the Chairman and the Company was restructuring its financing and recovering from poor trading results in 2012, the Remuneration Committee 
agreed that some form of  additional compensation was appropriate to recognise the significantly increased commitments required by the 
Chairman throughout H2 2012 and 2013 and in recognition of  the need to re-establish longer-term stability on the Board and the senior 
management team.

Accordingly on 18 November, an award of  122,499 shares at nil cost was made to John Kennedy, equivalent in value to his annual fee of  
£180,000. The shares will vest in full three years from the date of  grant under the terms of  the Company’s Retention Share Plan 2009.

Directors’ interests in share plan awards 

The Directors hold interests in long-term incentive awards under the Company’s incentive plans as at 31 December 2014 as set out below. 

Employee share option plan (“ESOP”) 

The following table sets out the interests of  the Executive Directors in relation to ESOP awards:

Executive Director

James Moffat

LTIP awards

At 1 January 
2014

Granted in year

Exercise price  
at grant

Date of vesting

0

340,855

£1.4125

18.11.2017

Vested

N/A

Exercised  
in 2014

At 31 December 
2014

Nil

340,855

The following table sets out the interests of  the Executive Directors in relation to LTIP award(s):

Executive Director

James Moffat

James Moffat

At 1 January  
2014

Awarded in 
2014

Date of vesting

Vested

Nil

Nil

321,691

20161

321,691

18.11.2017

nil 

nil

Lapsed  
in 2014

At 31 December 
2014

nil

nil

321,691

321,691

1.  The 2013 LTIP award is expected to vest immediately following announcement by the Company of  the results for financial period ending 31 December 2015.

In the ordinary course, awards will normally vest on the third anniversary of  the date of  grant of  the award, subject to any applicable 
performance conditions having been satisfied. Further details are set out above. 

Retention share plan (“RSP”) awards 

The following table sets out the interests of  the Chairman in relation to RSP award(s):

Director

John Kennedy

At 1 January 
2014

Granted in year

Exercise price  
at grant

Date of vesting

0

122,499

Nil

18.11.2017

Vested

N/A

Exercised in 
2014

At 31 December 
2014

Nil

122,499

56

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Directors’ interests in ordinary shares 

The Committee has adopted a formal policy requiring the Executive Directors to build and maintain, through the award of  shares by the 
Company, a shareholding in the Company equivalent to 150% of  base salary for the CEO and 125% of  base salary for the CFO, when 
appointed. Until such time as this threshold is achieved there is a requirement for executives to retain the net proceeds of  all vested share 
awards. Mr Moffat has not currently achieved these guidelines.  

In accordance with the Listing Rules, the Company discloses the beneficial interests of  the Directors in the share capital of  the Company as at 
31 December 2014 as follows:

Executive Directors

James Moffat

Non-Executive Directors

John Kennedy2

Michael Press

John Malcolm

Peter Whitbread

Ellis Armstrong

Beneficially  
owned at  
31 Dec 2014

Beneficially  
owned at  
31 Dec 2013

Outstanding share 
awards

Shareholding as a  
% of base salary

Shareholding 
requirement met?

643,3821

Nil

984,237

Nil

No

122,4993

–

–

–

–

–

2,188,294

1,667,272

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.  This comprises the two LTIP awards in 2014, both of  which are subject to vesting and performance conditions.

2.  Save in relation to John Kennedy, there were no changes to the interests of  the Directors in the ordinary shares of  the Company in the period from 1 January 
2014 to 16 March 2015, being the last practicable date that the Company is able to report on Directors’ interests. As between the start of  the year and  
17 March 2015, John Kennedy or his connected persons had acquired an additional 1,601,939 interests in the share capital of  the Company, pursuant to a 
trading plan which was entered into on 15 January 2015 in accordance with the requirements of  the Listing Rules and the Model Code. Further purchases may 
have been made under such trading plan after the date of  this annual report on remuneration. 

3.  This comprises the RSP award in 2014, which is subject to a vesting period. 

Note: Full details of  the Directors’ shareholdings and share allocations are given in the Company’s Register of  Directors’ Interests, which is open to inspection at 
the Company’s registered office during business hours. 

Payments to former directors

There were no payments to former directors during the year.

Payments to departing directors

Joanne Curin stood down as a Director and CFO on 17 October 2014 and her last day at work was 17 November 2014. Under her Service 
Agreement she was entitled to full salary and benefits for a notice period of  12 months amounting to USD 862,784. In addition, under the 
terms of  a Compromise Agreement, a payment of  USD 463,215, representing 85% of  Ms Curin’s annual base salary, was made in lieu of  
her eligibility for a short-term incentive award for 2014. A further payment of  USD 284,500 was made in lieu of  her eligibility for a long-term 
incentive award in accordance with the rules of  the plan.

Both the payments in lieu of  incentive awards took into consideration the performance of  the Company and Ms Curin up to 17 November 2014. 
The payments in lieu of  incentive awards are subject to a clawback provision in the event that the Company’s auditors determine any material 
issue in relation to the reported accounts up to 30 June 2014.

The total value of  contractual compensation, payments in lieu of  incentive awards and the continuation of  benefits in lieu of  notice amounted 
to USD 1,610,499 including an amount of  USD 63,487 in respect of  Ms Curin’s entitlement to UAE gratuity which, under the requirements of  
UAE labour law, will become payable in 2015 upon Ms Curin’s final departure from the UAE.

57

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Corporate governance: Directors’ Remuneration Report

Percentage change in remuneration levels 

The table below shows the movement in base salary, benefits and annual bonus for the CEO between the 2014 and 2013 financial years, 
compared to that for the average employee of  the Group:

% change

% change

Chief Executive Officer

Base salary

Benefits1 

Bonus

0%

+10%

-8.3%

All employees

Base salary

Benefits

Bonus2

+3.9%

+5%

+35%

1.  Inflationary increase only in the cost of  certain benefits provided. 0% increase in allowances.

2.  Represented by average 25% movement in bonus for Administrative & Professional staff  and average 40% movement for yard workforce.

Relative importance of the spend on pay 

The table below shows the spend on staff  costs in the financial year, compared to dividends:

Staff  costs

Dividends

Performance graph and CEO pay 

2014 
£000

116,490

–

2013 
£000

130,476 

–

% change

–10.7%

0.00%

The graph below shows the growth in value of  a notional £100 invested in the Company over the last five financial years compared to the  
FTSE 250 and Small Cap Indices. The graph covers the time period from 31 December 2008 to 31 December 2014. 

TSR Performance to FTSE 250/FTSE Small Cap

Lamprell plc
FTSE 250 Index

FTSE SmallCap Index

)
d
e
s
a
b
e
r
(
n
r
u
t
e
R

l

r
e
d
o
h
e
r
a
h
S

l

a
t
o
T

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

Dec 08

Dec 09

Dec 10

Dec 11

Dec 12

Dec 13

Dec 14

58

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
 
 
 
 
  
The total remuneration figures for the CEO during the last five financial years are shown in the table below. Consistent with the calculation 
methodology for the single figure for total remuneration, the total remuneration figure includes the total annual bonus award based on that 
year’s performance and the long-term incentive award based on the three year performance period ending in the relevant year. The annual 
bonus pay-out and long-term incentive award vesting level as a percentage of  the maximum opportunity are also shown for each year. 

CEO

Total remuneration

Annual bonus %

LTIP vesting %

2014

Moffat

1,716

91%

0%

2013

2013

2012

2012

2011

2010

2009

2009

Moffat1

Whitbread Whitbread2

McCue3

McCue

McCue

McCue4 Whitbread5

1,652 

1,504 

99%

0%

0%

0%

352 

0%

0%

2,739 

0%

100%

2,094 

72.3%

100%

1,824 

100%

0%

514 

0%

0%

1,211 

0%

0%

Year ending 31 December (USD’000)

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

James Moffat was appointed CEO on 1 March 2013. 

Peter Whitbread was appointed interim CEO on 4 October 2012 and his employment ceased on 30 June 2013. 

Nigel McCue’s employment ceased on 3 October 2012. 

Nigel McCue was appointed to the position of  the CEO on 27 March 2009 with effect from 1 May 2009.

Peter Whitbread resigned as the CEO on 27 March 2009 and was appointed to the position of  the Director of  International Development with effect from  
1 May 2009.

Approval of the Directors’ Remuneration Report

The Directors’ Remuneration Report was approved by the Board on 18 March 2015.

Michael Press
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

18 March 2015

59

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
Corporate governance: Statutory Information and Directors’ Statements

statutory inFormation  
and directors’ statements

Memorandum and Articles of  
Association

The Company’s Memorandum of  
Association sets out the objectives and 
powers of  the Company. The Articles of  
Association detail the rights attaching to 
each share class, the method by which the 
Company’s shares can be purchased or 
re-issued and the provisions which apply 
to the holding or and voting at general 
meetings. The Articles also set out the rules 
relating to Directors (including by way of  
example, their appointment, election and 
re-election, retirement, duties and powers).  

Capital structure and significant  
shareholders

Details of  the authorised and issued share 
capital together with details of  movements 
in share capital during the year are included 
in Note 25 to the financial statements. The 
Company has one class of  share in issue, 
ordinary shares of  5 pence each, all of  
which are fully paid. Each ordinary share 
in issue carries equal rights including one 
vote per share on a poll at general meetings 
of  the Company, subject to the terms of  
the Company’s Articles of  Association and 
applicable laws. There are no restrictions on 
the transfer of  shares. 

Details of  the Company’s employee share 
schemes are disclosed in the Directors’ 
 page 56 and in 
Remuneration Report 
Note 8 to the financial statements.

Lamprell plc Free Share Award Plan

Lamprell plc Retention Share Plan

Lamprell plc Executive Share Option Plan

Granted

Outstanding

2014

Nil*

632,499

340,855

2013

Nil

Nil

Nil

2014

Nil

600,499

340,855

2013

Nil

Nil

Nil

Lamprell plc Long-Term Incentive Plan

1,723,524

Nil 1,723,524

93,058

The awards under the Lamprell plc FSP, RSP 
and LTIP are granted at nil price. 

Pursuant to the Company’s share schemes, 
the Employee Benefit Trust as at the year-
end, held a total of  16,217 (2013: 14,686) 
ordinary shares of  5p, representing less 
than 0.01% (2013: 0.01%) of  the issued 
share capital. The voting rights attaching to 
these shares cannot be exercised directly 
by the employees, but can be exercised 
by the trustees. However, in line with good 
practice, the trustees do not exercise 
these voting rights. In the event of  another 
company taking control of  the Company, 
the employee share schemes operated by 
the Company have set change of  control 
provisions. In short, awards may, in certain 
circumstances and in approved proportions, 
be allowed to vest early or be allowed to be 
exchanged for awards of  equivalent value in 
the acquiring company.

The Company was given authority at the 
2014 AGM to make market purchases of  
up to 26,000,000 ordinary shares of  5p, 
which represented approximately 10% of  
the Company’s then issued ordinary share 
capital. This authority will expire at the 2015 

AGM, where approval from shareholders 
will be sought to renew the authority for 
approximately 10% of  the Company’s 
current issued ordinary share capital.

Approval from shareholders is also 
proposed to be sought to authorise the 
Directors to allot the Company’s unissued 
shares up to a maximum nominal amount 
of  £4,900,000, representing approximately 
30% of  the Company’s current issued 
ordinary share capital (excluding treasury 
shares) to existing shareholders and to 
issue equity securities of  the Company 
for cash to persons other than existing 
shareholders, other than in connection 
with existing exemptions contained in the 
Company’s Articles of  Association or in 
connection with a rights, scrip dividend, 
or other similar issue, up to an aggregate 
nominal value of  £825,000 representing 
approximately 5% of  the current issued 
ordinary share capital of  the Company. 
Authorities were given by the shareholders 
at the AGM in 2014 to issue a similar 
percentage of  the Company’s then issued 
ordinary share capital. The authorities 
now sought, if  granted, will expire on the 

Alex Ridout
Company Secretary

60

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Going concern

 pages 

The Company’s business activities, together 
with the factors likely to affect its future 
development, performance and position 
are set out in the Strategic report 
01 to 31. The financial position of  the 
Company, its cash flows, liquidity position 
and borrowing facilities are described in 
the Financial Review 
 pages 18 to 19. 
The Company’s consolidated financial 
statements have been prepared on a going 
concern basis. After reviewing its cash 
flow forecasts for a period of  not less than 
12 months from the date of  signing these 
financial statements, the Directors have a 
reasonable expectation that the Group will 
have adequate resources to continue in 
operational existence for the foreseeable 
future. The Group therefore continues to 
adopt the going concern basis in preparing 
its financial statements. 

The financial information has been prepared 
under the historical cost convention, except 
as disclosed in the accounting policies 
below. 

Alex Ridout
Company Secretary

By Order of  the Board

18 March 2015 

earlier of  the conclusion of  the AGM of  the 
Company next year and the date which 
is 15 months after the granting of  the 
authorities.

assets of  the Company and the Group and 
hence for taking reasonable steps for the 
prevention and detection of  fraud and other 
irregularities.

What are the Directors’ responsibilities?

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

Company law requires the Directors to 
prepare financial statements for each 
financial year. Under that law the Directors 
have elected to prepare the financial 
statements in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 
as adopted by the European Union. The 
financial statements are required by law 
to give a true and fair view of  the state 
of  affairs of  the Group and the Company 
and of  the profit or loss of  the Group for 
that period. In preparing these financial 
statements, the Directors are required to:

 » select suitable accounting policies and 

then apply them consistently;

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

 » state that the financial statements 

comply with IFRSs as adopted by the 
European Union, subject to any material 
departures disclosed and explained in 
the financial statements; and

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

The Directors confirm that they have 
complied with the above requirements in 
preparing the financial statements.

The Directors are responsible for keeping 
adequate accounting records that 
are sufficient to show and explain the 
Company’s transactions and disclose 
with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of  the Company and the 
Group and enable them to ensure that the 
financial statements comply with the Isle of  
Man Companies Acts 1931 to 2004. They 
are also responsible for safeguarding the 

The Directors are responsible for 
the maintenance and integrity of  the 
Company’s website. Legislation in the Isle 
of  Man governing the preparation and 
dissemination of  financial statements may 
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

The Directors consider that the Annual 
Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, 
is fair, balanced and understandable and 
provides the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the Company’s 
performance, business model and strategy. 

Each of  the Directors, whose names and 
functions are listed 
confirm that, to the best of  their knowledge:

 pages 32 to 33 

 »

 »

the Group financial statements, which 
have been prepared in accordance with 
IFRSs as adopted by the EU, give a true 
and fair view of  the assets, liabilities, 
financial position and profit or loss of  the 
Group; and

the Directors’ Report includes a 
fair review of  the development and 
performance of  the business and the 
position of  the Group, together with a 
description of  the principal risks and 
uncertainties that it faces.

As far as each Director is aware, there 
is no relevant audit information of  which 
the Company’s auditors are unaware. In 
addition, each Director has taken all the 
steps that he ought to have taken as a 
Director in order to make himself  aware 
of  any relevant audit information and to 
establish that the Company’s auditors are 
aware of  that information. 

What is the Directors’ approach to  
preparing this report?

The Directors consider that the Annual 
Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, 
is fair, balanced and understandable 
and provides the information necessary 
for shareholders to assess a company’s 
performance, business model and strategy. 
The Audit & Risk Committee oversees the 
implementation of  this approach.

61

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014independent  
auditor’s report  
to the members of lamprell plc

Report on the financial statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated and parent company financial statements (“the financial statements”) of  Lamprell plc and 
its subsidiaries (the “Group”) which comprise the consolidated and company balance sheets as at 31 December 2014 and the consolidated 
income statement, consolidated statement of  comprehensive income, consolidated and company statements of  changes in equity and 
consolidated and company cash flow statements for the year then ended and a summary of  significant accounting policies and other 
explanatory notes.

Directors’ responsibility for the financial statements
The Directors are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of  these financial statements in accordance with applicable Isle of  
Man law and International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and for such internal control as the Directors 
determine is necessary to enable the preparation of  consolidated and parent company financial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s responsibility 
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. This report, including the opinion, has been 
prepared for and only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance with Section 15 of  the Isle of  Man Companies Act 1982 and for 
no other purpose. We do not, in giving this opinion, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this 
report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing. Those Standards require that we comply with ethical 
requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free from material 
misstatement. 

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The 
procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of  the risks of  material misstatement of  the financial 
statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s 
preparation and fair presentation of  the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, 
but not for the purpose of  expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of  the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the 
appropriateness of  accounting policies used and the reasonableness of  accounting estimates made by the Directors, as well as evaluating 
the overall presentation of  the financial statements. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. 

Opinion
In our opinion:

 »

 »

 »

the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of  the financial position of  the Group as at 31 December 2014 and of  
its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted by the European Union;

the parent company financial statements give a true and fair view of  the financial position of  the parent company as at 31 December 
2014 and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the 
European Union as applied in accordance with the provisions of  the Isle of  Man Companies Act 1982; and

the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Isle of  Man Companies Acts 1931 to 2004.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report on the following:

The Isle of  Man Companies Acts 1931-2004 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

 »

 »

 »

 »

proper books of  account have not been kept by the parent company or, proper returns adequate for our audit have not been received 
from branches not visited by us; or

the parent company’s balance sheet is not in agreement with the books of  account and returns; or

we have not received all the information and explanations necessary for the purposes of  our audit; and

certain disclosures of  Directors’ loans and remuneration specified by law have not been complied with.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review: 

 »

 »

the Directors’ statement in relation to going concern; and

the parts of  the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Company’s compliance with the nine provisions of  the UK Corporate 
Governance Code specified for our review.

Nicholas Mark Halsall, Responsible Individual
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC
Chartered Accountants 
Douglas, Isle of  Man 
18 March 2015

62

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Financial statementsconsolidated  
income statement

Year ended 31 December 2014

Year ended 31 December 2013

Pre- 
exceptional  
items 
USD’000

Note

Exceptional  
items 
USD’000

Continuing operations
Revenue
Cost of  sales
Gross profit
Selling and distribution expenses
General and administrative expenses
Other gains/(losses) – net
Operating profit
Finance costs
Finance income
Finance costs – net
Share of  profit of  investments accounted for  
  using the equity method
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Profit for the year from continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Loss for the year from discontinued operations
Gain on disposal of  subsidiary
Profit for the year attributable to the  
  equity holders of the Company
Earnings per share attributable to the  
  equity holders of the Company
Basic
Diluted

5  1,084,890
(902,810)
6
182,080
(1,773)
(72,700)
1,456
109,063
(20,516)
2,166
(18,350)

7
9
12

11
11

2,991
93,704
 (484)
93,220

(6,433)
31,270

118,057

19

23

13

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–

–

The notes on pages 71 to 107 form an integral part of  these financial statements.

Pre- 
exceptional  
items 
USD’000

Exceptional  
items 
USD’000

1,072,811
(952,817)
119,994
(1,591)
(61,278)
1,535
58,660
(14,545)
975
(13,570)

1,110
46,200
(1,091)
45,109

(252)
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(8,414)
–
(8,414)

–
(8,414)
–
(8,414)

–
–

USD’000

1,072,811
(952,817)
119,994
(1,591)
(61,278)
1,535
58,660
(22,959)
975
(21,984)

1,110
37,786
(1,091)
36,695

(252)
–

USD’000

1,084,890
(902,810)
182,080
(1,773)
(72,700)
1,456
109,063
(20,516)
2,166
(18,350)

2,991
93,704
 (484)
93,220

(6,433)
31,270

118,057

44,857

(8,414)

36,443

 37.41c
 37.38c

 12.67c
 12.67c

63

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
consolidated statement  
of comprehensive income

Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive loss
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Remeasurement of  post-employment benefit obligations
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Currency translation differences
Other comprehensive loss for the year
Total comprehensive income for the year
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year attributable  
  to the equity holders of the Company arises from: 
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

The notes on pages 71 to 107 form an integral part of  these financial statements.

Note

Year ended 31 December

2014
USD’000

 118,057 

2013
USD’000

 36,443 

27

(3,742) 

 (737)

 (372)
 (4,114)
 113,943 

 (66)
 (803)
 35,640 

23

120,363 
(6,420)

35,536 
104 

64

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Financial statementsconsolidated
balance sheet 

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Investment accounted for using the equity method
Trade and other receivables
Derivative financial instruments
Cash and bank balances
Total non-current assets
Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Derivative financial instruments
Cash and bank balances

Assets of  disposal group classified as held for sale
Total current assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Borrowings
Trade and other payables
Derivative financial instruments
Provision for warranty costs and other liabilities
Current tax liability

Liabilities of  disposal group classified as held for sale
Total current liabilities
Net current assets
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Provision for employees’ end of  service benefits
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets
EQUITY 
Share capital
Share premium
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Total equity attributable to the equity holders of the Company

As at 31 December

2014
USD’000

2013
USD’000

Note

16
17
19
21
28
22

20
21
28
22

23

31
29
28
30

23

31
27

25
25
26

139,343
204,726
5,118
4,932
55
12,517
366,691

14,560
398,687
14
359,108
772,369
15,228
787,597
1,154,288

(20,136)
(317,603)
(269)
(15,812)
(167)
(353,987)
(10,546)
(364,533)
423,064

(78,843)
(38,752)
(117,595)
(482,128)
672,160

30,346
315,995
(18,655)
344,474
672,160

148,323
213,026
5,615
–
–
–
366,964

11,685
327,318
161
344,573
683,737
23,843
707,580
1,074,544

(56,493)
(424,702)
–
(5,400)
(57)
(486,652)
(4,832)
(491,484)
216,096

(104,258)
(36,046)
(140,304)
(631,788)
442,756

23,552
211,776
(22,133)
229,561
442,756

The financial statements on pages 63 to 107 were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of  Directors on 18 March 2015 and signed 
on its behalf  by:

James Moffat 
Chief Executive Officer and Director 

Ellis Armstrong 
Director 

Antony Wright
Deputy Chief Financial Officer

The notes on pages 71 to 107 form an integral part of  these financial statements.

65

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014company
balance sheet 

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Investment in subsidiaries
Current assets
Other receivables
Due from related parties
Cash at bank
Total current assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Accruals
Due to related parties
Total current liabilities
Net current assets/(liabilities)
Non-current liabilities
Provision for employees’ end of  service benefits
Total liabilities
Net assets
EQUITY 
Share capital
Share premium
Other reserve
Retained earnings
Total equity attributable to the equity holders of the Company

As at 31 December

2014
USD’000

2013
USD’000

Note

18

 593,747 

 592,781 

24
22

24

27

25
25
26

 507 
 110,191 
 286 
 110,984
704,731

 (2,487)
 – 
 (2,487)
 108,497 

 (75)
 (2,562)
 702,169 

 30,346 
 315,995 
 329,153 
 26,675 
 702,169 

369 
 7,631 
103 
 8,103 
 600,884 

 (29)
 (12,334)
 (12,363)
 (4,260)

 (75)
 (12,438)
 588,446 

 23,552 
 211,776 
 329,153 
 23,965 
 588,446 

The financial statements on pages 63 to 107 were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of  Directors on 18 March 2015 and signed 
on its behalf  by:

James Moffat 
Chief Executive Officer and Director 

Ellis Armstrong 
Director 

Antony Wright
Deputy Chief Financial Officer

The notes on pages 71 to 107 form an integral part of  these financial statements.

66

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Financial statementsconsolidated statement  
of changes in equity

At 1 January 2013 
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income:
Re-measurement of  post-employment benefit obligations
Currency translation differences
Total comprehensive income for the year
Transactions with owners:
Share based payments:
– value of  services provided
Transfer to legal reserve
Total transactions with owners
At 31 December 2013
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income:
Re-measurement of  post-employment benefit obligations
Currency translation differences
Total comprehensive income for the year
Transactions with owners:
Share based payments:
– value of  services provided
Treasury shares purchased
Proceeds from shares issued (net)
Disposal of  a subsidiary
Total transactions with owners
At 31 December 2014

Note

Share 
capital
USD’000

23,552
–

Share 
premium
USD’000

211,776
–

26

26

26

25
25
23

–
–
–

–
–
–
23,552
–

–
–
–

–
–
6,794
–
6,794
30,346

–
–
–

–
–
–
211,776
–

–
–
–

–
–
104,219
–
104,219
315,995

The notes on pages 71 to 107 form an integral part of  these financial statements.

Other 
reserves
USD’000

(22,069)
–

–
(66)
(66)

–
2
2
(22,133)
–

–
(372)
(372)

–
–
–
3,850
3,850
(18,655)

Retained
earnings
USD’000

 192,808
36,443

(737)
–
35,706

1,049
(2)
1,047
229,561
118,057

(3,742)
–
114,315

1,084
(486)
–
–
598
344,474

Total
USD’000

406,067
36,443

(737)
(66)
35,640

1,049
–
1,049
442,756
118,057

(3,742)
(372)
113,943

1,084
(486)
111,013
3,850
115,461
672,160

67

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014company statement 
of changes in equity

At 1 January 2013
Total comprehensive income for the year 
Transactions with owners:
Share based payments:
– investment in subsidiaries
Total transactions with owners
At 31 December 2013
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income:
Re-measurement of  post-employment benefit obligations
Total comprehensive income for the year
Transactions with owners:
Share based payments:
– value of  services provided
– investment in subsidiaries
Treasury shares issued
Proceeds from shares issued (net)
Total transactions with owners
At 31 December 2014

Note

18

18
25
25

Share 
capital
USD’000

23,552
–

–
–
23,552
–

–
–

–
–
–
6,794
6,794
30,346

Share 
premium
USD’000

211,776
–

–
–
211,776
–

–
–

–
–
–
104,219
104,219
315,995

Other
reserves
USD’000

329,153
–

–
–
329,153
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
329,153

Retained
earnings
USD’000

22,726
190

1,049
1,049
23,965
2,079

45
2,124

118
966
(498)
–
586
26,675

Total
USD’000

587,207
190

1,049
1,049
588,446
2,079

45
2,124

118
966
(498)
111,013
111,599
702,169

The notes on pages 71 to 107 form an integral part of  these financial statements.

68

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Financial statementsconsolidated 
cash flow statement

Operating activities
Cash (used in)/generated from operating activities
Tax paid
Net cash (used in)/generated from operating activities
Investing activities
Additions to property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of  property, plant and equipment
Additions to intangible assets
Finance income
Dividend received from joint ventures
Proceeds from disposal of  a subsidiary – net
Movement in deposit with original maturity of  more than three months
Movement in margin/short-term deposits under lien
Net cash provided by investing activities
Financing activities
Proceeds from shares issued (net of  expenses)
Treasury shares purchased
Proceeds from borrowings
Repayments of  borrowings
Finance costs
Dividends paid
Net cash generated from financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of  the year from continued operations
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of  the year from discontinued operations
Exchange rate translation
Cash and cash equivalents, end of  the year 
Cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations
Cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations
Total

The notes on pages 71 to 107 form an integral part of  these financial statements.

Note

37

Year ended 31 December

2014
USD’000

2013
USD’000

(39,433)
(374)
(39,807) 

 118,869 
 (1,178)
 117,691 

17
11
19
23
22

25
25

22

(18,947)
317
(3,595)
2,166
3,488
59,312
5,633
3,249
51,623

111,013
(486)
100,000
(160,000)
(21,014)
(18)
29,495
41,311
275,479
1,586
(372)
318,004 
312,352
5,652
318,004

 (12,007)
 367 
 (2,615)
 975 
 174 
 – 
(10,276)
 56,381 
 32,999 

–
 – 
 160,000 
 (137,510)
 (22,421)
 –
 69 
 150,759 
126,372

 (66)
 277,065 
 275,479 
 1,586 
 277,065 

69

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014company
cash flow statement

Operating activities
Profit for the year 
Adjustments for:
Share based payment – value of  services provided
Provision for employees’ end of  service benefits 
Operating cash flows before payment of  employees’ end of  service benefits and  
  changes in working capital
Payment of  employees’ end of  service benefits
Changes in working capital:
Other receivables
Accruals
Due from related parties
Due to related parties
Net cash used in operating activities
Financing activities
Proceeds from shares issued (net of  expenses)
Treasury shares issued
Net cash generated from financing activities
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of  the year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of  the year 

The notes on pages 71 to 107 form an integral part of  these financial statements.

Year ended 31 December

Note

2014 
USD’000

2013 
USD’000

32

27

27

24
24

25
25

22

2,079

 209 

118
68

2,265
(23)

(138)
2,458
(102,560)
(12,334)
(110,332)

111,013
(498)
110,515 
183
 103 
286

 121 

 330 
 (983)

 (319)
 (599)
 (2,493)
 3,967 
 (97)

 – 
 – 
 – 
 (97)
 200 
 103 

70

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Financial statementsnotes to the 
financial statements 
for the year ended 31 december 2014

Legal status and activities

1 
Lamprell plc (“the Company”/“the parent company”) was incorporated and registered on 4 July 2006 in the Isle of  Man as a public company 
limited by shares under the Isle of  Man Companies Acts with the registered number 117101C. The Company acquired 100% of  the legal and 
beneficial ownership in Lamprell Energy Limited (“LEL”) from Lamprell Holdings Limited (“LHL”), under a share for share exchange agreement 
dated 25 September 2006 and this transaction was accounted for in the consolidated financial statements using the uniting of  interests method 
(Note 26). The Company was admitted to the Alternative Investment Market (“AIM”) of  the London Stock Exchange with effect from 16 October 
2006. From 6 November 2008, the Company moved from AIM and was admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange (“LSE”) plc’s main 
market for listed securities. The address of  the registered office of  the Company is Fort Anne, Douglas, Isle of  Man and the Company is 
managed from the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”). The address of  the principal place of  the business is PO Box 33455, Dubai, UAE.

The principal activities of  the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as “the Group”) are: the upgrade and refurbishment of  
offshore jackup rigs; fabrication; assembly and new build construction for the offshore oil and gas and renewable sector, including jackup 
rigs and liftboats; Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (“FPSO”) and other offshore and onshore structures; and oilfield engineering 
services, including the upgrade and refurbishment of  land rigs. 

The Company has either directly or indirectly the following subsidiaries:

Name of  the subsidiary

Lamprell Energy Limited 
Lamprell Investment Holdings Limited (“LIH”)
Lamprell Dubai LLC (“LD”)
Lamprell Sharjah WLL (“LS”)
Maritime Offshore Limited (“MOL”)
Maritime Offshore Construction Limited (“MOCL”)
International Inspection Services Limited (“Inspec”)
Cleopatra Barges Limited (“CBL”)
Lamprell plc employee benefit trust (“EBT”)
Jebel Ali Investments Limited (“JIL”)
Lamprell Energy FZCO (“LE FZCO”) 
Maritime Industrial Services Co. Ltd Inc (“MIS”)
Maurlis International Ltd. Inc (“MIL”)
Rig Metals LLC (“RIM”)
Litwin PEL Co. LLC (“LIT”)
Maritime Industrial Services Co. Ltd. & Partners (“MISCLP”)
Global Investment Co. Ltd. Inc (“GIC”)
Sunbelt Safety Services Co. Ltd. Inc. (“SSS”)
MIS Qatar LLC (“MISQWLL”)
Lamprell Industrial Services Holdings Limited 
International Inspection Services Limited LLC (“IOM”)
Lamprell Kazakhstan LLP (“LAK”)

Percentage of  
legal ownership 
%

Percentage 
of  beneficial 
ownership 
%

100
100
491
491
100
100
 1002
100
100
100
904
 100
 100
 491
 491
 491
 100
 1005
 491
100
 492
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

3

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

Place of  incorporation

Isle of  Man
British Virgin Islands
UAE
UAE
Isle of  Man
Isle of  Man
Isle of  Man
British Virgin Islands
Unincorporated
British Virgin Islands
UAE
Republic of  Panama
Republic of  Panama
UAE
UAE
Sultanate of  Oman
Republic of  Panama
Republic of  Panama
Qatar
British Virgin Islands
Sultanate of  Oman
Kazakhstan

1.  The remaining balance of  51% in each case is registered in the name of  a Gulf  Cooperation Council (“GCC”) National/Entities owned by a GCC National, but 
has assigned all the economic benefits attached to their shareholdings to the Group entity. The Group is exposed to, 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 via management agreements and, accordingly, these 
entities are consolidated as wholly owned subsidiaries in these consolidated financial statements. These shareholders receive sponsorship fees from the Group 
(Note 24).

2.  During 2013, the Group decided to dispose Inspec & IOM. This transaction was completed on 3 March 2014.

3.  The beneficiaries of  the EBT are the employees of  the Group. 

4.  A UAE free zone company (“FZCO”) is required to have a minimum of  two shareholders and, consequently, the balance of  10% is held by an employee of  LEL 

in trust for the beneficial interest of  the Group. A resolution to liquidate this entity was passed on 30 December 2013. 

5.  Sunbelt Safety Services Co. Ltd. Inc. was previously known as Maritime International Agency Services Ltd (“MIAS”). It was renamed on 5 January 2014.

71

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014notes to the 
financial statements 
continued

Summary of significant accounting policies 

2 
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of  these consolidated and parent company financial statements are set out below. 
These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

2.1  Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements of  the Group and the financial statements of  the parent company have been prepared in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (“IFRS”) and the Isle of  Man Companies Acts 1931-2004. 
In accordance with the provisions of  the Isle of  Man Companies Act 1982, the Company has not presented its own statement of  comprehensive 
income. 

After reviewing its cash flow forecasts for a period of  not less than 12 months from the date of  signing of  these financial statements, the 
Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable 
future. Therefore, the Group continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements. 

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except as disclosed in the accounting polices below.

The preparation of  financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of  certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires 
management to exercise its judgement in the process of  applying the Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree 
of  judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated and parent company financial 
statements, are disclosed in Note 4.

(a)  New and amended standards adopted by the Group
IAS 32 (amendments), ‘Financial instruments: Presentation’, on asset and liability offsetting, are guidance to the application and clarify some  
of  the requirements for offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities on the balance sheet. The Group has adopted this amendment and  
it has no material impact on Group.

IAS 36 (amendment), ‘Impairment of  assets’ on recoverable amount disclosures, addresses the disclosure of  information about the 
recoverable amount of  impaired assets if  that amount is based on fair value less costs of  disposal. The Group has adopted this amendment 
and it has no material impact on Group.

(b) 

 New and amended standards and interpretations mandatory for the first time for the financial year beginning 1 January 2014 but not 
currently relevant to the Group

IFRIC 21, ‘Levies’. This is an interpretation of  IAS 37, ‘Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets’. IAS 37 sets out criteria for the 
recognition of  a liability, one of  which is the requirement for the entity to have a present obligation as a result of  a past event (known as an 
obligating event). The interpretation clarifies that the obligating event that gives rise to a liability to pay a levy is the activity described in the 
relevant legislation that triggers the payment of  the levy. The Group is currently not subjected to significant levies so the impact on the Group is 
not material.

Amendments to IFRS 10, 12 and IAS 27 on consolidation for investment entities. These amendments mean that many funds and similar 
entities will be exempt from consolidating most of  their subsidiaries. Instead, they will measure them at fair value through profit or loss. The 
amendments give an exception to entities that meet an ‘investment entity’ definition and which display particular characteristics. Changes have 
also been made IFRS 12 to introduce disclosures that an investment entity needs to make. This amendment is currently not applicable to the 
Group, as the Group has no investment entities.

IAS 39 (amendment), ‘Novation of  derivatives and continuation of  hedge accounting’ on financial instruments recognition and measurement, 
provides relief  from discontinuing hedge accounting when novation to a hedging instrument to a central counterparty meets specified criteria. 
This amendment is currently not applicable to the Group.

(c) 

 New standards, amendments and interpretations issued but not effective for the financial year beginning 1 January 2014 and not  
early adopted

Amendment to IAS 16, ‘Property, plant and equipment’ and IAS 38, ‘Intangible assets’ regarding depreciation and amortisation, clarifies that 
the use of  revenue-based methods to calculate the depreciation of  an asset is not appropriate because revenue generated by an activity that 
includes the use of  an asset generally reflects factors other than the consumption of  the economic benefits embodied in the asset. The Group 
intends to adopt these amendments no later than the accounting period beginning on or after 1 January 2016.

IFRS 9, ‘Financial instruments’, addresses the classification, measurement and recognition of  financial assets and financial liabilities. The 
complete version of  IFRS 9 was issued in July 2014. It replaces the guidance in IAS 39 that relates to the classification and measurement of  
financial instruments. IFRS 9 retains but simplifies the mixed measurement model and establishes three primary measurement categories for 
financial assets: amortised cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and fair value through P&L. The basis of  classification 
depends on the entity’s business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics of  the financial asset. Investments in equity instruments 
are required to be measured at fair value through profit or loss with the irrevocable option at inception to present changes in fair value in 
OCI not recycling. There is now a new expected credit losses model that replaces the incurred loss impairment model used in IAS 39. For 
financial liabilities there were no changes to classification and measurement except for the recognition of  changes in own credit risk in other 
comprehensive income, for liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss. IFRS 9 relaxes the requirements for hedge effectiveness by 
replacing the bright line hedge effectiveness tests. It requires an economic relationship between the hedged item and hedging instrument and 
for the ‘hedged ratio’ to be the same as the one management actually use for risk management purposes. Contemporaneous documentation is 
still required but is different to that currently prepared under IAS 39. The standard is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after  
1 January 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Group is yet to assess IFRS 9’s full impact.

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2 
2.1  Basis of preparation continued
IFRS 15, ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’, deals with revenue recognition and establishes principles for reporting useful information 
to users of  financial statements about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of  revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contract 
with customers. Revenue is recognised when a customer obtains control of  a good or service and thus has the ability to direct the use and 
obtain the benefits from the goods or service. The standard replaces IAS 18 ‘Revenue’ and IAS 11 ‘Construction contracts’ and related 
interpretations. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017 and earlier application is permitted. The 
Group is assessing the impact of  IFRS 15.

Amendment to IAS 19, ‘Employee benefits’ regarding employee or third party contributions to defined benefit plans, applies to contributions 
from employees or third parties to defined benefit plans and clarifies the treatment of  such contributions. The amendment distinguishes 
between contributions that are linked to service only in the period in which they arise and those linked to service in more than one period.  
The Group intends to adopt these amendments from the accounting period beginning on 1 January 2015.

Amendment to IAS 27, ‘Separate financial statements’ regarding the equity method, allows entities to use the equity method to account 
for investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates in their separate financial statements. The Group intends to adopt these 
amendments no later than the accounting period beginning on or after 1 January 2016.

Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28 regarding the sale or contribution of  assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture, 
addresses an inconsistency between IFRS 10 and IAS 28 in the sale or contribution of  assets between an investor and its associate or joint 
venture. A full gain or loss is recognised when a transaction involves a business. A partial gain or loss is recognised when a transaction 
involves assets that do not constitute a business, even if  those assets are in a subsidiary. The Group intends to adopt these amendments  
no later than the accounting period beginning on or after 1 January 2016.

Amendment to IFRS 11, ‘Joint arrangements’ regarding acquisition of  an interest in a joint operation, provides new guidance on how to 
account for the acquisition of  an interest in a joint venture operation that constitutes a business. The amendments require an investor to apply 
the principles of  business combination accounting when it acquires an interest in a joint operation that constitutes a ‘business’. The Group 
intends to adopt these amendments no later than the accounting period beginning on or after 1 January 2016.

2.2  Revenue recognition
(a)  Contract revenue
Contract revenue is recognised under the percentage-of-completion method. When the outcome of  the contract can be reliably estimated, 
revenue is recognised by reference to the proportion that accumulated costs up to the year end bear to the estimated total costs of  the 
contract. When the contract is at an early stage and its outcome cannot be reliably estimated, revenue is recognised to the extent of  costs 
incurred up to the year end which are considered recoverable.

With respect to new build fixed price construction contracts with an expected contract duration of  18 months or greater, profit on such 
contracts will only be recognised when the contract has progressed to 20% based on the total estimated cost of  the contract and the ultimate 
outcome can be reliably estimated. 

Revenue related to variation orders is recognised when it is probable that the customer will approve the variation and the amount of  revenue 
arising from the variation can be reliably measured.

A claim is recognised as contract revenue when settled or when negotiations have reached an advanced stage such that it is probable that 
the customer will accept the claim and the amount can be measured reliably.

Losses on contracts are assessed on an individual contract basis and provision is made for the full amount of  the anticipated losses, including 
any losses relating to future work on a contract, in the period in which the loss is first foreseen.

The aggregate of  the costs incurred and the profit/loss recognised on each contract is compared against progress billings at the year end. 
Where the sum of  the costs incurred and recognised profit or recognised loss exceeds the progress billings, the balance is shown under trade 
and other receivables as amounts recoverable on contracts. Where the progress billings exceed the sum of  costs incurred and recognised 
profit or recognised loss, the balance is shown under trade and other payables as amounts due to customers on contracts.

In determining contract costs incurred up to the year end, any amounts incurred, including advances paid to suppliers and advance billings 
received from subcontractors relating to future activity on a contract, are excluded and are presented as contract work-in-progress.

(b)  Products and services 
Revenue from sale of  products and services is recognised in the accounting period in which the risks and rewards are transferred or the 
service is rendered. 

Interest income

(c) 
Interest income is recognised on a time proportion basis using the effective interest rate method.

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2 
2.3  Consolidation
(a)  Subsidiaries 
Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is 
exposed to, 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. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are deconsolidated from the 
date that control ceases. 

The Group uses the acquisition method of  accounting to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for the acquisition 
of  a subsidiary is the fair value of  the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owner of  the acquiree and the equity interests 
issued by the Group. The consideration transferred includes the fair value of  any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration 
arrangement. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially 
at their fair values at the acquisition date. On an acquisition-by-acquisition basis, the Group recognises any non-controlling interest in the 
acquiree either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of  the recognised amount of  acquiree’s identifiable net 
assets. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

The excess of  the consideration transferred over the amount of  any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the acquisition-date fair value 
of  any previous equity interest in the acquiree over the fair value of  the Group’s share of  the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as 
goodwill. If  this is less than the fair value of  the net assets of  the subsidiary acquired in the case of  a bargain purchase, the difference is 
recognised directly in the consolidated statement of  comprehensive income.

Business combinations involving entities under common control do not fall within the scope of  IFRS 3. Consequently, the Directors have a 
responsibility to determine a suitable accounting policy. The Directors have decided to follow the uniting of  interests’ method to account for 
business combinations involving entities under common control.

Under the uniting of  interests method, there is no requirement to fair value the assets and liabilities of  the acquired entities and hence no 
goodwill is recorded as balances remain at book value. Consolidated financial statements include the profit or loss and cash flows for the 
entire year (pre- and post-merger) as if  the subsidiary had always been part of  the Group. The aim is to show the combination as if  it had 
always been combined.

Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between Group companies are eliminated. Unrealised losses  
are also eliminated but considered an impairment indicator of  the asset transferred. Accounting policies of  subsidiaries have been changed  
or adjustments have been made to the financial statements of  subsidiaries, where necessary, to ensure consistency with the policies adopted 
by the Group.

(b)  Disposal of subsidiaries
When the Group ceases to have control, any retained interest in the entity is re-measured to its fair value at the date when control is lost, 
with the change in carrying amount recognised in profit or loss. The fair value is the initial carrying amount for the purpose of  subsequently 
accounting for the retained interest as an associate, joint venture or financial asset. In addition, any amounts previously recognised in other 
comprehensive income in respect of  that entity are accounted for as if  the Group had directly disposed of  related asset or liabilities. This may 
mean that amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss.

(c)  Joint arrangements
The Group has applied IFRS 11 to all joint arrangements. Under IFRS 11, investments in joint arrangements are classified as either joint 
operations or joint ventures depending on the contractual rights and obligations of  each investor. The Company has assessed the nature of  
its joint arrangements and determined them to be joint ventures. Joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity 
method of  accounting, interest in joint ventures are initially recognised at cost and adjusted thereafter to recognise the Group’s share of  the 
post- acquisition profits or losses and movements in the consolidated income statement. When the Group’s share of  losses in a joint venture 
equals or exceeds its interest in the joint ventures (which includes any long-term interest that, in substance, forms part of  the Group’s net 
investment in the joint ventures), the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf  
of  the joint ventures.

(d)  Associates 
Associates are all entities over which the Group has significant influence but not control, generally accompanying a shareholding of  between 
20% and 50% of  the voting rights. Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method of  accounting. Under the equity 
method, the investment is initially recognised at cost, and the carrying amount is increased or decreased to recognise the investor’s share of  
the profit or loss of  the investee after the date of  acquisition. The Group’s investment in associates includes goodwill identified on acquisition.

The Group’s share of  post-acquisition profit or loss is recognised in the consolidated income statement, and its share of  post-acquisition 
movements in other comprehensive income is recognised in the consolidated statement of  comprehensive income with a corresponding 
adjustment to the carrying amount of  the investment. When the Group’s share of  losses in an associate equals or exceeds its interest in the 
associate, including any other unsecured receivables, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred legal or constructive 
obligations or made payments on behalf  of  the associate.

The Group determines at each reporting date whether there is any objective evidence that the investment in the associate is impaired. If  this is 
the case, the Group calculates the amount of  impairment as the difference between the recoverable amount of  the associate and its carrying 
value and recognises the amount adjacent to ‘share of  profit/(loss) of  an associate’ in the consolidated income statement.

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Investment in subsidiaries

2 
2.4 
In the Company’s separate financial statements, the investment in subsidiaries is stated at cost less provision for impairment. Cost is the 
amount of  cash paid or the fair value of  the consideration given to acquire the investment. Income from such investments is recognised only 
to the extent that the Company receives distributions from accumulated profits of  the investee company arising after the date of  acquisition. 
Distributions received in excess of  such profit i.e. from pre-acquisition reserves are regarded as a recovery of  investment and are recognised 
as a reduction of  the cost of  the investment.

2.5  Foreign currency translation 
(a)  Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of  each of  the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of  the primary economic 
environment in which the entity operates (“the functional currency”). The Group’s activities are primarily carried out from the UAE, whose 
currency, the UAE Dirham, is pegged to the United States Dollar (“USD”) and is the functional currency of  all the entities in the Group (except 
MISCLP and MIO whose functional currency is the Omani Riyal, MISQWLL whose functional currency is the Qatari Riyal, MIS Kazakh Branch 
and LKZ whose functional currency is the Kazakh Tenge and EBT whose functional currency is the Great Britain Pound). The consolidated and 
parent company financial statements are presented in US Dollars. 

(b)   Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of  the transactions. 
Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of  such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of  
monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the consolidated income statement, except when deferred 
into other comprehensive income as qualifying cash flow hedges.

Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to borrowings and cash and cash equivalents are presented in the consolidated income 
statement within ‘finance income or costs’. All other foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in the consolidated income statement 
within ‘other gains/(losses) – net’.

(c)  Group companies
The results and financial position of  all the Group entities (none of  which has the currency of  a hyperinflationary economy) that have a 
functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

 »

 »

 »

assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of  that balance sheet;

income and expenses for each income statement are translated at average exchange rates for the year; and

all resulting exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income.

On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of  the net investment in foreign operations, are taken to other 
comprehensive income. When a foreign operation is partially disposed of  or sold, exchange differences that were recorded in equity are 
recognised in the consolidated statement of  comprehensive income as part of  the gain or loss on sale.

2.6  Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The cost of  property, plant and equipment is the purchase 
cost, together with any incidental expenses of  acquisition. Depreciation is calculated on a straight line basis over the expected useful 
economic lives of  the assets as follows:

Buildings and infrastructure
Operating equipment
Fixtures and office equipment
Motor vehicles

Years

3-25
3-15
3-5
5

The assets’ residual values, if  significant and useful lives are reviewed and adjusted if  appropriate, at each balance sheet date. Subsequent 
costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future 
economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of  the item can be measured reliably. All repairs and 
maintenance are charged to the consolidated income statement during the financial period in which they are incurred.

Capital work-in-progress is stated at cost. When commissioned, capital work-in-progress is transferred to property, plant and equipment and 
depreciated in accordance with Group policies.

Where the carrying amount of  an asset is greater than its estimated recoverable amount, it is written down immediately to its recoverable 
amount (Note 2.22). 

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised within ‘other  
gains/(losses) – net’ in the consolidated income statement.

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Intangible assets

2 
2.7 
(a)  Goodwill
Goodwill arises on the acquisition of  subsidiaries and represents the excess of  the consideration transferred over Lamprell plc’s interest in the 
net fair value of  the net identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of  the acquiree and the fair value of  the non-controlling interest in 
the acquiree. 

For the purpose of  impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to each of  the cash generating units (“CGUs”) 
or groups of  CGUs, that is expected to benefit from the synergies of  the combination. Each unit or group of  units to which the goodwill is 
allocated represents the lowest level within the entity at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. Goodwill is 
monitored at the operating segment level. 

Goodwill impairment reviews are undertaken annually or more frequently if  events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential 
impairment. The carrying value of  goodwill is compared to the recoverable amount, which is the higher of  value in use and the fair value less 
costs to sell. Any impairment is recognised immediately as an expense and is not subsequently reversed.

(b)  Trade name
A trade name acquired as part of  a business combination is capitalised, separately from goodwill, at fair value at the date of  acquisition if   
the asset is separable or arises from contractual or legal rights and its fair value can be measured reliably. Amortisation is calculated on a 
straight line method to allocate the fair value at acquisition over their estimated useful life. The useful life of  a trade name is reviewed on an 
annual basis. 

(c)  Customer relationships
Customer relationships acquired as part of  a business combination are capitalised, separately from goodwill, at fair value at the date of  
acquisition if  the asset is separable or arises from contractual or legal rights and its fair value can be measured reliably. Amortisation 
is calculated on a straight line method to allocate the fair value at acquisition over their estimated useful life. The useful life of  customer 
relationships is reviewed on an annual basis.

(d)  Operating lease rights
Intangible assets representing operating leasehold rights are carried at cost (being the fair value on the date of  acquisition where intangibles 
are acquired in a business combination) less accumulated amortisation and impairment, if  any. Amortisation is calculated using the straight 
line method to allocate the cost of  the leasehold right over its estimated useful life. 

(e)  Computer software
Directly attributable costs that are capitalised as part of  the software product include the software development employee costs. Other 
development expenditures that do not meet these criteria are recognised as an expense as incurred. Development costs previously 
recognised as an expense are not recognised as an asset in a subsequent period. Computer software development costs recognised as 
assets are amortised over their estimated useful lives. 

(f)  Work-in-progress
Work-in-progress is in relation to computer software and stated at cost. When commissioned, work-in-progress is transferred to software and 
amortised in accordance with Group policies.

Inventories

2.8 
Inventories comprise raw materials and consumables which are stated at the lower of  cost and estimated net realisable value. Cost is 
determined on the weighted average basis and comprises direct purchase and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present 
location and condition.

2.9  Trade receivables
Trade receivables are amounts receivable from customers for billing in the ordinary course of  business. If  collection is expected in one year or 
less, they are classified as current assets. If  not, they are presented as non-current assets.

Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less 
provision for impairment. A provision for impairment of  trade receivables is established when there is objective evidence that the Group will not 
be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of  receivables. Significant financial difficulties of  the debtor, probability that 
the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation, and default or delinquency in payments are considered indicators that the trade 
receivable is impaired. The amount of  the provision is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of  estimated 
future cash flows, discounted at the effective interest rate.

The carrying amount of  the asset is reduced through the use of  an allowance account and the amount of  the loss is recognised in the 
consolidated income statement within ‘general and administrative expenses’. When a trade receivable is uncollectible, it is written off  against 
the allowance account for trade receivables. Subsequent recoveries of  amounts previously written off  are credited against ‘general and 
administrative expenses’ in the consolidated income statement.

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2 
2.10 Trade payables
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of  business from suppliers. 
Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if  payment is due within one year or less. If  not, they are presented as non-current liabilities.

Trade payables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2.11 Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of  past events; it is probable that an 
outflow of  resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; and a reliable estimate of  the amount of  the 
obligation can be made. 

2.12 Employee benefits
(a)  Provision for staff benefits 
A provision is made for the estimated liability for employees’ entitlements to annual leave and related benefits as a result of  services rendered 
by the employees up to the balance sheet date. The provision relating to annual leave and leave passage is disclosed as a current liability and 
included in trade and other payables.

Provision is also made, using actuarial techniques, for the end of  service benefits due to employees in accordance with the Labour Laws 
applicable in the countries in which the Group operates, for their periods of  service up to the balance sheet date. The provision relating to end 
of  service benefits is disclosed as a non-current liability.

Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are charged or credited to equity in 
other comprehensive income in the period in which they arise.

The current service cost and interest cost is recognised in the income statement in ‘Employees’ end of  service benefits’.

(b)  Share based payments
The Group operates a number of  equity-settled, share based compensation plans. The fair value of  the employee services received in 
exchange for the grant of  the shares/options is recognised as an expense. The total amount to be expensed over the vesting period is 
determined by reference to the fair value of  the shares/options granted, excluding the impact of  any non-market vesting conditions (for 
example, profitability and sales growth targets). Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of  shares/
options that are expected to vest. At each balance sheet date, the entity revises its estimates of  the number of  shares/options that 
are expected to vest. It recognises the impact of  the revision to original estimates, if  any, in the consolidated income statement, with a 
corresponding adjustment to retained earnings.

The Company has granted rights to its equity instruments to the employees of  subsidiary companies conditional upon the completion of  
continuing service with the Group for a specified period. The total amount of  the grant over the vesting period is determined by reference 
to the fair value of  the equity instruments granted and is recognised in each period as an increase in the investment in the subsidiary with 
a corresponding credit to retained earnings. In the separate financial statements of  the subsidiary, the fair value of  the employee services 
received in exchange for the grant of  the equity instruments of  the Company is recognised as an expense with a corresponding credit to 
equity.

2.13 Leases
Leases in which a significant portion of  the risks and rewards of  ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. 
Payments made under operating leases (net of  any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the consolidated income statement on 
a straight line basis over the period of  the lease.

2.14 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand, current accounts with banks less margin deposits, other short-term highly liquid 
investments with original maturity of  three months or less and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities 
on the balance sheet. 

2.15 Borrowings
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of  transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated at amortised cost; any 
difference between the proceeds (net of  transaction costs) and the repayment value is recognised in the consolidated statement of  income 
over the period of  the borrowings using the effective interest method. The Group capitalises general and specific borrowing costs directly 
attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of  a qualifying asset as part of  the cost of  that asset. 

All other borrowing costs are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they are incurred. 

2.16 Dividend distribution
Dividend distributions are recognised as a liability in the Group’s consolidated and parent company financial statements in the period in which 
the dividends are approved by the shareholders.

2.17 Segment reporting
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief  operating decision-maker. The chief  
operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and accessing performance of  the operating segments, has been 
identified as the Executive Directors that make strategic decisions. 

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2 
2.18 Current and deferred income tax
The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the income statement, except to the extent that it 
relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also recognised in other comprehensive 
income or directly in equity, respectively. 

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of  the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date in the 
countries where the Company and its subsidiaries operate and generate taxable income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken 
in tax returns with respect to situations in which the applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where 
appropriate on the basis of  amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred income tax is recognised, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of  assets and liabilities 
and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognised if  they arise from the 
initial recognition of  goodwill; deferred income tax is not accounted for if  it arises from initial recognition of  an asset or liability in a transaction 
other than a business combination that at the time of  the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income tax 
is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply 
when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled. 

Deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the 
temporary differences can be utilised. 

Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, except for deferred income tax liability where 
the timing of  the reversal of  the temporary difference is controlled by the Group and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse 
in the foreseeable future. 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax 
liabilities and when the deferred income taxes assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the 
same taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a net basis.

2.19 Financial assets 
The Group classifies its financial assets in the following categories: at fair value through profit or loss and loans and receivables. Currently, 
the Group does not have any available-for-sale and held-to-maturity financial assets. The classification depends on the purpose for which the 
financial assets were acquired. Management determines the classification of  its financial assets at initial recognition.

(a)  Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are financial assets held for trading. A financial asset is classified in this category if  acquired 
principally for the purpose of  selling in the short term. Derivatives are also categorised as held for trading unless they are designated as 
hedges. Assets in this category are classified as current assets.

Financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss are initially recognised at fair value and transaction costs are expensed in the 
consolidated income statement. Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the investments have expired or 
have been transferred and the Group has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of  ownership.

Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of  the ‘financial assets at fair value through profit or loss’ category are presented in the 
consolidated income statement within ‘other gains/(losses) – net’ in the period in which they arise.

(b)  Loans and receivables 
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market.  
They are included in current assets, except for maturities greater than 12 months after the balance sheet date. These are classified as  
non-current assets. 

The Group’s loans and receivables comprise trade receivables (Note 2.9), other receivables (excluding prepayments), receivables from a 
related party and cash and cash equivalents (Note 2.14) in the consolidated balance sheet and amounts due from related parties (Note 24) 
and cash at bank (Note 22) in the Company balance sheet.

Loans and receivables are initially measured at fair value plus transaction costs and subsequently carried at amortised cost less provision for 
impairment. The amortised cost is computed using the effective interest method. 

Loans and receivables are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the counterparty have expired or have been transferred 
and the Group has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of  the ownership.

Impairment of financial assets

(c) 
The Group assesses at the end of  each reporting period whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of  financial assets 
is impaired. A financial asset or a group of  financial assets is impaired and impairment losses are incurred only if  there is objective evidence 
of  impairment as a result of  one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of  the asset (a “loss event”) and that loss event (or 
events) has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of  the financial asset or group of  financial assets that can be reliably estimated.

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2.20 Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities
Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair 
value. The method of  recognising the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument and, if  
so, the nature of  the item being hedged. The Group designates certain derivatives as hedges of  a particular risk associated with a recognised 
asset or liability, or a highly probable forecast transaction (cash flow hedge).

The Group documents at the inception of  the transaction the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk 
management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedging transactions. The Group also documents its assessment, both at hedge 
inception and on an ongoing basis, of  whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes 
in fair values or cash flows of  hedged items.

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss 
existing in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognised in the consolidated 
income statement. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in equity is 
immediately transferred to the consolidated income statement within ‘other gains/(losses) – net’.

The fair values of  various derivative instruments used for hedging purposes are disclosed in Note 28. The full fair value of  a hedging derivative 
is classified as a non-current asset or liability when the remaining hedged item is more than 12 months and as a current asset or liability when 
the remaining maturity of  the hedged item is less than 12 months. 

The effective portion of  changes in the fair value of  derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognised in other 
comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the consolidated income statement 
within ‘other gains/(losses) – net’.

Amounts accumulated in equity are reclassified to profit or loss in the periods when the item affects profit or loss (for example, when the 
forecast sale that is hedged takes place). The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised in the consolidated income 
statement within ‘other gains/(losses) – net’. However, when the forecast transaction that is hedged results in the recognition of  a non-financial 
asset (for example, contracts work-in-progress or fixed assets), the gains and losses previously deferred in equity are transferred from equity 
and included in the initial measurement of  the cost of  the asset. The deferred amounts are ultimately recognised in cost of  goods sold in the 
case of  contracts work in progress or in depreciation in the case of  fixed assets.

2.21 Non-current assets (or disposal groups) held for sale
Non-current assets (or disposal groups) are classified as assets held for sale when their carrying amount is to be recovered principally through 
a sale transaction and a sale is considered highly probable. They are stated at the lower of  carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell.

2.22 Impairment of non-financial assets
Assets that have an indefinite useful life – for example, goodwill or intangible assets not ready to use – are not subject to amortisation and 
are tested annually for impairment. Assets that are subject to amortisation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the 
asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of  an asset’s fair value less cost to sell and 
its value in use. For the purposes of  assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable 
cash flows (cash generating units). Non-financial assets that suffered impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of  the impairment at each 
reporting date. Any material impairment loss is recognised in the consolidated income statement and separately disclosed.

2.23 Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of  new shares or options are shown in equity as a 
deduction, net of  tax, from the proceeds. The excess of  proceeds received net of  any directly attributable transaction costs over the par value 
of  the shares are credited to the share premium.

Where any Group company purchases the Company’s equity share capital (treasury shares), the consideration paid, including any directly 
attributable incremental costs (net of  income taxes) is deducted from equity attributable to the Company’s equity holders until the shares are 
cancelled or reissued. Where such shares are subsequently reissued, any consideration received, net of  any directly attributable incremental 
transaction costs and the related income tax effects, is included in equity attributable to the Company’s equity holders.

2.24 Exceptional items
Exceptional items are disclosed separately in the financial statements where it is necessary to do so to provide further understanding of  the 
financial performance of  the Group. They are material items of  income or expense that have been shown separately due to the significance of  
their nature or amount.

79

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014notes to the 
financial statements 
continued

Financial risk management 

3 
3.1  Financial risk factors 
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of  financial risks: market risk (including foreign exchange and cash flow interest rate risk), credit 
risk and liquidity risk. These risks are evaluated by management on an ongoing basis to assess and manage critical exposures. The Group’s 
liquidity and market risks are managed as part of  the Group’s treasury activities. Treasury operations are conducted within a framework of  
established policies and procedures.  

(a)  Market risk – foreign exchange risk
The Group has foreign exchange risk primarily with respect to commitments in Euro with certain suppliers. To manage the foreign exchange 
risk exposure arising from future commercial transactions and recognised liabilities, the Group uses forward exchange contracts (Note 28). 

(b)  Market risk – cash flow interest rate risk
The Group holds its surplus funds in short-term bank deposits. During the year ended 31 December 2014, if  interest rates on deposits had 
been 0.5% higher/lower, the interest income would have been higher/lower by USD 1,358,744 (2013: USD 899,000).

The Group’s interest rate risk arises from long-term borrowings. Borrowings at variable rates expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk 
which is covered by the Group by taking fixed interest rate swap against the variable rates. During the year ended 31 December 2014, if  interest 
rates on borrowings had been 0.5% higher/lower, the interest expense would have been higher/lower by USD 543,411 (2013: USD 730,000).

(c)  Credit risk
The Group’s exposure to credit risk is detailed in Notes 15, 21, 22 and 28. The Group has a policy for dealing with customers with an 
appropriate credit history. The Group has policies that limit the amount of  credit exposure to any financial institution.

Credit risk is managed on a Group basis. Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, deposits with banks, financial asset carried at fair 
value through profit or loss, trade and other receivables and derivative financial instruments. The Group has a formal procedure of  monitoring 
and follow up of  customers for outstanding receivables. For banks and financial institutions, only independently rated parties with a minimum 
rating of  ‘B’ are accepted. The Group assesses internally the credit quality of  each customer, taking into account its financial position, past 
experience and other factors.

At 31 December 2014, the Group had a significant concentration of  credit risk with nine of  its largest customer balances accounting for 57% 
(2013: 81%) of  trade receivables outstanding at that date. Management believes that this concentration of  credit risk is mitigated as the Group 
has long-standing relationships with these customers.

The following table shows the rating and balance of  the 13 major counterparties at the balance sheet date:

Counterparty
Bank A
Bank B
Bank C
Bank D

1.  Based on Fitch’s long-term ratings.

Customer 1 
Customer 2 
Customer 3 
Customer 4
Customer 5
Customer 6
Customer 7
Customer 8
Customer 9

2014

2013

External  
rating1
AA-
A+
AA-
AA-

USD’000
 195,700 
 115,362 
 35,654 
 11,511 
 358,227 

External  
rating1
AA-
A+
AA-
AA-

2014

2013

Internal  
rating2
Group A
Group C
Group B
Group B
Group A
Group C
Group B
Group A
Group C

 Internal 
rating2
 Group B
Group B
Group A
Group B
Group C
Group B
Group C
Group B
Group A

USD’000
 4,888 
 3,928 
 3,892 
 3,359 
 3,091 
 2,753 
 2,081 
 1,935 
 1,851 
 27,778 

USD’000
 173,407 
 89,785 
 37,992 
 22,884 
 324,068 

USD’000
 94,138 
 8,358 
 5,314 
 4,968 
 3,928 
 3,304 
 2,746 
 2,618 
 2,517 
 127,891 

2.  Refer to Note 15 for the description of  internal ratings.

The above represents 57% (2013: 81%) of  trade receivables of  USD 48.6 million (2013: USD 158.2 million) (Note 21).

The counterparties in 2014 are not necessarily the same counterparties in 2013.

Management does not expect any losses from non-performance by these counterparties.

80

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Financial statementsFinancial risk management continued

3 
3.1  Financial risk factors continued
(d)  Liquidity risk
Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash and the availability of  funding through an adequate amount of  committed 
credit facilities. The Group is currently financed from shareholders’ equity and borrowings. 

The Group’s liquidity risk on derivative financial instruments is disclosed in Note 28. 

The following table analyses the Group’s other financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period at the 
balance sheet date to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows.

31 December 2014
Trade and other payables (excluding due to customers  
  on contracts) (Note 29)
Derivative financial instruments (Note 28)
Borrowings (Note 31)

31 December 2013
Trade and other payables (excluding due to customers  
  on contracts and dividend payable) (Note 29)
Borrowings (Note 31)

Carrying 
amount
USD’000

 Contractual 
cash flows
USD’000

Less than  

Between  

1 year
USD’000

2 to 5 years
 USD’000

168,923
269
98,979
268,171

–
–
100,456
100,456

–
–
20,456
20,456

–
–
80,000
80,000

234,744
160,751
395,495

234,744
161,987
396,731

234,744
56,987
291,731

–
105,000
105,000

3.2  Capital risk management
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns 
for shareholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of  capital.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of  dividends paid to shareholders, or issue new shares to 
reduce debt.

The Group monitors capital on the basis of  the gearing ratio. This ratio is calculated as net debt divided by total capital. Net debt is calculated 
as total borrowings (including current and non-current borrowings as shown in the balance sheet) less cash and bank balances. Total capital 
is calculated as “equity” as shown in the balance sheet plus net debt. 

At the balance sheet date, the Group has no net debt and was therefore un-geared.

3.3  Fair value estimation
The table below analyses financial instruments carried at fair value, by valuation method. The different levels have been defined as follows:

a.  Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1);
b. 

Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or 
indirectly (that is, derived from prices) (Level 2); and
Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs) (Level 3).

c. 

The following table presents the Group’s assets that are measured at fair value: 

31 December 2014
Derivative financial instruments (Note 28)

31 December 2013
Derivative financial instruments (Note 28)

Level 1
USD’000

Level 2
USD’000

Level 3
USD’000

Total
USD’000

 – 

 – 

 69

 161 

  – 

 – 

 69 

 161

81

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014notes to the 
financial statements 
continued

Financial risk management continued

3 
3.3  Fair value estimation continued
The following table presents the Group’s liabilities that are measured at fair value at 31 December 2014:

31 December 2014
Derivative financial instruments (Note 28)

There were no liabilities at 31 December 2013 measured at fair value.

Level 1
USD’000

Level 2
USD’000

Level 3
USD’000

Total
USD’000

 – 

  269

  – 

 269 

The fair value of  financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined by using valuation techniques. These valuation 
techniques maximise the use of  observable market data where it is available and rely as little as possible on entity specific estimates. If  all 
significant inputs required to fair value an instrument are observable, the instrument is included in Level 2. If  one or more of  the significant 
inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in Level 3. 

Specific valuation techniques used to value financial instruments include:

a.  Quoted market prices or dealer quotes for similar instruments; and
b.  Other techniques, such as discounted cash flow analysis, are used to determine fair value for the remaining financial instruments.

4  Critical accounting estimates and judgements
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of  future 
events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. 
The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a 
significant risk of  causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of  assets and liabilities within the next financial year are as follows:

Revenue recognition 
The Group uses the percentage-of-completion method in accounting for its contract revenue. Use of  the percentage-of-completion method 
requires the Group to estimate the stage of  completion of  the contract to date as a proportion of  the total contract work to be performed in 
accordance with the accounting policy set out in Note 2.2. As a result, the Group is required to estimate the total cost to completion of  all 
outstanding projects at each period end. The application of  a 10% sensitivity to management estimates of  the total costs to completion of  all 
outstanding projects at the year end would result in the revenue and profit increasing by USD 4.4 million (2013: USD 28.3 million) if  the total 
costs to complete are decreased by 10% and the revenue and profit decreasing by USD 4.4 million (2013: USD 29.7 million) if  the total costs 
to complete are increased by 10%.

Estimated impairment of goodwill
The Group tests goodwill (Note 17) for impairment annually or more frequently if  events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential 
impairment. Goodwill is monitored by management at the ‘cash generating unit relating to upgrade and refurbishment of  offshore jackup rigs, 
fabrication, assembly and new build construction for the offshore oil and gas and renewables sectors, including FPSO and other offshore and 
onshore structures, oilfield engineering services, including the upgrade and refurbishment of  land rigs’ (“CGU1”). 

The recoverable amount of  CGU1 is determined based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations require the use of  estimates (Note 17). 

The amount of  headroom is USD 290.6 million (2013: USD 187.1 million). 

If  the revenue growth rate used was to differ by 0.5% from management’s estimates, in isolation, there would be a reduction of  USD 5.7 million 
(2013: USD 3 million) in the headroom if  the revenue growth rate was lower or the headroom would be higher by USD 5.7 million (2013:  
USD 3 million) if  the revenue growth rate was higher. 

If  the discount rate used was to differ by 0.5% from management’s estimates, in isolation, there would be a reduction in the headroom of   
USD 55.2 million (2013: USD 27.6 million) if  the discount rate was to increase or an increase in the headroom by USD 63.5 million (2013:  
USD 31.2 million) if  the discount rate was to decrease. 

If  the net profit as a percentage of  revenue used was to differ by 0.5% from management’s estimates, in isolation, there would be an increase 
of  USD 62.1 million (2013: USD 56.1 million) in the headroom if  the net profit was to increase or there would be an reduction in the headroom 
of  USD 62.1 million (2013: USD 56.1 million) in the headroom if  the net profit was to decrease. 

If  the terminal value growth rate used was to differ by 0.5% from management’s estimates, in isolation, there would be a reduction in the 
headroom of  USD 43.4 million (2013: USD 19.9 million) if  the terminal value growth rate was lower or an increase in the headroom of   
USD 49.8 million (2013: USD 22.5 million) if  the terminal value growth rate was higher.

82

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Financial statements4  Critical accounting estimates and judgements continued
Estimated impairment of investment in subsidiaries
The Company tests investment in subsidiaries (Note 18) for impairment annually or more frequently if  events or changes in circumstances 
indicate a potential impairment. The recoverable amount of  the investment in subsidiaries is determined based on value-in-use calculations. 
These calculations require the use of  estimates. These calculations use pre-tax cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by 
management covering a three-year period. 

Cash flows beyond the three-year period are extrapolated using the estimated revenue growth rate of  5% (2013: 5%). A discount rate of  
10.46% (2013: 11.48%) is used to discount the pre-tax cash flows projections to the present value. In determining the appropriate discount 
rate, the Group considers the weighted average cost of  capital employed, which takes into consideration the risk free rate of  US treasury 
bonds with the long-term maturity period, UAE inflation rate, equity risk premium on the entities operating from UAE, Group’s beta and cost of  
Group’s debt.

The amount of  headroom is USD 381.7 million (2013: USD 45 million).

If  the revenue growth rate used was to differ by 0.5% from management’s estimates, in isolation, the headroom would be lower by  
USD 5.8 million (2013: USD 3.1 million) if  the revenue growth rate was decreased or the headroom would be higher by USD 5.8 million  
(2013: USD 3.1 million) if  the revenue growth rate was increased. 

If  the discount rate used was to differ by 0.5% from management’s estimates, in isolation, the headroom would be lower by USD 56.7 million 
(2013: USD 27.5 million) if  the discount rate was increased or the headroom would be higher by USD 65.4 million (2013: USD 31.1 million)  
if  the discount rate was decreased. 

If  the net profit as a percentage of  revenue was to differ by 0.5% from management’s estimates, in isolation, the headroom would be lower by 
USD 63.2 million (2013: impairment charge of  USD 56.4 million) if  the net profit as a percentage of  revenue was lower or the headroom would 
be higher by USD 63.2 million (2013: USD 56.4 million) if  the net profit as a percentage of  revenue was higher. 

If  the terminal value growth rate was to differ by 0.5% from management’s estimates, in isolation, the headroom would be lower by  
USD 44.7 million (2013: USD 19.8 million) if  the terminal value growth rate was lower or the headroom would be higher by USD 51.4 million 
(2013: USD 22.4 million) if  the terminal value growth rate was increased. 

Employees’ end of service benefits
The rate used for discounting the employees’ post-employment defined benefit obligation should be based on market yields on high quality 
corporate bonds. In countries where there is no deep market for such bonds, the market yields on government bonds should be used. In the 
UAE, there is no deep market for corporate bonds and no market for government bonds and therefore, the discount rate has been estimated 
using the US AA-rated corporate bond market as a proxy. On this basis, the discount rate applied was 3.5% (2013: 4.25%). If  the discount rate 
used was to differ by 0.5 points from management’s estimates, the carrying amount of  the employee end of  the service benefits provision at 
the balance sheet date would be an estimated USD 1.5 million (2013: USD 1.3 million) lower or USD 1.6 million (2013: USD 1.4 million) higher. 
If  the salary growth rate used was to differ by 0.5 points from management’s estimates, the carrying amount of  the employee’s end of  the 
service benefits provision at the balance sheet date would be an estimated USD 1.5 million (2013: USD 1.5 million) higher or USD 1.6 million 
(2013: USD 1.4 million) lower.

Segment information 

5 
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief  operating decision-maker. The chief  
operating decision-maker has been identified as the Executive Directors who make strategic decisions. The Executive Directors review the 
Group’s internal reporting in order to assess performance and allocate resources. Management has determined the operating segments 
based on these reports.

The Executive Directors consider the business mainly on the basis of  the facilities from where the services are rendered. Management 
considers the performance of  the business from Sharjah (“SHJ”), Hamriyah (“HAM”) and Jebel Ali (“JBA”) in addition to the performance of  
Land Rig Services (“LRS”), Sunbelt, Engineering and Construction (“E&C”) and Operations and Management (“O&M”).

SHJ, HAM, JBA and LRS are reported as a single segment (Segment A). Services provided from Sunbelt, E&C and O&M do not meet the 
quantitative thresholds required by IFRS 8, and the results of  these operations are included in the “all other segments” column. 

The reportable operating segments derive their revenue from the upgrade and refurbishment of  offshore jackup rigs, fabrication, assembly and 
new build construction for the offshore oil and gas and renewables sectors, including FPSO and other offshore and onshore structures, oilfield 
engineering services, including the upgrade and refurbishment of  land rigs.

83

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014notes to the 
financial statements 
continued

Segment information continued

5 
Sunbelt derives its revenue from safety and training services, E&C derives its revenue from site works, compression and chemicals and O&M 
derives its revenue from the labour supply and other operations and maintenance services.

Year ended 31 December 2014
Total segment revenue
Inter-segment revenue 
Revenue from external customers
Gross operating profit
Year ended 31 December 2013
Total segment revenue 
Inter-segment revenue 
Revenue from external customers 
Gross operating profit 

Segment A
USD’000

1,009,582 
 – 
 1,009,582 
 199,000 

 1,009,818 
 (525)
 1,009,293 
 127,881 

All other
segments
USD’000

Total
USD’000

87,898 
 (12,590) 
 75,308 
 36,803 

 1,097,480 
(12,590) 
 1,084,890 
235,803 

 71,082 
 (7,564)
 63,518 
 31,665 

 1,080,900 
 (8,089)
 1,072,811 
 159,546 

Sales between segments are carried out on agreed terms. The revenue from external parties reported to the Executive Directors is measured 
in a manner consistent with that in the consolidated income statement.

The Executive Directors assess the performance of  the operating segments based on a measure of  gross profit. The staff, equipment and 
certain subcontract costs are measured based on standard cost. The measurement basis excludes the effect of  the common expenses for 
yard rent, repairs and maintenance and other miscellaneous expenses. 

The reconciliation of  the gross operating profit is provided as follows:

Gross operating profit for the reportable segment as reported to the Executive Directors
Gross operating profit for all other segments as reported to the Executive Directors
Unallocated:
Under-absorbed employee and equipment costs
Repairs and maintenance 
Yard rent and depreciation
Others
Gross profit
Selling and distribution expenses (Note 7)
General and administrative expenses (Note 9)
Other gains/(losses) – net (Note 12)
Finance costs (Note 11)
Finance income (Note 11)
Others
Profit for the year from continuing operations

2014
USD’000

199,000 
 36,803 

(11,841)
(21,776)
(15,249)
(4,857)
 182,080 
 (1,773)
 (72,700)
 1,456 
 (20,516)
 2,166 
 2,507 
 93,220 

2013
USD’000

 127,881 
31,665 

 (9,819)
 (13,168)
 (9,600)
 (6,965)
 119,994 
 (1,591)
 (61,278)
 1,535 
 (22,959)
 975 
 19 
 36,695 

Information about segment assets and liabilities is not reported to or used by the Executive Directors and accordingly, no measures of  
segment assets and liabilities are reported.

84

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Financial statementsSegment information continued

5 
The breakdown of  revenue from all services is as follows:

New build activities – oil and gas
New build activities – renewables 
Upgrade and refurbishment activities
Offshore construction
Others

2014
USD’000

715,946 
 32,445 
 172,016 
 81,902 
 82,581 
 1,084,890 

2013
USD’000

 580,200 
 95,070 
 122,529 
 195,619 
 79,393 
 1,072,811 

The Group’s principal place of  business is in the UAE. The revenue recognised in the UAE with respect to services performed to external 
customers is USD 1,075.2 million (2013: USD 1,057.3 million), and the revenue recognised from the operations in other countries is  
USD 9.7 million (2013: USD 15.5 million). 

Certain customers individually accounted for greater than 10% of  the Group’s revenue and are shown in the table below:

External customer A 
External customer B 
External customer C 

2014
USD’000

 275,026 
 155,768 
 144,952 
 575,746 

2013
USD’000

 332,792 
 147,830 
 112,967 
 593,589 

The revenue from these customers is attributable to Segment A. The above customers in 2014 are not necessarily the same customers in 2013.

6  Cost of sales

Materials and related costs
Subcontract costs
Staff  costs (Note 10)
Subcontract labour
Equipment hire
Depreciation (Note 16)
Repairs and maintenance
Yard rent
Warranty costs – net (Note 30)
Others

7 

Selling and distribution expenses

Travel
Advertising and marketing
Entertainment 
Others

2014
USD’000

 420,939 
 187,357 
 163,614 
 38,394 
 19,252 
 23,979 
 21,776 
 6,707 
 6,989 
 13,803 
 902,810 

2013
USD’000

 410,149 
 223,406 
 186,638 
 54,887 
 17,849 
 16,991 
 13,167 
 5,966 
 5,400 
 18,364 
 952,817 

2014
USD’000

2013
USD’000

 1,055 
 480 
 144 
 94 
 1,773 

 945 
 498 
 96 
 52 
 1,591 

85

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
notes to the 
financial statements 
continued

Share based payments

8 
Group

Amount of  share based charge (Note 10):
– relating to free share plan
– relating to executive share option plan
– relating to performance share plan

Company

Amount of  share based charge:
– relating to free share plan
– relating to executive share option plan
– relating to performance share plan

2014
USD’000

2013
USD’000

143
 15
926 
 1,084 

 610 
 – 
 391 
 1,001 

2014
USD’000

2013
USD’000

11 
 15 
 92 
 118 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

Free share plan
The Company awarded shares to selected Directors, key management personnel and employees under the free share plan that provides 
an entitlement to receive these shares at no cost. These free shares are conditional on the Directors/key management personnel/employee 
completing a specified period of  service (the vesting period). The award does not have any performance conditions and does not entitle 
participants to dividend equivalents during the vesting period. The fair value of  the share awards made under this plan is based on the share 
price at the date of  the grant, less the value of  the dividends foregone during the vesting period. 

The details of  the shares granted under this scheme are as follows:

Grant date

2012
26 April 2012
2014
30 June 2014
18 November 2014

Number
of  shares

Vesting
period

Fair value
per share

Expected
withdrawal  

rate

287,500

24 months

£3.49

40,000
122,499
162,499

36 months
36 months

£1.55
£1.41

–

–
–

A charge of  USD 143,000 (2013: USD 610,000) is recognised in the consolidated income statement for the year with a corresponding credit to 
the consolidated retained earnings. This includes a charge recognised in the income statement of  the Company with a corresponding credit to 
retained earnings of  USD 11,000 (2013: Nil).

The Group has no legal or constructive obligation to settle the free share awards in cash.

An analysis of  the number of  shares granted, vested during the year and expected to vest in future periods is provided below:

Shares expected to vest in future periods at 1 January 2013
Shares lapsed due to non-satisfaction of  vesting conditions
Shares expected to vest in future periods at 31 December 2013
Shares granted under the free share awards
Shares vested under the free share awards
Shares expected to vest in future periods at 31 December 2014

Number of
shares

 217,500 
 (90,000)
 127,500 
162,499 
 (127,500) 
 162,499 

86

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Financial statements 
Share based payments continued

8 
Executive share option plan
Share options are granted by the Company to certain employees under the executive share option plan. This option plan does not entitle the 
employees to dividends. These options are conditional on the employee completing three years of  service (the vesting period) and hence the 
options are exercisable starting three years from the grant date and have a contracted option term of  10 years. The Group has no legal or 
constructive obligation to repurchase or settle the options in cash.

The movement in the number of  share options outstanding and their related weighted average exercise price is as follows:

At 1 January 2009 
Granted in 2009
Forfeited in 2009
At 31 December 2009 and 2010
Vested and exercised 
Vested but not exercised
At 31 December 2011
Adjustment for the rights issue
Vested and exercised 
At 31 December 2012 and 2013
Granted during the year
At 31 December 2014

Exercise
price in  

£ per share

3.22
0.57
3.22
0.93
3.22
3.22
0.57
0.57
0.57

1.41

Options

 105,369 
 550,000 
 (19,585)
 635,784 
 (35,253)
 (50,531)
 550,000 
 55,048 
 (605,048)
– 
340,855
340,855 

Vesting date

16 May 2010
31 March 2012

Expiry date

16 May 2017
31 March 2019

17 November 2017

27 November 2027

5,876 options under this plan were vested on the due date but not exercised or lapsed at 31 December 2014 (2013: 5,876). 

A charge of  USD 15,000 (2013: Nil) is recognised in the consolidated income statement for the year with a corresponding credit to the 
consolidated retained earnings. This includes a charge recognised in the income statement of  the Company with a corresponding credit to 
retained earnings of  USD 15,000 (2013: Nil).

Performance share plan
The Company granted share awards to Directors, key management personnel and selected employees that give them an entitlement to 
receive a certain number of  shares subject to the satisfaction of  a performance target and continued employment. The performance target 
related to the growth in the Group’s earnings per share. The fair value of  the share awards made under this plan is based on the share price at 
the date of  the grant less the value of  the dividends foregone during the vesting period.

The details of  the shares granted under this scheme are as follows:

Grant date

2010
15 April 2010
2011
2 September 2011
8 December 2011

2012
16 April 2012
2014
30 June 2014
30 June 2014
18 November 2014
18 November 2014

Number
of  shares

Vesting
period

Fair value
per share

Dividend
entitlement

502,572

36 months

£2.57

339,448
38,512
377,960

36 months
36 months

£2.97
£2.81

507,216

36 months

£3.19

1,080,142
470,000
321,691
321,691
2,193,524

36 months
36 months
24 months
36 months

£1.35
£1.55
£1.41
£1.23

No

Yes
Yes

No

No
No
No
No

Expected
withdrawal  

rate

5%

–
–

–

–
–
–
–

87

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014notes to the 
financial statements 
continued

Share based payments continued

8 
Performance share plan continued
Accordingly, a charge of  USD 926,000 (2013: USD 439,000) is recognised in the consolidated income statement for the year with a 
corresponding credit to the consolidated retained earnings. During 2014, this includes a charge recognised in the income statement of  the 
Company with a corresponding credit to retained earnings of  USD 92,000 (2013: Nil).

The Group has no legal or constructive obligation to settle the free share awards in cash.

An analysis of  the number of  shares gifted/granted, vested during the year and expected to vest in future periods is provided below:

Number of
shares

 271,388 
 (113,917)
 157,471 
2,193,524 
(60,080) 
 (34,333) 
 2,256,582 

2013
USD’000

 31,934 
 5,306 
 5,068 
 9,416 
 634 
 1,804 
 252 
 6,864 
 61,278 

2013
USD’000

 127,572 
 5,872 
 1,001 
 84,127 
 218,572 

 186,638 
 31,934 
 218,572 
 7,482 

2014
USD’000

 38,519 
 5,067 
 3,627 
11,895
 718 
 6,871 
286
 5,717
 72,700 

2014
USD’000

 116,490 
 6,229 
 1,084 
 78,330 
202,133 

 163,614 
 38,519 
 202,133 
 6,912

Shares expected to vest in future periods at 1 January 2013
Shares lapsed due to non-satisfaction of  vesting conditions
Shares expected to vest in future periods at 31 December 2013
Shares granted under performance share plan
Shares vested under performance share plan
Shares lapsed due to non-satisfaction of  vesting conditions
Shares expected to vest in future periods at 31 December 2014

9  General and administrative expenses

Staff  costs (Note 10)
Legal, professional and consultancy fees
Depreciation (Note 16)
Amortisation of  intangible assets (Note 17)
Utilities and communication
Provision for impairment of  trade receivables, net of  amounts recovered
Bank charges
Others

10  Staff costs

Wages and salaries 
Employees’ end of  service benefits (Note 27)
Share based payments – value of  services provided (Note 8)
Other benefits

Staff  costs are included in:
Cost of  sales (Note 6)
General and administrative expenses (Note 9)

Number of  employees at 31 December 

88

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Financial statements10  Staff costs continued
Directors’ remuneration comprises:

Executive Directors
Jim Moffat1
Joanne Curin2
Frank Nelson3
Non-Executive Directors
John Kennedy
Peter Whitbread4
Michael Press5
John Malcolm6
Ellis Armstrong7
Jonathan Silver8
Deena Mattar9
Colin Goodall10

Salary
2014 
USD’000

 Fees 
2014 
USD’000

 Allowances  
& benefits  
2014 
USD’000

 Share based 
payments 
value of 
services 
provided  
2014 
USD’000

 Post 
employment 
benefits  
2014 
USD’000

 Total  
2014 
USD’000

 Total 
2013 
USD’000

 753
431
–

–
 -
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,184

–
–
–

307
96
146
125
121
–
–
–
795

887
129
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,016

107
–
–

11
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
118

76
1,610
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,686

1,823
2,170
–

318
96
146
125
121
–
–
–
4,799

1,652
312
 1,261

290
1,556
82
70
68
58
88
58
5,495

The emoluments of  the highest paid Director were USD 2.2 million (2013: USD 1.6 million) and these principally comprised salary, bonus, 
benefits and one-off  payment amounting to USD 1.6 million paid with respect to loss of  office and is disclosed as a part of  post-employment 
benefits.

1.  Appointed as Chief  Executive Officer and Director on 1 March 2013. 

2.  Appointed as Chief  Financial Officer and Director on 1 October 2013 and resigned with effect from 17 November 2014. 

3.  Appointed as Interim Chief  Financial Officer on 4 October 2012; appointed Chief  Financial Officer and Director on 21 March 2013 and resigned as  

Chief  Financial Officer and Director with effect from 31 October 2013. 

4.  Appointed as Interim Chief  Executive Officer and Director on 4 October 2012; retired as Interim Chief  Executive Officer with effect from 1 March 2013;  

retired as Director with effect from 30 June 2013 and appointed as Non-Executive Director on 1 July 2013. 

5.  Appointed as Non-Executive Director on 27 May 2013.

6.  Appointed as Non-Executive Director on 27 May 2013.

7.  Appointed as Non-Executive Director on 27 May 2013.

8.  Appointed as Deputy Chairman with effect from 7 June 2012 and retired with effect from 27 May 2013.

9.  Appointed as Non-Executive Director on 1 April 2012 and retired with effect from 27 May 2013.

10. Retired as Non-Executive Director with effect from 27 May 2013.

11  Finance costs – net
Finance costs

Bank guarantee charges
Interest on bank borrowings
Facility fees
Commitment fees
Others

2014
USD’000

 11,232 
 6,006 
 – 
 1,728 
 1,550 
20,516 

2013
USD’000

 5,906 
 7,693 
 36 
 431 
 8,893 
 22,959 

The comparative number of  ‘Others’ includes USD 8.4 million relating to expenses incurred during the process of  covenant waivers and 
refinancing negotiations with lenders (Note 34).

Finance income
Finance income comprises interest income on bank deposits of  USD 2.17 million (2013: USD 0.98 million).

89

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
 
notes to the 
financial statements 
continued

12  Other gains/(losses) – net

Exchange gain/(loss) – net
Profit/(loss) on disposal of  property, plant and equipment
Fair value gain on derivatives
Others

2014
USD’000

2013
USD’000

1,164
162
(156)
286
 1,456

 468 
 (385)
 501 
 951 
 1,535 

13  Earnings per share
(a)  Basic
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to the equity holders of  the Company by the weighted average 
number of  ordinary shares in issue during the year, excluding ordinary shares purchased by the Company and held as treasury shares  
(Note 25).

(b)  Diluted
Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of  ordinary shares outstanding to assume conversion  
of  all dilutive potential ordinary shares. For the free share awards, options under the executive share option plan and the performance share 
plan, a calculation is performed to determine the number of  shares that could have been acquired at fair value (determined as the average 
annual market share price of  the Company’s shares) based on the monetary value of  the subscription rights attached to outstanding share 
awards/options. The number of  shares calculated as above is compared with the number of  shares that would have been issued assuming  
the exercise of  the share awards/options.

The calculations of  earnings per share are based on the following profit and numbers of  shares:
Profit for the year
Weighted average number of  shares for basic earnings per share
Adjustments for:
Assumed exercise of  the free share awards 
Assumed vesting of  the performance share plan
Weighted average number of  shares for diluted earnings per share 
Weighted average number of  shares for basic earnings per share (previously stated)
Impact of  bonus element of  the rights issue
Weighted average number of  shares for basic earnings per share (revised)
Earnings per share:
Basic
Diluted

Earnings per share from continued operations:
Basic
Diluted
Earnings/(loss) per share from discontinued operations:
Basic
Diluted

 2014 
USD’000

 2013 
USD’000

 118,057
 315,591,024 

 36,443
  287,546,196

 3,640
 242,361

65,725
 38,419
 315,837,025   287,650,340
  260,348,415
 27,546,196
  287,546,196

 37.41c
 37.38c

  12.67c
 12.67c

 29.54c
 29.52c

 7.87c
 7.86c

 12.76c
 12.76c

(0.09)c
(0.09)c

On 26 June 2014, the Company announced a rights issue of  five shares for every 16 shares held at a discounted price of  88 pence per share 
resulting in the issue of  81,363,469 new ordinary shares (Note 25). The calculation of  the weighted average number of  ordinary shares for the 
current period was affected by the issue of  the new ordinary shares. The Group has treated the discount element of  the rights issue as if  it 
were a bonus issue, using the theoretical ex-rights price of  132 pence per share. The effect of  this is to increase the weighted average number 
of  shares reported in the prior period, with a resulting reduction in the reported basic and diluted earnings per share for the previous period. 
The adjustment factor, to effect the increase in the weighted average number of  shares, has been calculated by dividing the share price 
immediately before the shares were quoted ex-rights (146p) with the theoretical ex-rights price (132p), giving an adjustment factor of  1.104. 
These adjustments to the comparative EPS calculations do not impact the consolidated income statement and consolidated balance sheet 
previously reported.

90

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Financial statements 
14   Operating profit
(a)  Operating profit
Operating profit (from continuing operations) is stated after charging/recognising:

Depreciation (Note 16)
Operating lease rentals – land and buildings
Provision for impairment of  trade receivables 

(b)   Auditor’s remuneration
Services provided by the Group’s auditors and its associates comprised:

Auditor’s remuneration – audit and related services
Auditor’s remuneration – taxation and other services
Auditor’s remuneration – other services1

2014
USD’000

27,606 
 16,609 
 7,798 

2014
USD’000

663
 229 
643

2013
USD’000

 22,091 
 16,891 
 2,841 

2013
USD’000

 530 
 354 
 1,267 

1.  Other services in 2014 mainly comprise capital markets support for the rights issue and are included as a part of  transaction costs in Note 25. Comparative 

numbers mainly relate to the rights issue, debt restructuring fees and project reviews.

15  Financial instruments by category
The accounting policies for financial instruments have been applied to the line items below:

Group
Assets as per balance sheet

Derivative financial instruments (Note 28)
Trade receivables – net of  provision (Note 21)
Other receivables excluding prepayments
Due from related parties (Note 24)
Cash and bank balances (Note 22)

Liabilities as per balance sheet

Classification

Fair value through profit or loss
Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables

Derivative financial instruments (Note 28)
Trade payables (Note 29)
Accruals (Note 29)
Provision for warranty costs and other liabilities (Note 30)
Borrowings (Note 31)

Classification

Fair value through profit or loss
Loans and borrowings
Loans and borrowings
Loans and borrowings
Loans and borrowings

2014
USD’000

 69 
 37,000 
8,315
68
371,625
 417,077 

2014
USD’000

 269 
 30,754 
138,169
15,812
98,979
 283,983 

2013
USD’000

161
150,446
8,095
197
344,573
 503,472

2013
USD’000

–
31,247
203,497
5,400
160,751
 400,895 

91

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
notes to the 
financial statements 
continued

15  Financial instruments by category continued
Company
Assets as per balance sheet

Cash at bank
Due from related parties (Note 24)
Other receivables

Liabilities as per balance sheet

Due to related parties (Note 24)
Accruals

2014
USD’000

 286 
 110,191 
 507 
 110,984 

2014
USD’000

 – 
2,487
 2,487

2013
USD’000

 103 
 7,631 
 369 
 8,103 

2013
USD’000

 12,334 
 29 
 12,363 

Credit quality of financial assets
Group
The credit quality of  financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired can be assessed by reference to historical information about 
counterparty default rates:

Trade receivables
Group A
Group B
Group C

Group A – Last six months average debtor days is less than 45.
Group B – Last six months average debtor days is between 46 and 90.
Group C – Last six months average debtor days is above 90.

Derivative financial instruments
Fitch’s ratings
A+
AA-

None of  the financial assets that is fully performing has been renegotiated in the last year. 

2014
USD’000

2013
USD’000

 17,127 
 976 
 2,088 
 20,191 

 10,425 
 96,257 
 2,941 
 109,623 

2014
USD’000

2013
USD’000

23
46
 69 

–
161
 161 

92

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Financial statements15  Financial instruments by category continued
Credit quality of financial assets continued
Group continued

Cash at bank and short-term bank deposits 
Fitch’s ratings
AA-
A+
A
A-
B
B+
BBB+
BBB-
Not rated

Cash in hand
Cash at bank and in hand (Note 22)

Company

Due from related parties (Note 24)

Due from related parties is neither past due nor impaired.

Cash at bank 
Fitch’s ratings
AA-
A

2014
USD’000

2013
USD’000

 242,865 
 124,745 
 1,564 
 395 
 917 
 – 
 – 
 104 
 202 
 370,792 
 833 
 371,625 

 234,283 
 100,245 
 8,977 
 – 
 – 
 280 
 117 
 14 
 188 
 344,104 
 469 
 344,573 

2014
USD’000

 110,191 

2013
USD’000

 7,631 

2014
USD’000

2013
USD’000

 286 
 – 
 286 

 – 
 103 
 103 

93

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014notes to the 
financial statements 
continued

16  Property, plant and equipment 

Cost
At 1 January 2013
Additions
Transfers
Assets of  disposal group classified  
  as held for sale (Note 23) 
Other disposals
At 31 December 2013
Additions
Transfers
Assets of  disposal group classified  
  as held for sale (Note 23)
Other disposals
At 31 December 2014
Depreciation
At 1 January 2013
Charge for the year
Accumulated depreciation of  disposal group 
  classified as held for sale (Note 23) 
Other disposals
At 31 December 2013
Charge for the year
Accumulated depreciation of  disposal group  
  classified as held for sale (Note 23)
Other disposals
At 31 December 2014
Net book value
At 31 December 2014
At 31 December 2013

Buildings &
infrastructure
USD’000

Operating
equipment
USD’000

Fixtures
and office
equipment
USD’000

Motor
vehicles
USD’000

109,304
5,547
10,359

(1,303)
(675)
123,232
1,991
1,445

–
(48)
126,620

21,551
6,542

(465)
(356)
27,272
9,042

–
(41)
36,273

90,347
95,960

128,134
2,054
416

(10,030)
(3,721)
116,853
8,842
1,332

–
(643)
126,384

67,136
14,413

(7,191)
(3,544)
70,814
14,052

–
(588)
84,278

42,106
46,039

15,999
792
314

(871)
(27)
16,207
1,978
154

(820)
(109)
17,410

12,208
2,502

(716)
(24)
13,970
3,485

(781)
(88)
16,586

824
2,237

4,671
300
13

(1,577)
(885)
2,522
1,113
315

(95)
(766)
3,089

3,273
527

(1,021)
(655)
2,124
1,075

(95)
(694)
2,410

679
398

Capital  
work-in-
progress
USD’000

11,909
3,314
(11,102)

(432)
–
3,689
4,944
(3,246)

–
–
5,387

–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

Total
USD’000

270,017
12,007
–

(14,213)
(5,308)
262,503
18,868
–

(915)
(1,566)
278,890

104,168
23,984

(9,393)
(4,579)
114,180
27,654

(876)
(1,411)
139,547

5,387
3,689

139,343
148,323

Buildings have been constructed on land, leased on a renewable basis from various Government Authorities. The remaining lives of  the leases 
range between two to nineteen years. The Group has renewed these land leases upon expiry in the past and its present intention is to continue 
to use the land and renew these leases for the foreseeable future.

Property, plant and equipment amounting to USD 124.8 million are under lien against the bank facilities (Note 31).

A depreciation expense of  USD 24 million (2013: USD 17 million) has been charged to cost of  sales; USD 3.6 million (2013: USD 5.1 million) to 
general and administrative expenses (Notes 6 and 9) and USD 0.05 million (2013: USD 1.9 million) is presented within profit for the year from 
discontinued operations (Note 23).

94

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Financial statements17 

Intangible assets

Cost
At 1 January 2013 
Additions
At 31 December 2013
Additions
Transfers
At 31 December 2014
Amortisation
At 1 January 2013
Charge for the year (Note 9)
At 31 December 2013
Charge for the year (Note 9)
At 31 December 2014
Net book value
At 31 December 2014
At 31 December 2013

Goodwill 
USD’000

Trade name 
USD’000

Customer 
relationships
USD’000

Leasehold 
rights
USD’000

Software 
USD’000

180,539
–
180,539
–
–
180,539

–
–
–
–
–

180,539
180,539

22,335
–
22,335
–
–
22,335

4,129
2,641
6,770
3,765
10,535

11,800
15,565

19,323
–
19,323
–
–
19,323

7,045
4,831
11,876
7,447
19,323

–
7,447

8,338
–
8,338
–
–
8,338

899
579
1,478
488
1,966

6,372
6,860

1,536
–
1,536
56
2,777
4,369

171
1,365
1,536
195
1,731

2,638
–

Work-in- 
progress 
USD’000

–
2,615
2,615
3,539
(2,777)
3,377

–
–
–
–
–

Total
USD’000

232,071
2,615
234,686
3,595
–
238,281

12,244
9,416
21,660
11,895
33,555

3,377
2,615

204,726
213,026

Trade name represents the expected future economic benefit to be derived from the continued use of  the MIS trade name acquired through 
the acquisition of  MIS. 

Leasehold rights represent a favourable operating right acquired upon the acquisition of  MIS and existing leasehold rights in the books of  
MIS on acquisition of  Rig Metals LLC in 2008. The value of  the intangible assets has been determined by calculating the present value of  the 
expected future economic benefits to arise from the favourable lease terms of  11 to 19 years. 

Work-in-progress represents the cost incurred towards the implementation of  new Enterprise Resource Planning software (“ERP software”). 
During 2012, the implementation of  the old ERP software was discontinued and the usable portion of  USD 1.5 million was transferred to 
software, and amortised until 31 December 2013. 

Management reviews the business performance based on the type of  business (Note 5). Goodwill is monitored by the management at the 
operating segment level. Goodwill of  USD 180.5 million arising due to the acquisition of  MIS has been allocated to the CGU1 within Segment A.

The recoverable amount of  CGU1 has been determined based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations require the use of  estimates. 
These calculations use pre-tax cash flow projections based on Group budget covering a three-year period. Cash flows beyond the three-year 
period are extrapolated using the estimated growth rate stated below. The growth rate does not exceed the long-term average growth rate for 
the business in which the CGU operates. The discount rate used is pre-tax and reflect specific risks to the relevant cash generating unit.

The key assumptions, revenue growth rate, discount rate, net profit rate and terminal value growth rate used in the value-in-use calculations 
are as follows:

Revenue growth rate1
Discount rate2
Net profit rate3 
Terminal value growth rate4

2014

5%
10.55%
5%
3.25%

2013

5%
11.48%
3%
3.25%

1.  Revenue growth rate for the first three-year period is based on the Group budget. Beyond this period the growth rate is determined based upon past 

performance and management expectations of  future market development. 

2.  In determining the appropriate discount rate, the Group considers the weighted average cost of  capital employed, which takes into consideration the risk free 
rate of  US treasury bonds with the long-term maturity period, UAE inflation rate, Equity risk premium on the entities operating from UAE, Group’s beta and cost 
of  Group’s debt.

3.  Net profit rate for the first three-year period is based on the Group budget. Beyond this period net profit rate is determined based upon management 

expectations of  future market development taking into consideration Group’s financial recovery when compared to previous year, its lower cost of  debt from 
refinancing and implementation of  strong cost discipline improved productivity initiatives.

4.  Terminal value growth rate is based upon management expectations of  future market development. 

95

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014notes to the 
financial statements 
continued

18 

Investment in subsidiaries

Balance at 1 January
Share based payments to employees of  subsidiaries in accordance with IFRS 2
Balance at 31 December

2014
USD’000

 592,781 
 966 
593,747 

2013
USD’000

 591,732 
 1,049 
 592,781 

The Company granted free shares/share options to employees of  its subsidiaries under various plans (Note 8). These shares and options have 
a vesting period of  18 to 36 months. Accordingly, the proportionate share based charge for the year of  USD 0.2 million (2013: USD 1 million) 
has been recorded as an increase in investment in subsidiaries with a corresponding credit to retained earnings.

Investment accounted for using the equity method

19 
Investment in a joint venture

Balance at 1 January
Dividend received during the year
Share of  profit for the year 

2014
USD’000

5,615
(3,488)
2,991
5,118

2013
USD’000

4,679
(174)
1,110
5,615

The Group through its acquisition of  MIS in July 2011 has gained joint control over the existing joint ventures of  MIS. 

During 2012, the Group entered a joint venture agreement through its subsidiary Lamprell Sharjah WLL with Saudi Arabia based Shoaibi 
Group, Al Yusr Townsend and Bottum L.L.C., to form Lamprell Arabia Ltd (“LAR”). The joint venture did not form in the stipulated time and this 
agreement was allowed to lapse on 6 February 2014. There was no outflow from the Group in the form of  investment. The Group is still actively 
engaged in the set-up of  these operations outside the JV structure.

Details of  the Group’s joint ventures during the year and at the balance sheet date is as follows:

Name of  the joint venture

Place of  incorporation and operation

Proportion of  ownership

Status

Maritime Industrial Services Arabia Co. Ltd. (“MISA”)1

Jubail, Kingdom of  Saudi Arabia

30%

 Operational

1.  Production, manufacturing and erection of  heat exchangers, pressure vessels, tanks, structural steel, piping and other related activities.

Summarised financial information in respect of  the Group’s joint ventures is set out below:

MISA

Total non-current assets 
Total current assets 
Total non-current liabilities 
Total current liabilities (excluding income tax payable)
Net assets (excluding income tax payable)
Income tax payable
Net assets 
Group’s share of  joint venture’s net assets (excluding income tax payable) – 30%
Group’s share of  joint venture’s income tax payable
Group’s share of  joint venture’s net assets – net of  Group’s share of  income tax
Revenue 
Expenses 
Profit before tax
Group’s share of  joint venture’s net profit – net of  Group’s share of  income tax

MISA is a private company and there is no quoted market price available for its shares.

2014
USD’000

 5,450 
 24,684 
 (2,152)
 (8,117)
 19,865
 (1,232)
 18,633 
5,960
(842)
 5,118 
 39,824 
 (27,037)
 12,787 
2,991

2013
USD’000

 6,701 
 25,172 
 (1,836)
 (9,555)
20,482
 (781)
 19,701 
6,145
(530)
 5,615 
 40,328 
 (35,537)
 4,791 
 1,110 

96

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Financial statementsInvestment accounted for using the equity method continued

19 
Investment in a joint venture continued
This Group has the following contingencies and commitments relating to Group’s interest in the joint venture.

Letters of  credit
Letters of  guarantee
Operating lease commitments

20 

Inventories

Raw materials and consumables
Less: Provision for slow moving and obsolete inventories

2014
USD’000

– 
1,695 
187 

2014
USD’000

 16,301 
 (1,741)
 14,560 

2013
USD’000

 52 
 2,296 
 210 

2013
USD’000

 13,403 
 (1,718)
 11,685 

The cost of  inventories recognised as an expense and included in cost of  sales amounted to USD 23.9 million (2013: USD 43.6 million).

21  Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Other receivables and prepayments
Advance to suppliers
Receivables from a related party (Note 24)

Less: Provision for impairment of  trade receivables

Amounts due from customers on contracts
Contract work in progress (Note 2.2)

Non-current portion:
Advance to suppliers
Current portion

Amounts due from customers on contracts comprise:
Costs incurred to date
Attributable profits

Less: Progress billings

An analysis of  trade receivables is as follows:

Fully performing 
Past due but not impaired
Impaired

2014
USD’000

 48,622 
 21,620 
 6,533 
 68 
 76,843 
 (11,622)
 65,221 
 185,476 
 152,922 
 403,619 

2013
USD’000

 158,161 
 16,068 
 811 
 197 
 175,237 
 (7,715)
 167,522 
 57,557 
 102,239 
 327,318 

4,932
398,687

–
327,318

 1,042,589 
 190,090 
 1,232,679 
 (1,047,203)
 185,476 

 618,302 
 113,562 
 731,864 
 (674,307)
 57,557 

2014
USD’000

 20,191 
 16,809 
 11,622 
 48,622 

2013
USD’000

 109,623 
 40,823 
 7,715 
 158,161 

97

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014notes to the 
financial statements 
continued

21  Trade and other receivables continued
At 31 December 2014, trade receivables of  USD 16.8 million (2013: USD 40.8 million) were past due but not impaired. These relate to a 
number of  independent customers for whom there is no recent history of  default. The ageing analysis of  these trade receivables is as follows:

Up to three months
Three to six months
Over six months

2014
USD’000

 11,524 
 3,173 
 2,112 
 16,809 

2013
USD’000

 18,456 
 10,311 
 12,056 
 40,823 

At 31 December 2014, trade receivables of  USD 11.6 million (2013: USD 7.7 million) were impaired and provided for. The individually impaired 
receivables mainly relate to customers who are in a difficult economic situation. The ageing analysis of  these trade receivables is as follows:

Not yet overdue
Over six months

2014
USD’000

 3,090 
 8,532 
 11,622 

2013
USD’000

 – 
 7,715 
 7,715 

The carrying amounts of  the Group’s trade and other receivables are primarily denominated in US Dollars or UAE Dirhams, which are pegged 
to the US Dollar. 

Movements on the provision for impairment of  trade receivables are as follows:

At 1 January
Provision for impairment of  receivables 
Receivables written off  during the year as uncollectable
Amounts recovered during the year
Reclassified as asset held for sale 
At 31 December

2014
USD’000

 7,715 
 8,328 
 (2,774)
 (1,116)
 (531)
 11,622 

2013
USD’000

 7,997 
 3,030 
 (632)
 (1,226)
 (1,454)
 7,715 

The creation and release of  the provision for impaired receivables have been included in general and administrative expenses in the 
consolidated income statement (Note 9). Amounts charged to the allowance account are generally written off  when there is no expectation of  
recovering additional cash.

The other classes within trade and other receivables do not contain impaired assets.

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying value of  each class of  receivables mentioned above. 

The carrying value of  trade receivables approximates to their fair value.

22  Cash and bank balances
Group

Cash at bank and on hand
Term deposits and margin deposits – current
Cash and bank balances
Term deposits and margin deposits – non-current
Less: Margin/short-term deposits under lien
Less: Deposits with original maturity of  more than three months
Cash and cash equivalents (for the purpose of  the cash flow statement)

2014
USD’000

 82,945 
 276,163 
 359,108 
12,517
 (12,312)
 (46,961)
 312,352 

2013
USD’000

 48,738 
 295,835 
 344,573 
–
 (16,500)
 (52,594)
 275,479 

At 31 December 2014, the cash at bank and term deposits were held with 15 (2013: 15) banks. The effective interest rate on short-term 
deposits was 0.51% (2013: 0.54%) per annum. Margin and short-term deposits of  USD 12.3 million (2013: USD 16.5 million) and deposits with 
an original maturity of  more than three months amounting to USD 37.3 million (2013: USD 50.6 million) are held under lien against guarantees 
issued by the banks (Note 36).

Company
Cash at bank comprises of  cash held with one bank.

98

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Financial statements23  Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations 
Discontinued operations
Profit/(loss) from discontinued operations comprises:

Revenue
Cost of  sales
General and administrative expenses
Other gains/losses – net
Finance costs – net
Profit from discontinued operations
Re-measurement of  post-employment  
  benefit obligations
Total comprehensive income arising  
  from discontinued operations

The main elements of  the cash flows are as follows:

Operating cash flows
Investing cash flows
Financing cash flows
Total cash flows

Inspec
USD’000

 3,008 
 (2,080)
 (193)
 2 
 – 
 737

2014

Litwin
USD’000

16,385 
 (21,082) 
 (2,550) 
 280 
 (203) 
(7,170) 

Total
USD’000

19,393
(23,162)
(2,743)
282
(203)
(6,433)

Inspec
USD’000

 20,842 
 (13,821)
 (1,421)
 110 
 (3)
 5,707

2013

Litwin
USD’000

 18,960 
 (23,701)
 (1,009)
 1 
 (210)
(5,959)

 – 

13

13

 (260)

616 

 737 

(7,157) 

(6,420) 

 5,447 

(5,343)

Inspec
USD’000

 2,954 
 (74)
 – 
 2,880 

2014

Litwin
USD’000

5,315
30
(203)
5,142

Total
USD’000

8,269
(44)
(203)
8,022

Inspec
USD’000

 6,336 
 (1,645)
 (4,753)
 (62)

2013

Litwin
USD’000

 1,287 
 (840)
 (210)
 237 

Total
USD’000

39,802
(37,522)
(2,430)
111
(213)
(252)

356

104

Total
USD’000

7,623
(2,485)
(4,963)
175 

Inspec
During 2013, the Group decided to dispose of  one of  its subsidiaries (Inspec). This transaction was completed on 3 March 2014.

Litwin
During the year, the Group decided to dispose of  one of  its subsidiaries (Litwin), which at the balance sheet date, meets the criteria for assets 
held for sale and discontinued operations as per IFRS 5. On 1 December 2014 the Group entered into a share purchase agreement with the 
potential buyer to sell this entity. This transaction is not complete as at the date of  signing of  these financial statements.

Disposal group
The major classes of  assets and liabilities of  disposal group are as follows:

Assets classified as held for sale
Property, plant and equipment (Note 16)
Inventories
Trade and other receivables (net of  provision  
  for impairment of  trade receivables)
Cash and bank balances

Liabilities classified as held for sale
Provision for employees’ end of   
  service benefits (Note 27)
Trade and other payables

Inspec
USD’000

2014

Litwin
USD’000

Total
USD’000

Inspec
USD’000

2013

Litwin
USD’000

–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

 39 
–

 8,543
 6,646 
15,228

 333
 10,213 
10,546

39
–

8,543
6,646
15,228

 333
 10,213 
10,546

 4,820 
 460 

 16,922 
 1,641 
23,843

 1,487 
 3,345 
4,832

–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

Total
USD’000

 4,820 
 460 

 16,922 
 1,641 
23,843

 1,487 
 3,345 
4,832

99

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014notes to the 
financial statements 
continued

23  Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations continued
Disposal group continued
The commitments of  the disposal group are as follows:

Operating lease commitments
Capital commitments for purchase of   
  operating equipment
Bank guarantees

Inspec
USD’000

–

–
–

2014

Litwin
USD’000

–

–
9,395

Total
USD’000

–

–
9,395

Inspec
USD’000

 107 

 127 
 23 

2013

Litwin
USD’000

–

–
–

Net cash inflow on the subsidiary disposed during the year is as follows:

Inspec

Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents
Provision for employees’ end of  service benefits 
Trade and other payables
Net assets 
Merger reserve (Note 26)
Provision for minimum purchase obligations (Note 30)
Expenses on disposal 
Provision for impairment of  trade receivables
Provision for warranty
Gain on disposal 
Cash consideration on disposal
Less: Expenses on disposal
Less: Cash and cash equivalents transferred as a part of  disposal
Net cash inflow for the purpose of  consolidated cash flow statement 

Total
USD’000

 107 

 127 
 23 

USD’000

 4,618 
 459 
 18,246 
 4,522 
 (1,568)
 (3,920)
 22,357 
 3,850 
 3,423 
 2,411 
 1,934 
 1,000 
 31,270 
 66,245 
 (2,411)
 (4,522)
 59,312 

24  Related party balances and transactions 
Related parties comprise LHL (which owns 33% of  the issued share capital of  the Company), certain legal shareholders of  the Group 
companies, Directors and key management personnel of  the Group and entities controlled by Directors and key management personnel. 
Key management includes the Directors (Executive and Non-Executive) and members of  the executive committee. Related parties, for the 
purpose of  the parent company financial statements, also include subsidiaries owned directly or indirectly and joint ventures. Other than 
those disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements, the Group entered into the following significant transactions during the year with related 
parties at prices and on terms agreed between the related parties:

Key management compensation
Legal and professional services
Sales to joint ventures
Purchases from joint ventures
Sponsorship fees and commissions paid to legal shareholders of  subsidiaries (Note 1)

2014
USD’000

2013
USD’000

8,746 
730
 267
 350 
866 

 7,074 
 1,221 
 416 
 249 
 382 

100

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Financial statements24  Related party balances and transactions continued
Key management compensation comprises:

Salaries and other employee benefits
Share based payments – value of  services provided
Post-employment benefits

2014
USD’000

 6,537
 435 
 1,774 
8,746 

2013
USD’000

 6,875 
 – 
 199 
 7,074 

The terms of  the employment contracts of  the key management include reciprocal notice periods of  between six to 12 months.

Due from/due to related parties
Due from related parties
Group

MISA (current) (Note 21)

Company

MIS1
EBT2
LEL3

2014
USD’000

68 

2013
USD’000

 197

2014
USD’000

 10,972 
 43 
 99,176 
 110,191 

2013
USD’000

 7,500 
 131 
–
 7,631 

1.  Primarily comprises a receivable in respect of  management fees charged by the Company.

2.  Primarily comprises of  payments made for treasury shares acquired by EBT on behalf  of  the Group.

3.  Primarily comprises a receivable in respect of  amount advanced to LEL from the proceeds of  the rights issue.

Further, the Company has provided performance guarantees on behalf  of  its subsidiary. These guarantees, issued in the normal course 
of  business, are outstanding at the year end and no outflow of  resources embodying economic benefits in relation to these guarantees is 
expected by the Company.

Due to related parties
Company

LEL1
Inspec1

1.  Comparative figures primarily comprises payables in respect of  payments made on behalf  of  the Company.

2014
USD’000

 – 
 – 
 – 

2013
USD’000

 12,331 
 3 
 12,334 

101

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
notes to the 
financial statements 
continued

25  Share capital and share premium
Issued and fully paid ordinary shares
Company

At 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013 
Add: New shares issued during the period
Less: Transaction costs relating to the rights issue
At 31 December 2014

Equity share capital

Number

 260,363,101 
 81,363,469 
 – 
 341,726,570 

USD’000

 23,552 
 6,794 
 – 
 30,346 

Share 
premium
USD’000

 211,776 
 112,785 
 (8,566)
 315,995 

The total authorised number of  ordinary shares is 400 million shares (2013: 400 million shares) with a par value of  5 pence per share  
(2013: 5 pence per share).

During the year, the Company successfully carried out a fully underwritten rights issue. The rights issue offered five new ordinary shares 
for every 16 ordinary shares held by each shareholder at an issue price of  88 pence per new ordinary share. The rights issue was fully 
subscribed and paid up as at 30 June 2014. The Company issued 81,363,469 new ordinary shares through the rights issue and received 
proceeds amounting to USD 119.6 million. 

The paid-in capital from the rights issue is split between the par value of  the shares issued (USD 6.8 million) and the share premium at the date 
of  issue (USD 112.8 million) less any directly attributable transaction costs (USD 8.6 million). These new ordinary shares will rank pari passu in 
all respects with the existing ordinary shares, including the right to all future dividends and other distributions declared, made or paid.

During 2014, Lamprell plc employee benefit trust (“EBT”) acquired 189,111 shares (2013: Nil) of  the Company. The total amount paid to 
acquire the shares was USD 0.49 million (2013: Nil) and has been deducted from the consolidated retained earnings. During 2014, 187,580 
shares (2013: Nil) amounting to USD 0.50 million (2013: Nil) were issued to employees on vesting of  the free shares and 16,217 shares  
(31 December 2013: 14,686 shares) were held as treasury shares at 31 December 2014. The Company has the right to reissue these shares  
at a later date. These shares will be issued on the vesting of  the free shares/performance shares/share options granted to certain employees 
of  the Group. 

26  Other reserves 
Group

At 1 January 2013
Currency translation differences
Transfer from retained earnings
At 31 December 2013
Currency translation differences
Disposal of  a subsidiary (Note 23)
At 31 December 2014

Legal  

reserve
USD’000

96
–
2
98
–
–
98

Merger 
reserve
USD’000

(22,422)
–
–
(22,422)
–
3,850
(18,572)

Translation 
reserve
USD’000

257
(66)
–
191
(372)
–
(181)

Total
USD’000

(22,069)
(66)
2
(22,133)
(372)
3,850
(18,655)

Legal reserve
The Legal reserve relates to subsidiaries (other than the subsidiaries incorporated in free zones) in the UAE and the State of  Qatar. In 
accordance with the laws of  the respective countries, the Group has established a statutory reserve by appropriating 10% of  the profit for the 
year of  such companies. Such transfers are required to be made until the reserve is equal to, at least, 50% (UAE) and 33.3% (State of  Qatar) 
of  the issued share capital of  such companies. The legal reserve is not available for distribution.

Merger reserve
On 11 September 2006, the Group acquired 100% of  the legal and beneficial ownership of  Inspec from LHL for a consideration of  USD 4 million. 
This acquisition was accounted for using the uniting of  interests method and the difference between the purchase consideration (USD 4 million) 
and the share capital of  Inspec (USD 0.2 million) was recorded in the Merger reserve. On the disposal of  Inspec during the period, this reserve 
has been recycled to the consolidated income statement and presented as part of  the gain on disposal of  a subsidiary (Note 23). 

On 25 September 2006, the Company entered into a share for share exchange agreement with LEL and LHL under which it acquired 100%  
of  the 49,003 shares of  LEL from LHL in consideration for the issue to LHL of  200,000,000 shares of  the Company. This acquisition has  
been accounted for using the uniting of  interests method and the difference between the nominal value of  shares issued by the Company 
(USD 18.7 million) and the nominal value of  LEL shares acquired (USD 0.1 million) has been recorded in the Merger reserve.

102

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Financial statements26  Other reserves continued
Company
Other reserve

At 1 January and 31 December 

2014
USD’000

329,153

2013
USD’000

329,153

The other reserve of  USD 329.2 million represents the difference between the cost of  the investment in LEL (USD 727.5 million) and the 
nominal value of  share capital issued by the Company to acquire LEL (USD 18.7 million), reduced by the impairment charge of  USD 379.7 
million recorded in 2012. The other reserve is not available for distribution.

27  Provision for employees’ end of service benefits 
In accordance with the provisions of  IAS 19, management has carried out an exercise to assess the present value of  its obligations at  
31 December 2014 and 2013 using the projected unit credit method, in respect of  employees’ end of  service benefits payable under the Labour 
Laws of  the countries in which the Group operates. Under this method, an assessment has been made of  an employee’s expected service life 
with the Group and the expected basic salary at the date of  leaving the service. The obligation for end of  service benefit is not funded. 

The movement in the employees’ end of  service benefit liability over the year is as follows:

Group

At 1 January
Current service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial losses
Benefits paid
Liabilities of  disposal group classified as held for sale (Note 23)
At 31 December

Company

At 1 January
Current service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial (gains)/losses
Benefits paid
At 31 December

Group
The amounts recognised in the consolidated income statement are as follows:

Current service cost
Interest cost
Total (included in staff  costs) (Note 10)

2014
USD’000

36,046
4,739 
 1,701 
 3,742 
 (7,143) 
(333)
 38,752 

2013
USD’000

 38,095 
 5,287 
 1,198 
 737 
 (7,784)
 (1,487)
 36,046 

2014
USD’000

2013
USD’000

75 
64 
4
 (45) 
 (23) 
 75 

 918 
 106 
 15 
 19 
 (983)
 75 

2014
USD’000

4,626 
 1,603 
6,229 

2013
USD’000

4,757 
 1,115 
5,872 

Of  the total charge, USD 5.1 million (2013: USD 5.4 million) and USD 1.1 million (2013: USD 0.8 million) are included in cost of  sales and 
general and administrative expenses (Note 6 and 9 respectively).

Company

Current service cost
Interest cost
Total (included in staff  costs)

The above charge of  USD 0.07 million (2013: USD 0.1 million) is included in general and administrative expenses.

2014
USD’000

2013
USD’000

64 
4
68

 106 
 15 
 121 

103

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
notes to the 
financial statements 
continued

27  Provision for employees’ end of service benefits continued
The principal actuarial assumptions used were as follows:

Discount rate
Future salary increase:
Management and administrative employees
Yard employees

2014

3.50%

3.00%
2.50%

2013

4.25%

3.00%
2.50%

The rate used for discounting the employees’ post-employment defined benefit obligation should be based on market yields on high quality 
corporate bonds. In countries where there is no deep market for such bonds, the market yields on government bonds should be used. In the 
UAE, there is no deep market for corporate bonds and no market for government bonds and, therefore, the discount rate has been estimated 
using the US AA-rated corporate bond market as a proxy. On this basis, the discount rate applied was 3.5% (2013: 4.25%).  

Due to the nature of  the benefit, which is a lump-sum payable on exit for any cause, a combined single decrement rate has been used as 
follows:

Yard employees:
20-29 years
30-44 years
45-59 years
60 years and above

Management and administrative employees:
20-29 years
30-44 years
45-54 years
55-59 years
60 years and above

Executive Directors:
35-39 years
40-64 years
65 years and above

28  Derivative financial instruments

Derivatives held at fair value through profit  
  or loss
Interest rate swaps
Total
Non-current portion:
Interest rate swaps
Current portion

Percentage of  employees at each 
age exiting the plan per year

2014

2013

16%
10%
6%
100%

8%
6%
4%
1%
100%

10%
7%
100%

16%
10%
6%
100%

8%
6%
4%
1%
100%

10%
7%
100%

2014

2013

Notional 
contract  
amount
USD’000

2,899
100,000
102,899

80,000
22,899

Assets
USD’000

Liabilities
USD’000

–
69
69

55
14

269
–
269

–
269

Notional 
contract  
amount
USD’000

1,654
–
1,654

–
1,654

Assets
USD’000

Liabilities
USD’000

161
–
161

–
161

–
–
–

–
–

During 2014, the Group entered into an interest rate swap to switch floating interest rate to fixed interest rate on the Group’s borrowings.  
This derivative did not qualify for hedge accounting and is carried at fair value through profit or loss. The notional principal amount at the date 
of  inception of  these contracts was USD 100 million. This contract matures in various instalments within 57 months from the date of  inception. 
The fair value at the 31 December 2014 of  this derivative was USD 0.07 million.

104

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Financial statements28  Derivative financial instruments continued
During 2012, the Group entered into a forward contract to sell USD for Euros. This derivative did not qualify for hedge accounting and is 
carried at fair value through profit or loss. The notional principal amount at the date of  inception of  these contracts was EUR 20.8 million.  
This contract matured in various instalments within 22 months from the date of  inception. The fair value at the 31 December 2013 of  this 
derivative was USD 0.2 million. The fair value gain on derivative is recorded in ‘other gains/(losses) – net’ in the consolidated income statement.

This risk is monitored on an ongoing basis with reference to the current fair value, a proportion of  the notional amount of  the contracts  
and the liquidity of  the market. To control the level of  credit risk taken, the Group assesses counterparties, using the same techniques  
as for other counterparties.

29  Trade and other payables

Trade payables
Accruals
Amounts due to customers on contracts
Dividend payable

Amounts due to customers on contracts comprise:
Progress billings
Less: Cost incurred to date
Less: Recognised profits

30  Provision for warranty costs and other liabilities

At 1 January 2013 
Charge during the year
At 31 December 2013
Charge during the year
Released/utilised during the year
At 31 December 2014

2014
USD’000

 30,754 
 138,169 
 148,680 
 – 
 317,603 

2013
USD’000

 31,247 
 203,497 
 189,940 
 18 
 424,702 

 477,583 
 (299,010)
 (29,893)
 148,680 

 1,116,466 
 (883,808)
 (42,718)
 189,940 

Warranty 
costs
USD’000

 – 
 5,400 
 5,400 
 9,000 
 (2,011)
 12,389 

Minimum 
purchase 
obligations 
USD’000

 – 
 – 
 – 
 3,423 
 – 
 3,423 

Total
USD’000

 – 
 5,400 
 5,400 
 12,423 
 (2,011)
 15,812 

Warranty costs charged during the year relates to management’s assessment of  potential claims under contractual warranty provisions. 

31  Borrowings

Bank term loans
The bank borrowings are repayable as follows:
Current (less than 1 year)
Non-current (2 to 5 years)

2014
 USD’000 

 98,979

 20,136 
 78,843 
 98,979 

2013
 USD’000 

 160,751 

 56,493 
 104,258 
 160,751 

At 31 December 2014, the Group has banking facilities of  USD 939 million (2013: USD 781 million) with commercial banks. The facilities 
include bank overdrafts, letters of  guarantees, letters of  credit and short-term loans.

Bank facilities are secured by liens over term deposits of  USD 49.6 million (2013: USD 67.1 million) (Note 22), the Group’s counter indemnities 
for guarantees issued on their behalf, the Group’s corporate guarantees, letter of  undertakings, letter of  credit payment guarantees, cash 
margin held against letters of  guarantees, shares of  certain subsidiaries, certain property, plant and equipment, movable assets, insurance 
policy, leasehold rights for land and certain contract related receivables.

105

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Financial statements

notes to the 
financial statements 
continued

31  Borrowings continued
The borrowings are stated net of  the unamortised arrangement fees and other transaction costs of  USD 1.46 million (2013: USD 1.2 million) 
and accrued interest of  USD 0.46 million (2013: USD 1.9 million).

The banking facilities relating to overdrafts and revolving facilities carry interest at LIBOR + 3%. However, the Group has entered into interest 
rate swaps against the variable interest rate into fixed interest rate of  1.2375% (2013: LIBOR + 6% to 8%). 

The carrying amounts of  borrowings in the year approximated to their fair value and were denominated in US Dollars or UAE Dirhams, which 
are pegged to the US Dollar.

On 11 August 2014, the Group signed an agreement with the lenders for a syndicated facility. This new facility will replace the Group’s  
existing funded facility with a USD 350 million facility, comprising a USD 100 million term loan, USD 50 million for general working capital 
purposes and USD 200 million of  working capital for project financing. In addition, the lending banks have agreed to arrange a committed 
USD 250 million bonding facility which may be used by the Group for project bonding requirements in connection with new contract awards. 
This new agreement will provide the Group with greater flexibility within its financial covenants than is currently available under its existing 
facilities and material savings from reduced interest margins and from lower bonding costs to Group’s projects. 

32  Profit of the Company
The profit of  USD 2.1 million (2013: USD 0.2 million) in respect of  the Company is included in these consolidated financial statements.

33  Dividends 
There were no dividends declared or paid during the year 2014. At 31 December 2013 unpaid dividends amounted to USD 18,000 were in 
relation to the shares held by EBT, which were paid during the year.

34  Exceptional items
Items that are material either because of  their size or their nature are presented within their relevant consolidated income statement category, 
but highlighted separately in the consolidated income statement. The separate reporting of  exceptional items helps provide a better picture of  
the Group’s underlying performance.

An analysis of  the nature of  expense is as follows:

Refinancing expenses

2014
USD’000

–

2013
USD’000

8,414

35  Commitments 
(a)  Operating lease commitments
The Group leases land and staff  accommodation under various operating lease agreements. The remaining lease terms of  the majority of  the 
leases are between four to twenty years and are renewable at mutually agreed terms. 

The future minimum lease payments payable under operating leases are as follows:

Not later than one year
Later than one year but not later than five years
Later than five years

(b)  Other commitments

Letters of  credit for purchase of  materials and operating equipment
Capital commitments for construction of  facilities
Capital commitments for purchase of  operating equipment and computer software

2014
USD’000

 7,570 
 10,912 
 39,236 
 57,718 

2014
USD’000

 – 
 4,219 
 14,966 

2013
USD’000

 7,528 
 11,625 
 42,002 
 61,155 

2013
USD’000

 1,062 
 2,241 
 1,954 

106

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 201436  Bank guarantees

Performance/bid bonds
Advance payment, labour visa and payment guarantees

2014
USD’000

90,063
 276,757 
366,820

2013
USD’000

 115,140 
 321,052 
 436,192 

The various bank guarantees, as above, were issued by the Group’s bankers in the ordinary course of  business. Certain guarantees are 
secured by 100% cash margins, assignments of  receivables from some customers and in respect of  guarantees provided by banks to the 
Group companies, they have been secured by parent company guarantees. In the opinion of  the management, the above bank guarantees 
are unlikely to result in any liability to the Group.

37  Cash generated from operating activities

Operating activities
Profit before income tax including discontinued operations
Adjustments for:
Share based payments – value of  services provided
Depreciation 
Amortisation of  intangible assets
Share of  profit from investment in joint ventures
Provision for warranty costs
(Profit)/loss on disposal of  property, plant and equipment
Provision for slow moving and obsolete inventories
Provision for impairment of  trade receivables, net of  amounts recovered
Provision for employees’ end of  service benefits 
Gain on disposal of  a subsidiary
Loss/(gain) on derivative financial instruments
Finance costs
Finance income
Operating cash flows before payment of  employees end of  service benefits and  
  changes in working capital
Payment of  employees’ end of  service benefits
Changes in working capital:
Inventories before movement in provision 
Derivative financial instruments 
Trade and other receivables before movement in provision for impairment of  trade receivables
Trade and other payables, excluding movement in dividend payable
Cash (used in)/generated from operating activities

Year ended 31 December

2014
USD’000

2013
USD’000

Note

118,541

37,534

8

17
19

20

27
23
12

11

28

1,084
27,935
11,895
(2,991)
5,989
(162)
24
5,278
6,560
(31,270)
156
20,719
(2,166)

1,049
23,984
9,416
(1,110)
5,400
362
(678)
1,172
6,485
–
(501)
23,172
(975)

161,592
(7,182)

105,310
(7,784)

(2,898)
205
(94,857)
(96,293)
(39,433)

1,758
1,492
52,937
(34,844)
118,869

107

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
Definitions

definitions

“AED”
“AGM”
“AIM”

“API”
“ASME”
“Board” or 
“Directors”
“BP”
“bn”
“CBL”
“CEO”
“CFO”
“CGU”
“CSR”
“Code”
“Company”
“DAFWC”
“E&C”
“EBITDA”

“EBT”
“E&P”
“EPC”
“EPS”
“ERP”
“ESOP”
“EU”
“FPSO”
“FCA”
“FLNG”
“FSP”
“FTSE”
“FZCo”
“GBP”
“GE”
“GIC”
“GMAC”
“Group”
“GW”
“HMRC”
“HR”
“HSE”
“HSESQ”
“lAS”
“IFRIC”

“IFRS”
“IHS”
“INSPEC”
“IOC”
“ISO”

Arab Emirates Dirham 
Annual General Meeting
Alternative Investment Market – a market 
operated by the London Stock Exchange Plc
American Petroleum Institute 
American Society of  Mechanical Engineers 
the Board of  Directors of  the Company 

British Petroleum 
Billion
Cleopatra Barges Limited
Chief  Executive Officer 
Chief  Financial Officer 
Cash Generating Unit
Corporate Social Responsibility 
UK Corporate Governance Code 2012 
Lamprell plc 
Day Away From Work Case
Engineering & Construction
Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation 
and Amortisation 
Lamprell plc Employee Benefit Trust 
Exploration and Production
Engineering, Procurement and Construction 
Earnings Per Share 
Enterprise Resource Planning 
Lamprell plc Executive Share Option Plan 
European Union 
Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading 
Financial Conduct Authority 
Floating Liquefied Natural Gas
Free Share Plan 
Financial Times Stock Exchange index 
Free Zone Company 
Great Britain Pound 
General Electric
Global Investment Co. Ltd. Inc 
Global Management and Acquisition Co. Ltd Inc 
The Company and its subsidiaries 
Gigawatt
HM Revenue & Customs
Human Resources 
Health, Safety and Environment 
Health, Safety, Environment, Security and Quality
International Accounting Standards 
International Financial Reporting Interpretations 
Committee interpretation 
International Financial Reporting Standards 
Information Handling Services
International Inspection Services Limited 
International Oil Company
International Organization for Standardization

“IT”
“JIL”
“JV”
“KPI”
“Labour Law”

“LAM 2K”
“Lamprell”
“LD”
“LE FZCO”
“LEL”
“LHL”
“LIH”
“LIT”
“LNG”
“LS”
“LSE”
“LTIP”
“m”
“Mercer”
“MIAS”
“MIL”
“MIS”
“MISA”
“MISCLP”
“MISQWLL”
“MOL”
“MOCL”
“MOS”
“NBS”
“NDC”
“NED”
“NY”
“O&M”
“OHSAS”

“PSP”
“PUQ”
“PwC”
“QA/QC”
“RIM”
“RSP”
“TRIR”
“TSR”
“UAE”
“UK”
“United States” 
or “US”
“USD”
“US GAAP”
“VP”
“ZADCO”

Information Technology
Jebel All Investments Limited 
Joint Venture 
Key Performance Indicators 
UAE Labour Law (Federal Law No.8 of  1980  
(as amended))
Lamprell 2000hp fast moving land rig
the Company and its subsidiary undertakings 
Lamprell Dubai LLC 
Lamprell Energy FZCO 
Lamprell Energy Limited 
Lamprell Holdings Limited 
Lamprell Investment Holdings Limited 
Litwin PEL Co. LLC 
Liquid Natural Gas
Lamprell Sharjah WLL 
London Stock Exchange Limited 
Long-Term Incentive Plan 
Million 
Mercer Consulting Middle East Limited 
Maritime International Agency Services Ltd 
Maurlis International Ltd. Inc 
Maritime Industrial Services Co. Ltd. Inc. 
Maritime Industrial Services Arabia Co. Ltd. 
Maritime Industrial Services Co. Ltd. & Partners 
MIS Qatar LLC 
Maritime Offshore Limited 
Maritime Offshore Construction Limited 
Millennium Offshore Services 
New Bridge Street
National Drilling Company 
Non-Executive Director 
New York
Operations & Maintenance 
Occupational Health and Safety Assessment 
Series 
Lamprell plc 2008 Performance Share Plan 
Production, Utilities and Quarters 
PricewaterhouseCoopers 
Quality Assurance, Quality Control 
Rig Metals LLC 
Retention Share Plan
Total Recordable Injury Rate 
Total Shareholder Return 
the Federation of  the United Arab Emirates 
United Kingdom 
the United States of  America 

US Dollar 
US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Vice-President
Zakum Development Company

108

Lamprell plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Designed and produced by www.farraday.com

Lamprell plc

Registered Office:
Fort Anne
Douglas
Isle of  Man
IM1 5PD

Operations:
PO Box 33455
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 6 528 2323
Fax: +971 6 528 4325
Email: lamprell@lamprell.com

www.lamprell.com

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